Ahead of the planned nationwide protest on August 1, ex-militants under the aegis of “Akwa Ibom Ex-Agitators Forum” have warned youths in the state against taking part in the exercise.
They noted that the protest was a threat to the existing peace in the state and would be counterproductive.
Addressing a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, on Wednesday evening, the chairman of the forum, Alban Paulinus, said the group has deployed members whom he described as “anti-protesters” in strategic places in the state to protect public infrastructure and forestall any form of vandalism and looting.
According to him: “We are here to tell the world that we say no to faceless protests. We, at the Akwa Ibom Ex-Agitators Forum, are saying that Akwa Ibom State is a very peaceful state and we will not allow any faceless group to disturb the peaceful atmosphere we are enjoying here.
“If there is any need to protest, it is we in Akwa Ibom that should protest. Why we will not want to protest because our brother, the number three citizen, the Senate President, is there and we say not in his time. We will go about our normal businesses and we implore every Akwa Ibom resident not to be cowed into any faceless protest, go about your normal businesses.
“At this critical time, leading a protest could be counterproductive and jeopardise public peace. Instead, we call on the government to address the pressing issue of hunger and improve the living conditions of our citizens. We believe in maintaining peace and stability in our state and our nation. While acknowledging the economic challenges faced by Nigerians, we emphasise the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration with the government to find lasting solutions.”
He also added: “By urging our youths to shun the planned protests, we aim to prevent potential violence and promote a more peaceful approach to addressing our country’s economic woes.
“As ex-agitators in the struggle to build a Niger Delta we can call our own, we strictly warn that no one, under the guise of protest, should attack individuals, loot, or steal. Looting must be condemned. Our members are already mobilised across the state to protect our infrastructure. Our public institutions belong to all Akwa Ibomites and were built with our resources. Therefore, no one should attack any office, public institution, or government infrastructure. Members of our forum are deployed everywhere in the state to defend our public utilities with their last drop of blood.”
Appealing to Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, he stressed that one year is not enough to build a nation.
Emphasising why Akwa Ibom will not join in the protest, Johnson Solomon, the secretary of the group, noted: “When we were shouting about marginalisation, no one listened to us and now you want us to collaborate to carry out the protest. We say no. We at the Niger Delta are coming out en masse to be like anti-protesters to the faceless group tomorrow.”
The chairman of Obollo Youths, Emmanuel Essang, said in his remark: “The days of taking to the streets have passed and we are in the era of intellectual struggle. The president has heard the yearnings of Nigerians and he will address them. Rome was not built in a day.”
We reject faceless protests in Akwa Ibom – Ex-militants warn
We reject faceless protests in Akwa Ibom – Ex-militants warn
Do not dare to silence our voices with bullets, group warns Tinubu
One of the organisers of the hunger protest, the Take It Back Movement, has called on President Bola Tinubu to warn security agents against shooting at protesters.
The groups and individuals had declared August 1 to 10 to protest against the economic hardship experienced by citizens in the country.
Following the declaration, there had been moves by the government to ensure the protest didn’t hold but the organisers have remained resolute.
In an open letter addressed to the president and signed by the group’s Director of Mobilisation, Damilare Adenola, stated that no bullet could silence the voices of the masses.
The letter dated July 31 partly read, “We, the Take It Back Movement, issue a final warning to your administration: do not dare attempt to silence our voices with bullets or any weapon because it can not. The blood of our brothers and sisters will
not be shed in vain, you have our assurance.”
He also called on security agencies to refuse to honour orders against the will of the people.
Adenola said, “We vividly remember the atrocities committed in 2020 when terror was unleashed on peaceful #EndSars protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate. But let us be clear: Buhari may have temporarily escaped the consequences of his actions, but you will not, President Tinubu.
“To the security agencies, we say: refuse to follow unlawful orders. Stand with the people, not against the people. To the Nigerian people.”
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Kwara: Court restricts nationwide hunger protest to Ilorin metropolitan square
A few hours to the August 1-10, 2024, nationwide hunger protests in the country, a Kwara State High Court has restricted protesters to the Ilorin Metropolitan square in the state capital.
Granting an ex parte order on Wednesday, the court said it agreed with the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman that such a protest could degenerate into violence if the protesters were allowed to do as they wished.
