News Watch Network

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September 15, 2024

Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, has confirmed his release from Department of State Services custody after his arrest at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos earlier on Sunday.

The activist was arrested by operatives of the DSS upon his return to Nigeria by security operatives.

Confirming his release, Sowore said the Nigerian Immigration Service released his passport to him.

He posted on X: “I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport, released back to me. #RevolutionNow”

On Saturday, the activist had raised an alarm over a plot by security agencies to pick him up and frame him.

Sowore had said, “Yeah! All around in my home town, they’re tryin’ to track me down, yeah! They say they want to bring me in guilty.

“However Babylon must fall! #FearlessInOctober.”

DSS Releases Sowore, Returns Passport After Arrest at Lagos Airport

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September 15, 2024

A Look into the Incident and Its Implications

The Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria’s secret police, made headlines once again on Sunday when they briefly detained Omoyele Sowore, a well-known activist, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and the founder of Sahara Reporters.

Sowore, an outspoken critic of the Federal government, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos shortly after his arrival in Lagos.

According to eyewitness accounts, Sowore was apprehended by DSS operatives shortly after stepping off his flight. The DSS officers reportedly moved quickly, escorting him out of the airport and into custody. This move surprised many, but for those familiar with the tension between Sowore and Nigeria’s security agencies, it was not entirely unexpected.

Just a day before, Sowore had warned about a possible plot to detain him. In a post on social media, he claimed that security agencies were tracking him with the intent to frame him on false charges. In his typical outspoken and fearless manner, he wrote:

“Yeah! All around in my hometown, they’re tryin’ to track me down, yeah! They say they want to bring me in guilty. However, Babylon must fall! #FearlessInOctober.”

To understand why Sowore has found himself in the crosshairs of the DSS time and time again, let’s look at his history with the Nigerian government. Sowore first gained significant public attention as the founder of Sahara Reporters, an online news platform that became famous for its bold, investigative journalism. Through Sahara Reporters, Sowore exposed government corruption, human rights abuses, and various scandals that rocked Nigeria’s political class.

In 2019, Sowore contested for the presidency under the banner of the African Action Congress (AAC). His campaign was centered on revolutionary ideas and promises to reform the country’s political system. Though he did not win, Sowore continued to use his platform to push for political change in Nigeria. His activism has since led to multiple confrontations with the authorities, including his arrest in 2019 for organizing protests under the banner of the #RevolutionNow movement. He was accused of attempting to overthrow the government—a charge he strongly denied.

Since then, Sowore has remained under the radar of security agencies. His criticism of the government, especially through social media, has been relentless. This recent arrest is just one in a series of events that illustrate the strained relationship between Sowore and the Nigerian state.

The public and media response to Sowore’s arrest was swift. As soon as news of the arrest broke many Nigerians expressed their outrage, calling the arrest an attempt to silence dissent and stifle free speech. Sowore’s supporters were particularly vocal, demanding his immediate release.

It didn’t take long for a familiar face in Nigeria’s political and legal circles, constitutional lawyer Deji Adeyanju, to step into the spotlight. Adeyanju, a close associate of Sowore and a fellow activist, took to Twitter to provide updates. Within hours, he confirmed that Sowore had been released by the DSS. In his update, Adeyanju said:

“Omoyele Sowore released, passport returned to him. Aluta continua.”

The phrase “Aluta continua” is a well-known slogan among activists, meaning “the struggle continues.” It echoed the sentiments of many who believe that despite Sowore’s release, the fight for political freedom and accountability in Nigeria is far from over.

The speed of Sowore’s release raised several questions. Why did the DSS release him so quickly, especially given the tension between him and the government? Some analysts speculate that the arrest was meant as a warning—a show of power by the authorities to remind Sowore that they are still watching his every move.

Another theory is that the DSS, recognizing Sowore’s influence and the potential backlash, decided that holding him for an extended period could lead to significant public unrest. Given Sowore’s popularity, especially among the youth, detaining him for too long could have ignited protests and demonstrations across the country.

Whatever the reason, the decision to release him swiftly suggests that the DSS was careful not to escalate the situation further. Additionally, returning his passport, a document that had previously been seized as a means of restricting his movement, was a sign that the DSS might not have had a strong case to hold him.

Sowore’s arrest brings up broader questions about the state of free speech and democracy in Nigeria. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the government’s efforts to clamp down on dissent. Journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who speak out against the government have found themselves facing harassment, arrest, and even violence.

