#EndBadGovernance: FG cracks down on Diaspora sponsors, freezes bank accounts
…All sponsors now on watchlist — Immigration CG
…Naval Chief vows to crush subversive elements
…As protest roadblocks appear in Rivers, Wike’s residence targeted
…Use lethal force on protesters, face trial for crimes against humanity — Atiku warns service chief
By Sodiq Adelakun and Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
The Federal Government has drawn a line in the sand, vowing to bring to book Nigerians in the diaspora who are sponsoring the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.
In a move that signals a tough stance on the unrest, the government has identified and placed on a watch list, individuals suspected of bankrolling the protests from abroad.
The government has also frozen their Nigerian bank accounts, with the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap on Tuesday warning that they will be arrested upon entry into the country.
“We have identified some diaspora sponsors; they are on our watch list. Any attempt they make to come into the country, we will be notified, and they will be picked up and handed to the appropriate authority,” Nandap said.
The immigration boss added that the service had deployed more officers to land borders and airports to ensure effective manning of those entry ports.
Also, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the police had uncovered some sponsors but declined to give further information on them. “Some bank accounts of such individuals have been blocked, and many of them reside abroad,” he said.
Equally, the Director General of the State Security Services, Yusuf Bichi, represented by the service’s spokesman, Peter Afunanya, said the service was monitoring those concerned and working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to identify more people behind the protest’s funding.
He added that the service was also working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to identify more people behind the protest’s funding.
It was gathered that the Defence Chief led the service chiefs and heads of all the security, intelligence and paramilitary agencies to brief newsmen on the nationwide protest.
The briefing came a day after President Bola Tinubu met with the security chiefs on the security situation following the violence that broke out during the protests across the country.
None of the officials disclosed the number of diasporans affected by the sanctions. But the move is expected to be criticised by human rights groups who have faulted the government’s handling of the protests.
Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people have been killed since the protests started last Thursday, most by police officers, although the police dispute the claim.
The protesters are demanding economic and political reforms including a reversal of some government policies that have contributed to Nigeria’s worst cost of living crisis in a generation.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians about the protest on Sunday but did not make any concessions.
The protests escalated into violence in several northern Nigerian states, prompting state governments to impose curfews.
In Abuja, where the demonstrations were peaceful, police responded by using tear gas and other munitions, resulting in numerous injuries.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has blown the lid off the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protest, revealing that subversive elements are behind the unrest.
He warned that the Navy will not sit back and allow them to harm the country, vowing to stand firm in defending the nation’s sovereignty.
Ogalla made the disclosure at a joint press briefing by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Abuja, stating that the protesters’ real intentions are different from what they have made Nigerians believe.
“When you are protesting for bad governance or poverty, and then we see people deliberately calling for change of government, unconstitutional change of government, people asking for foreign intervention in our country, it shows that the intentions of some of these protesters are not exactly what Nigerians were made to believe,” he said.
He added that it is obvious that many of the protesters are sponsored by subversive elements who are bent on destroying the peace that Nigeria has enjoyed in the last 25 years of democratic governance.
“We are ready, and we stand firm and resolute to provide the needed assistance to the Nigerian police in order to ensure that law and order is restored in all parts of this country where this violent protest has started,” he vowed.
As the #ENDBADGOVERNANCE protest entered day six in Rivers State, the momentum changed gears as protesters barricaded roads, demanding people to join the protest, as well as telling business owners to close shops.
Our Correspondent who monitored the incident reported that the Obiri-Ikwerre axis of the East-West Road was blocked by irate protesters.
They were seen pulling down trees for roadblocks to stop motorists and passersby. As they blocked the road, they chanted songs decrying the Ahmed Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government and its ‘anti-people policies.’
Trans-Amadi, the industrial hub of Rivers State was not spared by those demanding better governance that would reduce cost of living in the country. Other areas affected are Peter Odili Road, Abuloma, Amadi-Ama and Mile 1-Diobu axis, among others.
Also stormed was the FCT Minister’s (Wike) residence, along Ada George road, as protesters demanded his sack as minister.
In response, the Rivers State Police Command, headed by CP Olatunji Disu has called for restraint, warning that if the protests degenerate into violence, his men will not hesitate to clamp down on trouble makers. He reminded the people that the police are statutorily empowered to protect lives and property and maintain law and order.
In a release issued in Port Harcourt and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko said the Command can no longer condone the excesses of the protesters.
“The Rivers State Police Command has been closely monitoring the nationwide protest ‘End Bad Government in Nigeria’ within the state. On August 5th, 2024, the command observed that the protest in Rivers State had taken a concerning turn.
“The protesters were earlier advised to conduct their demonstration peacefully within designated locations, while the police would provide adequate protection and isolate any criminal elements. However, the command has noticed a lack of identifiable leadership or coordination among the various groups, leading to a breakdown of order.
“Regrettably, the protesters have resorted to unlawful acts, such as burning tyres, extorting motorists, blocking roads, damaging vehicles, harassing business owners, and stealing from innocent residents.
“Furthermore, a group has threatened that the pattern of the protest will change on August 7th, 2024, calling on traders and motorists to stay at home or join the protest,” the statement read.
The Rivers State Police Command affirms the constitutional right of citizens to protest and express their views. However, the command has observed clear indications that the organisers are losing control of the protesters, who are resorting to more violent and criminal conduct.
“Therefore, the police will act decisively to arrest and prosecute any individual who attempts to infringe on the rights of others or engage in criminal activities under the guise of the protest. The police will take necessary and decisive action immediately if the protest stops being peaceful,” the PPRO stated.
The statement advised the protesters to remain in the designated protest areas, namely Pleasure Park and Abali Park . It warned the protesters to refrain from disrupting the free movement of citizens or engaging in any unlawful activities.
The Police assured that the Command is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all residents during this period.
…Use lethal force on protesters, face trial for crimes against humanity — Atiku warns service chiefs
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned service chiefs and military commanders that authorising the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will lead to prosecution for crimes against humanity, even after retirement.
Atiku, in a statement on Tuesday, warned that those who authorise the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even after they retire from service.
Atiku stated, “I wish to convey a stern caution to the distinguished service chiefs and military commanders of Nigeria’s armed forces that those who authorise the use of lethal force against peaceful civilian protesters will be held responsible for committing crimes against humanity, even in the years following their retirement from service.”
He emphasised the importance of protecting the right to peaceful protest, saying, “The constitutional right to engage in protest is firmly established within our supreme law and reinforced by the judiciary. It is the solemn duty of the government and security agencies to ensure a safe and protected environment for individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest.”
