IPC Charges Journalists On Coverage Of Nationwide Protest, Calls On Police, Protesters For Restraint

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July 31, 2024

Lanre Arogundade - Executive Director of IPC — Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC

By Ayodele Oni

The International Press Centre, (IPC) has tasked journalists that will be on duty during the nationwide protest to adopt safety measures in course of their assignment.

Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade said in a statement that the call has become necessary in view of past experiences of Journalists in such situation.

The statement, signed by Melody Akinjiyan, stated that “In view of the planned nation-wide protests scheduled to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the International Press Centre, Lagos-Nigeria has tasked journalists and other media professionals who may be on duty to adopt necessary safety measures to avoid attacks.

“The protests, which according to the organisers, is scheduled to hold across the thirty-six (36) states of the country and the FCT, August 1 – 10, 2024, is aimed at pushing for a transformative change, demanding a more equitable society with effective leadership, affordable food, zero hunger and a reduced cost of living.

“The Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said the admonition to journalists has become necessary in the light of previous experiences when journalists were assaulted in the course of legitimate duty.

“We urge all journalists and media practitioners who will be on the field to cover the anticipated nation-wide protests to adopt and implement safety measures while carrying out their activities professionally.

“Journalists who are to cover the protests should ensure that they are fully kitted and have their identification card clearly displayed in order to avoid situations wherein security agencies may mistake them as protesters and avoid a situation that would make the security agencies to question them, unduly harass, or bar them from performing their duties.”

He also enjoined other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake the performance of their tasks in a civil and responsible manner.

“The security forces should note that the media plays a critical role in the information dissemination chain and are obligated to professionally carry out their task in reporting societal events, hence they be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them carry out their social obligations.

“The media should be seen as partners in progress and not as adversaries.”

IPC is also calling on the public, including protesters, to recognize the crucial role the media plays by protecting and supporting them as they report critical events during the protest.

“It should be noted that IPC, during the 2023 general elections launched a safety and professional advisory for the purpose of ensuring journalists who are covering events and discharging their duties are fully equipped with safety tools and precautions to engage with while on the field.

“This safety advisory regarding the proposed protest is therefore in line with IPC’s mandate to engender the safety of journalists under the IPC Safety Of Journalists Initiative.”

“We Support Nationwide Protest” – Najatu Mohammed, Salihu Lukman, Prof Usman Yusuf, Say Action Valid, Justifiable

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 31, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The identities of some of the progenitors of the August 1 nationwide protest in the North became clearer on Wednesday July 31.

In a statement jointly issued , Professor Usman,Yusuf ,former APC North-west Chairman, Salihu Lukman ,Najiatu Mohammed, an activist, Dr Umar Ardo and others threw their full weight behind the protest.

They said going by the unprecedented security challenges ,excruciating poverty ,unemployment,and rising cost of living in the country, the protest has become imperative.

They collectively blamed the situation on bad governance and unmitigated corruption by public officials.

“We acknowledge that the primary purpose of any Government is to secure lives and property and enhance the welfare of its citizens.

“Any regime that cannot guarantee these basic rights loses all legal and moral authority of being in power,and would naturally incur the wrath of citizens .

“It can, therefore, only remain in office ,more by default than by public consent. This seems to be the state our dear country ,Nigeria is drifting towards .

“Over the years ,successive Governments at all levels ,including the incumbent one ,fell short of delivering the requisite leadership.

“Consequently, Nigerians have been thrown into a state of social dislocation that has plunged citizens especially the youths into disillusionment ,disappointment, frustrations, and hopelessness.

“To press home their legitimate demands concerning the cost of living crisis,:insecurity and the worrisome drift in the ship of state ,Nigerian youths have resolved to go on a 10-day nationwide protest from the 1st of August, 2024.

“We, therefore, wrote this special text to state our position concerning this resolve to protest and the attitude of the Government to it.

“First, we want to affirm the constitutionally protected right of all citizens to assemble and to protest .We also acknowledge that the cause of the protest against the system is valid and justifiable.

“We wish to state clearly that we stand by our youths in their resolve to exercise their right to protest..

“Secondly,we call on the Federal Government to be pragmatic in its approach to the resolution of the crisis if if hopes to amicably resolve and mitigate the risks associated with mass protests .

“To this end ,we recommend that the Government engage in dialogue . Identify and directly engage with the youth leaders and protesters to understand and address their grievances ” part of the statement reads.