While the government often justifies these actions as necessary for maintaining national security, critics argue that these are thinly veiled attempts to stifle opposition and silence voices of dissent. Sowore’s case is emblematic of this larger struggle for free expression in Nigeria.

Over forty people reported drowned in a boat mishap in Zamfara community

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September 15, 2024

In a heartbreaking incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, no fewer than forty lives were tragically lost when a boat carrying farmers and children capsized in Gummi town, Zamfara State. The victims were on their way to their farms to carry out their daily activities when the disaster struck.

According to local sources, the boat was overcrowded, which may have contributed to the accident.

One local resident, Musa Ahmed, who was close to the scene, shared his account of the tragic event. He explained that the boat was transporting a group of farmers and their children, totaling 53 people. “They were heading to their farms to begin the day’s work when the boat capsized suddenly,” Ahmed said, visibly shaken by the event. “It was a scene of utter panic as the boat sank almost immediately after it flipped.”

The mood in the town of Gummi has been somber ever since the news of the accident spread, and many families are left in mourning.

Despite rescue efforts by locals and emergency services, only twelve individuals were pulled from the water alive. Among those rescued was the boat’s captain, who is said to be cooperating with local authorities as they investigate the cause of the accident. Sadly, the remaining 41 passengers, many of them children, were reported dead, their bodies recovered from the river in the hours following the incident.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the boat may have been overloaded, which could have led to the mishap.

The Emir of Gummi, Justice Lawal Hassan (retired), offering his condolences to the families of those who perished in the accident, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and called for prayers and support for the grieving families. “It is a great tragedy for our community,” the Emir said. “We must come together in this difficult time to support one another, especially those who have lost loved ones.”

He also urged local authorities and community leaders to take immediate steps to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future. “We need to ensure that boats are not overloaded and that safety measures are strictly followed to avoid such heartbreaking incidents,” he added.

Ahmed, who witnessed the aftermath of the capsizing, described the rescue operation as frantic but ultimately insufficient due to the swift current of the river and the limited availability of rescue equipment. “When the boat capsized, there were a lot of people nearby who rushed to help,” Ahmed recounted. “But the river current was strong, and we didn’t have the right tools to reach everyone in time. It was terrifying. The screams of the children will haunt me forever.”

For the residents of Gummi town, this accident is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who rely on boats for their livelihood. Many farmers in the region depend on boats to transport themselves and their produce across rivers, which are abundant in this part of Zamfara State. However, safety regulations are often lax, and there is little oversight to ensure that boats are not overloaded or improperly maintained.

One survivor, a farmer who was pulled from the water by rescuers, shared his harrowing experience. “I never thought I would survive,” he said, still shaken by the ordeal. “One moment we were all laughing and talking, and the next, the boat was tipping, and we were all thrown into the water. It was chaos. I managed to grab onto a piece of wood and held on for dear life until they rescued me. But many were not so lucky. We lost so many children. It’s devastating.”

As the community grapples with the scale of the tragedy, questions are being raised about what more could have been done to prevent the disaster. The local government has promised to launch a full investigation into the incident, with a focus on ensuring that stricter regulations are put in place to prevent similar accidents in the future. This will likely include enforcing limits on the number of passengers allowed on boats and ensuring that all boats used for transportation are properly maintained and equipped with life-saving devices such as life jackets.

For the families of the victims, however, these promises offer little solace in the face of their grief. Many have been left devastated by the loss of loved ones, particularly the children, whose futures were tragically cut short.

Funeral rites have already begun for the victims, with emotional scenes playing out as families lay.

281 inmates escape Borno prison, 7 recaptured

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September 15, 2024

Seven out of 281 inmates who escaped from the correctional center in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have been recaptured.

According to reports the development followed the severe flooding that damaged both public and private facilities in Maiduguri and some other parts of the state.

The Nigerian Correctional Service, while confirming the number of escaped inmates on Sunday, revealed that about seven of them have so far been recaptured and returned to custody.

The statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Service, Umar Abubakar, said the flooding which occurred on Tuesday, brought down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the medium security custodial centre Maiduguri, MSCC and the staff quarters in the city.

Abubakar noted that upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the Service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, it was observed that 281 inmates were missing.

He, however, said that the Service is in custody of the details of the escapees including their biometrics, stressing that it is being made available to the public.

The pictures of the fleeing prisoners was also circulated on Sunday.

“The Service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.

“Presently, a total of seven (7) inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.

