Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has accused politicians of being behind the armed banditry and killings in the state.
Alia made the allegation on Sunday after attending a thanksgiving service organised at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, lamenting that the bandits were homegrown and had taken up arms to kill their own.
In recent times, there have been consistent attacks and killings at the Sankera axis of the state, comprising Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.
The Governor was reacting to the recent attacks, which initially claimed six lives in Ukum LGA and triggered a violent protest and another cold-blooded murder of 18 in Katsina-Ala LGA, as well as the viral video of bandits threatening to kill more in that axis and the move by his government to end the bloodletting.
He said, “I used that in the sense that we are talking about the composition of every frame and form of insecurity that has come up on the people of Ukum LGA.
“During my campaign, I told every faceless person in the three Senatorial zones who were creating instability in the state to sheathe their swords and that the new government was coming in to liberate them, to get them out of the bushes and stop them from killing their siblings. And that is what we have been trying to do.
“Unfortunately when the political wing of it comes into the fray, it kind of complicates what had been there. For many years there had been skirmishes of instability in the Ukum area.
“And what pains me most is that the instability is never created by the invaders, it is not from the outsiders. It is the homegrown bandits who come out there to kill their fathers and mothers and their brothers and sisters, stopping them from going to the farm,” he said.
Politicians’ behind banditry, killings in Benue – Gov Alia alleges
Politicians’ behind banditry, killings in Benue – Gov Alia alleges
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro wins third term
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro won re-election with 51.2 percent of votes cast Sunday, the electoral council announced, after a campaign tainted by claims of opposition intimidation and fears of fraud.
The President of the CNE electoral body, Elvis Amoroso, in its majority loyal to the government, told reporters 44.2 percent of votes had gone to opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.
Independent polls had predicted Sunday’s vote would bring an end to 25 years of “Chavismo”, the populist movement founded by Maduro’s socialist predecessor and mentor, the late Hugo Chavez.
Maduro, 61, addressed supporters minutes after the announcement, saying: “There will be peace, stability and justice.”
As his supporters celebrated, downcast opposition voters waited to hear from Gonzalez Urrutia and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken immediately expressed “serious concerns” that the result did not reflect the will of Venezuelan voters.
Since 2013, Maduro has been at the helm of the once-wealthy petro-state where GDP dropped by 80 percent in a decade, pushing more than seven million of its 30 million citizens to emigrate.
He is accused of locking up critics and harassing the opposition in a climate of rising authoritarianism.
Gonzalez Urrutia had replaced popular Machado on the ticket after authorities loyal to Maduro excluded her from the race.
Machado, who campaigned far and wide for her proxy, had urged voters on Sunday to keep “vigil” at their polling stations in the “decisive hours” of counting amid widespread fears of fraud.
Maduro had previously warned of a “bloodbath” if he loses.
– ‘Prepared to defend’ –
Rejecting opinion polls, the government relied on its own numbers to assert Maduro would defeat Gonzalez Urrutia, a little-known 74-year-old former diplomat.
Maduro counts on a loyal electoral apparatus, military leadership, and state institutions in a system of well-established political patronage.
On Friday, a Venezuelan NGO said Caracas was holding 305 “political prisoners” and had arrested 135 people with links to the opposition campaign since January.
Gonzalez Urrutia had said the opposition was “prepared to defend” the vote and trusted “our armed forces to respect the decision of our people.”
He added there had been a “massive” voter turnout.
Ballots were cast on machines that print out paper receipts placed into a container. The electronic votes go directly to a centralized CNE database.
The opposition had deployed about 90,000 volunteer election monitors to polling stations countrywide.
– Watching ‘very closely’ –
Sunday’s election is the product of a mediated deal reached last year between the government and the opposition.
The agreement to hold the vote led the United States to temporarily ease sanctions imposed after Maduro’s 2018 reelection, which was rejected as a sham by dozens of Western and Latin American countries.
However, the sanctions were snapped back after Maduro reneged on agreed conditions.
Washington is keen for a return to stability in Venezuela — an ally of Cuba, Russia and China that boasts the world’s largest oil reserves but severely diminished production capacity.
Economic misery in the South American nation has been a major source of migration pressure on the US southern border.
Most Venezuelans live on just a few dollars a month, with the country’s health care and education systems in disrepair and the population enduring biting shortages of electricity and fuel.
The government blames sanctions, but observers also point the finger at corruption and government inefficiency.
Machado said earlier Sunday that if Maduro “grabs power,” another “three, four, five million” Venezuelans will likely join the exodus.
“What’s at stake here goes beyond our borders, beyond Venezuela,” she said.
