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Sokoto youths join #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest

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Youths in Sokoto State on Thursday morning trooped out in their large numbers to join their counterparts from across the country in the national protest against hunger.

Nigerians are protesting against economic hardship and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria in the West African country.

Our correspondent who monitored the protests gathered that youths had placards with different placards.

One of the protesters, Abdullahi Aliyu, who spoke with our correspondent at the entrance gate of the state government house, lamented over the high cost of foodstuffs in the state.

He called on the government, especially at the federal level, to review some of its policies to let the poor in the society breathe.

“We have to join the protests to add our voice to what is happening in the country, we cannot continue like this in this country.

“Our leaders must find a way to balance the situation, you cannot be claiming to be working for us while the people you are working for are starving to death, enough is enough”.

While some of the protesters were relatively peaceful with the presence of security presence at the Round Meruwa Roundabout,  another set of protesters also gathered at the Sultan’s palace to express their grievances.

They appealed to the Federal Government to review its economic policies.

Mallam Saidu Abubakar, a motorist who spoke with our correspondent commended the Nigerian Police and other security agencies for being able to control the situation without any reported case of violence in the state.

Meanwhile, in Kwara State, major roads in Ilorin, state capital, were deserted.

Although there was a heavy security presence at government facilities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, courts, and the government secretariat, banks and government offices were closed as workers did not report to work due to the anticipated protest expected to commence today.

Offices at the Kwara State secretariat were also closed due to fears of the protest.

Our correspondent observed that shops and banks in major commercial areas of the town, including the General Post Office, Challenge, Murtala Mohammed Road, Maraba, Taiwo, Agaka, and Oja Oba, were securely locked as traders did not open their stores.

Hoodlums loot, vandalise NCC building in Kano during #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest

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Hoodlums have looted the newly built Nigeria Communication Commission Industrial Park in Kano State as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest started today.

The vandals targeted the Kano Information and Communication Technology Centre, just days before its scheduled launch, setting it on fire and making off with valuable equipment.

Photos circulating online show youths leaving the scene with looted items, including computers, furniture, and electronics.

Nationwide protests have erupted across Nigeria, as citizens vent their frustration over the country’s prevailing economic hardship.

While many demonstrations have remained peaceful, pockets of violence have been reported in various regions

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‘Keep your money’, Outrage in Rivers Govt House as Fubara offers monetary gift to protesters

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A wave of anger swept through Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday after state Governor Siminalayi Fubara promised a monetary gift to protesting youths.
Addressing the protesters on Thursday, Governor Fubara acknowledged their frustrations and stated, “You are here because you want a better Nigeria. I am one of you. I see your pains. I will convey your message to the President.”
Read also: Teenager charged with murdering three girls at UK dance party amid violent protests
Despite his assurances, many protesters were offended by the Governor’s offer of money. Some youths responded by chanting, “How much can you give us? We want good governance and not money. Keep your money,” expressing their dissatisfaction with the gesture.
The post ‘Keep your money’, Outrage in Rivers Govt House as Fubara offers monetary gift to protesters appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

ALGON cautions council chairmen against supporting protesters

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The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria has cautioned the 774 council chairmen across the country against supporting the Hunger Protests currently being held simultaneously nationwide.

Several youth groups have set aside August 1 to 10 for protests against the hardship affecting citizens.

Speaking on the situation during a press conference in Lafia on Thursday, the President of ALGON, Aminu Mu’azu-Maifata, said the association decided not to support the protests because they believe that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has great plans for Nigerians.

He said, “As the true representatives of the various 774 LGAs across the country, ALGON calls on the entire population of our dear country who reside in these areas to shun any form of protest and embrace dialogue and peace.

“To all the council chairmen, we are aware of the numerous policies and programmes rolled out by the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, with a view to charting a new course and attracting economic prosperity to our people.

“Some of these programmes include the provision of free farming inputs, investment loans at single-digit interest rates, student loans, and the recent Local Government autonomy, which would restore the capacity, dignity, and ability of Local Government Councils to carry out their constitutional responsibilities by providing basic and necessary services to the people at the grassroots.”

He appealed to members of ALGON to exercise patience with the Federal Government regarding the implementation of the Local Government autonomy recently approved by the Supreme Court, adding that the President is keen on ensuring that the 774 LGAs in the country function properly.

Mu’azu-Maifata further explained that the association is aware of the sufferings and challenges faced by the masses but noted that calling for protests would not yield the needed positive outcomes; instead, it could endanger citizens’ lives.

