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Tag: Protesters

  • Why Lagos protesters shun Freedom Park

    Why Lagos protesters shun Freedom Park


    The #EndBadGovernance protesters on Thursday refused to go into the approved venue – Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota.

    They told the Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, that the place was not safe for their gathering.

    Instead, the protesters gathered outside the park, blocking the service lane.

    The protest started with about 15 people around 9am; they were later joined by fellow protesters who marched from Ikeja.

    Security agencies including the Lagos State Police, Task Force, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps, soldiers were stationed round the protest point as well as the approved venue – Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park.

    However, about two hours after, some artisans were seen cutting the weed inside the park in a bid to make it conducive for the protesters.

    Prior to the arrival of the CP Fayoade, anti-hunger protesters emerged.

    They confronted the pro-hunger protesters to go and protest in their various states, adding that they won’t allow them to destroy Lagos as they did during the #EndSARS.

    The security agencies prevented what could have turned to violence between them.

    Joseph Amadi, Convener of Citizen Action and Accountable Initiative, said the protest was aimed to ensure that Nigeria has constant electricity and to overcome the curent economic hardship.

    He also applauded the cordial relationship extended to the protesters by the security agencies at the venue.

    The protesters stationed beside Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park playing and dancing to different songs.

    Itinerary traders were making brisk businesses, selling snacks and drinks to the protesters.

    The ptotesters called on the Federal government to address the economic hardship in the country.

    Carrying placards with inscription – “This suffering is too much,” We are hungry, No future for future generations and Revise electricity tariff now, ” among others.

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    While chanting solidarity songs, they said: “We are tired of everything. We cannot afford three square meals. We are appealing to all authorities; we appeal to National Assembly too. Democratic institutions are crippled. We are dying in this nation. This is not the Nigeria of our dreams; we are suffering, we are in troubled times. We are tired of being labeled the most corrupt country in the world.”

    There was light vehicular traffic as commercial vehicles and other private vehicles moved freely. Residents too went about their businesses in orderly manner.

    Police patrol vehicles were seen as they patrolled at regular intervals.

    Heavily armed policemen and security operatives were also seen around the axis to maintain law and order.

    CP Fayoade assured the public of their safety, emphasizing the role of security forces in protecting peaceful protesters from hoodlums seeking to hijack the demonstration.

    “You have the right to protest, but we will not allow hoodlums to hijack and turn the protest to violent,” Fayoade stated.

    Joseph Amadi, a legal practitioner and leader of the Ojota protest, stressed the importance of cooperation between protesters and security operative personnel. He urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

    “Our goal is to convey our message without resorting to violence. Let’s work together with the security forces to ensure our voices are heard without any incident,” Amadi said.

    The protesters promised to continue tomorrow (today). They organisers said they’ve invited musicians to entertain the gathering.

  • Be professional in handling protesters, GOC tasks troops

    Be professional in handling protesters, GOC tasks troops

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, has charged troops to be professional in handling protesters in Jos and environs.

    Abubakar, who doubles as Commander, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, gave the charge on Thursday when he visited some locations where troops were deployed.

    Troops of OPSH and 3 division were deployed to strategic locations to ensure the ongoing protests in the state does not become violent.

    The GOC, who particularly charged the troops to operate within the ambit of the law, told them to safeguard the protesters.

    He warned that anyone caught violating the rights of law abiding citizens would be severely sanctioned.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa hails Ondo residentsfor shunning protest

    The GOC said: “You must be professional in protecting the rights of the protesters; you must also ensure that all national assets are safe.

    “Your role is to ensure the protest is peaceful. I wont spare any of you caught violating the rights of law abiding citizens.”

    The GOC also visited some of the locations, such as the Ahmadu Bello way, Secretariat Junction, Old Airport Junction, among others, were the protesters had gathered chanting solidarity songs.

    So far, the protests are peaceful in Plateau, as no incident of violence has been reported.

