In a move that has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding citizens’ rights, security personnel took over the Eagle Square in Abuja on Tuesday, ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for Thursday.
The development comes after a virtual meeting between the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and protest organizers ended in a stalemate. At the heart of the disagreement was the police proposal to confine protesters to a specific area, which organizers argue infringes on their fundamental rights.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, solicitor for the protest organizers, maintained that citizens have the right to rally and embark on processions, citing a lack of manpower as the police’s reason for opposing this.
Adegboruwa said, “We agreed that the citizens of Nigeria are entitled to protest and that the police would not do anything that would hinder or jeopardize the exercise of that right. That was a basic thing we all agreed upon. We also agreed that police have a statutory duty to offer protection to citizens whenever they protest.
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“Our area of disagreement was the area of confinement. The police prefer, based on the venue sent to them, we should protest in a confined arena. We insisted that we have a right to rally and embark on procession. They said they don’t have the manpower that would go round across all cities.”
The occupation of Eagle Square by security forces has sparked concerns about the government’s intentions, with many questioning whether the move was aimed at intimidating protesters or preventing the demonstration altogether.
As the protest’s fate hangs in the balance, one thing is clear: the government’s response will be a litmus test for its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.
Will the government find a way to accommodate the protesters’ demands, or will the demonstration be thwarted by security forces?
The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome.
The post Security forces occupy Eagle Square as #EndBadGovernance protests hangs in balance appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Security forces occupy Eagle Square as #EndBadGovernance protests hangs in balance
August 1: Protest against hunger, bad governance not based on religion, ethnicity – JAF, others tell Nigerians
Some civil society organizations in Oyo State, such as Joint Action Front (JAF), Socialist Labour, All Workers Convergence, and Centre for Popular Education, have declared that the planned protest scheduled for tomorrow is not based on religious, ethnic or political affiliations.
The groups made this declaration while expressing their support for the protest, which is set to start tomorrow, August 1, across the country.
JAF Coordinator in Oyo State, Professor Ademola Aremu, who addressed journalists on behalf of the groups at a press conference held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, noted that the planned peaceful protest has become necessary due to the widespread hunger and scarcity of essential commodities across the country.
He added that the groups used the opportunity of the press conference to officially declare their total support for the protest.
Aremu further warned individuals or groups intending to engage in violence to stay away from the peaceful action, stating that there will be no room for looting, destruction of property, or any form of violence in the protest.
He encouraged Nigerians who are fed up with the state of the country not to be intimidated by the regime’s scare tactics.
The groups, in their demands, called for the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies, specifically reducing the pump price of petrol to N197, immediate repositioning of all public refineries, an end to the importation of petroleum products, immediate reversal of the decision to hike electricity tariffs, and regionalization of the power sector under the control and management of the elected representatives of the working people.
The groups also demanded that political office holders be placed on the salary and allowances earned by civil servants, that the Nigeria Police and armed forces be allowed to form and belong to trade unions for the adequate defense of their economic rights, and that there be free education at all levels as constitutionally guaranteed, with a reversal of current fee hikes across Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions.
“The coalition is hereby organizing this press conference today, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to officially declare its total support for the protest against hardship and to publicly announce an independent protest to engage other Nigerians supporting the call for the protest, with a view to building a broader base for the movement to end poverty and misery, especially bad governance caused by various anti-poor neoliberal policies of the Nigerian capitalist government.
“The coalition wholeheartedly supports the protest against hunger and hardship. This is despite the fact that none of the constituent organizations in the coalition were involved in calling for the protest. The coalition notes that the prevailing conditions of mass misery and poverty amidst abundant wealth, largely caused by various anti-poor capitalist policies of the Nigerian government, provide sufficient justification for the call for the protest.
“The coalition’s planned independent activities to support the hunger protest are peaceful. We warn individuals or groups intending to engage in violence to stay away from the peaceful action, as there will be no room for looting, destruction of property, or any form of violence in our protest. We inform the general public that this protest is not based on religion, ethnicity, or political party affiliations but aims to demand a better Nigeria.
“The coalition urges all Nigerian working people and youths who are fed up with the situation in the country not to be intimidated by the regime’s scare tactics. Instead, they should join the protest and participate in activities organized by the coalition to support the protest.
