Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Thursday night decried the dimensions of the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest in the country.
TVN reports that Nigerians across many states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, took to the streets as they commenced an earlier announced 10-day protest against hardship in the country.
However, the first day of the protest witnessed widespread violence and lootings across major cities, with many protesters reported dead.
The major flashpoints were in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa and Nasarawa States.
Some of the states have already imposed curfew in a bid to contain the situation.
Addressing a press conference, the IGP, who knocked the promoters of the protest for being nowhere around to lead it, urged them to end it.
He said the security agencies had been vindicated in their earlier intelligence that the protest would turn violent.
According to him, “It is with a grave sense of responsibility that I address you this evening. You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing our youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country.
“While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones, refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest.
“On the basis of this intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.
“This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest.
“This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.
“While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.
“Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged.
“Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same.
“Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest.
“Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed.
“The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. The destruction so far has been mind-boggling.
“There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. Police stations have been destroyed, there have been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.”
He decried that “ispite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.
“In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.
“We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED).
“Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of an explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.
“We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.
“In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.
“Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.
“The Police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
“We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period.
“Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country.”
EndBadGovernance: Nigeria police on red alert as Day-One protest turns bloody
EndBadGovernance: Nigeria police on red alert as Day-One protest turns bloody
Abdallah, others jostle for Pillars coaching job
Former Enyimba and Super Eagles assistant coach Usman Abdallah is among the frontrunners to take up the vacant role of Kano Pillars head coach as the former Nigerian champions intensify preparation for the 2024/25 season scheduled to begin on August 31, According Sports Extra reports.
Abdallah, who has worked as an assistant coach with Kano Pillars before, was among those that were interviewed on Wednesday as Pillars hope to replace Paul Offor.
Kano Pillars hired former Sporting Lagos gaffer Offor some weeks ago, but both parties parted ways mutually on Tuesday after a change in the club’s leadership.
Chairman of the club, Ali Umar, said Offor’s contract was terminated based on mutual consent, noting that the coach was hired by the former management that was dissolved by the Kano State Government a few days later.
In a swift move to hire a new coach, the new management interviewed Abdallah, former coach Ibrahim Musa, and their former player and assistant coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro, among others.
According to a statement from the club’s media team on Thursday, a new coach will soon be announced for Pillars.
“In addition to the physical interviews, the management board is meticulously scrutinising the CVs of other applicants who could not attend in person,” the statement read.
“These candidates, hailing from various countries, including France, submitted their credentials during the June application window. The board is committed to conducting a thorough review to ensure the selection of a highly qualified technical adviser who will bring expertise and vision to the club.
The management board will announce the new technical adviser soon, marking a significant step in preparing the team for a successful season ahead.”
Kano Pillars, who won three consecutive NPFL titles between 2012 and 2014, returned to the topflight last season, finishing 11th in the table.
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, they are currently in Enugu, where they will be taking part in the Coal City pre-season tournament.
Waldrum blames Falcons flop on poor preparation
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has blamed the team’s ouster from the women’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics on poor preparation, The According reports.
Nigeria were knocked out of the tournament in the group stage on Wednesday after a 3-1 defeat to Japan, ending the phase without a win, having lost their first two matches to Brazil and Spain, 1-0 on both occasions.
Japan raced to a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes, with goals from Maika Hamano and Mina Tanaka before Jennifer Echegini handed the Super Falcons a lifeline with the first half winding down. But there was still enough time for Hikaru Kitagawa to restore Japan’s two-goal lead before halftime with an exquisite free kick.
Nigeria needed to win by at least two goals to have any hopes of reaching the quarterfinals, but they couldn’t do enough against the 2011 World Champions as their performances in the first two games proved to be better.
“We prepared for them (all three opponents) based on the fact that we haven’t had a lot of time,” Waldrum said via ESPN.
“We missed the last window before the Olympics, and so we missed 10 days of good training before the Olympics.”
The Falcon camped for 10 days in Seville, Spain, ahead of the Games, and The According reported how their preparations were hindered by visa issues, which prevented some of the invited players from arriving camp early enough.
Although they were drawn in a tough group, expectations were still high about the chances of Waldrum’s team, following their performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they were eliminated on penalties by England in the round of 16.
The results from the Paris Olympics mirrored those of the 2008 team that lost 1-0 to the Korea Democratic People’s Republic, 1-0 to Germany, and 3-1 to eventual silver medalists Brazil.
Nigeria’s best outing—so far—at the Women’s Olympic football tournament was in Athens 20 years ago, where the Falcons finished in 6th place after exiting the tournament in the quarterfinals.
Opeyori thanks fans for support after exit
Nigeria’s badminton star, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to fans who supported him during his Paris Olympics campaign, despite his early exit, According Sports Extra reports.
