Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Tag: protest

  • Centre decries police attack on journalists covering hunger protest

    Centre decries police attack on journalists covering hunger protest

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    The Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID) has condemned the numerous incidents of attacks on journalists by security officials, particularly members of the Nigerian police force, during the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.

    A statement dated 1st August 2024, and signed by the Deputy Director, Journalism Program of the CJID, Busola Ajibola, asserted that the attacks have been substantiated by multiple video and pictorial evidence that have now been documented by our press attack tracker.

    According to the centre “In video clips received by CJID, police officers were seen physically assaulting, intimidating, and violating the rights of journalists in different parts of Nigeria.

    “On Wednesday, August 31, 2024, News Central Television reporter Bernerd Akede was interrupted and harassed by police officers while reporting live at the Lekki Toll Gate area of Lagos State, disrupting the television station’s live broadcast”, it stated.

    In Abuja, Premium Times reporter Yakubu Muhammed was assaulted by police officers despite wearing a press jacket and identifying himself as a journalist. Yakubu was struck with the butt of a gun, resulting in a head injury, and his camera was damaged.

    “A journalist with Daily Independent Newspaper, Jide Oyekunle was arrested, rough handled and his phone confiscated by officers of the FCT police command while covering the protest in Abuja. Mr Oyekunle is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalist, FCT Chapter.

    “Also in Abuja, Kayode Jaiyeola, a photojournalist with Punch Newspaper, was arrested by a police officer attached to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Jaiyeola was handed over to members of the FCT Police Command, who detained him.

    “News Central Television journalist, Mary Adeboye was tear gased by police officers while covering the protest in Abuja.

    “Jonathan Ugbal, the Managing Editor of Cross River Watch Newspaper, was assaulted and arrested at the Mary Slessor roundabout area of Calabar, the Cross River state capital. He was taken to an undisclosed location where he was detained for several hours.

    “In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, 9 staff members of Radio Ndarason International (RNA) including the Editor in Chief, Head of Programmes and the Nigeria Office Director were also arrested.

    “Their arrest and detainment are believed to be connected to an earlier visit by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Security who was at the radio station earlier this morning. The journalists are now being detained at the police headquarters in Maiduguri”, it added.

    It also noted that “The failure of the police to provide adequate security was also evident in attacks on journalists by hoodlums who exploited the poor security situation to unleash mayhem on journalists covering the protest”.

    In Delta State, journalists were attacked by pro-government protesters who assaulted protesters with the aim of disrupting their demonstration, it stated.

    “Some of the journalists that fell victim to this attack are Guardian Newspaper reporter Monday Osayande and Punch Newspaper reporter Matthew Ochei. They were both attacked while interviewing protesters.

    “A TVC correspondent was attacked by weapon-bearing hoodlums while covering the protest in Kano State, resulting in an injured hand.

    “About eleven journalists were also attacked in a Channels TV vehicle conveying, and in the process, TVC correspondent Ibrahim Isah was injured while trying to escape the scene.

    “It is deeply troubling that, instead of providing security for citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest, members of the Nigerian police chose to harass journalists fulfilling their duty to keep the public informed”, CJID lamented.

    The centre stressed that “The attacks on journalists by the Nigerian Police Force not only violate the rule of law but also affront the principles of democracy and abuse the fundamental rights of journalists”.

    CJID therefore called on the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough investigation into these reports and ensure that all involved police officers are held accountable, adding that, journalists play a crucial role in sustaining a functional democracy and must be protected by the state and all stakeholders.

  • Protests: FCT Police Arrest Roughandles NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman

    Protests: FCT Police Arrest Roughandles NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman

    …as violence is recorded in parts of the Territory

    Jide Oyekunle, Nigeria Union of Journalists Abuja Correspondents’ Chapel Chairman, was arrested and roughandled by the FCT Police Command while covering the first day of the protest in Nigeria with hashtag #EndBadGovernance on Thursday in Abyss, Nigeria’s capital.

    Speaking on his ordeal, Oyekunle said; “We were coming from the MKO Abiola National Stadium upon getting to the Eagle Square, the Police came after journalists. The FCT Police Commissioner, Benneth Igwe, personally collected my mobile phone. I didn’t commit any crime; I was only covering the protests. I don’t know why Police are trying to suppress Press Freedom while we are carrying out our constitutional duties. This is unfair.”

