The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Protesters

  • HIV-challenged protesters

    •It is sad that we abandoned People Living With HIV/AIDS to their own devices

    It is bad enough that in Nigeria over 3.5 million individuals are reportedly members of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NEPWHAN). It is doubly terrible that in the country only 649,000 HIV-positive persons, out of 1.8 million who are in need of antiretroviral drugs, allegedly have access to the care.

    Against this disturbing backdrop, it was perhaps understandable, though equally worrying, that no fewer than 300 NEPWHAN protesters disrupted official activities at the Abuja headquarters of the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA), in an expression of bitterness over alleged neglect of the group’s members. It is a sad reflection of the depth of the group’s grievances that its spokesman, Mr. Sumaila Garba, was quoted as saying that the protesters would ensure that the NACA office was not functional for 25 days.

    It is instructive to note that NEPWHAN National Secretary, Mr. Victor Omosahon, shed light on its confrontational approach. He said: “We are concerned about the miserable conditions of the people living with the virus in Nigeria, as well as the high number of people dying daily from AIDS-related complications due to the lack of access to antiretroviral drugs and the on-going withdrawal of funding support for HIV/AIDS to Nigeria by external funding partners.”

    Further unsettling is the group’s more specific accusation that NACA has failed in the implementation of the Presidential Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) introduced by President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle the treatment access problems, among others. This particular allegation is of scary significance, considering Jonathan’s intention announced at the launch of the initiative last year. He said: “This programme will help us bridge existing service gaps, address key financial, system and coordination challenges in current HIV/AIDS response systems.” It goes without saying that failure in this regard will have unimaginably negative consequences for the affected people, and those who are in charge must not allow a debacle.

    It should be said and stressed that, from the state of things, it would appear that the authorities are, consciously or not, creating an enabling environment for a disaster. Or how else should the insight, provided by the Director-General of NACA, Prof. John Idoko, be interpreted?   A defensive Idoko not only pointed out that the Federal Government’s programme “is starting now, after about 10 years of waiting”. He was quoted as saying: “But it is very far from where we should be. The fund for this today should be like N140bn, but only N8bn has been appropriated.”

    This represents a damning picture of the level of commitment of the powers that be when it comes to addressing public health issues, among which the HIV/AIDS burden ranks high. Nigeria has the second-largest number of people living with HIV, according to the 2012 CIA World Factbook, which is a gloomy piece of information indeed. Apart from this, approximately 170,000 people died from AIDS in 2007 alone, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS).

    Almost three decades after HIV/AIDS was first reported in Nigeria, as the NEPWHAN demonstration has shown, the country is still a long way from overcoming what critical observers have identified as roadblocks, namely, “lack of sincerity, poor funds administration, unclear motives and lax attitude of government officials.” The ugly incident should be probed. Furthermore, it should be seen as an opportunity for the government to seriously review what President Jonathan himself described as “the framework for sustainable financing of health to meet the targeted objectives.”

    The reality of a large HIV-challenged population, which cannot be wished away, should reasonably galvanise the government into action. This constitutes a vulnerable ring and the importance of proper governmental attention to the welfare of those who are living with the virus must be considered non-negotiable.

  • Protesters demand sack of presidential aides

    Protesters demand sack of presidential aides

    The #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) advocacy protesters have demanded the sack or resignation of the presidential aides and officials responsible for the #BringBackGoodluck2015 campaign banners.

    They said the people needed to be held responsible and made to pay for the insensitivity meted out to the grieving Chibok girls’ parents.

    BBOG blamed President Goodluck Jonathan for waiting until the Washington Post waded into the issue before reacting.

    The protesters said Nigerians condemned the banners for long, but the President ignored them.

    The group’s leader, Aisha Yusufu, spoke yesterday in Abuja during their gathering at the Unity Fountain.

    She said the group, which was advocating for the rescue of over 200 pupils of the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, saw the banners as insensitive and would want President Jonathan to apologise to Nigerians, adding that he should learn to listen to the voice of the people.

  • Chibok girls’ captivity is like Ebola, say protesters

    Chibok girls’ captivity is like Ebola, say protesters

    •Mark’s wife at 63 seeks Chibok girls’ rescue

    Members of the #BringBackOurGirls movement have said the continued captivity of the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls is akin to delaying the Ebola virus.

