Nationwide Protest: UN Peace Ambassador Calls For Calm, Urges Protesters To Embrace Dialogue

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April 7, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The United Nation Country Director, UN-ECOSOC (IAWPA) and Peace Ambassador, Amb. John Adekorede Aderibigbe has appealed to the the Take It Back Movement, TIBM, protesters to give room for peaceful dialogue.

TIBM proceeded with its nationwide protest against the state of the nation, including the abuse of the Cybercrime Act by Security Agencies, hardship, and the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State irrespective of the warnings by the Nigeria Police Force which advised that the protest be shelved due to alleged wrong timing.

The protest has since degenerated to violence in Abuja and Rivers State.

Aderibigbe urged the organizers of the Nationwide Protest, Youths and Nigerians as a whole to remain calm, shun violence, and continue to engage in peaceful and lawful activities either via social media platforms which is seemless, and a more effective way that gives room for inclusion of everyone in the country.

The Peace advocate expressed concerns over the potential for unrest and called for a more constructive approach to addressing national issues.

He admonished them to shun violence, even though they are fighting a genuine cause, but the approach is wrong.

“No doubt, the people need to bring their leaders to book, query their activities and show their grievances over the State of the Nation, but it must be with a right approach, with a good intent that will bring about peace and unity”.

Aderibigbe acknowledged the legitimacy of the grievances driving the calls for protest, he however maintained that peace and national stability must remain top priorities, irrespective of the grievances.

“The development and empowerment of the Youth and Nigerians as a whole should be the main priority of the Government, I strongly understand the frustrations and aspirations of the people leading to this Protest, but i believe that the nation currently requires calm, dialogue, and patience, not actions that could further destabilize our fragile peace.”

He admonished the organizers to embrace peace and not allow the Protest to be hijacked by non state actors and those fanning the ember of hate, working tirelessly to plunge the nation into unnecessary crisis and chaos that will destroy our unity as a nation and affect our fledgling democracy.

BREAKING: Tinubu Replaces Yakubu As INEC Chairman, Appoints Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 7, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. He is Professor Bashiru Olamilekan. The Professor replaces Professor Mahmood Yakubu whose tenure has just expired.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman has been removed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

UPDATE: Presidency Debunks Report, Says Yakubu Remains INEC Chairman

Yakubu conducted two General Elections, 2019 and 2023. She succeeded Prof. Attahiru Jega after the 2015 Elections.

Details later…

Take-In-Back Movement: Police Beat Up, Forcefully Disperse Protesters In Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 7, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Police Command, on Monday, April 7, 2025, applied a high handed approach in handling the Take-It-Back protesters in Port Harcourt.

The movement had, by 9.00am, begun to amass at the Isaac Boro Park in keeping with its promise of protesting against the recently proclaimed state of emergency in Rivers state ,as well as the dysfunctional state of affairs in the country at large.

But the protesters’ quest for a peaceful ventilation of their anger was interrupted, following their forceful dispersal by the Police who fired several canisters of tear gas at them.

The Police had earlier opposed the timing of the nationwide protest ,insisting the organizers called it off ,for coinciding with its celebration of the ” Police Day.

The gathering of the protesters at the Isaac Boro Park was met with heavy police presence,bwho were apparently more protective of the state of emergency in Rivers than the beleaguered residents.

However ,the refusal of tge protesters to disperse as demanded led the police to start beating them up, including journalists covering the peaceful march.

Further resistance resulted in the Police firing tear gas canisters indiscriminately, in addition to molesting the protesters.

The Police persisted in their suppressive manner ,even when the movement, comprising mainly Civil Society Groups decided to move to the streets, especially the ever busy Port Harcourt/Aba Expressway.

The Police operatives continued to fire tear gas at the protesters ,forcing them to scamper in different directions.

The Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, however, questioned the motives of the organizers of the nationwide protest.

He, particularly, berated the protesters for choosing same day as the widely recognized day to honour men of the Force that sacrificed for the peace and unity of the country for their action.

