President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja emphasized the importance of sustaining democracy, its norms and institutions, noting that protests are an integral part of democracy but that no government will condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property.
The President spoke at the Presidential Villa when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills Jr.
”Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.
”We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.
”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.
”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,” the President stated.
Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, President Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.
”Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides.
”We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow,” the President said.
Ambassador Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.
”Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.
”I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” Ambassador Mills said.
Protest; No govt will condone destructive tendencies — President Tinubu
Protest; No govt will condone destructive tendencies — President Tinubu
Nigeria’s defence spokesman claims troops killed 106 suspected terrorists in 7 days
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) claimed on Thursday troops deployed to various parts of the country killed 106 suspected terrorists last week
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this in Abuja while giving an update on the operations of the military across the country.
He said the troops arrested 164 others and rescued 103 hostages during the period.
Buba said the troops recovered 125 assorted weapons and 1,522 ammunition comprising 41 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 24 locally fabricated guns, 28 Dane guns and one pump action gun.
Also recovered were 755 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 623 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 102 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 63 live cartridges and 247 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.
The spokesman said: “Others were 22 AK47 magazines, one Baofeng radio, 22 vehicles, 31 motorcycles, two bicycles, 10 mobile phones and the sum of N2.9 amongst other items.
“In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded successes leading to the surrendering of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families within the week.
“A total of 1,760 Boko Haram /ISWAP fighters and family members comprising 117 male adults, 345 adult females and 628 children surrendered within the week.
“The troops neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. They also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in the operations.
“In the North-Central, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 12 insurgents, arrested 39 violent extremists and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages within the week.
“They also recovered several arms and ammunition comprising 21 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated pistols, 15 Dane guns, 285 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
In the North-West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 23 terrorists and rescued 32 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a cache of arms.”
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Heatwave kills over 20 in Morocco
A heatwave in Morocco has killed at least 21 people in 24 hours in the central city of Beni Mellal, the health ministry announced on Thursday.
The meteorology department said soaring temperatures affected much of the North African country from Monday to Wednesday, reaching 48 degrees Celsius (118 Fahrenheit) in some areas.
In Beni Mellal, “the majority of deaths involved people suffering from chronic illnesses and the elderly, with high temperatures contributing to the deterioration of their health conditions,” the regional health directorate said in a statement.
The ministry was not able to immediately say if this was the highest recorded death toll from a heatwave in the country.
Beni Mellal, more than 200 kilometres (150 miles) southeast of Casablanca, was still experiencing temperatures of 43 degrees on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to drop in the coming days, the meteorology department said. In the tourism hotspot of Marrakesh, they are expected to drop by 10 degrees on Sunday.
According Online reports that a heatwave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity.
While the specific criteria for a heatwave can vary depending on the region, it generally involves temperatures that are significantly higher than the average for that time of year.
Heatwaves can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
They can also cause disruptions in infrastructure, agriculture, and daily life.
– Economic impact –
Morocco has suffered a sixth consecutive year of drought, and record heat this past winter with January the hottest since 1940, according to the meteorology department which had recorded temperatures approaching 37C in some places.
The rising temperatures and prolonged drought, which have lowered reservoir levels, are a threat to the vital farm sector.
Water evaporation reached 1.5 million cubic metres (53 million cubic feet) per day, Water Minister Nizar Baraka said at the end of June.
The High Commission for Planning said in May that the “labour market continues to suffer from the effects of the drought” and reported that the unemployment rate had increased to 13.7 percent in the first quarter, up from 12.9 per cent in the same period of last year.
Around 159,000 jobs in the agricultural sector disappeared, the figures showed.
Morocco’s record temperature – 50.4C – was set in August last year in the coastal resort city of Agadir.
Globally, Monday was the hottest day recorded since measurements began in 1940, the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation programme said.
It has previously predicted that daily records would be broken this summer in the northern hemisphere and that the planet would endure a particularly long period of intense heat due to climate change.
Scientists have linked climate change to more prolonged, stronger and more frequent extreme weather, including heatwaves.
Similarly, Hajj pilgrims faced an unexpected and brutal challenge: an unprecedented heat wave across Saudi Arabia causing heat stroke, exhaustion and deaths of many.
The climate of Saudi Arabia is notorious for its intense heat, especially during the summer months when Hajj typically occurs. This year, temperatures soared above 45°C (113°F), transforming the pilgrimage from a deeply enriching experience into a hazardous endeavour.
