The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, has appealed to Nigerians to suspend the nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Audu made the appeal in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lizzy Okoji, on Friday in Abuja.

The minister assured Nigerians protesting against rising economic hardship that Tinubu is working assiduously to fix the current challenges in the country.

He highlighted the achievements of the current administration and assured that Nigerians will get all their expectations of good governance before 2027.

Audu reiterated that the government is working tirelessly to revive the country’s steel plants, nothing that the Tinubu administration is targeting the creation of 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in the sector.

“I want to appeal to my fellow Nigerians to please suspend the nationwide protests against the current administration and let us resort to dialogue to address all our concerns and expectations from the President Tinubu-led administration.

“Mr President has shown countless times his concern for the plight of Nigerians, with the recent implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for workers, driving the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative with CNG vehicles to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy which will reduce the cost of transportation by at least 70 per cent.

“Responsive to the challenges of the masses in the face of the ongoing reforms, President Tinubu directed the disbursement of N50,000 uplift grants each to over 100,000 families per state for three months thereby impacting close to 5 million families nationwide.

“My colleague, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, under the direction of Mr President, has assured Nigerians that food prices will crash in 180 days, with strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting the nation being implemented. 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize are being imported, and these semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

“Additionally, strengthening the health sector, Mr President has directed the redesign of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which attracted 2.5 dollars in financing for the National Primary Health Care so that citizens could have access to better healthcare.

“I and my colleagues at the Cabinet level, under the visionary leadership of Mr President across all sectors, have been working relentlessly to implement various policies within our respective mandates for the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda to facilitate a better Nigeria for all. Many of these projects have already come to light.

“In the steel sector, the ongoing reforms to revive our steel plants will create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, while we attract Foreign Direct Investments as a means of growing and diversifying the economy,” Audu stated.

This comes as the ongoing hunger protests entered day two on Friday.

The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday said several persons died as the protests turned bloody in some states.

Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), says the military will intervene if the ongoing nationwide #EndbadGovernance protests persist violently.

Musa spoke in reaction to the vandalisation and looting of properties that characterised the protest in many parts of the country on Thursday.

In Kano, protesters looted the newly built Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, setting parts of it ablaze.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre was scheduled for commissioning next week.

Some youths were seen making away with desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other appliances from the centre.

The protest, which has also turned ugly in Yobe, Lagos, Borno, Gombe, and Abuja, has left at least 14 people reported dead.

Organisers have labelled the nationwide demonstrations as ’10 Days of Rage’ and #EndBadGovernance.

In a press conference on Friday, Musa urged protesters to recognise that destruction is counterproductive and would only set the nation aback.

“We should realise that these destructions and monies have to be used—mmonies for development will have to be used to develop these things so we can move forward, and so instead of doing that, we should come together to make sure nothing is destroyed,” the CDS said.

“The statement has already been passed to the local, state, and federal governments.”

Musa commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its attempt to establish order but added that the military would be forced to step in if the violence persists.

“We want to warn those that are recalcitrant, those that don’t want to listen, that we will not fold our hands and see our country destroyed,” the CDS said.

“We will take action, and the action that we’ll take will be professional. Anyone who is caught will be taken to the courts to be dealt with.

“Let us avoid anything that will bring mayhem within our communities.

“We have seen the level of destruction that has been carried out just yesterday, and so you can imagine if this continues for so long. The armed forces and the entire military security agencies will not stand by and see that to continue.”

The military chief also asked the media to lessen coverage of the protests, saying some protesters are only looking for screen time.

“I noticed throughout yesterday all the stations were hooked up on the occasion. This is not election, don’t give them that coverage because some of them are just looking for moments of being on the screen,” he said.

Musa appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government, saying policies have been enacted and actions have been taken to ensure there is relief from the economic hardship.

Armed security operatives, on Friday, fired teargas canisters at protesters marching to Eagle Square from MKO Abiola National Stadium at the Central Business District junction near the United Nations building.

According to Vanguard, one protester was feared shot dead while trying to escape.

The protesters, who began their march at 12:39 pm, regrouped at the MKO Abiola National Stadium by 1:50 pm, engaging security forces in a shouting match.

They warned against the use of brute force to stop the protest, demanding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu address their grievances.

