Organisers of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests scheduled for August have declined a proposal by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to restrict demonstrations to specific, confined locations.

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During a meeting on Tuesday, the IGP recommended that protests be limited to designated areas to prevent potential violence, citing concerns that street rallies could be hijacked by those intending to cause unrest.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), representing the Take It Back Movement and other groups involved in the protests, rejected this proposal.

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The virtual meeting included notable figures such as human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and various civil society organizations.

The protests, aimed at addressing rising economic hardships and inflation, have been gaining momentum on social media.

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The demonstrations are planned to take place nationwide, including the capital, Abuja.

The protests come amid widespread discontent over the government’s removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of forex windows, which have led to soaring prices of essential goods.

Authorities, including the police and military, have expressed concerns that the rallies might mimic the EndSARS protests of October 2020.

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Despite these warnings and appeals from politicians, the organisers remain committed to proceeding with the protests.

Adegboruwa had previously requested police protection for the protesters in a letter dated July 26, 2024.

In response, the IGP agreed to a meeting on July 30, 2024, but Adegboruwa chose a virtual meeting instead, involving Falana, NBA members, and other stakeholders.

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During the discussion, Egbetokun highlighted that individuals inciting violence had been apprehended.

He emphasized that restricting protests to certain locations would mitigate risks, as terrorists and disruptors might infiltrate larger street gatherings.

Adegboruwa countered by asserting that there would be street processions leading up to the confined locations specified to the police.

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He assured that the organisers are committed to maintaining peace and requested that police focus on preventing violence from rogue elements.

The IGP stated that while security could be assured at designated locations, he could not guarantee safety for street processions.

He suggested that state police commissioners, if adequately staffed, might be able to manage security for street protests.

Organisers were advised to coordinate with local police for security arrangements related to both street and confined protests.

Chief Dele Momodu, a prominent journalist and publisher, has responded sharply to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose’s recent comments about impoverished men with multiple wives and children.

In a recent interview with Channels TV, Fayose claimed that such family structures are detrimental to Nigeria’s development, particularly drawing from his observations in the North.

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Momodu took to social media to address Fayose’s statements, questioning whether the real threat to the nation is the poor man with many wives and children or the politician who, despite having only one wife, squanders public funds on lavish lifestyles and high-maintenance relationships.

In his response, Momodu wrote: “Dear Brother Ayo Fayose, I have two pressing questions: Who is more harmful to our nation—the poor man with numerous wives and children or the politician who, with one wife, indulges in extravagant lifestyles and wasteful expenditures including private jets?

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“Who contributes more positively to society—the politician who embezzles public funds or the impoverished man who supports his large family by cultivating crops for everyone?

“Let us acknowledge that we have collectively failed this country and that an urgent reset is needed. At this critical juncture, we must move beyond blame games.

“May we seek forgiveness for our shortcomings.

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“Warm regards, Chief Dele Momodu.”

On Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interrogated Malam Jalal Arabi, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), regarding alleged mismanagement of funds for the 2024 Hajj.

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Arabi appeared at the EFCC office to clarify how the N90 billion allocated for the Hajj exercise was utilized.

The EFCC’s investigation stems from various petitions accusing Arabi and NAHCON’s management of mishandling the funds.

A source from NAHCON revealed that Arabi is being questioned about the financial management of the commission.

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The probe reportedly dates back to 2021 and includes allegations of fraudulent activities, including the misappropriation of N200 million.

Several commission officials have already been questioned, and three directors are among those who have been summoned.

The source noted that while Arabi is currently under interrogation, he is not expected to be detained unless further action is warranted.

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The EFCC is adhering to international best practices, allowing individuals to leave if they cooperate fully with the investigation.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, was contacted for a statement but had not responded by the time of reporting.

Earlier this week, Arabi had detailed how the N90 billion subsidy was allocated during a news briefing.

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He explained that each pilgrim received N1,637,369.87 from the subsidy, with those enrolled in the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) receiving additional support.

He also noted that fluctuations in the exchange rate had initially affected the distribution but were later alleviated.

The investigation continues as the EFCC seeks to uncover the full extent of the financial management within NAHCON.

The Labour Party (LP) legislative caucus in Enugu State has called for the immediate release of Barr. Bright Ngene, the party’s candidate for the Enugu South Urban State Constituency election, who is currently detained at the Enugu Correctional Centre.

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Ngene’s election victory was overturned by the Election Petition Tribunal, which ordered a rerun in eight polling units.

This decision was upheld by the Appeal Court. However, multiple attempts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the rerun have failed.

As a new date for the election remains uncertain, an old case involving Ngene and his community resurfaced, leading to his incarceration by the Enugu South Magistrate Court under Magistrate E.D. Onwu on June 28.

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Sen. Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone and leading the Labour Party caucus during a solidarity visit to the correctional facility, denounced Ngene’s detention as unjust.

Chukwu asserted that Ngene’s incarceration is linked to the ongoing election rerun, where Ngene is leading by over 3,700 votes.

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He criticized the revival of Ngene’s 2007 case and the magistrate’s decision to incarcerate him without due process.