  • Courts restrict protesters to Abuja Stadium, four locations in Ogun

    Courts restrict protesters to Abuja Stadium, four locations in Ogun

    Two courts – High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Ogun State High Court – yesterday granted orders restricting promoters of the planned protest from marching through the streets.

    Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the FCT High Court granted an order limiting the protesters’ activities to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

    In Abeokuta, Justice O. Ogunfowora of the State High Court ordered protesters to limit their activities to four locations.

    The approved centres in Ogun are: MKO Stadium, Abeokuta; Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota; Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu; and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode

    Both orders were given yesterday.

    A Lagos High Court on Monday gave an order restricting protesters to Freedom Park, Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu.

    In the ex parte application argued in the FCT court by Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves on any roadway, streets, offices and public premises within the FCT between August 1 to August 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    He also applied for another order of interim injunction mandating the security agencies to prevent the protesters from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, offices or public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, pending the hearing of his motion on notice.

    The minister who said that the federal government was not averse to the protest claimed that intelligence and security reports reaching him indicated that some elements within the leadership of the protesters intend to capitalize on the planned protest to cause havoc and irreparable damage to public facilities and blocking of roadways to prevent movement of persons and vehicles and disturb public peace.

    He claimed that when he contacted the security agencies to ensure that the planned protest did not degenerate into criminality and disturbance of public peace and order, he was told that they are not well-equipped to manage any crisis that may arise from the planned protest at a short notice hence they advised him that prevention is better than cure.

    The minister tendered an exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT”, signed by one Damilare Adenola, in which they threatened to invade the Presidential Villa and also threatened to pull down the outer wires facing the Aso Rock villa during the protest

    Besides, they demanded that the FCT provide them light as well as toilet during the duration of the protest.

    In his ruling, Justice Oriji, who recognized the rights of the protesters to embark on the protest, however restricted them to the Stadium in view of the genuine fears expressed by the minister.

    The Judge said: “In the light of the above, the court considers it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are guaranteed and that the protest does not negatively or adversely affect the rights of other citizens to move about and to ensure that properties and other public facilities are not destroyed.”

    He therefore ordered the 1st to 5th respondents to “use the Moshood Abiola Stadium” only for the protest.

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    Defendants in the suit are: Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, persons unknown, Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Commissioner of Police, Director General of the State Security Service, Director General, Nigeria Civil Defense Corps, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air staff, Chief of Naval Staff as 1st to 12th respondents.

    In Abeokuta, the court restricted the protesters to the four venues between 8am and 5pm.

    Granting an application moved by the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), Justice Ogunfowora directed that all protests under the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria slogan or any other slogan from 1 August 2024 to 10 August 2024 must be limited in place and time.

    The Attorney-General explained that the four locations are across the four divisions of the state in the three senatorial districts, allowing protesters in those vicinities to conveniently participate in the protests under adequate protection and without infringing on the rights of any non-protesting members of the public.

    In his ruling, the Judge also prohibited any protest from taking place outside the hours of 8am to 5pm.

    The judge further directed the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State to enforce the order and ensure that the protests hold only in the specified locations and during the time periods stated in the order.

    The judge declared that the order would last for seven days and ordered the state to serve the application on notice within that period.

    Justice Ogunfowora shortened the time for the protesters to respond to the application to 72 hours.

    The case was adjourned to August 6.

  • Court restricts Abuja protesters to National Stadium

    Court restricts Abuja protesters to National Stadium

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has restricted those willing to participate in the August 1 protest in Abuja to limit their activities to the National Stadium (the MKO Abiola stadium).

    Justice Sylvanus Oriji gave the order on Wednesday while delivering ruling in an ex-parte application brought before him by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    In the exparte application argued by Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, the FCT Minister had applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, streets, offices and public premises within the FCT between August 1 to August 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

    He also applied for another order of interim injunction mandating the security agencies to prevent the protesting leaders from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, offices or public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, pending the hearing of his motion on notice.