AFP
FCT not available for protests, monarchs holding ceremony – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said his administration will not allow the planned #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria nationwide protests scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.
The minister stated this during a media briefing in his office in Abuja on Thursday, following a security council meeting with heads of security agencies and Area Council Chairmen of the FCT.
Wike said the day had been slated to celebrate the presentation of certificates to traditional rulers in the six area councils of the FCT, adding that while he was aware of the prevalent hunger, the President is working to address the various challenges facing the country.
He added that while Nigerians have the right to protest, it must be done within the ambit of the law, noting that Nigerians should rather work together to save the country.
He said, “We are all aware of the threat as regards what some people may call #Endbadgovernance protest. We believe that yes, we have the right to protest; we have the right to demonstrate, but all these have to come within the ambit of the law.
“This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively to salvage our country. I’m aware that there are challenges, and Mr. President and his team are working very hard to make sure that those challenges, those problems facing our country are being solved. We know that it is a very difficult period for citizens.
“Unfortunately, though, that is a day FCT has set aside. The entire Area Councils will be jubilating to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers. So, we will not allow that day that the entire FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers for the people to come and rejoice, and then somebody would say that he wants to disrupt us that day.”
The minister also called for patience among citizens, noting the changes in the FCT since the administration came on, adding that they would not allow anyone to set the territory back or to “disrupt the peace”.
He added, “Mr President has given the FCT so much support, that is why all of us can attest to the fact that there are a lot of changes going on in the FCT, and therefore we will not allow anybody to set us back, as we are looking forward to make sure that we take FCT to where it is supposed to be, as one of the major cities not only in Africa, but also in the world.
“So we will not anybody to disrupt the peace and set us back. For those who want to protest on the first of August or thereabouts, FCT is not available for such protest.
“We also invite our people to come and join us that day in celebrating, it is part of the achievements of the administration. So let the whole world hear us and hear us very well that that day is not available for those who want to protest, and FCT is not available for the protesters.”
Kwara: Govt solicitors react to violation of court order on Saraki’s disputed land
The Kwara State government lawyers have asked the state Police Commissioner, Victor Olaiya to discountenance a petition forwarded to his office on the disputed land allegedly owned by the late sage, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki.
The solicitors said the contents of the petition are riddled with deliberate misrepresentations and falsehood.
Lawyers representing Asa Investment Limited, and Anor on behalf of the Saraki family, alleged a violation of a purported court order on the land by the state high court.
Ayinla Salman Jawondo, SAN, in a reaction sent to the police commissioner in Ilorin on Thursday, described “the petition as nothing short of premeditated, calculated and deliberate reckless misrepresentation, effecting mischief and cheap blackmail by attention seeking litigants who lack faith in their case but merely filed same as a design to armstrong and frustrate the development of the state having lost out in the political equations of the state since 1999.”
The response to the petition forwarded to the police commissioner read in part; “our attention has been drawn to a petition written to your exalted office by the Counsel to the Claimants and signed by AbulAzeez Ayodeji Ibraheem Esq., alleging violation of an imaginary court order by our clients, and in particular, the Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
“But for the fact that the petition was addressed and delivered to your good office coupled with the grave allegation of disobedience or violation of an alleged court order levelled against a sitting governor, we would not have bothered to dignify the petition with a response.
” To put the record straight, we state as follows; The Claimants/Petitioners in the referenced case (Asa Investment Limited & Anor.) filed Suit No. KWS/463/2019 against the same set of defendants as in the referenced case on 31st December 2019 and on an Ex-Parte application filed, heard and granted by the trial Judge, Honorable Justice A. A. Adebara, our clients were restrained from carrying out any form of development on the land in dispute.
“On behalf of our clients, we joined issues with the Claimants/Petitioners in our Statement of Defence and even filed a counter-claim in respect of the land in dispute.
“By the Rules of the Court and as settled by a plethora of decisions of our courts, the life span of an Ex-Parte Order is a maximum of fourteen (14) days. See, Order 11 Rule 11 (1) & (2) of the Kwara State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2021 and 2022 and the cases of TITILAYO PLASTIC INDUSTRIES LTD. V. FAGBOLA (2019) LPELR- (SC) @ 46-52 and A.P.C. V. MESSIAH (2021) LPELR-55011 (CA) @ 14.