Opeyori acknowledged the unwavering support he received and emphasised his commitment to showcasing African talent in the sport.
The 27-year-old, ranked 10th in the men’s singles, faced significant competition in both matches he played but remained resolute and determined.
“Thank you, guys, again, for all the support. We showed what Africa has to offer the sport of badminton,” he said in a video posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“It might not be the result that we wanted, but it was a win for Africa. I will keep working hard, and I will keep striving to become the best player in Africa and in the world. On to the next one.”
Opeyori put up a valiant effort against China’s Li Shi Feng in his second Group N match in the Men’s Singles Badminton event, losing 2-0 (21-17, 21-17). Despite the defeat, he fought fiercely for every point against the world number six.
The match followed his earlier loss to Switzerland’s Tobias Kuenzi, his second defeat that marked his exit from the Olympics.
In his first match, Opeyori faced a challenging opponent in Kuenzi, who had previously lost to Li Shi Feng. Kuenzi secured a closely contested first set 22-20 and went on to win the second set 21-14 for a 2-0 win.
Reflecting on his journey, Opeyori underscored the importance of representing Nigeria and Africa on the global stage.
He pledged to continue his hard work and dedication to achieve greater success in future competitions, maintaining his goal to become one of the best players in Africa and the world.
Falcons unlucky, says Mbachu
Former Super Falcons star Stella Mbachu says Nigeria’s senior women’s football team were unlucky to have exited the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics at the group stage, According Sports Extra reports.
Randy Waldrum’s side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Japan in the final Group C game on Wednesday to crash out of the competition after losing all three games.
Paired alongside Spain, Brazil, and Japan, the Falcons were in for a difficult challenge at the Olympics. Their campaign got off on a bad note, losing their opening game to Brazil 1-0. In their second game against reigning world champions Spain, the Falcons put up a better performance than their opener against the South Americans.
After losing 1-0 to Brazil in their first game, the 11-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winners seemed poised to pick up a hard-earned point in their second game against Spain on Sunday, but a late goal from Barcelona star Alexia Putellas ensured the Spaniards snatched all three points.
In their last game against Japan on Wednesday, the Falcons conceded two goals before the half-hour mark before Jeniffer Echegini scored a goal that may be competing for the goal of the tournament to get Nigeria back in the game at 2-1.
However, Tosin Demehin was unlucky to have a decision ruled against her by Venezuelan referee Emikar Calderas, who awarded a free kick to the Asian giants in the last minute of added time.
Left-back Hikaru Kitagawa beat Chiamaka Nnadozie from the resulting set piece to take the game beyond the reach of the Falcons.
In a chat with According Sports Extra, Mbachu, who had 88 caps and scored 20 goals representing Nigeria, said her compatriots were unlucky during their Olympics campaign.
“Despite the defeats, I think they did very well; they were just unlucky,” she said.
“I don’t think they did anything wrong because I believed they did their best.”
Mike Ejeagha and the power of music
I grew up hating my name, Isaac, after listening to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s song, Upside Down, which he did with his American soulmate, Sandra Isidore, in 1976. Apart from his mother, the king-dethroning Madam Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Sandra was a major influence in the radicalisation of Fela, burnishing his art and heart with the socio-political wildfires called Blackness and Africanness spreading across the US, Europe and Africa to other parts of the world at the time.
Harnessing the genius of multi-talented designer, artist, painter and illustrator, Lemi Ghariokwu, whose brush drenched the sleeves of Fela’s albums in rainbowy colours, the Afrobeat god granted Ghariokwu the artistic licence to design and write the lyrics of his songs on his album sleeves. Ghariokwu made the best of the opportunity presented by Fela, soaring to world acclaim. The sleeve designs of ‘Yellow Fever’, ‘Zombie’ and ‘Beasts of No Nation’ are still vividly etched in my memory.
Not novel to the Nigerian music industry, the illustrations and lyrics on Fela’s album sleeves made it easy for his lovers and haters to understand the anger in his protest songs. Personally, the illustrations and lyrics made me internalise his gospel, though I was young.
Despite being a consummate Christian, my father, who was his fan, didn’t know he was planting the seeds of Black African consciousness in me by buying Fela’s albums. I remember my mother also bought the 1973 album of St Gregory’s College teenage students’ group, Ofege, titled ‘Try and Love’.
Leader of the group, Melvin Ukachi, revealed that Ofege was an abridged form of ‘O fo gate’, which means ‘he jumped the gate,’ a term used for Army deserters on French leave aka AWOL or students who left the dormitory without permission.
