The Eastern Movement for Sustenance of Democracy has faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent attack on Service Chiefs and military Commanders over alleged use of lethal force on protesters.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Barr. Aroh Kingsley Ikenna on Thursday, the group expressed reservations in what it alleged to be Atiku’s indirect show of support for violence and destruction of public and private properties.
Barr. Aroh, who condemned the hijacking of the planned peaceful protest by hoodlums, noted that the right to peaceful protest granted by the constitution does not in any way include the right to harass and steal from others or destroy others’ or public property.
“Also, the law does not give Atiku the right to threaten those who are constitutionally tasked to ensure security of Nigeria and Nigerians. Indeed, doing so, is tantamount to active support for the criminals.
“It is unbelievable that after all the violence and destruction in Kaduna, Kano and other places, someone is still saying it is a peaceful protest. In such a case, the person’s intent and desire are very ‘interesting’”.
He recalled that in some parts of Northern Nigeria, the protest turned violent with destruction of both public and private properties.
Some protesters reportedly attacked security agents who in some cases had to use tear gas and in a few instances lethal force to restore law and order.
In a post via his X account, the former Vice President warned that those who use lethal force on the protesters will be made to account for their actions even after they retire from service.
Atiku maintained that it’s the duty of the security agencies to ensure the safety of the protesters.
He said, “I wish to convey a stern caution to Service Chiefs and military commanders of Nigeria’s Armed Forces that those who authorize the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even in the years following their retirement from service.
“The constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established within our supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary. It’s the solemn duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their rights to peaceful protest.’”
The group however, faulted Atiku for leaving out other citizens who were not participating in the protest.
Barr. Aroh said: “indeed, when protesters by their actions become a threat to other citizens, the government is equally obligated to protect the other citizens against the protesters. The maxim of my rights start, where yours stop is as true as it is enduring.”
He listed the basic rights in Chapter four of the Constitution to include Right to Life; Right to fair hearing; freedom of expression; Right to peaceful assembly and association; freedom of movement among others.
He further posited that the Constitution also provides for the guarantee of government’s fundamental right to derogate and restrict right to privacy, right to freedom of thought, conscience; right to freedom of expression and press; right to freedoms of peaceful assembly and association; and right to freedom of movement in a democratic society, “in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health; or
“For the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons.
“Section 45(2) equally provided for the right of the government to restrict and derogate right to life and liberty during a period of emergency.”
Protest: Law doesn’t grant right to steal, destroy public property – Group replies Atiku
Protest: Law doesn’t grant right to steal, destroy public property – Group replies Atiku
Abuja youths declare week of peace
The Abuja Residents Youth Association has declared a week of peace, beginning on 11 August, to promote harmonious relationships among youths in the Federal Capital Territory.
Its president, Mr Akoshile Mukhtar, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, distancing the association from the ongoing nationwide protest against hunger, hardship, and poor governance.
Mukhtar stated that the initiative is part of the association’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and unity in the FCT.
He explained that the association would organise various activities during the week, including a peace walk, peace talks, prayer sessions, and other events aimed at fostering harmony and understanding among the youth.
“These activities will provide an opportunity for us to come together, reflect on our shared goals, and strengthen our resolve to maintain peace in our city.
“The Week of Peace will serve as a powerful reminder of our commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Abuja.
“By participating in these events, we can demonstrate our solidarity and dedication to building a city that thrives on unity and cooperation.
“We will use the week to engage in meaningful dialogue, pray for our city’s continued growth, and walk together as a demonstration of our shared commitment to peace,” he said.
He commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his proactive approach in addressing the grievances of the youth and initiating developmental strides that have transformed Abuja into a capital city all Nigerians can be proud of.
Mukhtar added that since assuming office, Wike had demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering a more inclusive and progressive Abuja.
He explained that the minister’s initiatives have not only addressed immediate concerns but have also laid the foundation for sustainable development.
According to him, Wike has renewed the hope and optimism of residents in a new Abuja that protects the interests of all.
“We must, therefore, recognise the unprecedented achievements of the FCT minister within just a year in office.