    They noted that if nothing is done fast, the negative effect of the abduction would affect many innocent people.

    The protesters said the new trend among Boko Haram insurgents of using girls as suicide bombers is dangerous for the affected communities and other parts of Nigeria.

    The movement said the girls were being indoctrinated to negatively accept as normal the evil manipulation of their captors.

    They said the girls may have been so brain washed that if the insurgents ask them to commit suicide, they might do so without hesitating.

    One of the leaders of the movement, Bukky Shonibare, spoke in Abuja at the 96th daily sitting of the group.

    He said: “Each day is terrible for those girls. If you look at the recent state of female suicide bombers, it is dangerous, not just to the communities involved but also to the whole nation. It’s like another Ebola. If nothing is done, it will spread round.

    “The girls have been there for 111 days today. They are being indoctrinated. Their values are being changed. Something is being done to them.

    “They are being affected by the Stockholm syndrome, where they begin to feel loyal to their abductors and may no longer remember the negative things done to them. They may feel a psychological kind of safety.

    “So, when the abductors tell them to carry bombs or something, they will. These are girls between the ages of 16 and 19. Their values not yet shaped. The government needs to do something to make sure the girls come back soon. It has to be our priority.”

    Also, Mrs Helen Mark, wife of Senate President David Mark, has urged insurgents and terrorists to stop their activities.

    Mrs. Mark spoke yesterday in Abuja at a church service to mark her 63rd birthday.

    Mrs Mark, according to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, said violent crimes and terrorism not only pose serious challenges but impede the peace, unity and development of the nation.

    She said: “The mood of the nation does not call for celebration. I wish that we live in peace in Nigeria. I am not celebrating the birthday because of the situation we now find ourselves. It is sad.

    “The security situation is embarrassing. I wish that by next year, I will celebrate my birthday in a very joyous mood and in an atmosphere of peace and unity. Not in this kind of sober mood.

    “I sincerely join our compatriots and all well-meaning citizens of the world to plead with the terrorists to sheathe their swords and let us come together. Let them state in clear terms what their grievances are, and the government would address them.”

  • Protesters clash over money

    Members of a protesting group for the release of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls, ReleaseOurGirls, fought yesterday in Abuja over the sharing  money. They were paid daily.

    The protesters, comprising young men, were exchanging fisticuffs.

    They were heard screaming: “You are lying, we must share the money! You must give me my share; you must give me my money! We must share it equally!”

    This happened after the group marked 100 days of the abduction of the over 200 pupils from the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State.

    The quarrelling protesters ignored the passersby as they tore one another’s clothes. Two of them were nearly hit by a car.

    The policemen stationed in front of the Millennium Park dispersed the protesters.

    One of the leaders of the ReleaseOurGirls had confessed that they were paid to hold the rally.

    The group, last month, attacked the Oby Ezekwesili-led BringBackOurGirls movement. They beat up its members, seizing their phones and breaking their chairs.

  • Chibok protesters to Shekau: you’re a coward

    Chibok protesters to Shekau: you’re a coward

    •’They can’t malign my character’

    Protesters of the BringBackOurGirls Movement have accused Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau of cowardice.

    The group said he is not preaching Islam but wickedness and cowardice. The protesters spoke yesterday during their 82nd day sitout in Abuja.

    A leader of the movement, Aisha Yusufu, said she would not wait until her daughter is abducted before she does something about insurgency.

    Mrs. Yusufu said:  “I say to Shekau, you are not human; you are a coward. This is not Islam; Islam is a religion of peace and not of wickedness and cowardice.

    “I don’t have to wait until my daughter is kidnapped to do something, most of us might think that we are protected and anointed and cannot be touched.

    “ But we do not realise that Boko Haram is a problem for all Nigerians and not of a people or religion, it will get to a point that there will be nothing left for us to live for.”

    Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili said the detractors trying to malign her character did not give her a character so they cannot malign it.

    Ezekwesili said the Chibok girls trusted the society but instead were inflicted with an injury.

