A few hours to the August 1-10, 2024, nationwide hunger protests in the country, a Kwara State High Court has restricted protesters to the Ilorin Metropolitan square in the state capital.

Granting an ex parte order on Wednesday, the court said it agreed with the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman that such a protest could degenerate into violence if the protesters were allowed to do as they wished.

The respondents in the case are the Director State Security Service, Kwara State, Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Take-It-Back Movement, Mr. Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed and unknown persons.

“After listening to Ibrahim Sulyman Esq., Attorney General of Kwara State, the applicant herein and after a careful perusal of the 5-paragraph affidavit, as well as the written address in support of the motion ex-parte, the following orders are hereby granted:

“An order of interim injunction restraining the 4th-6th respondents whether by themselves, agents, privies, servants or any other person(s) acting through them to converge, carry, conduct any act or form of their proposed peaceful public protest, rallies, processions and or meetings in any other place other than Metropolitan Square/Asa Dam Road, Kwara State in the interest of the general public for a period of 7 days, effective from the 1st August, 2024.

“It is also ordered that the 1st-3rd respondents are directed to provide adequate security for the protection of lives and properties of all citizens and residents of Kwara State, as well as the infrastructure provided by the Kwara State Government against the 4th-6th respondents’ act, protest, or any form of protest for a period of 7days effective from the 1st August, 2024 or any other day pending the determination of the motion on notice.

“It is also ordered that all the court processes filed in respect of this suit be served on the 4th-6th respondents by pasting same at the High Court of Justice premises,” the order read.

The court adjourned further hearings in the case to 14th of August, 2024, according to a statement by the press secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Adesikeola Ajiboye in Ilorin on Wednesday.

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, the Organised Civil Society has issued guidelines to protesters to ensure the success of the protest against hunger and hardship in the country.

The guidelines, according to a statement signed by the Head, Coordinating Secretariat of the United Action Front of Civil Society, Olawale Okunniyi on Wednesday, followed a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The group urged protesters to be civil and orderly, and not allow anyone to provoke or distract them, from the agenda of the protest. They also urged protesters to record with their phones in the event of any external aggression and send such recordings to the Civil Society Situation Room on Protests Ethics Monitoring.

Okunniyi also implored protesters not to go to the venues of the protests with sharp objects or weapons as any such person will be handed over to security agents.

The statement read in part, “Citizens participating in the protest rallies and processions are advised to be civil, orderly and focused and not allow anybody or forces to provoke or distract them from the agenda and goal of the protest, which is to compel government to end Hunger and Hardships in the country

“Protesters should endeavour to come out with their small pack of bottle of water and snacks if possible and should be smartly dressed. Protesters are advised not to come to protest ground with sharp, hard and violent objects or weapons as anybody seen with such objects and weapons shall be apprehended and handed over to security agents or protest monitoring team for prosecution.

“For help and support during the nationwide protests, citizens are enjoined to contact protest monitors at the situation room of the organised Civil Society via WhatsApp of the following hotlines: +23481-884-51511, +234 814 286 4904,+234 703 504 6101, +234 803 582 3617. Please note that the above hotlines are for WhatsApp messages only”.

The group also urged the government and its agents to “demobilise and caution those being recruited to threaten and intimidate peaceful Protesters to desist to avoid unnecessary clash and battle in the interest of peace and stability of Nigeria.”

He added that any such sponsored mobilisation against the protesters will “may lead to another unwanted riot in the mode of #EndSars debacle in Nigeria.”

The first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to be patient with the present administration as it works earnestly to ensure that things get better.

The first lady gave the advice in the State House on Wednesday during an interview with journalists on the planned nationwide hunger protest by some youths.

“I appeal to the youths to be patient, we did not come to the state house to play, we are here to work because I know we will leave this place one day.

“The government has been working day and night to make sure that our country is put back on its feet.

“The respect we have now as Nigerians in the international community is higher than what we had in the past.

“People now want to do business with Nigerians legitimately and that will create jobs. Therefore, our youths should try and engage themselves, be creative and do more,” she said

The first lady said Lagos state was yet to recover from the impact of #EndSars protest, and it saddened the hearts.

“When people beat drums for protest, they may not know the backlash and what will happen after.

“That is why we are appealing to the youths to restrain from the planned protest, give peace a chance and embrace dialogue,” she said

(NAN)

..cites hoodlums’ plan to attack markets

Bashar Binji, the convener of a planned nationwide protest in Sokoto, announced the cancellation of the protest on Tuesday.

Mr Binji cited an alleged plot by hoodlums to attack markets in the state as the reason for their decision.

Addressing journalists in Sokoto, Mr Binji stated that credible intelligence reports had uncovered plans by hoodlums to exploit the gathering and attack some markets within the state’s metropolis.

While acknowledging the constructive intent behind the peaceful protest, Binji emphasised that the complex and sensitive environment could lead to unintended and potentially destabilising consequences.

