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

Published

2 years 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

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

11 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.