The Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has denied directing telecom companies in the country like MTN Nigeria , Global and others to tamper with networks to frustrate protesters participating in the ongoing nationwide protests which began on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, million of Nigerians using MTN, Airtel and other networks took to social media to complain about the unusual slow speeds of browsing.
This development sparked conspiracy theories among people that the President Bola Tinubu administration have given an order to the telcoms, so they could hamper the protests.
READ ALSO:APC, Edo govt clash over ownership of rice looted by #EndBadGovernance protesters
But Tijani, appearing on Channels TV Live programme to cover the August Protest refuted the claim
“There’s no instruction to tamper with (phone) networks. There is no such instructions from my office whatsoever. You need to understand that when you have a significant number of people not at work and are online, you will expect that the traffic will be extremely high” he explained.
Earlier in the day, Tijani frowned at the looting and vandalisation of the yet to be commissioned National Communication Commission, NCC, building in Kano State.
By Babajide Okeowo
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Minister denies asking telcos to tamper with network to frustrate protesters
Abiodun commends Ogun youths for shunning #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, extolled the peace and tranquillity across the state, saying the conduct of the people of the state during the first day of the anti-hunger protest was commendable.
Abiodun particularly commended the youth and students for shunning the protest.
The governor, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Lekan Adeniran, said there was no protest in the state as the youth hearkened to the advice of the state government not to allow themselves to be used by frustrated politicians.
“I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to our vibrant youths, dedicated students, and all the citizens of Ogun State for the exemplary manner in which you conducted yourselves by shunning the nationwide protests. This is a testament to your commitment to justice, unity, and the betterment of our society.
“I commend each and every one of you for your discipline and resolve in ensuring that our state remained peaceful. Your ability to stand firm in your convictions while maintaining order and respect is commendable. It is a reflection of the maturity and responsibility that our youth embody.
“I am particularly grateful that by your actions, you did not allow hoodlums or any elements to turn our state into a war zone. This shows not only your strength in numbers but also your strength of character. You have sent a powerful message that our voices can be heard without resorting to violence or destruction,” he said.
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Wike alleges senator sponsoring #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has revealed that security agencies have uncovered information about a Senator allegedly sponsoring the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests against the government.
Wike made the announcement during a press briefing following a security meeting with heads of security agencies in Abuja on Thursday.
The protests, which started yesterday in Abuja and other parts of the country, proceeded despite appeals from government officials urging citizens to avoid participating.
Wike claimed that the Senator in question had reportedly arranged for security personnel to deliver food to the protesters, which he described as a form of sponsorship.
“Now we also have intelligence that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters. That is sponsorship,” Wike stated.
“A senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day.”
Read also: FG reacts to WhatsApp’s threat to exit Nigeria over $220m fine
The minister reiterated his call for protesters to adhere to the court order mandating their demonstration be confined to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. He highlighted the violence and fatalities reported elsewhere on the first day of the protest.
Wike also disclosed that security agencies had received intelligence about potential attempts by miscreants to hijack the protests and cause property damage on the following day, but assured that security forces would prevent such actions.
“We believe that this is a democratic government and so we must act according to the rule of law. We also believe that this protest is their entitlement so that the government can address the issues raised. Obeying the rule of law is obeying court orders,” he said.
“You saw what happened today when some people tried to move into Eagle Square. Miscreants may not have succeeded in what they wanted to do, but we have intelligence that they are coming out tomorrow to destroy property that will lead to loss of lives. The security agencies will not allow that. Every protester, please, go to the MKO Abiola stadium and do your protest. That is what the court said,” he declared.
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Genocidal threats: Govt must arrest, prosecute those behind heinous agenda – Peter Obi
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, has described as deeply disturbing genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation.
TVN reported that there are calls on social media, trending under the hashtag #IgboMustGo on X, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states.
Obi said immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind the heinous agenda.
In a post on his X handle on Friday, he urged those in authority to show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric.
He wrote, “Similarly, and deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation.
“Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
“Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric.
“Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.
“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.
“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.
“We can only overcome our national challenges if we act together as one people United under God. -PO”
Genocidal threats: Govt must arrest, prosecute those behind heinous agenda – Peter Obi
Videos being twisted to blackmail me, Peter Obi cries out
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the circulation of false videos stating that it was aimed at blackmailing him.
