Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has thrown his weight behind the #EndBadGovernance protest over the heightened cost of living crisis under President Bola Tinubu’s watch, adding that he is ready to join the protests because it is the democratic right of citizens.

“For us, protest is a democratic right of every citizen. I want the protesters to carry out their procession with caution, as some criminal elements plan to hijack the protest,” Mr Yusuf said.

He added, “If you embark on a peaceful procession, I will receive you, and if you wish, I’ll join you. “

Mr Yusuf’s statement comes on the eve of nationwide protests over economic hardships exacerbated by soaring food prices under Mr Tinubu’s government.

Though Mr Tinubu’s government has begged that the protest be shelved, Nigerians have vowed to hit the streets across the country to vent their displeasure over the prevailing cost of living crisis.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has called on security agencies to protect protesters during the planned nationwide demonstration.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dauda Garuba, director of CDD West Africa, said the federal government should respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.

Garuba said every democratic state must have mechanisms to accept criticism or complaints by the citizens.

He expressed concern that the government and political leaders have attempted to discourage peaceful protest by associating the movement with negative connotations.

“This think tank calls on the Nigerian government to respect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly,” the statement reads.

“By upholding citizens’ right to protest, the government can ensure a peaceful two-way exchange by listening to the voices of and feedback from citizens.

“There can be no mistaking the fact that every democratic state must have the mechanisms to take criticism or complaints from its citizens.

“It is why avenues, such as peaceful protests, are important to ensure that the government is made aware of the considerable concerns that citizens have about the country.”

He said protest is a “legitimate and democratic” right of citizens, adding that “it is one of the vital mechanisms for expressing dissent, voicing concerns, and advocating for change”.

“In an ideal democratic setting, the voices of the people should be heard, and their grievances must be subsequently addressed,” he said.

“It is disheartening to see many leaders seeking to further shrink the civic space by calling on young Nigerians not to make their voices heard.

“This approach of demonising protests undermines the constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful assembly and could lead to increased civic disengagement and increasing citizen apathy.

“It is the absence of a strong two-way exchange, between leaders and citizens, that leads to a breakdown in law and order.

“The Nigerian state therefore has a responsibility, as the region’s largest democracy and the current chair of the regional bloc, to set an example of robust dialogue and peaceful citizen engagement.”

The CDD director called on leaders of different activist groups leading the protest to ensure that the demonstration is carefully planned and coordinated.

He urged security agencies to prevent any form of disruption during the protest.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to reconsider the planned nationwide protest set for Thursday, August 1.

Naija News reports that this appeal was made on Wednesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during a press conference in Abuja attended by key government officials.

Akume emphasized that protests are not the solution to the country’s challenges, which the government is actively working to address.

To achieve this goal, Akume highlighted the importance of peace and stability, as these are crucial for building trust, fostering cooperation, and achieving shared objectives.

Akume said: “Economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because it is the engine that drives progress, lifts families from poverty, and builds strong, resilient societies.

“To achieve this goal, we must enjoy peace and stability because it is the cornerstone upon which we build trust, cooperation, and shared purpose. When peace reigns, policies yield results, businesses thrive, investments flourish, and creativity is unleashed.

“This administration at inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent , bold and imaginative reforms. Policy measures including removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had to be taken. This, it must be admitted has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impacted all facets of the economy and our daily lives.

“The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrade of security architecture, infrastructure, systems, capability and capacity of personnel. This has compelled massive infusion of scarce resources from our already dwindling revenue. The objectives have been to secure lives and property, build foreign investors’ confidence, and increase food production by returning our communities to their homes and farm lands in safe and secure environment.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians to lead the nation at this difficult time because he knew that effective leadership was required to address the challenges that had accumulated over several years. That was why he sought to renew the hope of Nigerians. Within a space of 14 months of purposeful leadership, the administration has recorded tremendous accomplishments that laid the foundation for immediate, medium and long term prosperity of Nigerians, in an inclusive manner.

“Let me avail you a few concrete cross cutting examples of achievements. This is in addition to those specific accomplishments from twenty Ministries as contained in the annex to this briefing.”

Senator Akume provided several examples of these achievements, in addition to specific accomplishments from various ministries:

(I). Labour Sector and the Masses

(a). Consequent upon the impact of the removal of subsidy, the President, working with the Governors released the sum of five billion Naira to each State to cushion the impact in an inclusive manner that prioritised the poor, vulnerable and the elderly;

(b).Mr. President approved a Wage Award of Thirty-five Thousand Naira for a period of six months to cushion the effect on workers. This award was higher than the minimum wage

(c). Mr. President has just signed into law a new National Minimum Wage Act which prescribed ₦70,000:00. This represents more than 100% increase from the last minimum wage (₦30,000) and takes retroactive effect from April

(d). Currently, as we speak, States, through their Governors, are receiving twenty trailer loads of assorted grains per state, approved by the President for distribution to citizens. This is intended to cushion the high cost of foodstuff

(e). Government has removed tariffs on imported food items to bring down the prices of food stuff

(g). Farm inputs including fertilisers, are also being made available to farmers at highly subsidised rates to boost food production and reduce cost. Mr President has also approved the release of sixty four trailer loads of fertizers to each state to boost agricultural production.