“As a Government founded on and operating on the basis of the Rule of Law, we gave an ORAL UNDERTAKING in Suit No: KWS/463/2019 before the Court to the effect that our clients will abide by the Ex-Parte Order of Injunction even after its 14-day maximum life span and pending the determination of the case based on which, with the CONSENT of both parties, the matter was accorded accelerated hearing.
“In line with our undertaking, our clients fully complied with the Ex-Parte Order until the Claimants/Petitioners’ Suit KWS/463/2019 was eventually struck by the Court on 2nd February 2021 for want of diligent prosecution by the Claimants.
“It is an element knowledge and principle of law that one of the consequences of an Order of a Court striking a Suit for any reason is that the Suit and all Orders, including Ex-Parte Order of Injunction and Undertaking made in the Suit, become null and void and of no any legal effect. SEE, KEYSTONE BANK LTD. V. AMMANI (2015)LPELR40761 (CA) @ 12
“Therefore, the Claimants/Petitioners’ Suit No: KWS/463/2019 having been struck out, the Ex-Parte Order of injunction and the Undertaking came to an end, dead and gone, thereby, leaving our clients with the option of continuing with their proposed developments on the land.
“As a law-abiding Government operating on the basis of the Rule of law, even after the Claimants/Petitioners’ Suit was struck out with only our clients’ counter-claim remaining on the Court’s docket, our clients still did not proceed with their proposed developments on the land.
“Rather than file an appeal against the Order of the Court striking out their Suit No: KWS/463/2019 or apply for it to be re-listed by the Court, the Claimants/Petitioners filed a new Suit No: KWS/112/2022 on 12th March 2021 which suit was originally assigned to Honorable Justice A. O. Akinpelu who, on 30th March 2022, on the Claimants/Petitioners’ Ex-Parte application, granted them an Ex-Parte Order of Injunction restraining our clients from carrying out any form of development on the same land which is the subject of the Claimants/Petitioners’ and our clients’ counter-claim in the earlier Suit No: KWS/463/2019 pending before Honorable Justice A. A. Adebara (as he then was).
“Since our clients’ counter-claim was still pending before Honorable Justice A. A. Adebara, we made an application to the then Chief Judge, Honorable Justice S. D. Kawu under the relevant provisions of the Rules of the Court for the transfer of the Claimants/Petitioners’ Suit No: KWS/112/2022 to Honorable Justice A. A. Adabara (as he then was) where our clients’ counter-claim was still pending as the land in dispute and the parties remain the same in the two cases.
“On the basis of our application for transfer, the then Chief Judge, Honorable Justice S. D. Kawu transferred Suit No: KWS/112/2022 to Honorable Justice A. A. Adebara J where the Claimants/Petitioners’ Suit No: KWS/112/2022 and our clients’ counter-claim in Suit No: KWS/463/2019 are still pending till today,” the statement added.
Kwara: Govt solicitors react to violation of court order on Saraki’s disputed land
Anambra judiciary workers suspend strike
The judiciary workers in Anambra State under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Anambra state Branch, have suspended their indefinite strike and directed all members to resume work on Friday.
The union had embarked on the strike two weeks ago, saying that the action became necessary because the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, ignored the 21-day ultimatum given by the members.
As a result of the development, the courts in the state have remained non-functional and activities paralysed with no cases calling for mention.
Our correspondent who went around the courts across the state on Thursday observed that people with various matters in court were stranded as the cases were stalled due to the strike.
However, it was gathered that a meeting between the state governor and the leadership of JUSUN had ended in a deadlock on Wednesday.
A top member of the Union, who craved anonymity for fear of being victimised, had said, “The Anambra state government had failed to comply with the agreements reached in 2011 and 2015 with the state JUSUN. The agreements centred on the full implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure, a peculiar allowance for judiciary staff in the state.
“However, during the meeting on Wednesday, instead of Soludo addressing the issue of strike, he threatened to sack the workers and recruit about 1,000 new staff of the body.”
But in a twist of event, the leadership of the union in a press statement on Thursday, signed by the Chairman, JUSUN, Ezeoke Ifeanyichukwu, and Secretary JUSUN, Nwezi Ugochokwu, said the decision to suspend the strike follows a meeting between the governor and JUSUN executives on July 24, 2024.
They said the meeting addressed the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure and the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.
According to the statement, the governor promised to set up a committee to tackle the CONJUS issue, leading to the suspension of the strike.
The suspension came after paralysing court activities in the state for two weeks as a result of the protest.