Concerns over the fairness of the vote were further stoked when Caracas blocked several international observers, including four Latin American ex-presidents, at the last minute.
The foreign ministers of seven Latin American nations called Sunday for the electoral process to “fully respect the popular will” of the Venezuelan people.
About 21 million Venezuelans are registered as voters, but only an estimated 17 million still in the country are eligible to cast ballots.
AFP
Protest: Respect rights of citizens – Rescue Movement tells Tinubu
A group under the aegis of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria has advised President Bola Tinubu to respect the rights of citizens to peaceful protest.
The National Media Director and Publicity of the group, Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba, gave this advice on Sunday.
Olorunmagba stated that at an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees of Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, aka Rescue the Vulnerable Initiative, the group resolved to critically dissect the ongoing rift between the government and the Nigerian citizens, particularly the youths that are planning a peaceful nationwide protest and resolved as follows:
“That as the government of Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges facing our great nation, varying from hunger in the land, to highest unemployment the citizens of the country has ever experienced, insecurity ravaging the length and breadth of the nation, kidnapping like the nation has ever known, currency free fall in world market amongst others; we urge the authorities to prioritize addressing the pressing needs of the people rather than trying every means to suppress their fundamental rights to protest and express themselves.
“That in a democratic setting like ours, the right to peaceful assembly and free speech is sacrosanct. However, recent events have shown a disturbing trend of intimidation, harassment, and seemingly suppression rights, especially from agencies of government.”
The group called on the government to listen to the grievances of the people and address them through tangible actions.
Protest: Respect rights of citizens – Rescue Movement tells Tinubu
NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, rains from Monday
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Monday to Wednesday across the country.
NiMet`s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja forecast morning thunderstorms on Monday over parts of Kebbi, Katsina, Borno, Bauchi and Taraba States.
The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Zamfara, Taraba, Bauchi, and Kebbi states later in the day.
It also expected moderate rains over parts of Nassarwa, Benue, the Federal Capital Territory and Niger during the morning periods.
In the afternoon and evening hours, the agency anticipated moderate thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Nassarawa, Kogi and Plateau States.
It added that rains are expected over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom in the morning hours.
According to the agency, later in the day, light to moderate rains are expected over parts of Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta.
NiMet further said that morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara on Tuesday.
It forecast thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Taraba, Zamfara and Kebbi in the afternoon, and or evening hours and anticipated moderate rains over parts of Niger and Kwara States during the morning hours.
The agency said, later in the day, moderate thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue and Kogi while cloudy skies should prevail over the southern region during the morning hours.
In the afternoon and or evening hours, it said that intermittent rains are expected over parts of Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Borno, Katsina, and Kebbi during the morning hours on Wednesday.
Also, it expected thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Kano, Kaduna and Zamfara later in the day with cloudy conditions over the North central city during the morning hours.
It anticipated thunderstorms over the entire region as the day progressed with cloudy skies to prevail over the southern region within the morning periods.
In the afternoon and or evening hours, moderate rains are envisaged over the entire region, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.
It stated that there is a high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.
It therefore advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas, adding that they should heed to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities.
The agency also urged the public and Airline operators to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, rains from Monday
Hardship: Tension heightens as organizers insist on nationwide protest
Tension is rising across the country as organizers of the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10 have vowed not to back down.
TVN reports that some Nigerians, who are irked by the prevailing economic situation ravaging the nation, vowed to stage mass protests in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, next month.
The demonstration, according to the organizers, is aimed at drawing the attention of the governments at various levels to the hardship bedeviling the citizens.
The agenda is also to possibly persuade the current administration into reversing some policies that birthed the current economic reality.
This has triggered tension across the country with some government officials, business owners, security agencies fidgeting over possible attacks on them.
Hardship
TVN reports that the nation has been clouded in the plague of hunger since President Bola Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidy era in 2023.
On Wednesday, the National Bureau of Statistics disclosed in its June report that prices of some food items skyrocketed as high as 250 percent recently.
According to the data obtained by TVN, one kilogram of white Garri (sold loose) went up by 181.66 percent on a year-on-year basis from N 403.15 in June 2023 to N1,135.51 in June 2024, while there was an increase of 1.86 percent on a month-on-month basis.
Also, the price of 1kg of beans brown (sold loose) stood at N2,292.76 indicating a rise of 252.13 percent from N651.12 recorded in June 2023.
Similarly, 1kg of Yam tuber increased by 295.79 percent on a year-on-year basis from N510.77 in June 2023 to N 2,021.55 in May 2024.
