The Department of State Services (DSS) in Osun State has reportedly summoned the Organising Secretary of the state chapter of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement,

Olasunkanmi Mary Oluwatosin, for questioning regarding the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for April 7.

Naija News reports that the Take-It-Back Movement has firmly stated that it will proceed with the planned protest on Monday, which aims to highlight what they perceive as the “authoritarianism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, violations of human rights, and the improper application of the Cybercrime Act.”

This protest is titled “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Suppression of Free Speech.”

According to SaharaReporters, a DSS official named Akin reached out to Oluwatosin through a WhatsApp message, requesting her presence at the DSS office in Osogbo, the state capital.

Oluwatosin informed journalists late Sunday evening that a DSS agent had contacted her on Saturday to inquire about the details of the protest.

She also mentioned that she received a call from an unknown number on Sunday, asking her to come to the DSS office for a “chat.”

When she inquired about the purpose of the invitation, the caller reportedly indicated that it was merely for a “conversation.”

“One DSS official called me yesterday and asked for details about our protest tomorrow, but I told her I wasn’t in town and knew nothing about the protest.

“Another number called me this evening, saying they wanted to see me in their office. When I asked why, the person said they just wanted to chat, but I told them I wasn’t in town,” she said.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the TIB Movement, Sanyaolu Juwon, was said to have attempted to contact the DSS officer via WhatsApp, but the message remained undelivered at the time this report was filed

“Hello Mr. Akin. My name is Sanyaolu Juwon. I am the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement. One of our comrades called me from Osun that you have been harassing and intimidating her. I’d like to remind you that the right to protest is constitutionally guaranteed. You are advised to please desist from this,” Juwon reportedly wrote to the secret police.

A former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has revealed that a long list of politicians are set to join the party ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

Adebayo disclosed that the SDP is in talks with several politicians and is ready to welcome them all ahead of the 2027 elections.

Naija News reports the former presidential candidate specifically identified the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as his colleague in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, as part of the prominent names currently in discussion with the SDP and expected to join the party soon.

“People are joining my party, and we are welcoming them. You can see how active I am in welcoming them. The only little issue we have with some of them is to change the culture where if you have not been in an environment where rules are taken seriously.

“Some of them are doing some Boy Scouts, black market operations, we are dealing with that. But we welcome them into the party. All these people you have mentioned, El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, even former Governor Peter Obi are coming. A lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them,” the SDP chieftain said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Asked by the anchor to clarify his statement on Obi, Adebayo emphasized that the former Anambra State Governor is in talks to join the SDP.

He also emphasized the readiness of the party to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

“Supposedly, until somebody joins, we don’t know. But people have told me, and the Financial Secretary (SDP) has also informed me, that they are talking. So we will welcome everybody.

“Surely, when we come in, and we don’t become a tower of Babel; if we come in, follow the rules and allow one person to emerge transparently, clearly, without cheating, without criminality the way we did our convention in 2022, people applauded us transparently, no court case, no crisis, no allegations.

“If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do in the SDP and produce a good alternative to Nigerians, we are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses in Nigeria,” he said.

Naija News reports that despite talks of an opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have shut down rumours of dumping their current political parties.

The Labour Party (LP) has raised an alarm over what it describes as an alleged plot by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to storm its national secretariat in Abuja with hired thugs, in collaboration with factions of the party.

The LP’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, made the claim in a statement issued on Sunday.

The statement alleges that the NLC was working alongside the Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee (NCC) and the National Transition Committee (NTC) to carry out the planned invasion.

According to the statement, the planned action—allegedly funded by the Abia State government and an unnamed party leader—is expected to begin on Monday, April 7.

Ibrahim warned that the attempt would involve the forceful entry into party offices, the theft of sensitive documents, and the vandalization of party property.

The statement reads in part: “It has come to the knowledge of the leadership of the LP that the NLC is mobilising its members, hired thugs and miscreants… to invade the National Secretariat of our party.”

The LP accused the NLC of overstepping its bounds as a labour union by allegedly interfering in partisan political matters, which it said contravenes the legal framework establishing the congress.

