A member of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, has called for the inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in local government administration to promote equality and fight against stigmatisation.
Bankole made the plea in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
His appeal comes two weeks after the Supreme Court affirmed the right of local governments to receive monthly allocations directly from the federation account.
The apex court granted full autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (amended).
The seven-man panel in a unanimous decision agreed that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to continue to receive or retain funds allocated to the local governments.
But Bankole pleaded that the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities should start from the forthcoming local government elections across the country.
The APC chieftain argued that it is not just a matter of justice and equality, but also a significant step towards enriching the nation’s democratic processes and governance structures.
He said, “I have no doubt that the leadership of governors in this matter can set a powerful example and contribute significantly to the realization of an inclusive and equitable political landscape in Nigeria. This will equally uphold the rights and dignity of Persons With Disabilities.
“The Discrimination Against PWDs (Prohibition) Act, 2018, offers a comprehensive framework for their protection and inclusion in all spheres of public life, including political participation. Specifically, Section 25 of the Act mandates the right of PWDs to participate in political activities on an equal basis with others. It explicitly prohibits any form of discrimination against PWDs in electoral processes and ensures their right to vote and be voted for.
“I urge your Excellencies to take proactive steps to ensure that PWDs are not only included but actively encouraged to participate in the upcoming local government elections. This can be achieved through your overt support to PWD candidates, mentorship and appointment into leadership positions.”
Continuing, Bankole also urged Nigerians to exercise restraint in the planned nationwide protests.
While admitting that it is crucial to express grievances and demand accountability, the PWD leader said it is equally important to ensure that the people’s actions do not escalate into violence or unrest.
“Peaceful and constructive dialogue remains the most effective way to bring about meaningful change,” he stated.
The Rivers State government has sealed a five-storey building owned by Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, the former Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, due to an alleged breach of the approved building plan.
Located in the GRA area of Port Harcourt, the building, which was intended to be a hotel, had reportedly reached an advanced stage of completion.
Nwanosike, a supporter of Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, is said to had originally submitted plans for a four-storey structure but extended it to five storeys without approval.
The Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development sealed the site on Wednesday.
Commissioner in charge of the ministry, Isaac Umejuru explained that the building’s extension beyond the approved plan constituted a violation. READ ALSO:Governor Fubara urges Rivers monarchs to help combat crude oil theft
He stated, “The owner of the building applied to build a four-storey, but constructed five-storey instead, describing it as a violation. The ministry has sealed off the place to conduct integrity tests and then take further action.”
A viral video captured a heated confrontation between Dr. Nwanosike and ministry officials at the site. During the argument, Nwanosike insisted, “Nobody can intimidate me,” to which an official responded that he was not being intimidated but was being held accountable for the violation.
Nwanosike added, “This property I will give to you and Fubara; N555bn contravention, that is what you said I should pay? We will wait; we will not be afraid. But this will not change Dr. Samuel Nwanosike. I have written to you formally, but you have not responded. Let everybody hear it.”
In response, a ministry official said, “Nobody is intimidating you. You said you wrote to us, and we have responded. You contravened the approval you were given. Are you threatening me because I’m doing my official work? It is known, and let it be known that this building was sealed…”
The dispute between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has also affected their respective supporters, exacerbating the tensions within their factions.
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Nigerian rapper cum singer Raoul John Njeng-Njeng popularly known in music circles as Skales has taken to social media to urge his colleagues to stop disrespecting one another.
The father of one who took to his official X page (formerly Twitter) to make the call stated that the trend which has been going on for a while does not sit well with him.
Skales also noted in his post on the microblogging platform that nothing lasts forever as those who may seem to have much today may be in need tomorrow.
On his X account, the musician wrote: “Stop disrespecting your fellow artiste especially when you know as e dey go.
“You fit dey untop today no mean say the same people wey dey ginger you no go forget you tomorrow.” READ ALSO: Skales shares disturbing post on social media about his mental health
Recall that while speaking about his enduring fanbase despite the different setbacks he has had in his career, he said it has been the dividend of his hard work.
“I won’t say I’m surprised because honestly, it’s the dividend of my hard work and people are always there to support you when you are doing good. Of course, I’m very grateful for God’s grace because I’ve seen people come and go but I’m still here. It’s almost 12 to 13 years now and I’m still here. I don’t know how to explain it but I just know, ‘Keep working and keep putting things out here, people are watching you’.