(h) The Agricultural land development Agency has also been repositioned to facilitate land preparation for farmers

(h). Recently the President established the Ministry for Livestock Development in order to address the challenges in the sector and facilitate access to affordable protein by Nigerians and boost export.

(ii). Infrastructure Development & Industries

Road and other critical infrastructure are being developed across the nation as part of long term measures to reposition the economy and ease movement on the roads and by rail.

The Bank of Industry is also being supported to fund the growth of MSMEs in the industrial sector

Recently, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Plan was unveiled as a catalyst for economic boom.

Railways infrastructure is also being developed across the nation to facilitate affordable transportation by the citizens

(III). SOCIAL SAFETY NET PROGRAMS

Curently, over 15 million indigent, poor and highly u=vunerable families are beneficiaries of the family support cash grants by the FG

(iv) LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY

(a). As part of the efforts of the FG to take development to the grass roots, the government approached the Supreme Court for a decision on the funding of LGAs in Nigeria. The favourable judgement has now set the LGA on the path to their financial and development autonomy.

(v). Ministry of Livestock development:

(a). For the first time in our nation, the President created a stand alone Ministry for the Youth that account for a large percentage of our population

(vi) YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

(a). Under the ₦35 Billion Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) approved beneficiaries have exceeded the 40 thousand mark, of the expected 70 thousand beneficiaries.

In light of these achievements, Akume urged Nigerians to recognize that the country is a work in progress, and relief from economic hardships is forthcoming. He called on all citizens, regardless of background, to reject calls for protests against hunger and prioritize peace and progress.

“It is in the light of these aforementioned situation and accomplishments that we wish to inform you that Nigeria is work in progress and in due course, we shall breath a sigh of relief. The on-going economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.

“We therefore appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuation, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress.

“For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watch words. Government is weary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being highjacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such.

“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us. Please go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or association that are capable of disturbing the peace of the country. Remain vigilant as well .

“Let me reassure you that together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny,” the SGF pleaded

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has alleged that the Federal Government is employing every weapon at its disposal, including cash, threats of arrests, fear-mongering, and intimidation to stop the August protest.

Naija News reports that Lawal made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, criticising the Nigerian military and police for their stance on the looming nationwide protests by aggrieved Nigerians.

The former SGF slammed the military high command and Police for issuing threats to Nigerians in an attempt to discourage them from participating in the upcoming protests.

According to Lawal, the security agents are the most affected by pervasive government corruption, especially the loss of lives due to poorly equipped fighting forces.

The statement “Egged on by the political class and probably to pander to the huge ego of their Commander-in-Chief, the military high command has been issuing threats to Nigerians to discourage them from participating in the proposed hunger protests.

“The military has blatantly ignored the fact that internal security is wholly the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force.

“Meanwhile, bandits, kidnappers, insurgents, and the so-called ‘unknown gunmen’ are controlling large swaths of Nigerian territory with thousands of citizens held in captivity with no near-hope of redemption.

“The military appears unable or unwilling to effectively tackle these challenges but instead is intending to dabble into domains for which they are ill-equipped.

“Furthermore, the military high command pretends to be oblivious to the fact that their rank and file also frequent the same markets as the hapless civilians. They are also victims of the pervasive low purchasing power, extreme poverty, high cost of living, and the all-encompassing insecurity that has enveloped the nation.

“Indeed, one could argue that they are most affected, seeing as they are the ones losing more lives due to poorly equipped fighting forces, a result of pervasive government corruption.

“Indeed, it is common knowledge that bandits and insurgents are sometimes better equipped than the fighting troops. So, the argument could be made that the military stands to benefit more if the government were to act responsibly and accountably.

“And since, by virtue of their calling, they cannot organize or participate in protests, who else could come to their rescue but the protesting civilians?

“The police high command has also been issuing murderous threats to the would-be protesters. This is particularly sad because the Police Force knows that its duty should be to protect the protesters and ensure the protests proceed smoothly, devoid of violence and anarchy.

“However, given that the Police Act has just been speedily amended, with the primary motive appearing to be the extension of the tenure of the current Inspector General, it is not unreasonable to assume that the police high command intends to show its gratitude to the President through an overzealous suppression of the planned protests.

“Messrs Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, Director General, State Security Service, and National Security Adviser, please calm down!

“The protesters are your relations, friends, and fellow countrymen and women who are severely overwhelmed by lack and want. Some of them are dying from hunger, malnutrition, and diseases.

