Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has said only the Nigerian government and its supporters can turn the EndBadGovernance protest into a “bloody affair.”
Ezekwesili urged the Nigerian and the state governments to see the protest as an opportunity for deep introspection.
Posting on X, the former Minister called on the government to ensure the full protection of protesters expressing their grievances.
According to Ezekwesili: “As we can all already see, the only group that will turn the #EndBadGovernaceProtest into the ‘bloody affair’ that @NigeriaGov propagandists are predicting and prophesying is the Government and its supporters.
“The People are simply saying ‘We are Hungry and therefore Angry’. We want you to know this and ACT correctly to solve our problems.
“Simple. Again, I ask the Governments @NigeriaGov, State Governments and Governors, the Lawmakers, @nassnigeria
and State Assemblies to make this nationwide expression of dissatisfaction and disapproval of Citizens their opportunity for Deep Introspection.
“Consider your ways. Produce convincing evidence-backed Responses and Plans of Action to Citizens’ Demands.
“@NGRPresident has a Duty to ensure full protection of Citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional right to protest #BadGovernance across the country.
“@PoliceNG must do EVERYTHING right by the People.
“We must remind the @HQNigerianArmy that they cannot in any guise abuse the rights of Citizens. Nigerian Citizens will win. Ultimately.”
EndBadGovernance: Only Nigerian govt can make protest bloody – Oby Ezekwesili
EndBadGovernance: Only Nigerian govt can make protest bloody – Oby Ezekwesili
Osun: Security agencies commence show of force ahead planned protest
Ahead of the planned 10 days nationwide protest set to commence today, August 1, 2024, Osun State Police Command has revealed that it has put in place necessary security measures.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Umar Abba in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola on Thursday.
Abba said the Command and other sister security agencies in the state would carry out a show of force throughout the state.
The show of force, he said, was to inform members of the public about the readiness of the security agencies ahead of the protest.
He also added that the show of force will cut across all Police Area Commands in the state.
In his words, “The Operation Show of Force/Strength which comprises personnel drawn from all the security agencies in the state is to inform members of the public about the readiness of the security agencies in the state ahead of the protest.
“The Operation Show of Force is being coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, DCP Abayomi Shogunle.
“The operations cut across all the Area Commands in the state.”
The Osun police boss also assured the general public that the Command would not leave any stone unturned to ensure the proposed protest was peaceful.
He also warned that individuals who went against the rules of engagement would be decisively dealt with within the ambit of the extant law.
Osun: Security agencies commence show of force ahead planned protest
Middle Belt Coalition laments non-implementation of 2014 confab report
The Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Organizations (CIMBO) has expressed dismay over the non-implementation of the 2014 Confab Report by the succeeding administration in the country.
The Chairman of the Coalition, Mr Timothy B. Gandu, in a statement on Wednesday in Kaduna said, “The 2014 National Conference (2014 Confab) report recommended the creation of more states and eight (8) geopolitical zones in Nigeria, with the Middle Belt having three (3) zones, given its land size and population, ie, Middle Belt-East, Middle Belt-Central and Middle Belt West.”
He said following the non-implementation of the 2014 National conference, the birth of CIMBO in 2023 became necessary after the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities in Nigeria (CIEN), advised that Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities across the Nation meet in their respective blocs and come up with their positions on the restructuring of Nigeria.
The chairman explained that CIMBO was of the strong view that Nigeria had an imposed Constitution on its populace, which he said had not given recognition to the minorities.
Gandu stated that in view of the challenges facing the indigenous ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, the CIMBO was hosting a National Delegates Conference on the 9th and 10th August, 2024, in Kaduna, to discuss and consolidate on their demands under the theme: “Restructuring and Enactment of the Peoples Constitution, Panacea to Peace and Good Growth of the Nation”.
He further explained that they would ensure they maintained their identity, have control of their ethnic lands, heritage and resources, as well protect their ethnic groups from internal oppression, suppression and colonialism.
Middle Belt Coalition laments non-implementation of 2014 confab report
Respect protesters’ rights, Amnesty International tells govt
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian authorities to uphold human rights and respect the right to peaceful protest as Nigerians commence nationwide protests over food shortages and the cost of living crisis on Thursday.
The Country Director, Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
“The Nigerian authorities must ensure that security agencies respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, as guaranteed by both the country’s constitution and human rights treaties,” Sanusi said.
He warned that the authorities must not use the protests as a pretext to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“People must be allowed to freely exercise their rights to peaceful protest,” he emphasised.
Sanusi also expressed concern over the arrest of at least three people last week for allegedly supporting the protests on social media.
This, he said, showed the authorities’ intolerance of peaceful dissent.
With Nigeria facing a crippling economic crisis, including a 36 per cent inflation rate on food, Sanusi urged the authorities to address the underlying issues driving the protests instead of stifling peaceful dissent.
