Mohammed Shosanya

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged all groups planning to participate in the planned nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.

Egbetokun,who spoke while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday,said the development was to ensure the protest was peaceful.

He said:“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.

“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

According to him,the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.

He added that by providing the information, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

He also said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.

Other guidelines, as issued by Egbetokun, are, “Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.

“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”

Mohammed Shosanya

Traditional rulers in Nigeria have urged the federal government to reduce the high cost of living, petroleum products, electricity tariff and agricultural inputs.

They said this in a communique after their quarterly national executive meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

The Chairman, Coordinating Committee, His Royal Highness, Alh. (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, signed the communique.

The traditional rulers expressed that the planned protests will be counter- productive and it could lead to wanton disruption of economic activities, disturbance of peace and loss of lives and properties.

In their resolution, the Royal Fathers said: “The high cost of living in the country should be brought down by the Government by addressing the high cost of petroleum products, high cost of electricity tariff and agricultural inputs.

“Council noted the serious level of unemployment and the economic challenges facing the citizenry, all of which lead to youth restiveness and other security challenges. Council equally notes the various youth empowerment programs of the Federal and States Governments.

“Council therefore calls on the governments at all levels to ensure the proper implementation of those laudable programs; and calls on them to move vigorously to pursue effective economic programs that aim at poverty alleviation, infrastructural development and sustenance, employment generation, as well as demonstrate a renewed commitment to fight corruption in all its ramifications.

“The Members of Council in the course of their deliberations frowned at the idea of the purported Economic Hardship Protest. The idea is counter- productive and it could lead to wanton disruption of economic activities, disturbance of peace and loss of lives and properties. In the light of this, we enjoin all and sundry to embrace dialogue in finding solution to the impasse.”

In their resolution, the Royal Fathers emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving all contentious issues pertaining to nation building.

“Traditional institution,religions bodies, strong NGO’S and Trade Unions (Teachers Union, Road Workers Union, etc) should be used by government for the implementation of Government policies and programmes.

“The traditional rulers support the government for creating Price Control and Commodity Boards in order to effectively control the prices of food items and other Commodities.

“More manpower and equipment must be provided for the military, police and other paramilitary agencies in order to enhance security in the country.

“Cybercrimes,human trafficking and other fraudulent activities should be tackled decisively by the relevant agencies of the government.

“Government should create an enabling environment to dialogue with our subjects, especially the youths through community engagement.

“The National Youth Service Corps members and other Youth Groups should be encouraged and supported to participate in agricultural activities to boost food production in the Country.”

George Akume,Secretary to the government, who was a guest of honour at the meeting explained the federal government’s initiatives, programmes and projects aimed at ameliorating the various economic, political and social challenges across the country.

In his opening address, the Co-Chairman of the Council and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, emphasized the very important and crucial role the Traditional Institution plays in national peace, security and unity and further advised that Traditional Rulers should be legally connected to our people at the grassroots in act of governance.

The meeting was chaired by His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, and Co-Chaired by His Imperial Majesty, (Dr.) Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

Mohammed Shosanya

One of the organizers of the planned hardship protest in Nigeria,Take It Back Movement,has requested police coverage of the exercise billed to last between August 1 and 10,this year.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa,the group’s solicitor,conveyed this action in a letter, titled:’Notice Of Public Meetings/Rallies/Processions And Request For Police Coverage”,and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police,Kayode Egbetokun on Friday,July 26,2024.

The copy of the letter was obtained by Premium News.

The letter explained that the application is made pursuant to sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and also section 83 of the Police Act, 2020.

The Act,it said provides:“83 (1)​ The Police Force is responsible for maintaining and securing public safety and public order.

(2) The Police Force shall, in carrying out its responsibilities under subsection (1):
(a) uphold the provisions of the Constitution and other laws;
(b) uphold and protect the fundamental rights of all persons in Nigeria, and
(c)​be fair to all persons in Nigeria notwithstanding their economic status or religious, ethnic or political beliefs and affiliations.

(4)​Where a person or organization notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway, or such meetings in a place where the public has access to, the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting, rally or procession will take place, shall mobilize personnel to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or procession.”

According to the letter,the meetings/rallies/processions will commence from AUGUST 1 TO 10, 2024 or any time thereafter at Eagle’s Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 States of the Federation and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils, commencing from 8am continuously until the end thereof.

The meetings/rallies/processions may extend to and cover public highways and other locations of public access, it also said.

It added:”We will be glad to have the details of any police officer or police team that you may assign to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions in order to harmonize the plans and strategies of the said puplic meetings/rallies/processions.

“While thanking you for your kind consideration and support, you may wish to contact the undersigned for further information or inquiry”.

Babatunde Solanke

One hundred and twenty five Boko Haram terrorists and financiers have been convicted in the resumed mass trial held over two days in Kainji, Niger state.

They were convicted of charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, and cases relating to International Criminal Court (ICC) criminality.

The trials which held under Giwa Project Kanji Phase Five, between Tuesday and Wednesday,were before five Federal High Court judges led by Justice Binta Nyako.