“They are despondent because they see no hope on the horizon and receive no empathy from the government whose interests you are overzealously defending.

“The people’s backs are against the wall, and they see no alternative ways of communicating their discontent to an apparently deaf and dumb government.

“The government itself is in full panic mode, employing every weapon at its disposal, including cash, threats of arrests, fear-mongering, and intimidation.

“The Presidency has deployed its most virulent propagandists and attack dogs against its citizens in full force.

“Their preferred methodologies are threats and fear-mongering. The system is awash with cash to fund the activities of anonymous emergency and unregistered NGOs that threaten would-be protesters with violence and counter-protests.

“But their methods are not working. On the contrary, these methods have exposed the underbelly of the government and emboldened the organizers of the protests.”

A Lagos High Court has issued a restriction on protesters willing to participate in the proposed August 1 nationwide protest, limiting them to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in the Ketu area of the state.

The ruling was handed down on Tuesday by Justice Emmanuel Ogundare following a preemptive ex parte application filed by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN.

The application aimed to maintain public safety and prevent potential loss of lives and property during the protests.

Justice Ogundare’s order restricts the protests to the two designated parks, effectively preventing demonstrations from spreading to other parts of Lagos.

The application listed Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba (representing Active Citizens Group), Comrade Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto (representing Take it Back Movement), persons unknown, and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, as co-defendants.

Mr Pedro argued that, as the Chief Law Officer of the State, he was aware of various groups planning to participate in the protest, both for and against it.

He emphasized the need to protect critical infrastructure and prevent a repeat of the irreparable loss of lives and property witnessed during the EndSARS protest in 2020.

Pedro pointed out that the police in Lagos State lack sufficient manpower to provide adequate security for protests across all local government councils, public highways, and other public areas.

He stressed the importance of preventing the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums who could disrupt law and order under the guise of protesting against alleged bad governance.

The ruling comes amidst heightened tensions and preparations for the nationwide protest set to commence on August 1.

According to Pedro, “In recognition of the citizen’s fundamental right to stage a public protest against government policies and actions but prevent unlawful destruction of lives and properties in the process, the Lagos State Government has designated two public spaces and locations in the State where citizens can meet and converge to protest or express their displeasure against government. The locations are Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos State.

“Public protest in all the local government councils and public highways as well as other areas of public access in the State for 10 days is a deliberate plan to shut down the State, and if this is allowed it will amount to economic sabotage.

“An order of the court is required in the circumstances so as to protect the fundamental rights of 1st to 5th Defendants/Respondents to protest and other residents opposed to the protest to go about their lawful without harassment, disturbance and destruction of public buildings/properties.”

After listening to his argument, Justice Ogundare granted all the reliefs sought in the application.

He held, “AN ORDER OF PRE-EMPTIVE REMEDY by way of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st to 5th Defendants/Respondents, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants or any other person(s) acting through them from converging and carrying out their proposed peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings in Lagos State from the 1-10″ August 1-10, 2024 excerpt in the approved designated location for peaceful public protest, rallies and meetings, to wit: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park Ketu Lagos from 8 .00 am to 6 pm pending compliance with the pre-action protocol by the Claimant.

“AN ORDER OF PRE-EMPTIVE REMEDY by way of interim preservative order is hereby granted directing the 6th Defendant to protect the fundamental rights of the 1st to 5th Defendants/Respondents to freedom of association, peaceful public protest, procession and tallies in the approved designated location for peaceful public protest, rallies and meetings in Lagos State, To wit: Gani Fawehinm Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road Ojota, Lagos and Peace Park, Ketu Lagos from 8 am to 6 pm on August 1-10, 2024 pending compliance with the pre-action protocol by the Claimant.

“AN ORDER OF PRE-EMPTIVE REMEDY by way of interim preservative order is hereby granted directing the 6th Defendant to provide security support and traffic management support to the 1st to 5th Defendants at the approved designated location for their proposed peaceful public protest, rallies and meetings in Lagos State, To wit: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park Ketu Lagos from 8 am to 6 pm on 1st -10% August, 2024 pending compliance with the pre-action protocol by the Claimant.

“An Order of substituted service of the Order of this Court in this matter, the Memorandum of Claim/Letter of Claim and all other pre-action protocols documents on the 1st- 5th Defendants/Respondents by Newspaper publication in a National daily to wit: any other widely read newspaper and the service shall be deemed as good and sufficient service on the Defendants/Respondents.”

The Coalition of Igbo Political and Social-Cultural Groups, as well as market leaders in Lagos State, on Tuesday, distanced themselves from the planned nationwide protest expected to kick off on Thursday.