The respondents in the case are the Director State Security Service, Kwara State, Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Take-It-Back Movement, Mr. Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed and unknown persons.
“After listening to Ibrahim Sulyman Esq., Attorney General of Kwara State, the applicant herein and after a careful perusal of the 5-paragraph affidavit, as well as the written address in support of the motion ex-parte, the following orders are hereby granted:
“An order of interim injunction restraining the 4th-6th respondents whether by themselves, agents, privies, servants or any other person(s) acting through them to converge, carry, conduct any act or form of their proposed peaceful public protest, rallies, processions and or meetings in any other place other than Metropolitan Square/Asa Dam Road, Kwara State in the interest of the general public for a period of 7 days, effective from the 1st August, 2024.
“It is also ordered that the 1st-3rd respondents are directed to provide adequate security for the protection of lives and properties of all citizens and residents of Kwara State, as well as the infrastructure provided by the Kwara State Government against the 4th-6th respondents’ act, protest, or any form of protest for a period of 7days effective from the 1st August, 2024 or any other day pending the determination of the motion on notice.
“It is also ordered that all the court processes filed in respect of this suit be served on the 4th-6th respondents by pasting same at the High Court of Justice premises,” the order read.
The court adjourned further hearings in the case to 14th of August, 2024, according to a statement by the press secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Adesikeola Ajiboye in Ilorin on Wednesday.
Kwara: Court restricts nationwide hunger protest to Ilorin metropolitan square
Parents preventing children from vaccinations are liable to imprisonment, Doctors warn
Medical experts, on Wednesday, warned parents and guardians against the dangers posed by not allowing their children and wards to be vaccinated.
While blaming social media influence for misinforming the public, the doctors cited child rights laws stipulating that parents, guardians and those who have custody of children under two years who prevent them from vaccinations are liable to imprisonment.
They gave this warning during the scientific conference 2024 of the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association, Oyo State branch, held at the NMA House, Agodi in Ibadan, Oyo State capital with the theme: “Vaccines: The Facts and The Myths.”
Speaking on the theme, the Reader and Clinical Virologist, Department of Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Adeola Fowotade, lamented that misinformation and disinformation on vaccines were alarming.
She underscored the effectiveness of the vaccines in preventing diseases.
Fowotade said, “Nigeria is a country that is plagued with infectious diseases. Good enough, some of these diseases are preventable by vaccination and the vaccines that are available are not for children alone, but also adults. We have observed that people are showing apathy to the vaccines.
“Even adults do not want their children to get vaccinated and for adult vaccines, there is a low turnout of those taking the vaccines. The reason that is driving vaccines off-take is that there are a lot of myths associated with the vaccines. Those myths are true according to studies conducted by various organisations, including the World Health Organisation and others.’’
In his submission, the Dean Elect, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Magbagbeola Dairo, who spoke on the subtheme: ‘’Combating Vaccine Hesitancy in Clinical and Public Health Settings’’ also warned that refusal to present children for vaccination attracted fines and imprisonment according to the Child Right Law in Oyo State and Child Right Act in Nigeria.
“Vaccines are effective and useful. They should take advantage of vaccines available in our facilities and that are being brought to schools. It is free and beneficial.
‘’The Child Right Law in Oyo State and Child Right Act in Nigeria have already stipulated that parents, guardians and those who have custody of children under two years have the responsibility to ensure full vaccination of those and those who fail to do so are liable to imprisonment or fine.
“So, we should not run afoul of the law. We must vaccinate our children. For those who are older, I am advocating that there should be a vaccination policy for access to government-provided benefits such as national immunisation, driver’s licence and entrance into higher institutions. Vaccination cards should be provided.
‘’It is to help the physician to know the strategies to be adopted in convincing the people to take advantage of vaccination. To show the advantages of vaccination. We must educate the healthcare providers,”
he said.
Earlier, the NMA acting state Chairman, Happy Adedapo, warned against picking half-information on social media to cast aspersion on the use of the vaccines.
Kano gov reconstitutes Aliko Dangote varsity’s governing council
The Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, on Wednesday, approved the reconstitution of the Governing Council of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil.
The appointments, according to a statement issued and signed by the Kano State Commissioner of Information, Baba Dantiye take effect immediately.
The statement partly read, “The new governing board has Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group as the Chancellor, a retired Supreme Court Justice, Audu Aboki as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council and Professor Ibrahim Kano as a member.
