KICNEWS

Category: News

  • Tinubu calls for strengthening Nigeria-China relations

    Tinubu calls for strengthening Nigeria-China relations

    1. Tinubu calls for strengthening Nigeria-China relations

    Tinubu calls for strengthening Nigeria-China relations

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja commended the partnership between Nigeria and China.

     

    The President gave the commendation when he received Mr Chen Xiaodong, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

     

    “For us, it is a new beginning with you. A relationship that has lasted more than 50 years must be nourished, nurtured, and promoted.

     

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    “Our mutual commitment to the values of labour, understanding, and development is very important.

     

    “I am very happy that President Xi Jinping is paying attention to Africa as a whole and our developmental needs,” President Tinubu told the Chinese delegation at the State House.

     

    The President welcomed the support of China for a more prominent position for Nigeria in the G20, UN Security Council, and the intergovernmental organisation of developing economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS).

     

    “We believe in ourselves. We are determined to enhance the values of our people. Over the years, China has gone through phases of transformation and development.

     

    “I once visited Shanghai when it was a village, and to see the rapid transformation, the technological development, is worth more collaborative efforts,” the president said.

     

    President Tinubu commended President Xi Jinping for consistently strengthening relations with Nigeria and Africa.

     

    “We believe in our bilateral relations, and we want to strengthen that. I am glad you mentioned United Nations, BRICS, and the G20. This is the largest economy in Africa.

     

    “To classify us as a backwater economy, no matter how hungry we are, we will manage our hunger. We will be friends and partners with those who respect our values, and China is one of them.

     

    “I commend what President Xi Jinping is doing in Africa, helping with capital mobilization for projects that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of our people in Africa,” said Tinubu.

     

    He stated that the infrastructure needs of Africa were monumental, particularly those of Nigeria.

     

    “You have good technology that you can transfer. You have a good opportunity to make an indelible mark on Nigeria.

     

    “We have a very vibrant youth population, well-educated and ready to learn. Skill development programmes and transfer of knowledge is extremely important,” President Tinubu added.

     

    He also thanked President Xi Jinping for an invitation to visit China.

     

    “I am glad you appreciate my effort on Lekki Free Trade Zone, and we are doing very well. We need to establish more industrial parks across the country.

     

    “Nigeria is blessed with mineral resources, and we have a lot of Chinese nationals around. We need to discuss more on that and promote cordial relationships for mutual benefit,” the president stated.

     

    In his remarks, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs said he was in Nigeria to brief the President on the invitation extended by Jinping and the itinerary of the state visit.

     

    Xiaodong commended the President for his strategic vision, playing leading roles in ECOWAS and Africa.

     

    “You are an important leader and a strategist in Africa. We believe that your meeting with President Jinping will open up more discussions and opportunities for Nigeria and Africa,” the Chinese envoy said.

     

    He also congratulated President Tinubu on his re-election as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. (NAN)

     

     

  • Hardship: We’re out to guard against artificial price hike of commodities – Kano anti-graft chair

    Hardship: We’re out to guard against artificial price hike of commodities – Kano anti-graft chair

    Hardship: We’re out to guard against artificial price hike of commodities – Kano anti-graft chair

    The chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Bar. Muhyi Rimingado said the commission is all out to guard against artificial price hikes of commodities to mitigate sufferings of the peopl.

     

    Rimingado, who made this known while addressing a press conference at the commission’s headquarters, said it received a series of complaints from residents of the state about the hike in bread prices by bakers despite the reduction in price of flour bags and has swung into action to ascertain the genesis, whether it is artificial or other factors.

     

    He said the commission, upon engaging the bread bakers, was informed that it initially reduced the price of bread but claimed that within two days, flour dealers increased the price of flour bags by N5,000.

     

    He said the commission is mediating between the parties to ensure that the right thing is done and to also ensure that the price hike is not artificial in order not to put untold hardship on the people.

     

    The chairman, however, said the commission is working round the clock to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the increment and also plans to beam it search light on other commodities in order to mitigate the sufferings of the people.

     

    According to him, “As you rightly know, the commission has dual mandate, we are the anti-corruption agency and also the ombudsman, and it ensures that there is no hardship melted on the public.

     

    “From last week to early this week, we received series of complains from members of the public that there is a reduction of about N12,000 in the price of bag of flour, but the bakers of bread did not follow suit by reducing the prices of bread.