Isaac!? “No, I’m not sick,” I would say – in derision of my name – and would tell whoever cared to listen how wrong it was for me, a Yoruba, to bear a Jewish name when Jews don’t bear Yoruba names. In my fledgling ideological radicalism, I saw reason in Fela and Sandra, who sang in ‘Upside Down’ that, “Englishman get English name, American man get American name, German man get German name, Russian man get Russian name, Chinese man get Chinese name, but African man no dey get African name…everything disorganise, patapata…”
As a youngster, I never plucked up the courage to tell my parents how much I disliked the Isaac name. Who born me? But when I came of age, I did tell my father how kobo-wise and naira-foolish I think it was for anyone to go to Jerusalem or Mecca on pilgrimage in the hope of making it to Paradise. I also told him how illogical I think it was for Nigerians to communicate with God in foreign languages such as Arabic, Italian, Hebrew etc when God understands all languages.
Fela intended his songs as a tool for social change. With the cult following he enjoyed, Fela knew his songs would sprout disciples in many nations. Though I didn’t smoke marijuana, I became a disciple of Fela’s gospel, always leaving my shirt unbuttoned at the chest, a behaviour which often fetched my mother’s swift ‘ifakun’ slap on my flat-screen chest, ‘twai’; ‘it’s not in this house you will become a Fela disciple! Button up, you goat!’
Just 18 when he met Fela, Ghariokwu had done a portrait of the Abami Eda and went to present the work to him. Fela reportedly offered Ghariokwu four times the worth of the painting but the creative turned down the money, thus earning a lifetime ticket to Kalakuta Republic.
As a result of his diligence with Fela, self-taught Ghariokwu achieved international repute, exhibiting in major museums across the globe, granting interviews to global media organisations, including CNN and designing album covers for Bob Marley, Osita Osadebe, Kris Okotie, Lucky Dube, Miriam Makeba etc. Also, he designed album covers for 2Face, Lagbaja, Sound Sultan, Falz, Brymo and record labels such as EMI, CBS and Ivory Music. He also recorded a song, Omolakeji, in 1992, featuring Daniel Wilson aka Mr Ragamuffin.
At 94, folklorist and master guitarist – Gentleman Mike Ejeagha – is at the Departure Lounge of Life International Airport, awaiting his last flight. A soft female voice wafted through the airport’s Public Address System, saying: “Passenger No 01-08-1932, Pa Mike Ejeagha, your attention is needed. You are about to board the wrong flight. Please, go back to the Arrival Lounge, a convoy is waiting to take you back home, courtesy of popular comedian, Brain Jotter.”
And Gentleman Ejeagha burst into tears.
In music, folderol is a refrain with no meaning though it may be rhythmic. ‘Gwo, gwo, gwo, ngwo’ is a folderol, just as ‘Eweku ewele’, the Yoruba version of ‘Gwo, gwo, gwo, ngwo’ is. ‘Gwo, gwo, gwo, ngwo’ and ‘Ewku ewele’ are refrains in the Igbo and Yoruba folktales that showcase how little Tortoise differently tricked the almighty Elephant. ‘A o m’erin j’oba’ is the Yoruba version of the folktale. At best, both refrains signify the footfalls of the Elephant: ‘Gwo, gwo, gwo, ngwo’, ‘Eweku ewele’.
Ejeagha had only been known within the resilient Biafra enclave until fate blew fame his way recently, after his 1983 song, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, became the 14th most searched song in the world because the song went viral when Brain Jotter created a funny dance step and used the song in his comic skit.
In Igbo land, the name Mike Ejegbha is synonymous with storytelling such that whenever someone is engaging in a long speech, the audience would say, ‘Akuko Mike Ejeagha,’ meaning ‘Storytelling like Mike Ejeagha’.
Ejeagha simply means ‘Safe journey’. As a nonagenarian, one of the prayers of the Imezi Owa-born indigene of Enugu State would include a safe journey back home to his Maker for he had run a good race, fought a good fight and was waiting on his Lord before Brain Jotter appeared in the sky to give him fresh wings to fly, once again, among stars. It’s destined that Ejeagha’s song would be sung by this generation.
You can’t enjoy Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche if you play it on mobile devices. Get the music on a stereo and hear the booming ‘udu’ tempering the classic guitar work played on D major scale. It’s crazy.
Over the years, degeneration in moral values has seen Nigerian society abandon didactic musical messages for the current hurricane of irritatingly noisy music full of fury, materialism, sex, ritualism and outright stupidity.
Music is powerful. I should add ‘very’ to the power of music. The walls of Jericho fell to music. David won the heart of God with music. Music is the food of love. It’s also the fuel for war. Music made me hate Isaac till tomorrow. Music is very powerful. Music is making Gentleman Ejeagha float on cottony clouds in the evening of his life, fulfilling the prayer of Everyman – to finish well in life; to not wear rags after donning coats of many colours, to not eat bone after eating choice meat.