“WHILE THIS EFFORT IS ON, THE PUBLIC IS ASSURED THAT THE INCIDENT DOES NOT IMPEDE OR AFFECT PUBLIC SAFETY”, THE STATEMENT ADDED

The recent flooding in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has led to a significant and troubling incident involving the escape of inmates from a correctional facility. Out of 281 inmates who managed to break free from the medium-security custodial center in Maiduguri (MSCC), only seven have so far been recaptured.

The incident occurred after a devastating flood swept through the city on Tuesday, severely damaging both public and private infrastructure. Maiduguri, like many parts of the state, was hit by the flood, which breached the walls of several key facilities, including the MSCC and the staff quarters. The unprecedented deluge, which has been attributed to heavy and unrelenting rains, caused the structural integrity of these facilities to give way, allowing for the escape of a large number of inmates. In the chaos that ensued, 281 prisoners managed to flee the correctional center, raising immediate concerns about the whereabouts and potential threat posed by these individuals.

Following the event, the Nigerian Correctional Service swiftly issued a statement through its Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar. In the statement, Abubakar confirmed the number of escapees and provided reassurances that efforts were underway to bring the situation under control. He stated that seven of the escaped inmates had already been recaptured and returned to custody. While this number is encouraging, it highlights the challenge of tracking down the remaining 274 inmates who are still at large.

Abubakar provided further details about the incident, explaining how the floodwaters compromised the integrity of the correctional facility’s walls, making it easy for the inmates to escape. The flooding also affected the staff quarters, meaning that not only were the inmates put at risk, but the facility’s staff and their families were also impacted. To prevent further chaos, officers of the Correctional Service, with the support of other security agencies, took swift action to evacuate the remaining inmates to a safer and more secure facility. However, it was during this evacuation that the scale of the breakout became apparent.

Upon conducting a headcount after the evacuation, it was discovered that 281 inmates were unaccounted for. This alarming figure set off a flurry of activity within the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies. One of the immediate responses was to issue a public alert regarding the missing inmates. The authorities have since made the details of the escapees available, including their biometric data, and they have circulated pictures of the fleeing prisoners to the public in an effort to solicit assistance in their recapture.

The Nigerian Correctional Service is working closely with other security agencies to ensure the swift return of the escaped inmates. According to Abubakar, both covert and overt operations have been activated to track down the fugitives. The cooperation between security forces is essential in ensuring that the inmates are recaptured as quickly as possible, particularly because of the potential risks they pose to public safety. This collaboration between different arms of the security apparatus is aimed at ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the search for the escaped prisoners.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has emphasized the need for public cooperation, urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the escapees to come forward. Given the scope of the flooding and the chaos it has caused, there is a real possibility that some of the escaped inmates may have left Maiduguri and sought refuge in other parts of the state, or even beyond. This makes the task of locating them even more complex.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has assured the public that the incident does not pose an immediate threat to public safety, but the escape of such a large number of inmates will undoubtedly cause concern among residents of Maiduguri and surrounding areas. While the authorities are working hard to bring the situation under control, the public is understandably on edge, particularly given the security challenges already facing the region. Borno State has been at the center of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, and the escape of 281 inmates, some of whom may have ties to criminal organizations, adds another layer of complexity to the security landscape.

As efforts continue to recapture the remaining inmates, the Nigerian Correctional Service and other security agencies are urging the public to remain calm and vigilant. The Service has reiterated that it is working around the clock to ensure that the escaped inmates are found and returned to custody. In the meantime, it has reassured the public that measures have been put in place to prevent any further security breaches and that the safety of the public remains a top priority.

The flooding in Maiduguri and the subsequent escape of inmates from the correctional facility have again exposed critical vulnerabilities in the region’s infrastructure.

While efforts to recapture the inmates are ongoing, the incident has raised important questions about the state of Nigeria’s correctional facilities and their ability to withstand natural disasters.

Shey Edo People Ready for 2024 Governorship Elections?

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September 5, 2024

Edo State don dey prepare for big mata wey dey come up: the 2024 governorship election. For many pipu wey dey live for Edo residents and even others for outside wey register to vote for the State, this election na chance to choose who go fit lead dem for the next four years. But di question wey dey on top everybody mind be say: “Shey Edo residents really ready for di 2024 governorship elections abi na shakara dem jus dey do?”

From Benin City to villages wey dey inside inside, di noise no dey finish. People dey talk am for everywhere – for markets, motor parks, even inside church. Di governorship election no be small matter; e dey very important as e go decide who go fit lead di state. But di preparation for dis election no dey only about di political parties and di candidates. E also dey about di people wey go vote, and how dem don prepare for di election.

