Headline
Tension, Fear Grip Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Others As Protesters Kick Off Hunger Protest
By Augustine Akhilomen
…Deal Decisively’ With Arsonists, Troublemakers, IGP Orders Officers
…We Won’t Allow Repeat Of #EndSARS Destruction, Says Sanwo-Olu Warns Lagosians
…As Oro Festival Kicks Off In Lagos
…Avoid Violence, Rights Violations, NHRC Charges FG, Citizens
Nigerian youths are set to march to occupy Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Rivers, and other parts of the states in Nigeria as they protest against the current economic hardship ravaging most homes today.
And with momentum soaring on social media, authorities fear a replay of the deadly 2020 demonstrations against police brutality in this West African nation or a wave of violence similar to last month’s protests in Kenya, where a tax hike led to chaos in the capital, Nairobi.
Nigeria’s population of over 210 million people, the continent’s largest — is also among the hungriest in the world and its government has struggled to create jobs.
The current economic hardship under Tinubu, who promised “renewed hope” when he was sworn into office in May 2023, is blamed on surging inflation that is at a 28-year high and the government’s economic policies that have pushed the local currency to record low against the dollar.
The frustration is widespread, though it is worse in northeastern Nigeria, where the world’s longest war on militancy has left 4.8 million people in dire need of food, according to the United Nation’s food agency. Nationwide, at least 32 million Nigerians face acute hunger, which is 10% of the global burden, the World Food Program said.
On Wednesday, security forces were deployed on major roads in cities, including the capital of Abuja and the country’s largest, Lagos. Authorities touted the positives, appealing to organizers to shelve plans for the protests.
“Is a protest the catalyst for progress we need now? I strongly believe it isn’t. Instead, it could undo the modest gains we’ve made,” Lagos Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said in a speech.
Meanwhile, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has called on the youths to reduce the duration of the planned nationwide protest to one day.
“Even our forefathers in their graveyards have heard your voices loud and clear. The way and manner in which the government has been running helter-skelter since the announcement of the protests shows the moral victory of your campaigns and your struggles.
“What we have done in the past few days is to facilitate dialogue with the law enforcement and security agencies. The insistence by the Inspector-General of Police of ‘credible intelligence’ with plans for violence is a confirmation of the desperation of the government to abort the protests by sponsoring hooligans and thugs to disrupt the protests. This is currently ongoing in many parts of Lagos State.”
“I therefore appeal that the protests be orderly and peaceful and conducted in the locations you have already sent to the police.
“Also, let the days of the protests be reduced to one day or the maximum three days and thereafter be suspended. Let your demands be made known to the government and then give time to address them.
“I have no doubt that you have the capacity to prosecute the protests as intended and that you have the support and prayers of the majority of our people, in all your actions. But let us give room for more dialogue. I offer to join you in this, anytime.
“I make this appeal in the interest of peace, progress and tranquillity of our dear nation,” he added.
More so, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed his men across the country to “deal decisively” with arsonists and troublemakers as youths stage #EndBadGovernance protests against hunger and economic hardship across the Federation starting on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
“All officers and men of the Nigeria Police are hereby directed to act and deal decisively with any act of arson, intimidation or harassment of any citizen, threat to lives and properties, breach of peace and any act of criminality that may arise or flow from the planned protest in any part of the country.
“Perpetrators of any crime will be arersted and promptly prosecuted,” he said.
In addition, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued an Advisory Opinion to the Federal Government urging it to ensure that the August 1, 2024 planned nationwide protests enjoys a peaceful atmosphere devoid of any form of human rights violations.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN made this disclosure on Wednesday also charged the law enforcement agencies to comply with the relevant human rights principles and practices that guarantee the right to freedom of association and assembly.
The Executive Secretary reminded the law enforcement agents and Citizens that Article 21 of the ICCPR and the ACHPR guarantee the right to a peaceful Assembly without restrictions.
The learned Silk emphasized that Citizens do not require police permits to hold peaceful protests, notification to law enforcement about planned assemblies does not equate to seeking permission but serves as an avenue for ensuring safety and orderly conduct of protests and assemblies.
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Headline
Electricity: Peter Obi blasts Tinubu over failed promises
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu over what he described as failed campaign promises, especially on electricity.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi reminded Nigerians of when Tinubu said they should not vote for him for a second term if he failed to provide steady electricity.
Obi said that thirty two months after taking office, instead of living by his powerful words, Tinubu has now abandoned the national grid, which has been performing abysmally under his watch.
According to him, Nigerians do not expect 100 percent fulfilment of promises, but they do expect 100 percent effort, accompanied by measurable improvements and clear explanations when gaps exist.
The former Anambra State governor added that leadership must serve the people, not isolate itself from their daily struggles.
The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, further stated that it is gross neglect and deeply worrisome when the seat of power abandons the national grid. He added that one would expect government institutions to lead efforts to strengthen and expand the grid so that other establishments, and ultimately citizens, can benefit.
