The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the House of Representative election for Dekina/Bassa in Kogi State, Usman Okai Austin, has submitted that the silence of President Bola Tinubu is part of what is fuelling the #EndBadGovernance protest.

According to him, those advising the President not to address Nigerians are not doing him any favour.

Austin made the submission in a post via his account on the X platform, while reacting to the protest against hardship and harsh government policies in Nigeria.

The former candidate said the protests were a signal of the people’s desire for change, and a direct address from the President would go a long way in reassuring the people.

He added that every minute of silence from President Tinubu is fueling the unrest.

The post tagged: “When Not To Keep Quiet,” reads: “Many Nigerians were expecting a presidential address yesterday to ease the growing tensions and unrest across the country.

“However, the absence of a powerful broadcast from the President has left citizens feeling disappointed and concerned.

“Whoever is advising President Bola Tinubu against addressing Nigerians is not doing him a Favour.

“This #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest will linger on. In times of crisis, a leader’s words can go a long way in calming nerves and inspiring hope. Unfortunately, the President’s silence has only added to the anxiety and frustration felt by many.

“The ongoing protests and demonstrations are a clear indication of the people’s desire for change and better governance.

“A presidential address could have been a crucial opportunity to acknowledge the grievances, offer reassurance, and outline concrete steps towards addressing the issues.

“The clock is ticking, and the nation waits with bated breath for a word from its leader. Will the President seize the moment and address the nation, or will the silence continue, fueling more uncertainty and unrest? Only time will tell.”

Recall that some Nigerians took to the streets on Thursday in protest against the economic hardship in the country, which is said to have been caused by the decision of President Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy and float the naira, thereby resulting in rising cost of items.

The Kano police command has announced the arrest of 269 individuals suspected of looting during the #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.

Naija News reports that Nigerians stormed major streets on Thursday to protest the economic hardship and food scarcity.

However, the supposed peaceful protest turned violent in some places, with security operatives teargassing protesters.

According to a Facebook update by the Kano police command, the suspects were involved in an attack on a supermarket in the Nassarawa Quarters.

“At approximately 10:00 am today, groups of hoodlums, under the guise of participating in the nationwide protest, launched attacks on several establishments in Kano state,” stated the police.

The police noted that these events disturbed public peace and safety, prompting swift action by the Kano State police command.

“In a swift and efficient response to these criminal activities, a total of 269 suspects responsible for destruction, looting, and instigating chaos under the guise of the nationwide hunger protest were arrested.

“These incidents have disrupted public order and safety, necessitating immediate action by the Kano state police command.

“Arson at NCC office: Multiple motor vehicles at the NCC office, Audu Bako secretariat, along Government House Kano, were set ablaze.

“The fire has since been brought under control through swift intervention.”

The police command reported the recovery of an AK-47 rifle near the Kano high court and seized a large amount of stolen goods from the suspects.

In response to the unrest, Kano Governor Abba Yusuf has imposed a 24-hour curfew to ensure the safety of the state’s residents.

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, has revealed that more than 30 million phone lines are at risk of disconnection due to improper linkage with a National Identification Number (NIN).

These lines are primarily associated with devices like car trackers, MiFi units, WiFi devices, and Point of Sale (POS) machines.

“The numbers are staggering. We are looking at potentially over 30 million SIM cards, including those in various digital devices, that have not been properly linked to the NIN. Many of these SIMs are in car trackers, POS machines, MiFis, WiFis, and many other devices that use SIMs to operate,” Adebayo stated during an interview with News Central, as reported on Thursday.

This situation follows recent disruptions caused by the blocking of lines not connected to their NINs.

Naija News recalls that last weekend, telecommunications companies began disconnecting lines not linked with NINs, just ahead of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s July 31, 2024 deadline.

Ever since February 2024, telecom operators have been gradually disconnecting lines, adhering to an NCC directive. At the end of 2023, the regulator instructed telcos to disconnect unlinked lines in phases, concluding on July 31, 2024.

Adebayo explained that these disconnections resulted from discrepancies between telecom operators’ records and the National Identity Management Commission’s data.

“There are cases where individuals provided their NINs, but the information did not align with our records,” he said. “These discrepancies need to be resolved at service centers for proper verification.”

Adebayo clarified that the timing of the disconnections coincided with national protests but was unrelated, as the disconnection process had started earlier.

“Unfortunately, the disconnection coincided with the planned protests, but it had nothing to do with stifling communication.

“We are guided by our social contract with subscribers and provide services on a non-discriminatory basis,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of accurate data for building a reliable national database, urging individuals to provide truthful and consistent information during registration to prevent future issues.

“To have a reliable and equipped national database, all of us must contribute accurate information,” Adebayo urged.

“This database can only be as reliable as the information provided by the public.

“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend… Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM,” he added

Nigerian singer, Paul Nonso Okoye, better known as Rudeboy, has confirmed the split of their music group, Psquare, for the second time.

Naija News recalls that the duo, which consists of Paul and his twin brother, Peter Okoye, popularly known Mr P, first split in 2016 but reunited in 2021.

