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Tag: protest

  • Lawmaker to youths: shun protest

    Lawmaker to youths: shun protest

    Gbolahan Yishawu, the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency 2 in Lagos, has urged youths to shun the impending protest, adding that peaceful dialogue is the way to go.

    He acknowledged the challenges faced by the country but assured the youth that  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team  are working diligently to address these issues.

    Yishawu admonished them  to engage in dialogue with the government rather than resorting to protests.

    He spoke at  a programme to educate young people on the harmful effects of drug abuse.

    Yishawu invited officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to counsel youths about the dangers of drug abuse.

    Read Also: Lead Generation Initiative vows to join nationwide protest

    He emphasized the need for youths to reject drugs.

    “We all know what drugs do to people and the prevalence of drugs from statistics worldwide.

    “We have officials from NDLEA to provide the right advocacy and explain the implications of drug use.

    The youth are the strength of the nation, and we must ensure they understand the dangers of drug abuse”, he said.

     Olasupo Jubril, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, expressed his disapproval of the protest and encouraged other youths to maintain decorum and engage in dialogue with the government.

    Other youths echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the negative experiences and damage caused by the previous protest as reasons to avoid participating in the planned demonstration.

  • IGP urges officers to be at alert for protest hijack

    IGP urges officers to be at alert for protest hijack

    The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has advised officers to be at alert to prevent hijack of the protest by hoodlums.

    Egbetokun gave the advice while addressing a virtual conference with Senior Police Officers from across the country.

    He focused on critical issues of preparedness, deployment, and the maintenance of law and order during the planned nationwide protest in the country.

    A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi reads: “IGP emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and professionalism within the force, noting that the safety and security of the nation depend on the vigilance, gallantry, and readiness of our officers in the Police and other security agencies.

    Read Also: Cabals behind planned nationwide protest, says Presidency

    “The IGP highlighted the need for continuous preparedness and strategic deployment of police officers to respond to any situation while maximally equipped, and ready to handle any scenario that may arise. Stressing the critical role of the police in maintaining law and order, the IGP reminded senior officers of their duty to uphold the rule of law, and police with the highest level of integrity.

    “The IGP also emphasized that while peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right, the police must be vigilant to prevent any group from hijacking such events to incite violence”.

    He directed that proactive measures must be taken to ensure that peaceful protests do not turn into violent confrontations, as Nigeria cannot afford to record any violence in this period.

    Adejobi said: “Furthermore, with much emphasis, the IGP issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news via various media platforms charging officers to put in necessary emplacements to manage this, and advising members of the public to shun the spread of unverified contents on social media. The IGP also warned against unplanned protests and unnecessary street processions, which can disrupt public order and safety, reiterating that confined protests are best in this situation to prevent destruction of public infrastructures and other properties”.

    The IGP called on all senior officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to service, emphasizing that their leadership is crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.

  • I never approved Eagle Square for protest, says Wike

    I never approved Eagle Square for protest, says Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has clarified he did not approve the use of Eagle Square for any event, prompting enhanced security measures to protect national infrastructure. 

    Wike said this while responding to questions from reporters after inspecting an ongoing road project connecting two communities in Abaji.

    He said: “We don’t want to take anything for granted; we want to make sure that security is tight and intact. 

    “I never approved the use of Eagle Square for anybody, which likely informed the security measures to ensure all public areas are well protected. We will not allow hoodlums to take advantage and begin to vandalise our infrastructure.

    “We have always said that we are not only concentrating on the city center but are also trying to open up satellite towns. This is in line with the President’s belief in discouraging migration to the city by providing necessary infrastructure in rural areas. 

    Read Also: VIDEO: Police helicopter parading national flag around the Eagle Square

     “Urban and rural migration is discouraged when such infrastructure is provided, addressing the root cause of migration”.

    He stated these actions align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at positively impacting all areas of the FCT. 

    He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly those connecting various communities, which he believes will significantly improve livelihoods and transportation.


    The Minister emphasised that those who criticise the administration’s efforts may not have visited the rural areas to witness the progress firsthand.

    He urged patience, noting the substantial achievements made within just one year of President Tinubu’s administration.

