The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command has called on groups planning to protest, especially the youths in the state to be law abiding and refrain from vandalising critical national assets in their domains.
The call was made by the Osun State NSCDC Commandant, Dr Michael Adaralewa in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Adeleke Kehinde on Sunday.
Adaralewa who emphasised the protection of critical national assets as a core mandate of NSCDC in the statement said the command has deployed men massively to ensure that infrastructure such as petroleum and gas, pipelines, communication masts, railways, roads and bridges are protected.
Adaralewa who assured members of the public of their safety during the days of the protest tasked NSCDC commanders across the state to discharge their duties with a high level of professionalism.
“The State Commandant also assured members of the public of their safety as they go about their legitimate business, saying necessary measures have been put in place to forestall any act of breakdown of law and vandalism by miscreants who want to capitalise on the peaceful protest to destroy critical national assets in the state.
‘’It is our collective responsibility to protect critical infrastructure in our domains, we must not allow hoodlums to destroy our collective wealth all in the name of protest, I appeal to intending protesters to express their grievances through lawful and peaceful means and to avoid engaging in any activities that could compromise national security and public safety,” Osun NSCDC boss said.
Protest: Do not vandalise critical national assets – Osun NSCDC warns Nigerians
Protest: Do not vandalise critical national assets – Osun NSCDC warns Nigerians
Gunmen kill inspector in Borno police station attack
Some unknown gunmen in the early hours of Sunday, July 28, 2024, killed an Inspector of Police (name undisclosed) during an attack at the Jakaan Police Station, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
“We recorded a foiled attack by unknown gunmen at the police base in Jakana town. The gunmen tried to infiltrate into the police parameters but the efforts of the Police Mobile Force attached to the police station in Jakana were able to repel the gunmen who attempted to overrun them. However, we lost a male police inspector,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in a telephone interview on Sunday.
He noted that it’s early to conclude whether the attackers were Boko Haram terrorists, saying, “Right now, we can only classify them as gunmen because their anonymity is yet to be unravelled.”
In early February 2024, four policemen were allegedly killed and a cache of ammunition was carted away when suspected terrorists believed to be fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province attacked a police station at Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai LG of the state.
ISWAP fighters, Sunday According gathered, stormed the police station in the night and opened fire on the policemen on duty.
A security source who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity disclosed that the terrorists also set parts of the police station on fire during the attack.
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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.
In a statement posted on social media titled “Political Journey to a Great Nigeria” on Saturday, Okonkwo cited dissatisfaction with the party’s internal conflicts and Peter Obi’s failure to address them as reasons for his exit.
Okonkwo reaffirmed his commitment to a vision of Nigeria based on equity, justice, and fairness but criticized the current political parties, including the Labour Party, for lacking the capability to lead the country effectively.
He stated, “I am committed, irreversibly, to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness, where every citizen will be free and able to aspire to any position or level in life without regard to primordial sentiments built around ethnicity, religion, sex, or circumstances of birth.”
Okonkwo argued that neither the APC nor the PDP are equipped to lead Nigeria to greatness, describing their combined leadership as detrimental to the country’s progress.
He added, “Indeed, their combined leadership is trying to cripple Nigeria as this blessed country is now down economically, politically, and in every other index, leaving the people with no other option than to protest for their survival. They can see no hope for the future.”
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He emphasized the necessity of a political party with a strong grassroots base to challenge the current leadership and stressed the need for a decisive leader to build such a party. He likened political parties to trees that produce the leadership cadre in government, stating that a corrupt tree cannot yield good fruit.
Okonkwo criticized the lack of internal democracy in parties, which he believes results in incompetent and corrupt leaders. He emphasized that the right leader should be capable of building a party of integrity from the grassroots level.
“We also need a decisive leader who will be selfless enough, in boldness and bravery, to secure our victory, when the people vote for such a leader because these corrupt and incompetent leaders are not willing to conduct free and fair elections and will always grab, snatch power from any weak and indecisive leader, and run away with it,” he said. “Our judiciary has not proved to be equal to the task of preventing the emergence of electoral bandits who steal electoral victories at gunpoint in the public glare of everyone.”
Okonkwo expressed his disillusionment with the 2023 election outcomes and the judiciary’s role, urging Nigerians to actively choose a president who will genuinely address the country’s issues and ensure a proper transition of power.
Reflecting on his time with the Labour Party, Okonkwo noted his initial high hopes for the party and Peter Obi’s potential to lead a transformative movement. However, he expressed disappointment when Obi publicly stated he did not promise to build a strong Labour Party but to solve Nigeria’s problems.
“I received my first shock when he publicly declared that he didn’t promise Nigerians to build a strong Labour Party, but to solve Nigeria’s problems,” Okonkwo said. “I was like, does it mean HE Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading nowhere politically?”