“His commitment to development and youth engagement is evident. Let us support him as he builds on these achievements, ensuring that our city continues to progress.
“Wike has set a new standard for governance in the FCT, and it is imperative that we support his continued efforts.
‘By standing together, we can ensure that the momentum of development is not hindered by those who seek to derail it.”
Speaking on the ongoing protest, the president called on all youths of Abuja to embrace peace and dialogue, saying, “Nigeria belongs to us all, and we must own it with a sense of responsibility.”
He described peace and dialogue as essential for achieving inclusive governance that represents and serves all citizens.
“Let us work together to foster unity and collaboration, ensuring that our voices contribute positively to the development of our beloved FCT.
“Peaceful dialogue is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. It allows us to express our views constructively, find common ground, and work towards collective solutions.
“By embracing these principles, we can prevent the forces of division and chaos from taking root in our communities. I urge every youth in Abuja to reject violence and embrace the power of dialogue,” he pleaded.
Mukhtar further urged all youths of Abuja, both residents and indigenes, to maintain the spirit of peaceful coexistence and provide the government with credible information.
This, according to him, will help shape policies that address the needs and aspirations of the youth.
He commended the FCT minister for initiating town hall meetings to enable the government to interact with residents of the FCT.
He said that the initiative was instrumental in bridging the gap between the government and the youth and urged the minister to sustain such engagements.
“These town hall meetings have provided a platform for open communication and have allowed for the direct addressing of issues that matter most to the youth.
“It is crucial that we continue these engagements, as they ensure that our voices are heard and that our concerns are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
“Sustained dialogue between the government and the youth will lead to more informed and inclusive policy-making.
“We urge all youths to join hands with the government to ensure that Abuja remains a beacon of unity and progress,” he said.
(NAN)
We’re hungry, end it now – Street beggars beg protesters in Kano
Some street beggars in Kano have appealed to the organisers of the ongoing nationwide protests to sheath their swords in the interest of humanity.
Baba Haliru, a 70- year-old beggar from Rigiyar Zaki, told NAN that survival has become extremely challenging due to the protests.
Haliru explained that many beggars relied on daily earnings to feed their families, but the protests have prevented them from doing so.
He lamented, “We have not eaten anything in our household of 14 for two days in the last four days except water.
”For God’s sake, please reach out to those who organised the protests to end them by negotiating with the government.”
Other beggars re-echoed Haliru’s sentiments, calling for an end to the protests and the total lifting of the curfew.
Malama Mario Kabiru of Hotoro quarters said: “We have run out of foodstuffs and we can’t go out to buy more. We don’t have money, and the situation is unbearable.”
Malam Isa Musa of Dorayi quarters also appealed to the government to introduce measures that would cater for the needs of elderly individuals who have no support.
“We are begging because we have no one to support us. Since the curfew was introduced, we have not eaten anything in the last three days with our families.
”We can’t continue like this; kindly let the protests stop,” he lamented.
We’re hungry, end it now – Street beggars beg protesters in Kano
I’m looking forward to getting Bangladesh out of trouble
Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was flying back to Bangladesh on Thursday to lead a caretaker government after a student-led uprising ended the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina.
Yunus, 84, could be sworn in as the country’s new leader as soon as Thursday evening to begin what the army chief has vowed will be a “beautiful democratic process”.
The prospect of Yunus standing alongside military leaders was almost unimaginable a week ago, when security forces fired deadly rounds at protesters who took to the streets demanding that Hasina resign.
But the military turned on Hasina at the weekend and she was forced to flee to neighbouring India — as millions of Bangladeshis celebrated her demise.
The military then agreed to student demands that Yunus — who won the Nobel in 2006 for his pioneering microfinancing work — lead an interim government.
“I’m looking forward to going back home, see what’s happening and how we can organise ourselves to get out of the trouble we are in,” Yunus told reporters in Paris as he left for Dhaka.
– ‘Get ready’ –
The veteran academic had travelled abroad this year while on bail after being sentenced to six months in jail on a charge condemned as politically motivated, and which a Dhaka court on Wednesday acquitted him of.