Made up of 16 large groups, which included the Council of Ndieze in Lagos, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, South-East Forum in Lagos, Igbo Mandate, seven Igbo Towns Unions, Igbo Speaking Community, Igbo Vision APC Lagos, Igbo Market Men and Women Associations, and Ndigbo in APC, the coalition advised Igbo traders to stay home and not open their businesses on days of the protest to avoid being attacked.

While acknowledging that there is no dispute that there is hardship in the country, the Igbo stakeholders noted that the current economic situation bedevilling the country is not limited to Nigeria and was not caused by the incumbent government led by President Bola Tinubu.

According to them, the present situation of things in the country is a cumulative effect and result of past bad governance, which cannot be attributed to Tinubu’s administration, which is a little above one year in the saddle.

Speaking during a press conference held in Ikeja, the Coordinator of the Coalition, High Chief Anselm Njoku, said a national protest at a time when the Federal Government is trying to revamp the economy is going to be counterproductive, hence ill advised.

He said, “We are distancing ourselves and the entire Ndigbo in Lagos from the planned protest by some unscrupulous faceless elements, who are partly using Igbo nomenclatures to fan the embers of unsounded agitation. Nigerians should develop a culture of dialogue with the government and deploy constructive criticism without resorting to unnecessary provocative protests and violence.

“It is in this regard that we enjoin all Igbo of all extraditions, stakeholders, residents, traders, and captains of industries not to join in the protest. Lagos is Yoruba land, and Ndigbo, who are residents here, have contributed immensely to its development, so they cannot be used, coerced in whatever form, to destroy assets.

“We are not destruction-prone and cannot be part of those seeking to destroy what we partly built. Ndigbo are not wired for destruction but develop wherever we are residing.

“Let it be known that from all intelligence gatherings, the faceless organisers of this planned protest are not known to us, not Igbos, and are merely hiding under Ndigbo names, dropping Igbo names to create confusion and gather credibility.”

Njoku expressed gratitude to Tinubu for approving the South East Development Commission and appealed to him to expedite action on the release of Nnamdi Kanu through a political process rather than judiciary means.

“We are also using this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the South-East Development Commission, for deeming it right, and due to appoint an Igbo illustrious son as the Chief of Naval Staff, therefore allowing the Igbo ethnic group a say in the National Security structure. We will greatly appreciate it if the President makes the Commission rewarding and beneficial to Ndigbo in general, touching the lives of people in that zone.

“In line with the robust relationship between our President and the South-East people, we appealed to the President, as a gentleman Democrat, to expedite action on the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu through a political process rather than judicial means, just as many prominent Ndigbo leaders had recently appealed and advocated,” he advised.

Also speaking, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, Chief Sunday Ossai, said the Igbo in Lagos have always been wrongly accused of organising protests in the state, and appealed to Ndigbo in the state to be cautious.

“Ndigbo have always been wrongly accused, so we have come out to deny accusations against us. We don’t know anything about organising the protest. Ndigbo are not part of it. We are innocent. I appeal to Ndigbo to be cautious of their movements and urge them to stay home and not go for their businesses on the day of the protest,” he said.

The Eze Ndigbo Ikeja and Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Council of Ndieze in the state, Eze Dr. Uche Dimgba, declared that Igbo will not participate in the protest, adding that all Ndigbo have been advised not to take part in the protest.

On his part, the President-General, Igbo Speaking Community, Sunday Eze, who noted that Igbo are legitimate businessmen and women, appealed to the Lagos State Government to protect their businesses, homes and their families during the protest as they are not part of it. “We cannot leave our hometown and come to Lagos to destroy property,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a monthly stipend of N50,000 for 10,000 Niger Delta youths to mitigate current hardship in the country.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced this during the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for ethnic nationalities and youths and women in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

He said the payment would be made under the NDDC Youth Intensive Scheme and would last for an initial 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Akpabio emphasised that this move was part of Tinubu’s efforts to address the region’s challenges and urged against participation in the national protest scheduled for August 1.

“The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will implement this scheme immediately to support 10,000 youths with N50,000 monthly to cushion the current hardship.

“We acknowledge the severe impact caused by oil and gas activities in the Niger Delta and are taking prompt action to address these issues.

“The economic challenges in our nation are known by President Tinubu and are already receiving required attention to address them,” he said.

Akpabio said that Tinubu had also approved the simultaneous commencement of the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway project from both states, which is expected to create thousands of jobs for the region’s youths.

According to him, the forthcoming national protest was orchestrated by faceless people aiming to instigate chaos and damage across the country.

“There is nothing in the 10 points agenda for the national protest that captures the interest of the Niger Delta.

“The organisers are merely copycats imitating the situation in Kenya, not minding the potential anarchy their protest will bring upon this country.

“The issues facing the country are currently being addressed, and so, there is absolutely no need to protest,” he stated.

The senate president pointed out that necessary funds were being allocated for critical projects to meet the needs and dreams of the Niger Delta people.

He urged for patience as the Federal Government’s policies and programmes take effect, emphasising that one year was too short a timeframe to measure its success.

