My Blog

Category: National

  • Protesters shout down minister at Eagles Square

    Protesters shout down minister at Eagles Square

    Protesters shouted down the Minister of State for Youths Development, Ayodele Olawande, who arrived at the Eagles Square in Abuja to address the protesters.
    As the minister tried to address the crowd, the protesters continued to chant “hunger dey”, preventing the minister from speaking.
    However, after quelling the crowd, the minister said he wasn’t attempting to shut down the protest, describing himself as a comrade who has attended between a hundred and five hundred protests.
    “I’m not here to fight you, I’m not here to ask you not to protest, it is your right. Like I said, I’ve been to over 100-500 protests,” he said.
    The minister also assured that he would address the police regarding the shooting of canisters against the protesters.
    Meanwhile, protesters have insisted they would not join the others at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, noting that a few days ago, a parallel protest had been held without interference by the police.
  • Banks, others shut as hunger protest holds

    Banks, others shut as hunger protest holds

    Banks and other financial institutions in the country will be closed on Thursday, August 1, 2024, as the planned hunger strike begins across the country.

     

    While none of the banks outrightly announced a closure, chats with different employees of the banks indicated that they have been advised not to report for work on Thursday as the banks monitor the protest.

     

    A banker who spoke with The PUNCH said, “You saw what happened during previous protests, banks were targets. We don’t want a repeat of a similar experience, hence we have been advised to monitor the situation first and then we know where to go from there.”

     

    Another banker based in Lagos simply said, “I’m not going to work tomorrow,” when asked.

     

    However, another banker said they were not advised either way, just told to exercise caution during their commute.

     

    A Pension Fund Administrator, Leadway Pensure, in a mail to their customers on Wednesday titled ‘Business Continuity Amid Planned Protest’ said, “Due to the planned nationwide protest starting August 1, 2024, please be informed that all our office will be closed on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and Friday, August 2, 2024, at the first instance as we monitor the situation.”

     

    The PFA went on to urge its customers to adopt its digital channels for their transactions.

     

    Asset Management firm, Meristem Securities Limited, also issued a notice of closure to its customers on Wednesday.

     

    “Dear esteemed client. Due to the upcoming nationwide protest tomorrow, this is to inform you that all our offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja will be closed on Thursday, 1st June 2024. We will closely monitor the situation and provide further communication, depending on the developments of the protest.”

     

    Their customers were advised to reach them via their online channels.

     

    Speaking with The PUNCH in an exclusive interview, the President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees, Anthony Abakpa, said, “Banks will monitor the National planned protest closely and see how it plays out. The regulatory body has not given express approval to close any of the bank operations amid the protest.

     

    “Banks cannot close shop without the express approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria. We will monitor closely while we have advised our members to exercise extra caution and be alert to stay safe during and after.”

     

  • Why I Don’t Support Hardship Protest – Sunday Igboho

    Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has kicked against the nationwide protests planned for August 1 over the hardship in the country.
    Igboho in a statement issued late last night, said: “I, Chief Sunday Igboho, am issuing this press release in response to the planned protests by some unknown and faceless individuals, who are working to disintegrate the country.
    ‘’Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumed office on May 29, 2023, he has implemented revolutionary policies, which his predecessors lacked the political will to pursue.
    ‘’These bold steps have, unsurprisingly, unsettled those who believe it is their birth right to rule Nigeria. And in response, there have been attempts to undermine his administration, particularly on social media, with the aim of creating discord between the government and the people.
    ‘’Recently, we have become aware of notices from unknown individuals threatening ’10 days of rage’, beginning August 1, 2024, under the slogan ‘Tinubu Must Go!’
    ‘’While the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in our constitution, it does not extend to calls for an unconstitutional regime change. It is worth noting that during President Buhari’s eight-year tenure, there were no such protests for regime change from the Southwest, even when our people faced oppression and atrocities by Fulani terrorists.
    ‘’Our protests were focused on protecting our communities, not on destabilizing the country.
    The Yoruba Nation Movement and I firmly declare that we will not participate in any protest aimed at using the Southwest as a battleground for political upheaval.
    ‘’We stand resolute in our belief that the Yoruba nation will not be a launchpad for disintegrating Nigeria. We recognize that economic hardship is a global phenomenon, not unique to Nigeria.
    ‘’Since my release from the unjust detention orchestrated by former President Buhari and his then attorney general of federation, Abubakar Malami, I have traveled extensively across Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, and North America.
    ‘’Everywhere, people are facing challenges, and governments are implementing palliatives to alleviate these hardships. In Nigeria, PBAT’s government has introduced measures to reduce food prices and increased the minimum wage from ¦ 30,000 to ¦ 70,000, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of the working populace.
    ‘’Let us be clear: the protest is politically motivated. We call on all Yoruba people and well-meaning Nigerians to reject this movement. The Yoruba Nation unequivocally opposes any such protests.
    ‘’Like President Buhari, President Tinubu must be allowed to complete his term in office. The path to change lies in democratic processes—through the ballot box or a referendum. Those who seek change must wait until the next elections in 2027.
    ‘’We urge our members and the broader community to resist any temptation to participate in these protests, as they do not serve the interests of the Yoruba people or the nation as a whole.
    ‘’We also issue a strong and unequivocal warning that we will firmly resist any individuals or groups attempting to instigate violence under the guise of these protests. They are strictly warned to stay off the streets across Yorubaland on the designated protest days and in the future. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.’’
  • Planned Protest: FG Issues Safety Directive To Universities

    Planned Protest: FG Issues Safety Directive To Universities

    The Federal Ministry of Education has directed all Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities to ensure the safety of staff, students, and public infrastructure amid the planned national protest scheduled for August 1.

    In a circular released through the National Universities Commission (NUC), signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Dr Chris Maiyaki, the ministry acknowledged the right of citizens to protest but expressed concerns about potential violence.

    The circular, issued on Monday morning, urged university authorities to take proactive measures to secure their campuses.

    The circular is titled: “Urgent Arrangements for the Security and Safety of University Staff, Students and Property During the Proposed Nationwide Protests”, emanated from the directive of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman

    It reads, “The Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests. The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and university property should there be any protest action.

    “Consequently, the Honourable Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.

    “In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety.

    “It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.

    “Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes”.