The Northern stakeholders condemned the present situation where the Government has left traditional ,religious ,labour leaders and civil society groups with the job of calming frayed nerves .

Similarly, it warned that any attempt to use force ,intimidation and harassment to handle the fragile situation will be counterproductive..

Rather, it called on the Government to urgently embark on reforms with a view to addressing the issues that have been raised by the protesters.

How EKSU DVC Kidnap Was Planned By Domestic Staff

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Ayodele Oni

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July 31, 2024

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Professor Olorunfemi Olaofe, DVC, Ekiti State University (EKSU)

By Ayodele Oni

The Department of State Service (DSS), Ekiti State Command, has given details on the abduction and subsequent killing of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, (EKSU) Ado Ekiti, Prof Olaofe.

The Secret Service explained that the kidnap of the EKSU DVC was masterminded by his domestic staff.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti, the Service confirmed that the kidnap was carried out by a gang of seven invited by the house help at his residence, located at Plot 12, 15th Avenue, Federal Housing Phase II, Ado Ekiti on 9th of July 2024.

The statement confirmed that further investigation by the Operatives of the Command led to the discovery of Olaofe’s remains buried in a shallow grave at a farm settlement along Airport Road, Ado- Ekiti.

It revealed that the case will soon be transferred to the State Police Command for prosecution having established a case of homicide.

The Command expressed its profound gratitude to the State Government for its invaluable support in the course of the ongoing investigation.

“We Will Fish You Out Either Dead Or Alive”- Police Vows Amidst Renewed Attacks In Imo State By Gunmen

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 31, 2024

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Aboki Danjuma - Imo Commissioner of Police — Aboki Danjuma, Imo state Commissioner of Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An embarrassed Imo State Police Command has stated that some hoodlums and criminal elements have resorted to waging a guerilla war on the State.

It has been bad in Imo State in the past two days as gunmen run wild, even within the Owerri State Capital.

Reports indicate that the situation has been anything but good as gunmen prowl the roads and streets from Orji, Egbu, the Shoprite areas, all in Owerri North.

Owerri West was not spared either as gunmen attacked and killed four Policemen and a civilian in one fell swoop at Irete on Tuesday.

Panic-gripped Imo residents are sending out text messages warning people to stay indoors. There is confusion and people are asking: Where are the Police and other Security Agencies?

These attacks came on the heels of assurances to the people by the Imo State Police Command that it was in full charge.

However, in the face of the attacks, the Police has assured again that it will deal with the miscreants responsible for the attacks and killing of security operatives ,as well as innocent members of the public .

With less than two days after mauling down four police personnel and a civilian, some suspected armed members of the Autopilots faction of Simon Ekpa’s Indigenous peoples of Biafra IPOB ,on Wednesday July 31, held parts parts of Owerri captive.

Residents of Owerri/Okigwe road ,Douglas Road ,Aba road and Imo State University junction all in the capital city were confined to their residences as a result of heavy attacks on the areas by the gunmen .

Others on routine business activities were forced to abandon them and ran for their lives amidst the sporadic exchange of gun fire between the attackers and Security Operatives.

In a brazen show of audacity, the gunmen, also, attempted to invade the Owerri Correctional Centre, but were resisted by Security Operatives.

The Imo Police Command Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, while speaking, blamed the ugly development on IPOB.

He described the gunmen as pure cowards who have decided to operate under cover to unleash mayhem on innocent people.

“They are pure cowards. The criminals are suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB and Eastern Security Network ESN who have adopted a guerilla strategy whereby they come out from their enclaves, unleash a surprise attack and go back into hiding” he noted

He has, however, promised that all efforts are being made to track the attackers down by security agencies

“The Commissioner of Police has personally led men to the scene. The Command is on top of the situation.

“We will get the miscreants responsible for these senseless attacks either dead or alive,” the police vowed.

The Source reports that the ongoing attacks particularly on vulnerable spots may not be unconnected with the activities of enforcers of the one week sit-at-order earlier proclaimed by Simon Ekpa group on the Southeast region .

The Finland-based leader of the IPOB faction had billed the sit-at-home for between Monday July 29 and Saturday August 3 2024 .

Nationwide Protest: Please Calm Down, Fmr SGF Counsels Security Chiefs

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Ayodele Oni

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July 31, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Dr Babachir David Lawal has insisted that the military has blatantly ignored the fact that internal security is wholly the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force.