Di Candidates: Who Dem Be?

Di first question wey many people dey ask na: who dem go vote for? Edo State don see plenty candidates wey don declare interest to for di position. Some of di names don dey popular for di media, while others still dey try make pipu know dier name. Di political parties dey push their candidates well o, but di people wey go vote supose get mind on who dem go support.

One important thing wey we need look na di state of readiness of di people. Edo State don dey different challenge, and di pipu dey hope say di election go bring better change. Some people don dey talk say dem ready well well, while others still dey doubtful. Di readiness of di people no dey just about dem dey prepared to vote, e also dey about di level of awareness and di kind of information wey dem get about di election.

Di streets of Benin City dey alive with political gist. For inside di markets, people dey talk about di upcoming election too. One of di traders for Oba Market, Grace, talk say, “We don tire for di same old story. We need new leadership wey go fit bring real change. Any candidates wey dey run and no fit show us di kind of change we dey expect, we no go vote for dem.”

But John, wey dey work for one of di barba shop wey near the market der, talk say, “I don hear say people dey complain say di election go be like before but I believe say if we all get our PVC and vote for di right person, e go fit change di situation for better.”

Di Role of Social Media

Social media don carry im chair sidon for this election matat too o. From WhatsApp groups to Facebook and Twitter, everi platform dey cruise with political talk. Di youths especially dey use social media to organize, share information, and even campaign for their favorite candidates. Dis new trend dey show say di younger generation dey more involved in di political process than befor and dey use di tools wey dey available to dem to push der own persin.

Di Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for all der meeting dey talk say dem don work hard to make sure say di election go smooth. Dem don start to train di election officers, and dem dey work to see say di process go transparent. INEC also talk say dem dey organize sensitization programs to help di people understand how dem go fit participate in di election.

But e no dey all smooth. Edo State dey face challenges wey fit affect di election. Security na one major issue. Di state don see different security challenges in di past, and people dey fear say dis election fit be target for violence. Di government don promise say dem go make sure say di election dey peaceful, but di people still dey watch how di security situation go be.

Another challenge na di issue of voter apathy. Some Edo residents still dey wey no too send di election, and e fit be say na because dem no trust di system. Di need for continuous talk how the election go help everi bodi fit help for this mata and engagement dey very important to ensure say di people go come out to vote and participate fully.

As we dey move closer to di election date, di level of readiness of di Edo people go dey tested. Di way wey dem handle di challenges and di kind of engagement wey di candidates and political parties bring go also show how di election go turn out. Di future of Edo State dey depend on di choices wey di people go make and di level of their involvement for di process.

E go too make sense for di people of Edo State to put ear for ground, shine der eyes, participate actively, and ensure say their voice dey low at all. Di upcoming election na opportunity to shape di future of di state, and di people get di power to make di right choice.

As we dey look forward to di 2024 governorship election, make we all do our part to ensure say di process go smooth. Make we know di candidates, participate for campaigns, and most importantly, come out to vote. Di future of Edo State dey in we hands, and di decisions wey we make go determine di direction wey di state go.

Di election na chance to bring change and to show say we dey ready for di future. Make we all take di opportunity seriously, and work together to ensure say di election go bring di kind of change we dey hope for.

Na so we go fit make Edo State better for di coming years.

DOANJ Eps2 – Why would Event Organizers Not Provide Chairs for Reporters?

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September 5, 2024

Imagine this: as a reporter you dress up sharp, arrive at a high-profile event with your camera, notepad, recorder and whatever else you work with, ready to capture the highlights and moments that make headlines. But guess what? No chairs for media people! Yes o! Na wetin happen today. As in, they expect us to stand like bouncers, while others chill on their soft seats.

Let me gist you how it went down.

I reached the venue early—sharp 10 a.m. like they said. The place was all glammed up with banners, lights, and a red carpet because that’s where you get all the juicy shots of big names in town. I was thinking, “Today na today, I go collect gist well!”

But as I dey look for where media people go siddon, na so one event staff waka come meet me with smile like person wey no understand suffering. He pointed at one corner, and I was expecting make him to direct me to a sitting area for reporters, you know. But lo and behold, my people, the young man just pointed at a group of people standing and with a wide grin warmly said your colleagues are there. ! looked at him again and asked, “Please, where is the sitting arrangement for media?”

