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Avoid excessive force, Shina Peller tells security operatives

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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

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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

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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 

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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.”

Tinubu means well for Nigerians, says aide

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Tinubu means well for Nigerians, says aide

The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery, Titilope Gbadamosi, has appealed to youths to opt for dialogue and engage positively with the government as Nigerians plan to embark on a nationwide hunger protest on August 1.

According to a statement made available to According Online on Wednesday, Gbadamosi made the appeal while speaking at a youth stakeholders engagement in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday.

In her remarks, Gbadamosi highlighted the importance of utilising the various initiatives offered by the Federal Government to address challenges facing the youth.

She enumerated several key programmes designed to support young Nigerians, including the Grassroot Youths Entrepreneurship Scheme, Conpreneur Support Youth, Nigeria Youth Academy, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Young and Secure, and the Green House Programme.

She emphasised the need for youths to change their mindset and actively participate in these initiatives, stressing that such engagement is crucial for their inclusion in national development.

“It is high time you all disabuse your minds and take up the federal government’s initiatives for you. Don’t say it is their government; it is a wrong sense of judgment; it is your government. You must take up available initiatives”, Gbadamosi stated.

She also addressed the current state of the nation, urging the youths not to lose hope.

“I want to beg you to have faith in our administration, you won’t be left out, I am sure of that. Don’t be discouraged in Nigeria”, she reassured, acknowledging the challenges but calling for optimism and constructive engagement.

“In light of the planned protest, Gbadamosi appealed for caution, advocating peace and dialogue over confrontation. She reflected on the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, noting the significant damage and lingering wounds from the event.

“We don’t know the importance of peace until we lose it; we must be careful not to create a monster. How do we handle the protest is another matter,” she cautioned.

Gbadamosi also underscored the significance of her role in the government, noting that her office was newly established to ensure comprehensive monitoring of government initiatives.

Be professional, IG tells officers

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Be professional, IG tells officers

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged police officers to be prepared, alert and professional during the protests scheduled for August 1 to 10.

 

Egbetokun added that the safety and security of the nation depends on the vigilance, gallantry, and readiness of officers in the police and other security agencies.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG spoke during a virtual meeting with senior officers.

Adejobi stated that the IG reminded senior officers of their duty to uphold the rule of law, and police with the highest level of integrity.

The statement read, “The Inspector General of Police, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, addressed a virtual conference with senior police officers from across the country, focusing on critical issues of preparedness, deployment, and the maintenance of law and order during the planned nationwide protest in the country.

 

“In his address, the IGP emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and professionalism within the force, noting that the safety and security of the nation depend on the vigilance, gallantry, and readiness of our officers in the Police and other security agencies.

 

“The IGP highlighted the need for continuous preparedness and strategic deployment of police officers to respond to any situation while maximally equipped, and ready to handle any scenario that may arise. Stressing the critical role of the police in maintaining law and order, the IGP reminded senior officers of their duty to uphold the rule of law, and police with the highest level of integrity.”

Adejobi stated that the IG directed the senior officers to ensure that the protest do not turn violent.

 

He said, “The IGP also emphasised that while peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right, the police must be vigilant to prevent any group from hijacking such events to incite violence. He directed that proactive measures must be placed to ensure that peaceful protests do not turn into violent confrontations, as Nigeria cannot afford to record any violence in this period.”

Adejobi said the IG warned against the spread of fake news during the protest.

 

He said, “Furthermore, with much emphasis, the IGP issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news via various media platforms charging officers to put in necessary emplacements to manage this and advising members of the public to shun the spread of unverified contents on social media.

 

“The IGP also warned against unplanned protests and unnecessary street processions, which can disrupt public order and safety, reiterating that confined protests are best in this situation to prevent the destruction of public infrastructures and other properties.

 

“The IGP called on all senior officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to service, emphasizing that their leadership is crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.”

FCT: It has never happened before – Wike speaks at latest project inspection

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FCT: It has never happened before – Wike speaks at latest project inspection