  • Ondo protest organisers pull out

    Ondo protest organisers pull out

    Organisers of the ‘Endbadgovernance’ protest in Ondo State, the Concerned Revolutionary Youths, have pulled out of the protest.

    It also handed branded banners and t-shirts to security agents in the state.

    The group said they should not be held responsible for any person that stage street protest in Akure and environs.

    Secretary of the group, Ogundipe Seyi, who displayed the branded t-shirts before handing them over to security agencies, told journalists in Akure that prominent citizens spoke on the need not to set the state on fire.

    Ogundipe said the group was made to understand about plans by hoodlums to infiltrate the protest and set several buildings belonging to non-indigenes ablaze.

    Read Also: Protest: We have uncovered plot to deploy hired thugs to cause anarchy in Rivers, says Fubara

    He stated that the decision to pull out of the protest was not because of financial inducement or intimidation but due to security reports that some groups were preparing to hijack the protest to settle ethnic scores.

    “We are out to show our grievances. We will be putting on hold this protest. We were not paid to stop the protest. Records are in public domain
    We are not being bankrolled. 

    “We will not compromise our stand. Minister of Youths engaged us. We have written letters and memos in time past. Give us prerogative for free assembly. The Oba engaged the youths, Amotekun engaged the youth.

    “We have decided to put a stop to the protest. One of our demand is price control. We will continue to engage the government. We do jot have issue with non indigenous people. We are disengaging from the protest. 

    “We met with all quarter leaders in Akure. If any group or miscreants decided to go to the street tomorrow, I urge the government to do the right thing. We do not want hoodlums to hijack the protest. We were told some miscreants planned to burn down some properties owned by our Ibo brothers. If anybody comes out tomorrow and it turns bloody. We are not involve.”

  • Five tips on how to stay safe during protest

    Five tips on how to stay safe during protest

    Amid the planned protest is set to begin on Thursday, August 1, prioritising safety is crucial.

    Organizers are rallying Nigerians to protest against the country’s economic hardships.

    The protest, which is gaining traction on social media, will take place across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, starting August 1, therefore, effective management of these events requires thorough preparation and vigilance.

    Here are some key tips on how to stay safe during a protest:

    1. Stay informed about the protest’s details, route, and potential risks.

    Knowing the purpose of the protest and being aware of any safety concerns can help you make good and calculated decisions. Plan your movement around the information you have gotten.

    2. It is advisable to stay in a group or with a buddy during the protest. This can provide mutual support, especially in case of emergencies.

    Additionally, make sure to have a communication plan in place with your group to stay connected.

    3. Dress appropriately for the occasion: Dressing well can also enhance your safety. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can allow you to move quickly if needed.

    Carry essentials like water, snacks, a fully charged phone, a power bank and any necessary medications if required.

    Read Also: Shun protest, government doing its best, Lagos Speaker appeals

    4. Always be mindful of your surroundings and stay alert: Avoid confrontations, stay away from any violence, and have an exit strategy in mind if the situation escalates. Do not move too close to anyone and make sure there is enough breathing space.

    5. It is crucial to prioritize your well-being: If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable or sick during the protest, trust your instincts and move to a safer location. Don’t keep on protesting if you are not feeling okay.

    Remember, your safety is important, and taking proactive measures can help ensure a peaceful and secure protest experience.

  • Niger Delta ex-agitators pull out of proposed protest, say promoters plotting anarchy

    Niger Delta ex-agitators pull out of proposed protest, say promoters plotting anarchy

    Hundreds of ex-agitators in the Niger Delta have rescinded their initial decision to partake in the proposed hardship protest, saying promoters of the event have unconstitutional motives.

    The ex-agitators, who rose from an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, July 31, resolved to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, insisting that with more time the President would resolve all the problems afflicting the country.

    The position to abstain from any form of protest was endorsed by ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta region, national leaders of concern Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, National leaders Niger Delta Movement for Good Governance, ex-freedom fighters of the Niger Delta region, Coalition of Niger Delta Students and Coalition of Aggrieved Niger Delta Youths.

    Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders at the meeting, the National Secretary of First Phase Ex-agitators, Gen. Nature Kieghe, said though protest is the right of the people, any such event with the motive of destabilising the country to bring about anarchy should be resisted by the citizens.

    Kieghe said having gone through the demands of the promoters, the ex-agitators decided to pull out of it in the interest of peace and development of the region and the country.

    Read Also; Onyeka Onwenu’s last moment before her death

    He particularly condemned the demand for change of government by the promoters saying it revealed that the entire objective was not to demand food governance but to violently try to take over power.

    He said: “In a democracy that we practise, there is no room for anarchy; the only way the government can be changed is through an election. When one election cycle closes and you fail to actualise your political ambition, you need to wait for another election cycle to try again.

    “Therefore, the election remains the only constitutionally accepted means of replacing any government, it is not by protest. As ex-agitators, we won’t join a protest already designed to cause violence.

    “We still have confidence in the capacity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition this country. He is barely one year in office and we have resolved to give him more time to allow the gains of his policies and programmes to permeate the nooks and crannies of this country.

    “But if after his tenure and we fail to see significant progress, then we will return to take another decision ahead of the 2027 election.

    “We make bold to declare that the subsisting leadership cannot be changed unless there is an election. What they are trying to achieve is mutiny, a coup and it has no place in a democracy.

    “The organisers have wrong motives and we can’t identify with them. The government was elected and it cannot be removed through protest. We already have many crises on our hands and we cannot allow for any breakdown of law and order in our region”.

  • FULL LIST: The demands of protesters for August 1 nationwide protest

    FULL LIST: The demands of protesters for August 1 nationwide protest

    As momentum continues to gather ahead of the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, some organisers have insisted that they remained undaunted and would hit the streets on August 1.

    The aggrieved Nigerians have been mobilising and organising on social media platforms especially X (formerly Twitter).

    Different groups are organising the protests, including the Take It Back Movement, led by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.

    Other groups include Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative for Change, Take it Back Movement, Revolution Now, Human Rights Co-Advocacy Group, Nigerians Against Corruption Initiative, Citizens for Change Advocacy Initiative, Timely Intervention, Active Citizens Group, Students for Change, We Coalition, Total Intervention, Refurbished Nigeria, Tomorrow Today, Our Future in Our Own Hands Initiative, Youths Against Tyranny, and Call a Spade a Spade Movement, among others.

    Read Also; Onyeka Onwenu’s last moment before her death

    In one of the fliers posted on social media, the protesters demand an end to anti-people policies, overtaxing, and electoral fraud, which they say have caused widespread suffering and frustration.

    Specifically, they are calling for the reversal of the fuel price hike to below N300 per litre, the restoration of affordable electricity tariffs, and the reduction of import duties to their previous rates.

    They also demand the reversal of the hike in tertiary education fees by many institutions.

    The protesters are also demanding transparency and accountability in governance, including the public disclosure and reduction of public officials’ salaries and allowances and an emergency fund to support SMEs.

    They also call for electoral reforms, including the autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electronic transmission of live electoral results, and the reopening of national borders.

    Additionally, they demand reforms in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a state of emergency on inflation, and a reform of the judiciary to ensure swift and fair justice.

    Other demands are public school mandates by ensuring that children of all public office holders attend public schools in the country. In support of local products, the government must patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.

    “Transition to a unicameral legislature; Judicial and Constitutional Reforms: Implement thorough judicial and constitutional reforms: Scraping of the 1999 Constitution and replace it with a people-made constitution through a Sovereign National Conference, followed by a National Referendum.

    They are also seeking the abolishment of the Senate, saying the House of Representatives be retained to make laws on a part-time basis. “As far as they are concerned the government has no option but to reinstate a corruption-free subsidy regime to reduce hunger, starvation, and poverty.

    “Probe past and present Nigerian leaders who have looted the treasury, recover their loot, and reinvest it.

    “Restructure Nigeria to accommodate its diversity, resource control, decentralization, and regional development. Reform security agencies to stop human rights violations and enhance citizens’ physical security.

    “Establish a Special Energy Fund for power sector development. Reconstitute INEC to remove corrupt and partisan officials. Invest in public works and industrialisation to employ Nigerian youths.