    As at the time of filing this report, however, Oyekunle had since been released by the police.

    Earlier, at the National Stadium, the protest had witnessed two groups with pro-government individuals carrying placards reading “No Protests” arriving the venue in several white-colored Coaster buses. Even while acknowledging hardship in the country, leader of the group said he was opposed to the protests.

    Elsewhere within the Territory, violence was witnessed at Karu, some 46-minute drive from the city center where protesters set up bonfires on the roads as well as at Mararaba-Keffi Road, boundary between FCT and Nasarawa state
    where security forces fired teargas canisters to disperse rampaging protesters.

    Similarly, pockets of violence were recorded at the Dutse-Kubwa axis with security agencies dispersing protesters for barricading the Airport- Gwagwalada highway. On a sad note, unconfirmed reports say some violent protesters were shot dead at Suleja, some 52 kilometres from Abuja.

    Reacting to the violence recorded in parts of the Territory, the Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in an interview with a television station monitored in Abuja said those who went to the Eagle Square should not be regarded as protesters. His words; “There’s difference between protesters and violent-trigger people… We were not expected to have protesters at the Eagle Square in the first instance…Those that assembled at the Eagle Square were there for ulterior motives…For people to block highways, I don’t think the organizers and those who have come out genuinely to protest would do that kind of a thing. So these people are those who we said we have gathered intelligence that they would likely hijack the protest.”

    Meanwhile, a situation room report by the International Press Council (IPC) has condemned the reported attacks on journalists covering the opening day of the nation-wide protest. The organization described the ordeals of Messrs Yakubu Mohammed of the Premium Times, Jide Oyekunle of Daily Independent and Mary Adeboye of News Central Television in Abuja as unfortunate.

  • Mass Protest Looms Against AEDC Over Astronomical electricity bills In Lokoja

    Mass Protest Looms Against AEDC Over Astronomical electricity bills In Lokoja

    From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Reesidents in Lokoja the kogi state capital are planning to stage a mass protest  against Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) over astronomical electricity bills generously distributed to electricity consumers.

    Investigations conducted by our correspondent revealed that for the past three months the electricity bills are been hiked on monthly basis with at least 30 percent increment.

    The AEDC, according our correspondent has devised what some call a’ dubious means’ to  get more revenue by separating customers in a building and giving them separate bill of #12,700 each which ordinarily supposed to be shared among the occupants of a building.

    At Ganaja area Lokoja where there are some few flats of residence and discovered that in that compound alone, the residents who are mostly low income earners are made to cough out over #380,000 a month on electricity bills as one- storey building which used to pay a bill of #8,700 now pays over #50,000 a month.

    It was gathered that each occupier of a flat in the one – storey building has been given a separate bill of over#12, 700 each while a building housing a two bedroom flat  and three face me – I face you room apartment are also being separately given a bill of #12,700 each against the #5,700 they were paying in the month of May.

    Our correspondent also learnt that the electricity bills kept on increasing since June when there was a sight improvement on the supply of electricity as  there is always a #2,000 increment by each month  without consideration to the biting economic hardships in the society.

    It was learnt that several customers who went to complain at the AEDC office were turned back on the excuse that the Abuja headquarters of the transmission company gives the alarming blanket  monthly increments as they were helpless over the matter.

    This it was learnt has angered some customers as some youths comprising of Kabawa and ganja youths are planning to stage a mass protest any moment from now to compel AEDC to review the electricity bills.

    One of the aggrieved customers, Mrs. Anjara Danladi who spoke to our correspondent over the incessant hike in the electricity bills said the bills brought was too harsh and anti masses and did not commensurate with the supply of the electricity nor  did it put into cognisance the economic hardships of the customers.

    Sequel to this development, residents in Lokoja urged the AEDC management to immediately review hike or face the wrath of the people.

    However, when our correspondent visited the AEDC office along IBB way near the UBA a woman who identified herself as Mrs.
    Folashade and  head of customers care unit says the bill has come to stay and that  the customers have to bear the cost since for the weeks the electricity supply has been slightly improved.