In a statement on X.com on Friday, Obi clarified that a video from his keynote speech in Anambra State was twisted to suggest he declared war on Northerners, when in fact, he spoke about tackling economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.
Obi also debunked another video showing him leading a protest in Abuja, revealing that it was actually taken during his visit to the Labour Party headquarters, where he mediated a clash between the party and the NLC.
He said, “I have noticed some deliberate and well-orchestrated efforts by some persons to blackmail me into conforming to some of their nefarious agendas.
“Their dubious moves have led to the false circulation of a video from my recent keynote speech at the installation of Rotarian Professor A. U. Nnonyelu in Anambra State. They have twisted the video to suit their motive to suggest that I declared war on Northerners when, in fact, I spoke about declaring war on economic stagnation, insecurity, and corruption.
“Another video circulating online, supposedly showing me leading a protest in Abuja, is also false. The video was actually taken during my visit to the Labour Party HQ, where I mediated a clash between the Labour Party and the NLC.
“The video was conveniently edited to create a false narrative, and those responsible have been paid to spread this misinformation. This kind of misinformation has no place in our democracy, where truth and honesty should prevail.
“This misrepresentation is part of a larger narrative of blackmail, aimed at fitting me into their malicious agenda. I remain committed to a new Nigeria where justice, equity, and caring for the citizens will prevail over the greed of a few.”
Furthermore, Obi expressed concern over genocidal threats against the Igbo tribe on social media, calling for their relocation.
He warned that such rhetoric threatens national unity and urged authorities to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this agenda.
He added, “Similarly, and deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country. Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric.”
“Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.”
Obi emphasized the need for Nigerians to stand united against divisive rhetoric and champion unity, tolerance, and understanding.
“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.,” he said.
He called on the government and security agencies to act swiftly to protect the fundamental principle of unity and ensure every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution.
“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.
“We can only overcome our national challenges if we act together as one people United under God,” he added.
Turkey denies citizens access to Instagram
Turkey has blocked its citizens from accessing Instagram social media networks amid heightened tension in the Middle East Region.
The national communications authority disclosed this without explanation.
The Speculator Index confirmed the development.
This comes following censorship accusations against the US company by a high-ranking Turkish official.
BTK communications authority said in a post on its website that “instagram.com has been blocked by a decision on the date of 02/08/2024”.
The Turkish presidency’s communications director, Fahrettin Altun on Wednesday took a swipe at Instagram, accusing the platform of “impeding people from publishing messages of condolence for the martyr Haniyeh”.
“This is a very clear and obvious attempt at censure,” Altun said on X.
Turkey denies citizens access to Instagram
Police share water to protesters
In a surprising display of solidarity, police officers were seen handing out sachet water to protesters on Thursday.
A video shared by the police force on its X handle showed police officers distributing bags of water to the demonstrators.
The police captioned the video: “If it’s peaceful, we’re game” – indicating their support for peaceful protests.
Protests erupted in some states on Thursday as citizens expressed their frustration over the country’s prevailing economic hardship.
Nigerians began the #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria protest on August 1, 2024, to draw the attention of the government to their plight.
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Violence: Kano protest organisers must be held accountable – Waiya
The Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education (CDE), Amb. Ibrahim Waiya, on Friday, called on security agents to arrest the organizers of the Kano protest.
According to him, the organizers must account for the lives and the properties lost during Thursday mayhem in Kano.
Ambassador Waiya, who is also the Convener, Nigeria For Peace Project (N4P), in a statement made available to newsmen in Kano, condemned all those that helped in one way or the other in organizing and holding the protest.
He said, “we wish to unequivocally condemn the protest in totality, as well as the promoters and organizers for their inability to envisage this calamity which could befall Kano State, our only dear State.”
Hoodlums unleashed violence, widespread looting in Kano on Thursday during the ill fated nationwide protest against “hunger”, culminating in loss of life, and property.
Ambassador Waiya stated that “History wouldn’t forgive those who ardamantly insisted on organizing the protest despite repeated advisory to heed to caution, from many voices of wisdom.”
The Human Rights activists said “Before the date for the protest, many important personalities had cautioned against this planned protest, as Kano State is unique and different from all other States. Especially knowing fully how some evilly minded people in the State, are desperately seeking for a slightest opportunity to strike and destabilize the State.”