By the way, who invented music? Who invented dance? There’s no historical evidence as to who invented music but dance, one of the most expressive physical art forms, evolved from prehistoric times as a celebratory worship form in spiritual rituals, creating family and communal bonds. Egypt and India are believed to be the earliest roots of dance.
There’s an unmistakable affinity between Igbo and Yoruba languages despite the political wedge being driven between the two great peoples. The Igbo call the elephant ‘enyi’ while the Yoruba call it ‘erin’. The mouth is ‘onu’ in Igbo, it’s ‘enu’ in Yoruba just as the ear, called ‘nti’ in Igbo, bears ‘eti’ in Yoruba. The hand is ‘aka’ in Igbo and goes by ‘apa’ in Yoruba while the nose is ‘imi’ in Igbo and ‘imu’ in Yoruba. Torotoro is turkey in Igbo while it’s tolotolo in Yoruba. Goat, ‘ewu’ in Igbo, is ‘ewure’ in Yoruba. Corn is ‘oka’ in both languages just as fever is ‘iba’ in both.
In 2019, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and Ohaneze Ndigbo agreed that the Igbo once lived in Ife. The Ooni, who said the Yoruba were aborigines of Ile-Ife, added, “We have to say the truth and the truth must set us all free, we (Yoruba and Igbo) are blood brothers.” But the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu, said the Igbo were the original occupants and owners of Ife before the arrival of the Yoruba. Historians should shed light on the issue.
A retired Associate Professor of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Bolaji Aremo, whose research affirmed both Igbo and Yoruba languages were from the same parent language, said the similarities suggest that both languages lived in the same community at a time and that both ethnic groups were of the same ancestral stock.
Ejeagha is Igbo, yet the Yoruba dance ‘Gwo, gwo, gwo, ngwo’. The Igbo danced to Sina Peters’ ‘Ace’. Music is the powerful food of love.
Need to secure the prisons
AFTER a lengthy waiting game, the Nigerian Correctional Service has released more names and pictures of inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State. On April 24, rainfall destroyed the walls of the Suleja prison and led to the escape of 118 inmates. With most prisons constructed decades ago, the Federal Government should move post-haste to rebuild the structures.
On June 6, NCoS spokesman, Abubakar Umar, stated that 23 of the fleeing inmates had been recaptured. The NCoS followed this up on June 15 by publishing the names of 18 inmates on its website. Recently, Umar released 13 new names and pictures of the escapees. The post had the names and pictures of 31 persons, including those of the 18 inmates, published on June 15. This is a small step forward.
It is an arduous task to recapture absconders. It is even more complicated in Nigeria, where technology is in scant use. For this reason, the escapees are mocking the system.
Indeed, most of the custodial centres in Nigeria are old and vulnerable to attacks by gunmen, who set criminals and bandits free.
Consequently, jailbreaks have occurred in the recent past in Owerri, Imo State, Kuje in the FCT, Kabba and Koton Karfe in Kogi, Abolongo in Oyo, Jos in Plateau, Mandala in Kwara, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Agbor in Delta State.
Media reports said 837 inmates fled from the Abolongo centre in October 2021. Earlier that April, the Owerri centre witnessed the escape of 1,844 inmates. It was described as the single largest jailbreak in Nigeria’s history. In the Benin and Oko centres in Edo State, 1,993 inmates escaped in October 2020.
In July 2022, 64 hardened Boko Haram terrorists were part of the horde that escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre after a deadly assault by Islamic terrorists in Kuje.
Recently, Isa Muhammed, one of the escapees in Kuje, and his brother, Nasiru Mohammed, also known as ‘Danger,’ were paraded for the murder of a retired Army general in Abuja. That is the costly price being paid for the official laxity at the prisons.
Similarly, most of the escapees of recent jailbreaks are high-end criminals and deadly Boko Haram terrorists.
From physically old and dilapidated infrastructure to understaffing and unhygienic, overcrowded cells unfit for humans, many fundamental problems are dogging Nigeria’s prison system. Most of the reformatories were constructed in colonial times. The cells are narrow. The brittle walls collapse easily when attacked due to age. The heinous criminals exploit this factor whimsically. This cannot be overcome in a day.
Overcrowding is the most noticeable impediment to a virile correctional system in Nigeria. This makes the prisons tough, a major detraction from being a correctional centre.
The awaiting trial inmate crisis hinges on the slow, crooked justice system. The police take a share of the blame for their arbitrary arrests and poor record keeping. The judiciary is sluggish in dispensing with cases before it. State governors aggravate this by refusing to sign death warrants; some condemned inmates remain for decades in prison.
