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Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his Kaduna residence.
Atiku was accompanied by top political figures including former governors Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami; former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa; former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam; and former governor of Adamawa State, Jibrilla Bindow.
A video of the visit was shared on social media by Atiku himself.
Reflecting on the visit, Atiku noted that the former president was in high spirits and entertained the delegation with his trademark sense of humour.
“As the Waziri Adamawa, I was obligated to be in my Adamawa during the Sallah celebrations. I held forth for the Lamido Fombina (Adamawa) in some of the activities of the Sallah celebrations,” Atiku wrote.
“Today, I had the opportunity to pay a post-Sallah visit to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2015-2023. It was a wonderful time with him. As usual, he cracked me up (to the extent that my ribs were hurting) with his peculiar humour.”
[Vanguard]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Enugu to Host The 2025 NBA Annual General Conference](/media/k2/items/cache/e20a28c601f31c87eafb5253b8c52e53_L.jpg)
The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm. Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the Conference.
Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation. His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule.
The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time. We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.
The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution. The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.
Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC. To hold our flagship event in such circumstances would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law.
The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.
We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu. The city possesses the infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of our scale and significance. We are confident that, with concerted efforts, this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference.
We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President
Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara
General Secretary.
Emeka Obegolu, SAN
Chair, AGCPC
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] AfDB Reaffirms $2.2 Billion Pledge As VP Shettima Commissions 2nd SAPZ In Cross River
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] AfDB Reaffirms $2.2 Billion Pledge As VP Shettima Commissions 2nd SAPZ In Cross River](/media/k2/items/cache/6e838780db4d33502a7436f11c483cf4_M.jpg)
...says agro-industrial processing zones will empower farmers, attract investors, diversify Nigeria's economy
The federal government has commenced construction of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of a nationwide drive to transform the agricultural sector and stimulate inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.
This is the second of such a facility initiated within 72 hours after Vice President Kashim Shettima had on Tuesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Kaduna State SAPZ in the Chikun local government area of the state.
Already, the AfDB has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising an additional $2.2 billion to execute the second phase of the SAPZ project across 28 states in Nigeria.
Speaking on Thursday when he performed the groundbreaking ceremony of SAPZ in Calabar, the Vice President described the project as “a game changer” that aligns with the President Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at diversifying the nation's economy, addressing food security, tackling rural unemployment, as well as empowering farmers and the youth population.
“There is no intervention more practical in our dream of a nation where the potential of agriculture is maximised than what’s brought us together today. This isn’t just a project—it’s a bold vision to transform Nigeria’s agricultural value chain,” VP Shettima said.
According to him, the SAPZ initiative, supported with counterpart funding from development partners and the private sector, is designed to address challenges that have long hindered the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, including inadequate processing infrastructure, limited access to markets, and rural unemployment.
“For far too long, our farmers have contended with poor infrastructure, lack of access to finance, and inadequate processing facilities. This zone is designed to confront those challenges head-on by creating an ecosystem where innovation, investment, and collaboration thrive,” he noted.
VP Shettima explained that the Calabar SAPZ will serve as a hub for agro-processing and storage, providing farmers and agripreneurs with critical infrastructure to scale their operations and tap into local and international markets.
“This is where farmers will meet with private investors, where ideas will turn into enterprise, and where our youth will find meaningful opportunities,” he said, disclosing that the Tinubu administration has classified SAPZ as a priority program in Nigeria's quest for food security, with plans to institutionalize it as a government agency that will facilitate agricultural industrialization across all 36 states.
"These zones will generate thousands of jobs. They will create opportunities for young people, empower them with skills and knowledge to engage in meaningful work and help them contribute positively to the economy. Cross Riverians, development has come to your doorstep. For you and for the country, SAPZ is a game changer—one that will enable Nigeria to diversify its economy with a sustainable source.," he stated.
Senator Shettima also expressed gratitude to key international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), for their support and belief in Nigeria’s vision.
The Vice President commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for his collaboration, describing him as "a critical foundation for the success of this intervention and a great ally in development."
Earlier, Cross River State Governor, Senator Otu, said the programme marked a watershed in the ongoing bid by his administration to establish the renewable resource base of the state through the full utilisation of agriculture and its multiple value chain.
Otu pointed out that in Cross River State, the establishment of a cluster of smallholder farmers in cash crops such as rice, cassava, millet, and cocoa across the state is the right step towards the agro-industrial revolution.