Chukwu stated, “The situation is both alarming and illegal. We are here to show our support and to ensure that he knows he is not alone.”

Sunday Umeha, the representative for Ụdị/Ezeagu federal constituency, urged Chief Judge Justice Raymond Ozoemena and the state attorney general to intervene and secure Ngene’s release.

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Umeha accused anti-democratic forces of orchestrating Ngene’s detention, fearing his inevitable victory in the rerun election. He affirmed the LP’s commitment to justice and democratic principles.

“We believe the appeal will overturn this wrongful incarceration, reaffirming public confidence in the judiciary and the democratic process,” Umeha added. “The LP represents not just a political force but a movement dedicated to addressing the masses’ issues and improving their conditions.”

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Other Labour Party lawmakers present included Senator Okey Ezea (Enugu North Senatorial Zone), Hon. Paul Nnamchi (Enugu East/Isiuzo Federal Constituency), and Hon. Chimaobi Atu (Enugu North and Enugu South Federal Constituency), alongside members of the state House of Assembly.

Three opposition members of the Kebbi state House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal crises within the PDP as their reason for the switch.

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The defectors, Umar Na’amore (Argungu Constituency), Hashimu Usman (Yauri Constituency), and Yusuf Abubakar-Tilli (Bunza Constituency), pointed to mismanagement by PDP leaders in their constituencies, leading to factionalization and division within the party.

In letters read by the Speaker, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, during a session in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the lawmakers formally announced their decision to join the APC.

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They explained that the ongoing crisis within the PDP justified their move and allowed them to retain their seats under constitutional provisions.

“There has been a crisis due to the mismanagement of PDP by the leaders in our respective constituencies that led to its factionalization and division. In such circumstances, the constitutional provisions allow us to join another party and retain our seats if there is a crisis,” the letters stated.

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Additionally, the Speaker read a letter from Governor Nasir Idris seeking the confirmation of Muhammad Ashiru-Garba as the new Chairman of the Kebbi Local Government Service Commission, following the death of the former Chairman, Mansur Shehu.

The Assembly resolved to invite Ashiru-Garba for ratification on Wednesday.

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In a subsequent interview, Speaker Usman-Zuru dismissed claims that the Assembly was merely a “rubber stamp” for the executive branch, emphasizing their role as partners in progress with Governor Idris. He praised the governor’s dedication to the development and economic prosperity of Kebbi State, asserting that the Assembly shares the same goals and will hold the governor accountable if necessary.

“Idris is a very good and benevolent personality. He does not want money, a house, or a vehicle; what he desires is the growth of Kebbi and the economic prosperity of the people. The governor is doing what is best for the people of Kebbi. This is also our target objective. We are partners in service, not rubber stamps. We will draw his attention whenever we observe any digress,” Usman-Zuru stated.

On Tuesday, the State High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, dismissed a case filed by former governor Samuel Ortom.

The case contested a probe initiated by the current administration under Governor Hyacinth Alia, who established two panels in February 2024 to investigate Ortom’s management of state finances and assets during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

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Ortom had argued that his administration’s finances were already audited and reported to the Benue State House of Assembly by the Auditor General, as required by the 1999 Constitution.

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He also claimed that since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was already examining the same issues, the state’s additional panels constituted double jeopardy.

Ortom’s legal challenge named the Benue State Government, the Attorney General, and the Commission of Inquiry members as respondents, questioning their authority to investigate his administration.

Last week, Ortom sought to appeal the court’s earlier decision, with the ruling scheduled for Tuesday.

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Justice Tertsea Asue dismissed Ortom’s application for an extension of time to file his case, stating it was without merit.

The judge ruled that the case was statute-barred and that Ortom had failed to obtain the court’s permission before filing the originating motion.

Justice Asue noted that Ortom’s case, filed on May 31, was beyond the allowable time frame, as Governor Alia’s commission of inquiry was established on February 27.

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He clarified that the Public Officers Protection Law and court rules do not permit an extension of time for filing such actions.

Consequently, both the originating motion and the application for an extension were declared invalid for not adhering to due process.

The usually vibrant home of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi, Anambra State, was engulfed in sorrow on Saturday as residents gathered to verify the devastating news of his passing.

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Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah, who served as the representative for Anambra South District, passed away in London at the age of 52.

When the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent visited Ubah’s residence in Umuanuka, Otolo Village, Nnewi, they found the imposing entrance gates to his expansive compound firmly shut.

A notable presence of security personnel was observed in the vicinity.

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Inside the compound, staff members were seen in somber discussions, visibly distressed by the news.

A young Nnewi resident, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed the community’s profound sense of loss.

He described Ubah as a significant benefactor to the youth, thanks to his numerous empowerment and philanthropic initiatives.

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“His death is an immense shock to us. He was our pillar,” the young man stated.

Obinna, a local motorcycle operator, highlighted the profound impact of Ubah’s death on the community, emphasizing the peace and security Nnewi had enjoyed under his watchful eye.

Ubah had been instrumental in protecting the area from the insecurity plaguing Anambra South by funding and supporting local vigilance groups.

“He made life comfortable for us in Nnewi. He prioritized our security,” Obinna remarked.