Early morning rains of Thursday and Police restrictions have botched the nationwide planned hunger protest in Akwa Ibom State.
The protesters were meant to kick off at the Unity Park, Udo Udoma in Uyo, the approved venue by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, however, the rains and heavy presence of the security operatives scared away a few protesters who turned up at the venue.
It was also gathered that the operatives restricted the protesters from moving to other locations amid the downpour which lasted till late afternoon.
Most roads in Uyo, the state capital and other major cities of Eket and Ikot Ekpene were deserted with many passengers stranded due to the presence of few vehicles.
Most civil servants did not turn up for work while markets, banks and most businesses were closed for fear of looting.
A visit to some strategic locations in Uyo metropolis where protesters usually converge such as Nwaniba Water Fountain, popular Ibom Plaza, Secretariat roundabout, and circus among others was visibly bereft of protesters but had security operatives including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence and the local security outfit, Ibom watch patrolling the area.
Meanwhile, a few protesters who went home disappointed accused police of restricting them to only the Unity Park which they described as remote.
One of the protesters who identified himself as Mfon said today was only the first day of the ten days of the planned protest and they would remobilize to carry out the exercise which he described as ‘a mandate.’
“The protest is not just for today, it’s for ten days, we will mobilize elsewhere and we will carry out this mandate peacefully.”
Recall that Governor Umo Eno had earlier held a stakeholders forum where leaders of some organisations like NLC and NANS backed out of the protest.
Another group, Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, Akwa Ibom State chapter last night warned youths against participating in the protest.
Rains, armed security operatives, police restrictions ruin protests in Akwa Ibom
Rains, armed security operatives, police restrictions ruin protests in Akwa Ibom
Protesters dare Asari Dokubo, turn out enmasse in Port Harcourt, Yenagoa (Video/Pictures)
Aggrieved Nigerians protesting against hardship and hunger as a result of the policies of President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, defied threats from former Niger Delta militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, and turned out in their thousands in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on the first day of the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Dokubo had, on Wednesday, warned organisers of the protest to stay away from the Niger Delta or they will “collect” in hot measure.
In a video message, Dokubo said the agenda of those behind the protest do not capture the problems of the people of the Niger Delta and if they dared to protest in the Niger Delta region, he would personally lead his men to resist them.
“I and all those who believe in me and those of you who are committed to the interest of the Niger Delta, we are not going to be part of any protest. It is as clear as that,” Dokubo had said in the video.
“If anybody has the right to protest, I also have the right to resist protest. Where your right stops, that is where my right begins.
“I will not be part of it. These are anarchists. When you lose the election, wait for another election season. It is four years. Sell yourself to the people, but you don’t want to.
“Don’t bring your protest here. This protest does not concern us, and anywhere you are doing your protest, if I’m there and you bring your protest, I know you’re a threat to me. And I will be a threat to you. That is it.
“I’m not doing it because Tinubu is my friend. I will stand firm because if I don’t do it, my life will be in danger, the lives of my children will be in danger, and the lives of my compatriots. All of you who are here will be in danger.
“It is wrong for us to be part of or even conceive this protest. Those who have lost election should prepare for 2027,” he added, among other things.
READ ALSO:Police teargas #EndBadGovernance protesters at Lekki toll-gate
But on Thursday, the protesters dared Dokubo and his threats and went all out to be part of the protest.
Multiple pictures and videos shared by the protesters showed thousands on the streets of the two oil-rich states chanting songs and daring the former militant warlord to come out and stop them.
Wike, we dey your streets for Port Harcourt #EndBadGovernancelnNigeria pic.twitter.com/crGWsPbw4h
— FS Yusuf (@FS_Yusuf_) August 1, 2024
The rebellion in PORT HARCOURT never disappoints ! #EndBadGovernaceInNigeria pic.twitter.com/YxvGuIx6qe
— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) August 1, 2024
Ongoing Protest gaining momentum in Port Harcourt #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria pic.twitter.com/3yh5T7Bswv
— Ayo, the First (@aystickz) August 1, 2024
Where is that stupid Asari Dokubo.I think you say you get 7 heads.The hand of hunger for touch you today for P-town.