He said the paradigm shift from a non-renewable to a renewable resource base also holds the key to the prosperity of many nations, hence the imperative to join the league of sub-nationals in Nigeria that have adopted agriculture as the mainstay of their economy.
"The deliverables of the envisaged projects are food security, diversification of the state economy towards export-oriented trajectory and increase in the State's GDP. When these projects are fully operational there is an expected robust collaboration with reputable agro-based processing institutes, universities and the rest, aimed at accelerating breakthroughs in many agro-industrial production."
Also, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the programme would transform the agricultural production and agro-investment landscape in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
Kyari thanked Vice President Shettima for his leadership and political backing at the highest level in the implementation of the SAPZ in Nigeria, just as he also commended the Governor of Cross River State for his commitment to ensuring that the state is among the front-running states that will commence the construction of their Agro-Industrial Processing Hub.
In his remark, President of AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, reiterated the bank's pledge to mobilise $2.2 billion to execute the SAPZ project in 28 states across Nigeria.
Adesina observed that Cross River State has a significant role to play in Nigeria's agricultural transformation because of the vast production of cocoa, cassava, rice and banana in the state, saying Obudu Cattle Ranch alone can turn the state into a huge livestock producer.
He also acknowledged that the state is ideal for SAPZ because it has an export processing zone, ports facility, and export handling capabilities, adding that the SAPZ in Calabar can easily be linked to the seaport for the transportation of processed agricultural commodities to the export market in neighbouring countries, including Cameroon and the rest.
"The African Development Bank, as you know, is spearheading this together with our partners, which include the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and we have put together $934 million from the African Development Bank, with core financing of $938 million from these partners.
"The first phase of SAPZ in Nigeria will be in eight states of Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Imo and the Federal Capital Territory. We are delighted with our partnership with the Islamic Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
"We have put together a financing package of $510 million to make this work. We expect, in the second phase of this, to mobilise $2.2 billion to be able to work for 28 states across the federation with several partners," the AfDB President said.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
Niger military government has officially made Hausa the country’s new national language, moving away from its colonial past where French played a central role.
The change was announced in a new charter released on March 31, published in a special edition of the government’s official journal.
According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.”
Hausa is already the most commonly spoken language across Niger, especially in the Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua regions.
Most of the country’s population of about 26 million people understand and speak Hausa. In comparison, only around three million people, just 13 per cent, can speak French.
The new charter also officially lists nine other local languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche, and Arabic, as “the spoken languages of Niger.”
This language switch follows a national meeting held in February.
During that event, the military government received more support and General Abdourahamane Tiani, the junta leader, was given approval to stay in power for five more years.
Since taking over in a coup in July 2023, which removed the country’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, the junta has been cutting off ties with France.
These actions include removing French troops from the country, ending diplomatic relations, and changing the names of roads and buildings that used to carry French names.
Like Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, which also have military governments and used to be French colonies, are taking similar steps.
They’ve also pulled out of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, a group similar to the Commonwealth that supports French-speaking nations.
[Punch]
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has approved the appointment of a new chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
According to the statement, the new RSIEC Chairman, Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey, will work with six members and four professors.
The appointment was announced in a Government Special Announcement issued on Wednesday by Prof. Ibibia Worika, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government.
The statement, which was sent to newsmen, said the appointment takes effect from Monday, 7th of April 2025.
It reads, “The Following have also been appointed as Chairman and members of the Rivers State Electoral Commission:
“Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey, Chairman
Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira member
Prof Author Nwafor
Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha Member
Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor Member
Dr (Mrs) Olive A. Bruce Member
Professor Chidi Halliday Member.
“All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025”.
Recall that Ibas had last week suspended the heads of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state, including the RSIEC, then headed by Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.)
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died after a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
[businessday.ng]
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party (LP) has passed a vote of confidence on its National Working Committee (NWC).
The LP’s NWC is led by the party’s disputed National Chairperson, Julius Abure.
The party made the resolution at its NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday.
The National Secretary, Ibrahim Umar-Farouk, read out a communique released at the end of the meeting.
Mr Umar-Farouk said the NEC expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court decision which, it argued, had returned the power, glory and supremacy of political parties.
“The court asserted the supremacy of the party over its internal affairs and that leadership of a political party is not for any court to decide, as it is a no-go area for the court, and so the court did not sack the NWC leadership.