Earlier, Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, called for calm and support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He stressed the immediate implementation of resolutions from the recent Niger Delta Summit to accelerate regional development.

“Do not go out to protest, but rather let us consolidate on the gains this administration has made,” he pleaded with the youths.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, warned that the protest would further damage the nation’s economy, which could take years to recover.

He linked the current hardship to the removal of the corrupt petrol subsidy and the unification of the naira, asserting that these initiatives were necessary to prevent Nigeria’s collapse.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that Tinubu met a very bad economy and had already initiated programmes to revive the economy.

According to him, the Niger Delta was beginning to see the fruits of long-standing militant agitations for development under the present Federal Government.

“The Project HOPE is bridging the skill gaps among our youths, while we are working with the Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce to train youths and young entrepreneurs of the region.

“We are also collaborating with the chamber to support small and medium scale enterprises as well as partnering the Bank of Industry to fund our empowerment initiatives.

“Youths should avoid participating in protest that could destabilise the country and hinder development, ultimately impoverishing the people,” he pleaded.

Mr Jonathan Lopkobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council, reiterated that Niger Delta youths, particularly Ijaw youths, should refrain from joining the national protest.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Tuesday, interrogated the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Jalal Arabi, over alleged mismanagement of the 2024 Hajj exercise funds, among others.

Our correspondent gathered that Arabi arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja at about 10 am and was grilled for hours by EFCC investigators.

An insider, who preferred anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, informed our correspondent that Jabi’s questioning was prompted by petitions filed against him.

The source said, “He was invited to the commission’s office to explain how his commission spent the N90bn subsidy provided for the 2024 hajj exercise.

“His invitation was a result of the petitions against the chairman and his management team to our office over the alleged mismanagement of funds in the commission, and the 2024 Hajj exercise, among others.

“The allegations he was asked to respond to date back to 2021 and not just the issue of the just concluded exercise.”

The source added that “Three directors from the commission have also been invited to explain what they know about the issue. They include the Director of Procurement, Director of Finance and the Director of the Programmes.”

When asked if Jabi would be detained or allowed to go, the source said the anti-graft agency might not detain him.

“He may not be detained but he will be asked to come back if needed at the end of the day; but presently, he is still being interrogated.

”The CEO has been invited, he has honoured the invitation, he will go back, there is no reason to keep him in custody when he is already complying.

”The new EFCC is operating in accordance with international best practices. You can see that most of the people invited are always allowed to go if they comply.”

When contacted, the spokesman for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, said he would get back to our correspondent on the matter.

He had, however, yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

At a post-Hajj press conference in Abuja on Monday, the NAHCON chairman had said the N90bn Hajj subsidy was transparently utilised.

“Each pilgrim was supported with N1,637,369.87 from the N90bn except for pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme who enjoyed more.

“Hence, all registered intending pilgrims, except those on HSS, were required to pay a balance of N1,918,094.87 since the N90bn was not sufficient to make up for the balance,” Arabi said.

In June, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, called on the National Assembly to probe the N90bn released by the Federal Government to subsidise the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

The governor described NAHCON’s performance as a failure, saying, “The N90bn subsidy paid by the Federal government for the Hajj operation, with some states, including Niger, paying about billions of naira; there is need for the National Assembly to probe the N90bn the Federal Government released for the 2024 Hajj. It is ridiculous that pilgrims were given only $400 to take care of themselves for about 40 days despite the payment of N8m by each pilgrim.

“The N90bn would have made more impact if shared with states. The money is enough to run the Universal Basic Education budget for four years.”

On June 11, the House of Representatives , resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the NAHCON over the conduct of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Urgent need to investigate the National Hajj Commission and the Federal Capital Territory Administration Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, their agents and sub-agents over shoddy arrangement and treatment of Nigerian pilgrims in the 2024 Hajj exercise.”

The motion was moved by the lawmaker representing Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency of Kwara State, Mr Mohammed Bio.

Describing Hajj exercise as an important obligation important in the life of every Muslims and one of the five pillars of Islam, Bio lamented that about 50, 865 Muslim pilgrims across Nigeria were under the care of NAHCON in 2024, noting that some of them were not taken care of in terms of welfare, organisation, guidance and monitoring as expected.

The Oodua People’s Congress has called for dialogue between the government and leaders of the August planned protest against economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

The OPC urged President Bola Tinubu on the need for immediate reversal of increased electricity tariff and reduction of food and fuel prices as a goodwill gesture.

OPC gave its counsel in a statement on Tuesday by its President, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi.

It, however, urged the protesters to remain non-violent and toe the path of dialogue.

“A hungry man is an angry man. The government must crash the price of food, electricity and fuel for peace to reign and for people to know that the government cares about their welfare,” Afolabi said.

