News

Tension, concerns across Nigeria, as ‘EndBadGovernment’ Nationwide Protest kicks off, August

Published

2 months ago

July 10, 2024

Admin

A nationwide protest titled “End Bad Government in Nigeria 2024” is scheduled to take place from August 1st to August 10th, 2024. The protest, organized under the banner “10 Days of Rage,” aims to address multiple grievances against the current government. This movement is expected to be widespread, involving significant participation from various regions, tribes, and religious groups across the country.

Protest Details:
The protest will run for ten days, from August 1st to August 10th, 2024. Its main slogan, “We Are Not Slaves,” emphasizes the protesters’ resolve. The scope of the protest is nationwide, with major activities planned in key cities including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kaduna.

The protesters have outlined several primary demands, including ending subsidy scams and reducing fuel prices to below ₦300 per liter, reverting tertiary education fees to previous rates by reversing subsidies, restoring affordable electricity tariffs, reinstating previous import duty rates, publicly disclosing and reducing the salaries and allowances of all senators, House of Representatives members, and the Speaker.

They also demand the establishment of an emergency fund to support SMEs, ensuring INEC’s independence with transparent processes for appointing its chairman, mandating INEC to electronically transmit live electoral results, reopening national borders, reforming the EFCC, declaring a state of emergency on inflation, and reforming the judiciary.

Mobilization and Logistics:
Protesters are advised to wear white (with black) attire. They are also encouraged to bring placards, handkerchiefs, a bottle of water, a white cloth or ribbon, and the Nigerian flag. Meet-up locations include all LGA, House of Rep members’ residences, and Governor’s offices across the country. In Abuja, protesters are to gather at the National Assembly Building. Specific instructions have been given for protesters in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Enugu, and Kaduna to block all roads leading to the cities and airports on the first day of the protest (August 1st).

Use of Social Media:
The organizers are leveraging Twitter a.k.a X to gain momentum and gather followers. Social media platforms, especially Twitter, are being used extensively to disseminate information, coordinate activities, and mobilize participants. Hashtags such as #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, #TinubuMustGo and #ENDBGIN are trending and helping to galvanize support across the nation.

This strategy is reminiscent of the #EndSARS movement in 2020, where Twitter played a crucial role in mobilizing large numbers of protesters and coordinating their actions. Notable handles pushing this current protest include @AnonXNG, @IPrinceSaviour, and @felimek.

Potential Security Concerns:
There are several potential security concerns associated with this protest. Given the widespread discontent with the government, a significant turnout is expected, which could lead to large-scale disruptions. The call to block major roads and airports may result in severe traffic congestion and disrupt public order. While the protest is intended to be peaceful, the potential for clashes with security forces and counter-protesters cannot be ruled out. Prolonged protests could also have a detrimental effect on the state’s economy, particularly if businesses and transport services are halted.

Recommendations:
In light of these concerns, it is recommended to enhance surveillance by deploying intelligence personnel to monitor the organizers and key locations mentioned in the protest plans. Increase monitoring of social media platforms to track real-time developments and gather actionable intelligence. Strategic deployment of security forces at critical infrastructure points such as airports, major roads, and government buildings is crucial to prevent any blockade and maintain public order. Engaging with the protest organizers to understand their intentions and potentially negotiate to prevent disruptions should also be considered.

News

Rupture In PDP Governors’ Forum deepens

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Austin Ojomah

By Ojomah Austin.

The evolving fall-out, which comes barely days to the contentious National Executive Committee (NEC) of PDP, followed a back and forth between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike and the Governors forum, who declared support for Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara to be made leader of the party in the state.

After a meeting with some members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Bauchi on Wednesday, Governor Mohammed, said “According to our party’s constitution, any leadership vacancy should be filled by someone from the region where it originated,” stressing that Damagum would be replaced soon considering that he hails from North East and not the North Central.

Same day, Makinde, during the groundbreaking of the upgrading of Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, to an international airport, which was attended by another set of NWC members, led by Damagum, said he would support whatever decision the Damagum-led NWC would take to reposition the party.

Damagum, who is considered a close ally of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, was appointed acting national chairman after the removal of Iyorchia Ayu in June 2023.

Meanwhile, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP led by Senator Adolph Wabara, met with members of the National Assembly caucus in Abuja.

The close door meeting comes barely hours after the BoT met with Wike in Abuja.

While Wabara refused to comment on the essence of the meeting with the lawmakers, it was noticed that most of the lawmakers didn’t honour the invitation.

News

Tears As Man Takes Own Life Over Tinubu’s Govt Hardship

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

Sad development in Marika village, Kiyawa Local Government, Jigawa, where a 40-year-old man, Jibrin Adamu, committed suicide by hanging himself.

According to eyewitnesses, Adamu’s lifeless body was discovered in a classroom at Miftahul Khairat Islamiyya and Primary School Gurdiba on Thursday.

Police spokesperson DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary investigations revealed Adamu had struggled with mental health issues.

“Police received a report on Thursday that at about 1830hrs, a tragic incident was reported at the Command headquarters that one Jibrin Adamu ‘m’ age 40yrs of Jigawar Maroka village, Kiyawa LGA has committed suicide by hanging himself over the ceiling at Islamiyya school,” the Police spokesperson told Daily Post.

The Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, has instructed officers to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

News

Just in: Dangote Petrol Now Available at N765.99 Per Litre

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Mario Deepromoter

11plc, Total Energies, AA Rano, and other marketers have begun lifting Dangote Petrol through Nigerian National Company (NNPC) Trading Limited for N765.99 to retail outlets nationwide.

Findings showed some petroleum marketers who were able to complete their payment process on the NNPC trading payment portal commenced the lifting of petrol earlier this week under the existing agreement between marketers and the refinery.

Tunji Oyebanji, managing director, 11Plc confirmed to BusinessDay on Thursday evening that some marketers have started lifting the products at N765.99 from Dangote Refinery through NNPC who remain the sole off-taker of product.

“We were among the first marketers to complete the payment on the NNPC portal. We have no direct arrangement with the refinery,” Oyebanji said.

It was gathered that NNPC Retail, 11plc, Total Energies, A.A Rano are among the marketers that have picked up products from the refinery.

He added, “We don’t know the contractual financial arrangement between NNPC and the refinery but what I can confirm is we are buying at N765.99 from NNPC to lift Dangote petrol”.

Efforts to get the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to confirm if its members have picked up products at the Dangote Refinery proved abortive at the time of writing this report.

See also Nigeria’s Petrol Landing Cost Revealed
Adedapo Segun, executive vice-president, downstream at NNPC said marketers cannot purchase petrol directly from the refinery because the product is still sold at a subsidised rate.

“That is the same thing happening with Dangote. I said earlier that Dangote is a company and it is going to sell at market price,” he told Journalists.

According to Segun, “The market value of PMS is still higher than what N766 or N765 or N799 that NNPC is selling.

“The situation has not changed there. So, NNPC’s off-taking is only because the others would not buy at the price Dangote will be willing to sell, which is reasonable.

“As soon as the price allows for it, you will see the marketers go to Dangote and buy.”