Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has alleged that a minister of the federal republic of Nigeria is sponsoring protesters in Abuja against the government of President Bola Tinubu. The minister, who spoke to newsmen yesterday evening, August 1, said that the Senator, whose identity he did not disclose, would be invited by the security agencies for questioning. “We have intelligence that a Senator was providing food to the protesters. That is sponsorship: for a Senator providing food for protesters. “The security agencies will invite the Senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day.” The Minister commended residents of the FCT, including market women, taxi drivers and youths who have remained calm and refused to join the protests and cause mayhem. He assured that the government will do its best to ensure that some of the challenges in the country are addressed. Wike also commended security agencies for ensuring peaceful conduct during the protests, adding that they are there to make sure that things are done properly. Wike advised the protesters to henceforth confine their activities to the Moshood Abiola Stadium, in line with the order of the court. He insisted that the protests must be done according to the rule of law, adding: “we believe that this is a democratic administration and therefore we must govern according to the rule of law. “We also believe that those who are doing protests are doing protests based on the fact that it is their entitlement to carry out protests so that the government will be able to resolve some of the issues raised in such protests. “We also believe that in carrying out that protest, we must do it according to the rule of law.” The Minister said that the court did not stop the protests, restricts them to a particular area, which is the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja. He said that government is not stopping anyone from protesting, but appealing for some time to address the challenges in the country.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has placed officers in all the units across the country on red alert to address the infiltration of the ongoing nationwide protest by hoodlums. The police boss, in a statement, making an assessment of the happenings yesterday, said that military may be involved in the process. “In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order. “The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises. “We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation. He warned groups that are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens. The Inspector General recalled that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, the police rolled out several warnings, based on actionable intelligence at its disposal, indicating that some groups were mobilizing the youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country. According to him, some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones, refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest. “On the basis of these intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations. “This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest. “This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order. “While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.” Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun said that despite the suspicions, the police still showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations, all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged. “Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same. “Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. “Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. “The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. “The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa. “Police stations have been destroyed, there has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed. “In spite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them. “At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order. “In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured. “We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers. “Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. “The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED). “Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list. “We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.”
The Kano State Police Command has announced the arrest of 157 people who are suspected to have participated in burning and destroying property in a protest today, August 1.
The Command said that an AK-47 rifle was recovered from those arrested at the Kano High Court. “A large quantity of looted properties has also been recovered from the suspects.” In a statement on the update of the violence that characterized the protest today, the Command confirmed that the hoodlums carried out attacks on several supermarkets at Nassarawa Quarters, resulting in significant property damage and theft. It said that the hoodlums carried out arson at the office of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and that multiple motor vehicles at the NCC office at the Audu Bako Secretariat, along Government House Kano, were set ablaze.
“The fire has since been brought under control through swift intervention.” The Command said that the situation is being closely monitored, assuring that it is committed to maintaining peace and security in the state.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has completely shut down Kano, by imposing a 24-hour curfew throughout the state, with immediate effect. A statement today, August 1, by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said that the decision to impose curfew was taken after an Emergency State Security Council meeting dedicated to addressing the escalating violence and disruptions that have emerged amid civil demonstrations. Yesterday, July 31, the governor convened a town hall meeting with various stakeholders, including religious leaders, business representatives, traditional leaders, academia, technocrats, youth and women’s groups, and civil society organizations. During the meeting, the governor recognized the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully protest and expressed a commitment to addressing their concerns, assuring that their grievances would be forwarded to the President and Commander in Chief for consideration. This morning, the representatives of the peaceful protesters submitted their demands in writing, which the governor pledged to deliver to the President. While he commended the majority of demonstrators who voiced their concerns responsibly, he expressed his disappointment that the protest had been hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who engaged in rampant looting, destruction of property, and violence against innocent citizens. The governor emphasized that such actions, fueled by antagonistic elements, threaten the safety and security of all citizens and must be addressed vigorously. To safeguard lives and preserve public and private property, the decision to implement a curfew was made unanimously during the emergency meeting. “The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities. “It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses.” The governor called on all citizens to remain vigilant and united during this challenging time. “Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us. “Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State.” All security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure full compliance with the curfew, and citizens are urged to heed this directive for their safety and the well-being of all. This is coming even as Yobe governmebt also imposed 24-hour curfew in three Local Government Areas of the State. In Dutse, capital of Jigawa State, protesters set the headquarters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ablaze in the process of violent protest. Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that one person was killed in Kaduna State and three in Niger State in the protest today.