“Let us work together towards a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria, where Local Government Councils are truly empowered to serve their communities. We know that only peace can help us achieve the development needed for our communities.

“Let us not return to the dark days of violence and destruction. Let us continue to embrace dialogue for the betterment of our beloved country,” the ALGON President added.

Jide Oyekunle was removed for his safety – FCT Police denies arrest of journalist

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The Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police command has debunked reports making the rounds that photojournalist, Jide Oyekunle was arrested during the protest.
There are reports that Jide was picked up by operatives of the command while covering the ongoing protest in the nation’s capital.
However, SP Josephine Adeh, Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command told TVN that the report was false.
According to her “Jide Oyekunle was rather taken away from the perceived unsafe environment for his own safety after being advised to leave where he was standing in a safer location and he declined, as some of the protesters had suddenly become violent.
“While the protest is ongoing, it remains the duty of the police to protect lives and property”.
Jide Oyekunle was removed for his safety – FCT Police denies arrest of journalist

Fubara’s pure water money offer ignites Rivers protesters’ fury

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State faced intense backlash from EndBadGovernance protesters at the Port Harcourt Government House on Thursday following his offering of pure water money to them.

His offer of money for pure water and a plea for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrators to return home fueled their anger.

While addressing the protesters in front of Government House, Fubara said, “I thank you for being peaceful. I thank you for coming. I feel your pain. I want to assure you that I will deliver your message to the President.

“Here in Rivers State, we will do everything to make life better. But all we need from you is to support the Federal Government. We know there is hunger but just be patient with the government.

Herbalist protest in Rivers
A protester in costume at the protest scene in Rivers

“I will give you a small thing for you to drink pure water.”

At this point the youths who were listening busted with a chorused, ‘No no, saying “We don’t need your, ‘ keep your money, we want good governance in Nigeria’, Tinubu must go.”

Efforts by the governor to pacify them and to explain what he meant fell on deaf ears, as they continued to talk back with annoyance.

Fubara however continued to wave his hands towards them and came down from where he stood in front of the government house and left.

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Teenager charged with murdering three girls at UK dance party amid violent protests

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A teenager appeared in court on Thursday, facing charges for the alleged murder of three girls in a stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party, as violent protests erupted in several English cities.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, is charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder following the attack on Monday in Southport, northwest England.
The incident has stunned the nation, and misinformation circulating online about the suspect has incited violent clashes led by far-right groups. These groups targeted a mosque and clashed with police in Southport, while protests also erupted in London, Hartlepool, and Manchester on Wednesday night. Over 100 people were arrested outside Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s residence at Downing Street.
In response, Starmer was scheduled to hold an emergency meeting with police chiefs on Thursday to address the unrest.
The suspect appeared briefly at Liverpool magistrate’s court and was remanded in custody. He is set to appear at Liverpool Crown Court later in the day. Dressed in a grey tracksuit and black slippers, the teenager smiled before being seated, according to courtroom observers.
The Crown Court is expected to provide further details on his detention.
Read also: Protesters shout down youth minister at Eagles Square
The teenager is accused of killing Bebe King, six; Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine. He is also alleged to have injured eight other children and two adults in the attack, which has prompted widespread grief in the usually quiet seaside town of Southport.
Misinformation about the suspect on social media fueled violent clashes on Tuesday night, including an incident where bricks were thrown at a mosque and 53 police officers were injured. The far-right English Defence League, known for its Islamophobic views and ties to football hooliganism, has been implicated.
The unrest continued into Wednesday, with protests reaching Downing Street. Demonstrators threw bottles at police and chanted slogans such as “We want our country back” and “Stop the boats,” a reference to irregular migrants arriving by small boats.
In Hartlepool, northeast England, protesters set fire to police cars and threw objects at officers, resulting in eight arrests. The police reported that officers were pelted with “missiles, glass bottles, and eggs,” with several sustaining minor injuries.
At the emergency meeting, Starmer is expected to commend the bravery of emergency service workers and underscore the need to protect the right to protest while ensuring that those who use it to incite violence are prosecuted. The Labour government has pledged to enhance community policing and address crime and antisocial behavior, with Interior Minister Yvette Cooper promising increased police presence nationwide.
Starmer will urge police leaders to use their powers decisively to halt violence and ensure justice, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.
The post Teenager charged with murdering three girls at UK dance party amid violent protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Minister reacts as protesters set govt building on fire, loot items in Kano

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The Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani has lamented the turn of events at the ongoing nationwide protests in Kano.
TVN reports that the nationwide hunger protests tagged #EndBadGovernance started today August 1 to August 10 2024
A group of protesters participating in the ongoing protest have destroyed and looted a building in Kano state.
However, reacting to the development in a post on his official X on Thursday, the Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani stated that it would be a setback to the government’s efforts at encouraging youth employment through technology.
He wrote, ” Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano State slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters.
” Alongside #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week. A slight setback for our journey to deepen our workforce for technology while creating job opportunities for the youth. Millions of Naira down the drain.”

