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Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafran agitator, has claimed responsibility for the killing of four police operatives in Owerri, Imo State, South East Nigeria.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that gunmen attacked and killed four police operatives along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway at about 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
Aside from the operatives, the hoodlums also shot dead a woman – a Point on Sale (PoS) machine operator – in the area.
Mr Ekpa, a Nigerian who is based in Finland, heads Autopilot, a faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Biafra agitator also founded Biafra Defence Forces and Biafra Liberation Army, which are armed militant wings of the Autopilot IPOB.
He has been linked to some deadly attacks in the region.
In a post on his X handle shortly after the attack, Mr Ekpa announced that members of his Biafra Defence Forces had killed the operatives in Owerri.
“The Biafra Defence Forces Owerri Command has recovered weapons from the terrorists after neutralising them in numbers,” he wrote on the microblogging platform at exactly 8:50 p.m. on Monday.
Mr Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, often refers to Nigerian security operatives as “terrorists.”
The Biafra agitator said he and his group are demanding the withdrawal of all Nigerian security forces from the South East and that they were committed to enforcing the demand.
“If you think you will continue to use force and terrorism tactics to force us to remain in the union, this will continue to be your faith in Biafraland,” Mr Ekpa stated, referring to the latest attack on the police.
The Biafra agitator often shares on his X handle details of attacks in Nigeria’s South East.
Like IPOB, which Nnamdi Kanu leads, Mr Ekpa is seeking the secession of the South East and some parts of the South South from Nigeria to form an independent state known as Biafra.
The agitators often refer to the South East and South South regions as “Biafraland.”
Mr Ekpa also attached a video clip to the X post.
The clip showed four rifles and some police case files displayed by some persons who claimed to have attacked and killed the operatives.
The clip, however, did not show the faces of the persons speaking in the background.
“Papa, it wasn’t easy. You know today is the beginning of sit-at-home (in the South East). People were asked to sit at home, and these people (police operatives) came out to extort people,” one person said in the Igbo language.
“These are Nigerian terrorists who were at their duty post despite our leader’s sit-at-home order. But they felt they work for the government and would not obey the order.
“They have now seen it happen today in Owerri, which is 29 July 2024,” he stated.
The armed men appeared to be making a report of their operation to Mr Ekpa, who had earlier declared a four-day sit-at-home in the South East.
Apparently addressing security operatives, one of the armed men added: “Our leader earlier told you, people, that any police or army operative in Biafraland, it is better you resign or we will use your head to work.”
Mr Ekpa, on 21 July, declared a four-day sit-at-home across the five states in the South East.
The Finland-based Nigerian, in a statement posted on his X handle, said the illegal order would be enforced in the region from 29 July to 2 August, excluding 1 August.
Several persons and the Nigerian government have called for Mr Ekpa’s repatriation to Nigeria to face charges over his role in the insecurity in the South East.
For instance, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on 21 July, asked some members of the House of Representatives to consider repatriating Mr Ekpa to Nigeria to face prosecution.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, last June, accused the Finnish government and the European Union of blocking the repatriation of the Biafra agitator.
Last year, the Nigerian Senate asked the federal government to collaborate with the Finnish government to extradite Mr Ekpa for prosecution.
Finnish government speaks on Ekpa’s repatriation
In February 2023, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had summoned The Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, over threat by Mr Ekpa to disrupt the country’s 2023 general elections.
Geoffrey Onyeama, the then Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in a meeting with the Finnish ambassador, asked for the cooperation of the Finnish government to repatriate Mr Ekpa.
But Mrs Pylvanainen said although the Finnish government was concerned about the situation, there was a need to take Mr Ekpa’s rights into consideration given that he is a Finnish citizen.
“So, everything has to obviously be done according to Finnish legislation,” she stated.
In a reaction to latest incident, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, “condemned the attack and gruesome murder” of his men and a civilian.
A statement issued in Owerri by the command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, and made available to NAN, accused the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network of being the masterminds.
Okoye disclosed that the CP “has deployed the command’s Tactical Units with the available operational assets and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack.”
According to the statement, the operatives were ambushed while on a routine patrol at Irete on the Owerri-Onitsha expressway.
“They fought gallantly but, unfortunately, four paid the supreme price, while a civilian was fatally hit.
“On receipt of the unfortunate incident, the CP immediately mobilised to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment of the ugly incident,” Okoye added.