    The Minister, who said that the Federal Government was not averse to the protest, claimed that intelligence and security reports reaching him indicated that some elements within the leadership of the protesters intend to capitalize on the planned protest to cause havoc and irreparable damages to public facilities and blocking of roadways to prevent movement of persons and vehicles and disturb public peace.

    Read Also:Lagos police assure protesters of security, warn against violence

    He claimed when he contacted the security agencies to ensure that the planned protest did not degenerate into criminality and disturbance of public peace and order, he was told that they are not well equipped to manage any crisis that may arise from the planned protest at a short notice hence they advised him that prevention is better than cure.

    The Minister tendered an exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT”, signed by one Damilare Adenola, in which they threatened to invade the Presidential Villa and also threatened to pull down the outer wires facing the Aso Rock villa during the protest 

    Besides, they demanded that the FCT provide them light as well as toilet during the duration of the protest.

    In his ruling, Justice Oriji, who recognised the rights of the protesters to embark on the protest, however restricted them to the Stadium in view of the genuine fears expressed by the minister.

    “In the light of the above, the court considers it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are guaranteed and that the protest does not negatively or adversely affect the rights of other citizens to move about and to ensure that that properties and other public facilities are not destroyed”, the judge held.

    He ordered the 1st to 5th respondents to “use the Moshood Abiola Stadium” only for the protest.

    The court ordered the service of processes in the suit as well as the confinement order on the respondents by placing same on the newspapers.

    Defendants in the suit are Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, persons unknown, Inspector General IG of Police, Commissioner of Police, Director General of the State Security Service, Director General, Nigeria Civil Defense Corps, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air staff, Chief of Naval Staff as 1st to 12th  respondents.

  • August 1: Why protesters must embrace peace, by Ken Eneduwa

    August 1: Why protesters must embrace peace, by Ken Eneduwa

    The principal partner at Oceanwaves Strategies, Ken Eneduwa, has urged Nigerians to conduct themselves peacefully during the planned August 1, nationwide protest.

    Eneduwa made the appeal a chat with journalists on Saturday, July 27.

    While commenting on the #EndBadGovernanceprotest, he emphasised that it is the constitutional right of Nigerians to protest as well as the necessity for such demonstrations to be conducted peacefully.

    He said he is on the side of the government while he acknowledged the severe high cost of living facing Nigerians.

    He also cited hunger and the widespread suffering of the downtrodden, less privileged, and disadvantaged members of society.

    While recognising the legitimate grievances driving citizens to the streets, he urged protesters to engage with the government and security agencies to prevent the movement from being hijacked by criminals and arsonists.

    He said: “The protest is a civic right of the citizenry, but it must be peacefully done. While the economic situation is dire and the plight of the less privileged is undeniable, we must ensure that the protests do not devolve into chaos.

    “Coordination with security forces is essential to safeguard against those who might exploit the situation to attack government properties and political figures, which would only set Nigeria further back,” he admonished.

    Read Also: Sunday Igboho slams ‘faceless’ protesters plotting to destabilise govt

    Eneduwa, while condemning threats and bullying from some members and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged that the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly is enshrined in Section 39 and 40 of the 1999 constitution and that “this should be respected, wether you are for rhe protest or against rhe protest.”

    “The supporters of the government equally have the right to stage their own peaceful protest in support of the government but planning a counter protest the same time with the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria is an attempt to ridicule or mock genuine agitation and could escalate to avoidable violence. 

    “The government should by now have understood that the attempt at suppressing the will of the people and bullying of the citizens into cowing is counterproductive. All the billions the government has allegedly spent on campaign against the protest would have been used to address some of the demands of the protesters.”

    Recall that the Inspector General of Police, Egbedokun, and other security agencies have warned protesters against violent demonstrations. 

  • Protesters have constitutional rights, says Nwaokobia

    Protesters have constitutional rights, says Nwaokobia

    The convener of the Country First Movement, Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr, has affirmed that the organisers of the August 1, protest against the high cost of inflation in the country have the constitutional right to voice their concerns.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, July 28, Nwaokobia, noted that the planned protest is reminiscent of similar actions previously organized by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) when it was an opposition party.

