News
FearlessOctober1 Protest: Organizers Defiant Despite Police Warning
Organisers of the #FearlessOctober1 protest have declared that the police, Department of State Services, and the military would not stop them from embarking on the demonstration as planned.
The organisers have also written to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to request security during the demonstration, noting that protest is a fundamental right they would not submit to any state agent.
Nigeria will celebrate its 64th independence on Tuesday, October 1, the day some Nigerian youths have taken to protest the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira.
The National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, and Director of Mobilisation of the group, Damilare Adenola, said mobilisation efforts had begun, adding that Nigerians were mobilising from different parts of the country for the protest.
“We have also written to the Inspector General of Police, informing him of our protest locations and reminding him of the constitutional duty of the police to protect protesters as opposed to the repression we have witnessed in times past,” said Sanyaolu.
The group explained that the FCT protest would be held at the Eagle Square, the same venue of the Independence Day parade, while the Lagos protest would take place at the Ikeja Under Bridge.
The organisers noted that the protest would be across the country, adding that only ‘immediate reversal of fuel subsidy removal’ would dissuade them from the demonstration.
The IG, Egbetokun, had directed the Force zonal and state commands to deploy men from Monday to strategic locations until a stand-down order was given.
Egbetokun also directed that the policemen should dress in camouflage with hats, even as he asked the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police to engage and discourage available civil society groups and individuals from participating in the protest.
However, a leader of the protest, Omoyele Sowore, said the youth were not afraid of the police, adding that the protest would hold as planned.
Sowore explained that the reported fear of some people about the possibility of violence during the protest was not true.
“Nobody has expressed to us or anyone that they’re afraid because they know we are not violent protesters; maybe you should ask that of the government,” he added.
Lawyer to the organisers, Deji Adeyanju, said it was wrong for the police to summon protesters who were exercising their right.
“The police do not have the right to summon protesters like they are currently doing. It is the responsibility of the police to protect the protesters anytime they embark on a demonstration. The protesters are not political parties; security agencies should not harass them,” he stated.
The counsel noted that the crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protesters in August was to discourage people from participating in further demonstrations in the country.
He, however, said the arrest and detention of some of the demonstrators would not deter youths from joining the #FearlessOctober1 protest.
Adeyanju said, “The government plans to discourage people from coming out to protest; that is why they are still detaining our comrades who participated in the August protest. But that will not dampen the morale of the youths on the #FearlessOctober protest.”
News
NUJ FCT Council Elections: Group Calls for Fair and Transparent Process
News
Kalu Extols Ooni of Ife on 50th birthday
News
CEO Of Quincy Wellness & Naturopathic Centre Felicitates Ooni Of Ife At 50
By Kayden Sanni-Arewa
The founder of Quincy Herbals, now transformed into Quincy Wellness and Naturopathic Centre, Dr. Quincy Olasunmbo Ayodele on Thursday, October 17, 2024 felicitated with the Ooni of Ife, Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (the Ojaja II) CFR, on the occasion his 50th birthday anniversary.
In a statement she personally signed and made available to newsmen through her media department, poured encomiums on Ooni of Ife, describing him as “a symbol of honour.”
She further felicitated with the highly revered royal father for championing the cultural rebirth of the Yoruba race globally, both in character and in principle.
Also in her congratulatory message to the people of Ife, House of Oduduwa and the people of Osun State on Oba Ogunwusi’s birthday, she noted that the future of Yoruba race was bright.
The statement was titled ‘Quincy Ayodele Celebrates Ooni Of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II CFR At 50.’
Quincy’s statement reads in parts, “I feel highly elated to see our Kabiyesi, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, (the Ojaja II) CFR, as he joins the prestigious club of quinquagenarian on Thursday, October 17, 2024. On behalf of my entire team at Quincy Wellness and Naturopathic Centre, we wish you more sound health, wisdom, understanding, knowledge and prosperity on the throne of your forebears and ancestors.
“You truly bestride the traditional institution like a colossus. A very decent monarch with a strength of character, fierce and independent-minded, this is indeed a remarkable milestone to celebrate,” she added.
Quincy equally described the Ooni as a true royalty who had since his coronation brought great value to the traditional institution, “he is always availing himself as a frontier for peace and harmony in the country, known for preaching and practicing peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups. Oba Adeyeye’s unbiased and unperturbed leadership had clearly shown that young people had the capacity to lead rightly in whatever sphere of life when provided with the opportunity.
She affirmed that Oba Adeyeye was not just another traditional ruler in Yorubaland and Nigeria but a “preeminent royal father who has brought honour, integrity, dignity, courage, and impeccable strength of character to the high profile throne.”
-
Economy11 hours ago
How weak Naira is advantageous to Nigeria — CBN gov
-
News3 hours ago
Gynaecologists fear reduction in antenatal attendance over fuel price hike
-
News3 hours ago
Doctors should account for placenta after childbirth to avoid trouble – Experts
-
Politics3 hours ago
Kaduna restricts movement ahead of Local Government elections
-
Metro3 hours ago
At last, police clear actress Lizzy Anjorin of gold theft allegation
-
News24 hours ago
Reps Seek Upward Review Of Budgetary Allocation For BPE
-
Sports3 hours ago
UEFA explains tie-breaker rules for new Champions League phase
-
Politics11 hours ago
PDP Senate Caucus move to quench fire burning their party