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Third Republic Reps Members Caution Against Danger Of Planned Protest

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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
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Court Gives Falanas, January Date To Prove Case Against VDM

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A Lagos High Court has adjourned the defamation suit brought by Femi Falana and his son against social media influencer, Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, until January 23, 2025.

The case was brought by human rights activist Femi Falana and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.

VeryDarkMan arrived in court dressed in a red native outfit, accompanied by fans who cheered him on, but the Falanas were not present.

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The case could not proceed as several applications filed by the parties were still not included in the court file. As a result, the court decided to adjourn the hearing until January 23, 2025.

On October 14, Justice Matthias Dawodu ruled on an ex-parte application filed by the Falanas, granting them legal protection from defamation. The judge ordered that VeryDarkMan remove a defamatory video he posted on September 24, 2025, which targeted the senior lawyer and his son. Additionally, the court prohibited VeryDarkMan from posting or sharing any defamatory content about them on his social media accounts until the matter is resolved.

The Falanas had filed separate lawsuits seeking N500 million each in damages, claiming that VeryDarkMan posted a video accusing them of accepting N10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to influence a legal matter.

They argued that VeryDarkMan knew the allegations were false but chose to spread them, causing harm to their reputations. The Falanas further pointed out that the video continues to circulate online, further damaging their reputations.

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In response, VeryDarkMan applied to the court for permission to appeal the ruling.

He argued that refusing his request would be an injustice, as the case involves significant legal questions that require further examination. He stated, “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole. The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”

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READ 8 Facts About New Lakurawa Terror Group in North West

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Lakurawa, a new terror group is now wreaking havoc in northwestern part of the country. It was once dismissed as harmless herders.

Initially seen as seasonal migrants, the Lakurawa group has evolved into a powerful militant force linked to jihadist networks in the Sahel.

With roots stretching back six years, Lakurawa has grown under the radar, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders and limited government oversight.

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Here’s what you need to know about this escalating threat and the challenges it poses to the region’s security.

From Herders to Terrorists

Originally seen as seasonal herders from Niger, the Lakurawa group quietly entered Sokoto communities in search of pasture, later gaining a reputation as militants with ties to jihadist networks across the Sahel.

Authorities’ Early Misjudgment

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Locals first reported suspicious activities by Lakurawa herders nearly six years ago, but authorities dismissed them as non-violent. However, recent intelligence from Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters reclassifies Lakurawa as a new terror group with connections to extremist networks.

Cross-Border Threats

The Lakurawa exploit Nigeria’s porous borders with countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali, entering remote areas to promote radical ideology, often in Hausa and Fulfulde languages, and impose strict “Islamic” rules on communities.

Unusual Alliances

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Invited by local leaders to fend off other bandits, Lakurawa quickly grew from an auxiliary force into a dominant presence, controlling communities through a mix of militant enforcement and religious influence.

Camp ‘Darul Islam’ in Forests

Lakurawa established camps around Gwangwano, Mulawa, Wassaniya, and Tunigara along the Nigeria-Niger border, naming them Darul Islam, or “Abode of Islam.” Their membership has since swelled to over 200 young men.

Escalation and Armed Attacks

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Once tolerated by local communities, the group’s violent tendencies surfaced through alleged attacks on military bases and confrontations with Nigerian security forces, marking a shift to full-scale militancy.

Radical Ideology and Social Control

The group enforces stringent rules, often forbidding music and dancing, and collects levies disguised as religious Zakat. They pressure locals to obey these laws, maintaining authority over vulnerable communities.

A Growing Regional Concern

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With ties to jihadist groups across the Sahel, Lakurawa’s presence reflects broader security challenges. The breakdown in joint border patrols after Niger’s recent coup has only worsened Nigeria’s exposure to such extremist threats.(PRNigeria)

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It’s wrong to arrest individuals in place of suspects — Says PSC chairman

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd) has condemned the practice by Nigeria Police Force operatives of arresting individuals in place of actual suspects.

He also frowned at the handcuffing of suspects during arrests, adding that the law prohibits these practices.

A statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, said Argungu made this known
during training on international Human Rights-based policing and effective oversight of personnel of the Police Service Commission.

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Ani said the PSC chairman stressed that every suspect must be accorded humane treatment and must not be subjected to any form of torture, cruelty, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

The statement read, “DIG Hashimu Argungu, x-rayed human treatment of arrested suspects and declared that a suspect shall be accorded human treatment, having regard to his right to the dignity of his person and not be subjected to any form of torture, cru
Argungu noted that a suspect shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract and shall be brought before the court as prescribed by law or otherwise released conditionally or unconditionally.

He explained that “a person shall not for any reason be arrested in place of a suspect adding that the law prohibits the handcuffing or any other unnecessary restrain of an arrested person, except if there is reasonable apprehension of violence or an attempt to escape; the restrain is considered necessary for the safety of the suspect or defendant or by order of court.”

Ani added the PSC chairman also noted that all over the world, police officers generally have broad powers to carry out their functions and duties.

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“He noted that the constitution as amended and other procedural laws, however, place limits on how far Police can go in trying to enforce the law.

“According to him, one of the primary purposes of these laws is to protect citizens from abuses by the government, including police misconduct,” the statement added

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