As the EndBadGovernance protest enters the third day, residents of Imo State have condemned the deployment of aircraft to the state by Inspector General of Police, describing it as unnecessary and capable of worsening the tense situation in the state.
Confirming the deployment of the aircraft, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, in a statement regarding the development, stated that the action is line with the IGP’s directive towards ensuring total security in the state, and enjoined members of the public not to panic.
“Kudos to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for deploying Police Helicopter on Surveillance-Air-Patrol in Imo,” the Police spokesman stated.
Some residents who spoke to our correspondent narrated that they panicked when they sighted the aircraft hovering over the state capital, Owerri, on Saturday.
One of the residents who gave his name as Obinna Nkemakolam, a commercial bus driver in the metropolis, said that the deployment of the aircraft was not necessary as Imo, like other states in the South-East, is not partaking in the nationwide protest.
He wondered why the Police chose to concentrate on the South-East region, leaving hostile areas like North-East and North-Central.
“Imo, likewise other states in the South-East, is peaceful. We are not participating in the protest to avoid being made the scape goat. I don’t know the essence of sending the aircraft. I’m happy that Ndigbo are now speaking with one voice,” he said.
A trader at Ekeonunwa Market, Mrs Emecheta Chikadibia, narrated that the sound of the aircraft caused panic in the market as people stood in apprehension watching as the helicopter hovered over the area.
Noting that the Police and the Civil Defense can control the situation in the state, the woman said, “Deployment of Aircraft is going the extra mile.”
A youth leader who just gave his name as Jasper, said that the major reason the South-East region don’t want to be identified with the ongoing protest is to avoid being singled out.
“We are not participating in the protest yet we are seeing heavily armed security men to the extent of sending aircraft when nothing is happening.
“Who knows what would have happened if we eventually participated in the protest?,” he asked.
In a similar development, full commercial activities have returned in the state as residents were seen attending to their businesses as markets and shops were fully operational.
Protest: Residents decry deployment of Police surveillance aircraft in Imo
Protest: Residents decry deployment of Police surveillance aircraft in Imo
Hardship: Abuja protesters invite Christian, Islamic leaders for talks
Abuja youths protesting against hardship and bad governance in Nigeria have invited leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria for a “heart-to-heart” talks at the protest venue.
While addressing the protesters, Sydney Usman, of the Take It Back Movement, appreciated the leaders for their various interventions but asked them to show up at the venue on Monday, August 5, to discuss with the protesters.
Usman, who decried attacks on protesters by the Police since the first day of the protests, described the leaders as their fathers, adding that they were protesting the bad governance in the country.
The protesters said they would remain at the MKO Abiola Stadium until the court order restricting them was vacated latest on Monday.
Hardship: Abuja protesters invite Christian, Islamic leaders for talks
Protest: Prophet Olujobi tells Tinubu to tackle hardship before it’s too late
General Overseer, Wisdom Church of Christ International, Lagos, Prophet Bisi Olujobi has charged President Bola Tinubu to tackle the main reason Nigerians are protesting.
Thousands of citizens have embarked on a nationwide protest since August 1 to express their anger over the high level of poverty amid worsening economic crisis in the country.
In a statement at the weekend, Olujobi advised Tinubu to “genuinely address the lingering crisis of hardship and hunger bedevilling the country before it’s too late”.
The cleric, who led protest in March 2024 under the auspices of Federation of League of Concerned Prophets, opined that Tinubu can do better as “Nigerians are not asking for too much”.
“Our recommendations to the Presidency, received on behalf of the Speaker and members of Lagos House of Assembly, are yet to be fulfilled as simple as they are.
“That is to tell you this government only understands the language of protest and force, which is shameful. If he (Tinubu) can’t perform, let him relinquish power to a more competent person.
“Nigerians are suffering, yet they keep struggling. Let the youth continue demanding for a better Nigeria, and it will pay off one day,” the religious leader added.
On the forthcoming United States election, Olujobi re-emphasized his prophecy that Donald Trump will emerge the next American President.
“But his administration will be tough towards Africa with draconian policies,” he added.
Protest: Prophet Olujobi tells Tinubu to tackle hardship before it’s too late
Abiodun didn’t call #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters sore losers
The Ogun State Government, on Saturday, described as a total fabrication the claim that Governor, Dapo Abiodun called Nigerians sore losers over the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
Rather, it said, the governor was talking about certain losers of the 2023 elections who were cashing in on the dissent of Nigerian youths to destabilise the country.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Mr Kayode Akinmade.
Akinmade explained that the chaos that greeted the protest in several parts of the country had vindicated Abiodun’s position.
He stated further that nowhere in the referenced interview with Channels TV did the governor suggest, even remotely, that ordinary Nigerians ventilating their grievances over the economic situation in the country are sore losers.
The statement emphasised that the governor is well known for his deep appreciation of Nigerian youths, students, and workers, whom he has always held in the highest esteem and spoken about in glowing terms.
The statement added that only on Friday, the governor lauded Ogun residents, particularly the youth, for shunning violent protests and conducting themselves in an exemplary manner, assuring that his administration remained committed to their happiness.