Yunus was hit with more than 100 criminal cases and a smear campaign by a state-led Islamic agency that accused him of promoting homosexuality, with courts accused of rubber-stamping decisions by ousted Hasina’s government.
“Be calm and get ready to build the country,” Yunus said before beginning his journey home.
“If we take the path of violence everything will be destroyed.”
Large crowds are expected to greet him when he lands at Dhaka airport on Thursday afternoon.
Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman said he backs Yunus and hoped he will be sworn in to lead the interim government on Thursday evening.
“I am certain that he will be able to take us through a beautiful democratic process,” Waker said.
Yunus said he wanted to hold elections “within a few” months.
– ‘Beautiful way’ –
Few other details about the planned government have been released, including the role of the military.
But Bangladeshis voiced hope as they joined a rally in Dhaka on Wednesday for the former opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP).
“I expect that a national government will be formed with everyone’s consent in a beautiful way,” Moynul Islam Pintu told AFP.
“I expect that the country is run in a nice way, and the police force is reformed so that they can’t harass people.”
Hasina, 76, who had been in power since 2009, quit on Monday as hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets of Dhaka.
Jubilant crowds later stormed and looted her palace.
Monday’s events were the culmination of more than a month of unrest, which began as protests against a plan for quotas in government jobs but morphed into an anti-Hasina movement.
Hasina, who was accused of rigging January elections and widespread human rights abuses, deployed security forces to quash the protests.
At least 455 people were killed in the unrest, according to an AFP tally based on police, government officials and hospital doctors.
– Military move –
The military’s switching of allegiance was the decisive factor in her demise.
It has since acceded to a range of other demands from the student leaders.
The president dissolved parliament on Tuesday, a key demand of the students and the BNP.
The head of the police force, which protesters have blamed for leading Hasina’s crackdown, was sacked on Tuesday.
The new chief, Mainul Islam, offered an apology on Wednesday for the conduct of officers and vowed a “fair and impartial investigation” into the killings of “students, common people and the police”.
Ex-prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, 78, was also released from years of house arrest, while some political prisoners were freed.
The military has demoted some generals seen as close to Hasina and sacked Ziaul Ahsan, a commander of the feared Rapid Action Battalion paramilitary force.
Police said mobs had launched revenge attacks on officers and Hasina’s allies, and also freed more than 500 inmates from a prison.
Protesters broke into parliament and torched TV stations. Others smashed statues of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s independence hero.
Since Tuesday, however, streets in the capital have been largely peaceful.
AFP
EndBadGovernance: NLC fumes as security agencies allegedly invade Labour House
The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has raised alarm over the reported invasion of its office by security agencies.
It called for the immediate withdrawal of federal government armed security agents from the Labour House.
The labour union in a statement signed by Comrade Benson Upah Head, Media and Public Relations and shared on its official X handle on Wednesday, claimed that a troop of heavily armed security operatives invaded the Labour House located at Central Business District, Abuja.
TVN reports that the building serves as the National Headquarters and Secretariat of the NLC.
NLC’s statement claimed that the security operatives, some from the Nigeria Police Force, some wearing black tee-shirts presumably from the Department of State Services (DSS), and others on outright mufti swooped on the 10-floor of the building and arrested the security operative on duty and then commandeered him to the second floor where he was asked to produce the keys to the offices.
“When he told them that he had no such keys on him, they broke into the floor and ransacked the bookshop on the 2d floor carting away hundreds of books and other publications.
“The invading troop claimed that they were looking for seditious materials used for the #EndBadGoveranance Protests,” it said.
The NLC condemned the attack which it described as the new low in security operations in Nigeria.
It said, “The armed security operatives showed no legal document permitting them to invade the premises of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the ungodly hours of the night.
“Even in the dark days of military rule, NLC secretariats were never invaded and ransacked by security agents. Today is indeed a very sad day for our democracy.”
The labour said that having condemned government’s actions against EndBadGovernance protesters, what it did not see coming was the invasion of its house by masked and heavily armed security operatives.