In June, Nigerian celebrity journalist, Stella Dimokokorkus, said the twin brothers are at war over joint funds being allegedly diverted by their elder brother cum music executive, Jude Okoye.

In a recent interview with City FM, Lagos, Rudeboy confirmed that the group has broken up again, stating that the plan to produce hit albums together will no longer happen.

Rude Boy claimed that he was wrongly accused of saying that he is the music group singer while Peter is the dancer, and the issue hurt his brother.

The singer said Peter told him to his face that he was no longer interested in the music group and was not ready to make the issue public.

He said, “The plan of our coming back together was going to produce a lot of hit albums. But as it is now, I’m just focusing on Rudeboy. Trust me, it is not everything that I would want to say.

“I was being accused of saying that he [Peter] was the dancer and I’m the singer. I know whenever we go to the airport, people ask are you a singer or a dancer? I didn’t know it was touching him. But I know there was a time we came together and said, ‘don’t allow this thing get to you, you should be proud of what you’re doing. That’s the role you’re playing.’

“We have a song we did with T.I, ‘Eja Jo’. That was when the issue started. Till today, that song is still on 3 million views because people didn’t hear the PSquare’s voice that they are used to.

“When we came back together, because I didn’t want the issues that happened before, I told my brother to show himself, let us be involved in the creative process together. I told him we should share who carries the tracks equally but still it wasn’t working.

“The new PSquare was peaceful. I needed the past mistakes not to repeat themselves. But then again he [Peter] said he’s no more doing [no longer interested]. In fact, he told me in the face that he wants to quit. I asked if we could make it public and he refused. But what will happen when I go solo? People will call me the bad person. That’s why I’m speaking up now.”

The Katsina State Police Command reported the arrest of more than fifty suspects linked to the looting and destruction of government and public properties during the #EndBadGovernanceProtest held in the state.

Naija News reports that Nigerians stormed major streets on Thursday to protest the economic hardship and food scarcity.

In a statement, Police Spokesman ASP Abubakar Sadiq emphasized that efforts are ongoing to capture individuals involved in the looting of both private and public properties.

The statement urged parents and guardians to advise their children and wards against engaging in illegal activities such as violent protests, vandalism, and looting.

The police also appealed to the youths to exercise restraint and resist being manipulated into committing acts of violence.

The statement highlighted that the police command, in coordination with other security agencies, will conduct regular patrols to enforce the curfew imposed across the state. It warned that anyone violating the curfew would face strict consequences.

The public was asked to cooperate with security forces and remain indoors during curfew hours. The statement called for collective efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.

Due to security concerns arising from the protests turning violent in certain areas, the Katsina State Police Command has begun enforcing a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA) and a 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew in the remaining LGAs. These measures aim to ensure public safety, prevent further violence, and maintain law and order.

The statement also addressed circulating rumors, denying that police used live ammunition on protesters, which allegedly resulted in fatalities.

It reassured the public that officers acted with restraint and professionalism, and there were no reports of casualties due to police actions at the time of reporting.

“Let’s work together to maintain peace and order in our state.

“Due to the current security concerns in light of the nationwide protests turning violent in some parts of the state, the Katsina State Police Command commenced enforcement of the Katsina State Government imposed 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA) and a 7:00 pm to 7:00 am curfew in the rest of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, effective immediately.

“The 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma LGA is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of public and private properties, while the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew in the rest of the state is aimed at preventing nocturnal criminal activities and maintaining law and order throughout the state.

“Additionally, we wish to debunk the circulating rumors and misinformation that police personnel shot live ammo at protesters, resulting in loss of lives.

“We assure the members of the public that our officers exercised the maximum level of restraint and professionalism in handling the violent protesters.

“There is no record of any fatalities resulting from police actions as of the time of these reports,” the statement partly read.

WhatsApp is considering suspending its services in Nigeria following a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for data privacy violations.

Sources close to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, suggest that they are evaluating the possibility of withdrawing some services from Nigeria due to increasing regulatory pressures.

In addition to the hefty fine, the FCCPC has instructed WhatsApp to stop sharing user data with other Facebook entities and third parties without explicit user consent.

The commission also demands that WhatsApp provide transparency about its data collection methods and improve user control over their data.

In an email to TechCabal, a WhatsApp spokesperson stated, “We want to be clear that, technically, based on the order, it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally.”

The spokesperson criticized the FCCPC’s order as misleading and said it misrepresents WhatsApp’s data practices, requiring significant alterations to the platform’s infrastructure.

While Meta has not specifically addressed the FCCPC’s concerns about user opt-out options following the 2021 privacy policy update, the company insists that this update does not entail sharing user data.

According to their privacy policy, Meta maintains, “While traditionally mobile carriers and operators store this information, we believe that keeping these records for two billion users would be both a privacy and security risk, and we don’t do it.”

A potential withdrawal of WhatsApp from Nigeria would have serious implications for individuals and small businesses that depend heavily on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook for customer interaction.

Some privacy attorneys have questioned the FCCPC’s application of the National Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) as the basis for the fine.