“The chairman of the Sokoto Marketers Association, Abubakar Sarkin-Gishiri, reported the hoodlums’ planned attack to the Department of State Services, and it was confirmed.

“Moreover, there is another security report indicating that another group has perfected plans to attack banks and other government properties. As responsible citizens, we do not want to give them that opportunity.

”We have therefore resolved to withdraw from the planned protest for the safety of all the residents and their properties,” Mr Binji explained.

Mr Binji appreciated the security agencies’ commitment to safeguarding the state. He assured that the group would explore other ways to express their grievances to the government.

“We appeal to the people to support us and shun any actions that could breach the peace of the state,” Mr Binji said.

(NAN)

Popular rights activist and co-convener of BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, advocacy group, Aisha Yesufu, has called for the impeachment of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Yesufu said senators would not encounter any resistance if they opted to impeach Akpabio.

Posting on X, Yesufu wrote: “Dear Senators. It is time to impeach Godswill Akpabio. It is still one of you that will replace him as Senate President.

“You will not encounter any resistance. Propaganda cannot work on people that are hungry. The growling of their stomach will drown out the noise and they won’t be able to hear the propaganda.”

Her remark came after Akpabio mocked Nigerians planning to hit the streets on August 1 to protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Senate President had urged aggrieved Nigerians willing to protest to go ahead, saying “but let us be there eating.”

Noting that all Nigerians are feeling the impact of the hardship in the country, Akpabio assured that the situation would last only for a short time.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has thrown his weight behind the #EndBadGovernance protest over the heightened cost of living crisis under President Bola Tinubu’s watch, adding that he is ready to join the protests because it is the democratic right of citizens.

“For us, protest is a democratic right of every citizen. I want the protesters to carry out their procession with caution, as some criminal elements plan to hijack the protest,” Mr Yusuf said.

He added, “If you embark on a peaceful procession, I will receive you, and if you wish, I’ll join you. “

Mr Yusuf’s statement comes on the eve of nationwide protests over economic hardships exacerbated by soaring food prices under Mr Tinubu’s government.

Though Mr Tinubu’s government has begged that the protest be shelved, Nigerians have vowed to hit the streets across the country to vent their displeasure over the prevailing cost of living crisis.

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has called on security agencies to protect protesters during the planned nationwide demonstration.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dauda Garuba, director of CDD West Africa, said the federal government should respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest.

Garuba said every democratic state must have mechanisms to accept criticism or complaints by the citizens.

He expressed concern that the government and political leaders have attempted to discourage peaceful protest by associating the movement with negative connotations.

“This think tank calls on the Nigerian government to respect citizens’ right to peaceful assembly,” the statement reads.

“By upholding citizens’ right to protest, the government can ensure a peaceful two-way exchange by listening to the voices of and feedback from citizens.

“There can be no mistaking the fact that every democratic state must have the mechanisms to take criticism or complaints from its citizens.

“It is why avenues, such as peaceful protests, are important to ensure that the government is made aware of the considerable concerns that citizens have about the country.”

He said protest is a “legitimate and democratic” right of citizens, adding that “it is one of the vital mechanisms for expressing dissent, voicing concerns, and advocating for change”.

“In an ideal democratic setting, the voices of the people should be heard, and their grievances must be subsequently addressed,” he said.

“It is disheartening to see many leaders seeking to further shrink the civic space by calling on young Nigerians not to make their voices heard.

“This approach of demonising protests undermines the constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful assembly and could lead to increased civic disengagement and increasing citizen apathy.

“It is the absence of a strong two-way exchange, between leaders and citizens, that leads to a breakdown in law and order.

“The Nigerian state therefore has a responsibility, as the region’s largest democracy and the current chair of the regional bloc, to set an example of robust dialogue and peaceful citizen engagement.”

The CDD director called on leaders of different activist groups leading the protest to ensure that the demonstration is carefully planned and coordinated.

He urged security agencies to prevent any form of disruption during the protest.

In a reflection shared three years ago, veteran Nigerian singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu revealed her wishes for how she would like to be remembered and buried.

The iconic artiste, known for her powerful voice and activism, was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.

“Do it quickly, quietly and privately,” Onwenu wrote in an opinion piece on Premium Times in 2021, emphasising that her burial should be devoid of unnecessary fanfare.

She urged her loved ones to “mourn, yes but not excessively,” and to instead focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments.

“Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh.

“Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me Onyeka Onwenu,” she said.

In her statement, Onwenu also touched on broader cultural practices, condemning the lavish display of wealth often seen at Nigerian burials.

She contrasted her own wishes with the extravagant funeral of Obi Cubana’s mother, which sparked widespread debate across the country.

“I am very uncomfortable with the lavish display of wealth on any occasion, especially in a time of hardship and lack for most others,” she remarked, calling for more modest and meaningful ways to honour the deceased.

Onwenu has had a multifaceted career, working in music, film, advocacy, journalism and politics.