    He recalled how Nigerians protested in January 2012 against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration for removing the fuel subsidy.

    The statement reads: “Hunger, inflation, price hike, food scarcity and anger, and angst has become the tapestry of a nation endowed by God with amazing resources and riches ineffable. Corruption has risen from a high under the PDP to monstrous propensities under the APC.

    “Under the 9 years of APC’s controlled government, activists for survival have turned to ‘Cashtivists’, seeing no wrong and speaking in defence of the worst era of leadership known to Nigeria. And some of you think that ethnic baiting and threats can stop or derail a protest long overdue.

    “When we thronged Ojota, Lagos in January 2012 against the Jonathan Administration for removing fuel subsidy, we were supported by Mr President who was one of the leaders of the opposition then. So many of the present-day Cashtivists resorting to ethnic baiting and divisive demagoguery to stifle democratic freedoms and subvert the freedom of protest were with us in Ojota.

    Read Also: Activists decry ‘threats’ to constitutional rights

    “Across Africa like, it was in the 1950s and the 1960s when most countries of the Sahel region got independence, young men and women are rising and placing great demand on wayward leaders. They have refused to Siddon look, they have repudiated the tranquillizing drug of gradualism, and they are woke. They have elected to rework and reset their nations. They are not worried about the threats by the establishment. Criminalise them for all you care it won’t stick. And they have resolved to change the antics, they are as resolute as the Olympics. So, stop the threats, nullification, and vilification because it won’t stick.

    “Now that the day and the moment are upon us, I expect the government to quickly proceed with fundamental reforms and reset rather than wasting resources on the Cashtivists and pseudo-progressives presently cashing out pretending to have solutions to the looming protest. They know nothing about it and can do nothing to stop it.

    “Finally, since the military and the police have admitted that the right to protest for rights is sacrosanct and constitutional, we expect them to deescalate the threats and proceed with plans and programmatic to ensure that the protests are peaceful and orderly, such as patriotic and right, and that is the permissible minimum within our laws. May Nigeria be great,” he said.

  • Invasion threat: Stay off Kogi, indigenes warn protesters

    Invasion threat: Stay off Kogi, indigenes warn protesters

    Youths in Kogi State on Tuesday warned those they described as agents of destabilisation and enemies of the State to steer clear of the Kogi Government House and desist from painting the wrong picture about the state to outsiders or face dire consequences.

    The warning is coming on the heels of rumours being spread that ex-Governor Yahaya Bello lives in the Government House and the threat to invade the Government House under the guise of protest.

    Warning that any attempt by outsiders or defeated politicians from within to go near the Kogi Government House in the guise of occupying the Seat of Government will be vehemently resisted, the youths described those threatening to occupy the Kogi Government House as a faceless group of ethnic jingoists doing the bidding of embattled paymasters.

    They dared anyone to try such and test the popularity of the immediate past Governor and his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

    Thousands of youths, who are registered member of the Kogi Youths Stakeholder Forum, said this in a joint statement on Tuesday by the Coordinator, Comrade Tunde G. Muhammed, and signed in Lokoja by Yunisa Idris, Yusuf Ndako, Idris Kabir, Osovehe Jimmoh, Itoba Momoh, Agali Oluwafemi, Mayowa Williams, Ocholi Idris, Hassan Gambo and Oloruneffa Jegede.

    “Our patience has been tested enough, no one should try anything to undermine democracy in Kogi State or the consequences will not be palatable. They will be shocked,” they warned.

    The youths condemned the talk of invasion being spread by political actors and echoed by ethnocentric agents of destruction in the state as suspicious and an attack on democracy, saying any further oppression would be met with stiff resistance.

    According to them, there is a pending court case that has been adjourned and the illegally obtained warrant of arrest is a subject of appeal as it was obtained against a valid court order.