    “Shake up the judiciary to remove corrupt judges and officers, ensuring real justice for citizens. Introduce diaspora voting to allow Nigerians abroad to vote.”

  • First Lady urges restraint amid planned nationwide protest

    First Lady urges restraint amid planned nationwide protest

    …urges youths to use opportunities being provided by govt’s efforts

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has appealed to those planning a nationwide protest to reconsider their actions, citing the potential harm it could cause to vulnerable Nigerians.

    First Lady Tinubu also called on Nigerian youths to engage themselves creatively and seize the numerous opportunities available in the country, emphasising the government’s efforts to revitalize the economy and restore Nigeria’s international reputation.

    Speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting with wives of state governors and Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Coordinators, the First Lady expressed her concerns about the strike’s impact on small businesses and petty traders.

    Meanwhile, before the commencement of the meeting, the First Lady called for a minute silence in memory of legendary musician, journalist, actress and activist, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu, who died Tuesday evening in Lagos.

    She highlighted how Ms. Onwenu had been of immense support to her in her various endeavours, saying she would be really missed.

    Read Also; Onyeka Onwenu’s last moment before her death

    Mrs. Tinubu urged the strike organizers to consider the welfare of Nigerians who are already facing challenges, even as she highlighted the efforts of the government to create a conducive atmosphere for all citizens.

    “Lagos has not recovered from #EndSARS and it saddens our hearts and what people don’t realize is that when we’re drumming for things like that, we don’t know the backlash and what will happen after.

    “All those things are very distracting and I will appeal to them to be patient, we didn’t come here playing, we came here to work because, one, I know we’ll leave this place one day and I want to go into a Nigeria that will not be a burden to me. I’ll be much older and I want to make sure that I take my rest in a very conducive and nice atmosphere and that’s what we’re doing.

    “If they’re trying to be destructive, it’s left between them and the law, but I pray that they would reconsider and then don’t make life difficult for those who are still having quite a challenging life. That’s why we’re putting money into the hands of petty traders, giving them a grant of N50,000, it’s not a loan, just to help small businesses.

    “We’ve done that in the past and I saw how well it went. They shouldn’t deprive all those people who depend on their daily living and then try to obstruct that. So I appeal to them and I hope they see reasons”, she said.

    She noted that the efforts of the administration since it resumed last year have created several opportunities that Nigerians can take advantage of, especially the newfound global respect, adding, however, that Nigerians must stand up to take advantage of the opportunities.

    “This government has been working day and night to make sure that this country is put back on its feet. The respect we have now as Nigerians in the international community is higher than what we’ve had in the past.

    “People want to do business with Nigeria legitimately now because they know all cards are on the table. They want to do business with Nigerians legitimately and that will create jobs. So our youth should try to engage themselves, be creative, and do more.

    “So everybody has to be creative, our youth have to be seen doing something, nobody’s going to even encourage and put money into the pocket of somebody who’s not doing anything.

    “There’s so many opportunities in Nigeria. People made money during COVID, lots of money, just by making sanitisers and creating different things that people could use at that time.

    “The respect we have… when I went to Belarus, I didn’t book an appointment to see the President, we were invited for a festival and I said I’ll use that to rest a bit, but immediately I hit the ground everybody wanted… Nigeria is like the new bright in the international community and the youth have to see that”, she said.

    Speaking on some of the new initiatives that the administration has introduced and encouraged, the First Lady said it is in starting such things, like her Young Farmers Club and others, that Nigeria can start preparing its citizens for the future

    “The opportunities are there, it’s not what it used to be. People have to reach out and they are things that we’ve done before. Why would I say I want to do ‘Young Farmers Club’? Why do I want to grow gardens in the house? I love scent leaves, my mom is from the Delta, and we cooked a lot of pepper soup and I love my scent leaves to be fresh and I have one. I have lemongrass because I love Lemongrass Tea and things like that.

    “You can grow what you eat and we’re taking it to the young people now so that at least they’ll have the culture. Why do I have that? It’s from my public primary school days that we had school farms and then people were growing a lot of things. Those are the things we want to introduce.