She has held various roles, including chairing the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and judging on the X Factor series.

Her music and writings have been widely recognised, with notable songs including ‘One Love’ and ‘You and I’. She is also the author of the book ‘My Father’s Daughter,’ an autobiography

Twenty-four hours before the planned 10-day hunger protest, the Federal Government took some proactive steps to quell the demonstration.

Recall that recently, a group, the Take It Back movement called for a nationwide protest against hunger and bad governance in the country.

The group tagged the protest, “Days of Rage” which it said would hold nationwide from August 1 to 10.

However, there have been calls from top government personalities, groups, and religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria (Lagos chapter), and the Muslim Rights Concern, citing a palpable fear that it might be hijacked by infiltrators who do not mean well for the country.

Even the former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, warned organisers of the protest to desist from coming to Niger Delta.

Dokubo-Asari said the agenda of those behind the protest do not capture the problems of the people of the Niger Delta.

While daring them to come to the oil and gas-rich region, he said they would be resisted, alleging that they were merely interested in the resources coming from the Niger Delta, describing them as ‘anarchist.

Additionally, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.

He stated this was to ensure the protest remains peaceful.

Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.

“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide the necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.”

Although the protest, which has gained traction on social media, has been endorsed by presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

Going forward, this report by PUNCH Online highlights the major steps the Federal Government has taken to stop the protest from being held, as they considered the demonstration unnecessary while demanding time for President Tinubu to govern.

1. Tinubu created centres across the country where Nigerians can purchase a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000.

The FG said it was one of the several initiatives by the Tinubu administration to ease living conditions for citizens.

2. Tinubu directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to sell crude to the Dangote refinery and other upcoming refineries in naira.

The approval given by Tinubu for the sale of crude oil to the Dangote Petroleum refinery in naira is going to force the prices of domestically refined petroleum products to crash, oil marketers, refiners, and experts stated.

Operators in the downstream oil sector commended the move by the President, stating that it would boost the outputs of domestic refineries, shore up the country’s foreign exchange reserves, and strengthen the naira.

3. He met with governors from the All Progressives Congress, under the aegis of the Progressives Governors Forum at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to discuss the growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship.

4. Although Tinubu had earlier announced that he may stop the importation of import duties on food and essential commodities, Tinubu suspended import duties to cushion the effect of the inflationary trend in Nigeria. On Monday, he removed the duties on the food importation.

5. The President held emergency meetings with 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 protest, slated for August 1 to 10, is averted nationwide.

6. FG unveiled the Youth Internship Scheme initiated by the NDDC for 10,000 youths of the Niger Delta region and approved N50,000 monthly stipends for them.

7. The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed telecommunications operators to immediately restore all blocked phone lines due to the non-linkage of National Identification Numbers to SIM cards.

This directive was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

The telecom industry regulator explained that this directive was in response to the widespread disruption caused by the blockages and to prioritise consumer convenience.

8. President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law.

The brief ceremony was witnessed by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvberem, who represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

It came nearly two weeks after President Bola Tinubu and the organised labour unions—comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria—agreed on N70,000 as the new minimum wage.

Police operatives in Zamfara State have arrested a lawmaker in the state House of Assembly, a District Head and a former local government chairman over alleged kidnapping and banditry in the state.

A BBC Hausa report monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna, alleged that Aminu Ibrahim, who represents Kaura Namoda state constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, was nabbed by the police for complicity in banditry and kidnapping.

My greatest challenge Is creating opportunities to show that arts can be commercialised in many....0:00 / 1:07

Aminu Ibrahim was allegely involved in the abduction of Ibrahim Fada in Kasuwar Daji village, a man said to be about 80 years old.

The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Dalijan, has confirmed the lawmaker’s arrest, adding that the District Head of Kaura Namoda, Jafaru Kumburki and a former Chairman of Kaura Namoda LGA, Nasiru Muhammad, are also cooling their heads in police custody due to similar charges.

He said: “Three District Heads of Danjibga, Bukkuyum and Unguwar Gyauro in Tsafe and Bukkuyum LGAs, are also under investigation for alleged involvement in kidnapping and banditry.”

He said the District Head of Kaura Namoda connived with two suspected associates of bandits and kidnapped nine locals in Gidan Sambo village of Kaura Namoda LGA, and were paid a ransom of N800,000.

He explained that the former council boss collaborated with two others and abducted Ango in Kumurya community of Zamfara State.

He said: “The District Heads of Danjibga, Unguwar Gyauro and Bukkuyum will face an investigative panel set up by the state government over their involvement in banditry activities.

“Prior to the formation of the panel, the police had conducted an investigation into the matter and submitted report to the state governor for further action. Police authorities will continue to identify, arrest and subsequently prosecute anybody found participating in banditry and other related crimes.

“Investigation is still ongoing and I can assure you that whoever is found directly or indirectly involved in this case will be invited for questioning.”