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Pro-Tinubu protests rock Abuja as protesters warn against spirit of June 12

Published

3 years ago

March 28, 2023

A pro-Bola Tinubu protest, yesterday, in Abuja, turned violent over breach of monetary settlement by organisers to hired protesters.

Organised under the aegis of The Natives to counter calls for the cancellation of the presidential polls and, some participants of the protest prior to its commencement unleashed violence on fellow protesters, passersby and motorists for over one hour.

An eyewitness said organisers had failed to meet their own term to protesters, thus sparking anger and counter-protests.

“Before the protesters hit the road, few of them, armed with daggers, broken bottles, cudgels, sticks and other weapons went gaga, attacked fellow protesters, smashing burnets of cars, disruptingd vehicular movements forcing most of the cars to drive against traffic. The attackers disrupted what was meant to be a peaceful protest for about an hour forcing most road users to scamper into safety. They complained that organisers of the protest had angered them by failing to settle agreed financial entitlements prior to the commencement of the protest.”

The witness said it took the intervention of security agents and repeated appeals from the conveners to calm the violent protesters, but that was after some damage had ben done to vehicles plying that route.

The protest, which however, commenced after financial issues were settled crippled activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The protesters who stormed the FCT in over 100 buses vowed to resist any attempt to constitute an Interim National Government (ING).

They warned leaders of opposition parties, their candidates and supporters against pushing for an interim government.

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They cautioned that they would not settle for any other thing other than the inauguration of president-elect and the APC candidate, Bola Tinubu on May 29.

Speaking to newsmen before the protesters headed to the national headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to pass vote of confidence in its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, leader of the group, Smart Edwards, said Tinubu did not steal anyone’s mandate and the call for an interim government was misplaced.

He appealed to the international community and Nigerians to allow democracy to grow by supporting the president-elect.

“It was either that the opposition parties did not network well with the people and Nigerians or their members did anti-party against them. Today we have witnessed PDP suspending its National Chairman, the man who campaigned for the party, that’s also democracy. It is our turn, The Natives of Nigeria to see a better Nigeria, it is our turn to see a working Nigeria, our turn to see a democracy that works, our turn to advance the country as patriots.

“Today, we are declaring absolutely that no mandate was stolen. INEC performed creditably well and the election was free and fair. The election saw NNPP won election in Kano State, APC, though challenging the outcome, has decided to go to court, that’s democracy. PDP won election in Rivers, Enugu, Taraba, Delta, Plateau states and others, and the APC candidate in Plateau has congratulated the winner, his party may chose to proceed to court, that’s democracy.

“In Benue, the APC has a Rev Father who won election overwhelmingly against the incumbent, that is democracy. We saw Peter Obi won election in Lagos State against the landlord, that’s democracy. We saw Labour Party win election in FCT Abuja, that is democracy. We saw an Okada man win election in Kaduna State, that is democracy. We saw a woman almost win election in Adamawa, but was declared inconclusive, that is democracy.

“Those calling for interim government are jokers because when Shonekan was appointed in the past the people rejected it. Africa is base for democracy is Nigeria. We have Goodluck Jonathan who is a symbol of democracy, we had late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, he was a symbol of democracy, we have General Gowon who is also a symbol of democracy. Other nations in Africa are learning from Nigeria. So, what I am saying is that the Natives of Nigeria are of all tribes and colouration, it is impossible for anybody to attempt an interim government. We will resist it. President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken clearly and that is why we came out today in solidarity of what he said that he will handover to Tinubu,” he said.

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On call for the removal of INEC chairman, Edward said: “Yakubu is not going anywhere. This same man conducted the election where NNPP won, LP won, PDP also won in some states. We will be marching to INEC headquarters to tell the commission that no mandate was stole. Asiwaju won the election and it remained so. Only the tribunal and Supreme Court can change the decision of INEC.

“The spirit of June 12 is upon us, by June 12 this year it will be 30 years. The same military that truncated democracy that time in Agbada led by President Buhari has recognised this election. We believe that MKO Abiola’s soul will rest in peace the day Bola Tinubu takes over from President Buhari. I am also appealing, in the name of the Almighty God, to all Nigerians to please give peace a chance. We cannot continue to be protesting on the streets every day.

“I appeal let us balance our emotions with progressiveness. Let us banish bigotry wherever it is find, whether in the East, West, South or North, let us work together, and I also call on all parties to sheath their swords and proceed to courts if they are still aggrieved or allow it to be.

“We are telling the opposition parties and their supporters that in the National Assembly we are seeing six different party who won elections and will form the 10th Assembly, that is democracy. I tell you, there are Senators who lost their seats, their are governors who lost election. What we are saying is that the international community should ensure that Nigeria which is their base point to Africa and the world should be supported to grow its democracy. We are calling on the opposition, and want to particularly correct the erroneous view of Peter Obi’s running mate Datti Ahmed that there is no President-elect.”

Meanwhile, another group of protesters, under the auspices of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups converged about a kilometer away from Unity Fountain Abuja, and appealed to Nigerian, particularly the opposition to stop overheating the polity over the emergence of Tinubu as President-elect.

The group, which stormed the venue in about 50 buses stressed the need to accept the choice of Nigerians in good faith.

Spokesman for one of the groups, Tosin Adeyanju, said as concerned patriots, the solidarity rally would continue until the president-elect is sworn-in, and urged Nigerians not to listen to enemies of democracy.

Related Topics:Featured June 12 protesters Tinubu

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Two Catholic Priests Stabbed in Nasarawa Parish Attack Near Abuja

Published

42 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed

Two Catholic Priests Stabbed in Nasarawa Parish Attack Near Abuja

ABUJA – Two Catholic priests were brutally attacked by bandits at the Parish House of St. Rita Catholic Church, Unity Estate, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), raising fresh alarms over worsening security challenges in the region.

The assailants reportedly stormed the parish residence around 2:30 a.m., stabbing the priests and leaving them in pools of blood. The Parish Priest narrowly escaped unharmed.

The victims were identified as Rev. Fr. Comas Baye, the priest in residence and a Cadet of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI), and Rev. Fr. Chris Pever, a visiting priest and former Assistant Priest of the parish. Fr. Baye is reported to be battling a partial stroke.

Both priests were rushed to Nativity Catholic Hospital, Jikwoyi, Abuja, for urgent medical attention. Fr. Pever sustained severe injuries, including a fracture of his left arm, and successfully underwent surgical implant surgery. Both are now stable and responding to treatment.

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Knights of St. John React

The Abuja Grand Commandery of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous, barbaric, and reprehensible assault” on innocent clergy and a disturbing sign of growing insecurity around Abuja and neighbouring states.

In a statement signed by Brig. Gen. Francis Ulonna Njoku (Grand President) and Col. Etta Peters (Grand Secretary), the KSJI said the attack was part of a troubling pattern targeting places of worship and religious leaders.

The Knights urged relevant security agencies to investigate the attack, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure swift justice, while calling on all levels of government to strengthen security around religious institutions and communities.

The statement also expressed solidarity with the Catholic Diocese of Lafia, the clergy, and the faithful of St. Rita Catholic Church, offering prayers for healing, protection, and lasting peace.

Two Catholic Priests Stabbed in Nasarawa Parish Attack Near Abuja

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ICPC Secures Court Order to Freeze N1.1bn Diverted from Kano Federation Account

Published

47 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

ICPC Secures Court Order to Freeze N1.1bn Diverted from Kano Federation Account

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the interim forfeiture of N1.1 billion allegedly withdrawn illegally from the Kano State Federation Account and held with the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The order, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, followed an ex-parte application by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), represented by Oluwafunke Bada. The judge held that the motion was meritorious and granted the interim forfeiture, directing its publication in a national daily to allow any interested party to appear before the court to contest the forfeiture.

The case, FHC/ABJ/CS/2634/2025, lists the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) and the recovered N1,109,230,000 in the ICPC Recovery Account. The suit, filed on December 8, 2025, arises from Petition ICPC/P/NC/564/2024, which alleged that N2.3 billion was withdrawn in cash from the Kano State Federation Account for purposes unrelated to government business.

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Investigation by the ICPC revealed that on November 9, 2023, the Accountant-General of Kano State, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, authorised payments totaling N1.17 billion to two Bureau de Change companies, Namu Na Kune Global Resources Ltd and Kazo Nazo Global Concept, purportedly for the supply of diesel. However, the managing directors of two oil companies involved—A.Y. Maikifi Oil & Gas Ltd and Ammas Petroleum Company Ltd—stated that the contracts were fictitious and no supplies were delivered.

Further inquiries showed that the funds were converted into $1 million and allegedly handed over to Abdullahi Ibrahim Rogo, Director of Protocol of the Kano State Government House, through an intermediary. The ICPC successfully recovered N1,109,230,000 from the companies in two instalments in February and March 2025.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until January 21, 2026, for a report of compliance, while the forfeiture order serves to preserve the recovered funds and allow interested parties to come forward.

ICPC Secures Court Order to Freeze N1.1bn Diverted from Kano Federation Account

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Court Declares LGs Autonomous, Orders Direct Access to UBEC Funds

Published

2 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Federal High Court in Abuja

Court Declares LGs Autonomous, Orders Direct Access to UBEC Funds

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that local governments (LGs) are entitled to direct access to funds from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) without interference from State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs).

Delivering judgment on October 13, Justice Emeka Nwite declared that Sections 11(2) and 11(3) of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, 2004 are inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and are therefore “null, void and of no effect.”

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1536/2020, was filed by Sesugh Akume against UBEC and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

In his ruling, Justice Nwite affirmed that the local government system is the third and autonomous tier of government recognised by the Constitution and not an appendage of state governments.

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“The local government system is the third and autonomous tier of government designated by the Constitution and administered by laws enacted by the House of Assembly, in accordance with the Constitution,” the judge held.

The court further ruled that the National Assembly lacks the power to enact laws placing Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) under the supervision or control of state governments.

Justice Nwite noted that although states may legislate on local government administration, such laws must strictly conform with constitutional provisions.

He held that provisions of the UBE Act requiring local governments to access counterpart funding through state governments violate Sections 7(1) and (5), Section 318, and Item 2(a) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.

“The combined effect of Sections 11(2) and (3) of the UBE Act, 2004, is inconsistent with the true construction and meaning of Section 7(1) and (5) and the Fourth Schedule Item 2(a) of the Constitution,” the judge ruled.

The court consequently declared that local governments, acting through their LGEAs, are entitled to pay their counterpart funds and access UBEC funds directly, without going through SUBEBs.

Justice Nwite also directed UBEC to formally communicate the judgment to all 36 SUBEBs and the 774 LGEAs nationwide within the stipulated period.