The party referred to the April 5 Supreme Court ruling, insisting it affirmed that party leadership matters are internal affairs to be handled by political parties themselves.

“There is nowhere in the judgment that gave the NLC or any caretaker committee the authority to take over the leadership of the Labour Party,” the statement added.

The party reaffirmed that Barrister Julius Abure remains the duly elected National Chairman, having emerged from the March 2024 national convention.

It also called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS), to intervene and prevent any breach of peace in the Federal Capital Territory.

• Chelsea, Juventus  step up chase for Nigerian ace

Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a move for Napoli forward Victor Osimhen during this summer’s transfer window.

The Nigeria international has been in excellent form on loan at Galatasaray during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 28 times and registering five assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.

Osimhen, as it stands, will return to Napoli this summer, but he is widely expected to leave the Italian giants on a permanent basis, with a number of clubs believed to be interested in his signature.

Manchester United continue to be heavily linked with the 26-year-old, who has scored 76 goals and registered 12 assists in 133 appearances for Napoli in all competitions since his arrival from Lille in 2020.

However, according to Fichajes, there is also interest from Real Madrid, with Los Blancos considering making a move for the Nigerian during this summer’s transfer window.

The report claimed  that Real Madrid view Osimhen as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior, as the Brazilian continues to be linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Juventus are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to TEAMtalk, the 26-year-old has also emerged as a priority target for the struggling Serie A giants.

It’s understood Juventus will face serious competition from several Premier League clubs, along with those in the Saudi Pro League.

The Nigeria international has been in electric form in Turkey, scoring 28 goals and providing five assists in his 32 games across all competitions

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has been in London this past.

It’s been suggested that Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has been England to meet with Chelsea and Manchester United about the future of Osimhen, according to  Il Mattino.

Osimhen’s contract with Napoli carries a €75m buyout clause, which can be triggered this summer.

Juventus are also interested, though Napoli would prefer to see Osimhen not return to Serie A.

Chelsea failed in an attempt for Osimhen in January and will try again as they seek a new centre-forward signing. United are also interested, though must sell before buying this summer.

• Group to hit streets kicking against anti-cyber security law, Rivers emergency, others
• ‘Action subversive on Police National Day’

A showdown is likely today between the police and a group of protesters in Lagos, Abuja and some other capital cities, such as Ibadan and Port Harcourt.

A massive deployment of security men is expected across the country.

The police warned that it would not take kindly to a protest it described as “potential unrest or confrontation” planned by the “Take it Back Movement”.

It described the action as that of “subversive elements” acting on the pretence of economic hardship.

The Take it Back Movement group said the protest is against cyberbullying and the emergency declaration in Rivers State.

It added that it opposes the “illegal” extension of tenure for Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

The group said its members would converge under the bridge in Ikeja, Lagos, the frontage of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt and Iwo Road in Ibadan.

While the police cautioned against the protest, which it described as sabotage having fallen on National Police Day, one of the organisers, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a politician, insisted last night that the protest would go on.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner, said: “The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest.

“However, given the significance of April 7 as National Police Day, we urge the organisers to reconsider the timing of their planned demonstration.

“This is a day of national reflection and recognition for the force, and it is important that the occasion is not overshadowed by potential unrest or confrontation.

“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horns by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.

“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is, however, questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”

The police spokesman added that the National Police Day event would host high-profile dignitaries from within and outside the country, including foreign Inspector-Generals of Police and diplomats.

Sowore said there was no going back. Rather, he insisted it was the police that should reconsider their programme.

He said: “Regardless, tomorrow’s (today) protest must go on across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people!”

‘Protest is subversive’

The Lagos Police Command also issued a similar warning in a statement by its Deputy Commissioner Tijani O. Fatai.

It said: “Intelligence report at the Command disposal reveals a plan by some subversive groups parading themselves as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other misguided anti-government forces, to incite nationwide protest on 7th April 2025 aimed at drawing the attention of the government to their perceived prevailing high cost of living and free speech suppression.