‘‘Some time ago, I used to doubt myself and now I regret it because when I hang out with people, they tell me how they’ve been listening to me. I was like so many people were actually listening to me and that was such an incredible thing to me. Now becoming who I am, I feel like I’m a more confident person”. Skales noted.
The post Singer Skales urges colleagues to stop disrespecting each other appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Sri Lanka’s first presidential elections since an unprecedented economic crisis spurred widespread unrest will be held in September, the election commission said Friday.
The election will be the first test of the public mood since the height of the 2022 downturn, which caused months of food, fuel and medicine shortages across the island nation.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, 75, who took office after street protests forced his predecessor to flee the country, has filed his nomination as an independent candidate.
He will face at least two rivals campaigning against austerity measures his government imposed to satisfy an International Monetary Fund bailout package.
Election Commission chair R.M.A.L. Rathnayake told reporters that the election had been scheduled for September 21, a Saturday, to ensure a high turnout.
Economic issues are expected to dominate the five-week campaign announced by the commission as the country emerges from its worst-ever recession in 2022 when the GDP shrank by a record 7.8 per cent.
Inflation has since returned to normal levels from its peak of 70 per cent at the height of the crisis.
Wickremesinghe has also successfully negotiated a restructuring of Sri Lanka’s $46 billion foreign debt with bilateral lenders including China, following a 2022 government default.
But his policies to balance the government’s books by hiking taxes and withdrawing generous utility subsidies have been deeply unpopular with the public.
– ‘Pushed into poverty’ –
While the months-long shortages seen at the peak of the economic crisis are now a distant memory, many Sri Lankans say Wickremesinghe’s austerity measures have left them struggling to make ends meet.
“The main reason why you don’t see queues for food and fuel now is because people can’t afford them,” opposition politician Eran Wickramaratne told AFP.
“More people have been pushed into poverty in the past two years,” he added.
Opposition parties have vowed to renegotiate terms of the $2.9 billion IMF bailout Wickremesinghe negotiated last year.
The president’s main challenger so far is Sajith Premadasa, 57, a one-time party ally and current opposition leader.
Premadasa has vowed to continue with economic reforms and the IMF programme but pledged to cushion the public by reducing the tax increases Wickremesinghe imposed to shore up state revenue.
A leftist party is also fielding its leader, 55-year-old former agriculture minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is campaigning against plans to privatise state companies
Wickremesinghe took office following the government default in 2022, after a huge crowd stormed predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s compound.
Rajapaksa, who was accused of steering Sri Lanka into the crisis through economic mismanagement, temporarily fled abroad and issued his resignation from Singapore.
Local elections were due to be held last year but postponed indefinitely after the government insisted it had no money to conduct a nationwide vote.
More than 17 million Sri Lankans over the age of 18 are eligible to cast a ballot.
The election commission has allocated $33 million (10 billion rupees) for this year’s presidential poll.
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed shock over the death of the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
The governor described Iwuanyanwu’s death as a monumental loss to the Igbo race and Nigeria at large as the elder statesman until his death, was a visionary leader and a champion of unity who lived for his people.
Nwifuru disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, on Friday.
The Igbo leader died on Thursday at the age of 82.
The governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Engr Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu —the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide and a renowned elder statesman.
“His demise is a monumental loss to the entire Igbo race and our nation Nigeria.
“He was a visionary leader, a champion of unity, and a tireless advocate for the welfare of his people. ”
Nwifuru also stated that his wisdom, counsel, and contributions to the Igbo cause would be greatly missed.
“As an elder statesman, he played a significant role in shaping the Igbo history and promoting peaceful coexistence among our diverse ethnic groups.
“His legacy will continue to inspire and fuel the Igbo cause.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, Imo State— the Igbo community, and all those who mourn his passing,” he added.
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The National Film and Video Censors Board says it has reached out to the producers of Blood Brothers over the use of the niqab in a robbery scene in the movie.
Recall that the scene sparked an outrage among Muslims after the popular actress Nancy Isime shared a photo of it on Instagram on Monday.
The Muslim Rights Concern in a statement signed by the Executive Director, of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Thursday, called for the ban on the yet-to-be-released movie.
The group described the movie as ‘satanic’, adding that it depicts Muslim women as criminals and incites the public against them.
