The #EndBadGovernance protests in Kaduna State took a violent turn today as two police officers were shot during clashes with demonstrators, Daily Gazette learnt.

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The incident occurred when protesters gathered in large numbers in the central district of Kaduna, calling for an end to corruption and better governance.

As tensions escalated, a confrontation broke out between the protesters and the police.

According to eyewitnesses, the police were attempting to disperse the crowd when shots were fired.

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“Two officers were struck and immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.”

Their current condition remains unknown.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, addressed a gathering of #endbadgovernance protesters in Port Harcourt today.

The demonstrators, who have been calling for reforms and better governance, assembled at the Government House to voice their grievances.

Governor Fubara acknowledged the concerns of the protesters and assured them that his administration is committed to addressing the issues they have raised.

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He emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful demonstrations, encouraging the youths to remain nonviolent in their quest for change.

“The voices of our youths are vital for the progress of our state,” Fubara stated.

“We hear your demands and are dedicated to creating a more transparent, accountable, and responsive government.”

He also outlined some of the steps his government plans to take to tackle corruption, improve infrastructure, and create job opportunities for the youth.

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The governor promised to set up a committee to engage with the protest leaders and ensure that their concerns are systematically addressed.

The protesters responded with cautious optimism, expressing their hope that the governor’s promises would translate into tangible actions.

They reiterated their commitment to peaceful protest and their readiness to continue pushing for change until they see real improvements.Advertorial

As the demonstration continued, the atmosphere remained calm, with both the governor and the protesters seeking a collaborative path forward to achieve their shared goal of better governance in Rivers State.

The #endbadgovernance protest in Bauchi State faced disruption when police fired tear gas at demonstrators.

The protesters had gathered in front of the Emir of Bauchi’s palace, demanding an audience with the Emir.

However, they were met with a police barricade.

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As the protesters persisted in their demand to meet the Emir, the police resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Despite the police’s actions, the youths remain determined to continue their protest.

Amateur footage

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A substantial police presence has been established at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos as Nigerians prepare to take to the streets in a protest against poor governance.

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A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has prohibited the National Legal Adviser of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from appearing in a case that seeks to declare the seats of 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) vacant.

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The ruling was delivered in suit No. FHC/PH/CS/90/2024, involving Hon. Victor Oko Jumbo and two others versus Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule and 28 others.

The case was transferred from FHC 4, presided over by Justice Steven Dalyop Pam, to Court 2, overseen by Justice E.O. Obele.

The decision by Justice Obele followed a challenge by National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade against the authority of the State Legal Adviser to appoint Joshua Musa as legal representation in the suit.

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The ruling aligns with a previous Federal High Court decision in Abuja (Ambassador Desmond Akawo v. Peoples Democratic Party & 2 ORS, Suit No PHC/ABJ/CS/112/2023), which confirmed the State Legal Adviser’s authority to appoint legal counsel at the state level as per Article 46(1) of the PDP Constitution.

Justice Obele declared that National Legal Adviser Ajibade did not have the authority to direct Joshua Musa, appointed by State Legal Adviser Barr. Kingsley Chukwu, to withdraw from the case.

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He emphasized that Legal Advisers at different levels possess equal legal powers and that the National Legal Adviser cannot handle PDP cases at the state level.

Consequently, Ajibade’s motion and application as the 30th defendant were struck out.

Additionally, the court issued an injunction preventing the National Legal Adviser from interfering with the State Legal Adviser’s duties on behalf of the Rivers State PDP chapter.

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This decision was based on Article 46(1) of the PDP Constitution, which grants the State Legal Adviser the same authority as the National Legal Adviser as outlined in Article 42.

The injunction ensures that the State Legal Adviser can perform their functions without obstruction.

All processes filed by Ajibade were struck out, and the court awarded ₦100,000 in costs to Joshua Musa.

The case was adjourned until October 16 for the adoption of processes filed in the originating summons.

In a related case (suit No. FHC/PH/269/2023), filed by members of the Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) party against Martin Amaewhule and 25 others, Justice Obele adjourned the hearing on the motion for legal representation to November 4.

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This follows an argument by B.R. Gold, SAN, representing the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, asserting his role as the legal representative for the party.

The judge also scheduled a report of service for October 16 in a separate suit filed by the Labour Party against the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 28 others.