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Nationwide Protest: CSOs , Citizens in Kaduna Pull Out over Fears of Hijack by Hoodlums

No fewer than 45 Kaduna based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and hundreds of Citizens across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state today announced decision to pull out of the proposed August 1 protest against the Federal Government.

According to the CSOs and citizens , the decision to withdraw is out fear that it could be hijacked by hoodlums and used for selfish reasons, beyond economic hardship issues.

The Civil Society Organizations and the citizens under the umbrella of Movement for Greater Kaduna (MGK) in a Statement signed by the Coordinator ,Hon. Bawa Ismail Muhammad however acknowledged the frustrations stirred up by the current economic situation, but expressed fears that protests can lead to more harm than good.

In the statement ,the group stressed, “Kaduna is a volatile state and because of past experiences ,we decided to hold a meeting of an enlarged house,where we discussed implications of the protest and possibilities of selfish politicians using it to destabilize the polity .

Stating further , it averred that ,”From information gathered, the national protest is a fifth column script aimed at taking undue advantage of the poor masses to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration .

“While we feel the same pains and understand the excruciating effects of some policies of the Tinubu led government , acknowledged that fact that he has with the past days deployed urgent interventions to cushion the effects, this don’t see reasons to embark on the protest.”

However, the group which commended various opinion leaders, trade unions, youth groups, civil and religious and traditional leaders that have so far dissociated themselves from the planned protest, noted that with collective efforts and will the Nigerians can compel the federal government to embrace people friendly policies.

MOLASH: THE APC’s BEST BET FOR SOBA’S PROSPERITY

By Usman Ya’u Yakasai

As the race for the Soba Local Government Chairmanship intensifies, one name stands out as the APC’s best bet for Soba’s prosperity: Mohamed Lawal Shehu, fondly known as Molash. With his impressive track record of leadership, vision, and dedication to the people, Molash is the ideal candidate to take Soba to unprecedented heights.

Molash’s leadership qualities, combined with his deep understanding of the local government’s needs, make him the perfect fit for the role. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and grassroots development is unwavering, and his passion for Soba’s progress is evident in everything he does. He has a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, listening to their concerns and working tirelessly to address them.

Under Molash’s leadership, Soba can expect transformative initiatives that will boost economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. His collaborative approach will foster unity and cooperation among stakeholders, ensuring that Soba’s prosperity is inclusive and sustainable. He will prioritize education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, creating opportunities for growth and development.

Molash’s experience in community development and his understanding of the local government’s intricacies make him well-equipped to tackle the challenges facing Soba. He will work closely with the state government, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to attract investments, improve security, and enhance the overall well-being of the people.

The APC has made an excellent choice in Molash, and the people of Soba have a unique opportunity to elect a leader who truly cares about their well-being. His leadership will bring a new era of progress and development to Soba, and his commitment to the people will never waver.

Let us rally behind Molash and give him the mandate to lead Soba to a brighter future. Together, we can build a prosperous, united, and thriving Soba that benefits all citizens. Molash is the leader Soba needs, and his election as Chairman will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the local government’s history.

Rescue Movement Asks Tinubu to Respect Citizens Right to Protest, Address Needs of Nigerians  

Group under umbrella of Rescue Movement has asked President Tinubu Respect the Rights of Citizens to Peaceful Protest and address the Needs of the People, Rather than Attempting to Suppress their Voices. 

At an emergency meeting of the Board of Trustees of Rescue Movement for New Nigeria aka Rescue the Vulnerable Initiative, we resolve to critically dissect the ongoing feud between the government and Nigerian citizens, especially the youths that are planning a peaceful nationwide  protest and resolved as follows:

1. That as the government of Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges facing our great nation, varying from hunger in the land, to highest unemployment the citizens of the country has ever experienced, insecurity ravaging the length and breath of the nation, kidnapping like the nation has ever known, currency free fall in world market amongst others; we urge the authorities to prioritize addressing the pressing needs of the people rather than trying every means to  suppress their fundamental rights to protest and express themselves.

2. That in a democratic setting like ours, the right to peaceful assembly and free speech is sacrosanct. However, recent events have shown a disturbing trend of intimidation, harassment, and seemingly suppression rights, especially from agencies of government. 

3. Therefore we call on the government as a matter of urgency to:

(A) Listen to the grievances of the people and address them through tangible actions.

(B) Respect and protect the rights of citizens to protest peacefully.

(C) Make a national broadcast to the people of Nigeria and give them a sense of belonging in an update of what your government is up to.

