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Social media burns as Tinubu’s govt charges protesters with treason, pushes them into Kuje prison (See reactions)
By Mario Deepromoter
A wave of public outrage has erupted following the Federal High Court in Abuja’s decision to remand protesters from the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, accusing them of treason and terrorism.
The court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, ruled that the protesters be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending a bail hearing on September 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through these charges, has positioned the protest as an attempt to destabilise the nation, a move that has been widely condemned as an assault on democratic freedoms.
The decision has sparked widespread anger on social media, with many Nigerians denouncing it as a sign of a “full-blown dictatorship.”
Critics have accused the administration of trying to suppress dissent and silence voices of opposition.
Some have gone as far as to claim that the government is enslaving its own citizens, with the charges seen as a direct attack on the right to protest in a democratic society.
One Twitter user, @PureStanley1, voiced his concerns, stating, “According to APC and the police, Activists and Journalists are a threat to Nigeria and should be eradicated from the face of the earth, but terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers are not a threat to Nigeria? Nigeria has been captured. The same people that championed and spearheaded series of protests under and against GEJ’s government are now against protests? And you call this democracy? Nigeria is practicing DemoCRAZY and not Democracy, know the difference!!!”
Another user, @AndinoAsuquo, questioned the charges, writing, “Treason for protesting?? Can someone please explain to him that this is democracy government.”
The severity of the charges has also raised alarms among other social media commentators. @Isthisjohnson remarked, “This is really alarming! Treason charges for protesting is a serious escalation. It feels like we’re stepping into dangerous territory where speaking out could have dire consequences. We need to keep raising awareness about this.”
@OurFavOnlineDoc added, “To charge protesters to court for ‘treason’ in a country where the punishment for treason is the death penalty is an attempt by the government to use the powers of the state to execute its own citizens. Why is the Nigerian judiciary entertaining this madness? Why is nobody speaking up about this? Or wait, are we in a dictatorship now?”
The perceived double standard in the government’s handling of different groups was highlighted by @Shehusky, who tweeted, “So, peaceful protesters are the enemies of Nigeria that should be sentenced to death for treason. Not Boko Haram, not bandits, not killer herders, not treasury looters, not kidnappers, not election riggers, not corrupt judges, and not religious extremists. Nigeria is captured.”
@FS_Yusuf_ echoed this sentiment, criticising the government’s actions: “You are rehabilitating Boko Haram terrorists. You are watching politicians loot and walk away freely. Every day terrorists on TikTok send us videos of their successful operations. But you arrested peace protesters and charged them for treason??? The Nigerian government is a criminal organisation.”
According to @mrfestusogun, “Arresting peaceful protesters for the heinous crime of treason is full-blown dictatorship.”
This sentiment was echoed by @bassiology, who said, “The regime is doing everything possible to scare people from protesting and holding them accountable.”
@OkpanachiUdale expressed frustration, stating, “I’ve always maintained my thoughts about this government. There is nothing democratic about it; in fact, it’s worse than any military regime in Nigeria. At least Nigerians didn’t live in fear of kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists during military regimes.”
As the protesters await their next court appearance, the controversy surrounding the charges is expected to grow, with many questioning the state of democracy in Nigeria under the current administration.
The debate over the legitimacy of the charges will likely intensify as the September 11 hearing approaches
Credit: Tribune Online
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.
According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”
Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*
1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.
2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.
3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.
The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.
*Details of the March:*
• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters
Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.
Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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