The guy smile again, “Sorry but we do not have enough seats to go round. Please just find somewhere comfortable, we will try to sort this out but i am not making promises. We no really plan that one.”

Omo, I weak!

I wanted to laugh, but i felt too pained to try. These event organizers really forgot that reporters are not spectators. Maybe i am wrong, they may actually have thought that we came as spectators or maybe na fan club we be? Who will capture the moments for them? Who will turn their event to headlines if not us, the “forgotten” media crew?

While i reflected on this, I saw some other journalists arrive, one by one. Their fate was same. We all just stood like soldiers, shifting weight from one leg to another, hoping that no one will fall yakata before the end of the event. And you know journalists, we remain focused on getting the job done, even under pressure.

The funny thing be say, is that while the VIPs and influencers sat comfortably, sipping cold or room temperature water from plastic bottles, for the reporters no chair, no refreshment.

But make I no lie, journalists sabi improvise. At some point, I joined two colleagues to form “reporters huddle.” We gisted about the event, laughed, and took pictures. I mean, even if the work environment isn’t conducive, you should work with style, abi no be so?

The irony of the whole day is yet to end. When it was time for press briefing, then they remember us. “Media, media, please come forward for interviews!” Suddenly, we become important. We kukuma moved from standing corner to front row, just to snap their best angles and record their big speeches.

But after the interviews, what happens? Back to standing position! My legs almost protested but I reminded myself that i came there to work, not to enjoy. That’s how we roll—hardworking but almost unappreciated.

Next time, sha, I will carry my own folding chair to any event. If they cannot provide, I will provide for myself. Abi, no bi me go cover event and faint for standing?

So, my people, that’s the life of a Nigerian journalist. We hustle through everything, even standing ovations—literally. Until next time, make sure you respect your media folks. Without us, those flashy events no go shine for the papers!

Till the next gist!

Olorimetsuda
Diary of a Nigerian Journalist

INEC Urges CSOs To Scrutinise Party Primaries, Local Govt Elections To Deepen Democracy

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September 5, 2024

A coalition of civil society groups, under the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Wednesday. During this visit, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, seized the opportunity to highlight the critical role civil society organizations (CSOs) play in the electoral process and democracy in Nigeria.

Prof. Yakubu, who welcomed the delegation, praised the CSOs for their contributions to the improvement of Nigeria’s democratic processes. He noted that many of the positive changes that have been witnessed in the conduct of elections are the result of sustained civil society activism. However, despite these gains, the INEC Chairman emphasized that more needs to be done by these organizations, particularly in scrutinizing the activities of political parties and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

In his words, “No matter what INEC does, if other actors are not ready to play by the rules or in sync, we’ll continue to face challenges.” He called on civil society to shift its focus beyond just the activities of INEC and take a more active role in monitoring how political parties and SIECs conduct their own elections. The Chairman pointed out that while civil society has been vocal in advocating for better elections at the federal and state levels, there seems to be a level of silence when it comes to local government elections conducted by SIECs. These elections, according to him, are crucial, yet they are often marked by irregularities that go unchallenged by civil society.

“Elections are conducted at the local government level by the SIECs and they declare all the candidates of the ruling party winners. Yet, we don’t hear anything from the civil society,” Yakubu said. He stressed that local government elections, just like the national elections, are a key part of the democratic process and must be conducted fairly. However, SIECs, which are responsible for conducting these elections, often fail to adhere to proper electoral guidelines, leading to outcomes where candidates from the ruling party win in most, if not all, local government areas.

According to Prof. Yakubu, this issue of flawed elections at the local government level has a ripple effect on the overall democratic process. He stated that for Nigeria to achieve true democracy, all components of the election process need to be scrutinized equally. “We cannot have one component going right and another going another way,” he said, underscoring the need for civil society to extend its monitoring and activism to every aspect of the electoral system.

Prof. Yakubu also highlighted the critical role of political party primaries in shaping the electoral process. He explained that while INEC is responsible for conducting the general elections, it is the political parties that are in charge of conducting primary elections to select their candidates. These primary elections, according to him, are extremely important because they determine the pool of candidates from which the electorate will ultimately choose. He elaborated, “Political parties conduct primary elections (and) INEC conducts secondary elections. So, the most important process is actually the primaries conducted by political parties.”

