The Nation Newspaper

Tag: protest

  • Protest: Southeast NASS caucus condemns alleged ethnic profiling of Igbos

    Protest: Southeast NASS caucus condemns alleged ethnic profiling of Igbos

    …urges security agencies to probe, prosecute culprits

    The Southeast caucus of the National Assembly on Friday, August 2, condemned alleged ethnic profiling of Igbos in the face of ongoing protests in parts of the country.

    The xaucus also called on security agencies to fish out those behind the hate messages and prosecute them in line with the Cybercrimes Act and other extant laws of the country.

    The caucus made the demands in a statement signed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Leader of the South East Senate Caucus) and Rt. Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo (Leader of the South East Caucus of the House of Representatives) in Abuja.

    The statement reads in part: “The attention of the South East Caucus of the National Assembly has been drawn to the unfortunate  and dangerous ethnic profiling of Igbos in the ongoing mass protests across the country.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    “For the records, the Igbo nation, in obedience to the advice of their leaders – Governors, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, parliamentarians and others in the private sector – had taken a reasoned and strategic decision not to participate in the on-going nationwide protests. This is evident in the relative calm experienced in the five South Eastern states.

    “We are, therefore, surprised and disappointed, that Igbos are still made scapegoats,  and targeted as instigators of protests, as shown in several statements (such as the Igbo Must Go hashtag and call by a certain ‘Lagospedia’ X (Twitter) handle) and videos seen online.

    “This dangerous ethnic profiling is unwarranted, and must stop. It was such profiling that led to the millions of deaths in Nigeria from the 1950’s to the unfortunate civil war in 1967 to 1970.

    “Elsewhere in Africa, it led to the genocide in Rwanda and the xenophobia in South Africa. Such should not be our fate again in Nigeria.

    “We demand therefore that the  security agencies bring to book the purveyors of these hate speeches in line with the Cybercrimes Act and criminal laws of the country.

    “We continue to appeal to Igbos across the country to stay away from the protests, and remain law abiding.”

  • No more protests in Northern Nigeria – Arewa Youth Groups

    No more protests in Northern Nigeria – Arewa Youth Groups

    Some Arewa youth groups have announced a ban on all forms of protests in Northern Nigeria for the next year. 

    A statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Alkali said the decision was made after an assessment of the events that unfolded on August 1 during the protests against the Federal Government.

    According to the groups, the protests were hijacked by criminal elements who used the opportunity to wreak havoc on communities in the North.

    The groups condemned the violence, arson, and criminal activities that took place during the protests, stating that they were unacceptable and threatened the fabric of society.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    According to Alkali, the actions of those behind the protests are a clear indication that they want to destroy the North, adding that “they have no regard for our values, our culture, and our way of life” and have already “caused significant economic losses to the people, and we cannot afford to continue on this path.”

    He added: “After careful assessment of the events that unfolded on August 1 during the protests against the Federal Government, we have resolved to place a ban on all forms of protests in Northern Nigeria for the next year.

    “This decision was not taken lightly, but it has become necessary to protect the interests and well-being of our people. The events of August 1, were a clear indication that those behind the protests had ulterior motives that were detrimental to the North. The level of violence, arson, and criminal activities that took place during the protests were unprecedented and unacceptable.

    “We condemn in the strongest terms the destruction of properties, the attack on innocent citizens, and the disruption of peace and order in our region. These actions are not only unhelpful but also threaten the very fabric of our society. 

    “The protests were characterized by wanton destruction of public and private properties, looting, and maiming of innocent citizens. This is not what we expect from a peaceful protest.

    “Furthermore, the protests were hijacked by criminal elements who used the opportunity to wreak havoc on our communities. We cannot fold our arms and watch as our region is being destroyed by those who do not have our interests at heart. 

    “The protests have also caused significant economic losses to our people, and we cannot afford to continue on this path. We urge our youths to be vigilant and not allow themselves to be used as tools for destruction.

