Nigeria Times

The ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship have spiraled into severe unrest in Kaduna and Zaria, prompting the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew. The demonstrations, which began as peaceful calls for economic relief, have led to substantial economic damage and civil unrest across several states.

Economic Damage Soars: Initial reports from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) and the Kano Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KACCIMA) estimate that the protests have resulted in over N700 billion in economic losses within the first five days. Lagos alone accounted for N600 billion in losses, while Kano suffered over N100 billion in damages.

Violent Turn in Kaduna: The protests in Kaduna have escalated into violence as criminal elements hijacked the demonstrations, leading to widespread looting and vandalism. Security forces have struggled to contain the chaos, and military intervention was required to restore some semblance of order.

Protesters Clash with Authorities: In response to the violence, the Kaduna State government has implemented a curfew. Despite this, clashes between protesters and security forces continue, with hoodlums overpowering police and vandalizing property. The situation in Zaria remains tense but under control after intervention by security personnel.

Russian Flag Controversy: The appearance of Russian flags among protesters has sparked allegations of foreign involvement, though the Russian Embassy has denied any connection. Protesters in Zamfara and other regions are reportedly using the flags to attract international attention to their cause.

Federal and State Responses: President Bola Tinubu’s recent address to the nation has been criticized for failing to meet the protesters’ demands, which include action on food inflation, hunger, and fuel subsidies. The government’s response has been deemed insufficient, and unrest continues in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Benin.

Security and Arrests: The Nigerian Police have arrested several individuals for distributing Russian flags and engaging in what they term “treasonable acts.” The police emphasize that the arrests are targeted at criminal elements rather than peaceful protesters.

Business Impact: The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry reports significant financial losses due to the protests, with many businesses shut down and infrastructure damaged. Recovery from these setbacks is expected to be challenging.

Federal Offices Affected: Government offices in Abuja remain largely deserted as protests persist. The disruptions have had a notable impact on daily life and economic activities in the Federal Capital Territory.

As the situation continues to develop, the Nigerian government faces increasing pressure to address the underlying issues driving the protests and to restore stability across the affected regions.

Serving senators under the South-East Caucus have condemned the ethnic profiling of the Igbo amid ongoing mass protests across Nigeria. This intervention follows threats of genocide against the Igbo in Lagos.

The caucus, represented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Igariwey Iduma Enwo (leaders of the South East Senate Caucus of the National Assembly and the South East Caucus of the House of Representatives, respectively), called for an immediate investigation and prosecution of those instigating such threats.

In a statement issued in Abuja, they emphasized that the Igbo, following the advice of their leaders—including governors, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, parliamentarians, and private sector leaders—had strategically chosen not to participate in the ongoing protests. This decision is reflected in the relative calm in the five southeastern states.

“We are surprised and disappointed that the Igbo are still being targeted as instigators of protests, evidenced by statements like the #IgboMustGo hashtag and videos circulating online,” the statement read. “This dangerous ethnic profiling is unwarranted and must stop. It led to millions of deaths from the 1950s to the unfortunate civil war in 1967-1970 and genocides elsewhere in Africa.”

The caucus demanded that security agencies bring the purveyors of these hate speeches to justice under the cybercrimes act and criminal laws of Nigeria. They also urged the Igbo across the country to stay away from protests and remain law-abiding.

IBN Demands Decisive Action from Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu

The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists (IBN) have called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against those promoting the #Igbomustgo threat in Lagos. Mazi Uche Mefor, IBN’s convener, expressed disappointment over the inadequate responses from President Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

“The Igbo-Biafra Nationalists and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination express deep concern over the ethnic profiling and discrimination against the Igbo community, particularly in Lagos State,” Mefor said. “Mere public statements are insufficient. We demand comprehensive punitive measures against the perpetrators of these acts of ethnic bigotry.”

Mefor urged for the robust prosecution of those responsible for hate publications and ethnic profiling. He highlighted that anti-Igbo policies have encouraged hate speech, citing individuals like MC Oluomo. He also drew parallels to the 1966 pogrom against the Igbo in Nigeria, stressing the importance of preventing such atrocities in the 21st century.

IBN called on South-East political representatives, including governors, state house assembly members, and other stakeholders, to take decisive action. They also urged these representatives to raise these issues in the National Assembly and consider coordinated legal action against the Nigerian state.

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to crack down on individuals flying Russian flags within the country. This directive was announced by Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, during a briefing with State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting.

Gen. Musa reported that the service chiefs updated the President on the current security situation, which has been exacerbated by ongoing nationwide protests that have resulted in violence in several states.

“Initially, when the protest started, it was said to be peaceful, but we have realized that there are individuals taking advantage of it to cause mayhem. Criminals have taken over with looting and other illegal activities,” Musa stated.

The situation has become particularly concerning due to the presence of foreign flags during the protests. “Flying foreign flags within Nigeria’s sovereignty is totally unacceptable,” he added.

Musa conveyed a stern warning from President Tinubu: “We will not accept anybody flying any foreign flag in Nigeria. That is a treasonable offense and will be treated as such. Individuals should not allow themselves to be used by any parties.”

The General noted that children were primarily being used to fly these flags, pushed by certain sponsors. “We have identified those behind it and will take serious action against them,” he said.

President Tinubu’s instructions were clear: “We will not accept anyone disrupting the peace and tranquility of Nigeria. All security agencies are ready to defend democracy and the nation’s sovereignty.”