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, inspected the ongoing construction of the Naharati-River Ukya to Uguwan Hausawa Road in Abaji Area Council of the FCT on Wednesday.
The minister, who was accompanied on the inspection visit, by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the construction of roads in the satellite towns will not only improve connectivity in the rural areas but will also discourage rural-urban migration in the FCT.
He stressed that the road construction will also have a positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people at the grassroots, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was determined to ensure that every part of the FCT is impacted positively under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister also dispelled insinuations that the FCT Administration was only concentrating development in the city centre, stressing that a lot has also been achieved in the satellite towns in the last year.
He said: “This is all about the Renewed Hope Agenda. The president is trying to make sure that every area is impacted positively.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am. I have seen the connection within the various communities. This, of course, will improve their means of livelihood and transportation.
“We have always said that we are not only concentrating on the cities; we are also trying to open satellite towns because we are also trying to discourage people from migrating to the cities.
“Why people migrate to cities is because there is no infrastructure. So, when you provide this kind of infrastructure, it discourages rural-urban migration.”
The Minister described what is happening in the FCT in terms of the provision of infrastructure as a complete revolution.
He said most of those who still complain have probably not had the opportunity to visit the rural areas and see what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about.
He said: “I think all of us can attest that this has never happened before in the history of the FCT. What we are seeing today is a complete revolution, trying to transform our rural areas.”
Wike added that the rural populace, who are the direct beneficiaries of these infrastructure provisions, has decided to continue to support and dialogue with the government, rather than embark on the planned nationwide protest.
He said: “Just within one year of Mr. President’s administration, see the kind of infrastructure that is being provided within our rural areas.
“You can see that in the cities too. So many people have said nothing is happening in rural areas. You can attest to the fact that things are happening.”
Wike also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of dialogue between the government and the people, warning that violent protests would not be of any benefit to the country.
FCT: It has never happened before – Wike speaks at latest project inspection

CSOs set up situation room, unveil dedicated telephone lines

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CSOs set up situation room, unveil dedicated telephone lines

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, the Organised Civil Society has issued guidelines to protesters to ensure the success of the protest against hunger and hardship in the country.

The guidelines, according to a statement signed by the Head, Coordinating Secretariat of the United Action Front of Civil Society, Olawale Okunniyi on Wednesday, followed a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The group urged protesters to be civil and orderly, and not allow anyone to provoke or distract them, from the agenda of the protest. They also urged protesters to record with their phones in the event of any external aggression and send such recordings to the Civil Society Situation Room on Protests Ethics Monitoring.

Okunniyi also implored protesters not to go to the venues of the protests with sharp objects or weapons as any such person will be handed over to security agents.

The statement read in part, “Citizens participating in the protest rallies and processions are advised to be civil, orderly and focused and not allow anybody or forces to provoke or distract them from the agenda and goal of the protest, which is to compel government to end Hunger and Hardships in the country

“Protesters should endeavour to come out with their small pack of bottle of water and snacks if possible and should be smartly dressed. Protesters are advised not to come to protest ground with sharp, hard and violent objects or weapons as anybody seen with such objects and weapons shall be apprehended and handed over to security agents or protest monitoring team for prosecution.

“For help and support during the nationwide protests, citizens are enjoined to contact protest monitors at the situation room of the organised Civil Society via WhatsApp of the following hotlines: +23481-884-51511, +234 814 286 4904,+234 703 504 6101, +234 803 582 3617. Please note that the above hotlines are for WhatsApp messages only”.

The group also urged the government and its agents to “demobilise and caution those being recruited to threaten and intimidate peaceful Protesters to desist to avoid unnecessary clash and battle in the interest of peace and stability of Nigeria.”

He added that any such sponsored mobilisation against the protesters will “may lead to another unwanted riot in the mode of #EndSars debacle in Nigeria.”

Abia postpones planned August 1 restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

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Abia postpones planned August 1 restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

The Abia State Government has again postponed its plans to enforce restrictions on the operations of tricycles (Keke) and motorcycles (Okada) between 7 pm and 6 am starting from August 1, 2024.
A statement signed by Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, said the restrictions have been put on hold, saying that the decision is to allow the implementation of “an alternative solution.”
According to the commissioner: “The decision of the state government to push forward the date for the commencement of the enforcement of the restriction policy underscores the administration’s stance of giving a human face to governance and policy implementation. It further confirms the fact that the people, at all times, are the centrepiece of all government’s policy actions.”
He noted that while the enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in the transport sector in Abia State continues as scheduled, the government will announce a new date for the formal commencement of the restriction policy in due course.
Meanwhile, many tricycle riders and their motorcycle counterparts have hailed the announcement, saying that it is a wise security decision by the state government as the previous date of commencement of the restriction coincided with the August 1 national protest.
July 1, 2024, was initially chosen by the Abia government for the enforcement of restrictions but the date was shifted to August 1, before the announcement to put it on hold.
Abia postpones planned August 1 restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

Lagos: Sanwo-Olu names designated places for August 1 protests

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Lagos: Sanwo-Olu names designated places for August 1 protests

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has vowed not to allow hoodlums to hijack Thursday’s EndBadGovernance protest.
Sanwo-Olu assured protesters of adequate protection, stressing that the state police command has designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests.
The governor said these locations will be secured to protect protesters and prevent chaos.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a terse statement he issued on Wednesday.
According to the Lagos State governor: “We can do more, and we will. 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 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.
“Our goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. We must avoid economic destabilisation that can make us poorer. Let’s unite, embrace dialogue, and build a peaceful, prosperous Lagos.
“To ensure safe and peaceful expression, the Police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests. These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos.
“Let’s work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on maintaining peace and stability.”
Lagos: Sanwo-Olu names designated places for August 1 protests

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