It stated that the governor was not only willfully and maliciously taken out of context in the characterization of certain political opponents of President Bola Tinubu using the ongoing hunger protest to feather their own nests, but is now also being persecuted by the same individuals through sponsored attacks on his person and office.
The statement stated: “The claim that Governor Abiodun insulted ordinary Nigerians is spurious, malicious, and lacks any rational basis.
“Elementary rules of language indicate that the meaning of an expression resides in its context: Governor Abiodun could not have been referring to ordinary Nigerians as the sponsors of a faceless and leaderless protest.
“While Governor Abiodun did indeed mention sore losers, he was clearly emphasizing irredentist opposition leaders who do not wish this administration well, urging them to prepare for the 2027 polls instead of mindlessly discrediting every government policy just to excite passions and incite people against the government.
“To stretch his use of the word ‘Nigerians’ beyond its intended referents in this context is, therefore, to engage in intellectual fraud and plain mischief.
“Governor Abiodun has the utmost respect for the protesters, and he has made that clear on many occasions.”
Democracy has bleak future in Nigeria – Kingsley Moghalu
Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu, has raised an alarm, claiming that democracy in Nigeria has a bleak future.
Moghalu said this will be the case if the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is not truly independent, and if electronic transmission and collation of election results is not made mandatory.
The former Deputy Governor made this known in a post on his X handle on Saturday, stressing that elections will simply remain a charade and a path to state capture unless INEC becomes independent.
He said: “Democracy in Nigeria has a bleak future if @inecnigeria is not truly independent, and if electronic transmission and collation of election results is not made MANDATORY. Else, elections simply remain a charade – a path to state capture by whichever political parties are able to.”
Democracy has bleak future in Nigeria – Kingsley Moghalu
Hunger Protest: Gov Yahaya laments violence, damage to properties in Gombe
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused by hoodlums who hijacked the nationwide protest against hunger and hardship.
The violence led to significant destruction of both public and private properties in Gombe State.
After inspecting the affected areas in the Gombe metropolis, Governor Yahaya visited several damaged facilities, including the Gombe State Bureau of Public Service Reforms, the Bima Lodge, Kumbiya-Kumbiya Primary Healthcare Centre, and the Blue Jay Motor Park, where six Sienna vehicles were destroyed.
The governor also toured the Gombe Main Market, where he met with business owners and offered words of consolation for their losses.
Inuwa directed the Ministry of Works, Transport and Housing, and the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to conduct a thorough assessment of the damages to facilitate support for those affected.
“I have gone round to personally assess the extensive damage caused by the violent protest. From what I have seen, the destruction is enormous.
“Not just public facilities, businesses were also affected.” He lamented.
He stressed the importance of maintaining peace in Gombe, a state known for its stability, and urged residents to avoid actions that could disrupt harmony.
While acknowledging the challenges and hardships faced by the people, the governor stated that violence and destruction are not acceptable means of expressing grievances.
“Gombe is known for its peace, and we must preserve it. We cannot allow actions that threaten our stability.
“We have no state other than Gombe. We understand that there are challenges and hardships in the land, but we must not resort to violence and destruction of our state to express our feelings or concerns.
“Let me make it clear: we are not against peaceful protest. We know that democracy and our laws grant the right to express oneself, but yesterday’s event contradicted democratic principles and violated the law.” He stated.
The Governor said his administration is ready to support any peaceful demonstration, and the police are ready to give protesters the maximum protection to exercise their constitutional rights once they follow the laid down rules, stating “What we cannot allow, is the breakdown of law and order.”
Yahaya urged residents to resume their economic and social activities, assuring them of safety and security.
He also commended the swift response and professionalism displayed by the security agencies in containing the situation.
“We commend the security agencies for the efforts they put in tackling the escalation of the violence.
“Their prompt action played a crucial role in preventing further chaos and restoring order,” he concluded.
Hunger Protest: Gov Yahaya laments violence, damage to properties in Gombe
#EndBadGovernance protests continue as demonstrators defy appeals to stand down
#EndBadGovernance demonstrators have again taken to the streets in Lagos and Port Harcourt, on Saturday, to press on with their demands.
This is despite appeals from authorities and religious leaders to shelve the protests,
The protests, which began on August 1, aim to draw attention to the country’s economic woes, including a 34% inflation rate, fuel subsidy removal, and the devaluation of the naira.
Placard-wielding youths gathered at the Ojota end of Lagos and Pleasure Park in Port Harcourt, chanting songs and lamenting the government’s insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
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Police officers were present at both venues to ensure a peaceful procession. Economic activities continued uninterrupted as the protests gained momentum.
In Benin City, Edo State, protesters also gathered in a carnival-like atmosphere, defying calls to stand down.
The demonstrations have entered their third day, with protesters insisting on not backing down until their demands are met.
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Marketers accuse NNPC, DAPPMA of causing petrol scarcity
Petroleum marketers have blamed the current scarcity of petroleum products on the alleged shady deals between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMA, and the regulatory agency, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.