“Other members include Professor Dije Sulaiman, Dr Fa’iza Mukhtar Adhama, Dr Aminu Bello Wudil, Dr Garba Abubakar and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Musa Yakasai.
“The Deputy Vice-chancellor of Academic and Administration of the University, the representative of the Private sector, Alhaji Sabiu Bako and the NUC representative will serve as members.”
The rest are the four representatives of the Senate of the University, two representatives of the University Congregation and a representative of the Ministry of Higher Education, while the registar of the University will serve as the Secretary of the Council.
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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.
A nationwide protest called by a group of Nigerians to show their displeasure with the hardship and other problems occasioned by the policy initiatives of the current administration will take place on August 1.
The governor, who addressed the people of the state, said the protest tagged: “#EndBadGovernance” cannot achieve economic reforms in weeks or months.
He said: “Reflecting on the tragic events of the #ENDSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.
“We will NOT allow history to repeat itself. During the protests, we saw the destruction of valuable properties and institutions: Lagos High Court, 45 police stations, 12 Local Government offices, 7 Fire Stations, and the Forensic Centre, among others.
“The City Hall, Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters, and traditional rulers’ palaces were also destroyed.
“Malls, shops, offices, and hundreds of brand-new BRT buses were lost. Such devastation only sets us back economically and socially.”
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Avoid excessive force, Shina Peller tells security operatives
A former member of the House of Representatives, Shina Peller has urged security agencies to avoid the use of excessive force on the citizens across the country during the proposed protests.
The protests scheduled for August 1 to 10 were in response to the economic hardship experienced by citizens in the country.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, Peller, who represented Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa and Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State in the 9th Assembly said security operatives deployed for duties must respect the rights of citizens to peaceful protests.
He mentioned that using excessive force on protesters could escalate the situation and lead to violence.
Peller said,” To the security agencies, I urge you to exercise restraint and respect the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and free speech. Remember, your role is to protect and serve, not to suppress or intimidate.
“ Avoid using excessive force, which can escalate tensions and lead to unnecessary violence. By allowing peaceful protests to unfold without interference, you can help prevent chaos and ensure a safer environment for everyone involved. “
Peller also called on those planning to participate in the planned nationwide protest to uphold the principles of non-violence and maintain the integrity of their cause.
He said, “Protests serve as a fundamental pillar of democracy, providing a platform for the collective voice of the people to reverberate. I firmly believe in the efficacy of peaceful protests as a mechanism to articulate our grievances and demand accountability from the government. They hold the power to effectuate tangible reforms, expose injustices, and ensure that our leaders remain answerable to the populace.
“While affirming the indispensable role of protests in advancing our democracy, I advocate for constructive dissent devoid of destructive tendencies. So, to the protesters, it is paramount that we uphold the principles of non-violence and maintain the integrity of our cause.”
He added that it was important to learn from the mistakes of the EndSARS protests.
Peller said, “Reflecting on the #EndSARS protest from four years ago serves as a poignant reminder of both the potency and perils associated with mass demonstrations. What commenced as a symbol of unity and determination metamorphosed into a scenario marred by elements seeking to sow chaos and discord. It’s crucial to avoid repeating past mistakes.”
He called on the government to address the root causes of the protest as many Nigerians are hungry and angry.
Peller said, “The palpable hunger and anger pervasive in our communities are undeniable. An adage rings true – a hungry man is an angry man. During my interactions with the people, especially those at the grassroots level, their distress is unmistakable. This deep-rooted dissatisfaction underscores the urgency for actionable change.
“It is time to address the root causes of this discontent. To bring about real change, we must understand and respond to the struggles and aspirations of our people.“
August 1 protest: There’ll be no procession in Edo — Police
The Edo State Police Command said on Wednesday there would be no procession by protesters during the #Endbadgovernance nationwide protest slated for August 1, 2024.
TVN reports that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Funsho Adegboye, who disclosed this to newsmen at a press briefing in Benin City, said it was part of the agreement reached by the organisers of the protest in the
state.
Adegboye said the protest would only take place in designated areas across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The commissioner warned that anyone found gathering outside the designated areas would be treated as a criminal.
According to him: “In line with consultations with the organisers of the #Endbadgovernance in the state, we have agreed that there will be protest in the state.
