Kano state government has concluded plans to establish an independent judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the fatal shooting of protesters during #EndBadGovernance protests in the state.
The Spokesperson of the State Governor, Sanusi Bature, disclosed this at a press conference in his office in Kano Monday.
Recently, Amnesty International urged Governor Abba Yusuf to conduct a thorough investigation into the general conduct of security agencies and the alleged involvement of hired thugs, who reportedly disrupted the protests and caused destruction.
The incident occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protests, where demonstrators demanded significant economic reforms and the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, recently removed by the federal government.
The Governor’s Spokesman said that the main task of the committee was to determine and investigate the fatal shooting of protesters, the root cause of looting of public and private properties during the protest as well as to identify those behind it.
The state government has also announced the prosecution of 632 suspects for vandalizing public buildings, who had since been arraigned before various courts in the state.
Sanusi maintained that the state is committed in maintaining peace and order, warning that anybody found guilty of vandalism would be arrested and prosecuted.
During your time as VP, your government massacred the entire Odi community in Bayelsa. It was a dark era, worst in the history inhumanity! You didn't apologise till date.
No fewer than 13 people, including women and children, have been confirmed dead in Kano State as unharmed protesters were attacked by security operatives on Saturday amid the ongoing nationwide protests.
It was learnt that the violence erupted in Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna to Bachirawa areas in Fagge Local Government, Kofar Nassarawa in Kano municipal and Unguwa Uku area of Tarauni Local Government of the state.
In a video seen by SaharaReporters, thousands of peaceful protesters were carrying on their constitutional duty in a major street in the state before being accosted by armed security operatives who fired teargas at them.
This made some of the protesters confront the police, turning the situation into a violent clash as some policemen were captured in the video brutalising the protesters.
A source privy to the situation confirmed the number of casualties to SaharaReproters, adding that many people were also injured.
"In Kano, 13 people are confirmed killed sir, including women and children," the source said.
Recall that the state government on Thursday imposed a 24-hour curfew after the nationwide #EndbadGovernance protest turned violent in the state.
SaharaReporters also reported how a newly built Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park in the state was vandalised by unknown people masquerading as protesters.
Reacting, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration later revealed that there were about 150 new computers and laptops inside the looted facility.
Photographs obtained by SaharaReporters showed numerous individuals making off with stolen items, including furniture, electronics, and equipment from the NCC office.
Speaking on the incident when he appeared on Channels TV on Thursday night, the Minister of Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the facility was completely vandalised by the miscreants.
President Tinubu had also scheduled Sunday morning to address Nigerians over the ongoing nationwide protests over bad governance in the country.
This was announced in a press statement issued by his aide, Bayo Onanuga on Saturday via X platform, saying that the President will address the nation in a broadcast on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am.
The statement continued: “Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.
“The broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.”
Men of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, allegedly shot and killed a young boy in the Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as the #EndBadGovernance protest enters the third day.
The boy was said to have been killed at close range around the Zenith Bank area of Kubwa.
An eyewitness who spoke after the boy was shot said the deceased was not part of the protest.
“The boy was not part of the protesters, he was coming on his own after the police had pointed gun at us from a different position,” the eyewitness said.
Activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, described the incident as an unprovoked murder.
Adeyanju said the boy was just watching the protesters when he was shot dead.
In a message sent to DAILY POST, Adeyanju said: “IGP Kayode Egbetokun and his bloodthirsty men should come and eat the meat of this innocent young guy shot on the neck on close range at Kubwa by Zenith Bank.
“Clearly this is unprovoked murder as the boy was just sight-seeing the protesters of #Endbadgovanance# before this ugly end.”
However, efforts to confirm the incident from the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, proved were not successful as she’s yet to respond to SMS sent to her.
Despite the 24 hours curfew imposed by the Jigawa State Government on protests, hundreds of youths continued the protest against hardship for the second day in some part of Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
LEADERSHIP reports that a combined team of security agencies were battling with protesters around Zai area of the city, blocking them from trooping into the commercial and other areas of the state capital as well as major buildings and stores.