    “This needless noise is clearly persecution taken too far as we, the bona-fide citizens of Kogi State, know that no Governor has performed better than Bello since inception. His successor is riding on this solid foundation to deliver even better dividends.

    “We categorically reject even the thought of disrupting the peace and stability of our state through unlawful occupation. Our dutiful Governor Usman Ododo was duly elected and the current occupier of the Lugard House. Such threat from whatever quarters is an attempt to overthrow democracy and pave way for anarchy.

    “We know the voice of Jacob and hand of Esau and warn all those trying to cause chaos because they have lost at the polls, those conniving with enemies of Yahaya Bello outside, to desist. We have been patient enough in the face of the endless persecution and defamation. We will not allow anything that will be counter-productive to the peace, progress, development and well-being of all bonafide residents of Kogi.

    “Our dear State is currently undergoing a critical period of development and consolidation of democratic values. It is on this basis that we enjoin all indigenes of our dear state to ignore the empty and baseless threats arising from ethnic jingoists.

    “The Confluence state has witnessed transition from Igala to Igala and Heavens did not fall then. The transition process from ex-governor Bello to Ododo has come to stay,” the youths stated.

    The stakeholder, reacting to a statement “by a group that called itself People of Kogi, calling for the ex-governor to be handed over to the EFCC”, said those making that demand were illiterates, who don’t understand the process of law.

    “For us in KYSF, we consider this as a joke taken too far. For the sake of clarity, it has become imperative to highlight the achievements of the former Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, during his tenure as governor and his legacies of visionary leadership.

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    “This is an incontrovertible fact, that under Ex- GYB, Kogi State witnessed significant infrastructural development, improvements in healthcare and education sectors with notable strides in agriculture and youth empowerment. Undoubtedly, his administration’s efforts toward peace and security are commendable and have contributed to the stability we currently enjoy in our dear state today. Whatever haters peddle can’t erase this.

    “It is important to clarify that the allegations against His Excellency Yahaya Bello are primarily driven by political opponents who have yet to come to terms with the outcome of the previous election. We firmly believe that these accusations will be proven baseless in due course, and Yahaya Bello will be vindicated.

    “To those being misled into tribal politics and manipulated by vested interests, we advise you to stay off Kogi State. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant as we collectively protect the interests of our people.

    “Furthermore, we urge all stakeholders and concerned parties to seek accurate information and refrain from being misled by politically motivated agendas. The legal matters concerning His Excellency Yahaya Bello are being addressed through appropriate channels, and we are confident that justice will prevail.

    “In conclusion, we call upon all genuine residents of Kogi State to prioritize peace, unity, and adherence to the law of the land. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our state, free from unnecessary strife and division,” the youths stated.

  • BREAKING: Protest in Lagos over high cost of living

    BREAKING: Protest in Lagos over high cost of living

    Protesters have hit the streets of Lagos over the soaring price of food and cost of living in the country despite police warnings. 

    In a video shared on X, the Nation observed the protesters, a human rights group identified as the “Take It Back Movement” carried placards of various inscriptions in the Ojuelegba area of the state.

    Read Also: Lagos Police warn intending protesters against road blocks

    Police officers were also seen at the protest to forestall any possible violence..

    Lagos Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade on Sunday warned against any protest in the State.

    Details shortly…

  • Ibadan protesters seek action on hardship

    Ibadan protesters seek action on hardship

    • Be patient, Tinubu’s policies yielding results, Bagudu pleads with Nigerians

    Hundreds of residents yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, over the current economic hardship in the country.

    They urged President Bola Tinubu to address the challenges posed by insecurity, hunger, and unstable power supply.

    The protesters, who were mostly youths, said they were fed up with the current hardship in the country and asked the government to find solutions.

    They carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “Tinubu Must Address Insecurity”; “Hunger is Killing Us”; and “We are fed up”, among others.

    The protesters expressed concern about the high cost of living, saying this was making it difficult for Nigerians to pay for basic necessities.