— 99% OPPRESSED. (@PIDOMNIGERIA) August 1, 2024
Port Harcourt is ready. #EndBadGovernaceProtest is a MUST, #WeAreNotGoingBack. Nobody has the monopoly of violence, if Asari Dokubo and his thugs do anyhow, they'll see anyhow. Abobi comot bodi o!……Guys aren't smiling pic.twitter.com/1uNRAPs3n4
— Port Harcourt Oracle (@PhCity_Oracle) July 31, 2024
"Asari Dokubo" is trending because of an Anti protest comments he made earlier, whr he claimed to hav dealt with End Sars protesters back then
Protesters who have trooped enmass in Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states have dared him 2 carry out his threats
Wike, Eagle Square pic.twitter.com/KzXYMeWatl
— Viki Trends (@Director778) August 1, 2024
The post Protesters dare Asari Dokubo, turn out enmasse in Port Harcourt, Yenagoa (Video/Pictures) appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Police arrest journalists, protesters in Calabar
Several journalists and activists have been beaten, handcuffed, and taken by security agents to unknown locations in Calabar, Cross River State.
Our correspondent reports that the managing editor of the online newspaper CrossRiverWatch, Mr Jonathan Ugbal, is among the arrested journalists.
It was gathered that they were taken by security personnel, along with other activists who engaged in a peaceful protest early Thursday morning, to an undisclosed location.
The journalists were following some activists around the popular Mary Slessor roundabout in Calabar, where a handful of protesters had gathered on Thursday, the first day of the 10-day planned nationwide protest.
While monitoring the protest, Ugbal had posted a video in the morning showing that the surrounding roads to the Mary Slessor roundabout were deserted.
Reacting, human rights activist James Ibor said the arrest of activists and journalists was condemnable and reprehensible.
He said that the security agents who arrested the journalists arrived in four Hilux vehicles and SUVs, heavily armed.
He said, “We challenge the authorities to produce any evidence that Ugbal and others were violent.
“I strongly suspect that the security agents are those attached to the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
However, we know that Governor Otu, being a people-
centric leader, would not allow his agents to be this brutal.”
“This is very sad. It is a disappointment, and we call on Governor Otu to order the release of these journalists and activists, who I strongly believe are in government custody.”
August 1: There are threats against peaceful protesters in Delta – Activist alleges
Following the nationwide protest against bad governance in the country, a human rights activist in the Niger Delta, Israel Joe has alleged threats on peaceful protesters from government officials.
Comrade Joe made the allegations during the ongoing protests in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
He, however, noted that a “signal” has been sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led Federal Government of Nigeria.
He said after the ten days of protest, the protesters will meet with the federal government come October 1, Nigeria’s day of independence to dramatise the hardship, hunger and poverty ravaging the country.
When asked to comment on the suspension of work on-site by Julius Berger, Joe said,
“I think 10 days is not too much for us to ask for. So Julius Berger as a company construction company giant should evacuate whatever they want to evacuate from their site to protect or whatever view to safeguard their equipment just for the country to move forward in peace.
“But we are saying that peaceful protesters are not violent. Anything you see violence is being occasioned by the government so everybody must sacrifice for the nation to move forward. If you look at the road a lot of shops, businesses and companies are shut down. They are closed, that is the sacrifice everyone can make for the soul of the Nigerian States.
“The protest is peacefully holding in strategic locations across Delta state of course, for some of us who are called to come we have told protesters not to be violent and of course that everybody should remain calm. Those who cannot go for the protest should remain at home and those people who can go for the protest should do the protest within the ambit of the law peacefully.”
August 1: There are threats against peaceful protesters in Delta – Activist alleges
Address obstacles strangling revival of Nigerian refineries – Northern Coalition to Tinubu
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the major obstacles strangling the revival of the nation’s refineries.
The Coalition said this while welcoming the decision by the government to sell crude oil in naira to domestic refineries as against earlier arrangement of payment in the US dollar.
According to the coalition, the decision is a positive step towards strengthening the naira and the economy and ensuring self-sufficiency in oil production.
The coalition had back in April in a statement by its national coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, called on the Nigerian Government to accept the local currency in lieu of the US dollar for the purpose of purchasing crude oil from domestic refineries.
The Coalition said it is certain that the recent approach undertaken by the government will enhance transparency, boost local capacity, contribute to the growth of our refining sector and make fuel consistently available at affordable prices.
“We believe crude oil transactions in naira in Nigeria will make the PMS permanently available and eliminate artificial scarcity that fuel importers have been using to milk Nigerians dry,” it said in a statement signed by Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, National Coordinator.
“We view this move as a win-win for Nigeria, Nigerians and the refineries.
It further called on the Tibubu administration to make genuine efforts to revamp state-owned refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri to deepen competition among domestic refiners to enable Nigerians access to quality and affordable fuel.
“By taking further decisions to resuscitate government refineries, the President’s resolve to provide a lasting solution to Nigeria’s paradox of an oil-producing but oil-importing country will be permanently addressed,” it added.
“The only way to address the fuel crisis in Nigeria is to refine fuel locally to completely remove the use of dollars in the process.