The marketers claimed that the deals involving the NNPC, the tank farm owners and the NMDPRA, were inimical to the availability of the products and seamless distribution to retail outlets.
Against this background, the downstream operators have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the issue.
The marketers who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that NNPCL being the sole importer of the products now put the Independent Marketers whom they noted have the largest retail outlets in the country at the mercy of the DAPPMA (the tank farm owners).
TVN reports that NNPCL, the sole importer, gives petrol to the private depot owners operating under the aegis of DAPPMA at a depot price of N556.5 per litre.
Investigations, however, revealed that the tank farm owners sell to marketers at N700 to N740.00, leaving them with little or no marginal profit to sell at stations.
One of the marketers who pleaded anonymity said: “What we used to have in the past was an arrangement where the NNPCL gave allocations meant for Independent marketers to the private depot owners to sell to marketers with a benchmark, a reasonable price.
“Now, the independent marketers have no allocation, they are at the mercy of the tank farm owners. A situation where there is no ex-depot price won’t augur well for the industry. Private depot owners now sell at N800 to those of us who will sell at retail outlets to ordinary Nigerians.
“We are the ones Nigerians are accusing of hoarding products and selling at exorbitant prices. Instead of the midstream regulatory agency doing its job by beaming its searchlight on the activities of the tank farm owners, by insisting on the ex-depot price they are using the marketers as scapegoats.
“There is a cabal in the sector creating problems for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He must show the determined will to break their rank. How many stations do tank farm owners have.? But they are making huge profits to the detriment of Nigerians.”
Marketers accuse NNPC, DAPPMA of causing petrol scarcity
PDP criticises Tinubu’s silence on national protests
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his failure to address the nation amid widespread protests across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, demanded that President Tinubu immediately address pressing issues such as reducing petroleum prices, stabilizing the Naira, and ensuring food security.
The PDP expressed concerns that the President’s silence is fueling public apprehension and perpetuating the notion that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is insensitive to citizens’ plight.
The party criticized the reported brutality of security operatives against unarmed protesters and called for an immediate end to the violence.
The PDP urged President Tinubu to reassure citizens on key issues, including reducing petrol prices to N200 per liter, recovering stolen funds, and cutting governance costs.
The party also demanded a thorough investigation into the reported killings of unarmed protesters and emphasized the need for security agencies to maintain professionalism in their duties.
The statement reads, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flays President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his failure to address the nation despite the crippling nationwide protest by Nigerians.
“The PDP demands that President Tinubu immediately address Nigerians on urgent steps to reduce the price of petroleum products, stem the fall of the Naira and ensure the speedy provision of food among other critical issues so as to revamp the productive sector, stimulate employment and restore stability in the polity.
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“Our Party expresses concerns that President Tinubu’s silence is sending a very dangerous signal and heightening public apprehension that the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The APC government is insensitive to the feelings of the citizens and the overall sorry state of affairs in the nation.
“It is indeed worrisome that President Tinubu could remain silent as Nigerians are on the streets demanding good governance, protection, security and welfare, which are the primary purposes of government.
“The world is watching in horror as operatives of APC-controlled security agencies assault, shoot and kill unarmed protesters, with thugs allegedly mobilized by the APC also unleashing violence on innocent Nigerians.
“Our Party calls on President Tinubu to end his silence, immediately address the nation and reassure the citizens on issues agitating their minds, particularly the reduction in the price of petroleum products and food items.
“Our Party insists that with deft, transparent and innovative management of resources, economic potentials, comparative advantage and refining capacity, petrol should not sell more than N200 per litre in Nigeria, especially with a strategic investment in gas production.
“President Tinubu should also urgently commence the process of recovering the over N50 trillion reportedly stolen by APC leaders, reduce tariffs on essential goods, cut the cost of governance, review all luxury items in his government and channel funds recovered to programmes that have a direct bearing on the wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Furthermore, while calling for a thorough investigation into the reported killing of unarmed Nigerians by certain unscrupulous security operatives, the PDP urges the security agencies to ensure a high level of professionalism in their duty of providing security and protection to the citizens.”
The statement comes as protests continue to rock the nation, with citizens demanding good governance, protection, security, and welfare. The PDP’s call for action puts pressure on President Tinubu to respond to the growing unrest.
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EndBadGovernance: Protesters block Gov Fubara’s convoy, make demands
Protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday blocked Governor Siminilaye Fubara’s motorcade.
According to Channels Television, the protesters insisted that Gov Fubara come down to address them.
This was the situation in the Day 3 protests against hunger in the Niger Delta Region.
Waving green branches and shouting in excitement, the protesters lined up the streets demanding an end to bad governance.
After some moments, the governor’s convoy passed as the demonstrators continued with the rallies.
The protesters in Port Harcourt had regrouped for the third day running for the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations which began on August 1, 2024.
They converged at the Pleasure Park in the city, carried placards, and insisted they would not leave until their demands were met.
Similarly, the Day 3 protest is ongoing in Ojota Lagos, Federal Capital Territory Abuja and other states.
EndBadGovernance: Protesters block Gov Fubara’s convoy, make demands