“Furthermore, the groups have flooded the social media platforms with narrations geared towards winning public sympathy, discrediting the government and galvanising support for the protest.

“Experience has shown that criminals may want to seize the opportunity of the protest to cause mayhem, particularly to launch attacks on government facilities and opposition leaders to disrupt socio-economic activities in the state, amongst others.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has ordered security measures to be beefed up around critical installations and other strategic locations across the state in order to forestall any untoward development before, during and after the proposed protest.

“This is to ensure all law-abiding citizens go about their normal business throughout the period unhindered; to ensure free flow of traffic in the state throughout the period of the protest; to ensure the security of lives and property in the state before, during and after the protest.

“Forces available: Manpower for this operation will be drawn from the Department of Operations, Ikeja; State Criminal and Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), Yaba; Area Command Headquarters, Rapid Response Squad, Alausa; Task Force, Oshodi; PMF 2 Keffi; 20/22 PMF Ikeja; 23 Keffi; 43 Lion Building; 49 PMF Epe; 63 PMF Ikorodu; Counter Terrorism Unit Base 2, Special Protection Unit Bases 2, 16, 17 Lagos, and Anti Bomb Disposal Base 23, Lagos.”

Nigerian filmmaker cum author, Oreofe Williams, privy to the controversy between Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin and Nigerian singer, Tope Alabi, has said the latter and her team refused to perform at the surprise birthday of the movie star because they were not given the endeared privilege of a choice by conscience concerning the contract.

Lizzy’s fan club had collaborated with her husband to surprise her with a performance by Tope Alabi, whom they said she loved dearly.

However, the gospel singer and her husband, Soji Alabi, arrived at Lizzy’s clothing store in Lagos but declined to perform after realising they were to perform for the movie star.

Reacting, Lizzy Anjorin, in a video via her social media page, berated Tope for refusing to perform after she was paid ₦4 million, stressing she would not ruin the singer’s brand, which her husband built on an empty stomach.

The thespian recalled Tope Alabi’s issue with Prophet Ajanaku and how the world rejected her, but she supported her.

Clarifying the issue, Willimas, in a statement titled: “Concerning Evang. Tope Alabi and Lizzy Anjorin’s Birthday Surprise: An Unfortunate Conundrum”, explained that the sum of ₦2.5 million was paid to the Alabis and not the figures reported online.

He further noted that the cost value for the surprise performance was reduced by 70% because Soji Alabi considered his intervention.

The filmmaker questioned why the celebrant’s identity was hidden, noting the Alabis were angry after the discovery as they felt deceived.

He said, “Some weeks ago, a filmmaker contacted me because he needed Evang. Tope Alabi. The filmmaker told me that he wanted to surprise ‘someone he cherishes a lot’. No name was mentioned and I assumed it could be his wife or anybody.

“This conjecture is not far-fetched as he did create an impression that he was personally funding the surprise. No impression was given that it was a joint contribution by any team. Of course, I would not have doubted him because I’m not unaware that this filmmaker is rich enough to fund the surprise.

“I contacted Uncle Soji Alabi and after that, released his number to the filmmaker. It was supposed to be the birthday surprise of a public figure and I still marvel till tomorrow about why her name was conspicuously hidden by the filmmaker who contacted me.

“Uncle Soji informed me that day would be very busy and I pleaded with him to attend having considered any possibility for a rescheduling. He also mentioned the amount was low for a birthday surprise but I prevailed on Uncle Soji and he eventually honoured my plea to receive the agreed amount (after giving a 70% price reduction due to my intervention). However, the requirement of N2.5m was met for the birthday ‘SURPRISE’. Nonetheless, the identity remained hidden until they got to the venue.

“The main question is: Why was the celebrant’s identity hidden? And for what reason?

“It was at this moment I received a call from Uncle Soji who had already made up his mind to leave the venue. Sincerely speaking, I would never have spent the next 15 seconds there if I was in his position. Nobody loves to be manipulated. I can tell you authoritatively that he is the President of Gospel Vibes and he takes decisions.