He criticized the Nigerian military and police for their stance on the looming nationwide protests by aggrieved Nigerians.

The former SGF also accused them of missing the mark in their positions, adding that the planned hunger protest has exposed the hypocrisy and underlying issues within key segments of the country.

Babachir Lawal took a swipe at the military high command for issuing threats to Nigerians in an attempt to discourage them from participating in the upcoming protests.

In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Babachir Lawal said: “Egged on by the political class and probably to pander to the huge ego of their Commander-in-Chief, the military high command has been issuing threats to Nigerians to discourage them from participating in the proposed hunger protests.

“The military has blatantly ignored the fact that internal security is wholly the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force.

“Meanwhile, bandits, kidnappers, insurgents, and the so-called ‘unknown gunmen’ are controlling large swaths of Nigerian territory with thousands of citizens held in captivity with no near-hope of redemption.

“The military appears unable or unwilling to effectively tackle these challenges but instead is intending to dabble into domains for which they are ill-equipped.

“Furthermore, the military high command pretends to be oblivious to the fact that their rank and file also frequent the same markets as the hapless civilians.

“They are also victims of the pervasive low purchasing power, extreme poverty, high cost of living, and the all-encompassing insecurity that has enveloped the nation.

“Indeed, one could argue that they are most affected, seeing as they are the ones losing more lives due to poorly equipped fighting forces, a result of pervasive government corruption.

“Indeed, it is common knowledge that bandits and insurgents are sometimes better equipped than the fighting troops. So, the argument could be made that the military stands to benefit more if the government were to act responsibly and accountably.

“And since, by virtue of their calling, they cannot organize or participate in protests, who else could come to their rescue but the protesting civilians?

“The police high command has also been issuing murderous threats to the would-be protesters. This is particularly sad because the Police Force knows that its duty should be to protect the protesters and ensure the protests proceed smoothly, devoid of violence and anarchy.

“However, given that the Police Act has just been speedily amended, with the primary motive appearing to be the extension of the tenure of the current Inspector General, it is not unreasonable to assume that the police high command intends to show its gratitude to the President through an overzealous suppression of the planned protests.

“Messrs Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, Director General, State Security Service, and National Security Adviser, please calm down!

“The protesters are your relations, friends, and fellow countrymen and women who are severely overwhelmed by lack and want. Some of them are dying from hunger, malnutrition, and diseases.

“They are despondent because they see no hope on the horizon and receive no empathy from the government whose interests you are overzealously defending.

“The people’s backs are against the wall, and they see no alternative ways of communicating their discontent to an apparently deaf and dumb government.

“Imams, Sheiks, and Church leaders have now converted their minibars and pulpits into political platforms to discourage the faithful from participating in the hunger protests, likely in gratitude for substantial financial inducements from politicians and government agents.

“Such has been the practice of this government since the 2022/2023 campaign season. Some church denominations have even issued circulars directing their congregations not to participate in the hunger protests.

“But the faithful will ignore them. These renegade religious leaders should choose whom they will serve: either God or Mammon; but certainly not both

Abducted Prof In Ekiti Found Dead

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Ayodele Oni

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July 31, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

A Professor with Ekiti State University, (EKSU) Olorunfemi Olaofe, kidnapped about 20 days ago has been found dead.

It was gathered that his decomposing body was found in a shallow grave along the airport road in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.

Prof Olaofe, a deputy vice chancellors at EKSU, was whisked away from his home at the housing estate in the state capital by unknown abductors with efforts to locate his whereabout futile.

His abductors also refused to make contact with any of his family members while his incarceration lasted.

News of recovery of the decomposing body was disclosed after a security meeting with members of his community and colleagues in Ado Ekiti by security agents.

One of the indigenes wrote on social media that “It is with heavy heart that we announce the untimely death of our Community Leader, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, in our today’s meeting with the security agents of government.

“His body was found in a shallow grave along Airport road.

This is indeed a great loss to Are-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria and the Global Academic Community.”

Oba Aroloye, Ondo First Class Monarch Joins Ancestors

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Ayodele Oni

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July 31, 2024

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Oba (Dr) Frederick Adegunle Aroloye, Arubiefin IV

By Ayodele Oni

One of the oldest Monarchs in Ondo State, Owa of Idanre and paramount ruler of Idanre land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Frederick Adegunle Aroloye, Arubiefin IV, has joined his ancestors.

