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President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Minimum Wage Bill into law.
The signing ceremony took place during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, disclosed Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The new law establishes a minimum monthly salary of N70,000 for workers across Nigeria, which is 133 percent increase from the previous amount of M30,000.
The legislation also includes a provision for review every three years to ensure that wages can be adjusted to reflect changing economic conditions.
“President Tinubu signed the bill midway into the Federal Executive Council meeting. Head of Service said the new law will undoubtedly reassure the workers that the President cares about their welfare.
“Senate President Godswill Akpabio led National Assembly leaders to the signing ceremony.
“President Tinubu thanked the National Assembly for accelerating the passage of the law,” said Onanuga.
More details to follow…
Some youths in Niger State have trooped to the streets to protest the ongoing cost of living crisis in Nigeria, despite the effort of the Federal and State governments to stop the protest, saying hoodlums and enemies of democracy could hijack it.
Naija News learnt that the protesters were seen on the streets chanting anti-government songs and holding placards such as ‘Enough is Enough’; ‘Stop Anti-Masses Policies’; ‘We Are Not Slaves In Our Country’; ‘Hardship Is Unbearable’, ‘Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back’, among others.
According to Daily Trust, some of the protesters on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway declined to speak with journalists who approached them.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the party would not fold hands and watch President Bola Tinubu’s government toppled before 2027 general election.
The Chairmen of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said they have strong intelligence that the planned August protest was orchestrated to oust President Tinubu.
Addressing newsmen at the APC national secretariat, on Monday, in Abuja, the chairman of the Cross River State chapter and Secretary of the APC States Chairmen Forum, Alphonsus Ogar Eba, said the ruling party would organize party supporters across the nation to hold solidarity rallies across the country.
The APC chairmen called on Nigerians across all political parties to join the party in its support rally for President Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement, Eba said, “As the ruling party, we are prepared to meet every contestant in 2027 but we will not fold our arms and allow undemocratic forces to topple the government we worked so hard to elect into office. That will be a disservice to the good people of Nigeria who freely gave us this mandate.
“We call on all patriotic Nigerians to resist any attempt by anyone or any group of persons to intimidate them into unorganized protest likely to endanger the peace we currently enjoy as a nation. We call on patriots to join forces with security agencies to report any criminal element who attempts to carry out any act of violence.
“Against this background, in the next two weeks commencing from today 29th July to 11th August 2024 and from this press briefing, which shall follow with a solidarity rally by all structures of our party across all political wards, LGAs and states capital including Abuja FCT, we shall embark on peaceful rally to re-echo the laudable projects and the programs of President Tinubu with greater vigor to protect and defend our democracy from any attack by hoodlums or some criminal elements who wants to carry out violent protest.
“All our party men and concerned Nigerians in other political parties, are enjoined to stand firm in protection of democracy. It should be noted that violent protest being contemplated by the faceless group as contained in their charter of demand will annihilate the democratic ideals which all political parties subscribed to.”
Eba said while protest is a constitutional right of the citizens, it must be done through the law.
APC said security intelligence further showed that some hoodlums plan to hijack the protest.
“This is unacceptable and we must resist it in the most civil manner by sensitizing innocent and peace loving people of our country about the plans of failed politicians who want to get power through every illegitimate means by inciting ignorant Nigerians to embark on violent protest.
“Protest is a constitutional right when done through the rule of law. However, security reports have shown that it is counterproductive to embark on this protest this time as there are sinister arrangements by some unpatriotic persons to hijack the protest for the sole purpose of unleashing nefarious agenda to perpetrate violence and indulge in high level criminality reminiscent of the 2020 Endsars protest and the recent experience in Kenya.
“It is our humble view that this will worsen our already challenging socio-economic situation and that is why we have decided to join our voices to make this appeal to all Nigerians,” APC added.
Nigeria’s oil and gas sector recorded zero foreign capital investments in the first quarter of 2024 amid the crisis.
This is according to the National Bureau of Statistics Nigeria’s Capital Importation data for Q1.