    “The actions of those behind the protests are a clear indication that they want to destroy the North. They have no regard for our values, our culture, and our way of life. We will not stand idly by while our region is being destroyed. We will work with the security agencies to ensure that those who breach the peace are brought to justice.”

    The Arewa youth groups also commended the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Minister of Agriculture and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, for their stance against violence and their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the North.

    “Their leadership and vision are what our region needs at this critical time. They have shown that they are committed to the well-being of our people, and we urge them to continue on this path,” the statement added. 

    “The efforts of the Ministers ensured that the protests did not get out of hand, preventing further destruction and loss of life. We urge them to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our region is safe and secure.”

    The groups, however, warned troublemakers to stay away from the North and declared their support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration.

    Alkali said: “We will not tolerate any form of violence or destruction in our region. We will work with the security agencies to ensure that those who breach the peace are brought to justice. We will not allow our region to be destroyed by those who do not have our interests at heart.

    “Finally, we declare our support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration. We believe in his vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria, and we will work with him to achieve this goal. We urge all our members and supporters to remain calm and peaceful, and to work towards building a better future for our region and our country.”

  • Protest: Military warns protesters against violence 

    Protest: Military warns protesters against violence 

    …says it won’t watch miscreants put country on fire 

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has warned protesters to conduct their protest in a peaceful manner and desist from destroying property. 

    The military high command said troops are on standby to restore law and order whenever it is called upon by highest authority.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who issued the warning on Friday, August 2, during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters said the security agencies, especially the Police, have shown some form of professionalism in handling the protesters.

    He said: “We have been very professional in our conduct, and we will continue to do that, as long as the citizens also understand that there is a difference between peaceful protest and criminality. What we saw on Wednesday at the beginning was a semblance of peaceful demonstration, but which was quickly taken over by the bunch of criminals that do not mean well. 

    “You remember we had warned that there are individuals ready to cause mayhem once this protest starts… On Wednesday alone, we all saw the level of destruction that took place. You can imagine if this continues for so long. 

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    “The armed forces and the entire security agencies will not stand by and watch that to continue. I want to warn those miscreants and those that don’t want to listen that we will not fold our arms and see our nation continue to be destroyed. We will take action professionally. Anyone that is caught, will be taken to court and will be dealt with.” 

    Gen. Musa appealed to Nigerians, especially the youths, not to allow “criminals and individuals that have lost out” to take advantage of the protest to destroy the country. He also appealed to give the government time for its policies to begin to yield positive results. 

    He said: “The present administration is just there for one year, and it is not possible for them to have solved every financial, economic and security situation within one year. But if we are truthful to ourselves, efforts have been made to address the economic and security situations. Things are improving. We are not where we are but I can assure you we are heading there. And if we have the support of everyone, together we can bring total peace and the economy will pick up. 

    “Just a few days ago I was in the Niger-Delta region to also ensure that our oil production increases immediately so that we can have enough funds. So we want to call on all Nigerians to understand the government. If you have grievances, which I know people have…there are a lot of challenges here and theresaid and I know it is not only in Nigeria. Everywhere in the world is facing one economic or security challenge or the other. So, it is important that we know that we are not alone. But what we can do is not to allow criminals and individuals that have lost out to take advantage of this protest to destroy our country.”

    The defence chief also appealed to the media not to give undeserved coverage to some of the protesters, as such had encouraged them to cause more havoc. 

    “I saw all the media hooked up for the coverage. This is not an election thing. Don’t give them that coverage, because they are looking for opportunities to be on the screen,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Suspend nationwide protests immediately, Adegboruwa tells protesters

    BREAKING: Suspend nationwide protests immediately, Adegboruwa tells protesters

    As the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests entered the second day, Human Rights Lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa SAN has asked youths to immediately suspend the demonstrations.

    Adegboruwa is one of the lawyers of the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups participating in the nationwide protests.