“He told me on phone he was leaving. I also wondered why someone would keep a public figure anonymous even for me whose name he used to have such an access to the Alabis and reduce the amount to be paid.

“The reason they returned the money and left was not particularly because of the celebrant or anyone around the venue as I have read in some articles. They felt deceived and were not given the endeared privilege of a choice by conscience.

“Ministers Soji and Tope Alabi and their team have, on several occasions, honoured christians and moslems, as their fans cut across multiple languages and religions.

“Please note the sum received was N2.5m which was paid to the Alabis in three tranches and NOT N3.5m. The inflated price published by some writers is erroneous. The Alabis made an instant refund of N2.5m. I had to request for the payment receipts from the Alabis because I feel quite bitter about such manipulations and the grievous mob misinterpretations given to it.

“It is expedient to note that Integrity, transparency and accountability will always serve as the bedrocks to sustain healthy business relationships. You don’t ask a singer to ‘surprise’ a public-figure only to keep the celebrant anonymous and eventually ‘surprise’ the ‘surpriser’ at the venue. You will be more surprised!”

The Kwara State Teaching Service Commission has shorlisted 1,800 applicants for teaching appointments in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onile, made available to newsmen in Ilorin.

Onile said that the shortlisted applicants emerged from a screening, which included computer-based test, and interviews spanning over three months.

”The shortlisted comprises 790 (44%) for STEM subjects; 581 for core subjects; 370 for specialised subjects; and 59 for technical subjects. 

”They will be assigned to senior secondary schools across the 16 local government areas of the state in line with the needs assessment of the commission,” he said.

Onile advised applicants who appeared for the interviews to check their status on the portal, adding “those shortlisted will undergo a mandatory drug test to ascertain their suitability to teach children.

”The drug test will be carried out by the NDLEA and will be coordinated by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drugs Abuse, Prevention and Control, Hon. Mukail Aileru.

”The test will begin on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and end on Saturday April 12, 2025. Shortlisted candidates from Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, and Patigi are slated for Wednesday.

“Those from Ekiti, Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin will be tested on Thursday, April 10; Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun, and Moro are slated for Friday, April 11, while the candidates from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Ilorin West are to have theirs on Saturday.

“The drug test certificates will be sent to the commission by the NDLEA as no candidate is allowed to access it on their own to curb altering,” he said.

The official said that successful applicants would also sign a bond not to seek transfer for six years, a policy response to the dearth of teachers in rural areas.

“Shortlisted applicants are to also come with medical certificates from any state government hospital as well as the original copies of their credentials for documentation, during which they will be required to drop photocopies of same for record purposes.

“They will also submit handwritten letters of acceptance of the job offer, while other conditions of service will be spelt out during the documentation process,” Onile added.

(NAN)

Momentum is building behind a growing coalition aiming to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, as talks among opposition leaders intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Central to ongoing negotiations is a proposal for the coalition to back a southern presidential candidate committed to serving only a single term.

Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria has said that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) can drop below N400 per litre with the current crash in crude oil prices.

CORAN argued that there is no reason petrol should not be sold at NN350 per litre if crude prices eventually fall to $50 per barrel.

However, CORAN said petrol prices will continue to rise despite the crash in crude prices and the reduction in its landing cost.

CORAN feared that unless the Federal Government continues the naira-for-crude deal, the price of petrol will be on the rise even if the price of crude oil falls to $50 per barrel.

The PUNCH reports that oil prices plunged last week to $65 per barrel as the United States import tariffs and an unexpected OPEC+ supply hike erased $10 per barrel from global benchmarks.

The price had appreciated earlier when US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on any country that buys crude from Venezuela.

However, oil prices turned the corner as of Friday, with Brent falling to $65, the first time since 2021.

According to oilprice.com, the combined effect of Trump’s import tariffs, OPEC+’s inopportune decision to speed up the unwinding of production cuts, and China’s retaliatory actions wiped off $10 per barrel from global oil prices, “with ICE Brent falling below $65 per barrel for the first time since August 2021.”

