Nationwide Protest Scheduled For October 1 Against Tinubu’s Administration

Obasempire reports that a new nationwide demonstration demanding an end to the escalating difficulties under President Bola Tinubu’s government has been scheduled for October 1.

Read more: “Don’t Pray For Nigeria”, Peter Obi Says

The forthcoming protests are named #FearlessInOctober.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy organization, has urged citizens to come together and oppose the economic injustice and corruption they attribute to Tinubu’s policies.

The movement labeled Tinubu’s administration as a representation of hardship and corruption, condemning the soaring cost of living in Nigeria.

The statement read: “Nigerians, brace yourselves: General Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a symbol of hardship and corruption, has taken the helm. Mark your calendars for October 1 and join the #FearlessInOctober #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria2.0 protest to fight for our nation’s future and end the oppressive rule.”

Read more: Pinnick Asserts Eguavoen Has No Godfather, Urges Players To Sacrifice

The protest comes as Nigerians struggle with unprecedented fuel price hikes following the removal of petrol subsidies in May 2023.

Petrol prices have more than tripled, worsening the economic challenges faced by citizens who rely heavily on fuel for transportation and electricity generation.

Recall that Nigerians between 1 August to 10 August 2024, took to the streets in protest of the rising cost of living in the country.

Click to watch our latest video

Nigerian Army’s N300,000 Compensation For Ismail’s Death Sparks Outrage

Obasempire reports that the Nigerian Army has awarded N300,000 to the family of 16-year-old Ismail, who was killed during a protest in Kaduna.

This amount has triggered online outrage, with many criticizing it as inadequate for the loss of a young life.

Read more: Eedris: Russian Flags Would Trigger Endless ‘Gwo Gwo’ Dance by Nigerian Army In Igboland

The tragic event occurred in Samaru, Zaria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The family received the compensation on August 7, 2024, prompting significant backlash on social media.

Many Nigerians are expressing disbelief and anger over the compensation, deeming it as grossly insufficient for the loss.

The outrage is visible in various online reactions, where users are condemning the government and military for what they view as a disrespectful valuation of human life.

For example, one user commented that N300,000 is not enough even to buy a cow, let alone compensate for a human life, while another labeled the payment an “extreme insult.”

Several commentators are questioning the value assigned to northern lives and the overall effectiveness of the government in addressing grievances.

Read more: Ngozi Nwosu Reveals Stranger Slapped Her, Accusing Her Of Wickedness

Critics argue that the compensation highlights broader issues with governance and societal values, and point out inconsistencies in handling similar cases across different regions of Nigeria.

The frustration extends beyond this specific case, with many Nigerians using it to highlight broader dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach to issues like security and economic hardship.

The discussion around this case has amplified calls for a reassessment of how the government handles victim compensation and values human life.

Click to watch our latest video

Protest Against Hardship To Continue Despite President’s Call For Dialogue

Obasempire reports that the coordinators of the protest against economic difficulties and poor governance have announced intentions to continue their demonstration at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos today.

Read more: Soyinka Criticizes Tinubu’s Address And Handling Of Protest

This information was shared in a communiqué released on Sunday by Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji representing the organizers.

The announcement followed the President’s address earlier on Sunday, where Tinubu recognized the protesters’ concerns and called for them to halt their demonstrations in favor of dialogue.

Part of the statement read: “We consider the President’s decision to address the nation an important victory for our movement.

“Without our courage and resolve to dare the odds, even this acknowledgement would not have happened. So far, we have demonstrated that a President is not greater than the rest of the country.

Read more: Ezekwesili Criticizes Tinubu’s Address On Protests As Disappointing

“In our view, the president cannot be approbating and reprobating at the same time. The President cannot offer an olive branch while at the same time holding a dagger to our throat.”

They called on young people and the general public to join them at 7 a.m. on Monday at Gani Fawehinmi Park for the fifth day of the protest.

Click to watch our latest video

Video: Allegations Of Bribery And Violence Emerge Amid Anti-Governance Protests

Obasempire reports that there has been alleged accusations of bribery and violence in the recent anti-governance protests in Nigeria.

Demonstrators claim that some individuals were paid to disrupt their efforts, while others allege that they were subjected to violent tactics by authorities.

Read more: Lagos Governor Condemns “IgboMustGo” Protest, Warns Against Division

Protesters have voiced frustration over what they perceive as attempts to undermine their right to protest. According to reports, individuals allegedly affiliated with Seyi Tinubu and Umaru (Shettima) were accused of offering money to disrupt the demonstrations.

It was claimed that ten buses were used to transport people who were reportedly stationed at the stadium to observe and potentially interfere with the protests.

One protester expressed disappointment, stating that leaders like Tinubu and Shettima should act as father figures to the citizens. They criticized the lack of allowances and rights for citizens, suggesting that political leaders should emulate practices seen in Europe.

Read more: Lagos Police Confirm No Detentions Over Ongoing Protest Against Hardship

While some protesters lack concrete evidence of bribery, a man who identified himself as a Keke Napep driver claimed to have proof. He alleged that he and others were paid 5,000 naira each to counter the protests. This man reported being taken to a location where payments were made to anyone who showed up.

Additionally, the protests have seen reports of police aggression. Demonstrators recounted being teargassed on one day and shot at with live ammunition the following day.

These revelations have added to the growing tension and concern surrounding the ongoing protests.

Click to watch our latest video

Tinubu Urges Nigerians To Cancel Protests Amid Economic Hardships

Obasempire reports that President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to cancel their planned protests, asserting that measures are in place to ease hardships.

Read more: Labour Party Denies Involvement In Protest Against Tinubu Administration

Speaking at a National Council of Traditional Rulers meeting in Abuja on Monday, July 22, 2024, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, highlighted the importance of patience and support during this crucial time.

Tinubu criticized those exploiting the nation’s economic challenges to provoke protests.

He emphasized that instead of participating in demonstrations, Nigerians should exhibit patience and dedication to the success of the reforms.

He called on citizens to consider past instances where crisis and violence have endangered national unity.

He said, “We should learn from the experiences of countries like India and Sudan,” he said. “With over 200 million people, we cannot afford such discord.”

Read more: Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash for Gifting SUV to Daughter

The President highlighted the administration’s efforts to ease economic hardship, including the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, the introduction of a student loan scheme, distribution of palliatives, and provision of agricultural inputs such as tractors and fertilizer.

He also affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.

Tinubu appealed to traditional rulers to promote peace and convey this message to the youth and their communities.

Click to watch our latest video

Labour Party Denies Involvement In Protest Against Tinubu Administration

Obasempire reports that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) has asserted that the party is not associated with lawlessness and cannot be connected to actions that might disrupt national unity.

Read more: Atiku Criticizes Lawmakers for Reducing Salaries Instead of Allowances

In a statement released over the weekend and signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifo, the party reiterated its dedication to legal norms while addressing remarks made by the Media Aide of President Bola Ahmed, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga had claimed on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that the LP was involved in the planned nationwide protest against the Bola Tinubu administration.

The party refuted the claims linking the Labour Party, its national leader Peter Obi, and other prominent figures within the party to the proposed #EndBadGovernance protest.

The LP statement read in part: “We say that there is no truth in that and the tweet is just a figment of the author’s imagination.

Labour Party is known for being a very peaceful party and it has at several occasions asked its followers to follow peace at all times.

“We are not known as a lawless group as was evident in the aftermath of the last general election. It is therefore delusional for anyone to link our supporters to the planned protest. Labour Party, Peter Obi and our supporters are not planning any protests.

Read more: Video: Woman Sells Garri At N800 Sparks Market Conflict

“However, peaceful protests all over the world are initiated and executed by the people and not by the opposition. No opposition has any control over protests. Popular protests such as in Kenya, Egypt and several other places were a direct registration of the people’s frustration against the government. The opposition have the right to protest and it is within their constitutional right.

“It is therefore puerile for the government or anyone for that matter to begin to look for who to blame for the bad governance that is being witnessed in Nigeria today. Nigeria can still get it right if the right policies are initiated. We also advise that some aides of the Presidency must be cautioned to avoid incendiary pronouncements capable of combusting the nation, all in the name of playing politics.”

Click to watch our latest video