“The coalition warns against any form of state repression and provocation but urges all relevant security apparatus in the state to provide adequate security coverage and support. Given that the call for the protest was not initiated by the coalition, we acknowledge the possibility that other groups not part of the coalition may also be planning actions across the state. In light of this, we state that the convergence and take-off point for the coalition’s planned action on August 1, 2024, shall be the frontage of the University of Ibadan (UI) gate at 7 a.m.
“Once again, we reiterate that the coalition’s planned protest does not have any religious, ethnic, or political undertones as the political class would like people to believe. The increasing hunger and intense hardship in the land are not colored by these factors. Be guided by the reality of poverty and hopelessness that this government has subjected its people to for no just reason at all. Our demands: Immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies, specifically reducing the pump price of petrol to N197. Immediate repositioning of all public refineries and an end to the importation of petroleum products.”
August 1: Protest against hunger, bad governance not based on religion, ethnicity – JAF, others tell Nigerians
Oba of Yoruba village in US stabbed to death by ‘sister’
The leader of Oyotunji African Village in Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA, Adegbolu Abiogemo Adefunmi, also known as Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi II, was allegedly stabbed to death by his sister during a heated argument.
According to abcnews4, the incident occurred on Monday, July 29, 2024. South Carolina authorities received a report of the stabbing around 2:45 p.m. at the village on Bryant Lane, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
The 47-year-old victim was taken to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. READ MORE
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PROTEST: VP Shettima warns of potential hijack by unscrupulous elements
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed concerns about the planned protest scheduled for August 1.
This was during a meeting with media practitioners from the northern part of the country on Tuesday,
While acknowledging the right of citizens to protest, Shettima warned that such gatherings have historically been hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to unforeseen consequences.
“Today, if they say there will be a protest, it will amount to a lot of losses. Protest is the right of the people, but let it be known that historically, it has been hijacked by unscrupulous elements,” the Vice President stressed.
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The Vice President’s statement comes amidst growing tensions and uncertainty surrounding the planned protest. Organizers have promised peaceful demonstrations, but Shettima’s comments suggest that the government may be bracing for potential chaos.
His emphasis on the historical hijack of protests by unscrupulous elements raises questions about the government’s strategy to mitigate potential risks.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, one thing is clear: the Vice President’s comments have added fuel to the fire, and all eyes will be on the government’s response to the protest. Will the rights of citizens be respected, or will the authorities prioritize maintaining order above all else? Only time will tell.
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How I want to be buried
In a reflection shared three years ago, veteran Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu revealed her wishes for how she would like to be remembered and buried.
The iconic artist, known for her powerful voice and activism, was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.
“Do it quickly, quietly and privately,” Onwenu wrote in an opinion piece on Premium Times in 2021, emphasising that her burial should be devoid of unnecessary fanfare.
She urged her loved ones to “mourn, yes but not excessively,” and to instead focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments.
“Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh.
“Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me Onyeka Onwenu,” she said.
In her statement, Onwenu also touched on broader cultural practices, condemning the lavish display of wealth often seen at Nigerian burials.
She contrasted her own wishes with the extravagant funeral of Obi Cubana’s mother, which sparked widespread debate across the country.
“I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others,” she remarked, calling for more modest and meaningful ways to honour the deceased.
Onwenu has had a multifaceted career, working in music, film, advocacy, journalism and politics.
She has held various roles, including chairing the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and judging on the X Factor series.
Her music and writings have been widely recognised, with notable songs including ‘One Love’ and ‘You and I’. She is also the author of the book ‘My Father’s Daughter,’ an autobiography.
Why Sylva is backing EndBadGovernment proposed protest – APC Stalwart
A former member of the House of Representatives and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, has revealed the alleged reason the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, is strongly backing the #EndBadGovernment protest in the state.
TVN earlier reported that the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday alleged that desperate politicians who lost the last governorship election are plotting to use the #EndBadGovernance protest to cause mayhem in the state.
Meanwhile, in his reaction, Timipre Sylva, who denied the allegations, described the claims by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri that he is supporting the hardship protest as shocking, insensitive, and divisive.
However, the APC stalwart, in a statement sent to TVN on Wednesday, said: “It is understandable that Sylva is still reeling from his loss at the polls in the 2023 governorship election, as well as the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, where his attempts to overturn the mandate freely given to His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, failed woefully.”
However, using that as an excuse to pit the people against President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government on the grounds that he did not receive the president’s support is unstatesmanlike. Statesmen don’t behave in such a manner.
