General News
Nationwide Protests Loom as Organisers Accuse Government of Intimidation

Organisers of a protest scheduled for today against hardship and bad governance have accused the Federal Government and the police of intimidation, vowing to proceed despite police statements that protests would not be permitted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Federal Government Denies Intimidation Claims
The Federal Government, however, dismissed the organisers’ allegations of harassment. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that there was no reason for the protest, urging organisers to focus on various government policies designed to improve their circumstances. “The government of President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring peace, unity, and prosperity for all,” he added.
IGP Orders Tight Security
In light of the planned protests, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a heightened security presence nationwide to ensure a safe environment for citizens during the Independence Day celebrations. The IGP’s directive, communicated through Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized the deployment of human and tactical resources to guarantee security across major venues and highways.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7, AIG Benneth I Gwen, announced that no protests would be allowed in Abuja due to the lack of formal applications for protest from any groups. He highlighted intelligence indicating that certain factions might attempt unauthorized demonstrations in the FCT.
Protest Remains On Despite Police Stance
Notwithstanding police warnings and alleged intimidation, Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, affirmed that the protest would proceed. He asserted that “only a revolution would save the country,” emphasizing the necessity for citizens to voice their grievances against economic hardship and insecurity.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Edo State were reportedly divided on the protest’s execution, while coordinators across 19 northern states withdrew, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) advised against involvement in any protests that could disrupt port operations.
No Room for Protests in Abuja
AIG Igweh reiterated the government’s stance on maintaining order during the Independence Day celebration. He urged potential protesters to respect the law, emphasizing that protests could only occur within legal frameworks. The police command has strategically deployed personnel and anti-riot equipment throughout Abuja to ensure a secure environment.
Sowore Calls for a New Independence
Sowore clarified that the protest aimed to challenge not just the historical independence from British rule in 1960 but also the current internal governance issues, framing it as a quest for fresh independence from what he terms “internal colonizers.” He emphasized the intent behind the protest was to demand accountability rather than engage in dialogue with government officials.
Northern Coordinators Withdraw
Just before the protest, coordinators of the #EndBadGovernance initiative in the north expressed their withdrawal from the planned actions, citing safety concerns for participants and a lack of adequate security measures in place to protect protesters.
Civil Society Divisions in Edo State
In Edo State, civil society groups exhibited mixed feelings regarding participation in the protest. Some groups expressed support, while others opted to abstain, preferring a focus on peace following recent tensions from the governorship election.
Maritime Union Stresses Non-Participation
MWUN reiterated its non-involvement in the protests, urging its members to continue delivering essential services and avoid disruptions that could affect Nigeria’s economy.
Kano Police Heighten Security Measures
In Kano, the police command announced enhanced security measures in anticipation of both the Independence Day celebration and planned protests. They called on residents to cooperate with security agencies during the festivities.
As the day unfolds, the atmosphere remains tense, with authorities prepared to respond to any disturbances while protest organisers remain determined to make their voices heard.
General News
Natasha: Senate passes vote of confidence in Akpabio …..says sexual harassment allegation is before the court
General News
HOSTCON Youth Council hails Senator Ned Nwoko on his new appointment