Others,according to a statement,on Friday, by Kamarudeen Ogundele,
Special Adviser to the President on Communication & Publicity,Office of the Attorney General of the Federation are Justices Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, and Mobolaji Olajuwon.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is superintending over the trial in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser,the statement said.

The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, while the defence team was led by Mr Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aids Council.

Others in attendance as international observers are;the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) etc.

The courts convicted 85 persons for terrorism financing, 22 for ICC related crimes while others were convicted for terrorism, and were sentenced to various jail terms.

The statement added that 400 defendants who have completed their sentence have also been moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalisation and subsequent reintegration.

Babatunde Solanke

The Nigeria Senate,Thursday commenced probe of the petroleum sector beaming searchlight on key industry stakeholders including Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Dangote Group, International Oil Companies, IOCs, the Ministries of Finance, Trade and Investment, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Navy.

Nigeria Ports Authority,NPA, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Capital Oil, OBAT oil, Modular Refineries, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN and Matrix Energy Depot among others, are also under the searchlight of the senators.

The legislative searchlight followed the alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry including the recent accusations and counter accusations of importation of toxic petroleum products into the country.

The ad-hoc committee led by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele is examining the pre-shipment and pre-discharge standard test parameters adopted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority with a view to uncovering loopholes, if any, being exploited to get toxic cargoes into the country.

“Our investigation seeks to identify and hold accountable parties involved in the importation and distribution of the adulterated Petroleum Products (PMS and AGO). This includes suppliers, importers, regulatory bodies, and any other entities that may have contributed to this serious lapse in quality control.

“We will conduct a thorough review of current regulatory frameworks and procedures to identify deficiencies and recommend necessary reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Committee is committed to ensuring the highest standards of fuel quality for the Nigerian market,” said Opeyemi.

It will also determine the level of compliance of the NNPCL’s Direct Sale and Direct Purchase (DSP) arrangements in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, including the extent of transparency and accountability in the scheme.

Speaking to journalists,Opeyemi said the committee is determined to beam legislative searchlight on the activities of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), including payments made to transporters in the last 10 years.

“Enquire from the NNPCL the state/status of the 22 depots built by the defunct NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products.

“Engage with stakeholders within the oil and gas industry with a view to identifying possible gaps in regulating and strengthening the surveillance and monitoring structures in place to enable Nigeria to detect violations of best practice standards in the importation of products before they enter into the domestic supply chains.

“Also engage with the NNPCL with a view to understanding the extent of its determination and timelines for the start-up of government-funded oil refineries,” he said.

The committee is also investigating how institutions across the importation and distribution chain failed to conduct quality sampling, shipped in products without auditing, and performed port validations by the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON); and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA): and such other consequential amendments and as such the Committee deems fit.

The Senate leader said members of the Ad-Hoc Committee have met on several occasions to determine the best ways to achieve its mandate, and collectively resolved to sacrifice a portion of their recess period to carry on with the assignment devoid of bias in the overall national and public interest.

“We are all aware that the Petroleum industry has been on the front burner of public discourse since the creation of this Ad-Hoc Committee, as regulators and industry players continue to make one accusation or the other on various issues relating to the general operations of the Petroleum Industry. Hence, the need for this press conference to educate the general public on the mandates, workings, and of course the modalities adopted by the Ad-Hoc Committee to carry out this assignment.

“In the course of interactions with the identified stakeholders, the Ad-Hoc Committee will visit any of their facilities that it deems necessary, especially the state-owned refineries, to ascertain their status, considering the huge funds already invested in their various Turn Around Maintenances-year in, year out-without any meaningful result.

“The Committee, along with Nigerians, is particularly interested in understanding why local refineries are not working despite the substantial amounts of money spent annually on their maintenance and operations. We will closely examine what the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has been doing to address this persistent problem,” he said.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Department of State Services (DSS),Thursday says politics is primarily responsible for the planned hardship protest in the country.

The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses, a statement from the Director of Public Relations and Stratcoms, Department of State Services, National Headquarters Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya said.

It explained that the long term objective is to achieve a regime change especially at the Centre.

It said,while peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens,the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land.

“The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario.

“It has instead, variously applied non kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.”

The statement added that, “The Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.

“While the different levels of Government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.

“This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”

” The however, Service called on people of goodwill, leaders of thought, captains of industry,labour unions,student associations,youth leaders, the civil society,clergy, NGOs, women groups, civil servants and politicians to shun any invitation to participate in any orchestrated violence, deliberately designed to cause disaffection in the country.

Similarly, parents, guardians, heads of traditional and academic institutions are respectively urged to advise their children, wards, subjects and students not to take part in the planned protest. Let us all join hands to build a Nation without rancour, bitterness or stained banner.

In addition, “The Service will work with other sister Security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace. It will, where necessary, apply all legitimate methods to achieve this. Meanwhile, the website, dss.gov.ng; email address – dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 will remain available to the members of the public who may wish to contact the Service,” he said