    “We have to begin now to encourage good initiatives. You’ll remember when my husband was governor, we started ‘Spelling Bee’ and that raised the standard of education. It wasn’t done in a day. When we started growing the crops, did it just sprout overnight? It takes time, we have to water it and that’s what this administration is doing

    The respect we have… when I went to Belarus, I didn’t book an appointment to see the President, we were invited for a festival and I said I’ll use that to rest a bit, but immediately I hit the ground everybody wanted… Nigeria is like the new bride in the international community and the youth have to see that”, she said.

    Meanwhile, during the meeting with the wives of state governors and RHI coordinators, Mrs. Tinubu provided updates on various sectors where RHI is making significant strides through collaborations.

    In education, RHI is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Education, UBEC, TETFUND, and AUDA-NEPAD.

    Health sector collaborations include the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, Stop TB Partnership, and UNICEF. In agriculture, RHI is working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and NADFUND to train female farmers across all states and the FCT.

    Highlighting economic empowerment efforts, the First Lady announced the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative Women Economic Empowerment Programme for Petty Traders, set for August 22, 2024.

    This program will provide N50,000 grants to 1,000 women petty traders in each state and the FCT. Additionally, she mentioned the unveiling of 200 awardees under the AUDA-NEPAD/RHI Scholarship Programme, scheduled for August 1, 2024.

    She also touched on other ongoing and upcoming initiatives, including the #ONE NIGERIA UNITY FABRIC, the #Every Home A Garden Competition, and various training programs for women and young farmers.

    She urged states yet to submit their lists of beneficiaries for the economic empowerment program to do so promptly, ensuring the initiatives reach those in need.

  • JUST IN: Senate to protesters: give Tinubu more time for policies to yield results

    JUST IN: Senate to protesters: give Tinubu more time for policies to yield results

    …as 75 senators attend emergency session

    The Senate on Wednesday, July 31, called on organisers of the proposed #Endbadgovernance protests slated to commence on Thursday, August 1, to give President Bola Tinubu more time to allow his policies to yield desired results.

    The Senate said that one year is too short for the President’s economic and social policies to take root and yield results.

    Read Also; Onyeka Onwenu’s last moment before her death

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed the resolutions of the Senate at plenary after its executive session.

    He also disclosed that 75 Senators were present at the session despite speculations that Senators had left the country ahead of the planned protests.

    Details shortly…

  • Yoruba Obas forum to subjects: shun protest, tackle hardship constructively

    Yoruba Obas forum to subjects: shun protest, tackle hardship constructively

    Monarchs across Yoruba land have urged their subjects in communities to avoid the planned nationwide protest and instead address the current hardship constructively.

    The monarchs, under the aegis of Yoruba Obas Forum (YOF), issued a statement jointly signed on Tuesday by the national president of the forum, the Molokun of Atijere, Oba Samuel Olusola Adeoye, JP, the Deputy National President and the Elerinmo of Erinmo, Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi, and the public relations officer and Alayandelu of Odo Alayandelu, Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe.

    They urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue over any action that could unsettle the nation.

    The statement emphasised that while protests have been a means for nations to address challenges, they also pose a risk of causing harm to human lives and properties.

    Read Also; Onyeka Onwenu’s last moment before her death

    The statement read: “We too understand and are aware of the frustration and challenges faced by many Nigerians, but it is essential to approach these issues constructively and with dialogue.

    “We, Yoruba Obas Forum acknowledged the role of protests in a democracy and that’s why we are warning against those who might exploit these events for malicious purposes as certain groups are looking to use this protest to incite violence and crime.

    “Please, don’t let non-state actors disrupt already existing peace and stability of our land, please be cautioned.

    It was admonished that protesters must consider the broader implications on national stability, noting that “Dialogue, round table conference, and collaboration are far more effective solutions and antidote.”

    “We, Yoruba Obas again, implore all our youths not to follow the part of anarchy, or destruction, we too are also aware that there is hunger, insecurity, and unemployment in the land, but the signals out there clearly indicate that another nationwide protest will definitely plunge this nation into more economic mess and insecurity.

    “As your fathers, we earnestly appeal to you all to shelve the planned protest in the interest of our dear nation”, it added.