Meanwhile, other sectors saw the country’s capital import rose by 210 percent to 3,376.01 million from $1,132.65 million recorded in Q1 2023.
This coming despite the oil and gas sector being Nigeria’s main source of revenue.
Further analysis showed that in the period under review, the Africa Largest Oil Producer failed to attract Foreign Direct Investment, and portfolio investment in the oil and gas industry such as investments in financial assets like stocks, bonds, and securities.
Meanwhile, the banking sector received the highest capital importation to Nigeria in the period.
This coming despite the oil and gas sector being Nigeria’s main source of revenue.
Further analysis showed that in the period under review, the Africa Largest Oil Producer failed to attract Foreign Direct Investment, and portfolio investment in the oil and gas industry such as investments in financial assets like stocks, bonds, and securities.
Meanwhile, the banking sector received the highest capital importation to Nigeria in the period.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, CPPE said the planned 1-10 August hardship protest could cost Nigeria an estimated daily loss of N400,000 if not properly managed.
CPPE Director, Muda Yusuf disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the protest posed a grave danger to Nigeria’s already fragile economy.
According to the economic think-tank group, the organizers of the planned protest should not offer a platform for elements in the country who have criminal intentions and whose agenda is to inflict pain on innocent citizens and corporate organizations and destroy public assets.
It also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to expeditiously implement its economic stabilization plan to ease production costs and ultimately reduce inflationary pressures.
“The proposed nationwide protests portend grave dangers for an economy which is already in a very fragile state. The protests could inflict an estimated daily loss of N400 billion, if not properly managed.
“The consequences of such a huge loss for the country and the citizens would be very severe. “There is a high risk of shutdowns and disruptions in major sectors of the economy. These include trade and commerce, manufacturing, entertainment, transportation, logistics, financial services, the hospitality industry, agriculture, aviation, ICT, and construction sectors.
“This is in addition to risks to the lives and properties of innocent citizens and corporate bodies. The safety of government assets is also at risk.
“We cannot fix a problem by promoting such negative tendencies.
“Over 90 percent of employed Nigerians are in the informal sector. Employees in this space are dependent on daily income and any disruption to their economic activities beyond 24 hours could snowball into major social unrest. This underlines the country’s vulnerability to prolonged protests”, CPPE stated.
DAILY POST reports that a group known as the Take It Back Movement announced a planned Nationwide protest amid the rising cost of living and hardship in Nigeria.
TIB movement, through its solicitor, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa wrote to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Service seeking protection during the protest.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun had asked protesters to provide details as a condition to ensure protection.
In the last weeks, there have been calls for and counter for the planned protest.
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu, has explained why African countries can’t create prosperity.
Moghalu said Nigeria and other African countries have weak governance capacity, including foundational philosophical worldview, knowledge of public policy framing and execution, Monitoring and evaluation framework, amongst other.
He posted on X: “Why African countries can’t create prosperity: weak governance capacity. Absence of:
1. Foundational philosophical worldview (EVERY prosperous developed country has one).
2. Knowledge of public policy framing and execution.
3. Monitoring and evaluation framework.
4. Decision Science (data-based policy making).
5. Basic macroeconomic knowledge (as DepGov @cenbank this was obvious from interactions across @NigeriaGov and @nassnigeria ).
6. Strategy and risk management.
7. Understanding of the role of the private sector and the right balance between the state (regulation and policy) and the market.
8. Accountability (in reality) for corruption, thus allowing corruption (which exists everywhere) to become systemic and completely divert away from a true focus of governance on development.
9. Nationhood. Too much atomistic thinking along identity (ethnic and religious) lines. This completely destroys any inclination to objectivity in decision making. In the absence of a true worldview many African countries are “governed” by small views.”
The federal government has directed the Vice Chancellors of universities to tighten security in their various campuses ahead of planned nationwide protests being organized bodies over the growing economic hardship in the country.
Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive National Universities Commission (NUC), in a letter to the Vice Chancellors on behalf of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, asked the Vice Chancellors to take other proactive measures to protect the school environment, its properties and staff.
The letter reads: “The Honourable Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests.
“The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and university property should there be any protest action.
“Consequently, the Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.
“In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety. It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests. Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes.”
Tension is rising across the country as organizers of the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10 have vowed not to back down.
DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians, who are irked by the prevailing economic situation ravaging the nation, vowed to stage mass protests in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, next month.
The demonstration, according to the organizers, is aimed at drawing the attention of the governments at various levels to the hardship bedeviling the citizens.
The agenda is also to possibly persuade the current administration into reversing some policies that birthed the current economic reality.
This has triggered tension across the country with some government officials, business owners, security agencies fidgeting over possible attacks on them.
Hardship
DAILY POST reports that the nation has been clouded in the plague of hunger since President Bola Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidy era in 2023.
On Wednesday, the National Bureau of Statistics disclosed in its June report that prices of some food items skyrocketed as high as 250 percent recently.
According to the data obtained by DAILY POST, one kilogram of white Garri (sold loose) went up by 181.66 percent on a year-on-year basis from N 403.15 in June 2023 to N1,135.51 in June 2024, while there was an increase of 1.86 percent on a month-on-month basis.
Also, the price of 1kg of beans brown (sold loose) stood at N2,292.76 indicating a rise of 252.13 percent from N651.12 recorded in June 2023.
Similarly, 1kg of Yam tuber increased by 295.79 percent on a year-on-year basis from N510.77 in June 2023 to N 2,021.55 in May 2024.
The report added that there was also a notable price increase of Irish potato by 288.5 percent on a year-on-year basis from N623.75 in June 2023 to N2,423.27 in June 2024.
According to the organizers of the looming protest, the inability of Nigerians to afford the food items and other basic needs is what stimulated the move for the ten days nationwide protests titled the “Days Of Rage”.
Security concerns
There are concerns that the proposed protest may worsen the security crisis already facing the nation.
The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters and the Department of State Services have all raised the alarm that the planned protest may result in anarchy.
DAILY POST recalls that the Defence Headquarters on Thursday warned that the planned protest has the potential of degenerating into anarchy and a reign of terror.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, who spoke while briefing journalists in Abuja, said that there were signs of status-related violence such that persons with things as basic as smartphones and cars were targets, not leaving out those who own houses and shops.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force issued a cautionary alert, citing credible intelligence about potential manipulation by foreign mercenaries and the involvement of malicious groups aiming to disrupt public order.
Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police IGP, expressed concerns about the involvement of external actors in the protests, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to exercise caution before joining any protest groups.
In the same vein, the Department of State Services, DSS warned the organisers of the protests against proceeding with their plans.
The service alerted the general public that it uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country.
DSS, in a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, described the motive behind the protest as political
He claimed that plotters of the protest intended to use the violent outcome of the demonstration to smear the federal and sub-national governments.
Organizers vow not to back down
Despite the warnings, cautions and concerns raised from different quarters, the organizers of the proposed protest said there is no going back.
A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, who is one of the key organizers, told DAILY POST on Saturday that the protest will hold as scheduled.
In a chat with DAILY POST correspondent, the popular Nigerian activist said the organizers are even under pressure to start the #EndBadGovernmnetInNigeria
He said, “The #EndBadGovernmnetInNigeria #DaysOfRage will take place on August 1st 2024 as scheduled; Organizers are under pressure to start earlier”.
Asked if he would be physically present during the protest, Sowore who as of the time of this report is in the United States, said “the revolt will occur globally; yes, I will participate fully”.
On the controversy surrounding the inclusion of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in the 15 key demands recently reeled out by the organizers, Sowore said demanding Kanu’s release “is the right thing to do”.
He said, “We understand that as an ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse country, some may find the inclusion of free Nnamdi Kanu a bit challenging but it is the right thing to do to address the monumental injustices intertwined in the legally tangled conundrum the federal government has found itself in sustaining Kanu’s unjust incarceration.