The President, in a national broadcast on Sunday, urged the protest organizers to suspend their actions as they had turned violent in some states, leading to loss of lives and property damage. He warned against opposition politicians attempting to disrupt democracy.

The National Security Council meeting was attended by all service chiefs, Vice President Kashim Shetima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, among others.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested over 30 #EndBadGovernance protesters for waving Russian flags in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, and Bauchi states.

The Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, reported that a total of 873 protesters have been detained, including a tailor named Ahmed Bello, who was found with a large number of flags in Kano.

This follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for security agencies to crack down on those displaying Russian flags in the country.

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, announced this on Monday during a briefing with State House correspondents after the National Security Council meeting.

All the service chiefs, including Vice President Kashim Shetima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, attended the meeting.

Gen. Musa stated that the service chiefs briefed the President on the current security situation, emphasizing that the briefing was prompted by the ongoing nationwide protests, which have led to violence in some states.

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• #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests continue in Kano despite curfew

IBADAN – An 80-year-old retired civil servant, Mrs. Tinuke Okesanu, has sought the assistance of President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in resolving a land dispute involving her and several prominent Nigerians.

Accompanied by her lawyer and sons, Mrs. Okesanu guided journalists to the contested land located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Odo-Ona Kekere, near Sat Guru Maharaj Village. She accused allies of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, of being complicit in the matter.

Mrs. Okesanu claimed that the Inspector-General of Police, via a department in the Oyo State Police Command, is colluding with land grabbers to seize her property.

Presenting various documents, including the deed of conveyance from 2017, Mrs. Okesanu demonstrated her ownership of the land to the journalists.

Despite her legal efforts, Mrs. Okesanu alleged that the Surveyor General’s office and the police have obstructed her attempts to resolve the issue.

Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Okesanu stated, “I have reported this case to the Oyo State Police Command and the office of the Surveyor General, always presenting my valid documents. Recently, the Surveyor General told me my documents are not genuine, claiming my deed of conveyance has expired. I suspect he is compromising the case. I urge Governor Seyi Makinde and President Bola Tinubu to investigate this matter.”

Mrs. Okesanu continued, “I bought this land with my hard-earned money. I can’t allow them to take it from me. They have turned my land into an illegal police post. The same people who approached me to sell the land are now using their power against me. But I believe God will not allow them to take my property.”

Mrs. Okesanu called on President Tinubu and Governor Makinde to investigate the issue and safeguard her rights.

A rights group, Coalition of Northern Youths for Peace and Stability (CNYPS) has strongly condemned the role of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, in the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, accusing him of using the demonstrations as a smokescreen to hide his administration’s ineptitude, massive corruption, and cluelessness.

At a press conference, the group’s spokesman, Muhammad Garba Yahaya, alleged that Governor Lawal had orchestrated the deployment of thugs and miscreants to infiltrate and hijack the peaceful protests, resulting in violent acts, destruction of properties, and looting.

This, they said, was a blatant disregard for peaceful demonstrations and a propensity to resort to clandestine tactics to further his own self-serving agenda.

The group criticized Governor Lawal’s administration for its pervasive corruption, cluelessness, and failure to address the state’s pressing security challenges.

They described his leadership as a “duplicitous political machination” that has brought Zamfara State to its knees.

“It is imperative that Governor Lawal redirects his focus towards addressing the pressing security challenges and rampant corruption within Zamfara State, rather than employing diversionary tactics to deflect attention from his administration’s glaring failings,” the statement said.

“Unfortunately, he has chosen to exacerbate the situation, fanning the embers of conflict and prioritizing his political interests over the well-being of his citizens.

“In light of this, it would have been prudent for Governor Lawal to join forces with all stakeholders to calm the situation and welcome President Tinubu’s negotiation table, while concentrating on revitalizing the dilapidated state of Zamfara.

“However, his current trajectory is cementing his international reputation for large-scale corruption and governing a state plagued by the highest level of insecurity in the country. This should be his paramount concern, as his reputation teeters on the brink of collapse.

“It is pertinent to acknowledge that the current economic predicament was not solely created by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as implied by many, but rather is a culmination of years and decades of flawed administrative decisions, misguided government policies, and inadequate planning by previous administrations.

“It would be beneficial for all stakeholders if every governor were to collaborate with the president in achieving the Nigeria of our collective aspirations.”

The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in addressing the country’s socioeconomic challenges and urged Governor Lawal to follow suit by focusing on revitalizing the dilapidated state of Zamfara.

They also called on security agencies to apprehend those responsible for orchestrating violence and disruption.

The group advised Governor Lawal to desist from fanning the flames of discord and instead focus on combating corruption and addressing the pressing issue of insecurity within the state.

They also urged him to take immediate action to restore peace in the state and address the underlying causes of the current unrest.

“Governor Dauda Lawal is urged to take immediate action to rein in the alleged PDP miscreants and restore peace in the state,” Yahaya said.

“He must cease from exacerbating the tensions and instead focus on combating corruption and addressing the pressing issue of insecurity that has plagued Zamfara State. His actions thus far have severely tarnished the reputation of democratic governance in the state, and it has become evident that he is more of a political actor than a leader.

“Zamfara State requires a leader who can provide visionary guidance, not a political actor who prioritizes personal interests over the welfare of the citizens.

“Governor Lawal’s inability to address the surge in insecurity has convinced the people of Zamfara that he lacks the understanding and capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of his office.

“Therefore, he should consider stepping down and relinquishing power to a capable individual who prioritizes service to the people, values human life, and is committed to transparency and accountability.”