“The protest will be in the mode of occupying designated areas. Nobody will be allowed to march on the streets or in a procession. The protest will be peaceful, and no molestation, harassment of anybody or blockade of roads.
“Police will protect peaceful protesters because it is their right to express their grievances. If possible, we will provide water for them. There will be no blocking of roads, no coercion and procession. We will be at the venue with ambulance in case of emergency.
“Anybody found in other areas not designated for the protest will be treated as common criminals. The police will be decisive.”
Adegboye added that the police command would constitute a situation room with the leaders of the protest to ensure that hoodlums do not hijack the exercise.
He advised citizens to remain calm, adding that they would be allowed to carry out their businesses.
On his part, Governor Godwin Obaseki called on the organisers of the protest to consider adopting other forms of protest outside marching and processions on the streets.
Obaseki urged members of the public to be vigilant and not allow miscreants to hijack the peaceful protests to actualize their devious plans to loot shops and markets and cause mayhem.
“I have mobilised security agencies in the state to be on high alert and ensure that law and order are maintained and provide protection for genuine protesters who must follow the law and ensure that they carry out their protest in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“Let me use this broadcast to warn all those who want to use the protest as a pretext to destroy and attack business premises and public infrastructure that the government would bring the full weight of the law on them and spare no resources in bringing them to justice.
“I enjoin all law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful businesses without fear, as the government remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work for the growth and progress of our dear state,” he said.
August 1 protest: There’ll be no procession in Edo — Police
Murdered EKSU DVC kidnapped by domestic staff – DSS
The Department of State Security Services, DSS, has said that the abduction of the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, EKSU, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, was masterminded by his domestic staff.
Olaofe was kidnapped from his residence in a housing estate along Afao Road in Ado-Ekiti on July 9, 2024.
In a statement in Ado Ekiti, DSS confirmed that the kidnapping was carried out by a gang of seven who were invited by the househelp to his residence, located at Plot 12, 15th Avenue, Federal Housing Phase II, Ado Ekiti, on July 9, 2024.
The statement confirmed that further investigation by the operatives of the command led to the discovery of Olaofe’s remains buried in a shallow grave at a farm settlement along Airport Road, Afao-Ekiti.
It confirmed that the case would soon be transferred to the state police command for prosecution, having established a case of homicide.
Murdered EKSU DVC kidnapped by domestic staff – DSS
Be patient with Tinubu, minister begs Nigerians
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has begged Nigerians to allow President Bola Tinubu to lead the country to a better future through ongoing reforms.
The minister, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, to persuade citizens against a nationwide protest, said the government has worked extensively to ensure that the burden of reforms implemented does not affect the poor and vulnerable.
He also underscored Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to democracy, freedom of speech, and human rights, ensuring the public their preservation.
Edun reassured the public that peaceful and orderly protests are respected, highlighting concerns about maintaining the economic momentum achieved over the past 15 months.
“President Tinubu is a democrat to the core. He believes in federalism, freedom of speech, and human rights,” Edun stated.
The minister admitted the high cost of living but stressed that the issue is global, impacted by wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, and the lingering effects of COVID-19.
Edun highlighted significant economic progress, noting, “The economy has been turned around and saved from the precipice.”
He credited the diligent application of technology and new processes for doubling the federal government’s revenue compared to the first half of 2023.
Listing further achievements, he said, “One million households covering five million people have received their benefits of cash transfers. Last week alone, 300,000 payments were made and that shows the results of the scaling up showcasing how technology can help our goals.
“Likewise, the CNG efforts are going to be a game changer. Buses and kits are expected in August and the rollout would be hastened. We have made efforts to make sure that what is coming will be effective and the benefits will be seen very soon.
“There is an approved and incoming financing for the housing sector for people to afford mortgages so that they can pay for their property over some time or decades as opposed to a one-time payment.
“Costs are now under control, spending is visible and accountable, and the money of Nigerians is being well spent.”
Edun assured Nigerians that the burden of reforms would not fall on the poorest, citing measures to support agriculture, small and large industries, and direct payments to households.
He mentioned ongoing efforts to provide financing at nine per cent for transportation costs and the rollout of CNG buses.
The minister appealed for patience and cooperation, stating, “We need to give the President this golden opportunity to take Nigeria forward. We need to be patient with each other, listen to him, and support efforts to lead us into a better future.”