“Accordingly, NEC in session reaffirmed the Nnewi National Convention held on the 27th of March 2024 that produced the current National Working Committee (NWC) members, under the chairmanship of Barrister Julius Abure,” he said.
Anti-party activities
In the communique, the NEC accused Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, of committing various anti-party activities.
Giving instances of the alleged anti-party activities, Mr Umar-Farouk said Mr Otti had called for “an unauthorised stakeholders’ meeting and usurping the powers of NEC.”
Mr Otti was elected governor of Abia State under the LP platform in 2023.
The party also accused the governor of backing another political party in the last local government election in Abia State.
“The governor has also intensified his effort to factionalise the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC scheduled to hold on Wednesday.
“His anti-party activities are unbecoming of a highly respected personality and this is no longer acceptable,” the communique read.
Otti, Peter Obi, others may be sanctioned
The LP NEC said that it would not hesitate to discipline Mr Otti for the alleged offence, in line with Article 19 of the party’s constitution.
It also threatened to discipline any other member who violated the party’s constitution, regardless of how big or powerful such individuals might be.
The party vowed to sanction its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, if he further engages in any anti-party activity.
“NEC-in-session, in exercise of its duties, hereby cautions the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace unity and integrity of the party, as the NEC will not hesitate to issue stiffer penalty if found culpable,” it said.
The NEC equally condemned the activities of the party’s House of Representatives caucus leader, Victor Ogene.
It said, as a result, Mr Ogene has now been replaced with another House of Representatives member, Ben Etanabene.
While Mr Ogene represents Anambra’s Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the lower chamber, Mr Etanabene represents Delta’s Okpe-Sapele – Uvwie Federal Constituency.
Anambra 2025: We’ll resolve our challenges
Mr Abure, at the meeting, said the LP would resolve its challenges ahead of the forth November governorship election in Anambra State and the 2027 general election.
The disputed national chairperson, however, said that the party would only field candidates who would be ready to promote its programmes.
He also said that the party was not opposed to coalition with other parties that would promote good governance.
“What the party is against is subversive activities that promote divisions in the party,” he said.
The meeting was attended by members of NWC, national officers of the party, state chairpersons and secretaries, other party leaders and co-opted NEC members.
Background
The Supreme Court, on Friday, set aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which recognised Mr Abure as the national chairperson of the LP.
A five-member panel of the Supreme Court unanimously held that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to have affirmed Mr Abure as chairman of the LP since the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership.
But the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Obiora Ifoh, later argued that Mr Abure remains the party’s national chairperson.
Mr Ifoh claimed that the Supreme Court’s position is that the matter is purely an internal affair of the party, insisting that the court did not set aside the Court of Appeal judgement of 13 November 2024, which affirmed Mr Abure as the national chairperson of the party.
Meanwhile, the LP has been battling an intense leadership crisis for a while now which has split the party into two factions.
Messrs Otti and Obi, belong to the same faction of the LP.
In September 2024, the faction appointed Nenadi Usman, a former Nigerian Minister, to manage the party’s affairs by heading its caretaker committee.
But, about a month after Mrs Usman’s appointment, a federal court recognised Mr Abure as the authentic national chairperson of the LP.
Mr Abure dismissed the convention that produced Mrs Usman and threatened to suspend Mr Otti and others from the party.
There was a mild drama in October when Mr Otti allied with an opposition party, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), ahead of the conduct of local government elections in the state, which were held on 2 November 2024.
The ZLP later won chairmanship seats in 15 of the 17 local government areas of Abia State despite the state being governed by Mr Otti, a member of the LP.
The LP won nine of the chairmanship seats, and the Young Progressives Party won the remaining two.
Instructively, ZLP enjoyed the support of Mr Otti. The governor had asked his aides and allies to contest the election under the ZLP platform, not the LP.
(NAN)
A female driver of a Toyota Salon car sustained varying degrees of injuries after her vehicle fell off the Otedola Bridge outward the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Lagos State on Monday morning.
It was gathered that the car with the registration number IKJ 126 BH had lost control while hitting another car in the process before it fell off the bridge and landed not far off a ditch under the bridge.
According to viral videos on social media, as at 9:02am emergency responders and security personnel were at the scene, working to determine the driver’s identity and the circumstances leading to the accident.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident in a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, noting that emergency responders were on the ground to manage the situation and ensure the free flow of traffic in the area.