Okonkwo also criticized Obi for failing to support Labour Unions in their fight for the party’s integrity and for not taking action against the former National Working Committee’s actions. He stated that the lack of leadership clarity from Obi left party members confused and without guidance.
“I am shocked that PO could not openly support the noble efforts of the Labour Unions who founded the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers,” Okonkwo added. “I cannot continue with this ambivalence forever.”
Okonkwo clarified that his departure from the Labour Party and his split from Obi are principled decisions and not a prelude to joining the APC or PDP. He remains committed to seeking a decisive and principled leader who can confront corruption and build a better future for Nigeria.
He concluded by affirming his freedom to explore new political alliances while reaffirming his dedication to Nigeria’s improvement and urging peaceful protests as a democratic right.
The post Kenneth Okonkwo leaves Labour Party, splits with Peter Obi appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Delta varsity warns students against violence
As the much-anticipated hunger protest gathers momentum, the Vice Chancellor of Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area, Prof. Jacob Oboreh, has warned students of the institution against getting involved in violence.
Oboreh urged the students to “stay away from any violence-related activities”.
He made the call during an interactive session with the students at the university’s 1,200-capacity auditorium in Ozoro on Friday.
The Vice-Chancellor specifically urged the students to “be wary of any planned protest across the country”.
He noted with concern that “any misfortune that befalls students”, whom he referred to as his “children”, would be highly felt by the university authorities.
He also expressed the university’s commitment to being accountable to every bona fide student and charged them to follow the path of non-violence
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August 1: Mobilize for protest, God will answer Tinubu’s revolution prayers – Sowore to Christians
Popular Activist, Omoyele Sowore on Sunday urged Christians to mobilize their church members to join the upcoming nationwide protest on August 1.
Sowore said God will answer the past prayers of President Bola Tinubu’s call for a revolution on August 1.
He made the remark in a post on his X page, while preparing Christians ahead of the protest.
According to Sowore: “Today is the last Sunday before the August 1st #DaysOfRage #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria revolt; mobilize your fellow church members, family and friends if your priest or pastor is not doing so.
“Tell them God that has answered the prayer of @officialabat the REVOLUTION he asked for has arrived at his doorsteps. #NoGoingBack #RevolutionNow.”
Sowore had called for a nationwide protest against Tinubu’s government on August 1.
The protest tagged “EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” was called due to the hardship and sufferings Nigerians are experiencing.
While Nigerians prepare, the Federal government and some states have warned against the protest.
Despite their warnings, Sowore had declared that the protest would go on as scheduled.
August 1: Mobilize for protest, God will answer Tinubu’s revolution prayers – Sowore to Christians
NASS Rivers caucus begs youths to shun nationwide protest, cites possible violence
The Rivers State House of Representatives caucus has called on Nigerian youths particularly those in the state to shun the forthcoming nationwide protest.
In a statement issued by the leader of the caucus, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the lawmakers urged the youths to rather join hands in embracing the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to achieve their dreams.
The lawmakers urged the intending protesters to shelve the idea in the interest of the state and the country.
The caucus also called on the organizers of the protest scheduled for August 1 to 10 to shun the idea, saying they should rather present their demands through dialogue.
They expressed concerns that the planned protest may result in violence as already revealed by security agencies.
“In light of the proposed national protest, we implore you to reject the temptation of violence and protest.
“Instead, let us engage in constructive dialogue, seeking solutions that uplift our communities and nation. Remember, the scars of unrest can take generations to heal.
“Let us choose the path of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Let us show the world that we are a people capable of greatness, not through conflict, but through cooperation and unity.
“To our fellow youths, we say: let us be the architects of our destiny. Let us build a Rivers State where every voice is heard, every dream is nurtured, and every life is valued.
“Let us show that we are peaceful and united people. Together, we can achieve the impossible. Together, we will rise”, the statement added.
NASS Rivers caucus begs youths to shun nationwide protest, cites possible violence
Hunger protest plot to remove elected govt
Former Governor of Taraba State, Jolly Nyame on Sunday said the planned nationwide protest in Nigeria on August 1 is plot to remove a democratically elected government through the back door.
Nyame who stated this while addressing a gathering of Yoro youths and community leaders at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Jalingo, warned youths against the planned nationwide protest, saying the outcome may be difficult to contain, considering the challenges facing the country.
The former governor said, “We are all aware of the plan by some Nigerians to vent their anger on the government by agreeing to a national protest or shutdown. I must admit that in view of certain policies and long-standing national issues, the government should take the blame for some of the problems affecting our nation.
“However, we as Nigerians must examine our actions in the face of this unfortunate situation, to see whether or not we have contributed positively or otherwise in our various walks of life, to this situation.
“Whereas every Nigerian has the right to complain or protest against bad governance, the language employed by the planners is threatening, divisive and clearly aims at removing a democratically elected government.
“For this reason, I must warn you against joining the so-called National citizens protest being planned against the Government under the guise of advocating for good governance,” Nyame said.