Global Public Relations Firm, PRovoke Media, has listed Anthony Chiejina, Group Head of Corporate Communications, Dangote Industries Limited, as one of the “100 most influential communications and marketing executives in the world” in 2024.
Chiejina is being picked for the fourth consecutive year. He was among the 100 influencers for 2021, 2022, and 2023 and shares the 2024 illustrious list with global Communications, Brand and Marketing Executives, such as Bea Perez, Executive Vice President (EVP), Global Chief Communications, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships Officer, Coca-Cola, Andreas Bartels, Head of Communications, Lufthansa, AJ Jones, EVP, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Starbucks and Steve John, Chief Communications & Brand Officer, HSBC. Unveiling the list for 2024, PRovoke Media said that against the “backdrop of major geopolitical, economic, societal, cultural and environmental upheaval around the world, corporations and brands continue to face intense consumer, media and stakeholder scrutiny,” even as “…their senior communications and marketing executives are expected to deliver more than ever, faster than ever.” It noted: “Meanwhile, smart CEOs recognise that trusted communications counsel is not only integral to reputation and transformation but is business-critical in such uncertain times – and the 100 names on our 2024 list provide ample evidence of this recognition.” In terms of demography, 44% of the 100 Influencers “are new entrants this year, although a handful are re-entries who are now in different high-profile roles,” PRovoke Media said, adding: “Unsurprisingly, CMOs, CCOs and corporate affairs chiefs based in the Americas remain dominant, making up 50% of the list, the same as last year.” Asia Pacific representation is about the same as last year, at 12%, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa, make up 38% of this year’s cohort. “Of these, European leaders constitute 28%, (including 11% from the dominant regional UK market), and Middle East and North Africa representation at 10%,” the PR firm said, explaining that “Overall, 20 countries are represented in the 2024 data, demonstrating the global reach and power of the communications industry.” The gender ratio of the 100 influencers for 2024 is 59% female and 41% male. PRovoke Media’s senior editorial team compiles the list every year based on research and external nominations, according to the following criteria: • The nominee’s status within their organisations, as well as the profile and topicality of those organisations. Only one person can be selected from each company. • The nominee’s influence over the PR agencies where they work, and the budget they control. • Their thought leadership within – and occasionally beyond – the communications industry, and their reputation for innovation, and, • Gender balance and racial diversity, as well as geographical spread. Also, on the list this year are Abhinav Kumar, Global Chief Marketing Officer, TCS; Alex Aiken, Communications Advisor, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Allyson Park, Chief Communications Officer, Walmart; Amy Bonitatibus, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer, PayPal. Other include Zenia Mucha, Chief Brand & Communications Officer TikTok; Vanessa Broadhurst, EVP, Global Corporate Affairs, Johnson & Johnson; Valerie Tan, SVP Corporate Communications, CSR & Media, Emirates; Sally Susman, EVP, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Pfizer, and Sandy Rodriguez, Global Chief Communications Officer, McDonalds, and Karine Jean-Pierre, US White House Press Secretary. Chiejina was selected alongside 99 other communications and marketing executives of highly rated government agencies, global corporations and conglomerates. A 1981 Mass Communications graduate of the University of Lagos, Chiejina has acquired advanced degrees including an M.Sc. Industrial Relations & Personnel Management University of Lagos (1984), an M.A. in Organisational Analysis & Behaviour University of Lancaster, UK (1988) and an M.A. Development Studies, Institute of Social Studies (ISS), The Hague, Netherlands (1994). He served in senior roles as a journalist including Associate Editor & Deputy Editor of African Economic Digest, London, Editorial Advisor for the Seven-Up Bottling Company, and African Concord, Lagos. He has worked with Zenith Bank Plc and Oceanic Bank International Plc where he left indelible communications, brand and marketing stamps as Assistant, Deputy General Manager and Group Head of Corporate Communications. Chiejina has repositioned communications service delivery at Dangote Industries Limited. As Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, he oversees all communications strategies across Business Units and the Group’s Pan-African operations. Chiejina has been with the company for some 14 years in senior communications roles overseeing the Group scoop awards across the African continent. Dangote Group has been named the most admired/favourite indigenous brand on the continent for the last six years by Brand Africa. This year, it came second in a newly introduced sustainability category for “brands doing good for people, society and the environment.” “The (Dangote) brand portends the inevitability of Nigeria’s global ascendancy and a gateway to regional and continental development,” Chiejina says of his employer. Chiejina is a recipient of numerous academic distinctions and awards, including Salzburg Fellow for Gifted Mid-Career Professional, Austria; British Government Scholarship for Graduate Studies, Netherlands Fellowship, University of Lagos Scholar 1982 and 1984, University of Oslo, Norway, Fellowship, and Fellow of the Oxford University Centre of Corporate Reputation. He is also a member of the American Public Relations Association, the British Public Relations Association, an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors, and a Fellow of the Association of Sustainability Professionals of Nigeria. Source: Realnews Magazine.