“The refineries must also be revitalized and upgraded to meet our local needs to exterminate the import-dependent fuel crisis that is being orchestrated by the importing cartel.
“We urge the Federal Government to sustain this momentum and continue implementing policies that prioritize Nigerian interests.
In the same vein, the CNG appeals to domestic refineries to take advantage of this opportunity to produce high-quality petroleum products that are cost-effective and make them reasonably affordable to Nigerians devoid of exploitation.
Address obstacles strangling revival of Nigerian refineries – Northern Coalition to Tinubu
LPPC set to decide fate of 98 lawyers seeking Senior Advocate Rank
The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LPPC is now set to decide the fate of 98 lawyers seeking to be conferred with the prestigious rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
LPPC is the body responsible for nominating, screening and making the final selection of lawyers worthy of being awarded the prestigious rank.
TVN learned that the committee headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola is already in a final crucial meeting at the Supreme Court to make the final selection and make the names of the lucky ones public today.
The committee had last month shortlisted 98 Nigerian lawyers comprising Professors of law for elevation to the rank.
Among the names shortlisted are former Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, National Officers, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, Kunle Edun, Dr. Rapulu Nduka and Stanley Imo.
Also shortlisted is the Chairman of NBA Bwari Branch, Paul Daudu and notable Abuja-based Senior Lawyer, Okey Ajunwa.
The advocates known as practising legal practitioners have the largest chunk of 87 nominees while the academics who are law lecturers in tertiary institutions have only 11 candidates.
Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court who also doubles as LPPC Secretary, Hajo Sarki Bello has released the names of the shortlisted candidates.
Those whose fates are to be decided today are Lateef Olaseinde Karim, Godwin Tagbo Ike, Johnson Odionu, Nnodim Marcellinus Duru, Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia, Soronnadi Anthony Njoku, Adamu Abubakar, Charles Oyaole Musa, Udochi Nunny Iheanacho, David Dare Onietan and Elele Chinatu Casmir.
Others are Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka, Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta, Habeeb Orisavia Ilavbare, Moses Kolade Obafemi, Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor, Baba Fika Dalah, Babatunde Ademoye Sodipo, Mustapha Ikhegbe Abubakar, Emmanuel Ibhagbemien Esene, Henry Adedayo Bello, Boniface Chinedu Moore and Clement Amechi Ezika.
The advocate list also has Omokayode Adebayo Dada, Edwin Anikwem, Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze, Olumide Oniyire Olugbenga, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, Ayoola Olufemi Ajayi, Paul Chukwuma Obi, Olasupo Dominic Ati-John, Cole Segun Ololade, Charles Ayodeji Adeogun-Phillips and Okechukwu Kingsley Ajunwa.
Others are also Jacob Ocheogbu Ifere, Emmanuel Aderemi Adekile, Christopher Ehumadu Okeke, Waziri Yusha’u Mamman, Oluronke Adeyemi, Oluwole Olawale Afolabi, Toboukebide Kekemeke, Akinbamigbe Adesomoju and Victor Owarienomare Odjemu.
Also on the list are Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Abdulaziz Enebi Ibrahim, Stanley Chidozie Imo, Charles Oladipo Titiloye, Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Kingsley Chuku, Adeyinka Oluwaseun Aderemi, Olaolu Akintunde Owolabi, Adedeji Sharafadeen Abdulkadir, Idowu Omotunde Benson and Kolawole James Olowookere.
Others are Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam, Ademola Oluwawolemi Esan, Omosanya Atilola Popoola, Taiye Ayotunde Oniyide, Emonye Oga Adekwu, Aderemi Oguntoye,
Kashopefoluwa Olawale Balogun, Abdul Adamu, Theodore Okey Ezeobi, Rilwan Birnin Kebbi Umar, Chienye Ifeanyichukwu Okafor, Kaka Shehu Lawan, Abba Muhammed, Wendy Nwenenda Kuku and Ekele Enyinnaya Iheanacho.
The rest are Okechukwu George Edeze, Akinyemi Oluwole Olujinmi, Gyang Yaya Zi,
Idris Abubakar, George Ibrahim, Boonyameen Babajide Lawal, Terkaa Jeremiah Aondo,
Tochukwu Peter Tochukwu, Uchenna Uzo Njoku, Paul Babatunde Daudu, Chukwudi Kachikwu Enebeli, Yusuf Olatunji Ogunrinde, Tobechukwu Kenechukwu Nweke,
Ademola Kamardeen Abimbola, Yunus Abdulsalam, Mofesomo Ayodeji Tayo-Oyetibo and Chukwuemeka Agamadodaigwe Nnawuchi.