Yakubu expressed concern that when party primaries are flawed, it has a direct impact on the general elections. Since the public only gets to choose from candidates who have emerged from the party primaries, if these primaries are not conducted fairly, the public may end up with subpar candidates on the ballot. He called on civil society organizations to pay more attention to how political parties conduct their primaries and to hold them accountable when these processes are not transparent or fair.

He noted that while civil society has been instrumental in pushing for reforms in the conduct of general elections, it should not neglect other important elections such as party primaries and local government elections. By scrutinizing these aspects of the electoral process, CSOs can help to ensure that the entire democratic system functions more effectively.

In his remarks, the convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Yinusa Z Ya’u, reiterated the coalition’s commitment to working with INEC to improve Nigeria’s electoral system. He emphasized that the civil society community shares a common interest with INEC in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. Ya’u noted that one of the major areas of focus for the coalition has been mobilizing citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and encouraging political parties to play by the rules during elections.

Ya’u pointed out that the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has also been working to promote peaceful elections in states like Edo, where elections are fast approaching. He stated that the coalition has been actively involved in campaigns aimed at ensuring that political parties do not engage in activities that undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

He acknowledged the efforts of INEC in making improvements in the conduct of elections and assured the Commission of continued support from the civil society community. Ya’u highlighted that the role of civil society is not just to criticize but also to work collaboratively with INEC and other stakeholders to ensure that democracy is strengthened at all levels.

The courtesy visit provided an opportunity for both INEC and the civil society organizations to discuss how they can work together to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system. Prof. Yakubu was joined by several National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and other senior management staff to receive the delegation. The presence of key figures in INEC underscored the importance the Commission places on its relationship with civil society and its openness to constructive criticism and collaboration.

Reps minority demands immediate reversal of petrol price

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September 5, 2024

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has urgently called for the reversal of the recent increase in petrol prices, emphasizing that this hike will inevitably worsen the suffering of Nigerians.

The caucus expressed it concerns in a statement issued on Thursday, criticizing the unilateral decision to raise the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). They argue that this move neglects essential principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness that should govern decisions affecting the public.

The statement, made by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and titled “Reverse Petrol Prices Now,” appeals to the President to take immediate and urgent steps to address the dire economic conditions and the social unrest they are causing.

In the statement, Chinda highlighted the severe economic challenges the nation is facing, including skyrocketing inflation, rising unemployment, and the depreciating value of the Naira. The statement reads: “At a time when the nation is grappling with unprecedented economic challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, and the depreciating value of the Naira, any further increase in the price of petrol will only exacerbate the suffering of the average Nigerian.”

The Minority Caucus warns that the ripple effects of increasing petrol prices are extensive. These impacts include higher transportation costs, more expensive food, and increased prices for other essential goods and services. As a result, the purchasing power of millions of Nigerians will be further diminished, pushing more families into poverty.

The statement also raises concerns about the lack of consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly. The Caucus feels that the decision by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was made without sufficient input from those who represent the people’s interests. This unilateral action is seen as a disregard for principles that should guide such critical decisions.

“The Minority Caucus is deeply concerned that this decision by the NNPC appears to have been made without adequate consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly, which represents the interests of the people,” the statement notes. “This unilateral action disregards the principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness, which should guide decisions affecting the lives of the citizenry.”

The statement further highlights the current economic pressures, including high unemployment rates, soaring inflation, and widening inequality. These conditions have significantly impacted the livelihoods of citizens, leading to widespread protests.

Chinda emphasizes the need for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders—government, businesses, and civil society—to address these economic challenges and restore stability. However, the current government, led by President Tinubu, is urged to address the economic issues and social unrest urgently rather than creating conditions that might exacerbate the problems.

The statement warns that failing to address these issues could lead to a resurgence of protests and violence, particularly among unemployed youths. “Not doing so merely provides filips to the army of youths who are jobless to return to occupy the streets and unleash violence on our country,” it states.

The Caucus believes that the government must learn from past experiences where national protests, driven by economic hardship and poor governance, led to significant unrest. The destructive impacts of these protests serve as a cautionary tale for the current administration.

In conclusion, the Minority Caucus calls for the Federal Government to take immediate action to reverse the increase in petrol prices. They also urge the government to explore and implement more sustainable measures to stabilize the economy without placing an additional burden on the citizens. “We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and reverse this unwarranted increase in petrol prices,” the statement concludes. “We also urge the government to explore and implement more sustainable measures to stabilize the economy without placing an additional burden on the people.”

Nigeria’s Unending Cycle of Hardship: Who Will Bell the Cat?

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September 5, 2024