He said, “Authorities must show commitment to uphold the country’s constitutional and international human rights obligations by allowing people to freely exercise their human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”
The nationwide protests are planned for August 1-10, 2024, with many people using social media platforms to organise and mobilise more participants.
While some people have labelled the protests as attempts to unleash violence, Sanusi stressed that the right to peaceful protest must be respected.
Manufacturers urge adoption of blockchain to transform African trade
Manufacturers and stakeholders across Africa are advocating for the integration of blockchain technology to transform trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Blockchain technology is a key enabler for enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency in trade transactions across the continent.
The President of the Pan-African Manufacturers Association, Mansur Ahmed, said this push aligns with AfCFTA’s goals of increasing intra-African trade by reducing barriers and fostering economic integration.
Themed “Manufacturing, Value Creation, and Market Integration in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities for Africa’s Manufacturers,” the webinar featured key stakeholders from across the African manufacturing value chain.
Speaking during the PAMA capacity-building webinar on Wednesday, Ahmed expressed concern about the low intra-Africa trade.
He said: “The push for blockchain integration comes as manufacturers grapple with challenges such as limited market access, complex trade procedures, and lack of trust in cross-border transactions.
“By leveraging blockchain’s immutable record-keeping, smart contracts, and traceability features, manufacturers believe they can overcome these hurdles and create a more seamless trading environment within Africa.
“Recognising the immense potential of blockchain to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and boost efficiency, industry leaders are calling for its widespread implementation to unlock the full potential of the AfCFTA.”
Ahmed also noted that AfCFTA offers opportunities for job creation, market access, and financial inclusion, but requires a multi-stakeholder approach.
Stakeholders during the PAMA webinar discussed the need for a comprehensive African manufacturing directory, engaging with African banks, and a platform to showcase and exchange goods across the continent.
They also highlighted the importance of payment technology as a backbone for connecting trade transactions, while addressing challenges faced by small and medium manufacturers in Africa, including access to affordable finance and infrastructure.
Other speakers at the PAMA webinar included the Director of Private Sector Development at the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu; Director of Export Development, Ma Oluranti Doherty; Lead Expert of Trade Enablement at the NGAfCFTA Secretariat, Mr. Olusegun Olutayo; CEO of Africa eTrade, Mr. Mulualem Syoum; and DGCEO of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and Co-Interim Secretary General of PAMA, Dr. Segun Ajayi Kadiri.
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, August 1, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Protest: Security tightened around MMA2 access points
Following the planned nationwide protest coming up tomorrow, security has been beefed up around the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal-II (MMA2) access points.Read more
2. Lagos will not allow repeat of #ENDSARS protest – Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, vowed on Wednesday his government would not allow the repeat of the October 2020 #ENDSARS protest in the state.Read more
3. Nigerian govt urges #EndBadGovernance protesters to embrace dialogue
The Federal Government has appealed to promoters of the #EndBadGovernance protesters to shelve the planned nationwide rallies scheduled for August 1.Read more
4. ‘They deceived us’, APC women lament non-payment, after pro-govt protest in Abuja
A group of women who claimed they were deceived to go to Abuja to participate in a pro-government protests against the #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled for August 1st have lamented that they were left stranded with no food or water while the organisers of the protest disappeared with the money they were to be paid.Read more
5. PRP urges peaceful resolution to impending nationwide protests
One of Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has called on the Federal Government to find a meeting ground with organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests and initiate moves for a peaceful resolution.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Tuesday, July 30, 2024
6. Police confirms Justice Offili-Ajumogobia’s daughter’s death, arrests 3
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of Justice Offili-Ajumogobia’s daughter, Chukwu.Read more
7. Crude oil prices surge after Hamas leader’s killing in Iran
Ahead of Thursday”s meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), oil prices shot up early on Wednesday morning following reports on the killing of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Iran.Read more
8. Increased protectionism, unilateral policy measures threatening global trade, Okonjo-Iweala raises alarm
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Tuesday raised the alarm that global trade was being threatened by increased protectionism and unilateral policy measure.Read more
9. Police detonates bomb in Lagos
Police operatives in Lagos on Wednesday deactivated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the Ikeja area of the state.Read more
10. Man City handed over £2m fine for regularly delaying games
Manchester City have been fined over £2 million for delaying Premier League kick-offs and restarts 22 times in the past two seasons.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, August 1, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Afenifere hails FG for crashing rice price
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Wednesday, commended the Federal Government for rolling out N50kg bags of rice to be sold for N40,000, lower from the current N70,000 market rate.
The Federal Government announced the cheaper rice on Monday as part of measures to forestall the planned hunger protest scheduled to start today (Thursday).
