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Planned Protest: Tinubu Holds Emergency Meeting With Sultan, Ooni, IGP, Others

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2024

As the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for August draws close, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday entered an emergency closed-door meeting with top traditional rulers, security top brass in his government and governors of his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The high-delegation meeting was held at the State House in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The APC governors were led to the meeting by the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma.

Some first-class traditional rulers were spotted at the meeting with the President. They include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III; and other traditional leaders across the country.

The meeting was also attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; as well as ministers and other members of the President’s cabinet.

A delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas) later joined the high-powered meeting with the President.

Last-Minute Efforts

Tinubu, former Lagos governor, who was sworn in as President in May 2023, has appealed to displeased youths to shelve the planned ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest slated for next month.

As part of moves to placate aggrieved citizens, the President sent a bill to raise the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 to the National Assembly this week. Both chambers of the legislature speedily passed the bill on Tuesday, awaiting the President’s assent.

On Thursday, the military authorities warned that unscrupulous elements plan to hijack the protest and use it to stage anarchy like what was recently witnessed in East African country Kenya.

The police had also warned against bloody demonstrations come next month just as Uzodimma surmised that the protest could be hijacked and turn violent like the EndSARS nationwide protest against police brutality back in October 2020.

The protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media, has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The organisers of the protest have been faceless.

Prices of food and basic commodities have gone through the roof in the last months, as Nigerians battle one of the country’s worst inflation rates and economic crises sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.

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News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

15 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

16 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

17 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.