The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation urged Tinubu to immediately issue an Executive Order opening up all the country’s borders in the South-West and South-South for rapid inflow of food that would lower prices.

The OPC President encouraged the government to concentrate efforts on getting the nation’s refineries to produce domestic fuel to solve the problem of inadequate and expensive petroleum products.

“If one man, Aliko Dangote, can build a refinery in less than 10 years, how can ordinary maintenance of four full-fledged and functional refineries become an impossible task since 1999 when civilians took over power? What is the mystery?

“The government must identify, expose and apprehend cabals and all the enemies making life unduly difficult for commoners in Nigeria. This nation belongs to all of us and Nigerians must be able to enjoy their commonwealth.”

Meanwhile, a civil rights group, Liberty Movement of Nigeria, asked Nigerians to be patient with the government of Tinubu.

The Convener of the group, Olusola Edward, gave the counsel in a press statement obtained on Tuesday in Lagos.

“Dialogue is often the best way out of social discontent,” Edward said. “At the end of any war, people will still sit around the table for discussions to end hostilities. So why not avoid the war and initiate discussions to prevent a breakdown of peace, law and order? ‘Jaw-jaw’ is always better than war-war,” Edward said.

According to him, the diplomatic way the President personally mediated to peacefully end the minimum wage crisis with Organised Labour showcased him as a leader who did not take Nigerians for granted.

“We appeal to the organisers of the protest to shield their sword, join the government to build a stronger nation and propel Nigeria into the superpower that it is destined to be as the largest Black nation in the world,” the group added.

The Take It Back Movement, one of the organisers of the nationwide protest scheduled for Thursday, has affirmed its intention to proceed.

In response, security agencies, including the police, military, and civil defence, have deployed officers across states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to ensure security during the planned protests.

The hashtag “EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” continues to trend on X as Nigerians await developments from Thursday.

Soldier, police in show of force nationwide, court restricts Lagos protest to two venues

Soldiers, policemen and other security personnel on Tuesday occupied the popular Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of the #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to be held in the Federal Capital Territory and other major cities on Thursday.

Our correspondents at the square counted over 300 security operatives at the facility.

Also, 26 military vans, 12 police patrol vehicles and a Black Maria were parked within and around the arena.

The security forces took over the square as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the protest organisers disagreed on the mode of conduct of the demonstration.

At a virtual meeting with the IG on Tuesday, the group rejected the police proposal for confined protests.

Egbetokun had recommended that the protests be restricted to confined areas for public safety reasons.

But Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, the solicitor for the protest organisers, rejected the suggestion.

The meeting had in attendance human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, other key members of the Take It Back Movement and other civil society organisations.

Speaking to The PUNCH after the meeting, Adegboruwa said the area of disagreement was the confinement of protesters to a particular location.

 He said the organisers disagreed because it was against their fundamental rights.

Adegboruwa said, “We agreed that the citizens of Nigeria are entitled to protest and that the police would not do anything that would hinder or jeopardize the exercise of that right. That was a basic thing we all agreed upon. We also agreed that police have a statutory duty to offer protection to citizens whenever they protest.

“Our area of disagreement was the area of confinement. The police prefer, based on the venue sent to them, we should protest in a confined arena. We insisted that we have a right to rally and embark on procession. They said they don’t have the manpower that would go round across all cities.”

In what appeared to be a setback for the group, the Lagos State High Court restricted protesters participating in the upcoming nationwide protest to specific locations within the state.

Justice Emmanuel Ogundare made the order on Tuesday, while declaring that demonstrations could only take place at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu in Lagos.

The decision came after the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, filed a preemptive ex parte application.

Pedro’s application sought to ensure public safety and prevent the potential loss of lives and property during the protests.

The respondents in the preemptive ex parte application are  Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba of the Active Citizens Group, Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto of the Take It Back Movement, unnamed persons and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

Pedro, while moving the application before the court, argued that as the state’s Chief Law Officer, he was aware of notices from various groups planning protests for and against different causes.

He emphasised the need to protect critical infrastructure and prevent incidents similar to those during the #EndSARS protests in 2020.

“The police in Lagos State do not have sufficient manpower to provide security for protesters intending to demonstrate across all local government areas and public highways,” Pedro stated.

He argued that there was a risk of the protests being hijacked by hoodlums intent on causing destruction.

“To prevent such outcomes, the Lagos State Government has designated two public spaces—Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and Peace Park—where citizens can gather to express their views.

“Public protest in all the local government councils and public highways as well as other areas of public access in the state for 10 days is a deliberate plan to shut down the state and if this is allowed it will amount to economic sabotage,” he said.

 Ogundare, after considering the arguments, granted the reliefs sought by the Attorney-General.

The judge held, “ An order of pre-emptive remedy by way of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st to 5th defendants/respondents the 1st to 5th defendants/Respondents, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, or servants, are restrained from holding protests, rallies, processions, or meetings outside the designated locations from August 1 to August 10, 2024.

