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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Condemns his alleged “deliberate targeting”

Amnesty International has condemned what it described as a “reckless attack on peaceful protesters” during a Democracy Day demonstration in Abuja, where activist and African Action Congress 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly collapsed after security operatives allegedly fired teargas.

In a statement released on Friday, the rights organisation said Sowore was “subsequently taken to a hospital” following the incident at Unity Fountain, Abuja, and called for an immediate investigation into what it described as his “deliberate targeting.”

The Nigerian authorities are clearly using violence to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the statement said.

Amnesty International also warned that targeting activists for participating in peaceful demonstrations amounted to unlawful conduct and a breach of fundamental rights.

“Such targeting of activists solely for exercising freedom of assembly is unlawful and shows utter disregard for the rule of law,” it said.

The organisation further accused the authorities of failing to demonstrate commitment to constitutional and international human rights obligations, alleging a continued crackdown on civic freedoms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Sowore’s collapse reportedly occurred during a protest in Abuja where security operatives allegedly dispersed demonstrators with teargas in front of the Force Headquarters.

Videos shared online showed him on the ground amid confusion as protesters attempted to assist him.

The protest was part of a nationwide mobilisation by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements, which had declared June 12 a day of mass action over insecurity, economic hardship and worsening living conditions. (Text, excluding headline:

(The PUNCH)

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Activist lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), his son – afrobeats singer, Mr Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, alongside civil society organisations, youth groups, among others, on Friday staged a protest in Lagos.

They demanded urgent action to address worsening insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

The protest came as Nigeria marked Democracy Day, set aside in remembrance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely acclaimed to have been won by late Chief MKO Abiola.

The election, though regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history, was annuled by the then military government.

Chanting, the protesters converged on the Ikeja Under Bridge, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “No Democracy Without Security,” End Bad Governance,” and “End Insecurity and Kidnapping.”

Others include, “End Hunger,” “Free All Captives Now,”End all anti-people policies now,”

The demonstration was aimed at drawing attention to rising insecurity, economic hardship and policies affecting ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking during the protest, Falana called for the immediate release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, expressing concern over their welfare in captivity.

According to him, the protest is not only about demanding the rescue of the abducted victims but also about highlighting broader issues of injustice, insecurity and poverty confronting Nigerians.

“We are protesting the kidnapping of our children in Oyo State. We are also protesting injustice in our country, a situation whereby innocent school children in Oyo and Borno states have been in the custody of criminals for several weeks now.

“We are also protesting injustice meted out to young people who are regularly arrested on the highways by the police.

“We are protesting hunger and poverty in the land, and we are calling on the government to address these challenges,” he said.

Falana, a human rights advocate, lamented the condition of the abducted children and teachers, and regretted the killing of one of the latter.

He called on the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Also addressing the protesters, Falz bemoaned what he described as worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country.

The entertainer and activist said Nigeria was grappling with increasing cases of kidnappings and killings, urging the government to do more in its responsibility of protecting the citizens.

“Everybody can see the worsening insecurity. It is becoming unbearable,” he said.

Falz cited recent abductions in different parts of the country, including the kidnapping of students and the abduction of a relative of a former minister in Oyo State.

“Every Nigerian life matters and must be protected at all costs,” he stated.

He said that the repeated abduction of students had heightened public frustration and anxiety.

Also speaking, human rights activist, Mr Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as Seaking, called for stronger government action to tackle insecurity across the country.

He said Nigerians were demanding better governance and an end to the growing wave of killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes.

“We say no to insecurity. Insecurity has to end,” he said.

Ogunsanwo urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against bandits, insisting that decisive action, rather than rhetoric, was needed to end the insecurity.

Security operatives maintained presence around the protest venue and monitored activities throughout the demonstration.

(NAN)

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has revealed that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, once offered activist and prominent supporter Aisha Yesufu a ticket to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives, but she declined the opportunity.

The former Bayelsa governor made the revelation during a stakeholders’ meeting of the NDC in Abuja, amid ongoing tensions between party leaders and some members over the conduct of the party’s recent primaries.

According to him, both he and Obi considered Yesufu a strong candidate capable of representing the party at the National Assembly. However, he said the activist turned down the offer, insisting that the position was not one she was interested in pursuing.

“Talking about the FCT, do you know that Peter Obi and I offered Aisha Yesufu a House of Representatives ticket, but she turned it down?” Dickson told party stakeholders.

“House of Representatives that many people are struggling to get, she said she was too big for it.”

His remarks come shortly after Yesufu publicly criticised the NDC leadership, particularly Dickson, over comments he made regarding the party’s primaries and internal affairs

The activist had accused the party leader of focusing more on personal relevance than on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Thursday, Yesufu expressed disappointment with Dickson’s appearance on a television programme where he discussed reports of irregularities during the party’s candidate selection process.

She maintained that despite reservations about how the primaries were conducted, she remained loyal to the party and worked to calm aggrieved supporters who felt excluded from the process.

According to her, many party members in the Federal Capital Territory were left disappointed after waiting for primaries that never took place, yet she encouraged them to remain focused on the larger objective of building a strong opposition platform.

Yesufu stressed that she had always followed the party’s procedures and never expected political positions to be handed to her without due process.

“I played field politics. I never waited for anyone to give me a ticket,” she stated.

The activist further alleged that Dickson’s television interview appeared to focus more on defending his own position within the party than promoting the party’s candidates and electoral strategy.

She argued that the NDC leadership should be concentrating on winning elections and inspiring confidence among supporters rather than engaging in internal disputes.

With all due respect, sir, it looked as if you were insecure and competing with your presidential candidate,” she said.

“Yesufu also stated that the registration of the NDC should not be seen as an achievement in itself, but rather as a platform for winning elections and delivering good governance.

She urged party leaders to prioritise reconciliation and unity, especially among aspirants and supporters who felt dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries.

According to her, one of the responsibilities of party leadership is to unite members after contentious internal contests and ensure that grievances do not weaken the party ahead of national elections.

She also rejected any suggestion that members were challenging Dickson’s authority as national leader, insisting that the focus should remain on defeating the ruling party and addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

“No one is interested in taking away your leadership. The focus should be on Nigeria and the 2027 election,” she said.

The exchange highlights growing debates within the NDC as it seeks to consolidate support ahead of the next general election, with party leaders and prominent supporters continuing discussions on internal democracy, candidate selection, and the party’s broader strategy for 2027.