Therefore, the government must do more to ensure that prisons are well-guarded and secure. Justice must be quickly dispensed.
Nigeria should explore the reforms in Europe, where some countries engage in public-private partnerships. In 14 of the 16 states in Germany, prisoners are mandated to work in the daytime and return to the centres at night. To free the prisons from overcrowding, some offences should attract only community work.
The National Assembly should amend the 1999 Constitution to remove prisons from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List. This will ensure that states build prisons and reduce overcrowding.
Banks woo customers to digital channels
Some banks have started wooing customers to use their digital channels as the hunger protest commenced on Thursday.
The According observed on their social media platforms and via emails sent to their customers on Thursday amid the nationwide protest.
In an email, FirstBank told its customers, “Our alternative channels are available, We are here to ensure you have seamless transactions across all our touch points. To support your financial needs at every point, you can use the following alternative channels available 24/7 for all your transactions.”
United Bank for Africa, via its Instagram page, assured customers, “We are just a tap away! Experience the convenience of managing your finances on the go with our digital banking platforms. Seamless transactions anytime, anywhere.”
FSDH Merchant Bank also, via its Instagram page, said, “Our electronic channels are up and running. All our electronic channels are fully operational to help you transact with ease.”
None of the banks operating in the country announced a closure due to the hunger protest and some bank branches visited by The According on Thursday were open for business.
The Access Bank branch along Old Ojo Road close to First Gate in the Maza-maza area of Lagos was open on Thursday morning and all its ATMs were also dispensing.
The Fidelity Bank branch next to it had its gates locked even though there were security guards and an armed policeman present.
The same scene was at the bank’s branch near the Festa Link Bridge.
Zenith Bank along Old Ojo Road, close to First Gate, was not open, but its ATMs were available to members of the public.
Polaris Bank branch at Festac was open to customers.
The spokespersons of two commercial banks told The According on Wednesday, that they were going to open.
“Yes. The bank is opening…watching the situation,” one of them said, and another said, “Oh yes, we are opening tomorrow, but services will be skeletal as we monitor developments.”
Aside from banks, shopping malls were closed around the Festac area and markets too, like the one at Cele Bus Stop.
A popular grocery store around Apple Junction told its staff members not to wear their customised outfits to work for security reasons and the eatery nearby, which was open, had the presence of armed police in front alongside their security guards.
While there have been concerns about the threat of violence during the protests, the economic impact of the protests has also been highlighted.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise had cautioned that the protests could inflict an estimated daily loss of N400bn, with severe consequences for the country and its citizens.
The Director/CEO of CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying, “The protests could inflict an estimated daily loss of N400bn, if not properly managed. The consequences of such a huge loss for the country and its citizens would be very severe.
“There is a high risk of shutdowns and disruptions in major sectors of the economy. This is in addition to risks to lives and properties of innocent citizens and corporate bodies.”
The protests, organised by various groups in the country, are aimed at drawing attention to the country’s economic woes, including high inflation, production costs, unemployment and hunger.
From 1929 Aba Women’s Riot to 2024 hunger anger
As the ‘End Bad Governance’ protests began on Thursday with some citizens reportedly killed, LAOLU AFOLABI examines the history of protests in Nigeria and their impacts, from the Aba Women’s Riot to #EndSARS protests, and how they have disrupted the economy and forced policy changes
The country woke up to a fresh round of nationwide protests on Thursday. Nigerians’ anger and frustration had reached a boiling point. The root causes of the planned protest are multifaceted, including economic hardship, government corruption, and perceived inefficiencies in leadership. In addition to financial woes, systemic corruption within various levels of government has eroded public trust. Nigerians are increasingly disillusioned with leaders who they feel are more interested in self-enrichment than in addressing the needs of the populace.
The administration of President Bola Tinubu came into office on May 29, 2023, amid expectations. Nigerians believed the new government would bring a wave of relief and lessen the burdens of the past administration led by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
His first strike, however, showed the administration would go for hard decisions.
“Subsidy is gone,” he announced while veering off his inaugural speech. However, the President’s removal of petrol subsidies exacerbated the economic burden on citizens, leading to skyrocketing prices for essential goods and services. This situation has left many struggling to make ends meet, fueling widespread discontent.
The protests are not only a reaction to immediate economic pressures but also a manifestation of long-standing grievances. Issues such as police brutality, inadequate public services, and poor infrastructure have been simmering for years. Movements like #EndSARS, which emerged in 2020 to combat police violence, highlight the persistent demand for justice and systemic change.