LP: Obi, Oti Summons NEC Meeting/Stakeholders Engagement

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The Source

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April 7, 2025

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The two leading figures of the Labour Party, the 2023 Presidential flag bearer Peter Obi and the sole state Governor of the party, Alex Oti of Abia state, have summoned the National Executive Committee, NEC of the party in Abuja on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

In a notice signed by the two men, the NEC meeting shall be followed concurrently by an interactive Town Hall Engagement with major stakeholders and other organs of the party Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

The stakeholders, according to Ibrahim Umar, Spokesperson for Peter Obi Media Team, listed to attend the meeting include the Vice Presidential candidate for the 2023 election, serving and former Senators and Senatorial candidates of LP in the 2023 election, serving and former Members of House of Representatives and LP candidates in 2023 election, All members of the National Caretaker Committee and NTC, All former Governors candidates who are still in the party, Representatives of NLC/TUC Political Commission, All members of the former LP National Working Committee.

The meeting is a follow-up to the Supreme Court ruling last week terminating the Julius Abure-led NWC.

Group Urges Tinubu To Probe Defence Minister Over Alleged Abuse of Office

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 7, 2025

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Mohammed Abubakar Badaru - Minister of Defence

By Akinwale Kasali

The Civil Rights and Anti-Corruption Network, CRACON, has called on President Bola Tinubu to set up a special investigative committee to probe Defence Minister, Muhammed Abubakar Badaru over allegations of abuse of office and conflict of interest.

In a statement by CRACON, through its Coordinator, Folashade Olumiya, the Group urged President Tinubu to demonstrate consistency in his administration’s fight against corruption by applying the same scrutiny to Badaru as was done in the case of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu.

The Group stressed that the President cannot afford to be selective in the war against corruption.

“If a committee was set up to investigate Betta Edu over allegations of financial misconduct, then the same must be done in the case of Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru,” the statement reads.

CRACON added that an earlier petition had been written by the Young Guardians of Accountability, YGA, accusing Badaru of violating Federal Laws by maintaining active business interests while holding public office.

The group also alleged that the Minister has continued to run private companies, including a Bureau de Change, despite clear legal restrictions.

According to CRACON, the allegations against Badaru, if left unaddressed, could erode public trust in the Government’s anti-corruption stance.

“This administration has repeatedly assured Nigerians that no one is above the law. However, failure to subject the defence minister to the same level of scrutiny as others accused of corruption will create the impression that the fight against corruption is selective.

“We cannot afford a situation where certain individuals are investigated and prosecuted while others are shielded from accountability.”

The anti-corruption watchdog insists that beyond the anti graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, investigating Badaru, a Presidential Committee must be constituted to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The Defence Ministry plays a crucial role in national security, and the integrity of its leadership must be beyond reproach. We call on the president to take immediate action, as anything less will send the wrong message to Nigerians about his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption,” Olumiya added.

The group also raised concerns about potential national security risks posed by the Minister’s alleged private business dealings.

“It is deeply troubling that the individual responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s defence and security is allegedly involved in financial dealings that could pose a conflict of interest. This is not just about corruption—it is about the safety and security of the nation. If the allegations are true, then Badaru must step aside to allow a full and independent investigation,” the statement read.

CRACON further urged the president to reassure Nigerians that his government remains committed to upholding accountability across all sectors.

“We are calling on the president to act decisively and prove that his administration’s anti-corruption agenda is not just rhetoric. The credibility of this government is at stake, and Nigerians are watching closely.”

Nationwide Protest: Protesters Defy IGP, Converge In Lagos, Abuja

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 7, 2025

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To Protest Against Cybercrime, State Of Emergency

By Akinwale Kasali

“Police tear-gas protesters in Abuja”

Despite the warnings by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against the Nationwide Protest against Cybercrime and the State of Emergency Rule in Rivers State, protesters remained defiant. They converged at Abuja and Lagos. In Lagos, protesters converged at the Ikeja “Under- Bridge” chanting solidarity songs.

The protest organized by the “Take It Back Movement”, TIBM, saw hundreds of participants proceeding towards the Lagos State Government House and the State House of Assembly in Alausa from the popular Ikeja Under-Bridge to voice their concerns.

The demonstration was led by the National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, as protesters continued their procession toward Alausa, en route to Ojota and Gani Fawehinmi Park, where Sanyaolu is expected to address the gathering.

Though there was presence of tight security around the area, the demonstration remained peaceful.