The statement reads: “I read the statement personally signed by the former governor of Bayelsa State and the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. In it, he once again desperately but futilely attempted to extricate himself from the web of controversy surrounding his planned protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Let me begin by expressing my utter disappointment at the choice of words used by a supposed statesman in the above-captioned statement. It is indeed a shame that he could be so indecorous. However, in fairness to him, defending the indefensible can befuddle the mind.
“It is common knowledge that the former minister had planned to bring about destabilization in the state and stir the people to move against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He need not deny this.
“Unfortunately for him and his foot-soldiers, their heinous plan was exposed, throwing them into a state of confusion and desperation.
“In Sylva’s statement, he denied knowing a certain Ebideke Atuwo, whom he attempted to link to the current Minister of Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri. This is a clear act of desperation on his part, as it is common knowledge that the said Atuwo is Sylva’s associate.
“For emphasis, Minister Lokpobiri remains the best minister from Bayelsa State to date. He has demonstrated the best intentions for the nation and Bayelsa State. His impact during one year in office as minister is inspiring and commendable.
“The minister has relentlessly been in touch with critical stakeholders across the state since the idea of the hunger-inspired protest was muted, prevailing on them to pacify their people and give the Tinubu administration ample time to turn the tide around.
“Sylva must now eat humble pie and accept the fact that he has been rejected by the people of Bayelsa State. The Bayelsa State APC can no longer continue to sail with him in his rudderless leadership. I advise him to take a bow and leave the stage now so that we can reposition our great party and move it forward.”
Why Sylva is backing EndBadGovernment proposed protest – APC Stalwart
Why Sylva is backing EndBadGovernment proposed protest – APC Stalwart
A former member of the House of Representatives and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, has revealed the alleged reason the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, is strongly backing the #EndBadGovernment protest in the state.
TVN earlier reported that the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday alleged that desperate politicians who lost the last governorship election are plotting to use the #EndBadGovernance protest to cause mayhem in the state.
Meanwhile, in his reaction, Timipre Sylva, who denied the allegations, described the claims by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri that he is supporting the hardship protest as shocking, insensitive, and divisive.
However, the APC stalwart, in a statement sent to TVN on Wednesday, said: “It is understandable that Sylva is still reeling from his loss at the polls in the 2023 governorship election, as well as the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, where his attempts to overturn the mandate freely given to His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, failed woefully.”
However, using that as an excuse to pit the people against President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government on the grounds that he did not receive the president’s support is unstatesmanlike. Statesmen don’t behave in such a manner.
The statement reads: “I read the statement personally signed by the former governor of Bayelsa State and the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva. In it, he once again desperately but futilely attempted to extricate himself from the web of controversy surrounding his planned protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“Let me begin by expressing my utter disappointment at the choice of words used by a supposed statesman in the above-captioned statement. It is indeed a shame that he could be so indecorous. However, in fairness to him, defending the indefensible can befuddle the mind.
“It is common knowledge that the former minister had planned to bring about destabilization in the state and stir the people to move against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He need not deny this.
“Unfortunately for him and his foot-soldiers, their heinous plan was exposed, throwing them into a state of confusion and desperation.
“In Sylva’s statement, he denied knowing a certain Ebideke Atuwo, whom he attempted to link to the current Minister of Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri. This is a clear act of desperation on his part, as it is common knowledge that the said Atuwo is Sylva’s associate.
“For emphasis, Minister Lokpobiri remains the best minister from Bayelsa State to date. He has demonstrated the best intentions for the nation and Bayelsa State. His impact during one year in office as minister is inspiring and commendable.
“The minister has relentlessly been in touch with critical stakeholders across the state since the idea of the hunger-inspired protest was muted, prevailing on them to pacify their people and give the Tinubu administration ample time to turn the tide around.
“Sylva must now eat humble pie and accept the fact that he has been rejected by the people of Bayelsa State. The Bayelsa State APC can no longer continue to sail with him in his rudderless leadership. I advise him to take a bow and leave the stage now so that we can reposition our great party and move it forward.”
Why Sylva is backing EndBadGovernment proposed protest – APC Stalwart
Onyeka Onwenu was a gift to her generation, says Obaseki
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed sadness over the death of music icon Onyeka Onwenu, describing her as a gift to her generation.
Onwenu was said to have died on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at the birthday party of Stella Okoli.
In a press statement on Tuesday, the governor described the late singer as “one of Nigeria’s most versatile music exports.”
“Onwenu was a gift to her generation—sonorous, enigmatic, and enchanting. Hers was a gift well deserving as she serenaded all with her voice, soothing both the old and the young with melodious, evergreen tunes.
