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Protest: Former IGP Okiro Advises Organisers To Shelve Plan
Former Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Mr Mike Okiro has advised the organisers of the planned nationwide protest to shelve their plan and engage in dialogue with the Federal Government.
Okiro, who made the call in an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Abuja, said that constitutionally, Nigerians have the right to protest against bad governance and leadership.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some organisers are gearing up for a nationwide peaceful protest slated for Aug. 1 to 10, demanding effective leadership and a reduced cost of living among others.
He said that no doubt that Nigerians were passing through some challenges, adding that it was easier to destroy but difficult to rebuild.
“The situation we are in now did not come overnight; it came over a period of time. Can we rebuild in one year what has been destroyed over time.
“The problem with protest is that, no matter how the organisers will go about it, there is bound to be loss of lives, destruction of properties and hardship.
“My advice to Nigerians as much as they have the right to protest, is that they should allow the government some time to ameliorate the hardship.
“What we ought to do is to allow the government to put structures in place to alleviate the suffering of the masses. Government should come up with policies that will help develop the country,“ he said.
The former chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) said that the current government inherited some challenges and it is working towards solving them.
He said that President Bola Tinubu is an achiever, adding that if he is given the time he can turn things around.
“There is a saying that nothing good comes easy. The current government inherited some challenges and needed to take some harsh decisions to solve them.
“Let’s give the government some time to ease this suffering that Nigerians are going through. The protest, if started, may end in violence; it may be hijacked by hoodlums.
“Rather than lead to any positive outcome, the protest may aggravate the living conditions of the people,“ he said.
Okiro said that giving palliative measures to the people was not the solution to the economic challenges in the country.
He urged the government to invest more in the productive sector in order to create employment opportunities for the youths and earn foreign exchange for the country.
Okiro advised the Federal Government to encourage local rice farmers to boost production rather than allow importation of the product.
He said that the continued importation of rice, beans and wheat would stifle the country`s weak economy.
NAN reports that the Federal Government recently announced plans for duty-free importation of selected food commodities like rice, maize and wheat.
The initiative aims to increase food supply and replenish the government’s strategic grain reserve.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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