Protests have played a significant role in Nigeria’s history, reflecting the country’s diverse social, political, and economic challenges. From the Aba Women’s riot in 1929 to the Naira Redesign protest of 2023, Nigerians have shown resilience in the face of adversity and their unwavering commitment to advocating for their rights and a better future
In the Aba Women’s Riot in December 1929, there was a major revolt by women in southeastern Nigeria against British colonial rule. The women protested against the imposition of taxes and oppressive policies of the colonial administration. In the end, about 50 women reportedly died with many others assaulted.
In November 1947, there was the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt, another significant protest by women in the present-day capital of Ogun State against colonial authorities and local leadership, primarily over unfair taxes. The earlier protests were led by women, notable among them was Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, mother of legendary musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
In April 1978, youths took up the challenge, leading the ‘Ali Must Go’ nationwide protest. University students protested against the tuition increase believed to have been introduced by the then-Minister of Education, Col. Ahmadu Ali, leading to widespread demonstrations and confrontations with security forces. Ali was appointed Minister of Education by three consecutive Heads of State: Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed and Olusegun Obasanjo, was believed to be at the centre of the uprising, but he tried to shift responsibility, citing that the increment was made by the Supreme Military Council and not the Ministry of Education.
The then-Secretary of the Nigerian University Commission, Dr Jibril Aminu, had revealed that school fees of tertiary institutions would be increased due to the high cost of living in the country. The hostel fee was increased to N90 per student per session for 36 weeks. The cost of meal tickets was also hiked from N1.50k to N2.00. A former President of the National Union of Nigerian Students, Segun Okeowo (now late), led students in the series of protests. On the second day, there was a battle between the students and the Nigerian Police at the University of Lagos. A student was shot in the leg and bled to death. The protests became intensive and about eight students were killed in Zaria by soldiers. The development led to the closure of all universities by the Federal Military Government. At the end of the protests, the government did not reverse the fees.
On May 24, 1989, protests against the Structural Adjustment Programme implemented by the Ibrahim Babangida administration began. The protest involved students, labour unions, even the unemployed and the hoodlums. The International Monetary Fund-imposed SAP was introduced as a government policy in 1986 in an attempt to stop the effects of falling oil prices and foster the development of local industries. The measures were to ensure that Nigeria qualified for IMF-issued loans. Nigerians had to leave home earlier than usual for their daily commute due to a collapse in the transportation system and had to be content with a single meal per day.
As the hardships bit harder, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation announced an increase of N2.50 in the cost of petroleum products, leading to an increase in food prices and transportation costs. The students initiated the crisis and it eventually spread beyond the university community. Consequently, there was widespread destruction of state-owned property.
Following the protest, a SAP relief package was designed for the masses and proved successful in dousing the agitations. The components of the package included the creation of 62,000 jobs as unemployed graduates were instructed to report to ministries for prompt employment and funds were made available for the employment of teachers. Feeding programmes for the poor and transport relief packages were also created. Import duties on vehicles and vehicle spare parts were removed in the wake of the riots. Students were given N500 bursaries to cope with the effects. It is estimated that about $1bn was spent on the SAP relief measures.
There were again massive protests across the country in 1993, following the annulment of the presidential election by the Bbangida-led administration. The election was held on June 12, 1993, the first since the 1983 military coup, which ended the country’s Second Republic. The unofficial result of the election – though not declared by the National Electoral Commission – indicated a victory for MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, who defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention. The winner was never declared as the elections were annulled by Babangida, citing electoral irregularities. The annulment led to protests and political unrest, including the resignation of Babangida and a handover to the interim national government. There was a military takeover by Sani Abacha via a bloodless coup later in the year. The protests continued using international organisations and the media until the return to democracy in 1999.
On January 2, 2012, another round of protests began. It was tagged ‘Occupy Nigeria.’ The movement began a socio-political protest on Monday, January 2, 2012, following the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government led by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on January 1, 2012. The Federal Government had announced the removal of fuel subsidy on January 1 and without notice, Occupy Nigeria organisers took to the streets by January 2. The Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had championed the decision and the citizens got no prior warning. The government argued that the removal of the heavy subsidy would free up funds for other public services, including health and infrastructure projects, and that the liberalisation of the fuel industry would benefit the economy.
From N65 per litre, the petrol pump price rose to N141 immediately after the subsidy removal. This was followed by a quick rise in consumer prices. Bus fares doubled and food prices also rose to as much as two times their original cost. Demonstrations against the removal of the fuel subsidy began on January 2 in Lagos, Abuja and Kano. By January 6, the protests had taken place in every major Nigerian city, with nearly all economic activities stopped in Lagos, Ibadan, and Kano.
