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.
On Friday, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun directed protest organisers to provide their details, proposed routes, and assembly points to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states. This request has been met with resistance from the protest organisers, who accuse the IG of attempting to alter constitutional rights.
Deji Adeyanju, one of the organisers, argued that the IG’s request has no constitutional basis.
He said, “When the constitution was conferring the right to protest on the citizens, did the constitution give conditions for protests? Is the IG trying to rewrite the constitution? Is he trying to donate rights to the citizens or what? He has no such powers. The constitution and other laws of the land do not give the IG the power to dictate how citizens should protest.”
In response, Police Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi issued a statement on Sunday, asserting that the request is a routine procedure intended to ensure effective communication, safeguard participants, and prevent unlawful activities.
Read also: Gunmen kill Police Inspector in Borno station attack
Adejobi stated, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the constitution by requesting the details of the organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.”
He emphasized the importance of knowing who is planning the protests in each state to avoid potential threats to peace and stability.
Adejobi noted, “Allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardise the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows, and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent EndSARS protests. If organised labour and other recognised bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests.”
He clarified that the IG’s request for protest details is a standard procedure meant to facilitate communication and maintain public safety.
Adejobi further affirmed that the IG “has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression,” but stressed that the police are responsible for ensuring that protests do not threaten national security.
Adejobi added, “It is also vital for Deji Adeyanju to note that in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health; or to protect the rights and freedom of other persons as enshrined in Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP is not out of place.”
He urged the activist and other organisers “not to mislead Nigerians” and called for collaborative efforts to ensure national security and public well-being.
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Police justify request for protest details, cite security concerns
Abiodun condemns protest as counterproductive, outlines government efforts
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerian youths to engage constructively with the government rather than participating in protests sponsored by politicians with ulterior motives.
The governor, speaking at the 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation ceremonies of Babcock University, Ilishan, Ikenne Local Government Area, said past protests have not yielded meaningful results and have instead led to losses in productivity, lives, and property.
He encouraged youths to work with the government to find solutions to Nigeria’s problems.
He said, “I seize this opportunity to appeal to our youths to constructively engage with the government in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems, rather than engaging in protest that may start peacefully but usually get hijacked and may lead to anarchy.
“What have we ever gained from protests, except losses in productivity? Loss of lives, loss of private and government properties, looting and vandalisation of assets,” he said.
He defended the administration’s decisions, such as removing subsidies and floating the Naira, as necessary to address the economic crisis.
“This government has only been in office for one year. Cutting the head is not the solution to a headache.
“Inflation is worldwide. Our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had very few choices when he assumed office. He had to take the bull by the horns; he had to remove the subsidy. He had to float the Naira. Otherwise, it would have been worse, trust me,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the current economic challenges, including inflation, but emphasized that these issues are global and not unique to Nigeria.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this administration has initiated a lot of interventions to cushion the effect of the inflation. Recently, we’ve heard the announcement of the minimum wage. We’ve had a lot of empowerment. Student loans are being put in place. Agric and fertilizer inputs are being given to our farmers. They have provided Food items as palliatives and subsidised prices, amongst others.
“This current wave of inflation is biting everywhere. It is in the UK, US, Ghana, and Egypt. So, it is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.
“Which investor will be attracted to a nation that is under siege by protesters? Please, do not allow yourselves to be used by a so-called leaderless movement, sponsored by frustrated politicians who tried in the past and lost. We do not need protests. We must not gamble with our anarchy. Please Let us dialogue,” he said.
The president of the graduating class speaking urged his fellow graduates to take responsibility for their country’s future. He emphasized the importance of holding elected officials accountable and working together to build a better Nigeria.
He said, ” I want to charge us, The only way we can patch this country again is to be our brother’s keeper. There is no point in you acquiring wealth and stashing them outside the country when your fellow Nigerians are suffering.
“I am very happy that two of our governors are here. This country is always shouting the name of the president when they are in need. Nobody is talking about our governors.
“We must please query our governors, query our chairmen, we must ask questions. We voted for them, they are responsible to us and please don’t stand on the sideline, be a true Nigerian.
“When you elect someone to serve you, that person is not your leader, that person is supposed to be your servant. To make this country great, I plead with us, touch lives.”
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August 1 protest plot to massacre Igbos – Pro Biafra coalition
A coalition of pro-Biafra Groups, COPROBIG has claimed that the planned August 1-10th, 2024 hardship protest is a subtle plot to massacre Igbos.
The Coalition said this in a statement signed by Uche Madu of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra and seven others on Sunday.
This is as the Coalition told Presidential Media Aide, Bayo Onanuga that blaming the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party at the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi and Ndigbo will not end the planned August 2024 hardship protest.
According to the group, the planned protest is a subtle plot to lure the youths of Ndigbo to their early graves.