He also explained that the remains of the deceased had been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary, while the injured person was rushed to a nearby hospital “where he is currently responding to treatment.
“The CP expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and vowed that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are all arrested and brought to justice,” he further stated.
The statement described the tragic incident “as a painful reminder of the daily risks and sacrifices police operatives face in their unwavering commitment to public safety.
“CP Danjuma commiserates with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls,” it added.
It quoted the state police chief to have called on the general public, particularly the residents of Ogbakwu, “who may have any information that will assist in apprehending the assailants to report the same to the nearest police station.
Okoye stated that the report could also be made available to the command via its emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197.
[Dailytrust]
The former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Shehu Sani has urged former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose to tender an apology to Northerners following his comments on people of the region.
Fayose had in an interview on a Channels Television programme on Monday night stirred the hornet’s nest when he said the failure of the federal government to develop Nigeria was because northerners were marrying multiple wives and having many children indiscriminately thereby constituting a huge problem for Nigeria and a burden on the government.
“The reason why it is difficult for Tinubu to develop Nigeria is because Northerners are giving birth to children they can’t cater for,” Fayose said.
Reacting in a post on his official X handle on Tuesday, the former lawmaker said Fayose’s statement was not palatable.
“Even though Fayose spoke as an individual, his reported statement on Northerners is contemptuous and unconscionable.
“I suggest he should humbly withdraw it and tender an apology as a statesman”, Sani stated.
[DailyPost]
- Despite the government backtracking on unpopular tax hikes, protesters now demand deeper measures to remedy economic disparities and government accountability
- 'To address these protests, the government needs to take tangible steps towards transparency, initiate meaningful reforms, and engage in genuine dialogue with the protesters. Without these actions, the unrest is likely to persist and potentially escalate,' political analyst Simon Mukhwana tells Anadolu
NAIROBI, Kenya
Kenya's streets remain a battleground as protests, sparked by controversial tax hikes, evolve into a wider outcry against deep-rooted economic disparities and a perceived lack of government accountability.
At the forefront of this movement is a generation of young Kenyans, refusing to be silenced despite facing escalating police crackdowns.
The protests erupted earlier this year in response to a government-proposed finance bill that included a slew of tax hikes amidst an already challenging economic environment.
The bill sparked public outrage, particularly among young people, who saw it as a move that would exacerbate an ongoing cost of living crisis in the East African nation. Widespread claims of government corruption and mismanagement only added fuel to the flames.
Kenyan President William Ruto bowed to the ensuing pressure by firing almost his entire Cabinet and initiating the process of building a new one. Despite this and other government concessions, the demonstrations have shown no signs of abating.
Youth in the spotlight
Young Kenyans, have been at the forefront of the demonstrations. Armed with smartphones and social media savvy, they have mobilized with remarkable speed and agility, bypassing traditional media channels to organize, share information, and galvanize support for protests calling for Ruto’s resignation.
Many express a sense of fearlessness, born from witnessing years of political corruption and economic hardship.
"This is not just about taxes anymore, the protests have changed into what the youth feel they need and they are not backing down. It will be tough to bring the protests to a stop until they get what they want," explains Wandia Njoya, a political analyst at Daystar University. "It's about a generation demanding a better future, one where they are not perpetually marginalized."
The demonstrations began in June, ignited by widespread frustration over government corruption and economic mismanagement. Young people expressed their anger by burning down a section of the parliament building during the initial wave of protests.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Kenyans assemble on the streets to protest, frustrating the government, often met with a heavy police response. To date, 50 people have been killed in confrontations with law enforcement, according to the state-owned Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Sheila Mwangi, a 24-year-old activist, is determined to continue protesting. "We are tired of empty promises. We have so many unresolved issues with this government," she says. "We want real change, not just for ourselves but for future generations."
Their grievances extend beyond the now-withdrawn finance bill, encompassing broader issues such as unemployment, police brutality, and lack of government accountability. "We don't want people from the old Cabinet back, and we want the president to step down. We've endured years of broken promises and corrupt leadership," Mwangi added.
According to human rights activist David Karanja, police brutality has been a significant rallying point for the protesters. "The government's heavy-handed approach has only strengthened the resolve of the youth to continue their fight," he said.
Karanja noted that the regular demonstrations have become a powerful symbol of the people's determination to hold the government accountable and demand a better future.