Confusion is building in Kano as some of the protesters partaking in the hunger protest against hardship burn tyres, making bonfire in front of Government House, Kano. Panicked, the police officers opened fire and teargas, leading to the crowd dispersing in various directions. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the protesters from different parts of the metropolis had converged on the Government House, where Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was to address them. It was learnt that some of them assembled tyres and set them ablaze as they were approaching the gate of the Government House. This made security operatives at Government House to fire gunshots and teargas to disperse the protesters. It was learnt that the crowd fled towards different direction in the ensuing confusion. Also in Abuja, oolice operatives three teargas cannisters at protesters at the Federal Secretariat. The protesters had gathered in the area against the counsel of the police who asked that the processions be held around the M.K.O Abiola Stadium in the nation’s capital. Passers-by scampered for safety as the police released the teargas cannisters to disperse the protesters, who insisted on carrying out the protests in the area. The FCT Police commissioner, Benneth Igwe and a team of operatives were sighted around the area before the teargas cannisters were released. The police boss had earlier addressed the media warning that there will be consequences if the protesters don’t move to the stadium area for their processions.
The Hunger Protest dubbed #EndBadGovernance has kicked of in Nigeria’s federal capital city, Abuja. As early as 7am this morning, protesters had gathered around the Moshood Abiola (National) Stadium, Abuja, displaying banners and placards with various inscriptions like: ‘Make Lawmaking a part time job’, ‘End Bad Governance Now’, ‘Take It Back Movement’ etc. The organisers of the nationwide protest, Take It Back Movement, had announced that the protests would hold across the federation from today, August 1 to August 10, 2024. The protest organisers are making the following 10 demands from President Bola Tinubu administration: HUNGER Reduce the cost of food immediately, with solutions like food importation, subsidised credits, and intervene in logistics and storage challenges. COST OF LIVING Address the rising cost of living: Reduce pump price of fuel to N195/ltr to reflect current economic challenges; Reduce electricity tariffs, and import taxes. INSECURITY Curb insecurity across the country: stop diverting security resources (money & people) and immediately prosecute known instigators & criminals. Resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) immediately.
GOVERNMENT WASTE / COST OF GOVERNANCE/ BLOATED NASS PERMANENTLY reduce by 50% the running costs of the executive and National Assembly and fully implement the Oronsaye Report to scrap agencies and reduce the size of government. Scrap hardship, entertainment, and all other NASS allowances and immediately remove all 7,447 projects worth N2.24 trillion inserted by the National Assembly in the 2024 federal budget. #EndSARS Release ALL #EndSARS protesters; obey ECOWAS judgement; make public the #EndSARS Judicial Panel Reports and implement recommendations, including payment of compensations. PROTECT FARMS AND FARMERS Provide security to farmers across the country, restore stolen lands, subsidise farm inputs – seeds, fertilisers, insecticides and ban destructive GMOs. HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT Declare a state of emergency on education and increase budgetary allocation to education and healthcare by 20% and revert to the old National Anthem. ELECTORAL REFORM Implement the Justice Uwais report on Electoral Reform and include mandatory electronic balloting and transmission to IREV, ending with an executive Electoral Bill to the National Assembly by October 1. The new Electoral Act must be signed by December 2024. ESTABLISH A LIVING WAGE Go back to the negotiating table for an implementation plan to establish an unemployment/living wage. Enforce implementation across board. Create immediate employment for youths and clear ALL backlog of pensions. CONSTITUTIONAL AND JUDICIAL REFORMS Sponsor Executive Bill to the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow for referendums. Nigerians want to vote on a new constitution! The process of appointment and discipline of judges should be transparent.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has tendered an exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT”, signed by one Damilare Adenola, in which they threatened to invade the Presidential Villa and also threatened to pull down the outer wires facing the Aso Rock villa during the protest, scheduled to begin tomorrow, August 1. He said that the protesters demanded that the FCT should provide them with light as well as toilets during the duration of the protest. These were the evidences which the minister presented before Justice Sylvanus Oriji of an Abuja high Court, which today, July 31, gave a ruling, restricting the protesters to the MKO Abiola stadium, also known as the National Stadium, Abuja. In an ex parte application argued by Chief Ogwu James Onoja, the FCT Minister had applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, streets, offices and public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. He also applied for another order of interim injunction mandating the security agencies to prevent the protesting leaders from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, office or public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, pending