The agency noted that the driver had been rescued and taken to the nearby hospital.
According to the statement, “Report of an accident of a car that fell from Otedola Bridge. The driver has been rescued and taken to the nearby hospital.
“There is backlog from Otedola Bridge to Berger inward Secretariat, but our officers are on scene managing the situation effectively.”
“Other officers are also on ground doing the needful,” LASTMA added.
[Leadership]
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has appointed the Emir of Fufore, Muhammadu Ribadu, as the Amirul-Hajj and leader of the government delegation for the 2025 Hajj trip to Saudi Arabia.
A press statement to this effect said the appointment is based on Ribadu’s hard work, experience, and commitment to religious matters.
The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Fintiri, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, named five other members of the delegation.
The members include Muhammad Buba Jidjiwa, Ahmed Shehu, Alhaji Ibrahim Abba, and Alhaji Abubakar Murtala
The secretary of the delegation is Alhaji Mohammed Dabo.
“Governor Fintiri charged the committee to be dedicated to their assignment, ensuring a hitch-free 2025 Hajj operation,” Mr Wonosikou stated.
[DailyPost]
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Monday, announced that it has uncovered at least 585 A/Level forged certificates in 2025 alone.
This startling revelation was made by the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, during a virtual meeting with staff of the Board held on 2nd April 2025 in preparation for the 2025 Mock-UTME and UTME.
Prof Oloyede condemned the worrisome prevalence of fake A/L certificates, stating that it was to curb the menace that the Nigeria Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (NIPED) was established.
NIPED is a platform for managing and collecting data related to post-secondary education in Nigeria.
According to the Jambulletin, the Registrar noted that more worrisome and heart-rending was the upload of 13 out of these forged JMB certificates by the Professional Registration
Centres (PRCs) which are being
investigated.
He stated that out of the 13 cases being investigated by the police, four culprits have been apprehended and are currently assisting the police and relevant authorities towards apprehending the ringleaders of these examination cartels.
He, however, added that the investigation revealed that there were internal collaborators in the institutions aiding cases and abetting this gross misconduct.
The Registrar also disclosed that there were reports from some CBT Centres on extortion of candidates for services expected to be free, adding that this mind-boggling revelation were not too good for the system.
He, therefore, enjoined staff to be
committed to their duties and shunned those acts that could undermine the integrity of the Board.
[Daily Independent]
More...
To ensure that substandard and fake medicines are denied entry into Nigeria using National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)-appointed Pre-Shipment agents, the agency has appointed a new global testing and inspection agency, Cotecna Inspection Services (CIS), as part of efforts to bolster its Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis (CRIA) Scheme.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a hybrid technical meeting on mitigating substandard and counterfeit products held in Lagos. She explained that the appointment of Cotecna was in addition to existing CRIA agents operating in India and China and was aimed at ensuring that only safe, high-quality products are shipped to Nigeria.
Adeyeye said the move follows the agency’s widely praised seizure, evacuation, and destruction of over ₦1 trillion worth of substandard, expired, and banned medicines from open drug markets in Idumota, Onitsha, and Aba.
She noted that NAFDAC is strengthening the CRIA scheme to curb the influx of falsified medicines, which she described as a growing international criminal activity with serious consequences for public health and the economy.
According to the DG, the CRIA Scheme plays a key role in screening regulated products before they are exported to Nigeria. She stated that CRIA agents are responsible for physical inspection, product-specific testing, and verifying regulatory documents to ensure compliance with NAFDAC’s standards. She added that designated laboratories in both China and India are used to test randomly sampled products.
[Guardian]
The Political Advantage Platform (PAP) is delighted to announce the appointment of Hadiza Malumfashi as its flagship host.
At just 21 years old, Hadiza is already a dynamic force in the spheres of advocacy, youth leadership, and public discourse in Nigeria.
A third-year law student at the American University of Nigeria, Hadiza brings a wealth of experience and a fresh, youthful perspective to the PAP show.
Known for her eloquence, bold ideas, and commitment to justice, she has long been a voice for young Nigerians through various platforms — including her groundbreaking online series “If I Were President,” which she launched during the pandemic to explore youth-driven leadership solutions.
Hadiza’s journey into advocacy began early, winning school debates and founding “Peace in Nigeria” at age 16 to promote coexistence and hold leaders accountable. She is also the founder of the NGO “Change Begins With Me,” which advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 6, and 13, with projects ranging from tree planting and well construction to promoting gender equality through sports like polo.
In addition to her academic and social impact work, Hadiza is a published writer of short stories and children’s activity books focused on peacebuilding and civic values.
As the new host of PAP, she brings her passion, insight, and fearless approach to political analysis, using evidence-based dialogue to challenge narratives and elevate the voices of everyday Nigerians.
“We are excited to welcome Hadiza to the PAP family,” said Alh. Mustapha Ramalan, the founder Chief Executive Officer of the Political Advantage Platform. “Her authenticity, drive, and deep connection with the youth make her the perfect voice for this moment. We believe Hadiza has all the makings of a star.”
With her appointment, PAP is significantly positioned in its mission to foster informed civic engagement and promote accountability across all levels of leadership as one of Nigeria’s leading online political platforms.
[DailyTrust]
The ‘take-it-back’ movement has insisted on staging a nationwide protest today against the emergency rule in Rivers State as well as what it called human rights abuse and misuse of Cybercrime Act.
This is even as the Nigeria Police Force has warned the organisers to shelve their planned nationwide protest, describing the timing of the demonstration as ill-conceived and mischievous.
The Force noted that April 7, 2025 has been set aside by the Federal Government for maiden edition of National Police Day.
The take-it-back movement said it called for a nationwide demonstration to address what it called the “authoritarianism of President Bola Tinubu administration, abuse of human rights and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act.”
It would be recalled that from August 1 to 10, 2024, many protesters, mostly youths, trooped to major cities across the nation to demand immediate action from the federal government on the cost of living crisis which was believed to have been caused by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s twin policies of the petrol subsidy removal and the currency floating.
The protest, tagged ‘#EndBadGovernanceInNigeriaNow’, saw some youths in parts of the country waving the Russian flags, though many of them were later arrested.
In his reaction to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeriaNow protest, President Tinubu, in his broadcast on August 4, had said: “My dear Nigerians, especially our youth, I have heard you loud and clear. I understand the pain and frustration that drive these protests, and I want to assure you that our government is committed to listening and addressing the concerns of our citizens. But we must not let violence and destruction tear our nation apart.”
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‘Why we’re protesting today’
Addressing journalists at the weekend, the national coordinator of the take-it-back movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said it was a “nationwide protest against bad governance and free speech suppression”.
He listed the demands of the movement as including the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the end of the emergency rule in Rivers State, which he alleged was a form of military dictatorship, among others.
Sanyaolu said the protesters in Lagos had been urged to converge on Ikeja, under bridge.
He said those in Oyo State were to converge on the Iwo Road in Ibadan; while the protest was to take off at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The activist said: “We are going ahead with our planned protest. The protest is nationwide, and we are protesting against the oppression of President Bola Tinubu government.
“We are protesting against the pushback of this government on some of the democratic rights of the citizens and the authoritarianism of this government.
“What we are protesting to ensure is that the civic gate is kept open, to ensure that Nigerians can freely continue to organise against systemic injustice and bad governance that have been the hallmark of this regime.”
He cautioned the police and other security agencies not to provoke violence, saying the protesters would resist any attempt by security agencies to disrupt the demonstration.
“We want to caution the police and other security agencies not to provoke protesters by introducing violence into a peaceful protest. They should just do their job and ensure the safety of everyone during the protest,” he added.
Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, illegal – Sowore
The former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has alleged that the continued stay of IGP Kayode Egbetokun remained “illegal”, saying that Nigerians would not take such “scandalous” appointment.
He said: “It is the Nigeria Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of ILLEGAL Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that should reconsider their programme.
“No amount of such initiatives can save Egbetokun from the controversy surrounding his illegal, unjust, and scandalous appointment by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Egbetokun must retire from the Police Force after completing his 35 years in service the way others have retired after completing their mandatory years in service.
“Nigeria needs a new Police Force, not one headed by a spent force IGP utilizing diversionary tactics to shift public attention from his shortcomings and scandals.
“Regardless, tomorrow’s (protest) must go across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people! #EgbetokunMustGo #RevolutionNow”
IGP warns against protest on National Police Day
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday cautioned the take-it-back movement against holding a nationwide protest “at a time the Force is celebrating the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Force.”
Egbetokun, in a statement by the spokesman of the Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Force was not against the exercise of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution.
The IGP, however, said the Nigeria Police Force was deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Force to national security was to be celebrated.
The police chief said “such glamorous event” would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police and diplomats.
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.
“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous,” Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, stated.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force under Egbetokun, the police will adequately carry out its mandate in accordance with the law and respect for rights of citizens.
He urged the organisers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intended to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.
CSOs back organisers, ask police to protect them
Two civil society groups, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Yiaga Africa have expressed support to the planned protest.
They spoke on Sunday in separate interviews with Daily Trust.
Mallam Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), said that the Police Force needed to be re-orientated on their roles and engagement in safeguarding peaceful protests which, according to him, is guaranteed in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Normally, as we all know, Nigerians have the constitutional right to peaceful protests against any programme or policy that is anti-people or against their wellbeing. It is also known that the Police would always wanted to stop protests, even if they are not having any Police National Day.
“The police is constitutionally bound to protect protesters and it should not be only when such protests are pro-government that Nigerians who see the protesters being protected by the Police. So the Police should allow the protesters hold their rallies, while they also hold their National Day and the protesters should be protected,” Rafsanjani said.
Also, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, said that “one fact needs to be established that Nigeria is in a democracy, a democracy that is bound by the Constitution. And the Constitution already guarantees citizens’ right to protest and hold their governments to account.
“Protest is a form of citizens expressing their views about how their country is governed. And so, whether they choose to protest on a Christmas Day, or a New Year Day, or even a day for national celebration, it actually doesn’t matter. What matters most is the fact that citizens are exercising their franchise.
“So I don’t think that because it is a Police Day, then people should not be allowed to ventilate their views. I think it is unconstitutional to make those kinds of claims, because a police day is nothing but a day to celebrate or recognise the contributions of the Police.
“If citizens choose that they want to use that day, you know, to ventilate their views that is fine. If there’s a coincidence in the dates, it’s also fine. But what I think the Police needs to do is to use the opportunity and see that the fact that this protest is happening on the same day that you have a police day is an opportunity for the police to really demonstrate that it respect the constitutional rights by allowing the protesters to protest in a civil and peaceful manner.
“But the protesters also have a responsibility to ensure that they protest in a non-violent and civil manner to avoid any provocation from state authorities. We stand against any form of violent protest. What we advocated for is non-violent protest and so far the protesters have indicated that they would be civil in the course of their protest
“So, I think they should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights and the Police should celebrate the Police Day by providing protection to the people who are protesting,” Itodo said.
Amnesty Int’l to FG: Uphold human rights
In its own comment on the planned nationwide protest, Amnesty International has called on authorities to uphold the rights of citizens to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, in a statement yesterday, urged security agencies to respect the constitutional and international rights of demonstrators and cautioned against any form of repression or intimidation.
“The Nigerian authorities must ensure that security agencies respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, as guaranteed by both the country’s own constitution and international human rights treaties,” Sanusi stated.
“Government officials must also refrain from issuing rhetoric aimed at demonizing protesters and stifling peaceful dissent.”
In a statement signed by Michael Christian, Social Media and Communications Officer at Amnesty International Nigeria, the organisation warned against any attempts by the government to use the protests as a pretext to suppress civil liberties.
“Authorities must not use the proposed nationwide protests as a ploy to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“Any act capable of undermining freedom of assembly is illegal and portrays unacceptable intolerance of peaceful dissent,” he stated.
“Authorities must show a commitment to upholding the country’s constitutional and international human rights obligations by allowing people to freely exercise their rights,” the organisation said.
It also stated that the planned protests offered a crucial opportunity for the Nigerian government to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and human rights.
[PRESS RELEASE] IGP Directs FID Operatives To Obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s Statement In Kano As NPF Withdraws Invitation Letter
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] IGP Directs FID Operatives To Obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s Statement In Kano As NPF Withdraws Invitation Letter](/media/k2/items/cache/ed0d722f630b1731739ec5400196e3a3_XS.jpg)
The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Aminu Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025. The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police's commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn. Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi's statement.
Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals. The Durbar Festival is a long held tradition which involves a recognized Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.
To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North West who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, mni , to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in kano and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs will ride on horse on Sallah day.
Despite this agreement, Alhaji Aminu Sanusi who had attended the Eid Prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid Prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes. This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured. A situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero
The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism including the investigation of this incident. All individuals found culpable will at the end be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting invitation to Alhaji Sanusi. The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA