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OPINION: Ondo’s Belated Burst Into The Anti-government Protest

Published

10 months ago

August 11, 2024

Death, an inescapable element of existence, has cast a somber shadow over Nigeria in recent days. The past ten days have been marred by an unsettling surge of violence, claiming lives and inflicting severe injuries upon many. My heartfelt condolences extend to the bereaved families. May the departed rest in serene peace.

Liberation movements, historically varied in their manifestations, have always seen valiant souls sacrificing their lives for freedom. Today, however, those very ideals are desecrated by leaders who prioritize personal gain over public good.

In recent days, Nigeria was engulfed in turmoil. Despite some factions retracting from the protests after being co-opted, the resolve of Nigerians to voice their discontent remained paramount as the unrest spread through major cities.

FROM THE AUTHOR: Nationwide Protest: The Killer Is Afraid Of Death [OPINION]

Attempts by the Tinubu-led administration to stifle the movement proved futile. His much-hyped nationwide address, anticipated to soothe the nation, instead turned out to be a farce, failing to address the fundamental grievances igniting the protests. Observers note that the authorities have learned nothing from the unrest, instead aggravating the situation with provocative remarks. Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s comment, “Let them protest in the streets, while we eat fat in our homes,” is a lamentable example of leadership failure. In more refined societies, such a statement would have led to immediate resignation, but in Nigeria, it barely raises an eyebrow.

Nigeria, I salute thee!

For detractors, the recent protests, despite instances of looting and destruction, delivered a potent message that will not be easily erased from memory.

Future demonstrations may diverge from the recent model, but they could become pivotal in our history if the underlying issues remain unaddressed.

Initially, Ondo’s youth were conspicuously absent from the early protests, similar to their stance during the 2020 #EndSARS movement. The state government was quick to bask in the glory, attributing the calm to their alleged youth-friendly policies. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was extolled, with suggestions that other states should emulate his supposed “magic.” Such praise, however, seemed premature and self-serving, especially with gubernatorial elections approaching in November. Speculation circulated about whether the youth had been pacified by financial inducements or if their hardships were less acute in Ondo. Although money did change hands among certain factions, it did not prevent the protests. As days passed, Ondo’s youth emerged in force, only to face arrests by the police, including a gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming election. This attempt to maintain the image of a peaceful state under Governor Lucky’s leadership backfired, igniting widespread discussion and dismantling the façade of the government’s purportedly friendly policies.

Since these arrests , various groups have called on the Governor to order their unconditional release or face the wrath of the people , including the National Association of Nigerian students (NANS).The sudden emergence of Ondo Youth in the protest should serve as a wake up call.If another round of protest arises due to bad governance ,it will not be a laughing matter .it is high time for governments at all levels to embrace transparency and make life more bearable for Nigerians before we reach the point no return.

Icon-James Tam
Writes from the creeks of Ogidigba 2, Ese-Odo LGA, Ondo

News

Idahosa Hosts NBA, Assures Of Government’s Collaboration

Published

5 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has assured of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration’s desire to reduce crime and criminality in the state while also upholding the rule of law.

According to a press statement by Friday Aghedo, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Idahosa gave the assurance when he played host to members of the Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Benin on Tuesday.

During the interface with the body of lawyers, also referred to as “Lion Bar,” the deputy governor solicited their collaboration to help rid the state of violent crimes.

“Indeed, the state we met was plagued with security challenges such as kidnapping, cultism and its related issues, and other vices for which the governor needed to take decisive action to address these menaces which plagued society.

“To the glory of God and with your support, we have done reasonably well at reducing crime in Edo State,” he stated.

He informed the lawyers that their collaboration with the administration would assist at stamping out crimes and criminality and boost investors confidence in the state.

Idahosa also promised the government support to the lawyers in whatever capacity to assist in carrying out their functions efficiently.

Speaking earlier, the Benin NBA branch, Idemudia Osifo, congratulated and commended Governor Okpebholo, his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, on their inauguration and efforts at eradicating security challenges in the state.

He said the NBA maintained cordiality with the seat of power in order to form a solid partnership geared towards the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

He further commended the Okpebholo-led administration for appointing members of the Bar to key positions of his government.

Speaking on the rule of law, Osifo said that the Bar believed that the administration would deliver, especially against the background of swearing in the three judges denied the same action by the immediate past administration

“That singular action showed the willingness of this administration to reposition Edo State in terms of Justice delivery and the rule of law,” he stated.

He expressed the willingness of the Benin Branch of the NBA to support the government to fight crime and criminality

News

Police Quiz Pastor Paul Adefarasin Over ‘Gun-like Object’ Video

Published

6 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that Pastor Paul Adefarasin, founder of the House on the Rock Church, has turned himself in for questioning over a viral video that appeared to show him holding a gun-like object during a roadside encounter.

The Command, in a post shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, stated, “No one is above the law!

“Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja and is currently being interrogated by detectives who have commenced investigation on the case since a video surfaced online showing the pastor holding a gun-like object against another road user, while driving in an unregistered vehicle.

“The outcome of the investigation will be made public.”

The video, which surfaced earlier, shows Adefarasin holding a metallic object while speaking to a passerby who appeared to be recording him.

The clip has since gone viral, with several social media users alleging that the object was a firearm.

Responding to the allegations, Adefarasin in a message to his congregation posted on his verified social media pages, he denied brandishing a weapon.

He described the incident as a misunderstanding.

According to the cleric, the object in question was not a firearm, and at no point was it pointed at anyone.

News

How Trailer Sent To Kill Me Fell Flat, Dented — Iwo Monarch

Published

9 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, said the trailer that was sent to kill him upon hitting him fell flat and got extremely dented.

The Osun monarch made the revelation while testifying to the power of God in a now-trending video on Tuesday.

While Oba Akanbi didn’t give details or the location of the incident, he noted that after the trailer hit him, he saw some angels of God dragging it.

“A trailer that was sent to kill us, hit us and fell flat and extremely dented. It was dragged away by angels of God. Except you do not choose God. Don’t have doubts while trusting God.”