High Chief Christopher Oluwole Akindolire, the Lisa of Idanre land, traditional Prime Minister, who confirmed the monarch’s passage on Wednesday morning, said necessary traditional rites are already being put in place at the palace.

The Monarch was 102 years-old. Oba Aroloye ascended the throne in 1976.

Meanwhile, former Senator representing Ondo Central and Senate Committee Chairman, Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Ayo Akinyelure, has sent his condolences to the entire people of Idanre and Aroloye family on the demise of Oba Aroloye, which occured in the early hours of Wednesday.

In a condolence message, signed by the Senator stated that, “I’m short of words over this loss. The entire Idanre will miss the fatherly role of our monarch.

“His remarkable achievements during his reign in Idanre will not be forgotten in a hurry. He was loved by all and sundry. We will definitely miss him.”

Akinyelure, who is from Idanre, further eulogized the late monarch as a father, as a role model and as a man who lived a purposeful life.

“With heavy heart, I will personally miss him, because he was a true father who loved every child of his, either biological or otherwise. I pray God to grant him eternal rest and give the entire people of Idanre and Aroloye dynasty the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Alleged N10 Billion Furniture Expenditure: ..It Was A Mistake, Only N596 Million Spent – Kano Govt

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 31, 2024

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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State — Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has strongly disputed claims that it expended a whopping sum of N10 billion on the provisions of office furniture and other accessories in one year.

The denial comes on the heels of an online publication that said the State authorities wasted such sum on office equipment at a time hunger and deprivation are over- running the larger populace .

But in an official reaction late on Tuesday, July 30, the authorities said it only spent N596 million on office furniture between the first and second quarter of the 2024 fiscal year.

It blamed the huge figures being bandied about in a section of the media on printer’s devil that occurred in the report on the second quarter performance of the budget that was published on July 28.

A statement issued by Governor Abba Yusuf’s media aide Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, therefore, urged the public to discountenance the report on the purported spending of N10 billion on office furniture.

The authorities noted that it places high premium on budget realism to achieve clear openness, transparency and accountability in governance.

It stated that the figure of N10 billion which was mistakenly ascribed to the provision of furniture in the second quarter report was actually expended on the payments of contractual liabilities and other expenses incurred by previous administrations in the State.

Below is the full text of the Kano State Government’s rebuttal of the publication on the outrageous spending.

“The state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has just released the second quarter budget performance report on the 28th of July, 2024 and has mistakenly tempered with the figures which has generated avoidable reactions.

“It should be noted that the timely release of the report shows unwavering commitment of the government in making available to stakeholders, the information on all expenditures as promised to the good people of Kano during the electioneering campaign.

“Unfortunately, the second quarter report was erroneously submitted with a mix up in the template as data for payment of over ten billion naira (N10b) was used for payment of contractors’s liabilities and other expenses incurred by previous administrations.

“The payment was done majorly to clear the backlog of indigenous contractors who were faced with challenges of bank loans and to enable them settle their debt burdens and help them go back to thier normal businesses.” Sanusi Bature explained”.

For the recond, first quarter of 2024 gulfed the sum of two hundred and ninety five million, eight hundred and twenty seven thousand, sixty two naira, eighty seven kobo (N295, 827, 062.87) while the sum of three hundred million, seven hundred and fifty million, five hundred naira (N300, 755, 500k8) was spent during the 2024 second quarter on furniture and office fittings for various Ministries, Department and Agencies respectively.

A total of five hundred and ninety six million, five hundred and eighty two thousand, five hundred and sixty two naira, eighty seven kobo (N596, 582, 562.87) was spent from January to July, 2024 as against the purported ten billion naira. The Account General would make available, the information on request by any organization because it is not hidden or secret at all” said Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa

The amount spent on refurbishment of offices, furniture and fittings at various MDAs is not up to 5 per cent of was purportedly reported. The misleading information in the report was revalidated by the Office of the Accountant General of the state after series of media enquiries.

The state regrets any inconvenience from the report to all stakeholders, including development partners, financial institutions and government agencies. It was as a result of the inability of the officials responsible for reporting the budget performance to validate the data in their custody”.

The Governor cautioned all data managers and handlers to maintain high level of professionalism in their responsibilities noting that Government will not tolerate sharing of unreliable data on its activities.