HOSTCON Youth Council hails Senator Ned Nwoko on his new appointment
By David Owei, Bayelsa
Youths of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council Of Nigeria (HOSTCON) have described as ” commendable” the appointment of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State, Sen. Ned Nwoko as the Chairman, Senate Ad- Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft.
According to HOSTCON, the appointment of Sen. Ned Nwoko by the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen God’swill Akpabio as a game-changer for the entire oil and gas value chain in the nation’s oil industry.
The Host Communities Producing Oil Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council Of Nigeria under the leadership of the National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Path finder, stated in a statement issued via electronic mail, that the Senator Ned Nwoko-led Committee will salvage the nation’s oil and gas sector and the economic woes of the country.
According to HOSTCON, ” it would never be business as usual for the saboteurs, both locally and internationally because he has already hit the ground running, and Nigerians would see what has never happened in the fight against oil and gas thieves no matter who they are.”
“As a round peg in a round hole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Other Related Matters, his underground strategies would take these thieves by storm and surprise, and this would usher in lasting solutions in curbing the menace of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering activities in the creeks of Niger Delta region and the hinterlands.”
“The Senator Ned Nwoko we know, is a man of courage and master strategist, who has all it takes to rid the oil and gas sector of this ugly menace of sabotage by some devilish persons who have over the years stolen our common patrimony for their self aggrandizement.”
“We must say that Senator Ned Nwoko, a son of the Niger Delta understands the region so deeply and has broad knowledge about the nefarious activities of these plunders of our national wealth, and knows how to marshal out his strategies to change the ugly narrative in the oil and gas sector.”
” His appointment is highly welcomed by all and sundry and due to his pedigree and sagacity as a patriotic, detribalized, and true Nigerian leader who has distinguished himself in serving the nation with national conscience.”
“We also want to assure Nigerians that Senator Ned Nwoko’s 100 days in this saddle will end oil theft and would be resounding and reverberating because we have seen the handwriting already, and that it would bring about a stupendous growth and development of the oil and gas sector in no distant time as he had already commenced the job by leading a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, seeking a partnership with the military to curb the menace, and also has set up and inaugurated a surveillance team for overt and covert oversight on oil facilities and institutions.”
“Interestingly, the committee has called for strengthening of intelligence-sharing mechanisms, surveillance operations and fostering of seamless inter-agency collaboration to dismantle the complex networks behind crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region and across the international borders.”
“Recently, he affirmed the The committee’s unwavering commitment and sense of patriotism in its resolve to implement watertight policies, deploy cutting-edge security technology, and ensure that those who undermine the national wealth are held accountable.”
“He also said that the task at hand transcends revenue protection; it is about securing the future, bolstering economic resilience, and creating an environment conducive for national progress.”
“0We want Nigerians to be confident about Senator Ned Nwoko because his track record based on his background as an international criminal lawyer. He has the expertise to ensure these thieves are brought to justice, and also his solid performance on the floor of the Senate and impact on his senatorial district is amazing as he has moved numerous life changing motions and bills been sponsored by distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko on the floor of the Red Chambers within the one and half years under the President Bola Tinubu ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra has drastically transformed the lives of his people.”
“Therefore at this juncture, the leadership of the HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, under comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, National Exco, elders and Board of Trustees, throw our full weight behind Sen Ned Nwoko-led Ad hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Other Related Matters.”
“We at HOSTCON, being the most critical umbrella body that is the ears, eyes, strength, energy and heart beat of the nation’s oil and gas producing communities in the creeks as well the strength and the life-wire of the nation’s economy will partner with the 10th Senate under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akp, through the Chairman of the Senate Add-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Sen Ned Nwoko, the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State to join hands together for us to foster a collective responsibility to salvage the economy of our dear country by all means from the hands of this sophisticated oil thieves in collaboration with their foreign counterparts in this illicit business bent to cripple out economy.”
General News
NAS seeks review of laws against gender-based discriminations and violence ..says gender-based biases at the homestead

By David Owei, Bayelsa
The National Association of Seadogs—Pyrates Confraternity (NAS-PC) has called for a review of laws mitigating against cases of gender-based discriminations and violence in the society.
The (NAS-PC), in conjunction with gender based advocacy groups including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State and the Do Foundation, however agreed that despite the needed review, there is the need of addressing gender-based biases at the homestead, noting that perpetrators of gender-based discriminations and violence are often fathers, brothers, and sons.
The Capoon of the Oxbow Marino Deck of the National Association of Seadogs—Pyrates Confraternity (NAS-PC), Engr. Adogbeji Egbonoje, while speaking during a state-wide radio discussion programme on Radio Bayelsa 97.1 FM, Yenagoa. This year’s theme, “For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment, stressed that paying attention to how sons are raised and groomed would have a profound impact on how they relate with women as adults.
He emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based biases at the homestead, noting that perpetrators of gender-based discriminations and violence are often fathers, brothers, and sons.
He stressed that paying attention to how sons are raised and groomed would have a profound impact on how they relate with women as adults.
He also highlighted the significance of cultivating the mind of the girl child from infancy, instilling confidence in young girls as they venture into the world as adults,” This, he believed, would empower them to withstand negative peer pressures and chart their paths in life.”
Also speaking on the radio discussion programme, the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),Barr. Ebiere Emmanuella and the Former Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry also shared expert insights on the historical context of International Women’s Day, progress made in gender equality, and the importance of education and policy changes in addressing systemic barriers.
The two legal experts pointed out the the roles of organizations like FIDA and the NBA in supporting marginalized women and pointed out contending issues of workplace equality, women’s leadership, and the role of men as allies in the fight for gender equality.
-
Entertainment8 months ago
Jubilation galore as Parishioners of CKC Kurudu celebrate their cultural heritage ….FG should exploit our Cultural heritage to unite Nigerians-Rev Fr Dim
-
General News8 months ago
Celebration galore as UDA Successfully Elected New Exco ……I will digitalize processes that will raise UDA to greater height -Comr. Okejiri
-
General News10 months ago
Reps hold public hearing on FMC Ugwuaji Awkunanaw
-
General News1 month ago
Ex – Agitators Warned PAP Beneficiaries Against Protest, pipeline Vandalism – Urge Fifth Columnists To Desist From Attacks On PAP,Dr Denis Otuaro
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
Benue govt drags NDIC to Federal High Court over illegal sell of shares …Demands N2.6billion damages
-
General News9 months ago
Kugbo Hill Tragedy: Trailer Crushes Car, Kills Four and Injures Several Others in Abuja
-
Politics9 months ago
10th Senate @1: Akpabio’s Leadership Pedigree as Senate President in Focus
-
General News8 months ago
FG bars JAMB from granting admission to under 18 candidates …….As Education stakeholders reject FG’s 18-yrs Admission age limit