However, the NFVCB in a statement by its Director General, Shaibu Husseini late Thursday said that contact had been made with the producers to address the contentious issue.
This is as he also reiterated that the said that the film has yet to be released.
Husseini added that it made contact with the producers to address the contentious issue.
The statement said, “The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the statutory regulatory agency for film and video works as well as exhibition and distribution in Nigeria, have received complaints about an upcoming Nigerian movie that associated the Hijab, an outfit attributed to Muslim women that symbolises respect, modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices.
“Our check revealed that the movie has not been released, and it has not been submitted to the NFVCB for classification as required by law and our mandate.
“However, we have been able to reach the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.”
Husseini stressed that the agency will not tolerate any film or video content that disrespects religious, cultural, or ethnic sensibilities.
It read further, “We restate that as a classification agency, the NFVCB will not overlook any film or video works, including dramatized short contents (skits) that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural and ethnic sensibilities.
“We commit to contributing to the positive transformation of the Nigerian society through classification of films and video works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit social, cultural and religious harm caused by films.”
The National Film and Video Censors Board is the regulatory body set up by Act No.85 of 1993 to regulate the film and video industry in Nigeria.
The Board is empowered by law to classify all films and videos whether imported or produced locally.
NFVCB also must register all films and video outlets across the country and keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions.
A niqab is a type of Islamic garment worn by some Muslim women as part of their modesty practices.
It is a face-covering that leaves only the eyes visible, and it is typically worn over the headscarf (hijab) and other traditional clothing.
The niqab covers the entire face, except for the area around the eyes, and it can be paired with other garments like a long dress or abaya.
The choice to wear a niqab varies based on personal, cultural, and religious beliefs.
An Australian field hockey player identified as Matt Dawson has decided to remove a finger on his right hand after getting injured during a team training in Perth two weeks ago.
Dawson’s decision was aimed at ensuring he competes at the 2024 Paris Olympics in France, BBC reports Friday.
The 30-year-old hockey player narrated that he passed out when he saw his finger in the changing room, thinking his Olympic dream was over.
Thereafter, he met with a plastic surgeon who told him that the finger may not function well after surgery – even which will take a long recovery time. However, with the option to amputate it, he could be back playing in 10 days.
Dawson’s decision to take part in his third Games comes after joining the team to win gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“I am definitely closer to the end of my career than the start and, who knows, this could be my last [Olympics], and if I felt that I could still perform at my best then that’s what I was going to do.
“If taking the top of my finger was the price I had to pay, that’s what I would do,” he told the Parlez Vous Hockey podcast.
He will take to the field with the Kookaburras as they face Argentina on Saturday, just 16 days after he was injured, the report noted.
Team captain Aran Zalewski said at a news conference in Paris, “We didn’t really know what to think, and then we heard that he went to the hospital and chopped his finger off, which was pretty interesting because I know people would give an arm and a leg and even a little bit of finger to be here sometimes.
“When you’ve spent a lifetime of choice and sacrifice to come and compete at the highest level, I think for him it was an easy decision.”
Earlier this week Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said Dawson was back training with the team.
“Full marks to Matt. Obviously, he’s committed to playing in Paris. I’m not sure I would have done it, but he’s done it, so great,” Batch told Australia’s Seven News Network.
The report added that this isn’t the first time Dawson has faced an extreme injury. He nearly lost an eye after being hit by a hockey stick in the lead-up to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Veteran singer and activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has mourned the death of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
In a post on Facebook on Thursday, Charly Boy described the businessman and politician as the first Nigerian to support and believe in him.
His post read, “When I returned from the USA in 1981, all I had was a dream as a broke ass Charly Boy wanna be.
“It was Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu who accidentally met me in my village, Oguta, after I disowned my parents for not buying into my dreams. He dashed me $8,000 at the time.
“I almost fainted. That gave me the impetus to build the brand as I started my Jankara studio in my village. He was the very first Nigerian who supported and believed in my dream.”
As he expressed gratitude for Iwuanyanwu’s role in shaping his life and career, Charly Boy also emphasised the importance of legacy, noting that it is defined by the impact one makes on others.
He added, “My people, legacy is really about the lives we touched, the inspiration we gave, altering someone’s plan—if even for a moment—and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue.
“More than anything, we are remembered for our smiles—the ones we share with our closest and dearest, and the ones we bestow on total strangers who needed them right then, and God put us there to deliver.
