Author: Festus Adeloye

Armed security operatives halted protesters marching to Eagle Square from MKO Abiola National Stadium at the Central Business District junction near the United Nations building at 12:55 pm today, firing teargas canisters to disperse the crowd. One protester is feared shot dead while trying to escape. The protesters, who began their march at 12:39 pm, regrouped at the MKO Abiola National Stadium by 1:50 pm, engaging security forces in a shouting match. They warned against the use of brute force to stop the protest, demanding that President Tinubu address their grievances. The protesters are calling for the return of fuel…

Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has refuted claims that he directed telecom companies to disrupt network services amid the nationwide protests that began on August 1. The denial comes in response to widespread frustration among Nigerians, who reported unusually slow internet speeds from major telecom providers. This led to speculation that the Federal Government might have ordered the disruptions to hinder the protests. In an interview with Channels Television, Tijani addressed the rumors, stating, “There’s no instruction to tamper with (phone) networks.” He attributed the slow internet speeds to a surge in online traffic, as many…

A former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has hailed #EndBadGovernance protesters for their ”noteworthy” feat while advising the government to listen to the yearnings of its citizens. Atiku made this call on Friday on his official X handle while praising the peaceful manner protesters have aired their grievances. See full statement The commencement of public protests across the country yesterday is noteworthy. These demonstrations have opened a vital channel for the public to express disapproval of government policies, furthering the essential conversation about good governance in our nation. For the most part, protesters have conducted themselves with admirable peace…

Rights activist Aisha Yesufu has urged lawmakers in the Red Chamber to impeach Senate President Godswill Akpabio for mocking citizens when they were planning the hunger protest now ravaging the country. Yesufu, BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) Convener, posted on X (Twitter) that Senators will not encounter resistance if they decide to get rid of the man who said in a viral video that aggrieved Nigerians willing to protest can go ahead, “but let us be here eating.” Akpabio has since hired a communication consultant to work back his comment without impressing many people, as he could not deny making the insensitive statement…

A detachment of fully armed men of the Nigerian Police on Friday morning forcefully dispersed a group of protesters at around the Berger bridge in Abuja. Some passers-by and motorists who were caught off-guard could be heard accusing the police of high-handedness. An Abuja high court had earlier granted an injunction seeking to confine protesters to the MKO Abiola National Stadium. Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike had on Thursday night urged protesters to obey the court order, but leaders of the protesters say they had not been served with a copy of the said order.

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has declared a 24-hour curfew after the hunger protest turned violent in the state. Declaring the curfew in a state broadcast on Thursday night, the governor noted that the restriction is with immediate effect. He however stated that it will be relaxed from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday to allow Muslims to participate in the Jumm’at congregational prayers. The governor blamed the state government’s decision on the looting that characterised the #EndBadGovernance protest in the state. “As a result of that, we are introducing a 24-hour curfew in Jigawa State and this curfew will…

Veteran entertainer Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has emphasised that real work begins following the first day of the nationwide protest. In his statement, Charly Boy urged Nigerians to maintain the pressure on the government, underscoring that the initial demonstration is just the beginning of a broader movement for change. He highlighted the significant turnout across several states on Monday, noting that the large-scale protests serve as a powerful message to the government. Charly Boy tweeted on X: “Brave, Strong and determined Nigerian youths, una make me proud today. “First: Una congratulations on a job well done. But…

American rapper Cardi B has revealed she is pregnant and expecting her third child. The 31-year-old star shared the news on Instagram on Thursday, showcasing her baby bump and expressing gratitude for the new chapter in her life. The announcement comes just a day after Cardi B filed for divorce from her husband of six years, Offset, 32. In her Instagram post, Cardi B wrote: “With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power!” A representative…

Qatar on Friday is due to hold funeral ceremonies for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after his killing in Tehran, an attack blamed on Israel that has deepened fears of a regional escalation. Haniyeh, the Palestinian armed group’s political chief, had resided in Doha along with other members of the Hamas political office. He will be buried at a cemetery in Lusail, north of the Qatari capital, following funeral prayers at the Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab mosque, the gas-rich emirate’s largest. His killing sparked calls for revenge and is among several incidents that have inflamed regional tensions during the Gaza…

Human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) has enjoined Nigerians to continue their support for peaceful protesters who are advocating for good governance in Nigeria. In a statement titled ‘Salute To Courage’, Adegboruwa commended Nigerians who trooped out on the first day of the protest despite the threats, intimidation and harassment by supporters of the government. “On August 1, 2024, Nigerians from all walks of life, people from across every divide, North and South, East and West, Christians, Moslems and Traditionalists, all trooped out in response to the call for protests to #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria. Despite the threats, intimidation and harassment…