    He regretted deaths and losses recorded during the demonstrations, saying it was not the goal of the protests.

    Recall the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) had on the eve of the protests on Wednesday urged the organisers to reduce the 10-day action to one day.

    The lawyer in a statement obtained by The Nation on Friday, said: “Though the intention of the organisers was to achieve peaceful and well-coordinated protests, it would seem that fifth columnists and some angry persons infiltrated the ranks of the protesters to derail their laudable mission

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    “I appeal to the protesters to withdraw themselves from their various protest grounds and to suspend the protests immediately and indefinitely, in order to give room for meaningful dialogue and engagement with the government.

    “Given that the protests were said to have been hijacked by sponsored agents, it is necessary to avoid further losses and casualties.

    “The organisers of the protests and their representatives should embrace dialogue with the government,” he said.

    He expressed his “sincere condolences to the employers and families of the security personnel and also to the protesters, praying to God to comfort them and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses”.

    Adegboruwa further called on President Bola Tinubu to “directly address the nation and then engage the protesters, through their representatives”.

    He said the government should thereafter set up a committee comprising men and women of integrity to meet with the protesters to address the issues that they have raised.

  • Protesters, NSCDC officer observe Jumat prayer in Osun

    Protesters, NSCDC officer observe Jumat prayer in Osun

    The ongoing nationwide protest received a low turnout of demonstrators on Friday, August 2, in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

    The protesters, who are Muslims, joined by a security operative, observed prayers at Ola-Iya junction, Osogbo.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    The protesters had converged at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, marching through Orisunbare to Ola-Iya where they observed the prayers.

  • Clash of protesters, police averted in Rivers

    Clash of protesters, police averted in Rivers

    A clash between youth protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and personnel of the counter-terrorism unit of the Nigerian Police was averted on Friday during the second day of the ongoing protest.

    The trouble started when the policemen, who were on a show of force along the popular Aba Road ran into the protesters at the Pleasure Park.

    The operatives in many patrol trucks asked the youths to leave the road to grant them access but the protesters refused and rather asked to know how many people the policemen could kill.

    But the armed operatives insisted that they should vacate the road with some alighting from their truck creating tension capable of a clash.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    Sensing danger, the leaders of the protest came forward and appealed to the angry youths to clear the road after calming frayed nerves.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, who got wind of the development moved to the scene immediately, addressed the protesters and appealed to them not to block the roads.

    Disu said:  “I must commend you for being peaceful and conducting yourselves well since yesterday when this protest began.

    “It is your right to protest, but please don’t do anything that will disrupt public peace and don’t infringe on the rights of other citizens.

    “I have an appeal. Please don’t block the roads. Don’t block the road. If you do so you will be infringing on the rights of others who are using the roads.

    “I will leave the Deputy Commissioner of Police with you and I assure you that nobody and no officer will intimidate bored harass you as long as you continue to conduct yourselves in a peaceful and orderly manner.”

    One of the protesting youths assured the police commissioner that they had been peaceful since Thursday and vowed to remain so.

    He said: “Sir, I hope the DC is peaceful. Since yesterday we have been protesting peacefully and we went to the Government House where the Governor addressed us.

    “But please tell your men not to intimidate us. We are on a peaceful protest against the bag government in Nigeria. We want the return of fuel subsidy. We call on the President to also subsidise electricity.”

    “There is so much hunger, poverty, and suffering. The cost of living is too much. President Bola Tinubu must do something or resign from office. We are tired. “

    Meanwhile, the youths have terminated their protest at the Federal Secretariat with blockade and now holding a rally.

  • Violent protest: Military on standby to restore law, order, says CDS

    Violent protest: Military on standby to restore law, order, says CDS

    The military high command says its troops are on standby wherever it is called upon to restore law and order amidst nationwide protest that has turned violent in some parts of the country.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said this during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters on Friday, August 2.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    He said the armed forces would not fold its hands and watch the nation on fire.