    “They did not give me my character and so they cannot malign it. I will continue to stand with the Chibok girls, no matter what they do

    “These girls trusted the society but instead they were inflicted with a wound, seeing the wound, we have refused to walk away.

    “This is not a time to move on, we cannot move on with a pain that is so deep. We use the Chibok girls to say, never again will we move on when our people are in pains.

    “If I want to be a politician, I can but I came here because of the wound and will not move on until there is a closure for the Chibok girls and their families.”

  • 22 anti-impeachment protesters arrested in Nassarawa

    22 anti-impeachment protesters arrested in Nassarawa

    •I’ve not received impeachment notice – Governor

    •Assembly members may face probe over roles in N30b bond

    •CP denies death of three

    The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, yesterday confirmed the arrest of 22 suspects and a fake policeman in connection with anti-impeachment riot in Lafia, the state capital, on Thursday.

    He said the police and other security agencies had launched a manhunt for four suspects, who were said to be the masterminds of the protest.

    Although he said nobody was killed during the protest, he admitted that two people sustained injuries.

    He said those wounded  were treated at Agu hospital and had been discharged.

    He said while five shops and a residential apartment were vandalised, a vehicle was burnt by the rioters.

    He, however, confirmed the recovery of a locally-made pistol, some ammunition, knives and dangerous weapons from some of the suspects.

    Idris, who made the disclosures at a briefing after a Joint Security Meeting, asked those fleeing the state to return.

    He said: “We have been getting information that people in and around Lafia have started to flee their homes based on media reports

    “I wish to appeal to the media to verify their information before going public. Any misinformation can cause panic and escalate the crisis.”

    As at press time, preliminary investigation revealed that the protest culminated in a bloody clash between Eggon and Gwandara youths at Tundun Gwandara part of Lafiahe Governor of Nasarawa State, Meanwhile, the state governor, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, yesterday said he had not been served an impeachment notice by the State House of Assembly.

    The governor, who had a three-minute interview with our correspondent before leaving Abuja for Lafia, said he was not a corrupt leader as being insinuated by the State House of Assembly.

    He said: “As I am talking to you, I have not been served the impeachment notice by the House of Assembly as required by the 1999 Constitution and the law of the land.

    “So, it is not true at all to assume or claim that I had received the impeachment notice. Some people are just insinuating that I had been served.

    “The House of Assembly can also not lay claim to substituted service on me because to do so, it must seek the leave of a court of competent jurisdiction.

    “There is no record that the Assembly has secured any order from a court of competent jurisdiction for substituted service.”

    On the 16 offences leveled against him by the House of Assembly, Al-Makura said: “I am not corrupt; I have not mismanaged the funds of the state, not to talk of diverting any allocation.

    “I have served the people of Nasarawa to the best of my ability. The fact that they are overwhelmingly against the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Assembly confirmed that the people of the state are pleased with me.”

    Asked of his next step, the governor said: “I have been consulting with different groups, the consultation is still ongoing.”

    Governor Al-Makura’s clarifications came against the backdrop of revelations that some stakeholders are pushing for the probe of some  members of the Assembly over their roles in the N30 billion bond obtained by the state.

    It was gathered that the stakeholders are seeking the intervention of anti-graft agencies, following indications that the disagreement between the governor and some of the lawmakers had to do with the alleged desire for more “perks” from the N30billion bond.

    A reliable source said: “There is more to the impeachment proceedings against Al-Makura than meet the eye. The governor had sharp disagreement with the lawmakers on conditions the Assembly gave him before the state could go for N30billion bond.

    “This is why stakeholders have agreed to call on anti-graft agencies to probe the lawmakers’ roles on how  the bond was approved. There were a lot of dirty undercurrents and demands on the governor.

    “There were allegations that some of the lawmakers asked for five to 10 per cent cut of the N30billion bond before they could approve it.

    “The stakeholders may also ask Al-Makura to open up on what transpired between him and the Assembly when the state was seeking the N30billion bond.”

  • ‘No more protesters’ roadblock’

    ‘No more protesters’ roadblock’

    THESE are trying times for protesters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Anyone intending to stage a protest at the seat of power must think again. Those who protested the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok nearly three months ago were  shocked to hear of a swift police order banning such activities in the FCT. That directive by the Territory’s Police Commissioner Mr. Joseph Mbu was later vacated by higher authorities but everybody took a hint.