However, he pointed out a significant challenge: "However, the leaderless nature of the movement presents a significant challenge.
"Without a central figure or organized leadership, coordinating efforts and negotiating with authorities becomes difficult."
On the streets of Nairobi, Kenyans voiced different sentiments on how the protests can come to an end.
Amina Hassan, a 21-year-old university student said, "As students, we are the future of this country, and we refuse to inherit a broken system, Kenya is standing at a critical juncture, a make-or-break moment."
"We are protesting because we want quality education, job opportunities, and a government that listens to our voices. We will not stop until we see genuine change," she said.
Many protesters, like high school teacher Grace Wanjiru, are on the streets for a better future for their children.
"They deserve an education system that prepares them for success, not one hindered by political instability and lack of funding. We are fighting for their future and our own. The only way this can stop is if all demands are met," she said.
The path forward
Besides these hopeful sentiments, uncertainty prevails on how the country will go forward, with many possible scenarios looming.
According to political analyst Simon Mukhwana, if confrontation between protesters and the government fails to subside, this could lead to prolonged instability and further economic disruption.
Alternatively, authorities could offer more substantial concessions, he said, admitting also that it will take significant reforms to address the deep-rooted structural issues in the government.
The worst-case scenario could see the situation spiral into violence, potentially resulting in a prolonged and bloody conflict.
"The protests are a culmination of years of pent-up frustration and anger among the populace," Mukhwana explained.
"People are fed up with the pervasive corruption, economic hardships, and lack of accountability from the government. The return of figures from the old Cabinet has only added fuel to the fire, as it shows a continuation of the same failed policies and leadership," he said, adding:
"The path forward remains uncertain but to address these protests, the government needs to take tangible steps towards transparency, initiate meaningful reforms, and engage in genuine dialogue with the protesters. Without these actions, the unrest is likely to persist and potentially escalate."
As Kenya stands at a critical juncture, civic groups and international observers have called for immediate dialogue between the government and the protesters to avoid risks of deeper chaos. The emphasis is on creating a platform where grievances can be addressed constructively, and a roadmap for reforms can be established.
[https://www.aa.com]
Nigerians should learn from the bitter outcomes of the ongoing widespread protests in Kenya, an activist cleric, Bishop Wycliffe Khaemba, has admonished the youths preparing to take to the streets tomorrow.“
“I urge you to learn from what has happened and is still occurring in Kenya,” the bishop, who has been into activism for 28 years, said in a statement yesterday.
“We allowed ourselves to be led into violent protests and disturbances, thinking they would lead to a desired outcome. Unfortunately, they have resulted in an undesirable outcome,” he said.
Kenya has been engulfed by massive and violent protests of tax hikes, forcing the government to reverse the increases and cut the cost of governance.
Despite the concessions by the government, the mass action has persisted with its attendant large-scale destruction of public infrastructure.
Khaemba, who pastors the One Ministry Methodist, advised Nigerian youths not to travel the same route because it would not end well for them and the nation.
Describing the gory consequences of the protests in Kenya, he stated: “Tens of thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises have been destroyed along with major public infrastructure, and people’s lives have been turned upside down.
”The education of our next generation has been affected, and we are not even back at square one. We are farther back.”
He said the people had, however, found out that the protests were funded by foreigners who would never allow the Kenyan government or non-governmental institutions to interfere in their nations.
Khaemba stated further: “My message to Nigeria is this: Do not wait to learn from your mistakes. Instead, learn from our error of judgment in Kenya.“
“Those who are sponsoring these protests from abroad will not come and help you rebuild Lagos and Abuja after violent protesters destroy your cities.
”Instead, they will offer you cutthroat loans to keep you in bondage to them. So, please listen to the voice of reason and pursue dialogue rather than protests.”
[Vanguard]
...Nigerians should be patient with Tinubu - Igbo Coalition
...Demands release of Nnamdi Kanu
The Coalition of Igbo Political and Social-Cultural Groups, as well as market leaders in Lagos State, has distanced themselves from the proposed 10-day national hunger protest, stating that Ndigbo will not participate in any demonstration.
The Coalition, 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, advised Igbo traders to stay home and not open their businesses on days of the protest, fixed for August 1 to 10, to avoid being attacked.
The Igbo stakeholders in Lagos State noted that, while there is no dispute that there is hardship in the country, 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.
