Bashir Ahmad, a former Media Aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has faulted the alleged decision of organizers of the August 1 protest to add the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, to their demands.

Ahmad vowed never to join the protest if Kanu’s unconditional release was part of the demands of the protesters.

Posting on X, the former presidential aide wrote: “You should not expect me to join a protest where the unconditional release of terrorist Nnamdi Kanu is listed as one of the non-negotiable demands. Never!”

Popular activist and convener of the nationwide protest, Omoyele Sowore, had unveiled the key demands to be tabled to President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Daily Post reports that the nation’s economic situation has propelled citizens, particularly the youths, to stage a mass protest nationwide.

Despite efforts by the government to quell the move, Nigerian youths have insisted on embarking on the protest in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

The looming protest titled, ‘Days of Rage’, or ‘EndBadGovernance’, is aimed at drawing the attention of the Federal Government to the unfortunate economic situation of the country.

Part of the demands listed by Sowore is the unconditional release of Kanu.

The IPOB leader has been locked up by the Nigerian Government despite courts granting him bail.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it is fully capable of managing the conduct of local government elections if tasked with the responsibility.

The chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said this on Thursday, July 25, when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

He said INEC has the capacity to handle the local government elections but that would only be possible pending when the law is amended to permit it to do so.

He pointed out that the Commission had been conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory which has been devoid of the problems associated with the conduct of local government elections.

He pointed out some advantages of INEC handling elections to include that there are regular elections as when due, stability of tenure, and also that there has never been a caretaker committee in the FCT.

He noted that there has never been a time one political party has won all the seats at the elections as is common in the states.

He said if INEC handles the election, it would be better for democracy.

He, however, said this can only happen if the constitution is amended to take the responsibility from state electoral commissions.

Details shortly…

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, on Thursday declared its support for theplanned August 1 nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu.

Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, however, said the body would not be part of the protest.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Faloye warned against violence during the nationwide protest.

According to Faloye: “Afenifere is not planning to be part of the protest but we support the fundamental human rights of Nigerians, however, we have been warning against the hardship. You can’t tell a hungry man not to wait.

“Afenifere has been saying we need economic and political restructuring of this country; but all we have is palliative, which are superficial moves.

“We acknowledge their rights, we saw this, but you, the government, don’t want to take responsibility for your economic policies. Tinubu imposed the 10 days of rage on himself due to his policies. It’s not that we support the protest, but we understand that it’s an organic reaction.

“We support anybody who wants to support the protest against government policies, which we understand are anti-people.

“We don’t support violence but peaceful protest to voice your concerns, in most cases; it’s not the people that are the problem but the government and the political thugs that are the issue. We support the protest.”

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has appealed to residents of Abuja not to partake in the planned nationwide protest against hardship.

Wike made the appeal while interacting with residents after he inspected the ongoing construction of a 5-kilometre access road to Saburi 1 and 2 in Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, in Abuja on Thursday.

Some unidentified Nigerians have planned to embark on a peaceful protest over hunger and insecurity in the country beginning on August 1.

However, the minister said that President Bola Tinubu is aware of the concerns of Nigerians and is working hard to address the challenges.

Describing the current hunger and suffering as a temporary situation, the minister said that the ongoing reforms and policies would soon yield the desired results.

He alleged protest is being organized by some politicians in a bid to destabilize Tinubu’s administration.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has directed its 104 affiliated youth organizations to remain on standby consultation ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.

Frustrated Nigerians, who are dissatisfied with the state of the economy and the hardship in the land, have vowed to hit the streets in protest.

The youth body stated it would, in the next four days, consult widely with various stakeholders, including government officials, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues.

However, the federal government has warned that there would be dire consequences for the stability of the country if the nationwide protest being planned by some Nigerians goes ahead.

In a communiqué issued on Thursday following an emergency meeting of its National Executive, 36 State Chairmen, and other stakeholders held via Zoom from Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday, the NYCN expressed concern over the severe socio-economic challenges and widespread hardship faced by citizens, especially the youth.

The communiqué, signed by its President, Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, stated that the youth body would hold a world press conference on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, to address the nation on current issues and its stance on the upcoming protest.

The communiqué reads: “On July 24, 2024, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) convened a crucial meeting with its National Executive, 36 State Chairmen, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on the state of the nation and the looming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024.

“The meeting was held via Zoom and lasted for several hours, addressing the urgent concerns of Nigerian youths and the overall socio-economic and political climate of the country.

“NYCN leaders acknowledged that the current socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria, including rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and the general hardship experienced by citizens, particularly the youth, have reached alarming levels.

“After extensive deliberations, the following resolutions were adopted: The NYCN commits to, in the next four days, consult widely with various stakeholders, including government officials, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues.”

NYCN reaffirmed its commitment to representing the interests of Nigerian youths and advocating for positive change in the nation.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will begin their quest for a podium finish at the 2024 Olympic Games when they confront Brazil in their opening Group C fixture on Thursday (today).

The encounter is slated for the Matmut Atlantique Stadium, Bordeaux. It will kick-off at 6pm.

The Super Falcons are back to the Olympics after a 16-year absence.

Tonight’s encounter will be the third meeting between Nigeria and Brazil.

Brazil won their first meeting 4-3 at the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The South Americans also claimed a 3-1 victory the last time both countries met at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Brazil will be led by the legendary Marta, who has scored 118 goals in 183 appearances for the Samba Girls.

The Super Falcons will also face current world champions Spain and former world champions Japan in the same group.

Randy Waldrum’s side lost 1-0 to Canada in their only friendly before the Olympics.