The protesters are calling for the return of fuel subsidies to reduce petrol prices and an end to corruption in the subsidy regime.

They chanted slogans like “End Bad Government” and “Bring back Subsidy” as they marched.

The protesters had earlier converged on different parts of Abuja, including the Berger Roundabout in Wuse Zone 6, as early as 9:06 am, before marching to the MKO Abiola Stadium.

A helicopter was spotted flying over the stadium as protesters gathered, adding to the tense atmosphere.

Security forces, including personnel from the Army Headquarters Garrison Command, NSCDC, and DSS, are on the scene, with FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, visiting the area earlier.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said he is happy that people of South-East did not join the hunger protest going on across the country.

Hope Uzodimma said the decision not to join the ‘EndBadGovernanceinNigeria’ protest showed wisdom.

He added that residents of the region recognized the danger that hoodlums would hijack the protest.

In a statement on Friday, Governor Uzodimma explained that while peaceful protest is a right of the citizens, President Bola Tinubu has shown commitment to addressing the challenges facing the country.

He further alleged that the hunger protest was sponsored by politicians who contributed to the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum said, “I commend our people of the South Eastern region for heeding our appeal not to join the nationwide protest. Your wisdom in recognizing the potential danger of hijackers targeting peaceful demonstrators is truly commendable. While peaceful protest is undoubtedly a right of the people, your decision to prioritize safety and stability showcases great prudence.

“It is unfortunate that those who contributed to our current economic challenges are now the ones sponsoring protests instead of working with FG for resolution. This reaction comes simply because we have a President who is courageous enough to dismantle the entrenched cabal exploiting our common resources.”

Uzodimma called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu. He appealed to the protesters to embrace dialogue.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown compassion and determination in addressing the inherited challenges. He deserves our unwavering support as he works towards a more prosperous future. Let us stand united in this mission with dialogue, which remains the best path to achieving our demands,” he added.

A viral video taken from the ongoing ‘End Bad Governance in Nigeria’ protest in Ojota, Lagos state showed a group of protesters being confronted by the Nigeria police.

In the video, the heavily armed police officers used themselves to make a barricade on the road to stop the group of protesters from moving beyond where they were.

One of the protesters could be heard calmly addressing the officers, telling them that the ongoing protest was also for their advantage, while reminding them that they weren’t supposed to be at a location of a peaceful protest based on the oat they took before joining the force.

The protester continued to urge the policemen not to use force on them because the protest could lead to the officers having a better working environment including better salary structure.

He also told them that the police ought to be earning as high as one million naira and earn better than national assembly members.

After the speech of the unnamed protester, the policemen quietly left the road and allowed the protesters to go on with their protest.

The joyous protesters were very satisfied that the policemen co-operated with them and showed their appreciation to the officers by offering prayers to them.

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has refuted the claim made by ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, about informing him (Saraki) before withdrawing for former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2022 presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, held inside the velodrome of the National Stadium in, Abuja.

Tambuwal had made the claim in an interview on the Arise TV programme titled ‘Untold Stories With Adesuwa’.

However, in a statement by his Media Office signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki stated that Tambuwal never informed him that he would withdraw for Atiku.

Saraki said Tambuwal took him by surprise at the PDP presidential convention when he returned to the podium to announce his withdrawal after he had addressed the delegates seeking their votes to fly the PDP presidential flag in the 2023 general elections.

He added that Tambuwal should take responsibility for his decision and actions, noting that he had nothing to do with the former Governor’s withdrawal for Atiku.

The statement reads: “I need to set the record straight. When I saw Tambuwal returning to the podium after he had earlier addressed the delegates to canvass for their votes, I wondered what was happening. His announcement that he had withdrawn from the race and that the delegates who were supporting him should vote for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar took me by surprise.

“Tambuwal is my friend but he should take responsibility for his decisions and actions. He never discussed withdrawal from the race with me. I never contemplated withdrawing my candidature from the race and had nothing to do with the decision process that led to his withdrawal in favour of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.”

THE Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, led by the South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark has hailed the people of the Niger Delta region, especially leaders of ethnic youth organizations, community-based and civil society groups, as well as activists, ex-agitators, and youths in general, for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta region during the nationwide protests.

A statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ken Robinson, PANDEF said, “The leadership of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, commends the people of the Niger Delta region, especially leaders of ethnic youth organizations, community-based and civil society groups, as well as activists, ex-agitators, and youths in general, for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta region in the face of the nationwide protests.

“In light of reports of looting, destruction, and loss of lives in some parts of the country, PANDEF urges the protesters in some states of the region to end their protests to prevent criminal elements from hijacking the process and causing disruptions to the relative peace in the region.

“It is important to note that the point has already been made. YOUR VOICE HAS BEEN HEARD!

“We call on the government at all levels to take necessary and urgent steps to address the difficulties citizens are facing.”

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has charged President Bola Tinubu to listen to Nigerians who have taken to the streets to protest the current hardship in the country.

Nigerians had set August 1 as the date to commence protest against bad governance and hardship and the first day was deemed successful. Some lives and properties were, however, lost and destroyed in the process.

Atiku took to his verified Facebook page on Friday to commend the protesters and charge Tinubu’s government on the way forward.

He wrote, “To the government, I admonish you to heed the voices of the people and come down from your high horses. It is time to demonstrate a sincere commitment to addressing the demands of the protesters. The nation cannot afford further days of unrest; let this be the moment where leadership listens and acts with integrity and urgency.

“The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy. These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation.

“For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace and must be commended for their restraint and dedication. However, in some isolated instances, there have been reports of violence, leading to regrettable clashes and brutalities by the police.

“I urge the protesters to maintain their peaceful stance and call on more Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the #EndBadGovernance peaceful protest. This is a pivotal moment for our collective voice to be heard, and it must be done with dignity and respect for the law.

“The police must refrain from the molestation of journalists who are merely reporting the protest. It is imperative that security agencies exercise restraint while enforcing law and order,” he added.

“Security agencies are encouraged to identify and isolate the minority elements who are resorting to violence and looting, ensuring that the actions of a few do not tarnish the majority of peaceful protesters,” he concluded.

...advise Tinubu to address issues

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’adu Abubakar III, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Friday called on the Nigerian youths to put an end to the ongoing nationwide protest.

The two religious leaders made the call in a statement they jointly signed with the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua.

Yesterday, the Sultan appealed to protesters and the conveners of the protests to sheath their swords and come to the dialogue table.

“With the ongoing protests in Nigeria and the information reaching His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI, he once again appeals to the protest conveners, their covert and overt benefactors, as well as  other critical stakeholders to sheath their swords and urgently come to the table for dialogue.

“We genuinely feared escalation to an uncontrollable scenario and the reports are tilting towards that.

“Therefore, we in the name of Allah, the Most High call for an end to the snowballing rampaging, in the name of protest.

“We should all understand that there must be a stable country called Nigeria, before we can proudly call ourselves Nigerians.

“With tomorrow being Friday, Jumu’ah mosque Imams and Muslim leaders are implored to calm nerves and call on the Ummah to appreciate peace than chaotic state of affairs, which may even deny us congregational prayers…..

“Nevertheless, the Sultan of Sokoto, implores the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria to address the nation, by assuring all Nigerians that peace, security, stability, relief to hardship and food security would be achieved under his stewardship, in-sha’Allah.

“Likewise, State Governors should also calm nerves, as silence is no longer golden at this moment of anxiety.

“In this time of challenge, we pray for guidance, protection, good health, and peace for all leaders, and for tranquility to prevail in Nigeria.

“May Allah, the Highest, also provide the quickest relief to all problems bedeviling the Nigerian state. Aamin.”

Fast forward to today, Sultan and Archbishop Daniel Okoh, opined: “The NIREC observes with heavy heart the happenings in the country at the moment. The protest that commenced in a peaceful manner on Thursday, August 1, 2024 despite pleas from all quarters, took a turn for the worse and became violent later in the day.

“In just a few hours lives and property were lost due to this unfortunate scenario,” the statement read. “NIREC hereby calls on fellow citizens of Nigeria to please call off this protest and give the government a chance to redeem itself.

“In just one day lives and enormous amount of property have been destroyed. Imagine if this continues for a prolonged period of time, only God knows the extent of damage that would be incurred,” the council said.

It also urged the security agencies to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.

NIREC urged the government to expedite action towards meeting the yearnings and needs of the citizens.

“We need a peaceful and tranquil nation we can be proud to call our own,” NIREC said.