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#EndBadGovernance Protests Continue, Tinubu Addresses Nigerians

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Live Update:

Nigerians have poured into the streets in major cities across the nation to protest against economic hardship despite the government’s last-minute push to prevent the demonstration.

Inflation has reached 34 per cent owing majorly to the twin policies of subsidy removal and floating of the naira. That has pushed the cost of basic items beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians.

Talks about the demonstration tagged #EndBadGovernance protest had gained momentum on social media, leading discussions among young Nigerians on digital platforms.

Authorities across the country had in the wake of calls for the protest rallied around to halt it.

They warned that they might be hijacked by criminals. While they admitted to the challenges facing the nation, they urged the organisers to shelve the protest and give the government more time to address the issues raised.

But undeterred, the Take It Back Movement, one of the organisers of the protest said it was not going back on the rallies.

Some of the demands of the protesters include the restoration of petrol subsidies and the forex regime.

They also want the government to address food shortages, unemployment, and wasteful spending by those in power.

Other are immediate reforms of the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with renewed vigour in the fight against corrupt politicians.

07: 00am: President Bola Tinubu addresses Nigerians after three days nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

Welcome to our Day 4 coverage of the #EndBadGovernance protest.

10: 43pm: Kano Government relaxes curfew by six hours.

10: 41 pm: A violent clash between security operatives and protesters defying a government-imposed curfew left several people feared dead and many others injured in Kano.

08: 15pm: The dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in the Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State following the violent aftermath of the protests has been lifted.

08: 00pm: The FCT Police Command in response to a video footage making the rounds alleging the killing of a yet-to-be identified teenager by police operatives in Kubwa while protesting on August 3rd, 2024, has denied the allegation stating that policemen are not responsible for the killing of the teenager.

06: 00 pm: President Bola Tinubu succumbed to growing calls for him to address the nation amid widespread #EndBadGovernance protests that entered its third day on Saturday.

The ex-Lagos governor who has been at the centre of rallies against economic hardship and high living cost that have reverberated across Nigeria’s 36 states and the nation’s capital Abuja will address over 200 million citizens on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am, his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement.

03:55 pm: ‘Encourage local production in large quantities,’ protester in Benin, Edo State airs grievance.

03:33 pm: Jigawa government lifts curfew, arrests over 200 suspected looters.

05:07 pm: The police are monitoring the security situation with a helicopter as the crowd increases in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Residents who did not join the procession show solidarity with protesters.

02:23 pm: Protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, briefly obstructed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that he comes down to address them.

01:15 pm: In Port Harcourt, the protesters were entertained by artist Sky B around the Rumuobiakani roundabout.

Most of the demonstrators are using palm fronds or just any green leaves. That is even noticeable with motorists.

12: 49 pm: As the #EndBadGovernance protest enters Day 3, some traders in markets within the Port Harcourt metropolis have lamented a hike in prices of foodstuff due to increased transportation.

Meanwhile, life is normal in the city even as the protesters are resolute to persist in their demands.

11: 50 am: The police have arrived at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja and have dispersed the protesters with tear gas.

10:45 am: A few protesters have gathered at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

The crowd is far smaller than Friday’s. However, these few demonstrators have vowed to continue with the protest.

10:13 am: In Benin City, Edo State, protesters are now in the Ring Road area of the state. It’s a carnival-like scenario in the heart of the capital.

09:09 am: In Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, protesters are also sprinkling in at the Pleasure Park on Day 3 of the demonstrations.

08:51 am: Only a handful of protesters are in the Ojota area of Lagos State. Security operatives are also on the ground.

08:13 am: Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum, has lifted the curfew imposed in the aftermath of the Kaworu bomb blast that resulted in the deaths of 16 people and left several others critically injured.

07:50 am: The Taraba State government says it is opening a safe protest situation room.

06:33 am: Gov. Eno Commends Akwa Ibom Youths, Announces Monthly Support Programme.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commended youths of the State for distancing themselves from the nationwide protest thereby maintaining the peaceful ambiance of the state throughout the day.

In reciprocity of the gesture, the Governor disclosed plans by his administration to launch a social welfare programme that will provide monthly support for about 5,000 youths in the state.

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National Assembly warns parliamentary staff against picketing during plenary

In a circular issued on Sunday by the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the management warned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract severe disciplinary measures.

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The management of the National Assembly has cautioned aggrieved parliamentary workers against carrying out their planned protest and picketing of the complex as lawmakers resume plenary on Tuesday.

The warning followed threats by some members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria to embark on industrial action over alleged unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting staff.

In a circular issued on Sunday by the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, on behalf of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the management warned that any attempt to disrupt legislative activities would attract severe disciplinary measures.

Essien stated, “It must be emphasised that membership of PASAN or any union is entirely voluntary.

Any staff member, whether an executive or regular member, who is dissatisfied with the conduct of union affairs may freely withdraw their membership in accordance with established rules.”

He explained that within seven months of assuming office, the current management had embarked on several administrative reforms aimed at improving efficiency and boosting staff morale.

Essien further warned, “In light of recent developments, the Management hereby instructs all Staff to ignore any calls for industrial action, including ‘work-to-rule’ or ‘unlawful picketing’.

Your safety and security within the National Assembly Complex are assured, and we urge you to proceed with your official duties without any fear or intimidation.”

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Hon Rotimi Olowo, Chief Zebrudaya alias 4.30, and other top Nigerians for Virtuous Widows Int’l Foundation Awards

Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, the Founder and International President, informed journalists in Lagos that the awards will be presented during an empowerment seminar scheduled for November 22, 2025.

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Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, Founder/International President, addressed the widows during one of their outreach programmes, recently.

The Virtuous Widows International Foundation, a local non-governmental organisation focused on empowering Nigerian widows nationwide, has finalised plans to honour prominent Nigerians with prestigious awards in recognition of their services to humanity, particularly for indigent widows and the less privileged in society.

Ambassador Ifenyinwa Benice Egbosiuba, the Founder and International President, informed journalists in Lagos that the awards will be presented during an empowerment seminar scheduled for November 22, 2025.

The theme of the seminar is “Come, Let’s Build Together,” and it will take place at the auditorium of Queens College, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos.

“During the event, we will recognise men and women who have a passion for helping widows,” she stated.

“We have identified several individuals who will receive awards to appreciate their support, belief in our mission, and understanding of the challenges faced by Nigerian widows.”

When asked about the notable figures receiving the awards, Mrs Toyin Badmus, the NGO’s Vice President, revealed that one of the honorees is Honourable Rotimi Olowo from Somolu Local Government in Lagos State. She emphasised that Hon. Olowo is passionate about assisting the less privileged.

During his tenure as a House of Assembly member representing Somolu, he empowered numerous people and helped thousands of youths, many of whom might have otherwise become vagabonds.

“He provided buses and tricycles for them to operate, giving them meaningful lives,” she explained.

“He has also reached out to physically challenged individuals, touching the lives of women, orphans, and widows.

He has proven himself to be committed to humanitarian service, which is why we have deemed him worthy of this award.

“Another personality on the list is Dr Hamza Al-Mustapha, who has been a strong supporter of the foundation.

“Our board of directors has also selected Chief Chika Okpala (alias ZB 4.30) for his role in the memorable defunct television comedy series ‘New Masquerade’ on NTA.

In the 70s and 80s, he brought joy to many viewers across the country through this program.”

Additionally, Dr Mrs. Oyindamola Obabori, the current principal of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, will be honoured.

“She has made significant contributions in her capacity, particularly in training young girls at Queens College.

As we know, training women empowers the entire nation, and her leadership has produced many successful individuals.

“Chief (Dr.) Alexander Chika Okafor of Chikason Group of Companies will also receive the prestigious award.

For 17 years, he has consistently uplifted people’s spirits through his philanthropic activities.

Regarding the membership strength of the NGO, Mrs Badmus shared that it started with just nine members and gradually grew to 11, then 21, and 200 at its inception.

“Today, if there are seven million widows in Nigeria, I have five million under our umbrella as members. They come out in large numbers wherever I go, unless I do not call them.

Our membership spans across Nigeria and extends to countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cotonou, Senegal, and Tanzania, all seeking to establish chapters.

However, as the saying goes, ‘charity begins at home’; I have not yet completed outreach in all 36 states of Nigeria due to the challenges of insecurity.”

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Fubara in closed-door meeting with Wike and Loyalists in Port Harcourt

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Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara met with his predecessor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday in Port Harcourt for a closed-door discussion. The meeting, held at the residence of elder statesman Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, included several political leaders loyal to Wike and lasted into the early hours of Sunday.

The gathering came shortly after a valedictory session on Wednesday for members of the dissolved Rivers State cabinet, during which Governor Fubara directed commissioners and appointees affected by the Supreme Court ruling on the state’s political crisis to step aside. Eight others unaffected by the ruling have since resumed their duties.

Although the meeting’s specifics were not disclosed, sources indicate that Fubara and Wike are aligning efforts to uphold the peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu during the recent six-month emergency rule in Rivers State.

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