It would be recalled that In a statement released on Sunday by the Police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the protest was described as “ill-timed,” particularly because it coincided with the newly designated National Police Day.

“In line with global best practices in celebrating police institutions, the Nigerian Government has declared April 7 as National Police Day,” the statement read.

“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is questionable and perceived as a deliberate and unpatriotic act aimed at maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole,” the police statement continued.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve the planned protest.”

In Abuja, Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force dispersed the peaceful protesters with tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, as demonstrators took to the streets to demand urgent Government action on worsening economic conditions, rising repression, the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the State of Emergency Rule in Rivers State.

The Protest coincides with the National Police Day celebrations being held at Eagle Square, In Abuja.

As part of the security arrangements for the official event, authorities had placed a blockade around the Three Arms Zone, where top police officials were expected to attend the ceremony honoring the service of the Nigeria Police Force.

Protesters — including human rights activist and former Presidential Candidate, Omoyele Sowore — carried placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” aimed at drawing attention to what the organizers described as a growing wave of authoritarianism under the current administration.

It was gathered that the protest began peacefully, before it descended into chaos when Police Operatives deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. Protesters were seen fleeing the area, with tensions running high.

Details Later…..

Trump Tariff Will Destabilise Nigeria’s $6bn Export To The US – FG

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 7, 2025

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The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, says the recent trade tariff policy of the United State Government will seriously affect the competitiveness of Nigerian exports to the country, particularly the non-oil sector.

The minister made the remark in a statement at the weekend, a major response by the federal government to the newly imposed trade tariff by the US President Donald Trump.

Two weeks ago, President Trump imposed wide-ranging tariffs on the countries trading with the US, including Nigeria which the leader of the biggest economy in the world, imposed 14 percent on all of its products coming to his country.

The action has been met with wide spread condemnation, as some affected countries have, in a counter measure, imposed higher tariffs on US exports.

Business experts have lamented that Nigeria will serious feel the brunt of the new US trade war against its trading countries globally, saying a full-blown global trade spat has been set by President Trump.

According to Oduwole, the new US trade regime will seriously affect all the exports from Nigeria, essentially in the non-oil sector, adding that to be mostly hit are sectors reliant on market access and price competitiveness.

Oduwole said, “A significant portion (of Nigeria’s exports) — over 90 per cent — comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products. The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3 per cent, includes fertilizers and urea, followed by lead, representing around 1 per cent of total exports (valued at approx $82 million).

“Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than 2 per cent of our total exports to the U.S.

“While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.

“A new 10 per cent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.”

Checks indicate that Nigeria’s exports to the United States have hit over $6 billion annually since 2023.

SDP Gives Conditions For Atiku, Obi To Join Party

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 7, 2025

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A chieftain of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Adewole Adebayo says politicians planning to join the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi must be ready to abide by the rules if they eventually become member of the party.

Adebayo, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the SDP made the assertion amidst suggestions that the two former presidential candidates and top opposition leaders in the country are currently in talks with the party’s leadership to join SDP.

The SDP former presidential candidate spoke on Channels Television ‘Politics Today’ on Sunday.

Abubakar and Obi were presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Labour Party, LP, respectively during the 2023 presidential elections.

The duo has been rumoured to be planning to dump their respective political parties in other to move to the SDP.

Their rumoured defections came after a former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El Rufai dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC for the SDP last month.

The former Kaduna governor, following his defection, had called on top opposition leadesr to join him in his new party to wrestle power from the APC.

Speaking, Adebayo disclosed that both Abubakar and Obi are currently in talks with the leadership of the party, on their plan to become members of the party, saying that they will however need to abide by the rules because “the only little issue we have with some of them is to change the culture,”, adding that they will be welcome if they decided to leave their current parties for SDP.

Apart from Abubakar and Obi, the SDP chieftain said “lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them” into the fold of the party.

“People are joining my party, and we are welcoming them. You can see how active I am in welcoming them. The only little issue we have with some of them is to change the culture where if you have not been in an environment where rules are taken seriously,” he said.

“Some of them are doing some Boy Scouts, black market operations, we are dealing with that. But we welcome them into the party. All these people you have mentioned, El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and even former Governor Peter Obi, are coming. A lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them.