the hearing of his motion on notice. The minister, who said that the federal government was not averse to the protest, claimed that intelligence and security reports reaching him indicated that some elements within the leadership of the protesters intend to capitalise on the planned protest to cause havoc and irreparable damage to public facilities and block roadways to prevent movement of persons and vehicles and disturb public peace. He said that when he contacted the security agencies to ensure that the planned protest did not degenerate into criminality and disturbance of public peace and order, he was told that they are not well equipped to manage any crisis that may arise from the planned protest at short notice; hence, they advised him that prevention is better than cure. In his ruling, Justice Oriji said that he recognised the rights of the protesters to embark on the protest, but restricted them to the stadium because of the genuine fears expressed by the minister. “In the light of the above, the court considers it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are guaranteed and that the protest does not negatively or adversely affect the rights of other citizens to move about and to ensure that properties and other public facilities are not destroyed.” The judge ordered the 1st to 5th respondents to “use the Moshood Abiola Stadium” only for the protest. This was even as the court ordered the service of processes in the suit as well as the confinement order on the respondents by placing the same in the newspapers. Defendants in the suit are Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, persons unknown, Inspector General IG of Police, Commissioner of Police, Director General of the State Security Service, Director General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff as 1st to 12th respondents.
Civilian security team, known as vigilante groups have rescued four people who were kidnapped from their house in Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Kwali Area Council, also in FCT. One of the rescued victims, Isaac Gbemu, told journalists: “we were in our house around midnight when we heard gunshots. Initially, we thought it was armed robbers, but when the people broke into the compound, we discovered they were kidnappers. “They took us away that night and brought us to the bush where we don’t know, and we spent three days before the Vigilantes rescued us this morning.”
Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, confirmed that the kidnappers picked the victims from their homes in Kuje Area Council and smuggled them into Kwali forest. None of the vigilante personnel would want to speak to newsmen, but it was learnt that they eliminated the kidnappers in gun battle before the victims were rescued. The rescued victims are believed to have returned to their families in Kuje. Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, rewarded members of the vigilante groups for rescuing the kidnapped victims. Wike, who was presented the heroic vigilantes while in Kwali for inspection of road project, yesterday, July 30, expressed admiration for the display of bravery by the vigilance groups. The Minister gave them an operations vehicle and an undisclosed amount of cash, saying that such gesture would motivate them for more actions against insecurity. He called on the residents to work with the FCT Administration to ensure that criminal elements are eliminated.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has assured stakeholders that the investigation of the Commission’s Chairman, Jalal Arabi for interrogation, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) does not amount to indictment. In a statement today, July 31, by its spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON insisted that investigation being conducted by the anti graft agency “is not an indictment. “NAHCON will continue to cooperate fully with any investigative body during this process. “NAHCON is immensely grateful for the outpouring of support and understanding from well-wishers towards its Chairman. As an organization, Hajj Commission remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in its dealings. “Pilgrims have always been at the heart of our engagements, and we are committed to maintaining the trust and confidence that government placed in the Commission.” The statement confirmed that the NAHCON chairman, Jalal Ahmed Arabi was invited yesterday, 30th July for questioning surrounding conduct of 2024 Hajj. It said that while this situation might have caused some concerns among friends and well-wishers, the Commission would like to reassure its stakeholders that the invitation was a normal process of safeguarding public interest NAHCON expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its unwavering resolve to entrench accountability in the system. “Similarly, NAHCON commends the EFCC’s strong commitment in safeguarding public funds through ethical practices and compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. “NAHCON will continue to cooperate with all institutions tasked with the responsibility of sanitizing public service for more efficient services. “Be rest assured that this matter will be resolved promptly and that our adherence to transparency, lawful and ethical standards will be reaffirmed.”
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GOVERNMENT WASTE / COST OF GOVERNANCE/ BLOATED NASS
Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, confirmed that the kidnappers picked the victims from their homes in Kuje Area Council and smuggled them into Kwali forest.