“Chief, I can never forget how, out of the blues, you jump-started my career. I know many will share similar stories of how you touched their lives. I remain ever so grateful. Rest in peace, biggest bros/father.”
According reports that President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, governors, and others have mourned iwuanyanwu, who died on Thursday at the age of 82 after a brief illness.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held emergency meetings with the All Progressives Congress state governors, prominent traditional rulers and Ulamas (Islamic religious scholars) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja as part of efforts by the government to ensure the planned hunger protests, slated for August 1 to 10, is averted nationwide.
The meetings come after growing calls for the anti-hunger protests following widespread economic hardships in the country.
The protests, which are being organised under the hashtag ‘EndBadGovernance,’ have gained significant traction on social media even as the organisers remain unknown, with no group officially claiming responsibility.
President Tinubu first met with the APC governors, under the aegis of the Progressives Governors Forum, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja at 1pm. The meeting lasted for about an hour and 15 minutes.
This meeting follows an earlier one by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum on Wednesday night and comes after a last-minute cancellation of the National Economic Council meeting earlier scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
President Bola Tinubu during a meeting with Progressive Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja… on Thursday. Photo: State House
Our correspondent also spotted the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Ministers of Finance and Budget and Economic Planning, Wale Edun and Abubakar Bagudu, respectively at the meeting.
The meeting with the prominent traditional rulers began at about 2:30pm, when the President arrived at the Council Chamber in the Villa, and ended at 4pm.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, led the royal fathers at the meeting, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Ribadu and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun in attendance.
Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum, were part of the meeting. Edun and Bagudu, also joined the President at the meeting.
Afterwards the President held another meeting with the Ulamas, which ended after 6pm.
Monarchs seek dialogue
Speaking after the meeting on Thursday, the traditional Rulers urged the organisers of the protests to seek dialogue with the Federal Government, warning that there was the possibility of the protests being hijacked by hoodlums.
“The President has said, ‘any leader that you don’t like, wait (until 2027) and vote him out.’ He is open to dialogue. We know that Nigeria faces many challenges. But are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we are all after?
“It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy. We are all stakeholders in this country and are stronger as a nation than individually,” the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who co-chairs the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, told journalists after an expanded cabinet meeting at the State House, Abuja.
“We should talk to ourselves. We need to know that today; it’s a completely different spin. The government, ably led by the President, is willing to engage and dialogue and bring governance very close to the people.
“People that are out there to protest, it is their civic right. But let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand.
“We the traditional rulers are not in support of people, especially youths, coming out to loot and break down law and order. We condemn such acts fully. We are parents, we are traditional rulers, and we are closer to them (youths). We are going to go back home and continue to engage them.”
Oba Adeyeye said the meeting was the first instance where the Federal Executive Council engaged directly with traditional rulers.
The monarch added, “Stewardship from the Federal Executive Council, directly to the traditional rulers? It has never happened in our nation before. Never! This is the first time we’re all experiencing it.
“Today (Thursday) is the very first time we will be addressed properly by the Federal Executive Council…in terms of the plans of government, their achievements so far, and where they’re having challenges. So, there is a proper bridge between the governed and the people in charge of government.
“For the very first time, the traditional rulers were properly engaged. This is long-awaited. We are closer to our people and can bring that feedback back home. So, it’s a beautiful take home for us because we don’t lock our palaces; we are more exposed to the people we rule over.”
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, said traditional rulers were worried about the protests, adding that they could shut down the country.
“There’s nobody who will not be worried about the protests; we’ve seen what has happened in other climes, where governments had been brought down.
“As an ex-diplomat, I have seen what happened in other climes and that is why I am in the position to say what happened in other places.”
The Emir added that insecurity in the north remained the bane of Nigeria’s food crisis, and urged the FG to address the security issues, saying it would bring stability to the country.
“We have made it very clear to him (President Tinubu) that the main problem in this country, especially the north, is insecurity. If the security situation is addressed, certainly people will go back to their farms and the issue of hunger will drastically reduce and disappear,” Bamalli added.
He urged Nigerians to “exercise patience and to listen to the words of wisdom. We are very optimistic Nigeria will bounce back to its former position as the leading country in Africa.”
On his part, the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Ikenchukwu Keagborokuzi I, appealed to Nigerian youths to work with the FG using all available opportunities.
