The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the State Command of the Nigeria Police Force of selective justice, alleging that about 22 members and leaders of the party have been penciled down to be arrested in connection with the Benin airport attack.
TVN reports that the attack occurred on July 18, 2024, when the reinstated deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu and the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo arrived at the airport from Abuja.
The incident resulted to the death of Inspector Akor Onu, an orderly to the APC governorship candidate, while several persons sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, EDp State PDP chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, alleged that 22 members and leaders of the party are currently under surveillance in connection with a petition written by the APC to the police.
Aziegbemi alleged that a tactical team of policemen were deployed from Abuja to arrest and harass the party’s members over the Benin airport attack.
He accused the police of acting on the APC petition while that of the PDP was not acted on.
In the same vein, he alleged that instances are abound where the police acted in manners that suggested that they are a wing of the APC.
But reacting to the allegations, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, said the case has been transferred to Force Headquarters in Abuja.
“I don’t know what they meant by selective justice. Let’s save your time, the case has been transfered to Abuja. Whatever observations or comments anybody has should be directed to Abuja,” he said.
Aziegbemi, addressing journalists on Sunday, said, “In the build-up to the Edo State Governorship election slated for September 21, it has become necessary to draw the attention of the general public to the trail of actions that pertains to selective justice being witnessed in the operations of the Nigeria Police Force at the State and National levels, in handling matters arising from Edo State.
“We have witnessed different instances in which the Police has acted in manners that suggest that they are a wing of the APC, preferring to rather attend to issues raised by APC and its agents and disregarding complaints by other actors in the polity, which portend an ominous sign as we approach the election in Edo State barely two months away.
“We will like to make reference to certain issues that have led us to this troubling juncture, seeing that the Police are critical stakeholders in ensuring a level playing field for the conduct of the elections.
“Firstly, a few weeks ago, the Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity for the Peoples Democratic Party Election Campaign Council, Reverend Olu Martins was invited and arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force based on a petition against him.
“Martins was subsequently arraigned in Court and granted bail after meeting the necessary bail
conditions set by the trial Judge. The case was subsequently adjoined.
“Conversely, however, I, as the chairman of the PDP in Edo State wrote a petition over comments by the chairman of the State’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) where he threatened to mobilise and lead youths to stone the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, which is clearly a recipe for violence and chaos in the State, given the sensitivity of the Office of the Governor.
“A video evidence of this threat and an accompanying petition was submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State.
“Surprisingly, no action has been taken on the matter since the petition was submitted, unlike the swift manner in which the Police responded to the petition against the Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity for the PDP Campaign Council.
“On Thursday, July 18, thugs linked to the APC unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens along the Benin Airport Road, in the guise of welcoming the impeached Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and the Governorship candidate of the APC, Monday Okpebholo.
“The ensuing chaos led to the destruction of property of law abiding members of the public and the unfortunate death of a Police Officer.
“There are video evidence and a newspaper publication of this incident which clearly identified thugs and members of the APC who carried out this wanton destruction of property and breach of public peace.
“A petition, to which all the evidence was attached, was again submitted to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State. Unfortunately and
predictably, the Police Commissioner has failed to act on this petition and none of the people have been arrested.
“Rather, they have deployed a tactical team of policemen from Abuja to arrest and harass at least 22 members and leaders of the PDP in Edo State, who are currently under heavy surveillance, in connection with the said public disturbance of Thursday, July 18, even though there is no evidence to show that they were at the scene of the said event.
“The Police, from their actions and inactions in the wake of the developments in Edo State,
appear to be acting a script in selective justice, preferring and nitpicking the petitions over which it acts, preferring rather to be better disposed to attention to petitions raised by the APC.
“We are concerned about this pattern of abuse of justice dangerously perpetuated by the Nigeria Police Force, especially in the run-up to the September 21 governorship election.
“It portends a rather disturbing trend that must be checked in the interest of peace in the state,” he said.
Aziegbemi, however, advised the Police to keep to its professional mandate and not act as an instrument in the hands of politicians.
The state PDP chairman also called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the actual criminals are brought to book.
He further called on the IGP to safeguard and uphold democracy within the state, noting that the Police must be seen to uphold the Rule of Law.
