- Shettima: This isn’t time to protest but solve problems
- Traditional rulers, CAN, others ask organisers to pursue dialogue
- Tompolo: Protest will cause more harm than good
- More states, CSOs, youth groups back out of action
- Police deploy 4,200 officers, EOD specialists in Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, revealed yesterday that intelligence reports indicated the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1.
Briefing reporters in Abuja, the IGP urged all Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group.
His admonition came amid growing public rejection of the proposed mass protest with states, civil society organisations, religious bodies, traditional rulers, youth groups and even organisers distancing themselves from it.
The IGP posited that any protest, peaceful or otherwise, is not needed at this time.
He said: “We have been monitoring development surrounding protest threats.
“While some groups call for violent protests, emulating Kenya’s recent events, others advocate for peaceful demonstrations.
“However, some individuals promote peaceful protests with violent undertones, raising concerns about their sincerity.
“We have our history of violent protests in Nigeria, and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to note the dangers of unchecked demonstrations.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.
“We note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, fearing enemies of our country may be manipulating the process.
“We confirm their fears are genuine as we have credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries’ involvement in this planned protest.
“The Nigeria police urge all Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group.”
In a bid to ensure the protest was peaceful, Egbetokun urged all groups planning to participate in it to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
Egbetokun said: “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information:
1. We want to know the proposed protest routes and assembly points.
2. Expected duration of the protest.
3. Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers.
4. Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers. By providing this information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
5. Designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
6. Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise.
7. Minimise the risk of violence, property damage or other criminal activities.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”
He urged the protesters to cooperate with policemen, adding that the police would be available to protect them.
FCT police vows to resist violent protest, deploy 4, 200 officers
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command vowed yesterday to resist violent protesters.
The police said 4, 200 officers have been deployed to ensure public safety, protection of protesters and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.
FCT Police Public Relations Officers, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement he issued on behalf of the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, said: “The FCT Police Command, in anticipation of the planned nationwide protest by some human rights activists and Nigerian youths to publicly express their displeasure over hunger and hardship, has proactively deployed material and human resources at the command’s disposal across the nooks and crannies of the nation’s capital.
“The proactive deployment, which is aimed at ensuring public safety, protection of protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors, is characterised by visibility policing, the deployment of explosive ordinance devices (EOD) experts and personnel at various strategic locations, raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, stop and search, vehicular and foot patrol and synergy with sister security agencies.
“The CP vows to resist all forms of violent protest and lawlessness, as the police will not be stampeded into allowing the destruction of public and private properties or loss of lives.”
The police urged residents to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines to report suspicious activities through: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192.
It isn’t time to protest but solve problems, says Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday called on Nigerians to focus on finding solutions to the country’s challenges rather than resorting to protests.
Speaking at the launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity, Shettima acknowledged the difficulties faced by Nigerians but emphasised the need for diplomacy, engagement and patience.
The Vice President unveiled the partnership targeted at addressing Nigeria’s pressing nutritional challenges with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) during a high-level meeting at State House, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima likened the country’s current situation to a woman giving birth, stating that while the process may be painful, the outcome will be worth celebrating.
He also addressed the issue of fuel subsidy, describing it as a 50-year-old “albatross” on the nation’s neck, but expressed optimism that the upcoming harvests will have a positive impact on the common man.
Shettima said: “This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you can start the agitation and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy.
“We appreciate what Nigerians are going through and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man.
“I wish to call on you to advocate for diplomacy, engagement and patience. The President is very much committed to the Nigerian project, but it’s like a percolation project.
“When a woman is giving birth, it’s a very painful process. But once the child is delivered, it is a cause for celebration.”
As part of the government’s response to the nutritional crisis, VP Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, explaining that “catalytic initiatives like the Nutrition 774 Initiative are meticulously designed to incentivise positive changes across our communities”.
CAN urges protesters to consider alternative approach
The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday advised Nigerians, especially those that would be involved in the scheduled August 1 nationwide protest, to consider an alternative means of expressing their grievances.
It urged Nigerians to give government more time to address pressing concerns.
A statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said: “This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties.”
He said “the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stands in solidarity with the citizens of our great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger.
“We recognise and deeply empathise with the pain, anger and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing.
“The cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.
“As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances.
“The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all.
“Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable.”
Okoh, however, said the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.
He said: “We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives.
“These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.
“In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns”.
The CAN President called on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardship in the land.
“The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people.
“Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.
“Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.
Tompolo: Protest will cause more harm than good
The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo appealed to the brains behind the planned August 1st to 10th, 2024 nationwide protest to drop the idea in the interest of the country.
Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, said that while there is hunger and hardship in the land, the President and his team are not sleeping over the compelling concerns of the people.
Tompolo’s appeal, contained in a statement he personally signed yesterday, follows similar concerns expressed by the National Security Adviser, governors, top traditional rulers and others ahead of the protest date.
He urged Nigerians to show accord the President more patience, noting that the economic hardship affecting the country did not start with the Tinubu administration.
He stressed that Tinubu was working hard to revamp the economy with well thought out policies and programmes.
He also pointed out the holistic measures being put in place to address the nation’s economic and security challenges which are linked to some of the challenges in the country.
The Tantita Boss also stressed that the timing of the planned protest is inimical to the interest of the nation as security reports have indicated strongly that the protests might be hijacked by people with other intentions.
He said: “I am aware of Mr President’s efforts to get things right in the country, and truly things are getting better. For instance, there is great improvement in the oil and gas sector in the last one year, which is still the mainstay of our economy.
“I am aware of the right of the citizenry to protest government policies and programmes in any country. It is one sure way for the citizens to participate effectively in governance, by checking the excesses of any government.
“However, the organisers of this planned protest against hardship must know that the timing is wrong, and the protest may cause more harm than good, as security reports have indicated that the protest will be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.”
Traditional rulers reject planned protest
Traditional Rulers in the country have frowned at the planned mass protest against economic hardship and called on the Federal Government to address the challenges of high cost of living in the country.
The traditional rulers urged the government to do everything possible to address the high cost of petroleum products, high cost of electricity tariff and agricultural meetings.
The traditional rulers made their position known in a communique issued at the end of their Quarterly Executive Committee meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria held on Monday, July 22 at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
The meeting, according to the communiqué, was chaired by His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and co-chaired by Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.
The communique was signed by Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman Coordinating Committee.
Traditional Rulers commended the government for the provision of palliatives, student loan scheme and recently approved N70,000.00 minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
The resolution reads: “The high cost of living in the country should be brought down by the Government by addressing the high cost of petroleum products, high cost of electricity tariff and agricultural inputs.
“Council reiterates the view that the task of building a stable, strong and purposeful nation requires the involvement of every stakeholder, including most emphatically the traditional leaders, and called on all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to this noble and imperative duty.
“The Members of Council in the course of their deliberations frowned at the idea of the purported economic hardship protest.
“The idea is counter-productive and it could lead to wanton disruption of economic activities, disturbance of peace and loss of lives and property.
“In the light of this, we enjoin all and sundry to embrace dialogue in finding solution to the impasse.”
The Council also “noted the serious level of unemployment and the economic challenges facing the citizenry, all of which lead to youth restiveness and other security challenges.
“Council equally notes the various Youth Empowerment programmes of the federal and states governments.
“Council therefore calls on the governments at all levels to ensure the proper implementation of those laudable programmes and calls on them to move vigorously to pursue effective economic programmes that aim at poverty alleviation, infrastructural development and sustenance, employment generation, as well as demonstrate a renewed commitment to fight corruption in all its ramifications.
“Council noted the frequent consultation among Traditional Leaders and resolved to continue to meet, exchange ideas and examine the vital issues of nation building in the desire to promote community security, mutual understanding and national integration.
“Council further emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving all contentious issues pertaining to nation building.