“When Free Elzakyaky was included in 2019, some people frowned at it but today, he is a free man and the heavens did not fall”.
Stakeholders beg organizers to shelve protest, embrace dialogue
Politicians, groups, organizations, business owners and other stakeholders have continued to call for dialogue in place of the planned protest.
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere on Saturday told DAILY POST that rather than embarking on a protest that may eventually lead to destruction of lives and properties, the organizers should engage in dialogue.
Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere national publicity secretary, in a chat with our correspondent, said memories of the destruction that marred the 2020 EndSARS still remained fresh.
He said, “like we have said, the experience of what happened during the EndSARS in 2020 is still fresh in our minds. Scars of the protests can still be felt in various places.
“The nonpareil modern laboratory in Lagos that was destroyed then could not be replaced up till now. A laboratory that had nothing to do with what the protesters were venting their anger against.
“The destruction of the laboratory has meant that tests that could be routinely done in Lagos now have to be taken to the United States of America. Instances abound in other parts of the country.
“Since, dialogues would be employed to resolve conflicts, it’s better to engage in dialogues rather than allowing conflicts to degenerate into street protests that stand the chance of being hijacked by irate mobs.”
Planned protests lack well-defined objective – Arewa Youths
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, says it won’t participate in the planned nationwide protests, saying the objective of the organizers is not well defined.
The President General of AYCF, Yerima Shettima told DAILY POST on Saturday that though protest is a legitimate right of citizens, violence should not be an option.
He said, “The right to peacefully assemble and voice grievances is a fundamental right that is enshrined in the constitution of many countries, including Nigeria.
“However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of the protests that are being planned in Nigeria have sparked a debate on many issues.
“While protest is a legitimate and vital tool for citizens to gather and raise their voices in unity, it is essential that protests are conducted in a peaceful and organized manner.
“Violence and destruction during protests can have negative consequences, leading to harm to individuals and property and undermining the message that the protesters are trying to convey.
“It is crucial that protests are aimed at sparking dialogue, raising awareness, and enacting positive change, rather than inciting chaos and harm.
“It is essential that the North and other regions in Nigeria are advised against participating in protests that do not have well-defined objectives and may potentially lead to unrest and instability”.
Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the current fuel crisis in the country was introduced to stifle Nigerians planning protest on August 1.
Sowore in a post on his X handle on Monday also accused mobile telecommunication companies of deliberately targeting Nigerians to slow down their ability to communicate and mobilize.
According to him, Nigerians were more than ever determined to end bad governance in Nigeria.
He said: “FUEL CRISIS has been introduced to stifle Nigerias planning #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria
TELCOS – @MTNNG @GloWorld @AirtelNigeria are deliberately targeting Nigerians to slow down their ability to communicate and mobilize.
Nigerians are determined more than ever to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria during the #DaysOfRage
#Nogoingback #RevolutionNow.”
DAILY POST reports that depots for Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly called petrol, are currently dry, leading to fuel scarcity and attendant queues in major states across the country.
DAILY POST learnt that black marketers have taken advantage of the situation, with some selling as high as N1,300 per litre and N1,500 per litre in Enugu, Lagos and Ogun states.
The development is coming on the heels of the plan by some Nigerians who are mobilising for nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 10, 2024.
The organisers of the protest have lamented about widespread hunger and inflation in the country.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has claimed that elecommunications companies in the country could be trying to hinder the upcoming protest against economic hardship.
Adegboruwa in a statement on Sunday, said there were a lot of complaints about network restrictions as the date for the protest approaches.
Scheduled to begin on August 1, the demonstration aims to address issues of hunger, poverty, and dissatisfaction with current economic policies.
He noted, “In recent days, some telecom companies have been disconnecting subscribers for trivial or unexplained reasons.”
Adegboruwa also criticised the timing of these disconnections, suggesting that they are intended to limit the reach of protestors and frustrate the planned demonstration.
The SAN noted that telecom contracts are binding and that subscribers should be given adequate time and information to address any issues.
He urged the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. to investigate the matter and ensure that subscribers’ rights are protected.
More...
Fuel scarcity has hit several states across Nigeria, including Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, Niger, and others, leading to long queues at fuel stations and a hike in prices.
Naija News understands that the situation has been exacerbated by the dryness of many depots, with black marketers taking advantage of the scarcity to sell fuel at exorbitant prices.
According to reports, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) attributed the tightness in fuel supply and distribution to a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels.
“The NNPC Ltd wishes to state that the tightness in fuel supply and distribution witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT is as a result of a hitch in the discharge operations of a couple of vessels,” the NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said.
The company added that it was “working round the clock with all stakeholders to resolve the situation and restore normalcy in the operations.”
However, despite the assurance by the NNPC that the situation would be resolved, the scarcity has worsened, with many fuel stations running dry.
According to The PUNCH, there was no loading of trucks in the Apapa depots as of Sunday.
A depot operator, who did not want his name in print, stated that there was no fuel in almost all the depots on Sunday after the little available was supplied on Saturday.
The source confirmed that the depots are dry, saying “supply gets late thereby affecting product load out.”
In Lagos, black marketers were selling fuel for as high as N1,300 per liter and N1,500 per liter in some areas. The situation was similar in Ogun State, where fuel was sold for N1,200 per liter. In Abuja, the capital city, fuel was sold for between N660 per liter and N800 per liter, while black marketers sold for N1,200 per liter.
Oil marketers revealed that they were also queuing up to load petrol, adding that most depots lacked stock to sell.
The National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, stated that marketers were buying PMS at a price above N700 per liter from private depots.
“We, marketers, too are surprised that we couldn’t get fuel as we used to get at depots. We were worried too; we didn’t know the cause until the NNPC came out with a release on Saturday. Let’s just believe what the NNPC said, that they would arrest the situation,” Fashola told The PUNCH.
“I believe that within this week, everything will be normalised by the time they push products to the depots for marketers to pick from. Ours is to pick from the depots, take it into our stations, and dispense to the public. But for now, most of the depots are dry. The implication of that is that the stations will be dry too. Most of our members have run out of stock. That is the cause of the queues we are experiencing now,” he added.
He noted that marketers were still buying PMS “at a price that is above N700/litre from the private depots.
“We are not yet getting direct supply from the NNPC as we are supposed to. What we are getting is so small compared to our population. That is why we are forced to go to the third parties, the private depot owners, and they are not helping matters with the kind of price they are putting out there.
“That is why independent marketers sell around N800 or so. Until we address this issue of direct supply, there will be issues. We keep shouting to the NNPC to look at that area properly because something is fundamentally wrong with our distribution channel and until they correct that, we will continue to have this issue of fuel scarcity.”
The Executive Secretary of the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, Clement Isong, confirmed that there had been low stock but could not tell when the situation would improve.
He noted that the problem was that the stock was low because there had been some challenges in bringing the product into the country from the vessels.
“The problem is that the stock is low because there have been some challenges in bringing the product into the country from the vessels. We are all queuing up for products, everybody is looking for the product from the NNPC. Only the NNPC knows when normalcy will be restored. It is the sole supplier,” Isong stated
The situation has led to an increase in transportation fares, with commuters lamenting the hike in prices.
In some areas, black marketers were selling fuel for as high as N1,500 per liter, while fuel stations sold for between N750 and N800 per liter.
The fuel scarcity has also affected economic activities, with many businesses struggling to operate due to the high cost of fuel. The situation has further increased the cost of living in many states, with residents lamenting the hardship.
The NNPC has been urged to address the issue of direct supply, as marketers are forced to buy from private depots at high prices. The situation has led to a call for the government to intervene and resolve the fuel scarcity.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has cautioned his supporters against attacking veteran actor cum politician, Kenneth Okonkwo.
Obi, in a statement via his X account in the early hours of Monday, 29th July, said Okonkwo should not be labelled as a mole, adding that the lawyer has been with him through thick and thin and remains a beloved brother and ally.
