Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has expressed his disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent national address. In his response titled “My Response to the President’s Address” on his X handle, Obi stated that Tinubu’s speech failed to address the underlying issues that triggered the recent protests and appeared disconnected from the harsh realities faced by the people.

Obi highlighted his initial hesitation to respond immediately, fearing it might be seen as an attempt to influence public opinion. However, he felt compelled to speak out due to the address’s shortcomings. He thanked the President for eventually addressing the nation but criticised the lack of empathy for those injured, arrested, and detained during the protests due to overzealous security operatives.

In his response, Obi called for decisive action against those propagating ethnic intolerance and emphasised the need for regular updates from the President to restore hope and rebuild trust in the nation. He condemned the ethnic bigotry against certain groups and stressed the government’s duty to protect peaceful protesters.

Obi urged the President to address pressing issues such as the exorbitant cost of governance, measures to tackle corruption, the high cost of living, and directing resources effectively towards critical areas like health, education, and poverty alleviation. He concluded by calling for immediate and concrete measures to alleviate Nigerians’ suffering and set the country on a path to recovery.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been called upon to halt its alleged manipulative efforts and engage in meaningful dialogue. According to a statement from Edolites For Peace and Progress, led by Madam Adesua Odigie, the APC is accused of trying to politicize the ongoing hunger protests in Edo State, which address issues of poverty and hunger, in order to undermine the PDP-led government.

Madam Adesua Odigie stated, “We have observed that the APC is actively attempting to co-opt and manipulate the genuine grievances of the protesters.”

She criticized the APC for attempting to use the protests for political gain, describing it as a desperate attempt to discredit the PDP government. The group claims that the APC’s actions are intended to create political turmoil and shift blame onto the current administration, thereby diverting attention from the real issues and inciting unrest.

“The APC’s interference is designed to generate confusion and attribute the economic challenges to the PDP administration. Such tactics are unethical and undermine genuine efforts to alleviate the people’s suffering,” the statement read. They urged the APC to stop these alleged manipulative actions and focus on constructive dialogue.

The group called on the APC to cease exploiting the hardships faced by the people of Edo for political purposes and instead work towards finding effective solutions and collaborating on addressing the state’s economic challenges.

They voiced support for the PDP-led government’s initiatives to resolve state issues and urged unity among Edo residents.

“In these difficult times, it is crucial for all stakeholders to come together and work towards the betterment of Edo State. We must remain vigilant against attempts to derail our progress and focus on building a prosperous future for everyone,” the statement concluded.

Abia State University, Uturu, has imposed a three-month suspension on Dr. Udochukwu Emmanuel Ndukwe, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, due to allegations of sexual harassment involving a female student.

Reports from Punch reveal that Ndukwe has faced multiple accusations of sexually harassing, intimidating, and extorting female students. A video circulating online reportedly shows Ndukwe in a compromising situation, naked and on his knees, being questioned by others.

Sources indicate that a final-year female student, whom Ndukwe allegedly harassed over two years, set him up at a well-known hotel. It was also noted that Ndukwe married in 2022 and received his PhD this year.

In a letter dated July 30, 2024, signed by the university’s registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, Ndukwe’s actions were labeled as an “embarrassment.” The letter announced his immediate suspension for three months, during which he will receive half of his salary, pending the outcome of an investigation by a newly formed panel.

The letter instructed Ndukwe to return any university property in his possession to his Head of Department and emphasized that all university authorities should ensure strict compliance with the suspension notice.

On the third day of the nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship, demonstrators took to the streets in Rivers State. On Saturday, August 3, 2024, protesters gathered in the state capital, where they encountered Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s convoy.

The protesters, excited and holding leaves, created a lively atmosphere as Fubara’s convoy approached. They surrounded his vehicle, peacefully demanding that he address them directly. Earlier in the protests, Fubara had engaged with demonstrators and assured them that their concerns would be communicated to the relevant authorities. He also urged for peaceful conduct within legal boundaries.

Rivers State has largely remained calm amid the nationwide protests, with demonstrators gathering at Pleasure Park in Port Harcourt since Thursday. Security personnel were present at the park to ensure peace and safety for both protesters and the general public. The protest, largely driven by young people, is planned to continue for 10 days.

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has urged the media to refrain from giving excessive coverage to the ongoing protests by some groups, emphasizing that the government supports the right to free association without constraints.

