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‘Agbado’, ‘Amala’, Hunger: Govt officials panic over planned nationwide protest
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Amidst increasing hardship, unavailability of ‘agbado’, amala as promised during campay, some Nigerian youths are planning nationwide protests from August 1-10, 2024.
The protest, gaining momentum in the North and other states, is aimed at drawing the attention of the government to the plight of Nigerians.
Since President Bola Tinubu’s administration removed fuel subsidy in May 2023, the country has faced economic hardship, prompting calls for policy reversals believed to be causing the distress.
However, Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has been actively promoting the protest on social media, emphasizing that a revolution is imminent with his slogan, “Nothing Can Stop An Idea Whose Time Has Come” #RevolutionNOW.
Sowore wrote: “The REVOLUTION is now knocking on our doors! #RevolutionNow. Let everyone rise all at once in August 2024! Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. They asked for a revolution and it is here now! @officialABAT once asked for a revolution, even @MBuhari once asked for a revolution and Nigerians now want a real revolution.”
A flyer circulating on social media titled “End Bad Governance in Nigeria 2024” by anonymous groups attributed the planned protest to ten government policies they claim have imposed undue hardship on Nigerians.
The groups demand the government end the “subsidy scam,” revert fuel prices to below N300 per liter, restore previous tertiary education fees, make electricity tariffs affordable, reduce import duties, and disclose and reduce lawmakers’ salaries and allowances, among other reforms.
The Nigeria Police Force is reportedly planning to halt the protest.
An internal memo, dated July 8 and circulated to zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, urged proactive measures, including mobilizing equipped personnel and working with other agencies to disperse unlawful gatherings.
Popular social commentator and investigative journalist @PIDOMNIGERIA shared the leaked memo on his verified X handle, noting that the planned protest has instilled fear among public officials, particularly lawmakers.
The Nigerian Senate recently debated their concerns about potential attacks from angry citizens facing severe hardship.
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan warned that Nigerians’ patience is running out, urging immediate action to address food insecurity and economic challenges.
Former lawmaker Shehu Sani advised Senate President Godswill Akpabio to avoid certain routes in the FCT.
He recounted his encounter with protesters in Wuse 2 who allowed him to pass but might not extend the same courtesy to Akpabio.
Labour Party chieftain Mr. Kayode Oyeniran expressed concern that if the protest proceeds, government officials might need to hide.
He revealed that Nigerians are angry over lawmakers’ high salaries and allowances.
He told Daily Post in an interview:
“If the protest is allowed to hold, government officials may have to find where they will hide themselves.
“The truth is that Nigerians are angry. For the past few months now, there has been debates on the salaries and allowances of the Federal lawmakers.
“I don’t know how much they earn but the way it is painted in public, many Nigerians now see them as their number one enemies.
“It is my prayer that the organizers find other means of expressing their grievances. It must not always be a protest. You see what is happening in Kenya?
“Both the government and the protesters are having a bad time. Protests most times make things worse”
“Sometimes you can’t blame these people. They have had enough and have been patient enough.
“Since 2023, the government has only been making promises. The Port Harcourt refinery that they said would work last year December, I don’t think it is functioning now.
“They said when the CNG vehicles are rolled out, prices of goods will crash, where are the vehicles? How long would Nigerians wait? People are suffering.
“People have come to a level where they are no longer afraid of anything. If you stay back, you may die of hunger and if you protest you may die, so they will tell you that it is better to protest and die. We have never had it like this”
By Ojomah Austin.
A large number of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been mobilized across the city, causing traffic congestion in several areas.
Security personnel were spotted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, securing strategic locations, with some awaiting further deployment to other parts of the state.
This follows the recent deployment of 35,000 police officers to maintain law and order during the elections, With less than 48 hours to the Edo State governorship election.
The NSCDC also deployed 6,433 officers, while the Defence Headquarters has stationed soldiers to ensure a safe environment for voters.
In addition, authorities have implemented a “show of force” with security agents patrolling key areas.
In anticipation of the election, the Edo State Government declared Friday a work-free day to allow voters to travel to their polling units.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a prayer session in Benin, calling for peace and the election of a credible leader who will govern with integrity.
INEC has also commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to all 18 local government areas, ensuring readiness for Saturday’s vote.
……“E remain small make breeze blow am away”
By Ojomah Austin.
Nigerian singer, Zinoleesky stirs a buzz online due to a recent video of him circulating on social media.
In the video, Zinoleesky dons a white shirt alongside black trousers as he brags about being worthy to be used as a Valentine’s gift.
Reacting to the video, netizens commented on his skinny appearance.
Famous musician, Oniyide Azeez, better known as Zinoleesky trends online due to a new clip serving the rounds on social media.
In the video, the ‘Element’ hitmaker is spotted wearing a white shirt and a stylish black trouser. While being filmed, Zinoleesky bragged mightily about his looks.
He reiterated that he could be used as a Valentine’s gift to any girl.
The video generated a buzz online with a large number of netizens commenting on his thin body shape. Some swiftly leveraged it to make fun of the artiste.
One @janicekate_x wrote: “E remain small make breeze blow am away 😂.”
soromotoochukwu wrote: “I like how music can take you to another place. For example, this restaurant is playing Zinoleesky so now I’m going to a different restaurant.”
dave.dexter27 wrote: “Make breeze sha no blow as we wan deliver the valentine gift😂😂😂.”
oluwatamilore_xx wrote: “Bro,drank all the whole slimming tea and nothing is left to slim down.”
isco_west_whil wrote: “Chaii dem don set this Guy up for dragging again😂😂.”
scheargoon wrote: “Try put stone for your pocket guy”
bouncequotes wrote: “My boy 😂😂😂😂 slim daddy for dem girls.”
just_eniola_olayemisi wrote: “No be your fault zino, u no just get choice that to continue to dey craze 🥺 I feel for u my bro.”
zaza_mula112 wrote: “Zino Dey enjoy, while seyi vibe Dey cry under record label 😂😂.”
jamesmike7837 wrote: “See person be like broom stick😂.”
sheis_shuga wrote: “Who Dey decive you werey 😢😢see as u slim like who get HIV 😢😔🙄🥺Dooh.”
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