society

Hunger protest: Victims, families recount ordeals, demand bailout

Published

1 month ago

August 9, 2024

Hunger protest: Victims, families recount ordeals, demand bailout

As the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest fizzles out, many Nigerians, especially in the north, will live with the wounds, scars and financial losses for a long time to come.

The protests against economic hardship, which started August 1, continued even after President Bola Tinubu called for an end to the demonstrations that faced a crackdown from security forces, who reportedly shot at the protesters in various states in the northern part.

The cost-of-living crisis was fueled by surging inflation, at a 28-year high, and government economic policies that pushed the naira to record lows against the dollar.

At least 17 persons were reportedly killed in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna and Jigawa, with several others injured on the opening day of the protest against the nation’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation and against the corruption and alleged bad governance that have stifled its development.

In Suleja, a major town in Niger State, six people were feared killed when the protesters reportedly attempted to invade a police station. Four people allegedly died on the spot while others who sustained gunshot wounds were rushed to the Gwagwalada General Hospital. Two of the wounded died on the way to the hospital.

The country’s security forces have been accused of using excessive force in the nationwide protests and even though Muyiwa Adejobi, the Nigeria Police Force spokesman, admitted instances of killings during the protests, he claimed none were carried out by the police.

However, the Nigerian Army, through its spokesman, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, admitted on Wednesday that one of its soldiers killed a teenager Ismail Muhammad in Zaria, Kaduna State, thus admitting that security agencies deployed to monitor the activities of the #EndBadGovernance protesters across the country used live bullets on protesters.

The confirmation of the use of ammunition by the military immediately contradicted the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s claim that none of the nation’s security agencies applied excessive force, including the use of live bullets on the protesters.

Amnesty International condemned the use of deadly action against the protesters, accusing the security operative of killing at least 21 protesters during a week of rallies against economic hardship.

The global body stated, “Our findings, so far, show that security personnel at the locations where lives were lost deliberately used tactics designed to kill while dealing with gatherings of people protesting hunger and deep poverty.”

In a statement, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka also slammed the government for the use of live bullets against unarmed protesters.

“Live bullets as state response to civic protest – that becomes the core issue. Even tear gas remains questionable in most circumstances, certainly an abuse in situations of clearly peaceful protest. Hunger marches constitute a universal S.O.S, not peculiar to the Nigerian nation,” Soyinka wrote.

Aside the dead, the protest recorded other casualties who barely survived to recount their near-death experiences as the nationwide demonstrations fizzled out.

A cameraman with the African Independent Television cameraman, Femi Kuku, narrowly escaped being shot by security operatives, who reportedly opened fire on journalists covering the protest at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja last Saturday.

Kuku noted that the security operatives knew that they were all journalists yet opened fire on them.

While Kuku ran for his dear life, he fell into an uncovered manhole and suffered a dislocation on his left leg.

“It was my colleagues who picked me up and pushed me inside the Toyota Sienna vehicle we came with because I could not walk at that point,” he said. “When we moved forward a bit, we stopped to check if everybody was okay, and that was when we saw them coming towards us again with their vehicles. They came down and started shooting again, so we sped off into town.

“From that point, we went to the office, and I was taken to the hospital to check my leg. I had no bruises but the left leg and ankle are swollen, it’s very painful, so I leap walk now.”

society

EID-EL-MAULUD: Chief Amuzu Urges Muslims to Embrace Peace, Love, and Tolerance*

Published

4 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

EID-EL-MAULUD: Chief Amuzu Urges Muslims to Embrace Peace, Love, and Tolerance

A renowned leader and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Chief Toyin Amuzu has emphasized the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) teachings and its relevance in today’s world, stressing the importance of peace, love, and tolerance at all times.

The advice was contained in a press statement released in Abeokuta, as Muslims in Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Chief Toyin Amuzu who congratulated the Muslim community noted that the Prophet’s life remains a timeless model for humanity, transcending religious and cultural boundaries, and called on Muslims to recommit themselves to the ideals of justice, compassion, and mutual respect.

He appealed for unity among Nigerians, warning that division along religious, ethnic, or political lines could hinder the nation’s progress.

The Asiwaju-Leragun Egba who prayed for continued blessings, guidance, and protection for all citizens, reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the people and dedication to the socio-economic development of Egbaland.

