Nigeria Rejects Foreign Interference, Launches Probe into Protest Violence

On August 7, 2024, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, reaffirmed the country’s stance against foreign interference in its domestic issues and stressed the importance of maintaining positive international relations.

During a briefing with diplomatic corps members in Abuja, Tuggar addressed the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests that began on August 1. These demonstrations, sparked by widespread public hardship, led to significant disruptions and violence across major cities, including Lagos, Kano, and Abuja.

The protests, marked by instances of violence and some protesters waving Russian flags, have prompted President Bola Tinubu to call for their suspension due to escalating violence and property damage. The Nigeria Police Force has arrested several protesters in possession of Russian flags and one individual with a large stock of these flags.

Minister Tuggar called for international support in overcoming Nigeria’s challenges while reiterating that the government will not tolerate any foreign entities interfering in the country’s internal matters. He emphasized that Nigeria values its diplomatic relationships but will act against any foreign interference.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, assured the diplomatic community that the government is investigating the recent violence and is committed to holding perpetrators accountable. He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s policy interventions would soon lead to positive changes and thanked the international community for their support during this challenging period.

Police Arrest Foreign Nationals Linked to Nigerian Protests

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the arrest of several key sponsors of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, which have seen rioters hoisting foreign flags and calling for governmental change in states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara.

During a joint media briefing, Egbetokun stated that the police had identified and apprehended the financial backers of the riots, some of whom reside abroad. The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, confirmed that these sponsors have been placed on a watchlist to ensure their arrest upon entry into Nigeria.

Key Arrests and Security Measures

In Kano, the state police command, led by CP Salman Garba, arrested six Spanish nationals and 76 others, including a tailor found sewing Russian flags. The detainees have been transferred to the Force Headquarters due to the charges of sedition and national security concerns.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, reported that the accounts funding the protests have been blocked, and the identities of these sponsors will be made public soon. Service chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, warned that the military would not permit the country to descend into anarchy.

Protests in Rivers State and Other Regions

In Port Harcourt, protests intensified as demonstrators blocked major roads, including the East-West Road, and marched to the private residence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Police restricted the protests to designated areas to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

In contrast, Abuja and Lagos remained calm, and the Kaduna state government’s curfew brought relative peace to the city.

Government and Security Response

The security agencies’ coordinated efforts have led to numerous arrests and a significant reduction in protest activities. In Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf relaxed the 24-hour curfew to 12 hours daily to allow residents to conduct their business, with the curfew resuming from 6 pm to 6 am.

In Abuja, protests dwindled significantly, with only a small group of demonstrators continuing their sit-out at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.

Conclusion

The Nigerian authorities have responded with stringent measures to control the protests, arresting key figures and disrupting the funding sources. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.

Yahaya Bello Denies Involvement in Anti-Tinubu Protests

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has denied allegations of his involvement in sponsoring the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Michael Ohiare, Bello’s Media Office refuted the claims, describing them as part of a plot by his enemies to frame him.

The statement, released in Lokoja, stated: “We have uncovered a high-wired plan by some disgruntled enemies of the nation and persons on the ‘Project Bring Down Yahaya Bello,’ to frame him up as one of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.”

The statement continued to dismiss the allegations as “reckless and irresponsibly malicious,” emphasizing Bello’s dedication to national unity and prosperity. It highlighted Bello’s previous efforts in mediating between northern food transporters and their southern counterparts to prevent a major crisis in Nigeria, earning him commendations from national leaders.

The statement also defended Bello’s support for President Bola Tinubu, citing his efforts in mobilizing Kogi residents for the presidential election and his role in challenging the naira redesign policy at the Supreme Court, which was seen as a critical intervention during a national crisis.

Bello’s media office reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and his longstanding support for President Tinubu. Meanwhile, Bello’s whereabouts remain unknown since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared him wanted over an alleged N80.2bn fraud. Despite his status as an APC chieftain and ally of the President, Tinubu has not intervened in the criminal case against him.

Protesters Target Wike’s Mansion in #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Rally

Tensions soared in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests continued for the sixth day. Over 50 protesters besieged a mansion owned by Nyesom Wike, former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in the Ada George area.

The protesters, who marched from Agip Junction, gathered in front of Wike’s residence singing the old national anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots.” Armed policemen, along with an Armoured Personnel Carrier, formed a barrier to keep the protesters at a distance and prevented them from approaching the mansion.

The group dispersed after about 49 minutes and continued their march, passing Hyper City Mall, another property belonging to Wike, but were met with a heavy police presence. The state police command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that no property belonging to Wike was attacked and that the police maintained order.

Obasanjo: Fuel Importers Will Resist Dangote Refinery’s Success

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that beneficiaries of Nigeria’s fuel importation business will attempt to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Obasanjo’s remarks follow claims by Aliko Dangote that certain ‘mafias’ are obstructing the $20 billion refinery project.

Speaking with the Financial Times, Obasanjo emphasized that the refinery should inspire investment in Nigeria but warned that those profiting from fuel imports will likely resist losing their lucrative market. He noted that Dangote’s refinery has faced challenges, including international oil companies (IOCs) refusing to sell crude or doing so at inflated prices.