Benin airport attack: PDP accuses Police of selective justice, says 22 party members under surveillance
Benin airport attack: PDP accuses Police of selective justice, says 22 party members under surveillance
CAN appeals to Christians not to join planned nationwide protest
Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has urged Christians not to join the proposed nationwide ‘hunger protest’ billed for 1st to 10th August, 2024, saying violence cannot yield positive results.
The state CAN Chairman , Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, in a statement made available to newsmen in Minna, described peace as an ongoing and dynamic process that demands perpetual attention and constant effort to attain and maintain.
The cleric who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, called on President Bola Tinubu to apart from palliatives, work on price control for goods and services, address rising cost of living and also reduce the price of fuel.
He called on church leaders, local government coordinators and parents to admonish their members and children, charging them to remember the book of Romans 13:1-3 which said Christians should not rebel against constituted authority.
According to him, “As you are aware, there are plans to stage a nationwide protest across the country, but as Children of God and responsible people known for peace, I urge us all to shun the protest, speak to our children/wards and members of our congregation.
“Peaceful protest with clear demands is good but such could be hijacked by miscreants and be perceived by security threat which can lead to arrests/shootings. And we cannot afford to lose any of our children.
“There is no time that violence had led to positive results, rather it has caused destructions, loss of lives and setbacks. Genuine protest can easily be seized by hoodlums and selfish groups to cause enormous havoc on innocent citizens,” he said.
Yohanna stated further that major stakeholders in Niger State have agreed not to join the protest especially as Governor Umaru Bago has slashed the prices of grains and has promised to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.
In the same vein, he urged governments at all levels to do all they can to shun ethnic and religious division.
“Let there be greater accountability, fairness in empowerment, job opportunities, employment into various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), military and paramilitaries, sharing the commonwealth and then allow justice to prevail at all times,” he said.
CAN appeals to Christians not to join planned nationwide protest
Show your intention for second term now, Ekiti group tells Oyebanji
A political group in Ekiti State, BAO Agenda 2026 has called on the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, not to hesitate to declare his interest for another term of four years as the coast is already clear for him.
The group, speaking in a statement on Sunday through its state Coordinator, Moshood Lawal; State Secretary, Olufemi Aduloju; and Media Officer, Ms Yewande Aribasoye, said, “We are calling on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to show his intention for a second term now. Ekiti people are eagerly waiting for his declaration of interest”.
The group spoke just as the Ekiti State All Progressives Caucus on Saturday resolved that Oyebanji had represented the party well as the sitting governor, and as such deserved a second term in office to sustain the good work.
More so the APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, in a statement on Sunday, said, the state caucus, which is the highest decision-making body of the party in the state, said, “While the campaign time is still not ripe, the good work of Governor Oyebanji should be encouraged to continue and continually proclaimed by all”.
The next governorship election in the state will be held in 2026.
BAO Agenda, which said everything including his achievements in office had favoured Oyebanji for another term, said, “We emphasise the governor’s inclusive governance and grassroots development.
“Oyebanji’s continuation of ongoing projects and introduction of human-oriented policies like Ojuse BAO and free education have significantly benefitted both indigenes and non-indigenes of Ekiti and have earned the governor Ekiti people’s nod for him to re-contest.
“Lawal, Aduloju and Aribasoye said that the laudable achievements of Oyebanji have already made it difficult for any force within and outside his party to stand against his re-election bid.”
The group expressed readiness “to embark on intensive mobilisation for the re-election of Governor Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
“Oyebanji should not hesitate to do the needful as various groups and communities have already been endorsing him ahead of the 2026 governorship election. As a group championing the cause for his re-election, we are ready to work for his victory.”
A former governor, Niyi Adebayo, who convened the APC Caucus meeting, expressed satisfaction with members’ conduct and the good name that Oyebanji was building for the party.
Adebayo encouraged party leaders to keep speaking with one voice and not allow any crack within the fold.
Also, the immediate past governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who urged members to feel comfortable, assured that “the way Governor Oyebanji has been relating with members of the opposition, waving olive branch towards them will count for us as the ruling party.”