The US West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost $4.96, or 7.4 per cent to end at $61.99.

China’s retaliatory tariffs on US goods were said to have escalated a trade war that has led investors to price in a higher probability of recession.

China, the world’s top oil importer, announced it will impose additional tariffs of 34 per cent on all US goods from April 10.

According to Reuters, nations around the world have readied retaliation after Trump raised tariffs to their highest in more than a century.

Aside from the tariffs, another factor that further pressured oil prices was the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Allies’ decision to advance plans for output increases.

The group now aims to return 411,000 barrels per day to the market in May, up from the previously planned 135,000 bpd.

In a bulletin released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, it was disclosed that the landing cost of petrol has dropped from N885 the week before to N865 as of Saturday.

However, despite the landing cost reduction, the ex-depot price of petrol rose from N860 to N900 per litre in Lagos, signalling the failure of the Nigerian market to react positively to the market forces.

In an interview with our correspondent, the Publicity Secretary of the CORAN, Eche Idoko, expressed worry that the price of crude in the international market is reducing but the price of refined fuel in Nigeria is shooting up before the naira has been falling due to pressure.

According to him, the naira-for-crude policy is purely targeted at ensuring energy security for the country and stabilising the strength of the naira.

Idoko lamented that some individuals are still hellbent on continuing a regime of importing substandard petroleum products into the country.

Idoko explained that some middlemen do not want local refining to succeed, and they have since resorted to kicking against the naira-for-crude deal.

According to him, the price of petrol was heading to N700 per litre before the naira-for-crude deal was discontinued.

“The price will continue to rise because these middlemen are the elements that want to see that local refining is not sustained. Because when we turned to local refining in this country, we saw the price of petroleum products dropping to as low as N700 plus. And it was going to go down more like we promised you guys. I granted an interview to you guys and said that if local refining is ramped up, the price of petroleum products is going to come down. I was even audacious enough to say that we could even see it drop to as low as N350. And it was heading towards that because if crude drops to $50, for instance, there’s no way that we won’t sell petrol at about N350.

“These are possibilities. Unfortunately, we have middlemen who pride themselves as agents. They have no scheme in the game other than that they have fixed prices because they don’t have risk. All they do is that they connect Nigerian consumers with international traders and then make their money and go away. So, they don’t have anything to lose. They have no investment in this business. They just come in as agents, make money, and then cash out,” he submitted.

Idoko said, “It is foolhardy for anybody to think that in their bid to continue a regime of importing substandard petroleum products, they will thwart the naira-for-crude policy.

“I know that the advisers of President Bola Tinubu, who, incidentally, is the Minister of Petroleum Resources, have been able to analyse where we were before the naira-for-crude policy; where we came to after the implementation of the policy; and where we are heading to after the pilot test of the naira-for-crude policy.

“I hope you know that as we speak, the price of crude in the international market is reducing; meanwhile, the price of refined food in Nigeria is shooting up. It is simply because of the FX effect. And we have simply said it is a no-brainer. Give crude in naira to local refineries so Nigerians can, at least, enjoy the benefit of being the largest oil-producing country in Africa,” he stated.

Asked to justify why the price of fuel is going up when crude oil has fallen to $65 per barrel globally, the CORAN spokesman blamed foreign exchange, logistics, and the effects of middlemen.

“The price will keep rising because of the FX and logistics effects. The cost of logistics, when you add it to the cost of FX, would make the price go up. And of course, because of the money involved when you have to also accommodate the middlemen who sell.

“You know when you want to rent a house, you need the agency fee. If you add the agency fee, the price goes up. That’s what happens. That’s why you can’t get it cheaper. You have the FX effects, and you have the effects of the logistics of shipping in refined petroleum products. And then, you also have the effect of the middlemen. All these will push the cost of petroleum products high in Nigeria,” he added.

Idoko noted that the refiners would not bother to join issues with elements who want to do propaganda or turn the naira-for-crude deal into political issues, saying the success of the policy is affecting a few selfish individuals’ incomes.