They said the present situation of things in the country is a cumulative effect and result of past bad governance, which logically and sensibly cannot be attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is barely one year in the saddle.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, 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, who noted that President Tinubu inherited a bad economy and should be given time to settle down, thanked the President for approving the South East Development Commission and appealed to him to expedite action on the release of Mazi 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, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State, Chief Sunday Ossai, said the Igbo in Lagos have always been wrongly accused of organising protests in the state, which has always put their lives in danger.
“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, Lagos State, Eze Dr. Uche Dimgba, said Igbo will not participate in the national protest because they are not part of the planners, noting that all Ndigbo have been advised not to take part in the protest.
The President-General, Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos State, 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.
L-R: Chairman, Aregbe Igbo Mandate, Lagos, Prince Udoka Echekwu; Chairman, Council of Ndieze, Lagos state, Eze Offia; Eze Ndigbo (Ikeja) and BOT Chairman, Council of Ndieze, Lagos state, Dr. Uche Dimgba; Coordinator, Coalition of Igbo Political & Socio-Cultural Groups, High Chief Anselm Njoku; President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos state, Chief Sunday Ossia and President-General, Igbo Speaking Community, Lagos state, Chief Sunday Eze, during the Press Conference on the "Proposed Agitation/Protest in Nigeria" held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday 30th July, 2024
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.
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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.
Mujahid Asari-Dokubo has warned those behind the planned nationwide protest against hardship to forget about extending it to the Niger Delta.
The former Niger Delta freedom fighter said this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference for Ethnic Nationalities, Youths, and Women’ with the theme ‘Come let us build together.
Asari-Dokubo said the agenda of those behind the protest is at variance with the problems of the people of the Niger Delta.
He told them to expect resistance, while alleging that they were merely interested in the resources coming from the Niger Delta, describing them as ‘anarchist.
His words: “I and all those who believe in me and those of you who are committed to the interest of the Niger Delta, we are not going to be part of any protest. It is as clear as that.
“If anybody has the right to protest, I also have the right to resist protest. Where your right stops, that is where my right begins.
“I’m anti-protest. When our brother was here (making a veiled reference to Jonathan) they protested. Today, another of our brothers is here. They want to protest. That is the truth.
“When you allow yourself to be used, when you always bend your back for people to ride on you, they will continue to ride on you.
“Are our needs included in their 10 points demand? No. So, we are not important to them. But it is our resources that they want to share. I want to say that me, I have the capacity. If you carry your protest near where I am, you will collect (be resisted).
“Those who brought anti-protest and went to Oyigbo (Rivers State), they collected (they got what they deserve). Everybody knows, the government, the security agencies knows it. I gave it to them.
“Look, don’t be deceived by people’s flowery words and statements. What have they done to impact their society and the environment?
“The lack of hospitals in Buguma, Abonema, and the entire Kalabari land didn’t start today. It has always been like that. And I will not expect my friend to come (referring to President Bola Tinubu) one year later because there has been no hospital in Buguma since the 90s. I should then kick my friend out of power.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Take It Back Movement Issues Demand to Sanwo-Olu's Govt Ahead of Protests](/media/k2/items/cache/3f1bd3f2865040c457a1b5857bb79d96_XS.jpg?t=20240731_024532)
Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu Lagos House, Lagos
It has come to the attention of the Take It Back Movement in Lagos state that your Attorney General surreptitiously obtained a court order designating and restricting protesters for #EndbadGovernanceinNigeria to two locations in the Lagos Metropolis. At the same time, we frown at this abuse of judicial privilege to stifle freedom of association; the movement at an emergency meeting wishes to inform you that since this was your administration’s decision, you must bear responsibility for the movement of protesters from several designations in Lagos to and from Peace Park in Ketu and Gani Fawehinmi Justice Park in Ojota in Lagos.
Some of the designated convergence points for participating citizens include
1. Alausa Secretariat
2. Lekki Toll Gates
3. Ikorodu Bus Park
4. Okota Link Bridge
5. LASU Campus gates
6.Iyana Ipaja Underbridge
7.Agege Pen Cinema
You will soon be informed of other designated convergence points for protesters.
The buses to be provided must be clean, safe and air-conditioned.
The buses must arrive at this designated arrears as early as 6 a.m. and return protesters to their convergence points at 6 p.m. every night between August 1st and 10th, 2024. The protest days may drag beyond ten days, so the Lagos state government is advised to make contingency plans for the dusting of these actions.