The report added that there was also a notable price increase of Irish potato by 288.5 percent on a year-on-year basis from N623.75 in June 2023 to N2,423.27 in June 2024.
According to the organizers of the looming protest, the inability of Nigerians to afford the food items and other basic needs is what stimulated the move for the ten days nationwide protests titled the “Days Of Rage”.
Security concerns
There are concerns that the proposed protest may worsen the security crisis already facing the nation.
The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters and the Department of State Services have all raised the alarm that the planned protest may result in anarchy.
TVN recalls that the Defence Headquarters on Thursday warned that the planned protest has the potential of degenerating into anarchy and a reign of terror.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, who spoke while briefing journalists in Abuja, said that there were signs of status-related violence such that persons with things as basic as smartphones and cars were targets, not leaving out those who own houses and shops.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force issued a cautionary alert, citing credible intelligence about potential manipulation by foreign mercenaries and the involvement of malicious groups aiming to disrupt public order.
Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police IGP, expressed concerns about the involvement of external actors in the protests, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to exercise caution before joining any protest groups.
In the same vein, the Department of State Services, DSS warned the organisers of the protests against proceeding with their plans.
The service alerted the general public that it uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country.
DSS, in a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, described the motive behind the protest as political
He claimed that plotters of the protest intended to use the violent outcome of the demonstration to smear the federal and sub-national governments.
Organizers vow not to back down
Despite the warnings, cautions and concerns raised from different quarters, the organizers of the proposed protest said there is no going back.
A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, who is one of the key organizers, told TVN on Saturday that the protest will hold as scheduled.
In a chat with TVN correspondent, the popular Nigerian activist said the organizers are even under pressure to start the #EndBadGovernmnetInNigerja protest earlier than the scheduled date.
He said, “The #EndBadGovernmnetInNigerja #DaysOfRage will take place on August 1st 2024 as scheduled; Organizers are under pressure to start earlier”.
Asked if he would be physically present during the protest, Sowore who as of the time of this report is in the United States, said “the revolt will occur globally; yes, I will participate fully”.
On the controversy surrounding the inclusion of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in the 15 key demands recently reeled out by the organizers, Sowore said demanding Kanu’s release “is the right thing to do”.
He said, “We understand that as an ethnically, culturally and religiously diverse country, some may find the inclusion of free Nnamdi Kanu a bit challenging but it is the right thing to do to address the monumental injustices intertwined in the legally tangled conundrum the federal government has found itself in sustaining Kanu’s unjust incarceration.
“When Free Elzakyaky was included in 2019, some people frowned at it but today, he is a free man and the heavens did not fall”.
Stakeholders beg organizers to shelve protest, embrace dialogue
Politicians, groups, organizations, business owners and other stakeholders have continued to call for dialogue in place of the planned protest.
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere on Saturday told TVN that rather than embarking on a protest that may eventually lead to destruction of lives and properties, the organizers should engage in dialogue.
Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere national publicity secretary, in a chat with our correspondent, said memories of the destruction that marred the 2020 EndSARS still remained fresh.
He said, “like we have said, the experience of what happened during the EndSARS in 2020 is still fresh in our minds. Scars of the protests can still be felt in various places.
“The nonpareil modern laboratory in Lagos that was destroyed then could not be replaced up till now. A laboratory that had nothing to do with what the protesters were venting their anger against.
“The destruction of the laboratory has meant that tests that could be routinely done in Lagos now have to be taken to the United States of America. Instances abound in other parts of the country.
“Since, dialogues would be employed to resolve conflicts, it’s better to engage in dialogues rather than allowing conflicts to degenerate into street protests that stand the chance of being hijacked by irate mobs.”
Planned protesta lack well-defined objective – Arewa Youths
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, says it won’t participate in the planned nationwide protests, saying the objective of the organizers is not well defined.
The President General of AYCF, Yerima Shettima told TVN on Saturday that though protest is a legitimate right of citizens, violence should not be an option.
He said, “The right to peacefully assemble and voice grievances is a fundamental right that is enshrined in the constitution of many countries, including Nigeria.
“However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of the protests that are being planned in Nigeria have sparked a debate on many issues.
“While protest is a legitimate and vital tool for citizens to gather and raise their voices in unity, it is essential that protests are conducted in a peaceful and organized manner.
“Violence and destruction during protests can have negative consequences, leading to harm to individuals and property and undermining the message that the protesters are trying to convey.
“It is crucial that protests are aimed at sparking dialogue, raising awareness, and enacting positive change, rather than inciting chaos and harm.
“It is essential that the North and other regions in Nigeria are advised against participating in protests that do not have well-defined objectives and may potentially lead to unrest and instability”.