    They said food prices particularly had skyrocketed, making it difficult for many Nigerians to feed their families.

    The protesters said they hoped that their action would draw the President’s attention and that of his administration to pressing national issues.

    But Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu has said President Bola Tinubu’s policies aimed at transforming the nation were already bearing fruits and fetching results.

    The minister urged Nigerians to keep faith with the government.

    Bagudu spoke at a national policy summit with the theme: Activating the Policies and Promises in the Renewed Hope Agenda, organised by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (P-BAT) Academics and Professionals in Abuja.

    He said: “Today, there is cry for inclusion across the country and we have the leader who believes in inclusion and has practised it in Lagos by creating a state that worked for all, carrying everyone along and giving them the opportunity to excel.

    “All that is needed is a support system for Tinubu to work. His policy to move the economy from less than N500 billion GDP to N1 trillion GDP in three years requires boldness and requires risk-taking with our support to his leadership.

    “The decision to remove fuel subsidy is a necessary step. As painful as it may be, that needed to be done to lead to a greater tomorrow.

    Read Also: Be patient, Tinubu’s policies yielding results, Bagudu begs Nigerians

    “So, some of the measures being taken, particularly under the leadership of the President, are measures we believe will lead to a greater tomorrow.

    “All policies have a lifetime. So, as good as a policy can be and its strategy, if we don’t appreciate it, we can lose some stakeholders because sometimes the benefits take time to come.”

    Bagudu said there were so many reforms in the pipeline, adding: “We will run within time and do our very best with your support.

    “We know that by God’s grace we are on the right course and all men and women of conscience will support us to remain on the right cause under the able leadership of Tinubu.”

    The National Coordinator and Convener of P-BAT Academics and Professionals, Prof. Yemi Oke, said the group desired a shift in the paradigm of merely criticising the government and its policies to engaging the process of governance.

  • Impeachment: Protesters warn against lawmakers’ muscling

    Impeachment: Protesters warn against lawmakers’ muscling

    Hundreds of protesters in Ondo State have warned against muscling of the House of Assembly in its bid to investigate allegations against Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    They urged the lawmakers not to succumb to pressure.

    The protesters under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Ondo State yesterday gathered at the entrance of the assembly carrying placards with inscriptions such as: ‘Justice Must Prevail’, ‘Lawmakers Should Be Allowed to Do Their Jobs’, ‘We Need Justice on Public Funds’, and ‘Ondo State People Are Solidly Behind You’.

    They said the protest was to express their disappointment about the alleged attempts to manipulate the judiciary in order to allegedly influence the legislature’s proceedings.

    Leader of the protesters, Raymond Oluwafunso, said the demonstration would show to the legislators that they were accountable to the people.

    He said the protest was to show solidarity on the need to continue with the impeachment process.

    He said the people wanted justice and that the lawmakers must be allowed to do their jobs without any intimidation.

    Oluwafunso added: “We are the concerned citizens of Ondo State. We are here to urge members of the House of Assembly to do their job concerning the recent developments in the state.

    Read Also: Tinubu: I’m focused on lifting Nigeria to greatness

    “We need the lawmakers to act accordingly and do good stewardship of their work. So, we are enjoining them to do their job without intimidation.

    “We want justice as concerned citizens of the state. This is why we are here on this peaceful protest. Concerning the issue of impeachment they started, we are aware that some people are using some forces to intimidate the lawmakers. What we need as citizens of the state is good accountability.

    “We plead that they do their job accordingly. We don’t want any force to restrain them. We, the good people of Ondo State, are behind them. We don’t want them to be intimidated by whatever forces come their way.

    “The law should take its course; they are the lawmakers. They are not here as lawmakers on their own; they are here because the good people of Ondo State sent them to be their representatives.

    “The court injunction speaks volumes, and it is suspicious. Why would the court stop the House of Assembly from doing its job? They are the lawmakers; why would the court stop them?”