In a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere reiterated its call for the organisers of the protest to call it off in the interest of peace, saying the government had started addressing their concerns.
“You will recall that the government has not only begun the distribution of 20 trucks of rice per state, it has also directed that a bag be sold at N40,000 instead of above N70,000, at which it is being sold currently. Reports even have it that 10 additional trucks have been dispatched, making it a total of 30 trucks per state.
“Some states, such as Katsina, Bayelsa, etc, have acknowledged the receipt of the commodity, just as some of them have even begun distribution.
“Also, in view of steps being taken by the government to address identified problems in the country, particularly with regard to food, Afenifere reiterates its earlier call on those behind a nationwide, 10-day protest to shelve it,” Ajayi said.
The organisation, however, urged the President “to urgently ease the trauma of farmers in the country through, among others, an adroit and transparent utilisation of the N2tn package recently approved for the Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan of which agriculture is a key component as put forward by the Presidential Economic Coordination Council.”
Otti retires BCA DG, appoints Nwaubani
Francis Obinna Nwaubani has been appointed as the new acting Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) by Governor Alex Otti.
He replaces Mrs Esther Agu Anyanwu, who has been directed by the Governor to proceed on compulsory retirement.
Mrs Esther Agu Anyanwu, until her retirement, had served in an acting capacity since after taking over from the former DG, Hyacinth Okoli.
She was previously the Director of Finance (DF) before ascending the position of acting DG.
A circular from the office of the Head of Service in Abia State, dated July 30, 2024, confirmed the compulsory retirement of Mrs Anyanwu.
The circular, HSA/S.0117/Vol.V/44, which was signed by Kalu Boniface, for the Head of Service read in part:
“Directive to proceed on compulsory retirement:
“I am Directed to refer to the above subject and convey the directive of His Excellency Dr Alex Otti, OFR, the Executive Governor of Abia State for you to proceed on compulsory retirement with effect from the 31st of July 2024”.
According to the directive, the acting DG is to hand over to the new acting helmsman, Francis Obinna Nwaubani.
The circular also said that the newly appointed DG, who is from the Department of News and Current Affairs, came first during a recent interview conducted to fill the vacant position.
Confirming his appointment to journalists, the new acting Director General, Nwaubani said: “I am humbled. Thanks for all your good wishes and felicitations. I seek for your continued prayers and support in anyway for the great challenges ahead.”
Before the new development, BCA, which has Radio and Television stations, experienced some breaches in transmission for about two weeks.
Otti retires BCA DG, appoints Nwaubani
Protest: Don’t gather within Amuwo Odofin – Lagos LG chair warns
The Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State has issued a stern warning to residents against gathering or participating in the planned protest, within the council area.
The Council Chairman, Mr Valentine Buraimoh, gave the warning in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Recall that a nationwide protest against hunger and the rising cost of living is planned to hold from August 1 to August 10.
The locations for Lagos State are Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Peace Park in Ketu.
According to Buraimoh, none of the locations approved for the planned protest in the state was in AOLG.
“As your Executive Chairman, I am compelled to warn that any gathering or protest within AOLG will be in contravention of the court’s judgement.
“I urge you all to respect the law and refrain from participating in any protest or gathering within our local government area.
“Let us prioritise peace and order in our community,” he said.
Buraimoh assured residents that he would continue to work tirelessly to ensure their well-being and safety
Protest: Don’t gather within Amuwo Odofin – Lagos LG chair warns
10 ways to remain safe during protests
As the nation gears up to witness the beginning of the 10-day- hunger protest on Thursday, the safety of all during protests remains paramount.
The protest, which is scheduled to be held from August 1-10 across the 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, seeks to force the government to address the harsh economic realities bedevilling the populace.
However, engaging in any protest requires some preparations that you must note as it’s easy to become carried away with the agitation.
Therefore, in this piece, According Online highlights some key tips to stay safe before, during and after a protest:
- Know why you’re protesting: If you plan to join in any protest, you must not be caught off-guard on why you joined in the first place. Typically, for any Nigerian, Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and associate with others.
- Ensure you know the assembly point before the protests begin, and familiarise yourself with all possible routes throughout the protest.
- Keep your identity card with you.
- To stay hydrated, ensure you carry enough water with you in a bag, and put some snacks in your bag to eat. If you have any health concern, like Asthma, kindly take your inhaler along.
- Use a nose mask in case security operatives fire tear gas. Keep a hand sanitiser in your bag to be used at intervals.
- Put on light clothes and sneakers to ease your movement.
- Keep your mobile phone fully charged and also carry a power bank with you. Having enough airtime on your line(s) is advisable.
- While it’s safe to stay in groups, you should also be wary of the people and activities in your surroundings. Always stay alert.
- Obey the protest organisers and leaders. Don’t go against their directives.
- Do not taunt any security official simply because you have the constitutional right to protest.
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