Keagborokuzi, who described Nigerian youths as the nation’s strength, acknowledged the displeasing challenges confronting them but said that the #EndBadGovernance protests would not solve the nation’s problems.
“Hearing from Mr. President directly, the take-home message for me is that I can see the passion. But at the same time, I think the government finally understands we are at the precipice.
“We will listen to our youths because they lead the future. The power and strength of Nigeria certainly lie with the young people. We feel your pain. I’m a young person myself.
“It’s been 24 years since I’ve started seeing the nation going in a very unpalatable direction. This protest, I know that it’s very tight in our neck, but let us not destroy our own country,” said the traditional ruler.
He cited the aftermath of the Arab Spring in Libya, urging Nigerian youths to reconsider the planned protest.
“Think of Libya. Libya was a beautiful country; what has happened to Libya, we don’t want it to happen here.
“Let’s go home. Let’s continue to strive to be the best that we can and continue to work with the government to see if we can offer some solutions.
“I think that that would be best rather than to destroy property or injure ourselves,” he advised.
In a similar twist, The National Orientation Agency urged the traditional leaders to take the lead in sensitising the youths against planned nationwide protests.
NOA Bauchi State Director Mrs. Theresa Omaga, made this known when she paid an advocacy visit to traditional and religious at the residence of Galadinman Bauchi, the district head of Zungur, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu Jahun, on Thursday.
“The need for peace and tranquility must be emphasised as the protest could escalate insecurity challenges and economic hardships,” Omaga stated.
Meanwhile, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulroshed Akanbi, feared the proposed national protest may be hijacked by hoodlums.
Oba Akanbi, in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Ali Ibraheem, urged Tinubu to meet with leaders of opposition parties, workers unions, students unions, civil society organisations, notable traditional rulers and other stakeholders to discuss the state of the nation and seek solutions to some of the challenges confronting the nation.
“At this crucial moment of global economic challenge, Nigeria inclusive, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey a national dialogue most especially with the dog handlers comprising the opposition parties leaders, civil society organisations, labour leaders, students, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
“Even if a protest is held, we will resort to a round table discussion after the road show. Rather than allowing hoodlums to hijack and destroy the nation we are trying to construct, why not embrace dialogue? When we sit together and talk to each other, more virile approaches and solutions may be suggested for application,” Oluwo said.
Army allege hijack
The Nigeria Army and the Department of State Service say they have uncovered plans to hijack the protest.
The Defence Headquarters thus called on the organisers of the protesters to sheathe their swords. Speaking in an interview with one of our correspondents on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, urged the organisers to embrace dialogue with the government.
Buba said, “Accordingly, the protesters are urged to shield their swords and opt for dialogue. We must quench the fire of violence, rather than ignite the fire. Cool heads must be allowed to prevail in order to save our nation from anarchy.”
Buba said intelligence at the military’s disposal showed that the proposed nationwide protest would be hijacked by unscrupulous elements.
“Based on what has been gathered, there are plans by some unscrupulous elements to hijack this protest and make sure that it turns violent. I want to tell you what we have seen, it will likely happen.”
He also said car and business owners, as well as members of opposition parties different from the protesters’ party, might be attacked during the protest.
Buba said, “For instance, there are signs of status-related violence such that persons with things as basic as smartphones and cars are targets. This does not leave out those who own houses, shops or even use air conditioners in their houses. Other targets include places of worship, businesses, markets, persons of other ethnic groups and members of opposing political parties among others. Believe me, when this happens, it is nothing but a state of anarchy, lawlessness.”
Buba added, “We have seen this in other parts of the world, when we carried out peacekeeping operations. The military will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation. It is our constitutional responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen.
“Some think that it is like when you watch Nollywood or whatever. No, in real life people stand to lose everything. I don’t need to speak too much. Go to IDP camps, you will see rich people with big houses now living in tents.
“Based on the foregoing, the level of violence envisaged is best described as a state of anarchy. It is for this reason the armed forces will not watch and allow the nation to spiral out of control to such low levels. It is for this reason that troops will act dutifully to forestall such ugly occurrences from happening in our nation.”
Buba stated that the military’s involvement in the planned protests would be in accordance with the constitutional provisions.
Buba stated, “However, for us in the military, the constitution is clear as to how and when the military gets involved. The constitution also clearly defines the roles and functions of the armed forces. On the other hand, while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful protests, they do not have a right to mobilise for anarchy to unleash terror.”