On Friday in Abuja, Musa remarked, “I observed that all media outlets were extensively covering the protests recently. This isn’t an election, and the media should avoid amplifying these events.”

He was responding to the nationwide protests that began on Thursday, which are reportedly in reaction to economic difficulties in the country.

Musa argued that excessive media attention might encourage protesters who are only seeking publicity. “Some individuals use these protests as an opportunity to loot, steal, and cause damage,” he said.

He confirmed that many individuals causing disturbances during the protests have been arrested and assured the public of ongoing support from both the police and the military. Musa indicated that contact information would be provided for reporting suspicious activities.

While acknowledging the government’s commitment to allowing free association, Musa expressed disappointment that the protests have devolved into violence. “Initially, the protests were peaceful, but they quickly became dominated by criminal elements,” he noted.

Musa praised the Nigeria Police Force and the armed forces for their professionalism and pledged that they will continue to act with restraint as long as there is a clear distinction between lawful protest and criminal behavior.

He urged Nigerians to recognize the government’s efforts to tackle the country’s economic and security issues.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s silence since the start of the #EndBadGovernance protests on August 1, calling it troubling and exacerbating public dissatisfaction.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on August 3, the PDP urged President Tinubu to promptly address the nation. The party is demanding immediate action on reducing fuel prices, stabilizing the naira, and addressing other pressing economic issues.

“The PDP criticizes President Tinubu for not addressing the nation amid the widespread protests by Nigerians,” the statement said.

The party stressed that the President must urgently outline steps to lower fuel prices, curb the naira’s depreciation, and expedite food distribution to boost the economy, create jobs, and restore stability.

The PDP is concerned that President Tinubu’s silence suggests that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government is out of touch with citizens’ concerns and the nation’s dire situation.

“It is alarming that President Tinubu remains silent while Nigerians are protesting for good governance, security, and welfare—fundamental government responsibilities,” the statement continued.

The party condemned the violence against unarmed protesters by APC-affiliated security agencies and alleged APC-backed thugs, calling for President Tinubu to end his silence and address the nation on crucial issues like fuel and food prices.

The PDP also called for the recovery of over N50 trillion reportedly embezzled by APC leaders, urged a reduction in tariffs on essential goods, and advocated for cost-cutting measures within the government. They emphasized the need for transparent management of resources and investments in gas production to bring down fuel prices.

Additionally, the PDP demanded a thorough investigation into the killings of unarmed Nigerians by corrupt security operatives and urged the security agencies to uphold professionalism. They reiterated their call for peaceful and lawful protests to demand a more responsive and citizen-focused government.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka has addressed remarks made by Senator Shehu Sani on August 1 regarding the perceived lack of participation from the South East in the ongoing End Bad Governance protests in Nigeria.

Sani had noted that while other regions experienced significant unrest, including the burning of shops and government buildings, the South East appeared relatively quiet.

Chidoka’s response to these comments can be seen below…

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa has promised that the Nigerian Army will intervene if the current protests escalate further.

Musa made this statement while speaking with journalists on Friday about the extent of violence observed in the country. Since August 1, Nigerians have been protesting against economic hardships, hunger, and other socio-economic issues.

On Thursday, some hoodlums took advantage of the protests to vandalize and loot properties. In response, Musa assured that the military is on high alert and ready to act if the situation worsens.

Additionally, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar praised the National Council for Civil Society of Nigeria for not participating in the ongoing protests. He highlighted the various initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at improving the economy and benefiting Nigerians.

“He has been in office for just one year and has already made significant progress. I am confident that these initiatives will soon lead to positive outcomes,” Abubakar added.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stated that it has not suspended or halted Arik Air’s flight operations.

This clarification was provided in a statement by Mr. Michael Achimugu, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Arik Air’s flights continue as scheduled, and the airline’s ability to operate its remaining aircraft remains intact.

Achimugu explained that the NCAA is required to adhere to a court order that involved attaching certain Arik Air aircraft (5NMJF, 5NMJQ, 5NBKX) following a Supreme Court decision. This action ensures that Arik Air meets regulatory and safety standards.

“The NCAA acknowledges the grounding of three Arik Air aircraft due to a court order. However, this action does not equate to a suspension of the airline’s overall operations by the NCAA or the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, contrary to some reports.”

“We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience as Arik Air addresses this situation with minimal disruption,” the statement concluded.