The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is directed to review with immediate effort, the template of budget performance report in accordance with reliable date at its disposal and ensure no future misrepresentation occur, the statement emphasized.

Signed

Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano

Our Mother Has Passed On – Onyeka Onwenu’s Children

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The Source

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July 31, 2024

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By Charles Igbo

In an emotional statement, Onyeka Onweni’s children, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, announced the sudden passing of the musical great.

Onweni passed on in the night of Tuesday, July 30, 2024, after performing at the 80th Birthday Party in honour of Stella Okoli, the owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. Onweni was aged 72 years.

In the statement titled “Our Mother Has Passed On”, they described her as a “national treasure”, and confirmed that she passed on after “another amazing performance.” They said she was “an icon who inspired multiple generations of Nigerians and people around the world.”

They specifically thanked those who they said were present during her last moments at the Reddington Hospital – Peter Obi, Mr & Mrs John Momoh, Mr & Mrs Okonkwo as well as Mr Okpara.

They also thanked the Medical Team at Ruddington Hospital who they said did everything to keep their mother alive.

Following is the full text of the statement.

“It is with heavy hearts that I and my brother wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu. She made the passed away last night, Tuesday July 30 2024, in Lagos Nigeria.

She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last performance, where doctors made every effort to save her life… sadly she passed.

Onyeka Onwenu was a National Treasure! An Icon and Legend, who inspired multiple generations of Nigerians and people around the world with her Music, Acting, Philanthropy and Hunanitarian Efforts.

She is greatly loved and missed!

We would like to extend our thanks to those who were with her in her final moments. And to the general public for their concern and support.

Specifically, we are deeply grateful to Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. and Mrs. John Momoh and Mr. and Mrs. Okonkwo as well as Messrs Ajayi and Mr. Okpara all of whom were with her during her last moments. Governor Alex Otti joined to condole us soon after her passage.

We are also appreciative of Reddington Hospital and all their staff for their efforts.

As we take the time to make the necessary plans, we would like you all to take the time to remember her life, the contributions she made and the impact she made on so many lives, including ours.

Thank you all.

Signed her sons, Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende

Dialogue Should Precede Nationwide Protest – Ekiti Gov Oyebanji

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Ayodele Oni

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July 31, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has urged those planning to participate in the nationwide protest over the current hardship in the country not to disturb others that are moving round for their daily duties.

In an early morning broadcast on Wednesday, the governor pointed out that “It is therefore expected that a protest will be conducted under a peaceful atmosphere without recourse to any violent disturbances to other citizens who also enjoy their inalienable right to unhindered movement and life.”

Oyebanji expressed reservation that those behind the protest ought to have first sought for dialogue and engage appropriate authorities on their areas of concern.

“It is the least expected that before any protest of this magnitude would take place, the concerned persons would have sought to dialogue and engage with the appropriate authorities on their areas of concern.

“This is the hallmark of democratic practice globally. Protest should not be first and only channel of engagement.

“As a Government, therefore, while we are not averse to free expression of opinions and displeasures over socio economic issues, we sincerely believe it should be after due consideration of the overall security implications of such a protest.”

On effort of the administration to make the citizens comfortable the governor said he has encouraged regular interaction with the people

“In Ekiti, our Government has always accorded you the people all the respect and dignity befitting of citizens and we have always engaged with you through different channels of communication that we have created including direct interaction with Ekiti people from time to time.

“As a result, we are well acquainted with your daily difficulties in the face of this current economic challenges that affect everyone, including government institutions which is a global phenomenon.

“While protest is a legitimate way of addressing the attention of the authorities to the challenges that citizens face, we must be honest to acknowledge that protest, violence and disruption in the economic life of our country at a time like this can be counter productive.

“Everything is being done to re-set the economy to productivity through different fiscal and monetary measures that are already showing early indication of success and we cannot afford a roll back of the present gains.

“As a people, we cannot also afford another expensive destruction of our economic base as we did in 2020 during the #EndSARS protest that led to the destruction of many private and government infrastructures.

“Multimillion naira businesses were completely ruined and the owners destroyed forever. Till today, the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency’s store room and other government institutions remain in ruins because of the arson and looting that were visited on the State by retrogressive elements masquerading as protesters.

“Many of our silos which serve as national strategic reservoirs for food and seedlings were burnt, looted and vandalized. Government is still struggling with replacing or repairing these infrastructures, even in the face of scarce resources.”