“We know why we invested and ventured into the midstream segment. But we know what these elements want. We know what their interest is. We just leave it to Nigerians to judge which is the best. And I think the government also would know what is best for it. One of the most brilliant policies they have implemented was the naira-for-crude. I hope they will sustain it. But if they don’t, I am sure they have better judgement,“he submitted.

The CORAN spokesman regretted that local refiners have to resort to foreign nations to source crude oil.

“Unfortunately, our major refiners have had to resort to other sources so that their investment would not shut down. For that reason, a lot of them have been talking to other producers to get crude so their refineries can run. And it speaks to the fact that a lot of elements, rather than see to the development of this country, are trying to play politics with something as important as energy security.

In October, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited began the naira-for-crude deal with the Dangote refinery as part of an initiative to deflate Nigerian fuel prices.

However, the national oil companies delivered roughly 280,000 b/d of crude to Dangote in naira by March 10, falling shy of the 385,000 b/d agreed under the deal, S&P Global said.

As the six-month deal ended last month, there are growing concerns that the FG may not renew it, and this has caused a hike in fuel prices after the Dangote refinery announced the suspension of naira fuel sales.

The price of a litre of petrol now ranges between N920 and N970, depending on the location.

The ‘take-it-back’ movement has insisted on staging a nationwide protest today against the emergency rule in Rivers State as well as what it called human rights abuse and misuse of Cybercrime Act.

This is even as the Nigeria Police Force has warned the organisers to shelve their planned nationwide protest, describing the timing of the demonstration as ill-conceived and mischievous.

The Force noted that April 7, 2025 has been set aside by the Federal Government for maiden edition of National Police Day.

The take-it-back movement said it called for a nationwide demonstration to address what it called the “authoritarianism of President Bola Tinubu administration, abuse of human rights and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act.”

It would be recalled that from August 1 to 10, 2024, many protesters, mostly youths, trooped to major cities across the nation to demand immediate action from the federal government on the cost of living crisis which was believed to have been caused by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s twin policies of the petrol subsidy removal and the currency floating.

The protest, tagged ‘#EndBadGovernanceInNigeriaNow’, saw some youths in parts of the country waving the Russian flags, though many of them were later arrested.

In his reaction to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeriaNow protest, President Tinubu, in his broadcast on August 4, had  said: “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens. But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart.”

‘Why we’re protesting today’

Addressing journalists at the weekend, the national coordinator of the take-it-back movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said it was a “nationwide protest against bad governance and free speech suppression”.

He listed the demands of the movement as including the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the end of the emergency rule in Rivers State, which he alleged was a form of military dictatorship, among others.

Sanyaolu said the protesters in Lagos had been urged to converge on Ikeja, under bridge.

He said those in Oyo State were to converge on the Iwo Road in Ibadan; while the protest was to take off at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The activist said: “We are going ahead with our planned protest. The protest is nationwide, and we are protesting against the oppression of President Bola Tinubu government.

“We are protesting against the pushback of this government on some of the democratic rights of the citizens and the authoritarianism of this government.

“What we are protesting to ensure is that the civic gate is kept open, to ensure that Nigerians can freely continue to organise against systemic injustice and bad governance that have been the hallmark of this regime.”

He cautioned the police and other security agencies not to provoke violence, saying the protesters would resist any attempt by security agencies to disrupt the demonstration.

“We want to caution the police and other security agencies not to provoke protesters by introducing violence into a peaceful protest. They should just do their job and ensure the safety of everyone during the protest,” he added.

Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, illegal – Sowore

The former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the continued stay of IGP Kayode Egbetokun remained “illegal”, saying that Nigerians would not take such “scandalous” appointment.

He said: “It is the Nigeria Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of ILLEGAL Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that should reconsider their programme.

“No amount of such initiatives can save Egbetokun from the controversy surrounding his illegal, unjust, and scandalous appointment by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Egbetokun must retire from the Police Force after completing his 35 years in service the way others have retired after completing their mandatory years in service.

“Nigeria needs a new Police Force, not one headed by a spent force IGP utilizing diversionary tactics to shift public attention from his shortcomings and scandals.