    Now, FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed has cautioned individuals, communities and groups to desist from taking any action that would hamper free movement of persons and vehicles, such as deliberate blockade of traffic on highways and roads.

    The minister gave the warning during a meeting with some original inhabitants of the FCT under the aegis of Greater Gbagyi Development Association.

    Those who attended the meeting included some original inhabitants of Abuja from the Airport Road axis, the Chairperson of the FCT chapter of National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), the Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Forum and some officials of Greater Gbagyi Development Association.

    They pleaded for the minister’s intervention to secure the release of those arrested by security operatives in connection with the protest which resulted in the blockade of the ever-busy Zuba-Kubwa-Abuja City Super Expressway for over four hours recently.

    Referring to the alleged recent blockade of the expressway by some people protesting the demolition of structures at Lungu Village and a similar action on the Abuja Airport Highway about a month earlier by protesters, the minister stated that such unlawful tendencies would no longer be allowed by government and the law enforcement organs.

    According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi, the minister said any person or group of persons who decided to take the law into their own hands by preventing the vast majority of law-abiding residents from going about their legitimate activities would face the full wrath of the law.

    According to him, those behind the blockade of Kubwa Express Road have been arrested and would soon be arraigned in court.

    He said the administration, in conjunction with security agencies, will prosecute the culprits to serve as deterrent to others.

    While admitting that individuals will have their rights to express their grievances through protests, the minister cautioned that such should not be taken to the extent of holding the entire society to ransom as was the case with the blockade of major entry/exit routes to the Federal Capital City.

    Recall that the alleged mastermind of the false rumour that a mother and her child were killed during the recent demolition of illegal structures at Lungu Village, Gwarinpa, one Mr. Yunusa Ahmadu Yusuf and the Chief of Lungu Village, Mr. Ezekiel Sanya Zakka (aka Easy) were arrested last week by security agents.

    They were, however, granted bail by police following the intervention of Senator Mohammed.

    They will, however, be arraigned in court and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land.

    Yusuf was said to have been arrested in his village in Kaduna State while the Zakka was picked up at Lungu Village.

    The former had been parading himself as an Abuja Original Inhabitant.

    The two men were nabbed for their roles in peddling the false rumour of death and incitement that led to violent protests and blockade of the Zuba/Kubwa/Abuja City Express Road resulting in damage of public facilities.

    The bail of Zakka and Yusuf followed the minister’s acceptance of an apology tendered on their behalf by the Original Inhabitants of Abuja living on the Airport Road axis and some officials of Greater Gbagyi Development Association.

    The minister warned FCT residents against all forms of lawlessness such as blockade of roads and highways in the FCT and peddling of lies with a view to inciting the people and blackmailing the authorities.

    Describing the baseless allegations of deaths as callous, the minister stated that the action demonstrates the extent some people could go to cause disaffection in pursuit of selfish purpose.

    Senator Mohammed urged the Commissioner of Police to prosecute all those found culpable in the unjustified incitement, even as he warned all residents, including original inhabitants not to do anything that will cause disaffection in the society.

    He reiterated the position of the FCT Administration not to demolish houses belonging to original inhabitants of the FCT that were enumerated and captured in official data, adding that if in the cause of demolition, any of such houses is demolished, adequate remedy would be provided.

    He stated that nobody should do anything to hold the entire country to ransom, while warning the original inhabitants to be wary of the people they habour in their various settlements.

    According to him, he was aware that some original inhabitants were providing cover to strangers that they could not vouch for.

    The FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Joseph Mbu condemned the false allegations of deaths following the Lungu demolition exercise.

    He said the police had done thorough investigation and found out that the allegations were totally false.

    ”Up till now, no report has been filed with the police by anybody about any death as a result of the demolition exercise that took place at Lungu Village,” he said.

    He described the inciting fabrications about death as a criminal offence against God and man.

    Mbu also warned all deviant elements against challenging government, stressing that nobody should take the law into his own hand.