(D) Engage in inclusive and transparent dialogue to build trust and foster national unity. Instead of resulting to intimidation, using incentives like money to suppress  the people as this would not help the ongoing resolute by these Nigerians to demand for good governance. 

(E) Attempting to suppress the voices of the people will only exacerbate the problems we are facing. We must work together to build a Nigeria where every citizen’s rights are respected and their needs are met.

4. We call on Nigerians to peacefully engage in the upcoming protest and make their dissatisfaction known to the government without violence, looting or any act that can endanger life and properties in the country. It is a right of every Nigerian to  show their dissatisfaction but we must do this peacefully, knowing that destroying any life or properties would not just only worsen the already bad situation our country and economy and standard of life is, but it will make our development even slower.

5. In conclusion, we also call on law enforcement agencies in the country not to trigger any act that can lead to people responding in a violent act.

Nigeria is our country. We all must protect it, be it government officials and/or citizens.

May God bless the Rescue movement for new Nigeria

And May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

SIGNED

Rev. Emmanuel Olorunmagba,

National Media Director and Publicity,

Rescue Movement for New Nigeria aka

Rescue the Vulnerable Initiative.

Forum of  Ex Councillors Mobilise Against Planned Protest 

The National Forum Of Ex-Councilors Of Nigeria has resolved to mobilize against the propose national protest by some disgruntle people scheduled August 1, 2024 across the country.

The forum at a press conference in Kaduna through its national president Hon. Ambassador Awal Hassan Kasim observed with dismay and reservations that majority of those behind the national protest are enemies of democracy, who are being sponsored by those against fuel subsidy removal, promoters of insecurity in the country and anti-local government autonomy elements as well as losers in the last 2023 general elections.

He bemoaned unregulated national protests and likened as ill-winds that does not blow any good to any body 

Ambassador Awal Hassan Kasim who described the forum as the umbrella body of all elected former councilors commended   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring local government autonomy to Nigeria.

He lauded the government for providing 150 day Tax free initiative for the importation of husked rice, beans, corn, wheat and millet in to Nigeria .

He opined that the gesture will drastically reduce the prices of food items across the country and reduce the numerous cases of insecurity in Nigeria because a hungry man is an angry man

Ambassador Awal Hassan Kasim implored all state governors to emulate the federal government and import their own quantum of basic food items like rice, bean, wheat, millet and flour into the country so as to enhance food availability in abundance.

On their methodology of truncating the nationwide protest, he said the forum as the touch bearers of grass root politics will engage critical stake holders and civil society organizations to prevent the protest and also engage the government on the need to embrace national dialogue by way of town hall meetings to for stall future agitations for distractive national . 

Planned Protest Groups in Kano Back out, Urge Tinubu to Address Hardship Problems  

Groups under umbrella of Coalition for Social Political Groups in collaboration with, AREWA media practitioners, organised have announced decision to pull out of planned nationwide protest.

According to the groups , it is too early to blame President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration for the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.

Addressing journalists on reasons for pulling out at a conference on Nationwide planned protest by  aggrieved Nigerians Against Tinubu, the groups call immediate proactive measures to tackle the challenges of hike in prices of  food , insecurity and  pervasive poverty in the country.

The coordinator of the joint press conference Mal Musa Dambata  gave assurance that  youths from the 7 north-west states which includes Kaduna,Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto,and Zamfara states remain steadfast and committed to fostering entrepreneurship, advocating for youth development, and promoting peace and progress in Nigeria.

The groups expressed their dissent towards the national agitation for protests. Instead, they are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the removal of fuel subsidy, which has led to an economic downturn in the country.

“It’s high time to the government to implemented  robust measures aimed at developing the knowledge and skills of the youth. It is essential for the government to prioritize youth development and empowerment as a matter of urgency, both at the national and sub-national levels.

They further urged the Federal Government to address the prevailing issues of banditry and insurgency effectively. By ensuring security and stability in the country.

The conference pointed out that the Federal Government’s palliative measures have not been realistic or effective in alleviating the economic challenges faced by the citizens. However, he made it clear that they do not support the protest at this time, citing concerns about the timing and the potential for the protest to be exploited by unruly elements, resulting in harm to innocent citizens.

They call on president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately implement policies such as massive employment opportunities and support for small-scale businesses, which will contribute to the improvement of our economy,” he added.

The group appealed to the Northern youth to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu some time to work on the policies he has already initiated, aimed at alleviating their suffering.

Protest: Kaduna Non-Indegenes Withdraw, Says It’s Ploy to Loot their Shops, Market

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest against soaring cost of living and economic hardship in the country, Kaduna State Non Indegenes Forum(KSNIF) has raised alarm over possibility of hoodlums hiding under the protest to loot their shops;market and business premises across the State.

The non indegenes, especially the Igbo traders announced the decision not join the protest,because of past experiences,which have shown that once there is any protest action or crisis situation in Kaduna, the target is always their market stalls and business areas with extensive looting of food items; electronics and valuables .

The Kaduna Non-Indegenes Forum in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman ,Chief Emeke Emmanuel Okafor and Secretary,Mr Adewale Peter Adelanwa urged the citizens to shun the directive to embark on the planned protest, considering that fact the Police Command in State did recently banned all forms of unlawful protests. Stressing, ” It is our hope that citizens in the State will remain law abiding in this regard.”

The Statement further reads: We are therefore calling on the security agencies to tighten security within offices and business premises to avoid looting and breakdown of law and order should the citizens decide to embark on the protest.

“Kaduna is volatile State and has tasted its bit of bitter crises with the Igbos most hit and suffering huge loss of lives and property over the years. This time, we can’t afford to lose anyone and valuables to avoidable situations.

“It is our desire that considering the past crisis experiences and hundred percent chances of hoodlums hijacking the peaceful process, we strongly advise against any form of protest in Kaduna for now .

“We want to categorically state that we are part of people facing the economic hardship, but we cannot afford to lose our hard earned investments and properties at this critical period,when Nigerians currently are battling one of the country’s worst inflation and economic crisis sparked by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of forex windows.

“There was a report where the United Nations (UN) department of safety and security warned that the planned protests in Nigeria may be hijacked by groups with ulterior motives,hence our decision to appeal to citizens against joining the protest action.

“There is no how the “10 days of rage,” starting from August I to 10 will address the country’s soaring cost of living and economic hardship,instead it will cause more hardship.”

While reiterating concerns about the possibility of violence, citing past instances where similar protests in the State had degenerated into escalated crisis, he called on state government to deploy security operatives to red zones or identified flash points should the protest take place .

Call for Protest:Northern Group Blasts Solomon Dalung, Says He’s Failed Minister ,Habitual Liar

The Arewa Progressives For Good Governance (APGG) has blasted former minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung for supporting nationwide protest over economic hardship and alleging that some prominent personalities will join the protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.

The group described Dalung as a failed Minister and liar, said it’s not true that personalities such as former Lawmaker,Senator Shehu Sani’s, Senator Adams Oshiomhole , ACF Your Leader, Yerima Shettima and several others have agreed to join the planned protest.

Dalung via his Facebook Page had said,”The rights of Nigerians to protests cannot be taken by executive fiat. The duties of the @PoliceNG is to provide security for the protesters, anything to the contrary is unlawful. The revolution was declared by @officialABAT against bad governance, and since he is the occupant of Aso Rock, this call to duty must be obeyed by all.

The group however said , “We understand the pains Nigerians are going through because of the current hardship caused by withdrawal of Petroleum subsidy, but we can authoritatively says there will light at the end of the dark tunnel.

“Any northerner calling for protest against Tinubu’s Administration over economic hardship is not fair .Our son, former President Muhammadu Buhari was President for eight and collapsed the economy,but our Northern brothers kept quiet.”

The Arewa Progressives For Good Governance,which this in a statement made available to Journalists questioned the morality of the former Minister.Notimg that he who must come to equity must come with clean hands.

In the statement signed by the Chairman, Mal Ibrahim Musa Bichi ,the group which revealed what it termed:”Six Facts About The Sacked Buhari Minister, Solomon Dalung”, averred that “Dalung was appointed a minister by President Buhari for his record of constantly attacking his Christian indigenes of Plateau State.

“As a Minister of Sports Nigerian Athletes went to Rio Olympics in 2016 without sports kits and uniforms.A situation that embarrassed Nigeria at the Global scene.

“In 2018,the International Athletes Association mistakenly credited the account of Nigeria’s Sports ministry with the sum of $133,00.Dalung unlawfully withdrew the money and pocketed it.The IAAF had to write several letters and issued threats to suspend Nigeria.Arrest warrant was issued against Dalung until the Buhari Government sacked him and the money was paid by the successor minister Mr Sunday Dare.”

It alleged that Dalung tried unsuccessfully to return as a minister but was rebuffed by Buhari and he started attacking him.

It also recalled that “In 2023,Solomon Dalung returned to his village,picked up the SDP ticket after he was rejected by PDP and LP.He contested the House of Reps seat and was beaten even by a party that had no candidate.

“A Failed Minister,A Judas who sold his people and now without a home.”