“Regardless, tomorrow’s (protest) must go across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people! #EgbetokunMustGo #RevolutionNow”

IGP warns against protest on National Police Day

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday cautioned the take-it-back movement against holding a nationwide protest “at a time the Force is celebrating the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Force.”

Egbetokun, in a statement by the spokesman of the Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Force was not against the exercise of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution.

The IGP, however, said the Nigeria Police Force was deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Force to national security was to be celebrated.

The police chief said “such glamorous event” would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police and diplomats.

“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.

“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous,” Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, stated.

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force under Egbetokun, the police will adequately carry out its mandate in accordance with the law and respect for rights of citizens.

He urged the organisers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intended to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.

CSOs back organisers, ask police to protect them

Two civil society groups, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Yiaga Africa have expressed support to the planned protest.

They spoke on Sunday in separate interviews with Daily Trust.

Mallam Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), said that the Police Force needed to be re-orientated on their roles and engagement in safeguarding peaceful protests which, according to him, is guaranteed in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Normally, as we all know, Nigerians have the constitutional right to peaceful protests against any programme or policy that is anti-people or against their wellbeing. It is also known that the Police would always wanted to stop protests, even if they are not having any Police National Day.

“The police is constitutionally bound to protect protesters and it should not be only when such protests are pro-government that Nigerians who see the protesters being protected by the Police. So the Police should allow the protesters hold their rallies, while they also hold their National Day and the protesters should be protected,” Rafsanjani said.

Also, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, said that “one fact needs to be established that Nigeria is in a democracy, a democracy that is bound by the Constitution. And the Constitution already guarantees citizens’ right to protest and hold their governments to account.

“Protest is a form of citizens expressing their views about how their country is governed. And so, whether they choose to protest on a Christmas Day, or a New Year Day, or even a day for national celebration, it actually doesn’t matter. What matters most is the fact that citizens are exercising their franchise.

“So I don’t think that because it is a Police Day, then people should not be allowed to ventilate their views. I think it is unconstitutional to make those kinds of claims, because a police day is nothing but a day to celebrate or recognise the contributions of the Police.

“If citizens choose that they want to use that day, you know, to ventilate their views that is fine. If there’s a coincidence in the dates, it’s also fine. But what I think the Police needs to do is to use the opportunity and see that the fact that this protest is happening on the same day that you have a police day is an opportunity for the police to really demonstrate that it respect the constitutional rights by allowing the protesters to protest in a civil and peaceful manner.

“But the protesters also have a responsibility to ensure that they protest in a non-violent and civil manner to avoid any provocation from state authorities. We stand against any form of violent protest. What we advocated for is non-violent protest and so far the protesters have indicated that they would be civil in the course of their protest

“So, I think they should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights and the Police should celebrate the Police Day by providing protection to the people who are protesting,” Itodo said.

Amnesty Int’l to FG: Uphold human rights

In its own comment on the planned nationwide protest, Amnesty International has called on authorities to uphold the rights of citizens to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.

Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, in a statement yesterday, urged security agencies to respect the constitutional and international rights of demonstrators and cautioned against any form of repression or intimidation.

“The Nigerian authorities must ensure that security agencies respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, as guaranteed by both the country’s own constitution and international human rights treaties,” Sanusi stated.

“Government officials must also refrain from issuing rhetoric aimed at demonizing protesters and stifling peaceful dissent.”

In a statement signed by Michael Christian, Social Media and Communications Officer at Amnesty International Nigeria, the organisation warned against any attempts by the government to use the protests as a pretext to suppress civil liberties.

“Authorities must not use the proposed nationwide protests as a ploy to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“Any act capable of undermining freedom of assembly is illegal and portrays unacceptable intolerance of peaceful dissent,” he stated.

“Authorities must show a commitment to upholding the country’s constitutional and international human rights obligations by allowing people to freely exercise their rights,” the organisation said.

It also stated that the planned protests offered a crucial opportunity for the Nigerian government to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and human rights.