The protests were led by notable Nigerians, and human rights activists, including members of the opposition political parties, led by now-President Bola Tinubu. In Lagos, some policemen even joined the protesters. The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress called for a national strike beginning January 9. The Nigerian Medical Association and the Nigerian Bar Association offered their support to the strike, as did several other unions. By January 9, the general strike began, with oil and gas workers joining. A total of 11 protesters had been killed by security forces at this point.
President Jonathan limited the damage in the face of growing pressure as he announced a panel to oversee the funds freed up by the removal of the fuel subsidy. He announced a 25 per cent reduction in all government salaries and promised an increased number of buses to reduce transportation costs. By January 16, Jonathan bowed to pressure by partially reinstating the fuel subsidy and the price of fuel fell to N97 per litre, which was substantially lesser than the N141 after subsidy was removed, though it didn’t revert to the original price of N65.
The EndSARS protest of October 2020 remains fresh in memory. It was a major protest movement against police brutality, specifically targeting the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. It grew into a broader movement against systemic corruption and bad governance. On Thursday, October 8, 2020, the nationwide protests on ENDSARS started after weeks of outrage and anger with videos and pictures showing police brutality, harassment and extortion in Nigeria. The protests were led predominantly by young Nigerians in different cities alongside many activists and celebrities.
The hashtag #EndSARS accumulated over 28 million tweets on Twitter (now X) alone. Solidarity protests and demonstrations by Nigerians in the diaspora and sympathisers occurred in many major cities around the world. On October 11, 2020, the Nigeria Police Force announced the dissolution of the unit with immediate effect. The move was widely perceived as a triumph for the demonstrators. However, it was noted in many quarters that similar announcements had been made in recent years to placate the public without the unit being disbanded, and that the government had merely planned to reassign and review SARS officers to medical centres rather than disband the unit entirely. Protests continued accordingly, and the Nigerian government maintained a pattern of violent repression, including the killing of demonstrators. International demonstrations in solidarity with those in the country followed and the movement also grew increasingly critical of Muhammadu Buhari’s government’s response to the protests.
On Sunday, October 11, 2020, the protestors made a list of five demands to be met by the Federal Government. The demands, which were signed by a group called ‘A Nigerian Youth’, asked for the immediate release of everyone arrested during the protests as well as justice and compensation for all who died through police brutality in Nigeria. They also demanded that an independent body be set up within 10 days to investigate and prosecute all reports of police misconduct. They asked for the psychological evaluation and retraining of SARS operatives before their redeployment. Lastly, they asked for an adequate increase in the salaries for officers of the Nigerian police.
In response to the public outcry, the Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police banned the FSARS, Special Tactical Squad, Intelligence Response Team, Anti-Cultism Squad and other tactical units from mounting roadblocks, checkpoints, stop-and-search and other routine patrols.
On October 19, 2020, President Muhammadu Buhari reacted to the continuation of the movement by warning young Nigerians of anarchists who were allegedly attempting to hijack the protests and stated that the Federal Government “would not tolerate anarchy in the country.”
On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, the Central Bank of Nigeria and its governor, Godwin Emefiele, obtained an ex parte motion to freeze the accounts of notable participants in the End SARS protest. By the evening of October 20, a clip of the shooting of Nigerian youths at Lekki Toll Gate, videoed by one DJ Switch, trended on the Internet, showing how live rounds of bullets were being shot at innocent protesters who crouched on the ground, holding hands together and singing the National Anthem. There were also reports that at least 50 other people were injured. This generated outrage and the protest grew wild the next day. Lagos suffered the brunt, with many BRT buses burnt, the Igbosere court burnt and media houses TVC and the Nation headquarters, among many others, were touched by the mob.
Just like the hardship of 2012 after the removal of fuel subsidies, Nigerians again lamented that the economy was taking effect on their living. Not able to bear the hardship anymore, they scheduled the protest to end bad governance and economic mismanagement for August 1 (today).
While preparing for the protest, the police, through the X handle, @PoliceNG, on Wednesday, wrote, “Hello, good morning! It’s the last day of the month of July. We hope for a more fulfilling August. And…if you must protest, do so peacefully. Be watchful and vigilant. Our history is littered with ugly experiences of protests that turned violent. We certainly can’t have a repeat. Not at these fragile moments!”
Govt action to thwart protests
As protesters were hell-bent on embarking on the protest today, the Federal Government took some economic initiatives to stop the plan. In the week, the President met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political leaders, including governors and a diverse group of Nigerians, stating his reasons for the economic initiatives, with a call on Nigerians to exercise restraint.
On Monday, after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the Federal Government announced the sale of a 50kg bag of rice, which hitherto sold for N80,000, for N40,000 at designated centres across the country. Also at the FEC meeting, the President doused the tension surrounding the Dangote Refinery as he directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to sell crude to the refinery and other refineries in the country in naira.
