Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned a social media campaign tagged #IgboMustGo, calling for Lagosians and people of the South-West to forcefully chase out Igbo people from Lagos and other South-West states from August 20 to 30, 2024.
The campaign which is being sponsored by a group called as ‘Lagospedia’ which has been in the forefront of spewing hatred for other tribes living and doing businesses in the South-West, had in a post on X on Thursday, called for Igbo people to be chased out of Lagos.
“Lagosians and every S’West stakeholders should prepare for massive protest of #IgboMustGo from August 20 to 30,” the group wrote.
“They have one month from now to leave and relocate their businesses from all Southwest states. We urge all Yorubas living in the S’East to return home,” the Lagospedia group added.
But in a statement on his X handle on Friday, Atiku described the campaign as deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to Nigeria’s principles of unity and coexistence.
He called on the government to take immediate action against those inciting ethnic hatred.
“The recent call on X (formerly Twitter) for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation,” the former VP said.
“Such rhetoric is not only divisive but also endangers our peace and security, as our Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
READ ALSO:Atiku’s ex-spokesman visits Tinubu again, confirms switch to APC
“History has shown us the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda. What began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes. We must learn from these lessons and act decisively.
“I call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division. It is imperative to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence.
“The rule of law must prevail, and those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences,” he noted.
Atiku also argued that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and that the country must resist any efforts to sow discord among its people.
“Lagos and the Southwest have long been melting pots of cultures where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to our collective growth and development. The Igbo community, along with all other ethnic groups, is an integral part of this vibrant mosaic.
“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.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security.
“It is alarming that, five days after this threat emerged, there has been a troubling silence. -AA
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Atiku condemns #IgboMustGo campaign, calls for immediate arrest of promoters
Policemen teargas journalists, protesters in Abuja
2nd August 2024
The scene of the incident
Policemen have fired teargas canisters at protesters assembling at the popular Berger roundabout in Abuja.
Journalists covering the protest were not spared either, as they were also tear-gassed at a separate location they had gathered.
Details later…
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Contact: [email protected]
Maduro: US backs González as winner of Venezuela presidential election
The United States has backed Edmundo González as the duly elected winner of Venezuela’s July 28, 2024 Presidential election.
This is as the US rejected Nicolas Maduro’s claimed victory to clinch a third consecutive term in power as president.
Although the the National Electoral Council, CNE declared Maduro the winner of the election, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken threw weight behind González.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday from the US Department of State.
Blinken noted that the National Electoral Council’s declaration of Maduro’s victory is “deeply flawed” and lacks credibility.
He cited opposition-published tally sheets from over 80 percent of polling stations, indicating González won by an “insurmountable margin,” corroborated by independent observers and exit polls.
The U.S. lauded the 12 million Venezuelans who voted despite challenges and rejected Maduro’s allegations against opposition leaders.
Blinken called for the release of those arrested for protesting against Maduro.
This comes after anti-Maduro protesters across the country in recent times.
Maduro: US backs González as winner of Venezuela presidential election
Protesters desert Abuja national stadium, assemble at Berger
The EndBadGovernance protesters in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have abandoned the Moshood Abiola Stadium and gathered at the popular Berger Roundabout.
An FCT High Court had on Wednesday ordered the protesters to limit their demonstrations to the stadium.
In compliance with the order, the protesters, on Thursday, gathered at the stadium but resisted pressure from security operatives to protest inside the stadium.
Afterwards, the protesters left the stadium and marched in their numbers after reports of other protesters at the Eagles Square being harassed by security operatives.
Upon arrival, the policemen guarding the facility repeatedly used tear gas on them.
Our correspondent, who was at the stadium at 7am on Friday did not see any protester but later learnt that the location had been changed.
As of the time of filing this report, the protesters were assembling at the Berger Roundabout.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
CISLAC condemns hijacking of protests, blames govt
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre has called for the protection of protesters amid growing concerns that the demonstrations have been hijacked by criminal elements and political actors with nefarious intentions.
In a statement on Friday in Abuja, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, condemned the hijack of the peaceful protest in some places.
While calling for the protection of protesters, he, however, urged them not to destroy properties and public infrastructure.
Musa expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and the influence of non-state actors in several states, including Kano.
He said the situation, observed through CISLAC’s situation room, indicated that security operatives were being influenced by political interference linked to local rivalries, leading to inadequate protection of peaceful protesters.
“The peaceful demonstrations by Nigerians, initially intended to express legitimate grievances, have unfortunately been hijacked and turned into violent chaos.
“Criminal elements are exploiting the protests to create further unrest and undermine public safety,” he said.
CISLAC boss emphasised that the government must refrain from politicising security measures, particularly in Kano, and prioritise the protection of lives and properties.
Adding that the violence and destruction currently witnessed were contrary to the intentions of the peaceful protesters.
Musa condemned provocative statements made by public officials, which according to him, have exacerbated tensions and incited further unrest.