A letter to Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars-in-Charge and Staff of Anambra State Judiciary announcing the suspension, read in part, “Sequel to the meeting held between the Governor of Anambra State and the Executives of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Anambra State Branch on the 24 of July, being in respect of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure.
“Mr. Governor promised to set up a committee to address the issue of CONJUS after the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state.
“After much deliberations and consideration of the matter by the congress in her emergency meeting held on the 26 of duly, 2024 at the Judiciary Headquarters, High Court of Justice, Awka, the congress reached a decision to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike by the branch.
“In accordance with the decision of the congress, all staff of Anambra State Judiciary are by this notice directed to resume work tomorrow being Friday, the 26 day of July, 2024.
Nationwide Protest: Afenifere calls for caution, appeals to organizers to shelve plan
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Afenifere, has appealed to Nigerians to be circumspect on the issue of the nationwide protests coming up in August.
A Press Statement by the organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi stated that while the people have an inalienable right to protest, consideration should be given to the general atmosphere surrounding the planned protest.
“Information at the disposal of Afenifere is that the planned protest is to draw the attention of the government to the excruciating situation in the country. As the saying goes, those who feel it, know it.
“In other words, Nigerians consider protest as a way of registering their displeasure, perhaps disenchantment over what many are going through. It’s in order.
“But there are some factors that need to be put into consideration. First is whether protest is the only means by which the government’s attention can be called to the perceived hardship in the land. And, if the protest path is to be taken, what form should it take?”
Afenifere spokesman stated that protest is certainly not the only way to draw attention to the situation in the land.
“Engagement is a very potent instrument not only to call attention to the situation on the ground but to decide on what the ways should be.
“Incidentally, the federal government has not only expressed its awareness of what is going on in the country, it expressed a commitment to engagements with Nigerians to find solutions to the myriad of challenges that the country is facing. Challenges that are the basis for the planned protests.”
“Since dialogues would be employed to resolve conflicts, it’s better to engage in dialogues rather than allowing conflicts to degenerate into street protests that stand the chance of being hijacked by irate mobs.”
Afenifere concluded by calling on the planners of the protest to level up with the government that has expressed its readiness for engagements.
“We also call on relevant arms of government not only to meaningfully engage the people but to make manifest steps being taken to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians within the shortest possible time”, Ajayi added.
Nationwide Protest: Afenifere calls for caution, appeals to organizers to shelve plan
16 more state-owned institutions onboarded for student loan
Sixteen more state-owned tertiary institutions have been onboarded for the student loan scheme under the coordination of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
In a post on X, the fund via its official handle, @NELFUND noted on Thursday that the addition of the 16 institutions brings the total number of registered state-owned institutions to 86.
NELFUND tweeted, “Following our previous announcements onboarding 70 state-owned tertiary institutions to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund Student Loan Applications Portal, we are delighted to share that an additional 16 state-owned institutions have now been added to the portal.
“This brings our total to 86 state-owned institutions, further expanding the reach and impact of our student loan program.
“Again, we are urging institutions that are yet to submit their accurate and complete student data to do so timely for their students to benefit from the program.”
No fewer than 1.2 million students are expected to benefit from the cardinal programme of President Bola Tinubu administration.
The President approved N35bn for the take-off of the scheme after signing the law backing the scheme on April 3.
Deborah, has three years of experience covering the education sector, trade unions, politics and international affairs, and is a journalist with The According
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Ex-SGF Babachir Lawal warns Tinubu’s govt against arresting Obi over #EndBadGovernance protest
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has warned the Federal Government against any attempt to arrest the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, over the planned strike against bad governance in the country.
He was reacting to the recent face-off between the former Anambra State governor and one of the presidential spokesmen, Bayo Onanuga, over the planned #EndBadGovernance protest slated to begin across the country on August 1.
Onanuga had in a statement during the week alleged that the protest organised by some unknown persons to express their displeasure over the myriad of problems confronting the country was sponsored by Obi and his supporters
Lawal, who addressed journalists on Thursday in Abuja, also warned the government against using force against the protesters.
He said: “Bola Tinubu should not use a forceful approach with the protesters. They mean well for the country. If they go out to protest and there is an attempt to stop them forcefully, that will be the catalyst for chaos.
“Tinubu should remove Bayo Onanuga from his position because he doesn’t mean well for his government. His outbursts are inflaming Nigerians rather than pacifying them. When you are in government, you don’t insult the people.