Obasanjo also criticized the government’s focus on oil, neglecting gas and agriculture, and highlighted the persistent corruption in Nigeria’s refinery sector, which has deterred major companies like Shell from participating. Furthermore, he questioned President Bola Tinubu’s approach to fuel subsidy removal, stressing the need for careful consideration of its economic impact on citizens.

Amid these issues, it was revealed that the Dangote refinery and other local refineries have not yet begun purchasing crude oil in naira from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), despite a recent directive from President Tinubu aimed at reducing fuel costs and strengthening the naira. The Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria has called for an executive order to enforce this new policy.

NDLEA’s Enhanced Diving Skills to Thwart Cocaine Smuggling, Says Marwa

Chairman and CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), announced that the recent training and certification of NDLEA Marine Command officers in advanced diving techniques will significantly deter large cocaine shipments to Nigeria. Marwa highlighted this achievement while receiving a training report from DCGN Omolade Faboyede, Director of Seaports Operations.

The training, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), took place in Bombinhas, Brazil, and included officers from Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, and Senegal. The program aimed to enhance public safety diving skills for conducting thorough ship hull searches.

Marwa praised the NDLEA officers for their exemplary performance, emphasizing that the agency’s new capabilities will discourage international drug cartels from smuggling drugs into Nigeria. He reiterated NDLEA’s commitment to staying ahead of drug cartels through continuous training and the use of modern technology to combat illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

AON Applauds Judiciary’s Decision to Halt Nigeria Air Sale to Ethiopian Airlines

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have praised the judiciary for canceling the sale of Nigeria Air to Ethiopian Airlines, calling the move a victory for truth. They also commended the new Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for suspending the project initiated by his predecessor, Hadi Sirika. AON President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa, noted the court’s ruling invalidated the sale due to violations of multiple regulatory acts, criticizing the deal as an exploitative scheme detrimental to Nigeria’s aviation market.

Biden and Obama Applaud Harris’ Selection of Tim Walz as Running Mate

President Joe Biden has commended Vice President Kamala Harris’s choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 presidential race. Biden, who has endorsed Harris, shared his support on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, describing the Harris-Walz ticket as a strong advocate for working people and America’s middle class.

Biden tweeted, “The first major decision a party nominee makes is their choice for Vice President. And Kamala Harris has made a great decision in choosing Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate. I’ve known Tim Walz for nearly two decades, from his time in Congress to his tenure as governor. He’s a dedicated husband, father, former school teacher, high school football coach, and a 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of the highest enlisted soldier to serve in Congress. As governor, he’s demonstrated strong, principled, and effective leadership.”

Biden emphasized that the Harris-Walz ticket would be a powerful voice for working people and America’s middle class, defending personal freedoms and democracy while ensuring the country’s leadership on the global stage.

Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, also praised the Harris-Walz ticket. Obama tweeted, “Like Vice President Harris, Governor Tim Walz believes that government works to serve all of us. That’s what makes him an outstanding governor and will make him an even better Vice President. Michelle and I couldn’t be happier for Tim and Gwen, their family, and our country.”

This endorsement follows Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race after a debate performance raised concerns about his fitness for office. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has agreed to debate Kamala Harris on Fox News on September 4, 2024, following an assassination attempt he recently escaped.

Immigration Chief Reveals Watch List for Diaspora Protest Sponsors

The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, announced that individuals financing the #EndBadGovernance protests from abroad are now on a watch list. She stated that these individuals will be arrested upon their arrival in Nigeria.

Nandap disclosed this during a news conference held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, which was attended by the heads of security agencies and Service Chiefs. She emphasized that the NIS has increased its monitoring of entry points, including borders and airports, to prevent any foreign intervention and ensure proper management of these entry ports.

In addition, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that the police had identified some of the protest sponsors and had blocked their accounts, though he did not provide further details. Egbetokun noted that many of these individuals reside overseas.

The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi, through spokesperson Mr. Peter Afunanya, confirmed that the DSS is also monitoring these individuals. The service is collaborating with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to track down additional funders of the protests.

The briefing followed a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs addressing the recent nationwide protests and the associated violence.

Obasanjo Warns of Sabotage Against Dangote Refinery Amidst Allegations of Malpractice

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised alarms over potential sabotage of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, asserting that individuals profiting from Nigeria’s fuel importation industry may be working to undermine the $20 billion project. This follows claims by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who accuses certain ‘mafias’ of attempting to sabotage his investment.

Obasanjo expressed that the success of the refinery could encourage increased investment in Nigeria from both local and international sources. However, he pointed out that international oil companies might be obstructing the refinery’s operations by either refusing to sell crude oil or charging above-market prices.

The Dangote Group has also alleged that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority is complicating their efforts by issuing licenses for importing contaminated fuel. The NMDPRA has denied these allegations, suggesting instead that Dangote’s diesel quality is inferior compared to imported alternatives.

Obasanjo further criticized Nigeria’s historical focus on oil, neglecting the potential of gas and agriculture. He recalled his own attempts to involve Shell in the management of Nigeria’s refineries, which were rejected due to corruption and poor maintenance. Additionally, he challenged President Bola Tinubu’s handling of fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the administration should have better addressed the resulting economic hardships.