“Onwenu performed excellently as a conscious musician, lacing her music with messages for social revival.
“She wore many hats elegantly as a soulful singer, fierce journalist, and conscientious social crusader. Her desire for a better Nigeria was evident in the passion she infused into the many avenues she used to advocate for a more prosperous nation.
“It is sad that we lost her at a time when we needed role models like her to inspire Nigerian youths, who would have benefited from her experience and insights garnered as an active figure in various aspects of the Nigerian experience.
“We will miss her elegance, candour, and infectious charm. I commiserate with the Onwenu family, friends, and associates and pray that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
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Iwuanyanwu’s demise: More tears, tributes pour in for late Ohaneze Ndigbo leader
The family of the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, and the entire Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, have begun to receive more condolences as groups and personalities from all walks of life thronged the residence of the late patriarch to commiserate with the family.
Among the callers was the Senator representing Owerri Senatorial District, Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who described Iwuanyanwu as one of the patriarchs of the Igbo nation who sacrificed most of his lifetime fighting the Igbo cause.
He said that his demise has created an indelible vacuum both in the national political sphere and in the Southeast region.
In his own tribute, the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu, said that the demise of the late President General is a monumental loss to the people of Ndigbo in particular and the Nigerian nation in general.
Paying his own tribute, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in the November 11, 2023, Imo Governorship Election, Sen. Nneji Athan Achonu, described the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo as a dedicated father who bore the plight of Ndigbo at heart.
He said that he had the opportunity to visit him at the hospital, not knowing that it would be the last time he would see him, and maintained that the departure of the late chief marks the end of an era.
Senator Achonu hinted that the efforts of the late Iwuanyanwu towards the release of Nnamdi Kanu demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and his people.
His words: “As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life filled with extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to the Igbo nation and Nigeria as a whole. As the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, he was a formidable force in advocating for the rights and interests of the Igbo nation. His leadership was marked by wisdom and an unrelenting pursuit of justice for Ndigbo.”
In the same vein, an Igbo social-cultural organization under the aegis of Umunna Lekki Association (ULA) has also expressed shock over the death of the sitting leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo.
In a press statement issued to journalists, the President General of the association, Chief Michael Onuoha, described the late Chief Iwuanyanwu as an epitome of Igbo renaissance.
He noted that Chief Iwuanyanwu’s leadership of the Apex Igbo Organization has brought many benefits to the people of Ndigbo who needed a courageous and outstanding leader like him, especially during this challenging political period.
“We, as Umunna Lekki Association, are saddened by the news of the passing of our dear father, a symbol of love and compassion, a true patriot and leader of Ndigbo, as well as a committed Nigerian. We are, however, consoled by the fact that he lived a worthy life with an outstanding legacy of achievements in his effort to rebuild the Igbo nation, as well as his contributions to the greatness of Nigeria,” the release stated.
In their own tribute, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Imo State chapter, described Iwuanyanwu as a lifelong champion of the Igbo cause through his steadfast commitment to the growth of the Igbo tribe and his tireless efforts to promote the value of nationalism.
They further stated that he was a man of many parts—a politician, businessman, inventor, and sportsman—who has touched the lives of many through his philanthropic gestures.
The Institute informed that the late Chief Iwuanyanwu was a dedicated fellow of NIPR and a shining example of excellence in public relations practice, also advocating for the development of the profession.
Iwuanyanwu’s demise: More tears, tributes pour in for late Ohaneze Ndigbo leader
Tinubu Mourns Queen of Songs, Onyeka Onwenu
President Bola Tinubu has extended his profound condolences to the family of the late singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu.
Tinubu conveyed his condolences through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu Mourns Iconic Artiste, Onyeka Onwenu.’
Onwenu, aged 72, was said to have died on Tuesday night at Reddington Hospital in Lagos after collapsing at the birthday party of the CEO of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mrs Stella Okoli, where she had performed.
According to Ngelale, “President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition of ‘One Love’ in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony.
“The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting the public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on ‘Wait for Me’, a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s.”
“Ms Onwenu lives on in her immortal masterpieces,” the President stated.
Tinubu celebrated the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who devoted herself to a wide range of artistic endeavours and expressions, bringing joy and laughter to many.
He extended his condolences to the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star over this immeasurable loss.
The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased artiste and that “she finds a place yonder where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun.’”
With three years of experience, Stephen, The According correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons
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