“Reckless and provocative statements by public officials can incite Nigerians to take to the streets. Such statements undermine the legitimacy of the protesters’ concerns and should be avoided,” he said.
He criticised the government’s alleged sponsorship of counter-protests aimed at undermining the legitimate demonstrations.
“The government’s actions have endangered peaceful protesters, leading to attacks and hijacking by thugs and non-state actors,”
he said.
He said CISLAC had previously called on the government to ensure the protection of peaceful protesters, a measure that, if properly implemented, could have prevented the current state of chaos.
“We have observed troubling trends and urge genuine protesters to continue their demonstrations peacefully to prevent criminals from exploiting the situation.
“We appeal to all Nigerians to avoid any violent, criminal, and political destruction. The protests, meant to address legitimate concerns, should not be equated with criminal activities and violence,” Musa said.
He said CISLAC remained committed to advocating the protection of citizens’ rights and ensuring that their voices were heard in a safe and peaceful manner.
NAN.
Turkey blocks access to Instagram
Turkey on Friday blocked access to the Instagram social media network, the national communications authority said without explanation.
This is coming after censorship accusations against the United States-based company by a high-ranking Turkish official.
The 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,” without adding further details.
Many users living in Turkey complained on the X platform that they couldn’t refresh their Instagram feeds, an issue verified by AFP journalists.
The Turkish presidency’s communications director Fahrettin Altun on Wednesday hit out at Meta-owned Instagram, accusing the platform of “impeding people from publishing messages of condolence for the martyr Haniyeh.”
Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of the armed Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and a close ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was killed in Tehran on Wednesday in an attack blamed on Israel.
“This is a very clear and obvious attempt at censure,” Altun said on X.
According to Turkish media, there are more than 50 million users signed up to Instagram in Turkey, out of a population of 85 million.
The decision sparked mockery on other social media networks such as X.
A meme showing a congested metro station with the tagline: “X when Turks wake up to find that Instagram is blocked,” began trending on the platform.
“Instagram is blocked in Turkey, life is over,” wrote user tweeting as #CringeOfMaster alongside a picture of a grieving man.
Others mockingly asked Instagram users where they could see their doctored images now.
This is not the first time that Turkish authorities have blocked access to social media sites.
Wikipedia was blocked between April 2017 and January 2020 over two articles that alleged a link between the presidency and extremism.
That caused shock in a country where Erdogan’s government is often accused of attacking civil freedoms due to the amount of online information that became inaccessible.
In April, Facebook owner, Meta, suspended its Threads social network in Turkey following a decision by authorities to prevent it from sharing information with Instagram.
AFP
Biden, Harris hug US prisoners released in Russia swap
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hugged journalist Evan Gershkovich on Thursday as he and two other Americans arrived back on US soil after being freed by Russia in a huge prisoner swap.
Wall Street Journal reporter Gershkovich, former US marine Paul Whelan, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were met by cheers from family and friends as they disembarked a plane before each embracing Biden and Harris.
“It feels wonderful, it was a long time coming,” Biden told reporters at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, where he and Harris welcomed the freed prisoners at around 11:40 pm (0340 GMT).
They were among two dozen detainees released earlier Thursday in the biggest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War.
A fourth freed prisoner, Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian Kremlin critic with US residency, was also among those freed but was returning separately to the United States.
In total 10 Russians, including two minors, were traded for 16 Westerners and Russians imprisoned in Russia in a dramatic exchange on the airport tarmac in Turkey’s capital Ankara.
“Alliances make a difference. They stepped up and took a chance for us,” Biden said of the deal, which also involved Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Norway, and Belarus on the other side.
Harris, who is the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee after Biden dropped out of the 2024 election, heralded “an extraordinary day.”
The freed prisoners and their relatives are now expected to travel to San Antonio, Texas, for medical evaluations and any care they need at the Brooke Army Medical Center, US media said.
– Historic swap –
The most high-profile prisoner was Gershkovich, 32, who was detained in Russia in March 2023 on a reporting trip and sentenced in July to 16 years in prison on spying charges that were denounced by the United States.
Gershkovich smiled with his hands on his hips as he stepped onto the runway, before hugging Biden and Harris and speaking with them for around a minute.
“Not bad,” he replied as he greeted fellow journalists who asked how it felt to finally be home.
Gershkovich’s family said in a statement before his arrival that they had “waited 491 days for Evan’s release.”
“We can’t wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close,” they said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier given his own hero’s welcome to the freed prisoners from his country, in a mirror image of the ceremony that would unfold in the US.
They included Vadim Krasikov, a Russian intelligence agent imprisoned in Germany for assassinating a former Chechen rebel.
“I want to congratulate you on your return to the motherland,” Putin said.
– ‘Saved lives’ –
The historic swap happened after months of top-secret negotiations and involved the release of Russians held for murder, espionage and other crimes.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the swap was “difficult” but had “saved lives.”