Chief Amuzu also urged cooperation and prayers for the country’s leaders to lead with wisdom and justice.

society

Grab Dr Chris Okafor Prophetic declaration for the 3rd week of September 2024

Published

5 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Grab Dr Chris Okafor Prophetic declaration for the 3rd week of September 2024

….. Unusual favour shall come your way this week…okafor

Popular Lagos Prophet Dr Chris Okafor of Grace Nation global has made some powerful Prophetic declarations for the third week of the month of September 2024.

The lead Pastor Grace Nation world-wide Popularly known as The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor declared that if you believe every resistance that resists you last week is clear from your way this week as you serve your God in truth and in spirit this week.

The clergyman also declared that this week you will wax stronger, and your life will continue to move forward, where you fail last week, this week you shall prosper ,divine help will come your way, the door that did not open last week is open for you this week, Your net will catch plenty fish this week.

Almighty God will Protect and defend you throughout this week, so shall it be, The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor declared.

It will be recalled that the Apostle of alters and Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor is a Servant of God blessed with the words of salvation and Accurate prophecy, also gifted with the spirit of Humanitarian services.

Currently over 2000 widows are beneficiary of his monthly food support, also over 1500 less privileged students are on his scholarships scheme under the Chris Okafor humanity foundation.

The Man of God has also provided his immediate community with good water (boreholes), The Generational Prophet of God also constructs Roads around the Church for it community uses.

Join Dr Chris Okafor at any of the church Service at the international Headquarters of Grace Nation world-wide aka Liberation City in oshofisan street by Ereke Bus stop Ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria for a Prophetic encounter and your life will never remain the same.

Entertainment

Ajia Marks His Birthday With Message of Encouragement to Nigerians

Published

1 day ago

September 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ajia Marks His Birthday With Message of Encouragement to Nigerians

Asks Nigerians to Take Charge of Their Destiny

Drops hashtag #NigeriaWeDeserve

Sahara Weekly Reports That The President/CEO of Funab Group of Companies Ltd, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, marks his 45th birthday with a strong call for credible leadership that can harness Nigeria’s vast potentials for prosperity.

The call was made in his birthday message, released by his Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan. In his message, Ajia emphasized the urgent need for sociopolitical and economic reforms to address the myriad of challenges facing the nation towards paving the way for a brighter future for all Nigerians.

With a firm belief in the transformative power of effective governance and sustainable economic development, Ajia firmly believes that the problems the nation is facing are surmountable, maintaining that the problems are primarily sociopolitical and economic in nature, as such if adequately and effectively addressed would bring succour to the people.

Furthermore, Ajia highlighted the importance of cohesive and strategic interventions to steer the nation towards sustainable development.

“As I celebrate my birthday, I present to you a vision for a Nigeria that thrives on the principles of justice, accountability, and inclusive growth,”.

Ajia pointed out that the solution to Nigeria’s problems lies in leadership while expressing deep concerns on the quality, sincerity, commitment, and patriotism of those in leadership positions. Ajia, however, urged citizens not to be overwhelmed but rather take charge of their own destiny.

The Ilorin-born politician said, “We still have the power to make things better for ourselves, our families, and our communities, despite leadership challenges. We must raise our voices, take action, and work together to build a better Nigeria.”

He called on Nigerians, especially the people of Kwara State, to embrace their collective power and strive for positive change.

Ajia’s message resonates with many, as the country faces numerous challenges.

Funab President urges Nigerians to raise their voices on issues affecting their communities, take action through volunteerism and community service, support local businesses and initiatives that can promote development while embracing their collective power to work together for positive change.

He therefore advised Nigerians to share their thoughts and ideas on how to build a better Nigeria using the hashtag #NigeriaWeDeserve. “Let us work together to create a brighter future for all.”

As a respected business leader and philanthropist, Ajia’s commitment to Nigeria’s development is evident. His birthday serves as a reminder that individuals can make a difference and contribute to the country’s growth.

Ajia’s vision for a prosperous future hinges on the collective efforts of all Nigerians, and he calls for unity and collaboration across sectors to implement these solutions effectively.

With a clear roadmap for progress and prosperity, Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment where transformation and growth are within reach, awaiting the unwavering dedication and concerted action of its leaders and citizens alike.