 
Minister reacts as protesters set govt building on fire, loot items in Kano

I joined #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria to guard against lawlessness

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The Vice Chairman, Alimosho Local Government Area, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson,
on Thursday, said his decision to monitor the “End Hunger Protest” within the Egbeda area, was to guard against lawlessness.

Johnson, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said his decision was necessary to guard against a repeat of the tragic incidence of the #ENDSARS protest of Oct. 8, 2020.

NAN reports that the council boss was seen with some of his officials at the popular Egbeda Bus-stop.

NAN also reports that the Egbeda and Idimu areas of Lagos State were peaceful as few individuals were seen going about their normal businesses.

However, heavy security presence was observed while few commercial vehicles and commercial motorcycle operators were seen working seamlessly.

“By virtue of my position and as an indigene of this place, I am here to protect my people.

“We don’t want a repeat of what happened during the #ENDSARS protest years ago, when hoodlums took laws into their hands to loot properties of innocent citizens.

”If the protest must be held, it should be a peaceful one. I am a street boy, I relate with my people every time and if there is a protest, I should stay with them to ensure calm.

“We all know that things are not easy, but we also need to be calm about the protest. As a responsible government, the president is already taking steps to ensure things get better, so we should all yield to a peaceful protest,” Johnson said.

Also, the Branch Chairman, Alimosho B zone, Rasheed Owonikoko, said, ”We are not for the protest, but to ensure security is in order.

”We are here to protect the environment. We don’t want the entire process to be hijacked.

”During the #ENDSARS protest, we witnessed hoodlums and street urchins looting people’s shops, people were also raped and all that, we don’t want that here,” he said.

(NAN)

EndBadGovernance: Abeokuta youths throng MKO stadium to protest

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A handful of youth on Thursday thronged the Moshood Abiola stadium, Abeokuta, the state capital to express their grievances and concerns on the economic hardship facing the country.
The #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest is scheduled to occur in all 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory between August 1 and August 10.
TVN observed that youth who came in few numbers arrived at the stadium at at past 11 am carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “ Hunger is in the land” “ We are after peace and progress “ “ What is right INEC” “ I just want to live, stop suffocating” among others.
The Ogun State High Court on Wednesday had restricted the movement of the protesters to four different locations across the state.
The court also restricted the time frame of the protests to between 8 am and 5 pm.
The four locations chosen for the protest are the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta; Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota; Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu; and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
At the venue of the protest, security operatives were deployed to heavily guard the location to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu while addressing newsmen said the officers were on the ground to protect the protesters and help maintain peace and order.
“ Late yesterday evening a court order was received restricting protesters to certain locations for Abeokuta metropolis, the MKO Abiola stadium Kuto and that’s why you are seeing massive deployments here.
“We have to respect citizens’ rights, our reservation is that we don’t want miscreants to hijack this protest but good enough most of the organizers have seen reasons and voluntarily backed off from being part of the protest. But we are here to provide cover for them and allow them to exercise their constitutional right.
Also speaking, the state commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, David Ojelabi, disclosed that the Ibadan garage at Ijebu Ode has about 20 youths who have also begun the peaceful protest.
One of the protesters, Jacob Ochigbo attributed the low turnout of protesters to the alleged threat from the government.
“I came here to protest because today is a day we agreed to lend our voices out against the unending and wrong policies because we are tired of the sufferings.
“The threat from the government prior to today is one of the factors why people are not here today, they kept making references to the ENDSARs protest forgetting that we’ve had other peaceful protests.
“You can’t continue to try to shut the people up by bringing wrong policies,” he added.
He appealed to Nigeria youths to fight for their rights saying that “nothing good comes easily if there are sacrifices to be paid definitely we have to be on the front line to make sure that we make these sacrifices for our children”

EndBadGovernance: Abeokuta youths throng MKO stadium to protest