  • Protesters denied access to Villa

    Protesters denied access to Villa

    The citizens group protesting the abduction of the Chibok girls, was yesterday denied access to the Presidential Villa by fiercely-looking security operatives.

    The security men were drafted to the two gates leading to the Villa in a bid to stop the protesters from gaining access.

    Soldiers attached to the Brigade of Guards were stationed between the Villa Gate and the access road leading to the National Assembly.

    The same scenario played out at the Villa Gate of the Federal Secretariat. Policemen and soldiers were also stationed there.

    The Protesters, led by a former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili were received at the gate to the Federal Secretariat by a delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim.

    Mrs. Mariam Uwais delivered a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan on behalf of the group.

    The protesters raised ten posers for the Presidkent on national security.

    The posers are:

    •We need the president to establish the authenticity of the abduction as well as why it took so long to act, as there seem to be an obvious shortfall in our military operatives as well as their welfare package considering the recent mutiny, and citizens are concerned especially in view of the strong indications of weak communication and operational synergy leading to gaps in accountability?

    •Considering the overwhelming international support we are receiving from other countries, we the citizens need latest operational updates on these interventions especially from the United States as conveyed during the congressional hearing?

    •Why has the President not visited Chibok since the abduction considering that it is your responsibility to commiserate with the families and the Chibok community by visiting them? Also, what specific plan does the President have to ensure full rehabilitation of the returned girls, the girls yet to be rescued upon their return, their families, and the Chibok community as a whole?

    •What are the specific actions that have been taken since your return from Paris that gives the confidence that our neighbours, especially Cameroun will cooperate with us and comply with all agreed actions?

    •How effective is the state of Emergency? Despite the existence of SOE, we are concerned that it was possible to abduct over 200 girls?

    •Some of the residents of Chibok confirmed that they informed relevant security agents hours before the actual abduction, yet commensurate actions were not taken; now that the SOE has been extended in affected states, including Borno State, what would be the difference going forward?

    •Will government negotiate to secure the release of our girls?

    •What is the collaboration between the federal government and the state government in rescue effort for our girls? This is in consideration of the fact that citizens had anxiously anticipated that you would inspire us all to become united and support you and the Federal Government so we can collectively fight out common enemy.

    .Why is it that none of the girls have been rescued by the military? Could the problem be resources as we are concerned that allocated resources to our security apparatus (N922 billion in 2012, N1 trillion in 2013, and N845 billion in 2014) do not seem to correspond with the result delivered by those at the frontline to effectively wage this way against terrorism?

    .What are the minimum safety/security standards and packages dedicated to schools and other soft targets considering the recent trend of abducting and killings of students, particularly in the North?

    .Can the president explain the scale and magnitude of what we are dealing with in terms of the insurgents?”

    Mrs. Ezekwesili said President Jonathan had not addressed the issues raised by the citizens group.

    She said: “It is because of the sake of citizen collaboration that we listened to the delegation of Mr. President. You have to tell Mr. President that the answers we have received are inadequate.

    Spokesman of the Presidential team that received the delegation, Minister of State FCT, Ms. Olajumoke Akinjide said the fight against terrorism was a collective effort. She read the President’s address.

    She said: “The Federal government is appreciative of your group amongst so many other groups around the world who have taken out time to demonstrate their solidarity and outrage against the wicked kidnapping of innocent girls and the senseless mayhem of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “For a government that has placed so much premium on addressing major reforms and development in the nation, especially the development of women and the girl child, through increased investment in the girl child education and giving opportunity to women, giving women a seat in the table of governance, this wicked act is indeed very painful.

    “The world is under the grips of terrorism. Yesterday a market in China were ordinary people go to shop was bombed. Two days ago, terrorists visited  our beautiful city of Jos in Plateau state and detonated bombs killing scores of people, the communities of Kano, Maiduguri, Abuja, Nyanya, Madala amongst others have at various times been bombed.

    “Churches, Mosques, parks and newspaper houses have at various times not being spared. Terrorists and their sponsors have brought mayhem on our land this is very sad and this we must resist.

    “In the last three weeks our country has been in the spotlight, some evil individuals who call themselves Boko Haram abducted our daughters, the future mothers of our nation and have refused to release them, this evil act has sparked protests all over the world, this is as it should be, their must be a united movement for the release of our daughters and that movement must now be turned into a united action against terrorism.