He lamented that if those in authority disconnect themselves from the system, who then will connect the ordinary Nigerian to reliable power?
“Those were the powerful words then that inspired hope among Nigerians who longed for light in their homes, stability for their businesses, and growth for their nation.
“Yet, while Nigerians are still grappling with that unfulfilled categorical electoral promise, and without clear communication on the obstacles, if any, we read of a provision in the 2025 budget of about ₦10 billion for solar power at Aso Rock, and in the 2026 budget another humongous amount for upgrade and maintenance. Now we are being sarcastically told that the Presidential Villa has planned to be disconnected from the national grid to rely entirely on solar.
“Promoting renewable energy, as solar systems do, is commendable and necessary for the future.
“However, this situation reflects a deeper concern: governance lacking compassion and commitment to the governed. You cannot tell the people to fast while feasting yourself, securing yourself while Nigerians remain unsecured,” he wrote
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Headline
NSF: Abiodun approves over ₦450m cash rewards for Team Ogun medalists, coaches
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has approved cash rewards totalling over ₦450 million for athletes and officials of Team Ogun following the state’s performance at the just-concluded National Sports Festival.
The governor announced the approval on Monday in Abeokuta during a ceremony held in honour of the medalists, noting that the state finished second overall with 239 medals — its best outing in the history of the festival.
In a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, Abiodun described the achievement as a testament to the steady growth of sports development in the state, stressing that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence.
He disclosed that all training allowances, participation allowances and contractual fees owed to athletes and officials had been fully settled.
Abiodun added that “the immediate cash rewards earlier promised during his visit to the athletes’ camp were fulfilled, including ₦50,000 paid to every qualified athlete and instant bonuses for medal winners before the festival’s closing ceremony”
The governor also announced what he described as “a historic reward package for medalists: ₦2.5 million each for 93 gold medalists, ₦1.5 million each for 61 silver medalists, and ₦1 million each for 81 bronze medalists”.
He said additional provisions were approved for athletes in team sports to acknowledge their collective contributions.
He said, “The gesture is aimed at motivating athletes and encouraging young people across the state to embrace sports as a viable career path.”
Abiodun reportedly further approved “special financial support for technical officials, announcing ₦10 million for coaches through the Director of Coaching and ₦14.8 million for participating officials via the Director of Administration and Supply”.
He commended their discipline, mentorship and professionalism, describing them as key drivers of Team Ogun’s success.
The governor highlighted what he called the transformation of the sports sector in Ogun State, citing the hosting of international competitions, improved infrastructure, and greater utilisation of facilities by national teams and leagues.
He appreciated sports administrators, private sector partners and other stakeholders for supporting the growth of sports in the state.
Looking ahead to the next festival in Enugu, Abiodun urged athletes to remain focused and encouraged aspiring talents to participate in open trials and development programmes.
He congratulated Team Ogun for making the state proud and reaffirmed his administration’s continued investment in sports development.
The latest approval comes months after some athletes who represented the state at the festival staged a protest during the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, alleging non-payment of earlier promised rewards.
The athletes, who gathered at the arcade ground of the Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, said the government had failed to fulfil its pledge eight months after the competition.
One of them, a wrestler, Kehinde Paul, had appealed to the governor to redeem the promise, saying many of the athletes depended on the incentives for their livelihoods.
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Headline
Threats won’t stop Nigerians from voting Tinubu out – ADC tells Wike
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported declaration of war against anti-Tinubu candidates ahead of the February 21, 2026 elections.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Monday, the party described the comment as irresponsible and dangerous.
According to the statement, it would not stop Nigerians from deciding who to vote.
The ADC said the minister’s remarks were troubling, especially at a time when the country is facing economic hardship, insecurity and political tension.
“We consider the Minister’s declaration of war against so-called anti-Tinubu candidates not only irresponsible, but dangerous in the current fragile atmosphere of our nation. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and deep political distrust, the last thing the country needs is inflammatory rhetoric from those entrusted with public office.
“Nigeria must not be turned into a ground for settling political scores; it is a constitutional democracy. Power ultimately belongs to the people, not to any President, any Minister, or anyone who wrongly assumes that holding public office means owning the country,” the statement warned.
The party said it was reminding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nyesom Wike and other officials of the administration that Nigerians cannot be bullied or pressured.
It added that any attempt to threaten or force voters into submission only shows fear and exposes what it described as growing anxiety within Wike, Tinubu and the APC over their level of public support, as well as a widening disconnect between the government and many citizens.
“If Wike, the APC and its leaders are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate.
“The ADC will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate our democracy. Any attempt, overt or covert, to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal. We are prepared to mobilize democratic institutions, civil society partners, and the Nigerian people themselves in defense of the sanctity of the ballot,” the statement added.
“If they are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate,” the ADC said.
The party also vowed to resist any attempt to interfere with the outcome of the election.
“Any attempt, overt or covert, to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal,” the statement read.
The ADC insisted that no declaration of war or political pressure would override the voice of the electorate in the February 21 polls.
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