Ughelli North Local Government Area in Delta State experienced heightened tensions on the second day of peaceful protests against poor governance.

According to Vanguard, the situation escalated when police stationed at the Otovwodo area of the East-West road allegedly shot and injured an unidentified protester.

The incident occurred as protesters, who were carrying placards and marching towards the Otovwodo junction, faced resistance from the police. Eyewitnesses reported that the police started firing tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to chaos as the protesters responded by throwing sachet water at the officers.

A protester recounted, “We were only holding placards when the police blocked our path and began firing tear gas. In response, we threw sachet water at them. As the police were retreating, they opened fire, and one person was shot in the chest.”

Human Rights Activist Comrade Silver, who was present at the scene, provided additional details. “This morning, the protest was very peaceful. We were urging the protesters to stay calm and not give hoodlums a chance to loot. I witnessed a police van pursuing a Mercedes 4matic car, blocking it and throwing tear gas inside. I intervened and pleaded with the police, resulting in the release of a detained boy.”

Silver continued, “As the protesters were leaving, another police vehicle arrived and demanded the boy’s arrest. This led to market women throwing water and stones at the police, who then responded with tear gas and live ammunition. I learned that a person was shot and the Army took him to the hospital. I don’t know which hospital, but there were reports of gunfire.”

The injured protester was reportedly taken to a hospital by security agents, but his condition remains unknown. The incident has intensified tensions in Ughelli North, with increasing calls for justice and accountability.

Hoodlums attacked the Red Cross office on the Maiduguri-Potiskum Road in Gujba, Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, causing significant property damage amid the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria nationwide protest.

The attackers also set fire to three vehicles, including a Red Cross-branded Landcruiser and a bus.

Chima Nwankwo, Coordinator of Communications and Advocacy for the Nigerian Red Cross Society, confirmed the incident to Punch. He stated that the authorities have been informed.

“The attack occurred around 1 pm today. Some of our equipment, including air conditioners and vehicles, were damaged or stolen, and our cars were burned. Fortunately, there were no casualties,” he said.

Nwankwo described the assailants as a “mob” with unclear motives.

“They came solely to vandalize our property,” he added.

Meanwhile, on Friday, State Police Command spokesperson Dungus Abdulkarim reported that 18 suspects had been arrested in connection with Thursday’s violent protests and vandalism in Nguru, Potiskum, and Gashua towns.

According to the PPRO, the suspects, who posed as peaceful protesters, were involved in setting fire to public buildings and stealing food and empowerment equipment.

 

 

 

An eyewitness reported that hundreds of protesters, primarily youths, gathered at Shuwarin, a suburb of Dutse, to resume their demonstration.

Despite a 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government on Friday, some protesters in Jigawa returned to the streets to continue their protest. DSP Lawan Shiisu, spokesperson for the Jigawa Police Command, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that at least 50 suspected troublemakers were arrested on Thursday.

Shiisu also confirmed that protesters had returned to the streets in Zai, Shuwarin, and Gumel towns, although he could not immediately provide the number of those arrested on Friday for curfew violations. He noted that the police and other security forces were actively managing the situation and had successfully dispersed the troublemakers.

“We have made arrests in Shuwarin and Zai, but I cannot provide an exact number right now as they are still being processed,” Shiisu said. “As for Gumel, we have not received reports of significant resistance from the hoodlums.”

However, NAN reported that on the second day of the nationwide protest, hundreds of youths continued to march in Dutse and Gumel Local Government Areas. An anonymous eyewitness mentioned that a combined security force was engaged with protesters trying to access public buildings and stores near the Zai area of Dutse.

Another resident from Zai, Malam Adamu Abubakar, reported that large groups of youths were chanting slogans and moving towards Dutse despite being met with tear gas from the police anti-riot squad.

Additional eyewitnesses saw protesters, mainly youths, regrouping at Shuwarin to continue their demonstration. The protesters were heading toward Dutse but were obstructed by security forces. According to the witnesses, without the intervention of security agencies who blocked the road to Dutse and used tear gas, the protesters might have invaded the city.

Garba Ibrahim, an eyewitness from Shuwarin, said the police had arrested some protesters, including teenagers. In contrast, the situation in Gumel LGA was relatively calm due to major roadblocks set up by security forces to prevent protesters from regrouping.

A reliable source from the area, who requested anonymity, indicated that there was significant tension and emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent potential casualties.