     

    “We reached out to the bread bakers, and we were made to know that they have reduced price of bread, but they also complained that within last two days the dealers increase the money (N5,000) per bag. That it was sold for around N60,000, but now N62,000 and N65,000. We intend to bring the traders and bakers together, and the commission will come in between to know what is happening.

     

    “We always and periodical find ourself engaged in this activities because we (Nigerian society) are passing through a series of challenges and the major one is food price hike which is bedeviling the strata of the society. And we will extend it to other commodities. Because we have been gathering intelligence aftermath of measures we (the commission) have taken previously.

     

    “We didn’t just fold our arms but we have been monitoring the situation, and we are aware that to some extent prices of commodities do change. But we are following the trend to know what is the genesis. Take for instance, that within two days, N5,000 was added in a bag of flour. Then we will ask who is doing this to the country? And what is the genesis? Is it artificial? If it is artificial, who is behind it? Because we are acting on behalf of the government based on the request of the people.

     

    “And we will do whatever it takes within the purview of the law to make sure that we mitigate the suffering of the people even if we will engage in extraordinary measures that we use to apply before. Secondly, we will make sure we protect the rights and interest of those involved in that kind of business.

     

    “They want to the government to act and mitigate the suffering of the people. This is what we have been doing and we have results.

     

    “We did it recently before the month of Ramadan when we went after those hoarding essential commodities and bring down the prices of the commodities for the people, even the Federal government from the Presidency urged other state governors to emulate Kano because of what the state government through this commission did.

     

    “We also did it during the COVID-19 pandemic and fuel scarcity. So it is something we have tested before,” Rimingado, however, maintained.

     

     

  • Izunwanne mourns Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

    Izunwanne mourns Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

    Izunwanne mourns Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Iwuanyanwu

    Lagos not Igboland

    IZUNWANNE, a body of senior journalists of southeast geo- political zone of Nigeria has described the death of Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, as shocking, noting that he would be remembered for his unassailable role as a leading light in the newspaper industry in Nigeria.

     

    Disclosing this in a statement, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, Coordinator, IZUNWANNE, said that Iwuanyanwu was a father-figure in the newspaper industry who left an indelible mark on the sands of time in both journalism and the newspaper world.

     

    The statement reads: “IZUNWANNE, a body of senior journalists of southeast geo- political zone of Nigeria, mourns the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, a doyen of the newspaper industry in Nigeria.

     

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    “We were shocked and surprised by the news of his death as we never knew that he was sick.

     

    “Though he died as the President-General of the apex Igbo organisation, OHANAEZE NDIGBO, Chief Iwuanyanwu will be remembered by us for his unassailable role as a leading light in the newspaper industry in Nigeria, with his establishment of CHAMPION newspaper in 1988, a newspaper that became a household name and competed favourably with other prominent national newspapers in Nigeria.

     

    “By the establishment of CHAMPION newspaper, which he located in Lagos, the hub of newspaper industry in the country, Chief Iwuanyanwu gave the Igbo a strong voice as the newspaper endured the test of time. Many members of IZUNWANNE passed through Iwuanyanwu’s newspaper in the course of their journalism practice.

     

    “His immense contributions in the development and growth of both journalism and the newspaper industry cannot be over emphasised. He was a father-figure in the industry and left an indelible mark on the sands of time in both journalism and the newspaper world. He will sorely be missed.

     

    “We condole with his family, the journalism world, the newspaper business community and indeed the country in general on the passage of this giant, philanthropist, patriot, illustrious Igbo son, astute politician, successful business and newspaper proprietor, well known figure in the construction sector, and a quintessential personality. May his soul rest in peace.”

     

     

  • Niger State receives another set of 50 CNG buses

    Niger State receives another set of 50 CNG buses

    Niger State receives another set of 50 CNG buses

    Niger State Government has received another set of 50 CNG buses, bringing the total to 250.

    As reported earlier, 100 of these buses will operate on the Suleja-Abuja route at discounted prices, while the others will provide intra-state services, also at discounted prices.

    The buses will offer free services to school children within the state capital.

     

    Civil servants will also have access to the buses at discounted prices, moving to and from the state secretariat from designated bus stops within the state capital.

     

    It would be recalled that NNPC is already constructing CNG/LPG stations in Lambata, Tafa, Bida, and Mokwa, while the state government will construct one in Kontagora.

     

  • Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

     

    Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed Thursday to crush anybody who tries to divide Russian society as he hailed the effectiveness and unwavering loyalty of his country’s powerful law enforcement agencies.

     

    Putin has escalated a decades-long crackdown on civil society, independent media and opposition amid his military offensive in Ukraine, with dissent and criticism of the Kremlin outlawed and punishable by years-long prison sentences.

     

    “Those who try to intimidate people, to split our society, to play on religious or national feelings will never succeed,” Putin said in a video message posted by the Kremlin.

     

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    “Inevitable and just retribution awaits them,” he added.

     

    Russia regularly uses such language to describe those who oppose the Kremlin, including domestic critics who Moscow paints as being Western spies or puppets.

     

    Putin was marking Russia’s “Investigation Officers’ Day” and paid tribute to various Russian law enforcement agencies, including the Investigative Committee and the FSB security services, the successor to the Soviet-era KGB.

     

    “Investigators show unconditional loyalty to the Fatherland and our people,” Putin said.

     

    Critics of the Kremlin say Russia’s focus on investigating and prosecuting its domestic political opponents and rivals have left it blind to genuine security threats.

     

    In March, armed gunmen killed more than 140 at a Moscow concert hall in the country’s most deadly terror attack in almost two decades.

     

    The incident came just days after warnings from Western intelligence agencies that Putin publicly rejected as “blackmail” and an attempt to “destabilise our society”.

     

    The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, but Putin and other officials tried to link the massacre to Ukraine, without providing any evidence.

     

    Almost all of Putin’s main opponents are in jail or have fled into exile.

     

    Having stamped out dissent and passed strict military censorship laws that make criticism of the military illegal, Putin has repeatedly claimed Russian society is united behind his offensive on Ukraine.

     

     

  • Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others.

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others
    Sowore slams Nigerian Army for shutting Banex Plaza in Abuja over soldiers, traders’ clash

    Some rights activists, including Lagos natives under the aegis of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, Omoyele Sowore, and Aisha Yesufu, have criticised the use of the Oro festival to halt the planned national protest on August 1.

    They described this move as a huge joke and insisted that the protest would proceed as planned.

    The Oro festival has been trending on X (formerly Twitter) after a pro-Lagos social media page announced that the festival would take place during the planned nationwide protests from August 1 to 15, 2024.

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    The post read, “Attention residents and visitors of Lagos. Please be informed that the Oro festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from the 1st of August to August 15. This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals.”

    Reacting to this, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, through its Media Office, said, “This government is bastardizing our cultures and traditions. What business does the state government have with ‘Oro’ and for what purpose? Let’s assume that the protesters defy this, and we think they should. How will the state enforce it as such enforcement is tantamount to a restriction of their fundamental human rights of freedom of movement, association, etc.? Again, for the Oro festival, will the government declare a work-free week?

    “Government should separate our traditions from this impending madness. What will the government do to assuage the feelings of those who will not be able to conduct their legitimate business during this period of malaise that the government is getting into? Yoruba will regret this unconscionable act of the government hiding behind this spiritual and traditional act in trying to scuttle the protest. Can’t they find another means?”

    Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) wrote, “Oro festival in Lagos now allegedly scheduled for the first two weeks of August. The exact same period as the planned protests by the youths.”

    Aisha Yesufu Jibrilla (@ukocarter) reacted via her X page, “The prestigious Oro Festival is now a political tool. Y’all now understand why they tried to ban ‘Gangs of Lagos’ because it exposed them.”

    United Kingdom-based writer Abanikanda Olumoro said, “Why are you so particular about Lagos and not your own states where your indigeneship, by constitutional rights, is domiciled? The festival of masquerade does not last long. You should be ashamed because Lagos State owners and indigenes are poised and have resources to take back their State, and you cannot stop them. If Nigerians are staging a nationwide protest against bad governance in Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Gombe, Sokoto, etc., don’t think anyone will take you seriously to say it is a Lagos issue. No. It is a show for Nigeria being staged by Nigerians across tribes and religions. President Tinubu has begged them not to protest, but you have spoiled all of that because these Nigerians, from the information I receive daily, are not going back regardless of military and police forces you are deploying.”

  • Military Exploit: Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

    Military Exploit: Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

    Military eliminates 106 terrorists, rescues 103 hostages in one week

     

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops eliminated 106 terrorists, apprehended 164 others, and rescued 103 hostages in different operations across the country in the last week.

     

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while giving an update on the operations of the military across the country.

     

    Buba said the troops recovered 125 assorted weapons and 1,522 ammunition, comprising 41 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 24 locally fabricated guns, 28 Dane guns, and one pump action gun.

     

    He said the troops also recovered 755 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 623 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 102 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 63 live cartridges, and 247 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.

     

    “Others are 22 AK47 magazines, one Baofeng radio, 22 vehicles, 31 motorcycles, two bicycles, 10 mobile phones, and the sum of N2.9 million, amongst other items,’’ he said.

     

    In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded successes leading to the surrendering of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families within the week.

     

    He said a total of 1,760 BH/ISWAP terrorist fighters and family members, comprising 117 male adults, 345 adult females, and 628 children, surrendered within the week.

     

    According to him, troops neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects, rescued 16 kidnapped hostages, and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.

     

    In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 12 insurgents, arrested 39 violent extremists, and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages within the week.

     

    He said the troops also recovered several arms and ammunition, comprising 21 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated pistols, 15 Dane guns, 285 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

     

    In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 23 terrorists, rescued 32 kidnapped hostages, and recovered a cache of arms.

     

    Under Operation Whirl Punch, he said the troops neutralised eight terrorists, arrested 20 suspects, and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages, as well as recovered arms and the sum of N2.9 million, amongst others.

     

    In the Niger Delta, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe had maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil thieves, destroying several illegal refining sites and recovering stolen products.

     

    He said the troops recovered 802,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 121,900 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 450 litres of DPK within the week.

     

    According to him, troops discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 24 boats, and 34 storage tanks, as well as 56 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 14 pumping machines, 18 drums, and 22 vehicles and motorcycles.

     

    He added that a total of 36 illegal refining sites were destroyed, while a total of 32 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists were apprehended in the region.

     

    In the South East, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised three terrorists, arrested 22 violent extremists, and rescued four kidnapped hostages.

     

    “Troops recovered one pump action gun, 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 cartridges, one Baofeng radio, and six mobile phones, among others.

     

    “All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action,’’ he said. (NAN)

     

     

  • US Politics: Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    US Politics: Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    Biden

    President of United States of America, Joe Biden has given reasons he endorsed the vice president, Kamala Harris, to become the next president after him.

     

    Speaking to Americans four days after he announced his withdrawal from US Presidential race, Biden said he passed the torch to a new generation to unite Americans, noting that saving the country’s democracy is beyond personal ambition.

     

    Eulogizing Kamala Harris, US President opined that she is experienced, tough and capable of ruling the country.

     

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    His words: My fellow Americans:

     

    It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your President. I draw strength and find joy in working for the people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about “We the People.”

     

    America is at an inflection point. We must choose between moving forward or backward. Between hope and hate. Between unity and division. We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, and respect? Freedom, justice, and democracy?

     

    The sacred cause of our country is larger than any one of us. And those of us who cherish that cause—the cause of American democracy itself—must unite to protect it.

     

    Over the next six months, I will be focused on doing my job as President. That means I will continue to lower costs for hard-working families and grow our economy.

     

    I will keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights—from the right to vote to the right to choose.

     

    I will keep calling out hate and extremism, and make it clear there is no place in America for political violence—or for any violence—ever.

     

    I will keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, and our planet from the climate crisis. Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy.

     

    And that includes personal ambition. So I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.

     

    In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. And I would like to thank our great Vice President—@Kamala Harris.

     

    She’s experienced, tough, capable. She has been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country.

     

    I have been privileged to serve this nation for over 50 years. I have given my heart and my soul, like so many others have.

     

    And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people. I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you.

     

    The great thing about America is that here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.

     

    We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are. We are the UNITED States of America, and there is nothing beyond our capacity—when we do it together”.

     

     

  • Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events
    fubara
    …Police claim two-fighting

    By Davies Iheamnachor

    No fewer than three people were reportedly shot in Rivers State on Wednesday during an alleged attack on two state events in the state.

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    A yet to be identified baby had reportedly gone slide into unconsciousness after inhaling teargas shot by police operatives deployed to restore normalcy during the incident.

    It was alleged that supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, had attacked the two separate events organised by loyalists of Governor of the State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara.

    The states events were attacked at Omerelu Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area and Eliozu Community in Obio/Akpor LGA.

    It was gathered that some youths believed to be opposed to the current administration in the state alleged to be supporters of Hon. Martin Amaewhule, factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who loyal to Wike, had carried out the act.

    At Omerelu, it was learned that the Caretaker Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Darlington Orji and his team had visited Omerelu for an empowerment programme, but that the event was disrupted by the attackers.

    A source who preferred anonymity claimed that about three people were shot while many cars were destroyed.

    He sources said: “The shooting at Omerelu was as a result of the CTC Chairman’s visit to Omerelu for empowerment.

    “Some boys who are loyal to former LGA Chairman of Ikwerre, Samuel Nwanosike, stormed the venue and started shooting sporadically. About 3 persons had bullet wounds. They destroyed many cars.”

    At Eliozu, it was gathered that some youths alleged to be loyal to the factional speaker of the state assembly, Amaewhule, attacked the event organised by the state for aged woman, women and children in the area.

    The venue for the health outreach is said to be close to the home of Amaewhule, who the the leader of the 27 lawmakers in the state.

    It was learned that the state government had through the local government organised a medical outreach for women and children in the LGA, carried out by officials of State Ministry of Health.

    However, the project venue was attacked by some youths who are believed to be working for the anti-Fubara elements in the state.

    A source said the supporters of Amaewhule had gone to the event venue at Eliozu to confirm what was going on but that supporters of Fubara who were there had stopped them resulting to a free for all.

    It was gathered that while the attack was going on that men of Anti Riot Squad drafted from the State Command had arrived the scene with heavy gun fire and canisters to quell the situation.

    It was gathered that the police had blocked aged men and women from gaining access into the Health facility.

    However, the Public Relations Officer of the state police, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, noted it as two fighting.

    Iringe-Koko said: “A distress call was received from the health center in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight.

    “The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore law and order. The police deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”

     

  • Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions trail planned nationwide protest

    Mixed reactions have continued to trail the planned nationwide protest, as called by some unnamed groups, over the current hardship in the country.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some undisclosed bodies planned the protest for Aug. 1, with posters and hashtags already going viral on social media platforms.

     

    Speaking with NAN in Ibadan on Thursday, some respondents opposed the protest, while others saw it as the people’s legitimate and fundamental right to air their grievances.

     

    A civil servant at the state secretariat, Mrs Toyin Olutimilehin, said the protest might not be positive for the polity because it could disrupt their work schedule.

     

    “It can affect our daily routine because, sometimes, these protests get out of control.

     

    “They will sometimes block the main road to cause extreme traffic, leading to obstruction of duty and interference at work,” she said.

     

    Another civil servant, Mr Folarin Babatunde, also opposed the idea of protesting to be heard.

     

    According to him, the protest is only an excuse for the youths to show their presence and an opportunity for criminals to exhibit their criminal tendencies.

     

    “It will lead to criminal activities such as vandalism and the destruction of properties, putting lives at stake.

     

    “People put their lives at risk all in the name of a better country, and what is the assurance that this protest will solve the country’s many problems?

     

    “Rome was not built in a day; give the president time to renovate the country at his pace,” Babatunde said.

     

    Meanwhile, Mrs Olanrewaju Temitope, a trader at the Ring Road axis of Ibadan, was more interested in protecting her business should the protest end in looting and destruction of properties.

     

    “Besides, sales for that period will be low, affecting my day-to-day life.

     

    “My rent is due, and the protest will negatively affect my income, thus restricting me from paying my rent.

     

    “Please, Nigerians shouldn’t go through with the protest as it can lead to many things; it won’t still solve their problems,” she said.

     

    On the other hand, a youth corps member, Mr Ifeanyi Eze, says he wholeheartedly supports the protest.

     

    According to him, the country is in a state of distress, and everybody is just used to suffering and smiling; this protest is the only way for us to be heard and seen.

     

    Eze said, “Although the protest might not lead to a complete change, it will at least make them see that we want a change, and we’ll be heard.

     

    “This hardship is too much to bear. Dangote is also feeling it, as he’s always granting one interview or the other these days.

     

    “I want a better country, and if a protest is how to get it, then that is what we’ll do.”

     

    A passerby, Steven Ayobami, said he would support the protest because of the hardship brought about by the bad economy.

     

    “For a middle-class family to be frustrated to this extent, what of the poor? The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer.

     

    “What we need in Nigeria is to act, and as for me, I want a better life,” Ayobami said. (NAN)