The APC acting State Chairman, Sola Elesin, urged the party leaders to consider the building of the party Secretariat as a priority project and legacy in honour of the late party chairman, Paul Omotoso.
In attendance at the meeting included Oyebanji; the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye; the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; House of Assembly Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye; House of Representatives member, Femi Bamisile; former Deputy Governor, Abiodun Aluko; and the Political Adviser to the Governor, Chief Jide Awe.
Nationwide protest: Bring your demands – Gov Alia begs organizers to shelve idea
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has called on unions, groups and individuals intending to join the planned August 1st protest across the country to shelve the idea.
The governor urged the intending protesters to “bring forth their demands and give the government a chance to look into them”.
Alia stated this on Sunday shortly after Mass at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi.
Recall that August 1st, 2024 has been muted as the planned date for demonstration by Nigerian youths across the country.
They are protesting against hardship and bad governance.
Commenting on the issue, Alia said it was imperative for the planned protest to be shelved, especially as the present government is trying its best to put smiles on the faces of the people.
He commended the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan Steve Yabanet, as well as the Department of State Services, DSS, for inviting some union leaders and groups for a round table discussion, dissuading them and their members from joining the protest.
He noted that the government has uncovered plans by some individuals to infiltrate the protest, causing destructions.
Nationwide protest: Bring your demands – Gov Alia begs organizers to shelve idea
Hunger protest: Six ways peaceful protests turn violent
A former Senator representing the Kaduna Central District in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has stated that the shooting of protesters by armed security operatives is capable of turning a peaceful protest violent.
This, among other reasons, was listed by the ex-lawmaker on Sunday, July 28, 2024, in a tweet via his X handle, #ShehuSani.
Sani’s tweet comes in the buildup of an organised protest scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024 by some Nigerians calling on President Bola Tinubu-led government to ameliorate the hunger crisis in the country, among other national concerns.
In his tweet, Sani wrote, “Six factors that turn a peaceful protest into a violent one:
- Armed security forces shooting at protesters with live ammunition.
- Thugs among the protesters attacking and looting shops, offices, homes and public facilities.
- Sponsored thugs attacking peaceful protesters.
- Protesters’ refusal to obey their leaders leading to a loss of control.
- The clashing of two opposing protest groups.
- The infiltration of peaceful protesters by others with ulterior motives..”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana had urged the Federal Government to listen to the demands of the organisers ahead of the nationwide planned protests while noting that the FG should not threaten the protesters as such could exacerbate the situation.
While featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, Falana said, “How do you identify those who are issuing statements; those who are planning the protest, and then engage with them productively?
“But threats do not work. In fact, on some occasions, the desperation of the government also has a way of popularising such protests.”
Addressing the matter last Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, appealed to Nigerians who plan to stage nationwide hunger protests to shelve the plan as he called on citizens to give his administration enough time to respond to their requests.
“On the issue of the planned protest, Mr. President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Idris said after a closed-door meeting with the president.
There have been concerns from various politicians and groups demanding the protests be held while some others called for a halt.
“Chasing shadows and contriving purported persons behind the planned protests is an exercise in futility when it is obvious that Nigerians, including supporters of Tinubu and the ruling APC, are caught up in the hunger, anger, and hopelessness brought about by the incompetence and cluelessness of this government,” former Vice President and key opposition figure, Atiku Abubakar said on Tuesday in a tweet via his X handle, #atiku.
Also, the New Nigeria People’s Party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, told Sunday According that going after protesters was a violation of their constitutional right, noting that instead of clamping down on those legitimately exercising their civic rights, efforts should be made to protect them.
However, in response to requests to protest across the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, had set guidelines for all organisers and groups planning to participate.
He specifically directed them to submit their details, proposed routes, and assembly points to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
Reacting to this on Saturday, Sani tweeted, “The only way a protester can submit his name and address to the police is when he is charmed or ‘jazzed’ by a priest or a native doctor.”
National protest: ‘We won’t be used’ – Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders
The Nigeria Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Council Worldwide, NENYLCW, on Sunday, joined in the call for the cancellation of the scheduled nationwide protest.
The umbrella youth groups said they would not be used to advance selfish interests.
They group made up of all the ethnic youth groups in the country made the appeal during a press conference held in Abuja.
