News

Planned Protest: What You Need To Know About August Demonstration

Published

1 year ago

July 29, 2024

Nigeria is bracing for nationwide protests this week over economic hardship.

Politicians and the army have warned people against taking to the streets, but organisers say government failings have left them little choice.

Both sides have made comparisons with recent protests in Kenya that forced the government to withdraw new taxes, but it is not clear what shape the rallies could take in Nigeria.

With demonstrations set to start on Thursday, AFP looks at how things stand.

What’s the economic backdrop?

Nigeria is suffering its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation following reforms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought in after coming to power last year.

He ended a fuel subsidy and currency controls, leading to a tripling of petrol prices and a spike in inflation.

The US-based World Bank and International Monetary Fund said the measures were needed to revive Nigeria’s economy and the government has appealed for patience.

But the reforms have hit Nigerians hard. Food inflation has topped 40 percent and hunger is spreading, especially in the north.

Kenya-style unrest?

Some analysts believe rallies in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, could take on Kenya-style momentum, pointing to similar grievances and the role of young people promoting protests online.

Nigerian risk consultancy SBM said a heavy-handed approach from the authorities risked “a confrontation that may spiral beyond anyone’s control.”

But many experts think Nigeria’s situation is different and less likely to bring out large crowds, pointing to the limited unrest Tinubu’s reforms have seen so far and fears following past crackdowns.

Who is behind the protests?
The authorities have directed warnings against protesting at young people, who have built support on social media under the hashtag “EndBadGovernanceinNigeria”.

Several campaign groups have declared plans to stage peaceful rallies.

Two young protest organisers last week told AFP they dismissed claims from the authorities that groups bent on violence had “hijacked” the protests.

Organisers say ordinary Nigerians are at the heart of the movement, and accuse authorities of laying the groundwork for a possible crackdown.

What are people saying on the street?

Activists hope thousands of Nigerians will protest nationwide, especially in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.

But many in the capital told AFP they were worried about violence or missing a day’s pay.

“I would like to join the protests because I need a change in Nigeria,” said Patience, a 27-year-old mother who sells corn at a roadside shop.

She explained her priority was earning enough to buy formula milk for her nine-month-old son. The price has soared since the president’s reforms.

“If I have enough money before that day I will go,” she said.

What about the north?
The economic situation has had a devastating effect in majority-Muslim northern Nigeria and religious leaders appear worried, urging people to shun rallies.

But several groups plan to push ahead, and on the streets of Kano, people expressed support for demonstrations.

“I’ll definitely go out to protest,” said Mansir, a 32-year-old schoolteacher.

“We are dying in silence and it is only when we shout that the government will understand what we are going through,” he said.

“The clerics are only claiming Islam forbids protests without bringing any proof. I will defy them.”

What do the authorities say?
Across Nigeria, the protest calls have been met by a torrent of warnings from officials, security forces and governors urging youth to stay away. There have also been several arrests.

The government has agreed to more than double the minimum wage and implemented measures to alleviate hunger, such as rice deliveries across the country.

Police in Abuja say they are deploying more than 4,000 officers in preparation.

The army said it would “not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation,” while President Tinubu has warned of the risks of escalation.

“We are talking about hunger, not burials. We have to be careful,” he said last week.

What has happened in the past?

Nigeria’s last major protest movement ended in a crackdown by security forces.

The 2020 #EndSARS rallies began over abuses by the SARS anti-robbery police squad and spiralled into the largest anti-government demonstrations in Nigeria’s modern history.

Amnesty International said soldiers shot at least 10 people dead at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos. The government and the army deny responsibility.

In 2012, the military also clamped down on “Occupy Nigeria” protests over former president Goodluck Jonathan’s bid to remove fuel subsidies.

AFP

News

Fintiri Hikes Corps Members’ All

Published

7 hours ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has increased the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps members serving in the state from N20,000 to N30,000.

The governor made the announcement on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei Local Government Area.

“As a government, we are committed to improving the welfare of corps members.

“This increment aligns with our promise to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere for you,” the governor stated.

Fintiri also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development and welfare, stating that the allowance hike complements ongoing support efforts such as regular food provision and other welfare initiatives.

Speaking further, he disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage for the construction of a new NYSC orientation camp in the state.

He directed the NYSC State Coordinator to involve corps members with relevant qualifications—such as architects, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors—in supervising the project.

Congratulating the new corps members, Fintiri welcomed them to Adamawa and assured them of government support.

He described them as vital partners in delivering key government policies, particularly in education.

“As bonafide citizens of Adamawa during your service year, you are expected to uphold discipline, engage in community development, and cultivate healthy interactions,” Fintiri stated.

He emphasised the importance of the orientation programme in preparing corps members for their national assignment.

The state Commissioner for Youths and NYSC Governing Board Chairman, Wali Yakubu, urged corps members to take the course seriously, follow camp rules, and embrace skill acquisition for post-service self-reliance.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Osoro Caroline, commended the corps members’ discipline and participation so far.

She said the orientation course was tailored to equip them for meaningful national contributions.

Osoro praised Fintiri’s consistent support, describing him as a “visionary leader and a beacon of youth empowerment in Nigeria.”

The event also featured the oath of allegiance administered by the Chief Judge of Adamawa, Justice Hapsat Abdurrahman, and a ceremonial presentation of the NYSC journal to the governor.

News

Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory

Published

7 hours ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has gifted Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million for leading the national women’s football team to victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

According to a Facebook post by the governor’s aide, Pius Iliya, the presentation was made at the Government House in Yola, the state capital.

Madugu, an indigene of Adamawa, was hailed by Fintiri for his role in the Falcons’ triumph at the tournament, which took place in Morocco earlier this year.

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu ( Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons) a three-bedroom bungalow and a sum of N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women African Cup of Nation that took place in Morocco this year,” the post read.

News

Policeman Rejects N800,000 Bribe To Free Robbery Suspect In A’Ibom

Published

8 hours ago

August 1, 2025

Editor

CSP Ebong Thompson

A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Ebong Thompson has rejected the sum of N800,000 offered to him to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and cover up the crime.

This is as the command has arrested the suspects in connection with the bribe

A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday said the suspects involved in the deal have been arrested and taken to custody.

According to the statement, 53-year-old David Isaac was arrested after a Samsung phone that was snatched at gun point was traced to him.

John stated that the suspect has a record of similar offences having been arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.

She added that the other suspect, Emmanuel Peter, was arrested and taken to custody after he brought the the sum of N.8m to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect.

Meanwhile, the commissioner of police who has given a commendation letter to the officer, warned the public to desist from compromising police investigation.

The statement read in part, ”A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, CSP Ebong Thompson, rejected N800,000 bribe offered to him on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

“The money was intended to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and also cover up the crime.

”The suspect, 53-year-old David Samuel Isaac, was arrested after a Samsung phone that was gotten at gun point was traced to him. Isaac has a history of similar offences as he was arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.

”The other suspect, Emmanuel Mendie Peter was arrested after he brought the bribe to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect. He was taken into custody after the offer was rejected.

”All officers concerned with this discreet investigation received a commendation letter from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare. The CP, while addressing officers at the end of the month briefing, charged them to emulate the Distinguished officers.

”Members of the public are therefore warned to desist from compromising police investigation.”
(PUNCH)