News

Third Republic Reps Members Caution Against Danger Of Planned Protest

Published

4 months ago

July 28, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

A group of concerned citizens, under the aegis of the Third Republic House of Representatives Forum, has cautioned against the dangers of protests in Nigeria’s current tense atmosphere.

Leader of the Forum, Hon. Basil Okafor in a press conference on Friday in Abuja, expressed concerns that the planned protest could exacerbate existing problems, lead to violence and unrest, and undermine the country’s economic and social stability.

He highlighted the importance of protests in a democracy but emphasized the need for responsible and peaceful demonstrations.

They forum however cited examples of Kenya and Uganda, where protests turned violent, and expressed fears that similar scenarios could play out in Nigeria.

The forum identified several risks associated with protests in a tense society, including the potential for manipulation and exploitation by extremist groups, the breakdown of communication and dialogue, and the negative impact on the economy and daily life.

In order to address these concerns, the forum advocated for open and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, including the government, protesters, and community leaders.

They commended the president’s efforts to engage with leaders across the country and urged protesters to be mindful of their actions and avoid inciting violence.

The forum’s warning comes as Nigeria faces a planned protest with unclear leadership, raising concerns about the potential for chaos and destruction.

The group emphasized that protest should be a means to an end, not an end in itself, and urged Nigerians to focus on finding common ground and solutions that benefit everyone.

According to the Forum, “Protests, when carried out peacefully and responsibly, have the power to bring attention to important social, political, and economic issues. They allow voices to be heard, encourage dialogue, and promote change. However, in a society already burdened with tension, protests can exacerbate the existing problems, further dividing people and escalating tensions.

“Firstly, it is important to recognize that a tense society is often characterized by polarized opinions, conflicting ideologies, and deep-seated emotions. In such an environment, protests can easily become breeding grounds for violence and unrest. The frustration, anger, and resentment that lie beneath the surface can erupt into chaos, undermining the very purpose of the protest and causing harm to individuals and property.

“Secondly, the ills of protest in a tense society lie in the potential for manipulation and exploitation by various stakeholders. In times of tension and strife, extremist groups or political factions may exploit protests to further their own agenda. They may infiltrate peaceful demonstrations, incite violence, and spread misinformation, leading to a distortion of the original purpose of the protest and the dilution of its message.

“Furthermore, protests conducted in a tense society often result in a breakdown of communication and dialogue. Instead of fostering understanding and empathy, they deepen divisions and create an “us versus them” mentality. People from opposing sides become entrenched in their positions, refusing to listen or engage in meaningful conversation. The very essence of a protest the desire for change and progress becomes overshadowed by animosity and hostility.

“Lastly, another consequence of protests in a tense society is the negative impact on the economy and daily life. Protests that disrupt public transportation, block major roads, or damage infrastructure can have severe repercussions on businesses and individuals trying to go about their daily lives. The uncertainty and instability caused by protests can deter investment, hamper economic growth, and create long-term damage to the communities affected.

“So, what is the solution? It is crucial for us to advocate for responsible and peaceful protests in tense societies. Protesters must be mindful of their actions, ensuring they do not incite violence or give room for undue exploitation. More importantly, all stakeholders need to engage in open,

constructive dialogue, fostering understanding and empathy, even when faced with opposing viewpoints.

This is what the president has been doing.

“Just yesterday he met leaders across the shades of the country, the traditional rulers, religious leaders. Unfortunately there’s no clear leaders of the planned protest, a sign that nobody is ready to take responsibility in the event of the protest turning sour. Hence they can’t guarantee a peaceful protest.

“We must remember that protest is a tool, a means to an end. It should not override the ultimate goal the improvement of society. By focusing on the issues that unite us, rather than those that divide us, we can work towards finding common ground and solutions that benefit everyone” he said

News

Reps Urge FG To Make Available Reliable Data On Housing Deficit

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide scientific, verifiable data on the housing deficit and improve access to affordable housing in the Nigeria.

This resolution was sequel to the adopting of a motion by Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, on the “Provision of affordable housing in Nigeria,” Tuesday at plenary.

Rep. Ukpong-Udo who noted that data is considered an important factor in the planning and execution of projects across all tiers of government, said the housing sector in Nigeria, with a huge deficit, lacks veritable data for planning and execution of housing policies and strategies.

He stated: “The House is aware that according to the world population review, over 24 million people in Nigeria are homeless, with no appropriate access to proper dwelling with some basic social amenities.

“The House is worried that Nigeria is among the top 10 countries with homeless populations, leading with 24 million, followed by Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, and Congo.”

The House also expressed displeasure that the country relies on the World Bank report for housing data, and that for a nation to grow and enjoy stability, there is the need to have its housing data as well as a market that works efficiently and provides decent shelter for its citizens.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Housing and Habitat to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address the lack of credible, scientific, and verifiable data on the state of housing in the country and ensure access to decent and affordable housing.

News

Provide Adequate Security For Transmission Towers Across Nigeria – Reps Tell FG

Published

3 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has charge the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, to urgently provide adequate security for Transmission Towers across the country to avoid future occurrences of vandalism.

This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep Oboku Oforji, lawmaker representing Yenagoa/Kolokoma-Opokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State on Tuesday at plenary.

In his lead debate, Rep. Oforji noted that on July 29, 2024, residents of Yenagoa and Bayelsa State in general woke up to a total blackout occasioned by the collapse of a Transmission Station between Emezhi and Mbaima in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State and three others between Igbogene and Nedugo Agbia in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to him, the Bayelsa State Government in collaboration with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, swiftly swung into action to address the challenges that has culminated in dwindling of socio-economic activities in the state.

He further noted that saddened that on the 19th of November, 2024, just as the work was nearing completion, at Ula-Akpata, in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, some hoodlums went and vandalised a section of the lines.

The motion reads in part: “By this development, the woes of the residents of Bayelsa State still subsist for one or two days, because as we speak the people of the State are in total blackout, this has been the situation for over 4 months.

“The efforts of the Bayelsa State Government in mobilizing financial and material resources to support the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is highly commended. However, proactive measures must be taken to forestall future occurrences of vandalism of these Transmission Towers.

“As a representative of my people this brings to mind the provisions of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) which talks about our economic and social rights as citizens, which I believe should not be taken for granted by the government”.

The House adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Interior and Power to ensure compliance.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Heading For France

Published

5 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday for a state visit to France.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Emmanuel Macron invited his Nigerian counterpart to the European country.

Onanuga said the three-day visit will focus “on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation among others”.

“President Tinubu who will be traveling with the First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.”

“During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

“Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss the latter’s passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative,” the statement read.

Tinubu and his wife who will be hosted to a state dinner by the French leader before their departure, will be accompanied by top government officials.