“In the light of the foregoing and the ominous sign it portends for democratic rights, freedom of speech and association and the unimpeachable right of citizens to protest peacefully on any issue they feel strongly about, we call on the international community to take note of the deterioration of democratic principles in the bid to turn Nigeria
into a Police State.
“Given the experience of the leadership of the NLC in recent times at the receiving end of the naked brute force of the state, especially the near daylight assassination of the NLC President by security operatives and thugs, our fears of a Nigerian state that is descending into enforced brutality are well founded.
“We fear that the situation might deteriorate. Given the state of things, the Nigeria Labour Congress has directed all its staff to stay away from the Labour House for now until we are certain that there are no incriminating materials or harmful substances dropped in our offices by the invading operatives. In order to allay our fears, we demand an international inquiry into this very traumatic invasion.
“Finally, we demand the immediate withdrawal of the troop of invading security agents from the premises of the Labour House, Abuja.
“We also demand that all the books and materials carted away by the invading security operatives should be returned unfailingly to where they were taken from before the end of work tomorrow, 8th August, 2024.
“We make this demand given the illegality of the operation as there was no court order for the invasion, ransacking and looting of the publications. If this harassment continues, the Nigeria Labour Congress will not hesitate to call on its members to stay home until their safety and security are assured.
“We warn that the asphyxiation of the public space and channels for constructive engagement, dialogue and negotiations in light of the excruciating difficulties that Nigerians are going through right now would only make matters worse. A stitch in time might still save nine,” it added.
EndBadGovernance: NLC fumes as security agencies allegedly invade Labour House
Actor Francis Duru loses son, Ifeanyi
Veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, has mourned the demise of his son, Ifeanyi.
The actor broke the news in a post on Instagram on Thursday where he described Ifeanyi as a “champ” and a “lion” who fought valiantly.
He wrote, “My champ! My lion, you fought like a lion. If this is the way He wants it, so be it, I still judge you faithful.
“Ifeanyi, my champ. I will miss you, son. I will forever love you. Rest in peace, son, rest. I give you thanks, Lord!”
The news came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike, as Duru had recently celebrated Ifeanyi’s 15th birthday in December 2023.
An outpouring of condolences has since flooded his post on Instagram as friends and fans offer words of comfort to the grieving actor and his family.
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Cross River lifts 25-year embargo on employment into civil service
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has lifted the 25-year embargo on employment in the state’s civil service.
The Commissioner for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar on Wednesday.
Noting that the last mass employment in the service occurred in 1999, Ekpang said 2,000 people would be recruited in the first phase.
He said the recruitment exercise, which will commence immediately, will be carried out across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
“The immediate past administration attempted to employ, but when the present government took office, many flaws were discovered in that exercise.
“As we speak, the state civil service is almost depleted, and we are indeed happy that the governor has deemed it necessary to recruit at this point,” he stated.
When asked if the state will pay the N70,000 minimum wage, the commissioner said: “That will be considered at the appropriate time.”
In another development, Otu has commended the people of the state for not participating in the nationwide “Hunger Protest” which began on 1 August.
He specifically commended the youth for choosing to maintain peace in the state.
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: We can’t continue like this; let protests stop
Some street beggars in Kano have appealed to the organisers of the ongoing nationwide protests to sheath their swords in the interest of humanity.
Baba Haliru, a 70- year-old beggar from Rigiyar Zaki, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that survival has become extremely challenging due to the protests.
Haliru explained that many beggars relied on daily earnings to feed their families, but the protests have prevented them from doing so.
He lamented, “We have not eaten anything in our household of 14 for two days in the last four days except water.
”For God’s sake, please reach out to those who organised the protests to end them by negotiating with the government.”
Other beggars re-echoed Haliru’s sentiments, calling for an end to the protests and the total lifting of the curfew.
Malama Mario Kabiru of Hotoro quarters said: “We have run out of foodstuffs and we can’t go out to buy more. We don’t have money, and the situation is unbearable.”
Malam Isa Musa of Dorayi quarters also appealed to the government to introduce measures that would cater for the needs of elderly individuals who have no support.
