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Protest Showdown: Activists Press On Despite Warnings Of Imminent Chaos

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Protest Showdown: Activists Press On Despite Warnings Of Imminent ChaosTensions are mounting nationwide as the organizers of the planned mass protests from August 1 to 10 remain resolute in their decision to proceed.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to DAILY POST, the demonstrations, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the nation’s economic conditions, are set to take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The goal is to draw government attention to the severe hardships affecting citizens and potentially prompt a reversal of some of the current policies that have exacerbated the economic crisis.

The announcement of the protests has heightened anxiety among government officials, business owners, and security agencies, who fear potential attacks and disruptions.

Since President Bola Tinubu’s elimination of fuel subsidies in 2023, the country has been grappling with severe inflation. The National Bureau of Statistics recently reported alarming increases in food prices, with some items rising by as much as 250 percent. For example, the price of white Garri surged by 181.66 percent over the past year, while beans and yam tubers saw increases of 252.13 percent and 295.79 percent, respectively.

The organizers of the protests, dubbed “Days Of Rage,” argue that the rising cost of living and the inability of many Nigerians to afford basic necessities have spurred their call for action.

Security Concerns

There are significant concerns that the protests could escalate existing security issues in the country. The Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Defence Headquarters, and Department of State Services (DSS) have all expressed apprehensions about the potential for anarchy.

The Defence Headquarters has warned that the protests might lead to widespread violence, targeting individuals and property, similar to the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The Police Force has also cautioned against possible manipulation by foreign mercenaries and malicious groups.

The DSS has raised alarms about potential hijacking of the protests by criminal elements, suggesting that the underlying motives are political and aimed at destabilizing the government.

Organizers’ Stance

Despite these warnings, protest organizers, including former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, have vowed to proceed as planned. Sowore, currently in the United States, affirmed that the #EndBadGovernmnetInNigerja protest will commence on August 1, 2024. He acknowledged pressure to start the protests earlier but maintained that they will proceed as scheduled.

Sowore defended the inclusion of demands for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as part of the protest’s objectives. He argued that addressing such grievances is crucial for rectifying injustices.

Calls for Dialogue

Many stakeholders, including politicians, organizations, and business owners, are urging the organizers to consider dialogue over confrontation. Afenifere, a Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has suggested that dialogue could prevent potential violence and destruction similar to that seen during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has also announced its decision not to participate, criticizing the protests’ lack of clear objectives and warning against the potential for violence and instability.

AYCF President General Yerima Shettima emphasized the need for protests to be peaceful and purpose-driven, rather than leading to chaos and destruction.

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Dele Momodu Denies 2027 Ambition, Rejects VP Campaign Poster With Atiku Abubakar.

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed a viral presidential campaign poster linking him as a running mate to Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The poster, tagged “AtiDele 2027,” suggested Atiku as presidential candidate with Momodu as his deputy, but the media entrepreneur described it as a misleading creation aimed at distracting the ADC.

Reacting via his X handle, Momodu clarified that he is not interested in any electoral contest and urged supporters to disregard the circulating image.

He said when he first saw the poster, he assumed it was a joke, but later began receiving repeated messages about it, prompting him to publicly address the issue.

Momodu stressed that he is not contesting any political office, but remains committed to supporting a coalition of parties working to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of weakening Nigeria’s democracy.

He added that he believes the ADC has many capable leaders, stating that he is ready to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

According to him, his role will be to offer support rather than seek personal political ambition, especially as preparations toward future elections continue.

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Hard Times Return As Petrol Price Jumps To N1,440 Per Litre Across Nigeria

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Petrol prices have surged across Nigeria, with filling stations now selling fuel between N1,364 and N1,444 per litre, as rising global crude oil prices continue to pressure the domestic market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Findings on Thursday evening showed that major marketers such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MRS, BOVAS, Ardova (AP), and Mobil have adjusted their pump prices to between N1,364 and N1,370 per litre.

Other outlets, including AA Rano, Emedab, Empire Energy, and Ranoil, are selling at even higher rates, ranging from N1,370 to N1,440 per litre.

This represents a sharp increase from about N900 per litre recorded in February 2026.

The latest hike comes just 24 hours after Dangote Refinery and depot operators raised their gantry and ex-depot prices to N1,275 and N1,320 per litre respectively, citing rising global crude oil costs.

Market data on Friday morning showed that Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to $111 and $105 per barrel, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East.

The situation has also been worsened by the recent withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), further increasing volatility in the global oil market.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the global oil price increase is directly affecting fuel costs in Nigeria.

He noted that while Dangote Refinery has helped cushion the impact, fluctuations in the international crude market are still influencing domestic pricing.

The continuous rise in petrol prices has sparked fresh calls for government intervention, as Nigerians struggle with worsening economic hardship.

The development comes at a sensitive time as workers mark May Day, with the national minimum wage at N70,000 and the cost of living rising alongside fuel prices edging close to N1,500 per litre.

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AGF Fagbemi Moves To Deregister ADC, Accord, AA And Other Political Parties

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for the deregistration of several political parties, including the Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Peoples Party (APP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fagbemi made the request before the Federal High Court, arguing that it is unconstitutional to allow political parties that have consistently failed to win electoral seats to remain registered.

His position was presented in an affidavit filed in response to a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is also seeking the deregistration of the affected parties.

The AGF urged strict enforcement of Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no discretionary power to retain parties that do not meet the required electoral performance threshold.

He further argued that the continued existence of non-performing political parties contributes to ballot paper overcrowding, increases the cost of elections, complicates electoral administration, and weakens the intent of the Constitution.

According to him, the constitutional amendment was introduced to address challenges such as ballot clutter and inefficiencies in the voting process.

Fagbemi also noted that, as the chief law officer of the federation, he is empowered to initiate or support actions aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.

Earlier in the proceedings, counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told the court that the case seeks judicial clarification on constitutional and legal provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the suit is strictly for constitutional interpretation, insisting that some political parties may have violated the law, and therefore require judicial guidance on their status.

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