Those shortlisted from the academic camp are Prof. John Alewo Agbonika, Prof. Osy Ezechukwunyere Nwebo, Prof. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule, Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri, Prof. Nathaniel Ahagbue Inegbedion, Prof. Collins Chijioke Obioma, Prof. Violet Aigbokhaevbo, Prof. Augustine Robert Agom, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan, Prof. Chima Josephat Ubanyionwu and Prof. Ganiyu Adeyemi Oke.
Efforts by TVN to speak with the LPPC Secretary, Hajo Sarki Bello on the issue were unsuccessful as she was confirmed to be at the centre of the final selection meeting and would make a public statement later.
LPPC set to decide fate of 98 lawyers seeking Senior Advocate Rank
Tension as hoodlums hijack protest in Abuja
The ongoing protests by Nigerian youths against hunger and hardship in the country have been hijacked by hoodlums in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja TVN reports.
When our correspondent visited the protest grounds at the Central Business Area of the territory, about four persons were rushed away after the police fired tear gas on them.
The unarmed protesters alleged that the police and other security officers resorted to the use of force while restricting them from gaining access to Eagles Square.
One of the protesters told TVN that he fainted twice when the tear gas was fired.
Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the protesters have proven to be stubborn.
When contacted, the PPRO told TVN that the “protest has been taken over by hoodlums.
“The protesters have been throwing stones at police officers. Hoodlums have hijacked the protest and this is the concern we had raised earlier”.
The protesters, however, vowed to continue the protest until the federal government addresses their demands.
Tension as hoodlums hijack protest in Abuja
Iheanacho joins Ejuke at Sevilla on free transfer
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has signed with Spanish club Sevilla.
The club announced Iheanacho’s arrival on their official website late Wednesday.
Iheanacho signed a two-year contract with the option for an additional year with the former UEFA Europa League champions.
The Nigeria international is Sevilla’s fifth signing of the summer.
Read Also: Ndidi, Iheanacho return to Premier League with Leicester
The 27-year-old joined Sevilla on a free transfer after leaving Premier League club Leicester City last month when his contract ran out.
Iheanacho scored 61 goals and provided 34 assists in 232 matches for Leicester City.
The former Manchester City player now joins his compatriot Chidera Ejuke at Sevilla.
The post Iheanacho joins Ejuke at Sevilla on free transfer appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
August 1: Youths in Yobe troop out to protest bad governance, economic hardship
Dozens of youths in Damaturu, Yobe State have joined their counterparts across the country to ventilate their frustration over the current economic hardship being experienced in the country.
The protesting youths holding several placards with inscriptions called on the government to reverse its ‘anti-masses’ policies immediately.
Led by the State Coordinator, Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria, Sarah Jandi, the youths presented their demands to the representative of the state government.
Some of their demands include the immediate: restoration of the fuel subsidy regime, and tackling food insecurity, social insecurity and unemployment among youths among others.
“We want Mr President to show sensitivity to the plight of ordinary Nigerians by leading in making sacrifices through cutting down on excessive government spending as well as cutting the cost of governance in Nigeria”, she demanded.
The protest in Yobe State has been adjudged to be generally peaceful, as of the time of filing in this report.
August 1: Youths in Yobe troop out to protest bad governance, economic hardship
Akpabio didn’t say he would eat while others protest -Aide
Kenny Okolugbo, Consultant Communications and Strategy to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has debunked claims that the Senate President said he would be “eating while protesters are protesting.”
Okolugbo, in a statement seen by our correspondent on Thursday, emphasised that Akpabio never made such remarks.
“He (Akpabio) was merely quoting the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission who remarked that the Niger Delta Youths have greatly benefited under his and the Amnesty boss’ leadership,” Okolugbo explained.
He further clarified that the Senate President, during his visit to the NDDC-sponsored youths stakeholders summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, highlighted that the Niger Delta region, despite ongoing challenges, has not resorted to protests.
He noted that Akpabio, being the highest-ranking government official from the region, empathised with the people’s hardships, acknowledging the prevailing hunger and economic difficulties.
He said his principal praised the government’s efforts to mitigate the issues, citing the implementation of a new minimum wage and the establishment of the Northwest and Southeast Development Commissions.
The statement added that Akpabio announced an empowerment initiative aimed at providing 10,000 youths with a monthly stipend of N50,000, designed to alleviate economic hardship.
Okolugbo added that he likened this effort to the enduring pains before the birth of a child, urging patience and understanding from the Niger Delta populace towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Senate President had reportedly mocked organisers #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest to go ahead with the demonstration while they watch on eating.
The Senate President, who seems displeased with the planned protest, said the Niger-Delta people were not ready for a regime change while referencing the statement of the MD of the commission.
“All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change; let us own this government,” Akpabio said.