When he was asked to clarify if Obi, a former Anambra State governor, is joining the SDP, Adebayo said, “Supposedly, until somebody joins, we don’t know. But people have told me, and the Financial Secretary (SDP) has also informed me, that they are talking. So we will welcome everybody.

“Surely, when we come in, and we don’t become a tower of Babel; if we come in, follow the rules and allow one person to emerge transparently, clearly, without cheating, without criminality the way we did our convention in 2022, people applauded us transparently, no court case, no crisis, no allegations.

“If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do in the SDP and produce a good alternative to Nigerians, we are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses in Nigeria.”

Since El Rufai joined the SDP in March, a slew of politicians have indicated their interests to come into its fold, in their quest to form a common platform to wrestle power from the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections.

Death On The Plateau: NSA Says FG Doing “Whatever It Takes’ To End Crisis After 50 Persons Killed

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 7, 2025

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Amidst the wanton killings in Plateau state, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu has assured that the government is on top of the situation and will soon end the crisis.

The NSA gave the assurance at the weekend while speaking to stakeholders at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven, during his visit to the restive state.

No fewer than 50 villagers, mostly farmers have been killed during the latest crisis, by suspected Fulani criminals, who invaded the Bokkos Local Government Area of the state, as prominent Nigerians called for firm intervention on the part of the security agencies to end the killings.

Apart from the loss of lives, the attacks have led to the displacement in many communities in the state, including across Ruwi, Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Tadai Manguna, and Hurti.

The NSA said the federal government would no longer allow a situation where innocent persons are being killed, saying the government will do ‘whatever it takes’ to end the attacks.

The latest attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen was sequel to the attackm on January 24, 2025, when the attackers killed no fewer than 30 persons and sacked many communities, as residents fled their villages in fear of further attacks.

“This incident that we witnessed last January, hopefully we will not see it again. And that is why I come with this message,” the NSA said.

According to him “We say that enough is enough. It has to stop—whatever it takes,” warning the people not to take laws into their hands which could “spark things that will get out of place.”

He explained that the problems in the state is complicated, that the government has learnt valuable lessons from which is now using to address the perennial attacks in the state.

The NSA assured that “things have improved. And it will even be better as we continue to move across the country and in the Plateau as well, adding that peace is required for development to take place across the country, adding that some arrests have already been made, noting that the federal government is serious this time around to end the killings.

“This is going to be a continuation. We will not relent. We are serious, we are honest about what we are doing,” he declared.

“This progress we are making, this continuous improvement will continue. We’ll get to a point where we say, yes, we have crossed—and be grateful to God,’ Ribadu said.

IMSG Recognizes Prof Iheanacho As Umuakalukwu Emekukwu Autonomous Community Traditional Ruler

By

The Source

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April 7, 2025

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The Imo State Government on Saturday, April 5, 2025 recognised Prof. Eugene Iheanacho as the Traditional Ruler of Umuakalukwu Emekukwu community.

Handing over the symbolic Staff of Office at the Government House Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma congratulated Prof Iheanacho for the confidence reposed on him by his people; and the Town Union for the orderly and peaceful conduct that helped in his emergence.

The Governor explained that the delay in recognising Prof. Iheanacho when other Monarchs were given Staff of Office recently was to allow Government to thoroughly investigate all allegations and petitions arising from the Community.

Uzodimma reiterated that Government does not appoint Traditional Rulers, but only recognises the person so chosen by the Community.

He advised Prof Iheanacho to show loyalty and commitment to his community and ensure that all aggrieved parties are reconciled and united.

“In this case, your community has chosen you to be their traditional ruler. Your loyalty and commitment is to your community. Government will work with you to provide and serve members of your community better with the fear of God,” the Governor concluded.

HRH Eze Prof. Eugene Iheanacho expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government and the people of Umuakalukwu for the honour done him.

He extolled Governor Uzodimma for his simplicity and humility, and pledged to rebuild the village market as a mark of honour to his community and to portray the beauty of the modesty exhibited by the Governor.

“When I go home, what I’m going to do is speedily rebuild the rural market where the market women stay, and will be able to imitate you for all to see the beauty in your governance,” he remarked.

Present at the occasion were the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ruby Emele, Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir C. O. C Akolisa, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Chima, among other members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council.