    “Government has mobilized all resources, military and diplomatic in search for our girls who have suffered so much trauma in captivity by this agents of terror.

    “From the very first day this kidnapping occured, the Federal Government took action, directing our security services to go after the abductors,  the search for our daughters has now assumed regional ang global proportion and oour nation has received strong support from our neighboring   and the international community including the United States, China, the United Kingdom and the entire African continent, the security forces also reached out to the Borno State ggovernment and community members for support and collaboration to bring back our innocent daughters.

    “So far the campaign to bring our daughters back is on and is receiving global support, Nigeria in collaboration with Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin republic haave all agreed to establish a single centre for sharing intelligence on the activities of terrorists across our national boundaries.

    “Apart from those efforts in the public space, we have initiated consultations with so many stakeholders to explore alternative efforts involving this efforts, it is wrong and most unfair to suggest there is a slow reaction to this kidnapping.

    “As commander in chief, Mr. President meets with the security chiefs almost daily and is in constant consultation with regional and global partners on this terrorist treats. That is why I want to appeal to your group and to others through this medium that it is important your genuine, patriotic zeal is matched with a realistic, understanding of the situation in expressing concern and sentiment on this matter and other matters of terrorism.

    “As early as January 23rd 2013, Mr. President at Denver, Switzerland asked the world for help in tackling terrorism, he latter met with President Obama during the United Nations general assembly in Sept. 2013 where he requested for support.

    “Government believes that it is all our collective responsibility to fight terrorism and that protests should be directed to the terrorists who have abducted our innocent daughters and deprived them of a place at the fountain of freedom at the country. Our security forces are amongst the best trained in Africa, they are making so much sacrifice in the fight against terror as we sleep daily they are in the field, confronting the enemy, they need our support not  attacks and discouragement. They are also losing their lives, when terrorist see Nigerians turn on each other in blames it gives them a huge moral boosts.

    “We must never lose sight of the fact that the terrorists are the real enemy. We will like to encourage civil society groups to encourage Nigerians to forward security information to 112, citizens must protect citizens if our civilization is to endure. We must be careful not to politicize the fight against terrorism.

    “When a bomb goes off in Kabul Afghanistan the people of Afghanistan do not blame government, they blame the terrorists, when a bomb goes off in Bagdad people of Iraq do not blame the government, they blame the terrorists, when a bomb goes off in Nigeria we must all unite to fight the terrorists this is the task of this generation. Our daughters must be free to come home to their loved ones.”

    Other members of the delegation are: Minister of FCT Bala Mohammed; Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Maina; Minister of State for Agriculture, Asmau Asabe; Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam.

    Supervising Minister of Niger Delta Affair; Darius Ishaku; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe; Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation, Josephine Washima and Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values, Sarah Jibril.

  • #BringBackOurGirls protesters to march on Villa

    #BringBackOurGirls protesters to march on Villa

    Presidency is weighing whether or not to receive #BringBackOurGirls protesters planning a march on the seat of government.

    Also, security has been strengthened in Chibok where 276 students of the Government Girls Secondary School were abducted.

    Troops have been deployed to protect the community and the 53 girls who escaped the abduction.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the BringBackOurGirls has written the Presidency of its plans to take its campaign to the Presidential Villa.

    It was learnt that the request letter was sent to the government early last week.

    The campaign train may hit the seat of government on Thursday, if it is acceptable to the presidency.

    It was gathered that the proposed march on Aso Rock was to dismiss the notion that the movement was being used for political purposes by the opposition.

    The march is also designed to hear from the President what his administration has done to rescue the abducted girls.

    The decision to march on Aso Rock was taken at the group’s sit-out on Saturday in Abuja.

    One of the coordinators of the BringBackOurGirls, Hadiza Bala Usman, said: “We are talking of our protest march to Mr. President which we plan do on Thursday.

    “We have written a letter to Mr. President, we are hopeful he would grant us audience. We intend to go to the Presidential Villa

    “”We maintain our issue; we have refused to allow any politics or religious affiliations to come into the group. We have maintained our neutrality.”