The soft spoken activist lamented that “What could be obviously observed as the devidends of the protests were: Loss of human lives, loss of huge private and public investment, tarnishing the image of Kano State, by subjecting our integrity to ridicule, disdain and total embarrassment.”
He stressed “The NCC Centre, which was destroyed by some disgruntled hoodlums under the guise of protest has dragged Kano State back in terms of opportunities on ICT literacy and development”.
Waiya praised “the swift action of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf by imposing curfew, and to also “appreciate the quick and professional response of all our security agencies to contain the situation, and the arrest so far made of some of the looters and hoodlums.”
The signed statement by Ambassador Waiya noted that “We had all acknowledged the insensitivity of the Federal government to realize the pinnacle of the difficulty in the land, with more than 85% of the citizens struggling to feed, while those in Government have not in any way shown any emphasy to the plights of the suffering citizens, and have continued to openly spend public money so extravagantly for their welfare and the welfare of their immediate family.”
The fearless Rights activists said that Nigerians are losing confidence on democracy and government, and therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stem the tide with urgent steps to alleviate the sufferings of the Nigerian citizens, as life is becoming so unbearable.
He told Mr. President that “And to let you know that, gradually people are losing confidence and faith in the Nigerian Democracy and your Government”.
He assured that “It is also our resolve to follow up, the unfolding development in Kano State, and ensure that, those culpable in the mess that was created in Kano, in the name of protest are brought to justice.”
Violence: Kano protest organisers must be held accountable – Waiya
Onyeka Onwenu harmonised the world with her melodies, AGN president mourns
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has expressed sadness over the death of veteran music icon, Onyeka Onwenu.
In a statement made available to our correspondent on Friday, Rollas described the late singer as a “creative colossus.”
He highlighted that Onwenu’s remarkable lifetime was a testament to her boundless talent, passion, and dedication.
According to him, her kindness, wisdom, and generosity of spirit are the qualities she will be remembered for.
According Online reported that Onwenu, 72, died on Tuesday at Reddington Hospital in Lagos, after collapsing at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli, where she had performed.
Rollas statement read, “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our creative colossus, Onyeka Onwenu. Her remarkable life was a testament to her boundless talent, passion, and dedication.
“As a journalist, she shone a light on the stories that needed to be told. As a musician, she harmonised the world with her melodies. And as an actor, she brought characters to life with her presence.
“But more than her impressive accomplishments, I’ll remember her kindness, wisdom, and generosity of spirit. Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew her.
“May the memories of her love, laughter, and light bring her family and the creative community comfort during this difficult time. May her remarkable life be a blessing, and may her beautiful soul rest in peace. Adieu, our beloved Lady Of Songs.”
Nationwide protest: Zamfara APC condemns looting of Matawalle’s properties
Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has expressed dismay over the destruction of former governor, Bello Matawelle’s properties at his Gusau’s country home following the nationwide protest.
This was contained in a statement issued by the party publicity secretary, Mallam Yusuf Idris Gusau, which was made available to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital.
“We observed that many PDP thugs were strategically deployed to attack, maim, and destroy personalities and properties of the APC.
“Most disturbing was how on the first day of the protest, today, Thursday, the already known PDP thugs aimed at the former governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle’s personal residence for destruction but for the quick intervention of security personnel who blocked them.
“This indicated that, if allowed, the thugs who were most likely implementing the directives of their leaders would have razed down the minister’s house and property.
“Certainly, the APC, especially our leader, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, whose residence was burgled last year by the same thugs will not allow a repeat of this unbecoming attitude,” he said in the statement.
He alleged that the thugs also attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Yau at his home town of Kaura Namoda, where they destroyed many valuables.
“We have earlier forecast the possible hijacking of the protest by the hoodlums and other miscreants in the state which they actualized.
“We wish to implore security agencies in the State to give our members and all well-meaning citizens the desired protection of lives and property.
“We also want to call on our youths not to allow themselves to be used by bad politicians, especially as the nationwide protest is supposed to be peaceful and address concerns in the country.
“This protest, which is a constitutional right of Nigerians, should be peaceful and without any threat to life and property.
“We commend the proactiveness of the security agencies in the state for their quick intervention,” he added.
Nationwide protest: Zamfara APC condemns looting of Matawalle’s properties