He warned that the action can only worsen the situation and endanger the lives of thousands of people, pointing out that there is already a constitutional means of removing a bad government through the ballot box and not brigandage and terrorism.
“As you all know, Yoro is a peaceful and hard-working nation, with the people engaged in various noble means of livelihood, like farming. Indeed, we are among the largest producers of yams and other food items in Nigeria. We are not an idling society in which people engage in all types of vices for survival. We have no time to waste in a national protest that can only promote destruction,” he warned.
Kwara group rejects protest, cites #EndSARS aftermath
A coalition, Kwara State Consultative Civil Society Forum has warned against the planned nationwide protest, saying that its outcome is likely to be a repeat of the ugly “End SARS” scenario witnessed in October 2020.
Instead of protest, the group called for constructive dialogue, advocacy and community engagement as steps to address the challenges in the country.
The Convener of KSCCF, Mrs. Hauwa Balogun, who led members of the forum at a media briefing in Ilorin on Sunday, said the country cannot afford to experience the large-scale destruction that characterised the “End SARS” demonstration with the planned nationwide protest.
Hauwa, however, declared that her group would not be a party to the protest, calling for caution.
She recalled that while many innocent people were cut down in their prime, businesses worth billions of naira were also not spared, resulting in job losses during the 2020 protest.
Hauwa explained that even though the forum shared the concerns of citizens on the lingering hardship in the land, protest cannot be the last resort to ventilate grievances.
She noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and other measures taken on the part of government compounded the economic situation, but called for a roundtable discussion to arrive at workable solutions.
The convener urged President Bola Tinubu to address the nation and provide leadership to the people at this critical moment.
“The Kwara State Consultative Civil Society Forum (KSCCF), after its emergency meeting of all the heads of civil society groups in Kwara State under our forum, distances ourselves from the plan to “End Bad Governance Protest” in Kwara State.
“While we share the concerns of many Nigerians about the need for good governance and accountable leadership, reduction in the price of fuel, goods and services, we must correct the misleading narrative that our organisations are involved in the planned protest. As bad examples from the “End SARS” protest in Lagos and Ilorin suffice.
“We reiterate our commitment to ensuring holding our leaders and government accountable in matters and well being of the people. We believe in promoting positive change through constructive dialogue, advocacy, and community engagement for the overall interest of Kwarans.
“We urge all stakeholders to work together toward a more prosperous and just society, and we remain dedicated to our mission of speaking for the citizenry,” Balogun said.
Protest: We are against actions that will disrupt movement of petroleum products –NARTO
Ahead of the August 1 nationwide protest, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, has said it would not support actions that could disrupt the movement of petroleum products and the haulage of goods and services.
To this end, the association cautioned its members against participating in the anticipated nationwide protest slated for August 1.
The protest, organised under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, is expected to take place across all 36 states of the federation.
NARTO President, Yusuf Othman, in a statement Sunday clarified that the association would not support any protest led by anonymous organisers unwilling to engage in dialogue with the government.
He, however, acknowledged the economic hardships in the country, noting that the current administration was actively addressing these challenges.
Othman said: “We recognise the economic difficulties, but we also see the administration’s sincere efforts to tackle these issues.
“We will not support actions that disrupt the movement of petroleum products and the haulage of goods and services.”
“We urge the group to channel their grievances through the appropriate and legitimate means for quick resolution by the government. We don’t support any violent means as it will not augur well for the country.”
Protest: We are against actions that will disrupt movement of petroleum products –NARTO
Taskforce arrests 124 drug suspects In Lagos black spot raid
The Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit raided a drug hub in the Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA of Alimosho Local Government on Saturday.
During the raid led by CSP Adetayo Akerele, the unit was said to have apprehended 124 individuals suspected of drug peddling, abuse, and criminal activities.
The state commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Sunday.
The statement read, “Acting on credible intelligence received in the form of SOS, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit led by CSP Adetayo Akerele yesterday carried out a raid operation at a black spot at Amikanle area of Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA in Alimosho LGA.
“124 suspected drug peddlers, abusers, and criminal elements were arrested.”
Wahab added that substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Colorado, and several bottles of codeine syrup were also seized during the raid.
He further stated that the operation extended beyond the drug bust, as the task force did a patrol in the area to address environmental concerns.
He added, “The operation was escalated into a visibility patrol across the metropolis, extending to CBD Alausa, where street traders constituting environmental nuisance along NERD C road by Africa Shrine, Agidingbi, were sacked, suspects arrested, and all wares confiscated in line with the environmental sanitation law of Lagos State.”
Additional quantities of Colorado leaves and substances suspected to be Indian hemp were also said to have been recovered during this phase of the operation.
According reported last Thursday that the task force arrested 114 suspects and seized 2,000 litres of diesel in a raid conducted on Ikoyi black spots.
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