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Afenifere speaks on planned nationwide protests
Afenifere, the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, US chapter, has appealed to those calling nationwide protests to seek their grievances with caution.
The group, in a statement by its executives while commending President Bola Tinubu on his recent victory at the Supreme Court on Local Government Autonomy, urged the President and his team to dialogue with the organizers of the protest to resolve the issue before it starts.
The statement reads in parts, “Our attention has been drawn to the proposed 10-day nationwide protest against the government on the rising cost of living and economic hardship in the country. Much as we know and recognize protest as a legitimate means to air grievances, we feel having another protest this time around will be one too many.
“Recall the country is yet to recover from the losses from the last series of protests conducted by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, recently. It is important we put emphasis on this in the wake of some viral videos of threats by people spoiling for a showdown with the Federal Government. Without doubt, the messages from the viral audio and videos making rounds among the organizers of the protests, who are mostly youths, leave much to be desired. It is therefore in the best interest of the country that the Afenifere US Chapter is appealing to our people, parents, and guardians to advise their children and wards not to become pawns in the hands of politicians with sinister motives.
“We also fear the proposed protest tagged “10 Days of Rage” and scheduled to be held from August 1 to August 10, 2024, might be hijacked by hoodlums who are planning to unleash mayhem on the country. Recall that this proposed demonstration is reminiscent of the October 2020 #EndSARS protest against police brutality that started peacefully before it degenerated into violence after it was hijacked! Therefore, since nobody gains from violence, we urge the organizers of this nationwide protest to reconsider their stand or to halt it if possible. Alternatively, we advocate for a more peaceful means of dialogue with the government instead of protest.
However, if they insist on protesting, such should be organized and carried out within the ambit of the law and civility, devoid of any form of violence, including wanton destruction of lives, properties, or infrastructure. Specifically, it should be done peacefully without bullying or attacking those who are not interested to forcefully join the protests. In addition, we call on the Inspector General of Police to advise his team not to leave anything to chance but rather be more circumspect in their handling of the situation to prevent escalation or a replay of the EndSARS crisis!
“We are overtly committed to the welfare and prosperity of the people, including the youths with whom we share in the pains that led to the cry for government’s intervention. And like the saying of the elders: “You cannot be beating a child yet expect the child not to cry. We therefore call on our government at all levels, including the state governors in particular, not to view this planned protest as a confrontation but a clarion call to live up to their responsibilities to their respective states and people.
“We congratulate Mr. President on his recent victory at the Supreme Court on Local Government Autonomy and applaud him for workers’ new minimum wage. But it’s very imperative he focuses on bringing down the high cost of fuel for ease of doing business and increase in the purchasing power of the people. More importantly, we appeal to Mr. President and his team to dialogue with the organizers of the protest to resolve the issue before it starts.
“We also use this medium to echo our belief in restructuring the country to true federalism as the surest way out of our current political quagmire. We remain committed to restructuring and call on Mr. President and the national assembly to give this option serious consideration.”
Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic in Congress (NDC), Fiidi Council Ward in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Igbu Terhemen, has reportedly been killed by unknown assailants.
Terhemen was said to have been attacked and left unconscious in a bush near his residence around the NNPC Depot, along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road, on the outskirts of Makurdi, the state capital.
A friend of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Terhemen left his residence on Tuesday evening to watch a local football match in the Kanshio axis of the town but did not return home.
According to him, family members and friends became worried after the deceased failed to return and subsequently began searching for him.
He said, “He left home to watch the match Tuesday evening and he was expected back home, but nobody saw him. It was while people were looking around for him that he was discovered around 2am Wednesday in a bush near his residence unconscious.
“Unfortunately, he died before he could get medical attention. Strangely, his attackers did not take his phone, which was discovered on him when he was taken to the morgue.
“There was also a needle-like injury on his body, indicating that he could have been injected with a substance by his attackers, dumped in the bush and left to die.
“All that is left for the police to uncover in the course of their investigation because this is a sad development in the state.”
The incident has sparked concern among members of the NDC, with the state chapter condemning the alleged killing and calling on security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding Terhemen’s death.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Agile Bem, the NDC described the deceased as a committed member who contributed significantly to the growth of the party in the state.
The statement said, “The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Benue State Chapter, has condemned the gruesome murder of Hon. Igbu Terhemen, who, until his death, was the NDC Chairman of Fiidi Council Ward in Makurdi Local Government Area.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the Appropriation (Amendment) (No.4) Bill, 2025, extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget from September 30, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga stated this in a press release on Wednesday, saying the president’s assent followed the amendment’s swift passage by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
According to Onanuga, the extension gives Ministries, Departments and Agencies more time to complete ongoing capital projects. It ensures that funds already appropriated are fully put to work for Nigerians, without disrupting critical programmes.
“The President commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their prompt consideration of the bill, a further sign of the cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature in the service of the nation,” Onanuga said.
Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has congratulated the federal government to and people of Nigeria on the occasion of the country’s 66 independence anniversary.
Fubara also called on the people of the State to embrace peace and unity, describing them as indispensable pillars for the socioeconomic development of any society.
In a goodwill message issued on Fubara’s behalf by Onwuka Nzechi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, he said the anniversary celebration offers an opportunity for the people to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since 1960 and to renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The Governor noted that Rivers State, as the “treasure base of the nation” and a melting pot of diverse ethnic nationalities, has always thrived when its people lived in harmony. He said no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour, division and political hostility.
According to him, while political differences are normal in a democracy, they must never be allowed to undermine the collective interest of the State. “We may disagree as politicians, but we must never disagree on the peace and progress of Rivers State,” he stated.
Governor Fubara stressed that since assumption of office, his administration has anchored its governance philosophy on peace, describing it as the most invaluable infrastructure. He said the relative peace enjoyed in the State today has made it possible for his government to attract investments and execute projects across the three senatorial districts.
He therefore appealed to youths, traditional rulers, political leaders and all stakeholders to be ambassadors of peace in their communities, wards and local government areas, stressing that no one benefits when the State is in crisis.
The Governor further urged Rivers people to continue to support the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that national unity and sub-national cooperation are critical to achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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