Hardship: Tension heightens as organizers insist on nationwide protest
Hardship: Youth leader sacked in Niger for supporting protest
Abdullahi Isah, popularly known as Biodun, has been dismissed from his position as Youth Leader of Bosso (Wakilin Matasan Bosso) in Niger State’s Bosso Local Government Area.
His dismissal comes in response to his support for the upcoming #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria peaceful protest, scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10.
An official statement issued on July 28, 2024, by Alhaji Mu’azu Adamu Laka Bosso (Hakimin Bosso), the District Head of Bosso, announced Isah’s dismissal.
“I hereby write to inform you that you have been dismissed from your title as Youth Leader of Bosso (Wakilin Matasan Bosso) with immediate effect from 28/07/2024,” the letter reads.
The statement insisted that Isah should no longer identify himself as the Youth Leader of Bosso.
“You should no longer call yourself the Youth Leader of Bosso. I hope you will make use of this information given to you,” Laka Bosso added.
The decision to sack Isah comes amid growing discontent with the government’s management of economic issues, which many believe have led to increased poverty and hardship.
His support for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest appears to have been the reason for his removal.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement has gained significant traction, advocating for comprehensive reforms and relief measures to tackle the escalating cost of living.
Supporters argue that the government’s policies have exacerbated economic challenges for ordinary Nigerians.
The upcoming protests aim to voice these concerns and demand accountability from the government.
Hardship: Youth leader sacked in Niger for supporting protest
August 1 protest: Presidency cannot stop Nigerians – Tinubu’s aide, Ngelale
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has said nobody can stop the citizens from protesting.
Ngelale stated this during an interview on a TVC programme, Politics on Sunday with Femi Akande.
The spokesperson was addressing concerns about the Tinubu government’s stance on peaceful protests planned for August 1-10.
He insisted that the current administration does not want to “dominate” Nigerians.
Ngelale said, “Let me be clear: we are not in office to dominate our people; we are here to serve them”.
He insisted that no organ of the administration “has the authority” to prevent Nigerians from protesting.
“No one in our administration has the authority to deny Nigerians their right to peaceful protest,” Ngelale said.
He however acknowledged fears surrounding a potential hijack of the protests similar to the #EndSARS movement of 2020.
August 1 protest: Presidency cannot stop Nigerians – Tinubu’s aide, Ngelale
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Monday, July 29, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Police justify request for protest details, cite security concerns
The Nigeria Police Force has defended its request for details from organisers of the planned nationwide protests, explaining that the move is driven by security concerns.Read more
2. South-East monarchs beg for release of IPOB leader, Kanu
The Council of South East Traditional Rulers has told the Federal Government that releasing the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will reduce tension in the region.Read moreo
3. Bandit kingpin Bello Turji accuses Defence Minister Matawalle of sponsoring terrorism (Video)
Notorious bandit kingpin, Kachallah Bello Turji, has accused Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of sponsoring terrorism in the North-West.Read more
4. Lawyer urges NCC to probe telcos for restricting internet access, frustrating protest
Human rights lawyer and member of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry into the outcome of the #EndSARS protest, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to probe telecommunication operators’ alleged disconnection of subscribers.Read more
5. Kenneth Okonkwo leaves Labour Party, splits with Peter Obi
Kenneth Okonkwo, former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has announced his departure from the party and his separation from Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Saturday, July 27, 2024
6. SERAP files suit against CBN to account for missing N100bn dirty notes
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over its “failure to account for and explain the whereabouts of the over N100 billion ‘dirty and bad notes’ and ‘other large sum of cash awaiting examination’ which are kept in various branches of the CBN.”Read more
7. CBN unveils plans to create new office to manage dormant account funds
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled plans to create a dedicated office to manage dormant accounts and unclaimed balances.Read more
8. NAF dismantles 12 illegal refining sites in Abia, Rivers
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed 12 illegal refining sites across Abia and Rivers states following a series of targeted airstrikes.Read more
9. Gunmen kill Police Inspector in Borno station attack
Early on Sunday, July 28, 2024, unknown gunmen attacked the Jakana Police Station in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in the death of an unnamed Police Inspector.Read more
10. Super Falcons lose against world champions Spain
Super Falcons were condemned to yet another defeat at the ongoing Olympic Games as they fell to a 1-0 loss against world champions Spain.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Monday, July 29, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Kenneth Okonkwo remains my trusted ally — Obi
A former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has cautioned Labour Party members and supporters against attacking the party’s ex-Presidential Campaign Council spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, over his differing opinions.