The NDPR, introduced by the National Information Technology Development Agency in 2019, serves as Nigeria’s main data protection framework.

Two anonymous lawyers have expressed skepticism about the NDPR’s legal weight in such a significant case, questioning whether a government regulation can be definitive in privacy matters.

Additionally, two unnamed government officials have raised concerns about the $220 million fine’s fairness. “We are too revenue-focused. What is the opportunity cost of $220 million in government coffers?” questioned an industry expert.

On Thursday morning, policemen tear-gassed defiant protesters at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.

These protesters carried placards expressing their dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, marching against hunger and hardship across Nigeria.

Protesters gathered at the Lekki Tollgate during the End Bad Governance protest on August 1, 2024.

Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters decried the hunger in the country and called for swift government action. “We just want the country to be stable. People are hungry. People are dying. We are not coming to fight; we only want the government to do something,” said one female protester.

Numerous security agents, including policemen, soldiers, officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, were present at the iconic tollgate.

They informed the mostly young demonstrators of a court order restricting their gathering to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu, both in Lagos mainland.

The youths who converged at the tollgate rejected the relocation to Lagos mainland and continued their demonstrations until they were dispersed by police teargas.

The nationwide protests against economic hardship began on August 1, 2024, and are scheduled to continue until August 10 across all states in the country.

In recent months, food and basic commodity prices have skyrocketed as Nigerians face one of the worst inflation rates and economic crises, exacerbated by the government’s petrol subsidy removal and forex unification policies.

Despite warnings from the police, military, and Department of State Services against Kenya-style protests, and politicians’ appeals for youths to cancel the planned rallies, the young people remain undeterred.

Nigeria’s Badminton star, Anuoluwapo Opeyori, crashed out of the 2024 Paris Olympics after losing his second consecutive match against China’s Li Shi Feng 2-0 in a Group N encounter.

Opeyori started his Olympics campaign on a sad note when he lost his first match against Switzerland’s Tobias Kuenzi 2-0 (20-22, 14-21)on Tuesday.

It was not a straightforward victory for Li Shi Feng as Opeyori gave him a tough run. The first set ended 21-17 in favour of the Chinese.

Opeyori bounced back in the second set with an impressive performance to lead 11-7 before Li Shi Feng fought back to win 21-17 to end his Olympics campaign in the first round.

He is Nigeria’s only representative in Badminton and his exit ends Nigeria’s chances of winning any medal in Badminton.

Opeyori is delighted with the opportunity to showcase his talent at the Olympics.

He said, “I am so impressed with my performance; I gave a good account of myself in the men’s singles playing against one of the best players in the world. The Olympics gave me an opportunity to get exposed properly and I am wishing myself all the best.”

Opeyori joins the table tennis quartet of Aruna Quadri, Fatimo Bello, Offiong Edem and Omotayo Olajide to crash out of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Popular singer, Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, has said his twin brother Peter Okoye, aka Mr P, was behind his recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In a recent interview with City FM, Lagos, Rudeboy said Mr P wrote a petition to the anti-graft agency to invite him over alleged fraudulent dealings.

He said that despite the EFCC clearing him of all allegations after a thorough investigation, his twin brother refused to apologise over the false accusations.

“This year, I was invited by the EFCC after they received a petition against me from my twin brother. I never thought it [our beef] would get to this extent. I thought it was just music,” he said.

“The next thing, people are asking me, ‘What do you do?’ Somebody said, ‘You’re going to go to jail for 20 years. They’re going to lock you up.’ I got to the EFCC office, they told me everything. They’ve already printed all my account statements. They asked me to explain every transaction.

“First of all, what entered my mind was, what if I was into fraud? That’s how my brother would have finished me? But I took it. Then they started the investigation. At a point, I was no longer comfortable with the kind of questions they were asking me. When I knew it was serious was when they asked me to get a lawyer and sureties. I did everything.

“One month ago, they called me, my twin brother and our elder brother [Jude Okoye], and said, ‘First of all, we have to say that after all investigations, Paul is innocent. Paul is cleared. Everything you accused him of, we’ve done our investigation and he’s innocent.’

“Despite the fact that I was proven innocent, my twin brother didn’t apologise for the false accusations,” he narrated.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, has lamented the destruction of a technology hub in Kano, just days before its scheduled launch.

The Digital Innovation Park, designed to support Nigeria’s technical talent accelerator program (3MTT), was reportedly set ablaze and looted during the protests on Thursday.

“Sad to learn that our Digital Innovation Park in Kano slated for launch next week to support our technical talent accelerator (3MTT) has been set ablaze and looted by protesters,” Tijani stated in a post via X on Thursday.

The incident occurred as part of wider unrest in Kano, where protesters targeted the yet-to-be-commissioned Nigeria Communication Commission Industrial Park.

Tijani highlighted the immediate impact of this destruction on planned initiatives.

“Alongside #3MTT, this building is set to host our buildathon holiday maker programme for secondary school kids starting next week,” he added.

The minister characterised the damage as a setback for the journey to deepening the workforce for technology and creating job opportunities for the youth.

“Millions of Naira down the drain,” Tijani said.