He said “These activities are permitted only at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu, from 8am to 6pm, pending compliance with the pre-action protocol by the claimant.”

Additionally, the court ordered the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, to provide security and manage traffic at the designated protest sites. “This order is crucial to ensure the safety of both the protesters and the public.

“An order of pre-emptive remedy by way of interim preservative order is hereby granted directing the 6th defendant to protect the fundamental rights of the 1st to 5th defendants/respondents to freedom of association, peaceful public protest, procession and tallies in the approved designated location for peaceful public protest, rallies and meetings in Lagos State, To wit: Gani Fawehinm Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road Ojota, Lagos and Peace Park, Ketu Lagos from 8 am to 6 pm on August 1-10, 2024 pending compliance with the pre-action protocol by the Claimant,” Ogundare ruled.

The court also directed that the order be served through newspaper publication, deeming it sufficient for notifying the defendants and respondents.

The takeover of Eagle Square on Tuesday by the Armed Forces followed the insistence of the organisers to hold the demonstration despite pressure from the Federal Government, traditional rulers and other prominent Nigerians.

The operatives declined to speak and ordered our correspondents to leave the square.

However, a policeman mounting guard close to the entrance told The PUNCH that they were posted to secure the facility ahead of the demonstration.

 “We have been deployed from various stations to maintain order for as long as the protest lasts. As you can see from the different vehicles around, some of us were brought in from Bwari and other police divisions,” he said.

The massive security deployment sparked fear among the civil servants at the Federal Secretariat and residents of the area.

Workers, who came to have lunch in canteens located behind Eagle Square, were heard saying they would stay away from the office on Thursday.

When asked if a circular had been issued to that effect, a lady responded, “No. Are we supposed to be told? I cannot afford to risk coming all the way from Bwari when a protest is ongoing. Nobody is even sure if this hunger protest won’t get violent.”

Other workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said they would not come to work from Thursday until the protests ended.

Security operatives were also observed close to the National Assembly, Abuja-Mararaba Road and at every major pedestrian bridge along the stretch of Airport Road.

 Checks by our correspondents revealed intensified surveillance patrol by the Guards Brigade, police, Nigeria Security and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies in the FCT.

A joint detachment of soldiers and policemen were seen patrolling major roads in Gwagwalada in a show of force.

Displeased with the military deployment, a human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, urged the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to withdraw soldiers deployed across the FCT and other cities ahead of the proposed hunger protest.

In a letter addressed to the CAS on Tuesday, Adeyanju said providing security during protests was the job of the police.

He recalled that the deployment of soldiers for the protest in Kenya and the 2020 #EndSARS led to riots.

Adeyanju said, “We write as a pro-human rights law firm to draw your attention to the disturbing deployment of men of the Nigerian Army across the Federal Capital Territory and other cities in an attempt to suppress the scheduled August 1, 2024, national protest.

“The task of providing internal security, including the protection of protesters during the scheduled protest, lies with the Nigeria Police Force and not the Nigerian Army.

“You may also recall that at all times when the armed forces intervened in any protest, including the recent Kenya protest, such protests often escalated into full-blown riots leading to loss of lives and property.

“It is on the premise of the foregoing that we urge you to withdraw your men back to the barracks as we do not want a repeat of soldiers killing protesters as was witnessed during EndSARS.”

Reacting to the takeover of Eagle Square by the security agents, the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, stated that the protest organisers were not discouraged by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s decision to deny them the use of the facility. 

He added that the minister would grant them the venue when protesters converge on the square on Thursday.

Adenola said, “We are not deterred. We will be there that day to physically request the use of the venue. We are sure that they will concede to the demands of the people.”

Adeyanju accused the minister of trying to subvert the constitution.

He said, “The Eagle Square does not belong to the Federal Government, it belongs to the people of Nigeria.  It is when private citizens want to do a wedding, or a function, that’s when you’ll be asking them to follow the procedure.

“The constitution of Nigeria, Section 4, says that sovereignty belongs to the people, from which the government derives all its powers. So, is the FCT minister or the IGP now trying to subvert the constitution and take away the sovereignty of the people?  This was the same venue that was given to protesters protesting against the hunger protest. This is an aberration.”

The Programme Manager of Global Rights, Edosa Oviawe, accused the government of orchestrating the tension generated by the demonstration.

“They have assumed there would be violence. Ordinarily, they (protesters) should be allowed to converge on a location where the police can ensure their protection and ensure it doesn’t become violent,’’ he stated.

The Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, said, “Why are they afraid of people exercising their constitutional rights to assemble peacefully and exercise their constitutional rights? Everything the government is doing portrays the President as a dictator, contrary to the claim of him being a democrat.”