At the press conference were Comrade Terry Obeih, President General, Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders/NENYLCW, Alhaji Balarabe Rufai, President, Northern Youth Congress/ Vice President, NENYLCW, Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq, President, Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide/ Secretary General, NENYLCW, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide/ Publicity Secretary, NENYLCW, Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal, President, Middle-Belt Youth Council/ Organising Secretary, NENYLCW and Alhaji Hamisu Dass, President, North-East Youth Assembly/Treasurer, NENYLCW.
They said having reviewed the developments, it was in the best interest of the country to abort the protest.
According to them, “We took our time to study the intent of the protest and their organisers.
“However, three days to the said protest, the true organisers, as well as their intentions remain a mystery. Up till this moment, no one could point to the real identity of those engineering the protest. It, therefore, becomes dangerous to jump into such a ship.
“Having met and reviewed the situation, we declare as follows: That we are not a party to the protest and condemn it in its entirety.
“We are aware of the current hardship in the country, but it has become expedient to remind Nigerians that these problems were inherited. In the first place, fuel subsidy removal was a landmine laid for the current government by the immediate past administration.
“We are telling Nigeria youths that we are not part of the protest because we were not carried along in the planning and hoodlums are planning to hijack the process.
“As the apex youth organization in the country with over 407 ethnic nationality organizations, we were not carried along, rather Sowore and other personalities who are abroad are planning to use hapless Nigerians to achieve their selfish aims. This must not be allowed to happen.
We call on Nigerians to jettison the proposed national protest and do proper consultation with the critical youth stakeholders to avoid hijacking it and setting our country on fire.”
While reaffirming their support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they added that “in as much as we admit that there are challenges facing the country, we don’t believe that protest is the way forward.
“Rather, we should all keep faith with the government as it makes conscious efforts to restore the fortunes of the country.
“Without mincing words, we restate that the entire Nigerian youths have confidence in President Tinubu’s government and would not do anything to jeopardise its efforts.
“In most cases, it only gets better after it has gotten worse, and that is the current situation in the country.
“Anyone looking for the youths to be used as sacrificial lambs should check elsewhere; never again shall we allow ourselves to be victims of such a nationwide action.”
National protest: ‘We won’t be used’ – Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders
NANS urges FG to address operational hurdles at Dangote Refinery
The National Association of Nigerian Students, on Saturday, concluded its 84th NANS National Senate sitting and urged the Federal Government to address the pressing operational challenges of the Dangote refinery to ameliorate the living conditions of Nigerians, especially the youth.
The NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, read the communiqué after the sitting, held at Assembly Hall, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in Oyo State. He commended the company for significantly enhancing the economic fortunes of the country by providing employment for young people in Nigeria.
He explained that the operation of the refinery at full capacity would bring immense benefits to the nation’s economy and create job opportunities.
Akinteye said, “The leadership of NANS, during its 84th National Senate sitting, ratified this decision, among others. We urgently appeal to the Federal Government to address any impasse caused by the pressing issue of the Dangote refinery. Among many other businesses in Nigeria, the company has done remarkably well in enhancing the economic fortunes of our dear country by providing employment for many young people, supporting the construction of critical infrastructure through its Corporate Social Responsibility, and other contributions to governance in Nigeria.
“In the same vein, resolving the impasse with the company and ensuring that the refinery operates at full capacity will bring immense benefits to our economy, such as reducing fuel costs, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and contributing to our country’s GDP.
“Resolving this operational conflict with the refinery will significantly alleviate the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians, providing much-needed relief to the common man,” he stated.
He lamented that Nigerians were facing economic hardship and appealed to the President Bola Tinubu-led government to put more effort into ameliorating their suffering.
“We are not oblivious to the current economic hardship in the country. It is crucial to still appreciate some of the efforts and achievements of the current government of President Tinubu in ameliorating the living conditions of Nigerians.
“While emphasising these achievements is not an attempt to be partisan or take sides with the current administration, we would like to clarify that the current economic challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria but a global phenomenon,” he explained.