The group said to avoid an alleged genocidal plot against Ndigbo through the planned protest, Igbos should go about their normal business within the period of the planned protest.
“To avoid the genocidal plot of the federal government that will result in massive killings of Biafrans involved in the coming nationwide protest, COPROBIG declared that there will be no sit-at-home in Biafra land during the weeklong national protest.
“That the cancellation of any public pro-Biafra activities will not give Nigeria security agencies the opportunity to kill the people of Biafra.
“That the planned weeklong national protest is a subtle plot to lure the youths of Ndigbo to their early graves.
“That the people of Biafra should go about their normal businesses of the day”, the Coalition said.
TVN recalls that a group known as the Take It Back Movement announced a planned Nationwide protest amid the rising cost of living and hardship in Nigeria.
TIB movement, through its solicitor, Adegboruwa Ebun-Olu wrote to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Service seeking protection during the protest.
However, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun had asked protesters to provide details as a condition to ensure protection.
In the last weeks, there have been calls for and counter for the planned protest.
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Governors, and Ministers had asked intended protesters to shelve their plan to hit the streets.
August 1 protest plot to massacre Igbos – Pro Biafra coalition
Hardship: Peter Obi, Otti back national protest
The Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, Peter Obi and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti have expressed their views about the planned hardship protests by Nigerians beginning on August 1st.
The two leaders who addressed the press after a breakfast meeting held at Otti’s country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA on Sunday, said such protests must be done within the ambit of the law.
Governor Otti, while expressing worry that the protests may be hijacked by unpatriotic elements to create more problems than the reason for the protests, said ” We have seen protests hijacked. My fears are that this one will also be hijacked”.
He advised Abia people not to join the protests as according to him, it may turn out to be more hurtful than the reasons for the protests people are calling for.
“Even when you write a letter it is a protest. You can sit down and write a letter of protest, you can call somebody and register your displeasure about what he is doing or how he is running the government. They are all protests and are allowed. But when you now go outside the law and begin to unleash mayhem and violence that is where it is not acceptable”.
Governor Otti explained that those not involved in the protest are also entitled to their freedom as it would be against the law to deny them that.
The Abia Governor who agreed that there is hunger in the land occasioned by a bad economy, lamented that Nigerians are paying the price for bad governance that started many years ago.
Governor Otti emphasized the need for Nigeria to transition into a productive economy and import less of what we consume.
On his part, Mr Peter Obi said the planned protest was caused by hunger and hopelessness among Nigerians. “On the issue of protest, within the Nigerian constitutions, protest is allowed. All I plead for is for those who are protesting to do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law”.
“Everybody knows that things are difficult and I always say that when they talk about the sponsors of protest, the sponsors are very simple, it is hunger, it is hopelessness among the youths. So, we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our Governor for doing so. It is critical and important”, Mr Obi asserted.
Mr Obi called on the security agencies to ensure that they manage the protests within the law and advised the government to engage with the protesters and dialogue with them towards addressing the reasons for the protests.
Hardship: Peter Obi, Otti back national protest
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.
“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,” state Police Public Relations Officer Nahum Kenneth confirmed.
Read also: Kenneth Okonkwo leaves Labour Party, splits with Peter Obi
Kenneth indicated that it is too early to determine if the attackers were affiliated with Boko Haram, stating, “Right now, we can only classify them as gunmen because their anonymity is yet to be unravelled.”
In an earlier incident in February 2024, suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters attacked the police station in Gajiram, Nganzai Local Government Area, killing four policemen and stealing ammunition.
According to a security source, the terrorists also set parts of the police station on fire during the attack.
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Oshoala, Ajibade lead Falcons attack against Spain
Star striker, Asisat Oshoala has been named in the Super Falcons’ squad to face Spain in their second match in the Paris 2024 Women’s Olympic Football tournament.
The Falcons will hope to earn their first win at the Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France on Sunday.
Here is the official lineup:
NIGERIA
16. Nnadozie (GK)
3. Ohale
5. Okeke
6. Okoronkwo
10. Ucheibe
7. Payne
8. Oshoala
13. Abiodun
15. Ajibade (C)
14. Demehin
2. Alozie
SPAIN
13. Coll (GK)
2. Batlle
4. Paredes
14. Alexandri
5. Hernandez
6. Bonmati
3. Abelleira
11. Putellas
17. Garcia
9. Paralluelo
8. Caldentey
The Falcons lost 1-0 to Brazil in their opening game, courtesy of Gabi Nunes’ spectacular goal after 38 minutes.
She dashed into the box before she let fly an unstoppable shot into the roof net.
Nigeria created some decent chances, however, their undoing was that they failed to put any away.
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Protest: Do not vandalise critical national assets – Osun NSCDC warns Nigerians
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
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.”
Read also: Group joins in on Dangote, NNPC, NMDPRA face-off, accuses lawmaker, Agbese, of false claims
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.
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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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