In a move to ensure public safety, security agencies in Oyo State, on Tuesday, embarked on a joint show of force in Ibadan metropolis.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the agencies comprised the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Army.

Others were the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Department of State Services, Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service and Amotekun Corps.

The show of force, which began from the Police Command headquarters, Eleyele, took the security personnel to Mokola roundabout, Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi-Gate, Iwo Road, Bodija and Challenge, among others.

Briefing newsmen on the reason for the exercise, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayodele Sonubi, said that it was to create awareness among members of the public on the readiness of security personnel towards the planned protest.

Sonubi said the exercise was also to ensure that the state remained peaceful, as it had always been, and to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens before, during and after the protest.

He said the security agencies in the state were not averse to people venting their anger through peaceful protest, adding that they had the right to protest without infringing on the rights of others.

“It is not your right to coerce others to join the protest. Nobody, including the security agencies, has the right to stop peaceful protests. Our right is to protect peaceful protesters and their property but the moment it turns violent, we have the right to lead and bring orderliness,” he said.

The police commissioner stated that Nigerians had witnessed many protests, noting that while some were peaceful, others were bloody, especially the 2020 EndSARS protest.

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, asked the protest organisers to identify themselves so they could be invited for discussion.

The command in a statement by its spokesman, William Aya, warned it would not tolerate any destruction and looting of public or private properties in the state.

Ahead of the demonstration, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, has directed NEMA zonal directors to ensure the agency’s warehouses were adequately secured against potential attacks.

 The spokesperson of the agency, Manzo Ezekiel, said NEMA had learnt from the 2020 EndSARS protests.

He added that the agency does not keep relief materials at its warehouses for too long before distributing them.

Ezekiel said, “We are good students of history and we have learnt the hard way. The experience we had in 2020 was a very sad one and we have not forgotten about it.

“Our DG has given directives to all zonal directors to ensure that there is water-tight security at our warehouses and offices to forestall any attack. Meanwhile, we don’t keep many relief items in most of our warehouses but that is not to say our warehouses are empty.”

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on Nigerians to be peaceful during the rally.

The bishops made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting, held at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute, Igoba, Akure, Ondo State capital, on Tuesday.

The communiqué was signed by the Archbishop of Ibadan Catholic Archdiocese, Gabriel Abegunrin and Bishop John Oyejola, the chairman and secretary of the province, respectively.

The communiqué read, “The protests in Nigeria should be made to serve that purpose and none other. The protesters should exercise restraint and not disturb or intimidate those who may choose not to participate in the exercise knowing that it is their inalienable right not to do so.

“Such people should be allowed to go about their lawful business unhindered. The organisers of the protest have, therefore, a responsibility to ensure all these or call off the protest.”

The Christian leaders urged the security agencies to be professional in handling the protest and to avoid violence and bloodshed.

In the same vein, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has appealed to traditional rulers, leaders of religious organisations and community leaders to advise their people against taking to violence during the protest.

The governor expressed fears that the planned protest may turn violent “which may consume vulnerable and weak people in the country.”

“Some economic policies of the Federal Government, including the removal of fuel subsidy, may not have yet yielded the ultimately desired results as initially intended by the government, but I appeal to our youths to apply peaceful means of achieving their agitations than resorting to violence,” he stated.

The governor, who advised Abia youths to exercise restraint and engage leaders with a charter of demands, pledged that his administration would do everything to protect the people from harm.

Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo, eqully tasked the youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction.

Ododo was speaking in Lokoja, on Tuesday, at the World Bank-assisted empowerment of 500 youths and women beneficiaries of the Livestock Productivity and Resilient Project.

“The intent of the promoters of protest in Nigeria is concealed in political desperation.  I call on all the youth of our dear nation to rally behind Mr President in his determination to fix the nation back on track,” he said.

The Yoruba Obas Forum, a group comprising monarchs from South-West and North-Central geo-political zones, also warned those planning to exploit the proposed hunger protest to cause chaos in the country to perish the thought.

The royal fathers, made their stand known in a statement in Osogbo, on Tuesday, cosigned by its national president, the Molokun of Atijere, Oba Samuel Adeoye, Oba Michael Ajayi, who is the Elerinmo of Erinmo, and the Public Relations Officer of the forum, the Alayandelu of Odo Alayandelu, Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe.

As traditional rulers, the monarchs said they felt the pains and frustration of  Nigerians at the moment, but suggested that the situation demanded a strategic approach.

The forum stated, “Protest has never been a solution for nations to solve their challenges but an avenue for the destruction of human lives and property.”

Weighing in on the issue, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing insisted that Igbo youths would not participate in the protest. 

Addressing journalists in Enugu after an emergency Convention of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders 2024, titled, ‘State of the Nation’, the acting national president, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, said the Ohanaeze youths aligned with the decision of their fathers that the Igbos should not join the protest but engage the government in a constructive dialogue to address their peculiar challenges.