Tinubu has pushed Nigeria to hopeless trajectory – Ex-APC vice chair Lukman
A former National Vice Chairman, North-West, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Salihu Lukman, has lamented that President Bola Tinubu has pushed the nation to a hopeless trajectory with his unaligned policies which has worsened living conditions of all Nigerians
Lukman, in a statement issued Sunday, wondered the kind of plan Tinubu has put in place to fix the problems.
He said even in terms of ameliorating the challenge facing Nigerians, the government has demonstrated lack of capacity to manage initiatives.
The former APC chieftain said for more than one year, it has been one explanation after the other, with hardly any clear blueprint or timeline when the downward slide of the Nigerian economy will end.
Lukman said: “Every day, the hopelessness of the government gets more exposed.
“And having pushed the nation to a hopeless trajectory, which has worsened living conditions of all Nigerians, what plan has President Asiwaju Tinubu put in place to fix the problem?
“Even in terms of ameliorating the challenge facing Nigerians, the government has demonstrated lack of capacity to manage initiatives resulting in compounding the allegations of embezzlement surrounding initiatives to ameliorate worsening conditions of citizens.”
Tinubu has pushed Nigeria to hopeless trajectory – Ex-APC vice chair Lukman
Northern youths pull out of hunger protest
The Northern Youth Leaders Forum, an umbrella body of 42 northern youth organisations, has announced that its members will not participate in the planned nationwide protest against hunger and poor governance.
The National President of the forum, Elliot Afiyo, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.
The protest, tagged #EndBadGovernance, is scheduled to take place in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from August 1 to 10, over the rising economic hardship in the country.
However, the forum alleged that the planned protest aims to destabilise Nigeria, particularly the northern region and Abuja, through the massive destruction of government infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and railways.
Afiyo said, “While acknowledging that protests are legal and constitutional means of expressing citizens’ dissatisfaction with the government, it should be noted that the timing, method, capacity, environment, and necessity for such protests must be considered before they are carried out. In light of these factors, we would like to clarify and reveal the dangerous signals, schedules, strategies, planned activities, and operational guidelines by the promoters of these protests.
“Although the NYLF was willing and prepared to actively participate by mobilising Northern youth, after receiving intelligence reports and briefings, the NYLF has decided not only to withdraw from the protests but also to ensure that the protests do not occur at all.
“We want to make it clear that the majority of the promoters of these protests are not aware of the plans because a minority are collaborating with foreign organizations and governments to execute an international conspiracy against Nigeria.
“We strongly warn the Federal Government and all security agencies to ensure that no more than 10 people are allowed to gather in any part of the country between August 1 and 10, 2024, except for religious gatherings. Even then, there should be proper and diligent screening and checks.
“We want to state clearly that the Northern youth will hold the government and security agencies responsible and regard them as potential collaborators in destroying our country and our future.”
August 1: Kaduna Police Command cautions residents, ask protesters to provide details
The Kaduna State Police Command says it is closely monitoring developments surrounding the planned protest scheduled from 1st August to 10th August.
A statement issued by the spokesman of the state Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, on Sunday, said, “We have observed that while some groups are advocating for peaceful demonstrations, others are calling for violent protests, drawing inspiration from recent events in Kenya.
“Additionally, there are individuals who claim to support peaceful protests but with undertones of violence, raising concerns about their true intentions.”
The Command commended those who have decided to withdraw from the protest, and urged citizens of Kaduna State to exercise caution and reconsider joining any protest groups.
The statement noted that while it respects the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protests, “a peaceful protest at this time may be ill-timed due to the potential for exploitation by groups with malicious intentions”.
“We issue a stern warning to clandestine groups plotting to destabilize the country and to hoodlums seeking to exploit the protests for their criminal agendas.
“We will not tolerate the killing of innocent citizens, the destruction of public infrastructure and private property, or the looting of businesses,” the statement added.
In the interest of public safety and order, the Command requested all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police.
To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, the statement also asked for the proposed protest routes and assembly points and expected duration of the protest.
The statement said that names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers should be provided to prevent hijacking by criminal elements.
“By providing the information, the Police would be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities, establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise and minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi, encourages all protesters to cooperate with the Police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
“We are committed to working with all Nigerians to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order,” the statement noted.
August 1: Kaduna Police Command cautions residents, ask protesters to provide details