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Independent Report indicts Zamfara, Kano Governors as major sponsors of recent nationwide protests
A recent independent report has indicted Governors Dauda Lawal and Abba Kabir Yusuf of Zamfara and Kano states as major sponsors of the recently held nationwide protests.
The report condemned the roles played by the two governors in escalating the protests into violent and destructive actions.
The report was released at a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, by the Independent Coalition for Democratic Governance in Nigeria, led by its convener, Dr Ben Omale Amodu.
According to the report, the governors of Zamfara and Kano states, both from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), mobilised hoodlums to target political rivals, wreak havoc on public and private property, and loot valuables.
The report specifically highlights the destruction of the APC secretariat in Zamfara State, the vandalism and arson of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park in Kano State, and the attempted arson of the residence of the immediate past governor of Zamfara State.
The report’s findings suggest that the protests, which began as a peaceful expression of discontent with the government’s economic policies, were hijacked by anti-democratic forces and opposition elements seeking to destabilize the government.
The actions of the Zamfara and Kano state governors have been widely condemned as a blatant attempt to exploit public unrest for personal and political gain.
The Independent Coalition for Democratic Governance in Nigeria called on the Federal Government to take decisive action to address the demands of the protesters, prevent future occurrences of such destructive protests, and hold accountable those responsible for the violence and destruction.
“It was noted that a significant number of the states with high incidences of hijacked protests were under the governance of opposition parties, notably the PDP and NNPP. Conversely, states with APC governors exhibited minimal to no records of violence, instead witnessing peaceful protest demonstrations as compared to the former,” the report said.
“In the case of Zamfara state, where insecurity has reached alarming levels, with numerous youths succumbing to violence, and banditry and kidnapping being perpetrated in broad daylight, it was expected that grievances and protests would be directed towards the governor’s state house. However, this was not the case, as APC leaders, secretariats, and businesses were targeted, suggesting the involvement of the state government in exploiting the protests as a covert means of targeting political rivals and opposition.
“On the fourth day of the protests, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed the nation, expressing empathy and solidarity with the citizens, while assuring the nation of his commitment to implementing effective policies to address the economic downturn. He reiterated his dedication to working tirelessly to meet the needs of all, prioritizing the greater good.
“Furthermore, it was observed that the original objectives of the protests had been hijacked, with the movement now appearing to be driven by an agenda to undermine the government and plunge the country into chaos.
“This stark transformation in the protests’ narrative raises concerns about the presence of external influences and political machinations aimed at destabilizing the government. The initial grievances and demands of the protesters appear to have been supplanted by a more sinister agenda, one that seeks to exploit the unrest for political gain.
“As the situation continues to unfold, it becomes increasingly evident that the protests have devolved into a political tool, wielded by opposition forces to discredit the government and create an atmosphere of instability. The President’s assurances and commitments to addressing the nation’s challenges seem to have fallen on deaf ears, as the protests persist in their altered form.
“There exists compelling evidence to unequivocally suggest that the ongoing protest has been commandeered by nefarious elements, who have exploited the situation to perpetrate attacks on political opposition, engage in rampant looting, and wreak havoc on both private and public property,” the report said.
“This bad turn of events serves as a stark testament to the fact that nationwide protests are often hijacked by anti-democratic forces and opposition elements, whose ultimate goal is to destabilize and destroy the very fabric of a united nation.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided not to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York this year.
The president has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, according to a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.”
“The high-level General Debate, with the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,’ will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024,” the statement added.
Since return to democratic governance in 199, Shettima will be the first Vice President to Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA.
Only Goodluck Jonathan represented Nigeria as Acting president in September 2010 at the 65th UNGA, while late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua was away in Saudi Arabia due to his ill health.
The Plateau State House of Assembly, on Thursday, approved N5.8bn for the conduct of the local government election in the state slated for October 9, 2024.
The approval by the House followed a communication from Governor Caleb Mutfwang, which was read at plenary by the Assembly Speaker, Gabriel Dewan.
The Speaker stated that the request was necessary as there was no budgetary allocation for the LG elections in the 2024 budget.
A member of the State Assembly, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak for the Assembly, confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday.
The lawmaker said, “Governor Mutfwang, at Tuesday’s plenary, sought the House’s approval for N5.7bn as the 2024 supplementary, which was increased after upward review by the legislators.”
He continued, “The House leader, Joseph Bukar, presented the bill during our plenary. While soliciting the support of members for speedy passage, he said PLASIEC was running out of time in preparation for the election.”
“In their individual contributions, Hon. Kalamu Dal suggested a downward review of the budget size, while Hon. Daniel Nanbol urged for a critical review and deliberations. Afterwards, members approved a revised sum of N5.8bn, as opposed to the N5.7bn requested.”
The increase, as explained by Bukar, was due to an increase in security allocation for the election, from N2.7m to N4.2m. “So, that is what happened, and that is where we are at the moment regarding the forthcoming LG election,” the lawmaker concluded.
Security measures have been intensified in Enugu and Kwara states ahead of their Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In Enugu State, the Police Command has pledged to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the elections.
However, the peace accord signing for the elections was marred by the absence of major parties like the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, and Labour Party.
Only representatives from the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Accord attended but chose not to sign the accord, citing the lack of participation from the leading parties.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, said all wards and flashpoints had been identified, and security personnel would be on high alert to prevent any disruptions.
The Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Chris Ngwu, said the commission was fully prepared for the elections with the support of the state government in procuring necessary materials.
In Kwara State, security agencies have been actively coordinating to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Over 3,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed across the state.
The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission has completed arrangements for a trouble-free election.
Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, reported that a strategic meeting with heads of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and others, had been held to ensure coordinated efforts for maintaining law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, guaranteed maximum security for the election period.
The NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Umar Mohammed, announced the deployment of 3,000 personnel to various polling units and emphasised their role in preventing violence, ballot snatching, and other disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, Telumun Tombowua, announced on Thursday that eight political parties will participate in the upcoming LG elections in the state, scheduled for October 5, 2024.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, Tombowua said the election would be conducted fairly and transparently.
He emphasised that the law establishing the BSIEC does not permit the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation Machines for this election.
Regarding the APC, Tombowua confirmed that the National Working Committee of the party had requested the commission to work with the seven-man caretaker committee appointed to oversee party affairs in the state.
He noted that while 14 parties had initially shown interest, only eight completed the necessary processes and submitted their candidates.
Shettima becomes 1st VP to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UN Assembly in 25 yrs
Plateau Assembly approves N5.8bn for LG election
Enugu, Kwara tighten security ahead of LG polls
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