The According reports that a few hours after Okonkwo announced his resignation from LP, the party’s leadership described him as one of the moles in their camp.
Okonkwo dumped LP on Sunday over the lingering internal strife and leadership crisis threatening to tear the party apart.
But reacting to the development, Obi, who was the party’s presidential candidate during the last general elections, said despite dumping the labour party, Okonkwo remains his trusted ally.
In a series of posts on his X account on Monday, the former governor said Okonkwo’s differing opinion does not make him an enemy, but rather a strong voice and friend.
He wrote, “Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today, I saw various responses to the letter.
“I want to, therefore, categorically and emphatically declare that Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.
“Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree. Having differing views does not make someone an enemy, and it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or negative remarks.
“In fact, to me personally, I don’t want to work with anyone who always agrees with me, because as a leader, learning and listening are critical components of leadership. I want to listen to those who have different opinions and try to convince them otherwise or take their advice if it is better.
“I urge all believers of a New Nigeria to remain strong, resilient, and focused, and to refrain from discouragement or negative remarks towards Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo or anyone who leaves or disagrees with our views, strategies, or tactics. My message is clear and simple: unity, respect, and civility must prevail, even in the face of disagreement and variance.”
Nigeria doesn’t need nationwide protest
Peaceful demonstrations to convey felt needs are rights enshrined in our nation’s constitution, which also highlights ways and means by which such rights and dissents are disposed.
But are protests and demonstrations necessary at the time our national ecosystem is recovering from a grievous pandemic and the worst economic crisis since the great depression? I profoundly, with all sense of responsibility, do not think so.
In the apparently challenging circumstances this nation finds itself as it tackles headlong the triggers left unattended to in its 25 years of democratic practices, you would agree with me, that it is only germane that the present structural reforms put in place by the Federal Government, together with its many cushioning interventions are just the only way to get this nation out of the wood.
When the mandate to govern this nation was given to President Bola Tinubu, you can recall he took it as an honour of a lifetime to serve in that capacity and immediately went to work to rebuild this country. We have as a result seen historic progress made in the area of clearing about $16bn (18 per cent) from the nation’s external debt. There has been an addition of $4bn to the nation’s external reserves, and all forex backlogs owed to foreign airline operators have been cleared. The Tinubu administration has started the path to full local government autonomy to bring decision-making closer to the people; the most essential victory of which was got at the Supreme Court. There are also the student loan for undergraduates in federal and state universities, and relief emergencies in liquidity and palliatives sent through the subnational governments in line with the federation principles.
Closing these yawning gaps together with the emergencies declared in the oil and gas sectors where this government continues to bear the cost of variations in the unsteady fluctuations in the price of crude and its refined components, is critical to addressing the balance of trade deficits, low manufacturing and production, producing to meet domestic demands, and decentralised aggregation and production network of small medium enterprises, which could mean the nation would earn forex and tax to pay back the Federal Government loans to meet capital and recurrent expenditures.
Given these strides and the visible signs of turning from the headwinds, I consider that the present attempt by the conveners of the August 1 protest to want to go ahead with their planned protest would be premature, counterproductive, distractive and dissuasive.
Let’s not lose sight of the fact that there are persons who when they look at Nigeria in its present path to economic recovery, see carnage, despair and darkness. They spread fears and lies for profit and power. They daily pray that this government fail to justify their misplaced idiosyncrasies and the concomitant effect is the avoidable gaps where they take advantage of the short-term difficulties to create artificial scarcity, price gouging, food and double-digit inflation. They only seek to use our people to fund their plot, having failed in previous successive attempts to destabilise the Federal Government.
There is the hope however that the governmental interventions would slice through the double-digit food inflation and provide a more abundant life for the teeming number of our citizenry.
Be that as it may, we can’t soon forget how previous unhealthy demonstrations were hijacked and used to perpetrate unrest. Properties worth billions of naira were destroyed, prison breaks became normative and very dangerous criminals were let back into society who soon became rapists, carjackers, kidnappers and killers. They foist back on society the very issues the present protest hopes to achieve.
It is in this regard that I use this medium, as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to appeal to all ex-agitators not to be part of any protest, and not to allow themselves to be used to settle political scores or be used to unleash destruction of government infrastructure.
In closing, I remember the words of the third-century Greek philosopher, Sextus Empiricus, who said, “The mills of God grind slow, but they grind exceedingly sure.”
Taken from this, let me say no radical surgery to remove a malignant tumour is pleasant ab initio, but once it is removed, it automatically impacts the quality of life of the index case.
This should provide a renewed source of hope for us as we look forward to a greater, bigger, and better Nigeria.
- Dr Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, writes from Abuja