Your failure to provide buses for the protesters means they (protesters) would begin march/walk to the court designated parks in the city on a daily basis for the duration of the #EndBadGovernance direct actions.
Finally, be informed that there will be rallies and processions throughout the #EndbadGovernance actions, so your bus operators are advised to find and park a safe distance from the areas designated by protesters for these activities.
Accept our revolutionary regards,
Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek
Coordinator, Take It Back Movement, Lagos
MTN Nigeria yesterday confirmed the news making the rounds that it closed its offices nationwide saying it was in order not to expose its workers to more harm than they suffered on Monday.
The telco said it was still taking stock of its losses as a result of damages protesters inflicted on its operations by physically destroying some of its facilities
A reliable source at MTN said: Yes, we had to take the decision of closing offices nationwide to protect our workers. They have suffered untold humiliation already and we did not want more harm to happen to them. However, the decision will not affect any of our services which will be going seamlessly on the background. But, what I don’t know, is when to open offices. It will depend on the nature of the nationwide protest and how long it lasts.
Some people had mischievously instigated that the protest begins at MTN offices and true to type, that can happen, and if it does while our workers are in the office, they may be subjected to more harm
Recall that yesterday the telco announced the closure of its offices and service centres nationwide, asking its customers to use its digital channels for any support they may need.
It used its Customer Care handle on X, to send the notice of closure saying: “Please, be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July. We are available 24/7 to support you via our digital channels.”
The build up to the closure started when scores of angry subscribers besieged MTN offices in many parts of the country vandalizing and pulling down facilities in reaction to massive barring of subscribers’ lines in compliance to the NCC’s directive that any telephone line not properly linked with the National Identity Number be barred on July 30th.
Eye witness account, recounted how angry subscribers pulled out the gates and barricades of MTN service centre in 23 road, Festac Town and damaged valuable property.
Protests in Festac, Oshogbo, others
Also in Oshogbo, Osun State, hundreds of subscribers, same Monday, trooped out to protest the action of telcos in barring their lines, just a few hours to the protest.
The protesters marched to the offices of different telecom operators in the state, particularly Dada estate, Head office of MTN Nigeria in the state.
Many of the protesters claimed to have arrived MTN office since 6.00 am with a view to unblocking their barred SIM cards but could not because the telco shut its doors.
The protesters also blocked the Osogbo-Iwo road leading to Oke-Fia area of the state capital, thereby disrupting traffic and creating gridlock in the area.
The customers consisting of old men, women, pregnant women and others, including civil servants appeared visibly angry over refusal to be attended to by the workers in the office.
According to a resident of Dada estate, Mr Ismail Ademola who was affected by the blockage, subscribers had lined up since 8am but could not be attended to after several hours.
Another customer, Ifeoluwa Dayo, said, “I left my children at home since 7am in Ikirun, Ifelodun local government area of the state only to get here and be told that I should come back another day in this period of high transportation fare.
Also at its shop in Maitama, Abuja, angry subscribers were reportedly banging and hitting the gate of the facility, and threatening that the planned nationwide protest would start from MTN’s premises.
Security operatives, especially DSS officials were later called in to calm the rising tension.
The situations in Festac and Oshogbo and Abuja were just few out of many in the Telcos’ offices in major cities, including Obalende, Victoria Island, Mushin and Ikeja in Lagos State,; Onitsha in Anambra State, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Warri in Delta State.
Viral videos online show protesters venting their frustration and anger over the sudden disconnection. The protests highlight the frustration and disruption caused by the mass disconnection, with many subscribers demanding a resolution to the issue.
NCC’s remedy
Meanwhile, the telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, immediately directed all operators to urgently reactivate all lines that were disconnected since the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their National Identification Numbers, NINs with their Subscriber Identity Module, SIMs.
The commission apparently did that to avert more damages on the operators but before it did, MTN had suffered substantial losses.
The MTN source told Vanguard that the company was disappointed but not surprised at the way the whole anger over call barring was directed at it, because such is the price a big operator pays, especially when it is dominating market share.
MTN leads the market with active subscriptions of 81.7 million, as of March this year while the closest operator, Airtel, had 63.3 million subscriptions.
Globacom and 9Mobile had 62.1 million and 11.6 million active subscriptions respectively.