    The presidency is said to be weighing its options – whether or not to allow the team to be at the Villa.

    “There are arguments for and against the request,” an official said, pleading for anonymity because he is not allowed to talk to the media.

    According to him, it is thought that since the group had visited National Assembly leaders, there was no point duplicating functions because “the government is one”.

    The source added: “Also, the government is uncomfortable with the activities of the group, especially the involvement of some Nigerians who have been critical of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “At a point, the First Lady advised women not to join the mass movement. Last week, security agencies tried to stop the movement from holding its sit-out at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.”

    Security is said to have been strengthened in Chibok to protect the community and the 53 girls who escaped from Boko Haram enclave.

    A military source said troops had been deployed in the area to prevent any recourse to reprisals from Boko Haram following the global protest against the abduction of the 276 girls.

    “We are aware that 53 of the girls who escaped have been reunited with their families. This is why we have placed the town under heavy surveillance,” a military source said.

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday cautioned journalists and visitors from going to operation areas in the Northeast including Chibok and Sambisa forest.

    A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: “The Defence Headquarters has noted the presence of a large number of tourists, journalists and adventurers of diverse interests moving about in areas where security operations are currently ongoing especially in Adamawa and Borno states, without the necessary security cover or clearance.

    “This trend constitutes unnecessary risk to the persons especially the foreigners involved.  It is also an undue obstruction to operations.

    “Much as the military has nothing to hide and believes in the freedom of movement in the country, the need for all persons to recognise the status of certain places as operational area is hereby reiterated.

    “Anyone violating the existing procedures for coverage or movement in the mission area does so at his or her own peril as the security forces should not be held responsible for any unsavory outcome of such movement.

    “Necessary arrangement will continue to be made for the protection of persons and visitors whose movement is duly vetted and in line with development in the security situation on ground in particular mission area.

    “The general public is hereby informed that obstructive, suspicious or risky movement of visitors will not be condoned in any mission and operational area in the country.”

    Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili in a tweet yesterday confirmed a plan to march on the Villa. She said “We are continuing plans for our next march for our #ChibokGirls that will take us to our President & Commander-in-Chief in the next few days”.

  • Protesters, masquerades shut down Total’s operation in Port Harcourt

    Protesters, masquerades shut down Total’s operation in Port Harcourt

    PROTESTERS from Rumucheta and Rumuk-wurukwuru communities in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday disrupted operations at the office of Total Nigeria Limited in Port Harcourt, the state capital. Accompanied by masquerades, women, elders and youths of the protesting communities erected canopies and set up kitchens at the entrance to the company’s premises as early as 8am to protest alleged marginalization. An elder, Deacon Howels Nwanwa, told The Nation that the people were unhappy because, “They (Total) treat us as if we are kids and as if nobody owns this land. “Our children and women are strolling about without hope. Our elders are jobless, and the little jobs we can do they give it to outsiders and they don’t recognize as (their) hosts and landlords. “The scholarships they say they are giving are being sold; we don’t know to whom they give it. Every year, you hear of scholarship, skills acquisition, but there’s nothing on ground.” Speaking in the same vein, Wali Patience, Nwachukwu Florence and Ify Ann Ihunwo, women leaders lamented that the company denied them their dues for too long. Wali said, “They promised the women a cooperative for more than six years now they have not given it to us. Our youths are loitering everywhere; no job; we don’t get skill acquisition training and scholarship for our children.” Florence Nwachukwu, a widow and mother of four, said, “We have came here to remind them that we are humans; they should treat us fairly. Up till now we have not received any signal and we are still waiting for them.” Ify Ann Ihunwo and the other women carried placards with various inscriptions like: ‘Give us employment’; ‘Give us contracts, skill acquisition centers, scholarship etc’ and Stop divide-and-rule attitude’. Although the protest was peaceful, the Rivers State Police Command deployed riot and regular policemen from over six divisions, including Elimgbu, MiniOkoro, Okporo, Metro Patrol and Elelenwon, to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order. A staff of the company, who spoke with our reporter on condition of anonymity, assured that the grievances of the communities were being looked into, adding, “The community liaison officer came from Trans Amadi; he has spoken with them and everything is being sorted out.