Similarly, the DSS warned the organisers of the planned nationwide protest against proceeding with it.
In a statement on Thursday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, described the motive behind the protest as political.
The service said it uncovered a plan by some criminal elements to hijack the protest and cause unrest in the country.
It stated, “DSS has followed the discourse on planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks by persons and groups yet to identify themselves in the public as leaders of the plot.
“While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political.
“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses. The long-term objective is to achieve regime change, especially at the centre.’’
Afunanya warned the protesters to eschew any form of anarchy in the interest of peace.
He said, “Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.
“While the different levels of government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, and good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.
“This has become important given that violence begets the destruction of lives and property as well as serves as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”
In Oyo State, Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Seyi Makinde, admonished those planning to participate in the protest to ensure that the demonstrations were peaceful and orderly, stating that the state would not condone lawlessness.
At the meeting, which was held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, Owoseni said it was convened to prepare for the planned protest and also engage different interest groups.
He charged residents of the state to express their rights peacefully without vandalising properties, stealing, burglary or involving in any form of criminal offence that may disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
Tinubu ‘peaceful protester’
Meanwhile, the President pledged that his administration would uphold democratic principles, including the right to protest, but would not condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.
“In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” Tinubu stated this while receiving a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr. on Thursday in Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the exchange at the ceremony in a statement titled, ‘President Tinubu receives US ambassador, underscores the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions.’
Tinubu said this against the backdrop of allegations that his government was attempting to suppress the citizens’ right to protest against economic hardship.
The President had also been criticised for leading street protests against previous administrations in the country.
In a post on X on Tuesday, former Vice President Atiku said it was ironic that those stifling rights of Nigerians to protest in 2024 were leading protesters in 2012.
In reply to his critics, Tinubu stated, “During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.
“We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”
President Bola Tinubu during a meeting with Progressive Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa in Abuja… on Thursday. Photo: State House
Opposition charges President
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Shehu Gabam, has asked President Tinubu to address the nation ahead of the planned August 1 nationwide protests.
Gabam stated this during Thursday evening’s Politics Today programme on Channels Television.
The SDP chairman urged the President to address the nation, to clear misconceptions in the minds of the citizens, adding that he should not continue to rely on “second layers” of dishing out information.
“What I expect this President to do as the number one citizen is to address the country. This is my first expectation. All other things are secondary layers. Let me tell you what it would do; people are angry, and so many perceptions have been created out there.
“He needs to clear this perception that no, Nigerians, I know what is going on, I have access to all your complaints, and I will address them. Relying on second layers of dishing out information at this critical time is not advisable for him.
“He is the number one stakeholder, he is the one to bear the brunt, he is the one who applied for the job, he is the one who said he’s going to correct the problems, so he needs to address the nation, beyond any other thing,” he said.
Gabam, while commending the interventions of security agencies and traditional rulers to dissuade Nigerians from staging the protest, however, urged the government to facilitate quick interventions by dialoguing with identified sponsors of the protest.
“If they know the organisers, what they need to do as a government is a quick intervention. Sit down with them, dialogue with them, and find out what the problems are. And of course, if there are criminal elements that will hijack the process, the essence of having security all over the world is to create deterrence.”
He added that his party would not participate in the August 1 protest, but would endorse protests that were “devoid of any act of violence, or anarchy, or killing or barbarism.”
“We have drawn lines of our endorsements, in line with the provisions of the Constitution, where citizens are guaranteed to protest peacefully by disagreeing with the policies and programmes of the government,” he added.
Former Chelsea defender, Malang Sarr, has signed as a new RC Lens player.
According to a statement obtained from Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Friday, Sarr agreed terms with Lens after Chelsea released him with a year left on his contract.
After the mutual termination of his Chelsea deal, Sarr will not receive a pay-off for the final year of his wages.
He has completed a medical ahead of his move to Lens and his arrival is expected to be confirmed soon.
After joining Chelsea from Nice four years ago, he spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Porto
The defender made 22 appearances on a season-long loan spell at Monaco in 2022-23 and spent last season at Chelsea, but did not feature throughout the season under Mauricio Pochettino.
Sarr began his career at Nice, where he debuted as a 17-year-old and made 119 first-team appearances before joining Chelsea as a free agent.
The 25-year-old represented France up to Under-21 level but is also eligible to play for Senegal.
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