The statement follows an earlier declaration by Okonkwo on Sunday in which he cut ties with Obi.
Naija News reports that Okonkwo made this known in a statement via his Instagram page on Sunday, accusing Peter Obi of being too weak and indecisive to confront national issues.
The movie star noted that the series of events in the Labour Party inspired his determination to chart a new course in his political journey, especially as Peter Obi has refused to seize the moment to build a solid party of integrity.
In reaction, the Labour Party (LP) on Sunday, through its National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, said it is aware of the moles within its ranks who are sure to be exposed and fumigated.
But Obi, in his reaction, said he has no issues with Okonkwo, maintaining that it is normal to have disagreements but very important to maintain respect and decorum.
The former Anambra State Governor added that personally, he doesn’t want to work with anyone who agrees with him always because he is the leader.
The Labour Party leader therefore urged his followers to desist from attacking Okonkwo.
The full statement by Obi reads: “Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today I saw various responses to the letter.
“I want to, therefore, categorically and emphatically declare that Barrister Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks.
“Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished. Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree.
“Having differing views does not make someone an enemy, and it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or negative remarks.
“In fact, to me personally, I don’t want to work with anyone who always agrees with me, because as a leader, learning and listening are critical components of leadership. I want to listen to those who have different opinions and try to convince them otherwise or take their advice if it is better.
“I urge all believers of a New Nigeria to remain strong, resilient, and focused, and to refrain from discouragement or negative remarks towards Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo or anyone who leaves or disagrees with our views, strategies or tactics.
“My message is clear and simple: unity, respect, and civility must prevail, even in the face of disagreement and variance. -PO”
Planned Protest: FG issues circular to VCs over protection of staff, students, infrastructures
Admin
In view of the proposed national protest slated for August 1, the Federal Ministry of Education, has issued a circular to all Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to guarantee the protection of staff, students and public infrastructures in their respective domain.
The circular issued through the National Universities Commission NUC, and signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Dr Chris Maiyaki on Monday, morning acknowledged the right to protest but expressed fears about the potentials for violence.
The circular is titled: “Urgent Arrangements for the Security and Safety of University Staff, Students and Property During the Proposed Nationwide Protests”, emanated from the directive of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman
It reads, “the Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice- Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests. The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and university property should there be any protest action.
“Consequently, the Honourable Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take pro-active steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.
“In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety.
“It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.
“Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes”.
[DailyPost]
A former governor of Taraba State, Jolly Iyame has claimed that the planned nationwide protest on August 1 is a plot to remove the democratically elected government through the back door.
Iyame made the claim on Sunday while addressing a gathering of Yoro youths and community leaders at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Jalingo.
He warned the youths against joining the nationwide protest, insisting that the outcome may be difficult to contain, considering the challenges facing the country.
The former governor said, “We are all aware of the plan by some Nigerians to vent their anger on the government by agreeing to a national protest or shutdown. I must admit that in view of certain policies and long-standing national issues, the government should take the blame for some of the problems affecting our nation.
“However, we as Nigerians must examine our actions in the face of this unfortunate situation, to see whether or not we have contributed positively or otherwise in our various walks of life, to this situation.
“Whereas every Nigerian has the right to complain or protest against bad governance, the language employed by the planners is threatening, divisive and clearly aims at removing a democratically elected government.
“For this reason, I must warn you against joining the so-called National citizens protest being planned against the Government under the guise of advocating for good governance.”
He warned that the action can only worsen the situation and endanger the lives of thousands of people, pointing out that there is already a constitutional means of removing a bad government through the ballot box and not brigandage and terrorism.
“As you all know, Yoro is a peaceful and hard-working nation, with the people engaged in various noble means of livelihood, like farming. Indeed, we are among the largest producers of yams and other food items in Nigeria. We are not an idling society in which people engage in all types of vices for survival. We have no time to waste in a national protest that can only promote destruction,” he added.