He urged, “We are begging because we have no one to support us. Since the curfew was introduced, we have not eaten anything in the last three days with our families.
”We can’t continue like this; kindly let the protests stop.”
( NAN)
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Contact: [email protected]
Police recover 15 pump action rifles from gunrunners in Niger
The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Police Command, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman has recovered 15 pump action rifles from suspected gunrunners and arms dealers in the state.
The Commissioner made the disclosure on Wednesday during a press briefing and the parade of some 23 suspected criminals at the State Police Command headquarters.
According to him, on 4th August, 2024, at about 1900hrs based on intelligence received, Police patrol team of Anti-Kidnapping Unit attached to SCID Minna, while on routine patrol along Maikunkele-Tegina Road, Minna, intercepted a Toyota Corolla vehicle, red in colour, with Reg. No. DKA 877 HJ.
He added, “The vehicle was intercepted with three occupants, including the driver, and in the course of interrogation, surprisingly on the guise to ease themselves, the occupants took to their heels and upon the search of the vehicle, fifteen (15) automatic pump action rifles were found with thirty (30) cartridges concealed in a sack in the vehicle.”
The Commissioner explained that concerted effort was ongoing through the investigative process to track the owner of the said vehicle and arrest the fleeing culprits towards unraveling the source and purpose of the pump action rifles.
Danmamman added that if the fleeing suspects were found and arrested in conjunction with the owner of the vehicle, the culprits would be arraigned in court and charged for prosecution.
According to him, the case was still under investigation in the State Criminals Investigations Department (SCID) Minna.
Police recover 15 pump action rifles from gunrunners in Niger
CBN sells $876.26m out of $1.18bn bid to 26 banks at N1,495/$1 in latest Retail Dutch Auction
Following the reintroduction of the Retail Dutch Auction and a bid to reduce the demand pressure in the foreign exchange (FX) market and promote price discovery, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sold $876.26 million at N1,495/$1 to 26 qualified banks in its latest Retail Dutch Auction.
This was from the total bid of $1.18 billion received from 32 dealer banks.
However, bids from six banks were disqualified, as four banks did not meet up with the deadline while two did not provide bids in their submitted templates.
This represents about 75% of the total bid amount supplied by the apex bank at the latest auction.
This development was announced in a statement signed by Dr Omolara Omotunde Duke, Director, Financial Markets Department.
The statement reads: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) undertook the sale of foreign exchange (Fx) to end users through a Retail Dutch Auction System (rDAS) to reduce the demand pressure in the Fx market and promote price discovery on Tuesday, August 06, 2024.
“Authorised Dealer Banks were required to submit a comprehensive template that contains the details of Forms A and M of all the outstanding trade backed unmet Fx demand of their customers via email on Tuesday, August 06, 2024, between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. The templates were all password protected with the passwords submitted to the CBN after the deadline for the submission of the bids, thereafter, the bids were opened and collated.
READ ALSO;CBN unveils plans to create new office to manage dormant account funds
“The accounts of all end users were to be funded with the naira equivalent of their bids by Wednesday, 07 August 2024. The settlement for the successful bids is Thursday, August 08, 2024.”
The statement noted: “A total bid valued at US$1.18 billion was received from 32 Authorized Dealers Banks, of which, bids valued at US$876.26 million from 26 banks qualified, while bids valued at US$313.69 million from 6 (six) banks were disqualified. Of the disqualified bids, 4 (four) banks submitted their bids after the cut off time of 3:00 pm, while 2 (two) banks did not provide bids in the template submitted. All bids with Form Q, and unverifiable Form A and Form M on the Trade Portal were disqualified.
“In line with the objective of the CBN to boost Fx liquidity to the market as well as promote price discovery, the Bank approved a cut-off rate of N1495/US$ for the Retail Dutch Auction where bids valued at US$876.26 million from 26 banks qualified.”
The CBN noted that it will publish the total bids submitted by banks and the qualified bids on its website to ensure transparency of the process.
By; Babajide Okeowo
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