“I don’t know if Onanuga was the Motor Park Touts Association spokesman before he got his current appointment. They said he is educated, but it doesn’t show in his behavior. He has an in-built disdain for people, and it shows in the way he talks.
“I don’t expect a presidential spokesman to come out and say the planned protest is being organized by Peter Obi. If Obi had the character that Onanuga is ascribing to him, this government would have been down a long time ago.
“How can you say Obi has anything to do with the protest? Even to complain, Obi will not let you accompany him.
“It is one of the reasons why some of us just kept away from him. When you insult him, he will not reply. He will just go about doing his own business.
“Let them arrest him if that is their plan and see the consequences. I know that is what Onanuga is working towards. Anyone asking Tinubu to arrest Peter Obi doesn’t mean well for him. It is like they took cyanide with their own hands and swallowed it.
“I don’t know what Onanuga’s problem with Igbos is. Igbos are good people. They are our classmates from primary and secondary school to university. They are our business partners; they are our neighbors.”
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Hardship protest may be hijacked by people with ulterior motives – Ooni of Ife warns
The Ooni of Ife, His Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on Thursday said the greatest concern facing the traditional institution is the possibility of unscrupulous persons hijacking the proposed protest to foment crisis.
Recall that President Tinubu first met with governors elected under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC, before having another closed-door meeting with the Council of Traditional Rulers.
Their discussions also centred on the prevailing challenges which the country has been facing since Tinubu assumed office and the need for Nigerians to understand where the government stands in trying to make amends for the woes.
Recall that since some unidentified Nigerians gave a notice to stage a protest on August 1 over economic hardship in the country, there has been a series of criticism over the move.
The Ooni said, “People that are planning to go out there to protest, it’s 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 condemn such acts fully, we the traditional rulers are more engaged with the people, especially the youth, coming out to start looting, to start breaking down law and order. We are parents, we are traditional rulers, we are closer to them, we are going to go back home and continue to engage them”.
Speaking further, the Ooni said today it’s a new twist and a new spin from the political leadership of our dear country. For the very first time, the traditional rulers were properly engaged in terms of the plans of government and governance, their achievements so far, and where they were having challenges. This is long-awaited. We’ve been waiting for it, but today we’re very excited because we’re closer to our people and we can bring that feedback back home.
“Stewardship from the Federal Executive Council, directly to the traditional rulers has never happened in our nation before, never. This is the first time we’re all experiencing it. We have traditional rulers that have been on the throne for 40, or 50 years. Today is the very first time we will be addressed properly by the Federal Executive Council. So there is a proper bridge and closure of governance from the governed and the people that are in charge of government.
“So it’s a very beautiful take home for us because we don’t lock our palaces, we are more exposed to the people that we actually rule over. So it’s a different twist and spin from our dear President and I want to use this medium, on behalf of all traditional rulers, to appreciate him, no leader in Nigeria has ever done it. So for us, it’s all-encompassing”
The Ooni also cautioned those planning to embark on the protest saying it is very difficult to build, but easy to destroy. We are all stakeholders of this country, we should be stronger as a nation together, than stronger individually.
He continued, “The President has said it and he will continue to say it, any leader that you don’t like, wait and vote him out. He is open to dialogue. We know that challenges are so many in Nigeria, we know that, but are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we’re all after?
“We should talk to ourselves. It’s important for us 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”.
Corroborating the Ooni of Ife, the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikenchuku Gbenoba said the government at the centre was finally coming to terms with the reality of governance in the country.
Asked what his take-home from the meeting at the presidency, he responded, “The take-home message for me, hearing from Mr. President directly, I can see the passion.
But at the same time, I think the government is finally understanding we are at the precipice. Our youths are our future and I think today we’ve demonstrated that the government, with the officials, we do have the hearts of the nation in our minds, we will listen to our youths because they lead the future.
“The power, the strength of Nigeria is certainly with the young people. We feel your pain, I’m a young person myself. It’s been 24 years I’ve been back and it’s been 24 years that I’ve started seeing the nation going in a very unpalatable direction, but by God’s grace, I think if you give us the chance, this protest, I know that it’s catching very high in your neck, but if you give us the chance, let us not destroy our own country.
“I’ll ask you to 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 the best that we can and continue to work with the government to see if we can proffer some solutions. I think that that would be best rather than to destroy property or injure ourselves”.
Hardship protest may be hijacked by people with ulterior motives – Ooni of Ife warns