    Details shortly…

  • Protest: Normalcy returns to Ibadan as business activities improve

    Protest: Normalcy returns to Ibadan as business activities improve

    As the nationwide protests entered their second day, activities across Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, showed signs of improvement on Friday.

    Although the two protest groups continued their marches through the streets, residents demonstrated greater resolve by resuming their lawful businesses.

    The Nation reports that the protests began on Thursday, August 1, with two distinct groups taking to the streets for peaceful demonstrations.

    One group, operating under the banner “Oyo State Coalition Against Hardship,” and the other, known as the “Take it Back Movement,” both marched through major parts of Ibadan.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    Both groups also hit the street on Friday in continuation of their effort. There was a slight decline in the number of protesters who engaged in the protest march from both groups.

    The “Oyo State Coalition Against Hardship” group who assembled and took off at the University of Ibadan (UI) Gate went through Orogun, down to Ojoo before terminating at UI where they dispersed for the day and announced a continuation of the protest on Monday.

    As they moved across the road, singing solidarity songs, peaceful on one side of the road, vehicular movement was diverted to the other side of the road.

    Some shop owners who were on standby also cheered and chanted with them as the protesters walked past. Some residents also offer the protesters some water, drinks and snacks.

    Also, the “Take it Back Movement”, whose rendezvous has been the Rose Wale Petroleum Station, Iwo Road, headed towards Challenge

    However, more business owners opened shop as early as 8 am while some others who opened only displayed a few stocks.

    Petrol stations also opened for business and sold the product freely.

    There was also an increased vehicular movement on the roads as commercial cabs and motorcycle operators were also out for business in good numbers.

    Major interstate motor parks and garages were also active and fully functional. Number of travellers was also observed to be higher than what was obtainable on the first day of the protest.

    There were security operatives who were visible at different locations across the capital city. Combined security operatives were also seen on patrol across the city.

    For the second day, the Oyo State government Secretariat was also opened. A few offices were also opened within the Secretariat, indicating that some workers might have reported for duty.

  • Police teargas protesters at MKO stadium over refusal to adhere to court order

    Police teargas protesters at MKO stadium over refusal to adhere to court order

    Police officers have fired teargas at protesters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as residents trooped out on the second day of the #EndBadGovernance protest.

    However, the protesters insisted on protesting at the stadium area and within the city.

    Hours later, they marched away from the stadium despite stiff resistance by the security operatives.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    As they headed for the streets, police officers started firing teargas leaving the protesters running for dear lives in different directions.

    This happened on the highway in front of the stadium.

    It was observed that the development caused a stampede at the stadium, and a protester was injured.

    Details shortly…

  • Protest: Give peace a chance, your voices have been heard, Muri Ajaka tells protesters

    Protest: Give peace a chance, your voices have been heard, Muri Ajaka tells protesters

    Kogi state gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 11, 2023 election, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has called on protesters across the country to give peace a chance, saying that their voices have been heard by relevant authorities.

    While empathising with the protesters, Ajaka urged them to embrace peaceful dialogue and allow the government to respond to their concerns.

    He, however, praised their bravery and determination in standing up against economic challenges and advocating for improved living conditions.

    In a statement he personally made available to newsmen, Ajaka said: “Protests of this nature are often hijacked by individuals with destructive motives.

    “I want to emphasise that violence, looting, and destruction of property are not the right way to communicate grievances.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Protesters scramble for sausage rolls, water at Ojota

    “We must express confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ability to address the protesters’ concerns because he has a reputation as a listening leader who understands the language of protest.

    “Caution must be taken that continuing the protests in this current state could lead to further division, chaos, and unnecessary loss of lives and property.

    “Instead, Nigerian youth should embrace peace, engage in dialogue, and work together towards a brighter future for the country.

    “Once again I call on the protesters to end their demonstrations and trust in the government’s willingness to listen and respond.  Let’s continue to pray for peace and harmony in Nigeria to achieve unity in building a better nation for all citizens.”