Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Saturday, 27th July 2024
1. Intelligence Reveals Foreign Mercenaries Behind Upcoming Protest – IGP Egbetokun
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has claimed that foreign mercenaries are behind the organisation of the planned August 1st to 10th nationwide protest.
Naija News reports that the police boss made the revelation on Friday when addressing newsmen in Abuja.
While attributing the claim to intelligence at the disposal of the Force, Egbetokun charged Nigerians to exercise caution and think well before joining any protest group.
He commended those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture.
2. Submit Your Names, and Addresses To Police, IG Tells Hunger Protest Organisers
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday, charged Nigerians planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
Naija News gathered that Egbetokun stated this while addressing journalists in Abuja.
Egbetokun 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.”
The IG added that the information expected from the organizers also includes 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.
3. IED Explodes At Popular Livestock Market In Yobe
A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated at the bustling Buni Yadi market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State on Friday, causing panic among traders and shoppers.
The explosion, which occurred at approximately 12:30 pm, injured a young girl who was at the scene.
A resident of Buni, Ali Hassan, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with a Channels Television correspondent.
The spokesman of the Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammad Shehu also confirmed the incident, saying another IED planted in the market was discovered and successfully detonated by the Army.
He further explained the only victim of the explosion, is currently receiving treatment at one of the health facilities in Buni Yadi.
He stressed the incident was a planted IED and not a suicide bombing incident.
4. Ex-LP Deputy Chair ‘Takes Over Party’, Moves To Conduct Convention
A former deputy chairman (south) of the Labour Party (LP), Callistus Okafor, has announced the takeover of the party’s affairs.
Okafor hinged his declaration on a 2018 consent judgment of the federal high court, which he claimed has not been obeyed.
The party at the time experienced a leadership tussle between the late Abdulkadir Salam, a former chair of LP, and a group led by Salisu Mohammed, who had declared himself the national caretaker chair of the party.
In the consent verdict, the judge handling the dispute, Gabriel Kolawole, held that all parties convene an “inclusive” national convention.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Okafor said the convention ordered by the judge was not obeyed, and it was on that “faulty structure” Julius Abure became national chair.
5. Politicians Buy SUVs For Judges Because Only Their Votes Count – Odinkalu
A former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, on Friday, alleged that governors buy cars for judges for personal gains.
He condemned governors for prioritising donating vehicles to their cronies while being less concerned about the plights of the people that elected them into office.
Odinkalu stated this while speaking on Channels TV’s Inside Source.
He further stated that governors have resorted to donating Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to judges to establish some rapport with them in order to clinch victory at polls, having realised that the votes of the masses don’t count now.
6. Adegboruwa Writes IGP, Notifies Him Of Planned Protest, Requests Police Coverage
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, on Friday, wrote to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to notify him of planned public meetings, rallies, and processions being organised by a non-governmental body, the Take It Back Movement, all its members, and some other patriotic Nigerians and groups.
The human rights activist in a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, stated that the planned rallies will commence from Aug. 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
Adegboruwa while reiterating the role of the police during such rallies and protests, urged the IGP to make available the details of any police officer or police team that will be assigned to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions to harmonise plans and strategies for the same.
The request comes against the background of warnings from security agencies and groups over the planned protest.
On Thursday, the Department of State Services (DSS) cautioned against the demonstrations, saying it had identified the sponsors.
While the DSS agreed on the citizens’ right to protest, it claimed that some elements plan to hijack it.
7. Panic Over Planned Protest Shows That Something Is Wrong – Utomi
Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, on Friday, expressed concern over the state’s anxiety regarding the planned protest scheduled to start on August 1.
He labelled the panic by state officials as troubling, emphasizing that such protests are a normal part of democratic engagement.
Utomi, speaking at the launch of ‘The New Tribe,’ pointed out that during military regimes, protests were a regular occurrence.
He said: “For us to now get all wound up that some unknown people are planning a protest shows that something has gone fundamentally wrong with the nature of the connection between the state and society.”
Utomi highlighted the current state of the nation as dire, citing that the fear of an impending protest has led to unnecessary panic, threats, and misinformation.
He criticized the state’s reaction as a sign of deeper issues within the nation’s governance and societal values.
8. Court Bans PDP Congresses In Rivers State
The High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has issued an injunction preventing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from conducting its congresses scheduled to commence tomorrow (Saturday) at the ward level.
In his ruling on Friday, Justice Charles Wali, forbade the party, its National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, or their representatives, from convening anywhere in Rivers State to carry out ward, local government, and state congresses until the court makes a decision on the pending case.
Naija News reports that the lawsuit was brought by at least one PDP member from each of the 23 Local Government Areas, contesting the organization of the Congress.
Ruling on the suit, Justice Wali instructed the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the Director-General of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to adhere to the court’s directive.
This marks the second court order from a Rivers State High Court halting the PDP’s planned congress in the state.
In a previous ruling earlier this month, Justice Sobere Biambo issued the initial order following a lawsuit filed by David Omereji and 10 others against the PDP, its national chairperson, national financial secretary, and national organizing secretary.
9. Borno APC Leaders Demand Ndume’s Reinstatement As Senate Chief Whip
Leaders of the Southern Borno Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called for the prompt reinstatement of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to his former role as Senate Chief Whip.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, APC spokesperson Baba Ahmed Mustapha expressed strong support for Ndume, praising his candidness in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Leaders of the Southern Borno Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called for the prompt reinstatement of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume to his former role as Senate Chief Whip.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, APC spokesperson Baba Ahmed Mustapha expressed strong support for Ndume, praising his candidness in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The APC leaders urged the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC and the Senate to restore Ndume to his position, emphasizing his continued loyalty to the party.
They also criticized a recent attack on Ndume by Daniel Bwala, dismissing him as inconsistent and questioning his political legacy.
The group found it puzzling that Bwala, who had earlier condemned President Tinubu’s mandate, is now backing the very system he criticized.
They defended Ndume’s right to voice concerns, asserting that his remarks were made in good faith and aimed at urging government action rather than undermining it.
10. Don’t Be A Dictator, Allow Citizens To Protest – Dele Momodu To Tinubu
Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has advised President Bola Tinubu against taking the reputation of a dictator by fighting citizens’ right to protest.
Dele Momodu‘s advice followed statements from Nigeria’s security agencies, including Department of Security Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army and Defence Headquarters against citizens’ planned hunger protest.
Momodu reminded President Tinubu that he engaged in several protests before becoming president against policies of governments.
That’s the top Nigerian newspaper headlines for today. Read more Nigerian news on Naija News. See you again tomorrow.
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