A resident of Zai Quarters told our correspondent that thousands of youths who were chanting different anti-government slogans resisted the teargas fired to desperse them by the security operatives.
However, at Shuwarin area in the outskirts of Dutse, thousands of youths regrouped and continued with demonstrations for the second day.
The protestants who were attempting to get into the state capital centre were however blocked by heavy security mounted to barricade the road who fired teargas to disperse the protesters.
An eyewitness in the area confirmed that youths, including underage boys were arrested by the police on Friday.
In Gumel town, the situation was relatively calm as security agents blocked major roads and prevented protesters from regrouping.
The situation however turned volatile as the number of available security operatives were not enough to contain the youths for a long period.
There was pandemonium yesterday in Bulunkutu area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital where an immigration officer accidentally shot himself thrice on the foot while barricading protesters.
The sound of the gunshots further provoked the protesters who went wild with the thought that one of them was shot but became calm on discovering the truth about the shooting.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that the joint patrol team of the police, military, immigration, DSS, and Civil Defence barricaded the Bulumkutu railway junction to prevent the hunger protesters from heading to the main city of Maiduguri.
The self-wounded officer was part of a security team deployed to disperse a crowd of protesters in the state capital, Maiduguri.
The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, but his condition is currently unknown.
Some of the protesters were demonstrating against the government’s handling of the ongoing insurgency in the region and other issues bedeviling the country.
Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have dispersed some youths who tried to break into a store along Zoo road in the state capital.
The suspects had attempted to force their way into the two storey building housing Sadaraki Stores.
But the police quickly moved in to stall their action. However, before the arrival of security operatives, the suspects had destroyed windows of the building.
So far, there is low compliance with the protest against hunger in the ancient city as many residents are indoor.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had, on Wednesday, said he had intelligence that evil-minded persons were plotting to hijack the protest.
The governor, who invited genuine protesters to Government House, Kano, warned trouble makers to steer clear off the state.
Protesters have said the protests would continue unless President Bola Tinubu meets their demands.
They called on the president to do the needful and the protests would be immediately called off.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Director of Mobilisation, Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, lamented that the oppression under the president’s leadership had lasted too long.
He said, “The various court orders restricting protesters to particular locations are an aberration.
”Our presence here today is an announcement that we have been oppressed for too long.
“Today, we have risen. We saying to the president that unless President Bola Tinubu accede to our demands we will remain on the streets. We want to see the president on the street. During the protest, he was on the street.”
One of the leaders of the Take It Back Movement, Ayoola Babalola, said the show of force around the premises of the Moshood Abiola is an embarrassment to the nation.
He vowed that protesters would not be intimidated.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has openly backed the nationwide hardship protest slated to start on August 1, 2024.
He assured peaceful citizens of his support and vowed to personally receive demonstrators at the Government House on Thursday.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House on Wednesday, Governor Yusuf emphasised the democratic right of Nigerians to protest but urged the youth to conduct their demonstrations peacefully.
“For us, protest is a democratic right of every citizen. I want the protesters to carry out their procession with caution, as some criminal elements plan to hijack the protest. If you embark on a peaceful procession, I will receive you, and if you wish, I’ll join you.”
Knocks Police
The governor’s support for the protest comes amid growing concerns over the role of security agencies in handling civil unrest. Governor Yusuf expressed frustration with the Nigeria Police Force, accusing them of insubordination and failure to follow directives of the state government.
“I can’t understand why the security agencies, especially the police, will not obey our orders,” he said. “When we tell them to do this or that, they will tell us they received an order from ‘above.’ Who is the ‘above’? I am the chief security officer in the state. If you have a problem with that, go and change the Nigerian constitution.”
As the protest looms, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has also weighed in, urging the government to take concrete steps to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by the people. “We must find proper ways to help the needy and ensure that what is given to them reaches them,” the Emir remarked during the meeting.
The upcoming protest has sparked a debate among various groups, with some supporting the action as a means to address the country’s economic challenges, while others advocate dialogue to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Most Nigerians support the #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to kick off nationwide Thursday, a PREMIUM TIMES poll conducted across social platforms has shown.
Mostly, young Nigerians are organising the protest to express their displeasure about the rising cost of living, which is believed to be a fallout of the government’s economic policies.
PREMIUM TIMES poll shows that more Nigerians support the protest than are against it.
The poll was conducted via this newspaper’s accounts on two social media platforms to survey readers’ stances on the planned protest.
It ran for three days between 26 and 28 July and six days between 26 July and 31 July.
The respondents were asked on both social media platforms: “Are you in support of the nationwide protest?”
They were given two options: A – Yes and B – No.
Poll results on Social Media
Most users who responded backed the protest.
Of the total 4,173 users that responded to the poll, 3,255 users — representing 78 per cent — voted “yes” to support the protest.
Only 22 per cent, that is 918 respondents, voted against it.
Poll results on Facebook
On Facebook, 1,006 responded to the poll as of Wednesday.
Of the respondents, 81 per cent – 816 of them – voted in support of the protest.
On the other hand, 19 per cent, or 190 respondents, voted against the protest.
Protest
The protest is driven by citizens’ displeasure with the government’s handling of the fallout of its economic policies,which have caused an astronomical rise in the cost of living in the country.
The Nigerian government has spoken against the protest and cast the organisers as people driven by political interests.
Some religious organisations, professional groups and traditional rulers have urged the protesters to shelve the protest plan.
On Wednesday, on the eve of the protest, the government’s reaction took on a tone of appeal, with the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) George Akume urging the organisers to shelve the protest to give time to address their concerns.
The protesters’ demands have been as varied as the diversity of the protest organisers.
Many issues beyond the core rallying point have been added to the wish lists of the protesters.
PREMIUM TIMES collated some of these demands in posts and flyers shared by users on various social media platforms.
The demands range from economic hardship, reforms, and the enthronement of a credible electoral system to accountability and justice in the country.
The Nigerian constitution guarantees the citizens’ right to peaceful protest.
The group in a statement issued by its President, Ambassador Ojineme Enakeme, said that Mrs. Abiola, her chief mobiliser, one Comfort Shekwoyan of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative, deceived several women non-governmental groups and organisations into mobilising 50 women each to the Eagle's Square under the pretence that they were to be given 50kg bag of rice each, only for the women numbering over 400 to be given banners with “Say No To Protest” in different states.
A coalition of women groups under the umbrella of Nigerian Young Women (NYW) has accused a wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, Mrs. Tinu A. Abiola, and other leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), of deceiving over 400 women with a promise of palliative rice only to take pictures of them in Abuja with “Say No To Protest” banners.
The group in a statement issued by its President, Ambassador Ojineme Enakeme, said that Mrs. Abiola, her chief mobiliser, one Comfort Shekwoyan of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative, deceived several women non-governmental groups and organisations into mobilising 50 women each to the Eagle's Square under the pretence that they were to be given 50kg bag of rice each, only for the women numbering over 400 to be given banners with “Say No To Protest” in different states.
They then took pictures of them and left stranded without even transport fare.
Demanding public apologies from the APC, the women group said, “We, the umbrella body of young Nigerian women, representing various groups and organisations across the country, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and activists, are compelled to express our deep disappointment, sense of betrayal, and outrage at the deceitful actions of Mrs. Tinu A. Abiola, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and her chief mobiliser, Comfort Shekwoyan of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative.
“On the 27th of July, 2024, Mrs. Abiola and Comfort Shekwoyan organized an event in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Eagle square, purporting to distribute palliatives to vulnerable women, under the guise of empowering them.
“However, in a shocking turn of events, they exploited these women for political gain, falsely claiming that Nigerian women are against protests. This is a clear case of deception, manipulation, and exploitation.
“The event, which was initially billed as a palliative distribution exercise, was later revealed to be a political gathering, aimed at promoting the interests of the APC and undermining the legitimate protests against the government's failures.
“The women who attended the event were coerced into holding banners for various states and chanting slogans against the protests, without their knowledge or consent.
“We are appalled that Mrs. Abiola and Comfort Shekwoyan would stoop so low as to use vulnerable women, who are already struggling to make ends meet, to further their political agenda.
“Their actions are a slap in the face of Nigerian women who are genuinely fighting for a better future, free from corruption, poverty, and inequality. We condemn their deceitful actions and demand accountability and transparency.
“The government's corruption, incompetence, and disregard for human life have led to widespread suffering among Nigerians. The current state of affairs is unacceptable, and we will not be silenced or misrepresented. Our voices will continue to echo against bad governance and corruption.
“We demand: A public apology from Mrs. Abiola and Comfort Shekwoyan for their deceitful actions. An investigation into the activities of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative to ensure they are not using deceitful means to achieve their goals. The government should take responsibility for its actions and work towards addressing the grievances of Nigerians.
“Concrete steps to address the plight of vulnerable women, who are often the most affected by government failures. Measures to ensure that political parties and organizations do not exploit vulnerable groups for political gain.
“We will continue to stand together and fight for a better Nigeria, where every citizen has access to basic necessities like food, water, healthcare, and education. We will not be deterred by deceitful actions like those of Mrs. Abiola and Comfort Shekwoyan.
“We call on all Nigerians to join us in this nationwide protests against corruption, bad governance, and exploitation. Together, we can build a better future for ourselves and generations to come. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria."
DISCLAIMER: An article entitled "2023: On Peter Obi, let us verify!" is being shared on social media and attributed to me. I am NOT the author. Kindly verify articles attributed to me by searching the websites of THISDAY and TheCable, where my weekly column is published. Gracias!
Sai Mun Bata Wutaa… Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, wayyo kasar gadona, Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, wayyo kasar gadona, Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, Nigeria Tushe na, Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, wayyo kasar gadona, Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, Nigeria Tushe na, Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, se mun bata wuta.
Se mun bata wuta, se mun bata wuta, se mun bata wuta, Se mun bata wuta, se mun bata wuta, Se mun bata wuta (Maza maza) Se mun bata wuta (Maza maza), Se mun bata wuta, Ita tafiyar, sai an fidda uwa, Kasar nan, sai an sake zama, APC se mun bata wuta, mun kuma, mun ma kaita ruwa (Kuji wannan), Ga amsar maganar Atiku shine zai gyara kasa mallam.
Eh Allah, gyaran min tafiyar, Kasan yatsar tafiyar, Yan uwana sun dau aniyar, Sabon launin tafiyar, Mun dauko bama gajiyar, Kaine jigon tafiyar, Allah ke kai kusa nesa, Bana Allah kawo nesa kusa, Sanya kasarmu cikin nitsuwa, Mallam ga amsarmu kusa, Ita tafiyar, sai an fidda uwa, Kasar nan, sai an sake zama, APC se mun bata wuta, mun kuma, mun ma kaita ruwa (Kuji wannan), Ga amsar maganar Atiku shine zai gyara kasa mallam.
Da akwai magana ta fitar da kudi, amarya tayi hadin cukudi, Yan gwamnatine ke yin rububi, Basa jin kunya a kasa, talakawa na neman mahadi, A ba su Atiku su canja kasa, Dan Abubakar taso motsa kasa, Ga zaki nan zaya shigo, Lale mallam zata dago, Bawa waziri ya kama wuri, Mallam ga amsarmu kusa, Ita tafiyar, sai an fidda uwa, Kasar nan, sai an sake zama, APC se mun bata wuta, mun kuma, mun ma kaita ruwa (Kuji wannan), Ga amsar maganar Atiku shine zai gyara kasa mallam.
Eh ina mallam, Jarinsa wuka, Ita kira, mahadinta wuta, Wanzami baya tabuwa, Lema mu rike mafita. Don itace mai kare ruwa, Dama na himmatuwa, Karshen zance bai faduwa, Mallam kar kai makuwa, Salon kida zai canja rawa, Mallam amsarmu kusa, Wata tafiyar, sai an fidda uwa, Kasar nan, sai an sake zama, APC se mun bata wuta, mun kuma, mun ma kaita ruwa (Kuji wannan), Ga amsar maganar Ah’Ah’Ah A’A’A’A A’a.
Ga dai kifi da kada a ruwa, Ga kifi da kada a ruwa, Gadar sama ya aka fara hawa, Ku gaya musu ya aka fara hawa, In kaji uba ai saida uwa, Kuzo ku tayamu muyo dahuwa, PDP ga jirgi na hawa, Wasu fatin kansu yana rabuwa, mu ko mun dinke a gida, Mallam, ga amsarka kusa, Ita tafiyar, sai an fidda uwa, Kasar nan, sai an sake zama, APC se mun bata wuta, mun kuma, mun ma kaita ruwa (Kusan nan), Ga amsar maganar Atiku shine zai gyara kasa mallam.
Mu dau mai addini jimiri, Mai kawo gyara da wuri, Mai son Allah nabi ni, Mai bin doka mai hakuri, Mai dottaku nabi ni, Mai zabin Allah da wuri, Bama kushe na wasu, bakuma ma zagi ga wasu, Kuma zancen munki wasu, wannan zance bai cika ba, Mallam, amsarmu daya, Ita tafiyar, sai an fidda uwa, Kasar nan, sai an sake zama, APC se mun bata wuta, mun kuma, mun ma kaita ruwa (Kusan nan), Ga amsar maganar Atiku shine zai gyara kasa mallam.
Da kuna da maciji zamu barar, Ta’adda da makirci mu barar, Su kasarmu suke burin su mayar, Rabuwar kayi kadara su sayar, Tsintsiyar nan shara bata yi baa, shara basu yi ba, Sun bata, sun bata kasa, Allah kawo mana nesa kusa, Canjin canji don gyara kasa, Mallam, amsarmu kusa, Gyara zamu gani, Ita tafiyar, sai an fidda uwa, Kasar nan, sai an sake zama, APC se mun bata wuta, mun kuma, mun ma kaita ruwa (Kusan nan), Ga amsar maganar Atiku shine zai gyara kasa mallam.
Sai mun bata wuta mallam, taso gyara kasa Atiku, Sai mun bata ruwa mallam, taso gyara kasa Atiku, Sai mun bata wutaaaa, taso gyara kasa Atiku, Sai mun bata ruwa mallam, taso gyara kasa Atiku, Sai mun bata wutaaaa, Sai mun bata ruwa, Ah’Ah’Ah’Ah.
Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, Nigeria tushe na, Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, Nigeria tushe na, Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, Nigeria tushe na Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, Wayyo kasar gado na, Wayyo ni wayyo kaina, Nigeria tushe na, Sai mun bata ruwa mallam, Allah yasa mu dace, Amin, Allah ka gyara mana kasarmu.
Sir @DeleMomodu I seriously want to bet big money with @adeyanjudeji on top Atiku.
I hold the belief that Atiku will win the 2023 election. N50k is small for me to bet, I want to bet something reasonable, we should all deposit the money to you.
Chairman, I said “reasonable money” so am talking real money not N200k. Let’s start with something like $10k. And we deposit it on Monday.
How would anyone believe this mentally lazy propaganda that youths washed Atiku away from his hometown, Jada? Even look at the photo presented as proof. 12 boys, who could have been from anywhere. No placard or sign. Sadly,some are so desperate to believe propaganda
Politics / Kano To Establish Commission Of Inquiry Over Killing Of Protesters by JEWELofHELL: 9:42pm On Aug 05