Berlin agreed to take a total of 12 detainees, including five with German nationality.
Among them is Rico Krieger, a German who was sentenced to death in Belarus on espionage charges before a reprieve this week.
Speculation about a deal had swirled for days after several detainees had disappeared from the prison system, but there was no confirmation until they finally switched planes in Ankara.
“We held our breath and crossed our fingers,” US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.
The exchange was the first between Russia and the West since star US basketball player Brittney Griner went home in return for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in December 2022.
It was the biggest since 2010 when 14 alleged spies were exchanged. They included double agent Sergei Skripal, who was sent by Moscow to Britain and undercover Russian agent Anna Chapman, sent by Washington to Russia.
Before then, major swaps involving more than a dozen people had only taken place during the Cold War, with Soviet and Western powers carrying out exchanges in 1985 and 1986.
The White House revealed that an even more ambitious agreement had been on the cards with attempts to negotiate the release of Putin’s opponent Alexei Navalny, before he died in February this year.
AFP
Tension in Daura as protesters target Buhari’s residence, Emir’s palace
On Thursday, tensions flared in Daura, Katsina State, as a large group of angry protesters gathered at the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The demonstrators, participating in the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, voiced their frustration over the country’s economic hardships.
The protest, which has sparked violence in several states, has led to deaths and prompted at least three governors to impose curfews. In Daura, the crowd attempted to breach Buhari’s residence, expressing their discontent with the current economic situation.
“They set up bonfires in front of the former President’s house and were chanting loudly,” a witness told newsmen via telephone on Thursday.
A video captured young people shouting loudly, with the crowd chanting, “Bama yi! Bama yi! Bama yi!”—a Hausa phrase meaning “we don’t want,” commonly used in protests to express disapproval.
Read also: Minister denies asking telcos to tamper with network to frustrate protesters
The situation saw a brief de-escalation when an unidentified individual emerged from Buhari’s residence to address the protesters. The person requested that the mob select a representative to speak, with the promise that the video recording would be shown to the Nigerian leader.
Following this intervention, the protesters moved towards the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk. Reports indicate that security forces fired on one protester, wounding him in the leg, but the demonstration continued despite the attempts to disperse the crowd.
A local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the scene: “I was at my place of work organizing a speech and prize event for our students when the protest began. I learned that the protesters went to the residences of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Emir of Daura, and Magajin Garin Daura.
“On my way home, I passed by the residence of Alhaji Musa Uba, the Magajin Gari, and saw minor damage. He was reportedly opposed to the protest, which might explain why his house was targeted. The protesters threw stones, but the situation was controlled by security forces. The Emir’s palace is now under the protection of the army and police. At present, Daura is calm.”
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EndBadGovernance protest: Address Nigerians now – Okai tells Tinubu
The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the Federal House of Representative election for Dekina/Bassa in Kogi State, Usman Okai Austin, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address Nigerians amid the ongoing nationwide protest.
Okai said a presidential address would go a long way to calm the nerves of protesters and inspire hope.
Posting on X, the socio-political commentator warned that the nationwide protest might linger on.
The post tagged: “When Not To Keep Quiet,” “Many Nigerians were expecting a presidential address yesterday to ease the growing tensions and unrest across the country.
“However, the absence of a powerful broadcast from the President has left citizens feeling disappointed and concerned.
“Whoever is advising President Bola Tinubu against addressing Nigerians is not doing him a Favour.
“This #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest will linger on. In times of crisis, a leader’s words can go a long way in calming nerves and inspiring hope. Unfortunately, the President’s silence has only added to the anxiety and frustration felt by many.
“The ongoing protests and demonstrations are a clear indication of the people’s desire for change and better governance.
“A presidential address could have been a crucial opportunity to acknowledge the grievances, offer reassurance, and outline concrete steps towards addressing the issues.
“The clock is ticking, and the nation waits with bated breath for a word from its leader. Will the President seize the moment and address the nation, or will the silence continue, fueling more uncertainty and unrest? Only time will tell.”
Yesterday, Nigerians took to the streets to begin the 10-day nationwide protest against Tinubu’s administration.
The protest was an avenue for aggrieved Nigerians to cry out over the level of hunger and hardship in the country.
EndBadGovernance protest: Address Nigerians now – Okai tells Tinubu
Protests: Karu Local Government Council imposes curfew
Karu Local Government Council in Nasarawa State has imposed a night curfew from 6 pm to 6 am, effective immediately.
This is in response to rising security concerns within the state.
The announcement was made by the Executive Chairman, Hon. James B. Thomas (Jarumin Kodape) on Thursday.
According to the Chairman, the curfew will restrict movement for all individuals, including motorcyclists, tricycle riders, shop owners, and motorists.
The statement signed by the SSA on Media and Publicity, Danbaba Uba Magaji, stated that the curfew will remain in effect until further notice.
Protests: Karu Local Government Council imposes curfew