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#EndSARS, SWAT Campaign May Lead To War, Afenifere Warns …CUPP, PDP Caution FG Over Use Of Opposition Thugs
The Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday, warned of an implosion in Nigeria which the government may not be able to handle.
Afenifere’s spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, issued the warning while condemning the ban on street protests in Abuja by the Federal Capital Territory Authority.
Speaking with newsmen, Odumakin warned that such actions may lead to a serious crisis in Nigeria.
According to Odumakin, “If they are very sensible they should know that such postures can’t resolve this matter now.
“Such postures had brought this issue this far, the matter now is not about SARS but about the highhandedness of government, SARS is just the expression.
“Recall that a few weeks ago, labour was supposed to protest but they bought them off and they sold out thinking that was the end of it but anything can ignite it.
“This is an injury-time for the Nigerian ruling class, they have pushed Nigerians to the edge of the precipice and this thing can explode anytime.
“I have always told people that the fight between chickens can cause serious war in Nigeria, so this is not just about SARS they are only using this as an avenue to express their anger over the governance of Nigeria. And this same thing they are doing, sending thugs after protesters while placing bans on demonstration. They should learn from the Arab springs, just one man set himself ablaze and it became something else.”
On the protests ending in a revolution, Odumakin said: “Well, depending on how they handle it, if they continue with this posture it will get out of hand.
“All these actions those in authority are taking may escalate the crisis and they won’t be able to handle it. The ruling class is so fragile now because people are not happy with them.”
However, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has rejected the ban on protest and use of armed thugs to attack protesters in the ongoing nationwide protests to end the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the newly set up Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
CUPP described the move as provocative, primitive, barbaric, autocratic, and illegal, and an act capable of igniting more confusion.
They described the move as a clear sign that the government was not ready to end brutality against citizens.
The opposition warned the All Progressives Congress (APC), government to respect the constitutional rights of patriotic young Nigerians to protest and not hide under the cover of Covid-19 regulations that they never obeyed to attack protesters.
The coalition further advised the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, not to drag the Nigeria Army into politics or deploy soldiers against innocent civilians.
The political parties urged Buratai to show force against Boko Haram and bandits that have taken over parts of the country, including the village of President Muhammadu Buhari and not innocent protesters.
CUPP called on the government to focus on ending brutality of security forces and insecurity and the alleged corruption-ridden administration.
“Your clampdown and use of armed thugs on protesters will backfire, learn from the mistakes that consumed brutal regimes of Keita of Mali, Gaddafi of Libya, Mubarak of Egypt, Idi Amin of Uganda etc, who deployed armed forces against Innocent Protesters,” CUPP’s statement signed by its Spokesman, Imo Ugochinyere, said.
“That statement from the Nigerian Army threatening peaceful Nigerians is a joke taken too far. The protests are wholly a civil action and do not in any way concern the Army.
“Or is a day like this why the President has refused to sack the Service Chiefs? Nigerians are in shock and the entire world is amazed that we could degenerate so quickly to such pre-civilization era.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, and the PDP Senators’ Caucus have thrown their weight behind the #EndSARS protest, saying that government should adequately compensate victims of police brutality as a way out.
The National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, stated this after over one-hour closed-door meeting with the PDP Senators’ Caucus, yesterday in Abuja.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol