• Lagos CP meets organisers, promises maximum security, professionalism
• States follow FG lead, mull lowkey celebrations
• FG declares Tuesday October 1 public holiday
Many youth groups in the country, including traders and ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region have distanced themselves from the planned October 1, protest.
The groups sued for peace, urging the protest planners to embrace dialogue instead of engaging in actions that could setback the country.
In the Niger Delta, youths and freedom fighters comprising Phase 1, 2 and 3 leaders and men of the Amnesty Programme, noted that protesting at the time when the Federal Government has shown readiness to develop the region would be detrimental to the good works underway for the area.
They spoke at the end of a three-day interactive stakeholders forum with the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, in Effurun, Delta State.
The pioneer Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President, Elder Timi Ogoriba, while noting that protest was not alien to the Niger Delta people, noted that the Federal Government is already aware of the needs of the region.
“Protests started since 1939, April 1. Today, the Federal Government is aware of all that we need in the Niger Delta. Our protests have been made, so we want to give opportunities to our people that have been appointed to deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Thank God, that Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed the likes of our brother, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, to coordinate this Amnesty Programme that is bringing results. If you give him (Otuaro) peace, we know that he will do a lot,” Ogoriba stated.
An ex-agitator leader, Paul Elvis, popularly known as General Ogubos, warned against joining protest, stating: “development cannot be attained in a society of war.”
The Amnesty boss, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, assured the ex-agitators that President Bola Tinubu was interested in their welfare and development of the oil-rich region, further revealing that works would begin on the East-West Road soon.
According to him, “Mr. President is interested in our budget increment to accommodate more people, more women and more stakeholders”.
Read Also: Shettima at UNGA
Urging them to shun the planned protest, he said such protests may derail the peace and development plans for the area.
Otuaro disclosed that the Programme is reviewing its academic education vocational training strategies to accommodate more beneficiaries.
“My appeal to you is to continue to give Mr. President, me, your support. The President has goodwill towards the development of the Niger Delta. Especially the East-West Road, he has awarded the contract to a Chinese firm and they will start work very soon.
“Those of us in this region are not going to be involved in any protest. We will continue to make the Niger Delta peaceful. The problems of the Niger Delta will be resolved by the President, but it is up to us to ensure our region is not used as a base for protests.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that our region is peaceful. It is in our hands to keep the Niger Delta secure and support the Federal Government’s efforts to improve our communities,” he added.
“Nobody can say that the reforms are not affecting our pockets, but these are going to fizzle out with time. The President means well for the Niger Delta, and we must support his efforts to bring development to our region,” Dr. Otuaro emphasized.
Toeing the path of the ex-agitators, a Northern group, Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) also kicked against the planned nationwide protest.
Addressing the press at the weekend, the National Coordinator of Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence, Haruna Bature along with the Chairman, Abuja Chapter of the group, Comrade Ogah Mark Okpanachi advised the protesters to take the path of dialogue rather than violence.
The group said: “We stand before you today with a deep sense of duty and responsibility, speaking not just as concerned Nigerians but as advocates for peace, progress, and stability in our great nation. We are the Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence, and we are here to address the looming October 1st protest being planned across the country.
“We want to acknowledge the efforts of the Tinubu administration in implementing policies that aim to improve our nation. The rollout of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, for instance, is a step towards providing affordable and efficient transportation for our citizens. Additionally, the ministerial performance bond is a bold move to ensure accountability and effectiveness within the government. The planned implementation of the new National Minimum Wage in April is also a welcome development.”
However, the AYPC said it understands that despite “these efforts, many of our youths are planning to protest on October 1, 2024, in Abuja. I urge our young people to reconsider this action. Protests can often lead to riots, and we must prioritize peace and stability in our city. Instead, I propose that we engage in constructive dialogue with the government to address our concerns. Let us work together to find solutions to our economic challenges, such as the rising inflation rate and fuel subsidy removal. Our collective voices can bring about positive change, but let us do so in a peaceful and respectful manner.
“First and foremost, we must consider the economic impact of a large-scale protest. Protests can easily disrupt economic activities, halt business operations, and create an atmosphere of uncertainty. Nigeria is already dealing with economic challenges, and a protest of this magnitude could further slowdown growth, affect our fragile markets, and disrupt livelihoods. The very businesses that people depend on for their daily sustenance could be crippled, and the ripple effects on jobs, trade, and investment would be damaging.
“Secondly, there is the issue of security. We live in a time where insecurity remains a serious concern. Protests, no matter how well-intentioned, have the potential to be hijacked by criminal elements. What begins as a peaceful demonstration can quickly escalate into chaos, resulting in violence, looting, and harm to innocent citizens. We have seen this happen before, and we cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. The safety of all Nigerians is paramount, and we cannot put that at risk.”
The Arewa group added: “Moreover, when protests spiral out of control, the fabric of society is threatened. Our unity as a people is tested, and divisions can deepen. We must ask ourselves: Is this the Nigeria we want to create? A Nigeria where distrust and conflict take precedence over dialogue and understanding? A Nigeria where we allow temporary hardship to cloud our vision for the future?
“Our message today is clear: We must not allow our frustrations to push us towards actions that could derail the progress we seek. We urge Nigerians to avoid the October 1st protest and instead embrace constructive dialogue with the government. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has shown a willingness to listen, to engage, and to make adjustments where necessary. Let us use this avenue to voice our concerns and collaborate on solutions that will bring long-term relief.
“To the Tinubu administration, we encourage you to continue listening to the concerns of our youths and addressing the issues that affect them. Your policies have the potential to shape the future of our nation, and we must work together to ensure that future is bright.”
The group went on to call on fellow youth across Nigeria to channel their energy into more productive efforts. “We are the future of this country, and our role is not to destroy but to build. Together, we can contribute to the nation’s growth by remaining patient, peaceful, and focused on the larger picture.
“We plead with Nigerians to endure this period of hardship with us. These tough times are not permanent, and we are confident that with our collective resilience, we will overcome. Let us not allow short-term difficulties to distract us from the long-term gains we all stand to enjoy. Let us work together to keep Nigeria secure, stable, and united.”
FCT traders warn protest planners
Traders, marketers, and shop owners across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have warned protesters planning to shut down the nation’s capital to avoid their business environments
Chairman of All Chairmen and Secretaries of FCT Markets and Plazas, Chief Raphael Okorie, in a statement said protesters often target shops, markets and plazas, where they often steal.
Okorie said traders and other business owners in the FCT will not sit back and allow hoodlums to hide under the guise of protests to attack their businesses.
Okorie maintained that though people have the right to protest, business owners in Abuja are always at the receiving end and called on protesters to explore other ways of expressing their grievances.
He said traders, business owners, and other members of the association will not participate in the planned protest, as it will not help the country at this critical and trying time.
He said that though traders are affected by the current economic crisis, Okorie noted that taking to the streets to campaign against the government was illogical, arguing that hoodlums will hijack the process and create more troubles.
Okorie: “Nigeria is passing through a difficult phase, and we acknowledge this reality. We also know that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying to implement key reforms in the country. These things come with pain.
“We also believe that in no time, the country will get out of the woods, and Nigerians will smile again. This our firm belief is the reason why we have decided not to participate in the planned protests slated for October 1st.
“Though we are not against the protesters, we, however, urge them to jettison the idea. Hoodlums usually take advantage of these protests, and we don’t want that.
“And when these hoodlums take over and hijack the process, our members are usually the victims. These hoodlums will attack our shops, plazas, and businesses. This is always a regular thing.
“It is on this note that we are urging these protesters to jettison the idea. But if they insist, we are warning them to stay away from our businesses. We will not stay back and allow them to destroy our sources of livelihood.”
Lagos CP meets organisers, promises maximum security, professionalism
Meanwhile , the Lagos State Police Commissioner Olanrewaju Ishola , as part of proactive measures towards ensuring a safe and secure Lagos State before, during and after the proposed #endbadgovernance protests scheduled for October 1, 2024, has met with the protest organizers in his office at the State Headquarters, Ikeja.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the CP assured the organisers that arrangements had been perfected with sister security agencies to provide maximum security to the protesters and other Lagosians, while urging them to remain peaceful and law abiding in all their actions.
However, CP Ishola has ordered the immediate and optimal deployment of human and operational resources across strategic locations in the state.
“In the same vein, he has charged the deployed officers to be professional, civil but firm,” the statement said.
The protest organizers, on their part, gave assurances that they and their followers would be peaceful and law-abiding during the protests.
In attendance at the meeting were: Dabiradura Adeyinka, Alex Omotehnse, I. Tobiloba, Lawal Adewale, Adewale Ojo, Declan I., Funmi Jolade Ajayi, Akintunde Adedeji, Balogun Hameed, Aghedo Stephen, Edafe Oghenebrume, H.O.T. Duro, Isaac Obasi, Soweto, Oloye Adeniji, Aishat Omolara, Barrister Chuks Nwobi, Emmanuel Ajide Esq., Femi Akinyemi, Esq. (Falana & Falana Chambers) and Comrade Oguntunji.
FG declares Tuesday October 1st as public holiday
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1st as a public holiday to commemorate the nation’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on this occasion.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo praised the patient and hardworking Nigerian men and women, stating that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
Aligning himself with the theme for the anniversary, the Minister reiterated the need for Nigerians to reflect on the labour of our heroes past and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realising that a “Nigeria of our dream can only be built when we unite.”
While wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day Anniversary, Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building.