    When asked how the electricity bills kept on increasing every month with at least #2,000 citing the bills of June that was #8,700 per an apartment to #10,700 in July and now #12,700 by August, she said the bills may even increase to #15,700 by September and by December it may hit #20,700 saying since the people demanded for improvement in electricity supply, this is the price to pay for it. 

  • Relative of Kidnapped Train Passengers Stage Protest in Kaduna

    Relative of Kidnapped Train Passengers Stage Protest in Kaduna

    Relatives of the Kaduna train attack Victims have raised concern over threats by the terrorists to kill the victims if the Federal Government fails to yield to their demands after seven days.

    The devastated relatives of the abductees said the terrorists have spoken to them directly, and are demanding the release of their eight children being held by the Federal Government in Adamawa State before they will release the 61 abducted train passengers.

    They, however, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to order for the eight immediate release of the children to the terrorists so as to secure the release of their loved ones who have been in captivity for 59 days.

    They also said that the bandits released videos of the victims in their custody to prove to them that they are still alive.

    The aggrieved relatives held a peaceful protest on Wednesday morning to continuously call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward the rescue of the victims.

  • Soldiers fire live ammunition, disperse students protesting ASUU strike

    Soldiers fire live ammunition, disperse students protesting ASUU strike

    Military personnel have dispersed students of various universities in Ondo State who are protesting the prolonged strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

    The soldiers were said to have opened fire to chase the students away from the Ilesha/Akure highway on Tuesday.

    The students who were drawn from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, AAUA, and Olusegun Agagu University of Technology, Okitipupa, OAUSTECH, had since on Monday barricaded the highway disrupting vehicular movement.

    The protesting students who bemoaned the attitude of the federal government on the matter with ASUU had converged on the FUTA North Gate and Roadblock where they blocked the road to register their grievances.

    It was gathered that the soldiers who were not from the 32 Artillery Brigade in the state were on transit when they were barred from passing through the highway at the Roadblock axis of the road by the protesting students.

    According to some of the students who scampered for safety, the soldiers who were coming from the Ilesha end of the road descended on the students and destroyed their belongings.

  • UPDATE: One killed, Two injured during protest over tuition fee hike in Kaduna – Police

    UPDATE: One killed, Two injured during protest over tuition fee hike in Kaduna – Police

    By Gabriel Udeh, Kaduna

    Kaduna Police Command has confirmed the one dead ,and two others injured during students protest over hike in school fees at the College of Education Gidan Waya in kafanchan, Jemaa local government area of the state.
    A statement signed by the Command spokesman Asp Muhammed Jalige on Monday explained that the protesting students blocked the convoy of a military sector Commander and injured him and one other.

    The situation, according to the police release, resulted into a fracas where three of protesters were injured in attempt to used minimal force to disperse them.

    It further stated that the victims were taken to the Hospital for medical attention “but unfortunately one person died while receiving medical attention.

    “The Command was informed at about 8am of the protest and road blockade by the students of College of Education Gidan waya Kafanchan over the recent increase in tuition fee by the Kaduna state Government.

    “On receipt of the information, the Command immediately dispatched Operatives to restore normalcy. The contingent professionally and successfully dispersed the protesters and warned them not to embark on further protest and road blockade considering the existing warning against such action, issued by the Kaduna state Police Command a fortnight ago.

    “However, at about 0930hrs, information has it that the students re-converged again and blocked the Gidan Waya – Kafanchan Federal Highway and were becoming unruly and riotous. At a point the protesters blocked the convoy of a military sector Commander injuring him and one other.
    “The situation resulted into a fracas where three (3) protesters were injured in attempt to use minimal force to disperse the riotous students. The victims were taken to the Hospital for medical attention but unfortunately one person died while receiving medical attention.

    “The Commissioner of Police Kaduna Command CP UM Muri urged the students to embrace dialogue as it is best alternative way to express their grievances while assuring them of diligent investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the fracas that resulted to injuries to the students and the unfortunate loss of life”, it stated.

  • Student shot dead in a protest over tuition hike in Kaduna

    Student shot dead in a protest over tuition hike in Kaduna

    By Gabriel Udeh,, KADUNA

    A student of College of Education Gidan Waya, Kaduna state has been reportedly shot dead.
    Reports said he was shot dead on Monday during students protest over hike in school fees in Jema’a Local Government Area of the State,

    It was gathered that the deceased had joined his colleagues, who were protesting a hike in school fees when security operatives shot him in attempted to disperse them forcefully.

    The state Police Spokesman, ASP Mohammad Jalige, could mot confirm the incident when contacted.

  • Senate protests media report alleging approval of N37bn for N’Assembly renovation

    Senate protests media report alleging approval of N37bn for N’Assembly renovation

    The Senate has protested a media report by Channels Television alleging that its leadership approved the sum of N37 billion naira for the renovation of the National Assembly.

    Leading the protest, the Deputy Whip, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, while relying on order 14 and 15 of the Senate Standing Rules, declared the report as contemptuous and a breach of his privileges and that of members of the upper chamber.

    The lawmaker lamented that the falsehoods contained in the report by the television station was intended to denigrate the image of the National Assembly and incite Nigerians against lawmakers on the various social media platforms.

    He said, “Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues, yesterday, Abuja experienced rainfall. And the issue of the rainfall as it happened yesterday which was heavy was reported in various media.

    “However, when I listened to the reportage on the Channels Television yesterday, there were many issues that were raised in their report that I felt has impinged upon my privilege and, perhaps, the privilege of my colleagues.

    “In that report yesterday, Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues, three things were reported which were very inaccurate: that there was heavy downpour or leakage even in the chamber. That was not correct.

    “There was leakage of course around the premises, outside the chamber and, also, it was reported that because of that leakage it delayed our sitting. That, also, was not correct.

    “The leadership had house keeping matters and, of course, until the leadership comes into the chamber, sitting will not begin.

    “Thirdly, Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues, and the most critical was that they reported the leadership as approving the sum of N37 billion for rehabilitation of the complex. This is farther from the truth.

    “As well all know, the leadership of course, noticed the level of dilapidation and the need for rehabilitation of the National Assembly complex.

    He explained that the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives approached the President on the matter.

    “At the end of the day, like we all know, when the sum of N37 billion was made as provision in the shared 2020 of the budget, the media went to town castigating and calling the National Assembly members all kinds of names.

    “Now, at the end of the day, the pandemic came and that amount was reduced to about N9 billion so that they can take the rehabilitation in phases.

    “As we speak, nothing has been done until yesterday, like we all saw, the leakages across the complex.

    “This is a vindication of what the leadership and, indeed, the Senate and members of the House of Representatives saw with respect to this edifice which is a national monument.

    “This is the house of Nigerians, and I believe it is also the face and symbol of our democracy. [And] I believe as responsible tenants – because we are all tenants here, we have our time to leave – we have a duty to report back, in this case

    “If you follow what was been reported or comments being made in the social media arising from that report alone – they would just tell you what in 2020 last year, the leadership approved N37 billion, then they will show rain falling.

    “The entire report was done to denigrate our integrity and to actually impugn on whatever it is that we stand for”, Senate Abdullahi said.

    The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks described the report as irresponsible, adding that the media should seek clarification on matters of interest through proper investigations before filing reports.

    He said, “The Channels Television corespondent or reporter here may not be responsible for that, because I know that our press corps members and reporters are in tune with what we do here and what happens around us.

    “And they are very patriotic, very genuine and committed to democracy and, therefore, the Senate correspondent of the Channels TV couldn’t have sent that report.

    “Let me advise the media, this is irresponsible, I must say, because seek the truth, investigate properly.

    “Come to us, or go to those who you think should know better before you compile and send your reports.

    “The fact that there was a leakage to me is a clear testimony, confirmation and vindication of the position the National Assembly took initially.

    While narrating the circumstances which led to President Buhari approving the renovation of the National Assembly complex, he dismissed insinuations that the National Assembly was responsible for the implementation of the renovation of the complex.

    “By the time we came into office, the Speaker and I found it necessary to go round this complex and we found out dilapidation and degradation.

    “In fact, anyone who see what we have here knows that this place is overdue for renovation. It is even worse downstairs.

    “So, we went to see Mr. President that to complain to him that there is need to rehabilitation and renovate the National Assembly complex after the being used for twenty years and not rehabilitated at all.

    “[And] Mr. President was gracious, he asked us to come back to engage the FCDA who are the owners of this building.

    “The management – the technical side of the National Assembly and some contractors to come up with what we need to rehabilitate here and the costing.

    “In fact, I fought against the initial submissions because I was to take the document to Mr. President.

    “When I saw what some of them were bringing, I said I couldn’t take that to Mr. President. Go and rework it.

    “They continued to rework until they came down to N37 billion. I took that to Mr. President, and he immediately called the late Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, he said go and look for money to rehabilitate the National Assembly complex.

    “Myself, the Speaker, the late Chief of Staff and the Minister of Finance, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed met, and the meeting was to go and look for money to rehabilitate this complex.

    “[And] for emphasis, when we approved the budget of N37 billion naira for the rehabilitation of this complex, it was not a National Assembly budget, it was an FCDA budget. We have nothing to do with this.

    “But, of course, some misinformed – some innocent and some deliberately mischievous – went to town and were saying the National Assembly wanted to eat N37 billion naira, that there is nothing wrong with this place.

    “This is the house of the citizens of Nigeria, and this is the symbol of democracy.

    “If this complex leaks, the interpretation is we are not holding our democracy with the respect that it deserves.

    “This symbol of democracy must be protected, must be promoted and supported. In fact, the institution of parliament must be supported by citizens, and we expect the press to take a lead in informing the public properly and appropriately.”

  • June 12: Police warn against protest in Delta

    June 12: Police warn against protest in Delta

    The Police Command in Delta has warned that it would deal decisively with any person or group that embarks on any protest in the state.The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, in a statement on Friday in Asaba said that the command was aware of a planned protest by some persons.“The Delta Police Command is aware of the planned protest by some agitated members of the public on June 12, 2021.“We are equally aware that the protest is being staged by some criminally-minded individuals hiding under the guise of peaceful protest thereby causing havoc in the state,” Edafe said.He said that the command under the watch of Commissioner of Police,  Ari Muhammed, would not allow any miscreant to disturb the existing peace in the state.Edafe warned members of the public, particularly residents of Delta, to be aware that on no account should any group be seen, gathering or carrying placard in the name of protest.“Officers and men of the command have been placed on red alert and have been ordered to arrest and deal decisively with any criminally-minded person who wishes to go against this order.“The command is more than ever willing to go after any miscreant who might be found wanting,” Edafe said.He urged members of the public to support and cooperate with the police to ensure that those bent on  causing disunity in the state and nation at large are arrested and prosecuted.Edafe disclosed that undercover police detectives have been deployed across the state for the purpose of arresting any person or persons staging any form of protest.

  • BREAKING: Protest hits FCT as northern group demands referendum

    BREAKING: Protest hits FCT as northern group demands referendum

    A group of women under the aegis of the Amalgamation of Northern Women Associations, on Saturday, demanded a referendum to allow Biafran agitators to chose whether or not to remain in Nigeria.

    The coordinator of the group, Hadiza Adamu, spoke on behalf of other members, during a protest in Abuja, on Saturday.

    She said, “Nigerian History has shown that women carry the heavy burden of war and acts of insurrections and terrorism. We have gone through it from 1967 to 1971, our men died and left us with the children to cater for out of nothing, other men that survived simply moved on but we never moved on.

    “The aftermath of the war and the sufferings left lifetime scars in our hearts and on our bodies. It is for this reason that we (have) come together today and say we don’t want another war, another insurrection.

    “We, therefore, unanimously call on President Muhammadu Buhari as the leader and father of the country; and the leadership of the National Assembly, President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawal; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; to immediately call for a referendum in the country.

    “Let people choose to live in peace in Nigeria or leave, any other group or nationality that wants to secede to exercise their rights of self-determination like the South-East has been agitated for decades to be allowed to leave Nigeria peacefully, without resorting to a second civil war.

    “Today the Igbo nation has turned the entire South-East to almost a war zone, northerners irrespective of their tribes are no longer safe, states’ infrastructures are no longer safe, service personnel from police to army are not safe, INEC offices and other symbols of democracy in the country are being destroyed on daily basis, our husbands that go to do business in South-East no longer return home safe, our political leaders who travel to the South-East on national assignments are assassinated in broad daylight.”