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ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed concerned over the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the planned protest against what the protesters termed bad governance.
The ANN in a statement on Monday declared that it stand in solidarity with Nigerian youths as they plan a nationwide protest starting on Thursday August 1st.
The statement by the Country Director of the nongovernmental organisation, Andrew Mamedu said: “We firmly support citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest. It is important to reiterate that every Nigerian has the inalienable right to voice their grievances and demand accountability from their government without fear of violence or retribution.
“The End SARS protests of 2020 were a pivotal moment and highlighted the power of peaceful demonstration and the necessity of addressing citizens’ concerns. However, the tragic events that followed, including the killing and mass arrest of protesters, serve as a reminder of the dangers when security forces fail to uphold their duty to protect. This same failure repeated itself at the June 12, 2024, protest, where security agencies meant to protect citizens were involved in the violent clampdown on protesters.”
It warned that: “The federal government must not allow the violent repression of peaceful protesters to continually repeat itself. Any such actions would be a severe violation of human rights and undermine the democratic principles that our nation strives to uphold.”
The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria is also concerned by the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the protest, citing the chaos and destruction from the End SARS protests. These figures overlook that citizens do not protest without cause; severe economic challenges and poor living conditions are driving them to the streets. If the government channeled the same energy and resources currently being used to suppress the protest into addressing these concerns, the protest would likely dissipate.
“Instead, the federal government is mobilising various forces to stifle the protest rather than addressing the root issues. This history of clampdowns on protesters may explain why current organisers of the protest are choosing to remain anonymous and avoid negotiations.”
It demanded that: “The Federal Government must coordinate the three tiers of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to genuinely address the demands of Nigerians by implementing effective mechanisms to alleviate the hardship that Nigerians are currently experiencing. Economic challenges, unemployment, and poor living conditions are driving citizens to the streets. The demands being made are the constitutional rights of citizens, especially as the ultimate goal is improved welfare and security all Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Police Force and all security agencies must provide adequate protection to all protesters and protest locations across the country. The safety of citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly must be ensured at all times. This protection is crucial to maintaining public order and preventing violence during demonstrations.
“The federal government must unequivocally commit, both in its rhetoric and actions, to preventing any recurrence of the violent repression of peaceful protesters by security agencies as witnessed during the last June 12 protests. The government and security agencies must respect the rights of citizens to protest without fear of violence or retribution.
“Governors and all politicians must respect citizens’ rights. Declaring states as off-limits for protests undermines citizens’ constitutional rights and betrays the duty to address the genuine grievances driving these demonstrations. Such statements reflect a troubling disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law.”
ActionAid Nigeria also appealed to all protesters to maintain peace and order during their demonstrations, noting that: “Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for change, and it is essential that they remain non-violent to convey their message effectively and avoid unnecessary harm or destruction.
“We also enjoin citizens and politicians inclined to form anti-protest groups must be reminded to respect the rights of their fellow Nigerians to peaceful assembly, and any violations of these rights must be met with the full extent of the law.”
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
Troops repel ISWAP assault on Gajigana military base, inflict heavy casualties
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by suspected ISWAP terrorists on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on July 19 when a large number of terrorists, riding several motorcycles and supported by two gun trucks, advanced on the military position, with additional fighters approaching on foot.
The sources said troops of the 212 Battalion detected the advancing terrorists early and immediately engaged them with overwhelming firepower, frustrating the assault and forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.
A reinforcement team led by the Commanding Officer of the 212 Battalion arrived shortly after the initial engagement to reinforce the position and stabilise the situation.
According to the sources, the terrorists suffered heavy casualties during the failed assault, with several bodies reportedly dragged away by their fleeing comrades.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and were stabilised before being evacuated to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for further treatment.
The military also recorded minor equipment damage, as the body and four tyres of a gun truck were damaged by rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fragments during the firefight.
Military sources said exploitation of the battlefield would be conducted at first light to determine the full extent of the terrorists’ losses and recover any abandoned weapons or equipment.
Troops repel ISWAP assault on Gajigana military base, inflict heavy casualties
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For 69th ECOWAS Summit in Freetown
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Senator Shettima will join other political and business leaders across West Africa and beyond at the Summit scheduled to take place at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Freetown, today, July 19, 2026.
The summit is expected to focus on key policy decisions, strategic resolutions, and reaffirm the leaders’ collective commitment to peace, democracy, economic growth, and regional integration.
A part of the ECOWAS Mid-Year statutory meeting, the summit will bring together Heads of State and Government, Ministers, senior officials and regional institutions to advance the Community’s shared priorities of security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure and sustainable development.
The Vice President will return to Abuja at the conclusion of his engagements in the West African nation.
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For 69th ECOWAS Summit in Freetown
Buni approves N74 billion for projects in Yobe
By: Yahaya wakili
The Yobe State Executive Council has approved the sum of ₦73,323,775,914.05 billion for various projects and services across the state.
In its meeting held today, presided over by His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni. The council approved the sum of ₦28.531 billion for the procurement of agricultural tools and implements for the mega agriculture empowerment program of Governor Mai Mala Buni for the year 2026.
The council has also ratified ₦4.939 billion for the construction of the Buni-Yadi modern motor park and grains market. In addition, the sum of ₦5.687 billion was approved by the council for external facilities and augmentation of the perimeter fence at the Damaturu modern motor park.
The state executive council also approved 3.945 billion for the construction of a new shopping mall and mini-market in Buni-Gari town. The council also ratified ₦ 652 million for the acquisition of Fanzar Mixed Farms Limited.
The sum of 3.424 billion has been approved by the council for the construction of an office complex/HQ for the Ministry of Housing and the purchase of 208 housing units from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The council also approved the sum of 1.342 billion for upgrading, remodeling, landscaping, and installing safety barriers for four major roundabouts in the Damaturu metropolis and some upgrades in the ongoing construction of the Damaturu mega shopping mall, respectively.
The state executive council has also approved the sum of 460.828 million for the procurement of beans for distribution to female small business owners as empowerment support. In addition, a total of 1,780 bags of 50 kg of beans will also be distributed to beneficiaries, as well as the sum of 364.475 million for the procurement of 1,000 units of Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines for empowerment support to people across the state.
The sum of 23.974 billion was ratified by the council for two major road projects. These include $21.904 billion for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the 45 km Kalallawa-Kaliyari road in Damaturu and Tarmuwa local government areas and $2.070 billion for the construction of the 7 km Damagum-Gubana road. The project completes 17 km of road to Gubana town from Damagum.
Buni approves N74 billion for projects in Yobe
Troops repel ISWAP assault on Gajigana military base, inflict heavy casualties
Troops arrest suspected foreign terrorist fighter, alleged illegal immigrant in Borno
VP Shettima Departs Abuja For 69th ECOWAS Summit in Freetown
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