The President also signed into law the New National Minimum Wage Bill, effecting from May the payment of N70,000 to Nigerian workers. Tinubu also promised that the government would pay the backlog from May to July, as the workers begin to enjoy the enhanced wages from their August salary.
On Tuesday, the Comptroller-General of Customs announced that the government had granted waivers to import food items into the country for 150 days, to ensure food security. Thus, the government suspended import duties on food and other commodities. Also on Tuesday, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced that the Federal Government would pay 10,000 Niger Delta youths a monthly stipend of N50,000 through the Youth Internship Scheme.
Not done, the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund announced that it had paid the institutional fees for 20,000 students across registered institutions in the country. On Wednesday, the Fund announced the disbursement of an additional N850m for more number of students who had applied for the loan.
The steps taken by the Nigerian government to prevent the planned “End Bad Governance Protests” reflect a multi-faceted approach aimed at addressing economic, social, and political grievances. These measures underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability while working to improve the living conditions of its citizens. The effectiveness of these initiatives in preventing the protests and achieving long-term stability remains to be seen.
18-year admission age detrimental, says NUT
The Nigeria Union of Teachers has said the 18-year age requirement for tertiary institution admission is detrimental to students’ progress.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman had planned to enforce the ban on underage admissions in 2025 at a stakeholders 2024 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examination.
Meanwhile, JAMB Registrar Prof. Isa’aq Oloyede has frequently expressed concerns about candidates under 18 years of age taking the UTME.
But Secretary-General, NUT, Dr Mike Ike-Ene, in an interview with The According, explained that extending the timeline to 2025 would be inefective.
He explained that if students are becoming too young for university, research was needed, saying the government should implement the policy starting six years from September this year, requiring children to be at least six years old to enter primary one.
“Now, if students are becoming too young for university, research needs to be conducted. Based on my observations, extending the timeline to 2025 won’t be effective. If we have the foresight, it won’t work. My suggestion is that the government should have set a policy to take effect six years from today, or from September of this year when the new session starts. They could mandate that children must be at least six years old to enter primary one.
“The rationale behind this is simple. Typically, primary education lasts six years, followed by six years of secondary education, divided into three years each for junior and senior levels. This totals 12 years. If a child starts primary school at six, they would be eighteen by the time they complete secondary school, with the oldest being around nineteen or twenty, depending on their progress through JAMB.
“My concern is why the sudden change? For example, children who will turn 16 in the next two or three years and finish school will be denied university admission. This is unfair and could lead to lawsuits, especially considering gifted children who accelerate through primary school. In a class of forty, there are always a few exceptional students who don’t need to copy others and understand the material effortlessly.”
Ike-Ene added that the policy seemed to somersault without proper research or public consultation, stating that the government should engage the public, presenting their reasons and allowing for a discussion of the pros and cons.
He said, “I also feel that some of these policies favor the northern regions. They perceive that the South benefits more from education. For instance, when I took JAMB, scoring below 190 or 200 was unacceptable for university admission. Nowadays, the cutoff is 140, which seems tailored for the north. It’s a way to level the playing field, but it disregards the gifted students who finish school early.
“This policy seems politically motivated. In my case, I finished secondary school before turning eighteen. Why should gifted students wait three additional years before entering university? This is a flawed policy.”
However, an educationist and Founder, Florishgate Consult, Mrs Dideolu Adekogbe, explained that setting 18 years as the appropriate age for tertiary education was a commendable decision, saying if implemented, would help reduce problems in higher institutions.
She said, “At 18, students enter adulthood, having spent 17 years building a foundation for this challenging phase of life. However, some parents, rushing the process, resort to corrupt practices to fast-track their children’s education. Schools facilitate this by double-promoting students and using advanced textbooks, which they consider a measure of brilliance. For example, a parent mentioned her child finished secondary education at 15 and had to stay home for a year because she couldn’t be admitted to a public university. Despite her maturity and excellent grades, the skipped two years in primary education can have long-term consequences.
“Overseas, rules are strictly followed, unlike in our country where rule compliance is challenging. The success of this policy hinges on government agencies’ commitment to its implementation. It is encouraging that Prof. Oloyede of JAMB is interested in this matter and is likely to make it work.”
Adekogbe lamented that universities were aware of the issues with underage candidates but continued to admit them.
“Collaboration with the Federal Government is essential for the policy’s success. Properly preparing students for adulthood, which takes 17 years, involves acquiring basic social and life skills and developing passions. This foundation allows them to take responsibility for their lives and learning.
“Adulthood is tough and requires adequate preparation. Getting the education process right can resolve many life aspects, including attitude, work environment, and even marriage issues, by 65-70 per cent,” she said.