Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Uzair Adam 

Bello Galadanchi, widely known as Dan Bello, has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they are causing widespread hunger and suffering among Nigerians. 

In a recent interview on Trust TV’s Daily Politics, the famous skit maker voiced his concerns about the government’s approach, stating that people are enduring severe hardship, including consuming grass and contaminated water, due to avoidable policy decisions.

Dan Bello, who claimed to have no political affiliations, challenged the government to take legal action if it disagreed with his statements. 

He emphasized the plight of Nigerians who, in desperation, are seeking food door-to-door and argued that this crisis is not due to natural disasters but deliberate political choices.

He questioned the priorities of the ruling party, suggesting that their policies favour massive personal gains over addressing the basic needs of the population. 

“If their policies are genuinely beneficial, the criticism from content creators like myself won’t resonate with the people,” he argued. 

Dan Bello expressed his willingness to face legal consequences if it means drawing attention to the dire situation, urging the government to consider the human cost of its actions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu will on Wednesday, August 14, depart Abuja for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on a three-day official visit to honour the invitation of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

President Tinubu will meet with the Equatorial Guinean President at the Presidential Villa on arrival, where meetings will be held between the two leaders and agreements, particularly on oil and gas and security, signed.

The President will be accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and other members of his cabinet who will be involved in the signing of agreements and review of opportunities to improve bilateral relations.

By Uzair Adam

There is growing concern over the recent actions of protesters in Nigeria, particularly in the north, where aggrieved youths were seen waving the Russian flag during demonstrations against hunger and starvation in the country.

The Daily Reality reports that the “EndBadGovernance” protest began on August 1st and saw a large turnout. Many youths and women took to the streets to voice their worries amid worsening economic hardship.

However, the protests took an unexpected turn when demonstrators were seen waving the Russian flag and chanting slogans, asking for Russia to come to their rescue as the biting economic hardship exacerbated with each passing day.

Political Analysts React

Political analysts suggest that waving the Russian flag may stem from ignorance of global politics, describing the situation as an incredible display of “unpatriotism” by the aggrieved youths and women.

Russia as the Last Hope

The protesters argued that they knew exactly what they were doing and viewed their actions as a passionate plea to the Russian government to rescue the Nigerian masses from their devastating challenges. 

The youths, who perceive Russia as a “freedom fighter” for African countries, said they would never seek help from England, despite its historical ties to Nigeria, as they believe England harbours bad intentions against the country.

A group of youths told our reporter that they are pleading for Russian intervention since England remains silent on Nigeria’s problems. “America, too, will not speak because it is in the same boat as England,” they argued.

Ibrahim Muhammad (not his real name) said they were waving the flag to frustrate the federal government and clarify that they no longer cared for a country that had ignored their concerns. 

“I am waving this flag to make President Bola Ahmad Tinubu sad. These people don’t care about our problems and do whatever it takes to make us angry,” he stated.

Another protester, Isma’il Usman, said Russia is the only country they should now turn to for help, “especially looking at its recent interventions in some African countries.”

When Ignorance and Unpatriotism Shake Hands

According to analysts who spoke to The Daily Reality, the waving of the Russian flag by the youths is a demonstration of both ignorance and unpatriotism.

Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Bayero University Kano, noted that while youths lack an understanding of global politics, certain individuals may have lured them into doing so. 

“There could be some people behind this movement, and people were pushed to the wall in this country, which could also be why they accepted to wave the flag during the protest,” he stated.

“However, the government is to blame for all this because it should have taken action to stop the protest by addressing these problems, but it refused. Now that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has addressed the nation, there is still no hope,” Professor Fagge added.

An Invitation to Neo-Colonialism

Another analyst, Malam Sulaiman Muhammad, a lecturer at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, argued that government negligence has deteriorated the situation, leading to more unpatriotic youth in the country. 

He warned that by pleading for Russian intervention, the youths are ignorantly inviting a new form of colonialism.

“I think the youths are not seeking intervention from England and France because England colonised Nigeria and the latter colonised Nigeria’s sister country, Niger. However, they forget that pleading for Russian soldiers’ presence in Nigeria is another form of colonialism,” he stated.

Disappointment as Russia Distances Itself

In a statement on Monday, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria issued a strong denial of any involvement with the group of protesters who were seen carrying the Russian flag and chanting slogans in support of President Vladimir Putin. 

The embassy stressed that Russia respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal affairs, a statement that may not please the Russian flag-waving protesters. 

The statement described the protesters’ actions as personal choices that do not reflect any official Russian government policy.

However, one of these aggrieved youths said they would only stop pleading with the Russians once their voices were heard by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

Arrest of Tailor Sewing Russian Flags

However, the tailor who sewed the Russian flags for the protesters was reportedly arrested by security personnel on Monday. 

A picture seen by The Daily Reality showed the youth, whose name was not identified, being arrested with some of the flags he had sewn and his sewing machine.

Defense Chief Condemns Protesters’ Actions

Nigeria’s Chief of Defense, General Chris Musa, condemned the protesters’ actions as treasonable and warned they would face the full force of the law.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu warmly congratulates Nigeria’s D’Tigress on qualifying for the quarterfinals of the women’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

D’Tigress will be the first African team in basketball to play in the quarterfinals at the Olympics.

The President commends the team for its uncommon demonstration of resilience, teamwork, and diligence.

President Tinubu also commends the coach and managers of the team for their dutifulness and dedication.

The President enjoins the brave Tigress not to rest on their oars until the final victory is achieved.

President Tinubu assures the team and the entire Nigerian contingent at the 2024 Olympics of his support as they fly the nation’s flag at the global sporting event.

By Abbas Datti

Peaceful demonstrations turned deadly when security forces used live ammunition against unarmed civilians in Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nassarawa, Kano. That resulted in the loss of innocent lives and left many others injured and traumatised.

This brutal response has sparked outrage within the state and across the country as concerned citizens demand accountability and professionalism. An image of a well-armed police officer who allegedly opened fire on innocent victims of Kurna is now circulating on social media. 

Reports indicate that the police fired indiscriminately to scatter the protesters, resulting in the death of innocent young children.

Consequently, it’s up to the Inspector General of Police to probe the unfortunate incident.

The protesters had reportedly assembled themselves and marched to express their grievances over deteriorating hardships, hunger, economic inequalities, corruption and other social injustices, exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and free speech. However, what began as a lawful and largely non-violent demonstration quickly escalated into a scene of chaos and bloodshed, as security forces resorted to excessive force and unprofessionalism 

Families of the victims are now left to mourn their loved ones, grappling with the devastating loss and an overwhelming sense of injustice. Our sons went out to make their voices heard, to fight for a better future for themselves, and now they are gone. As a result, we demand justice for their senseless deaths.

We are calling on human rights organisations and civil society groups to condemn the brazen actions of the security forces, calling for an independent investigation into the incident. The use of live ammunition on peaceful protesters is a gross violation of human rights, which is a fundamental right given by the Constitution. 

Abbas Datti wrote from Kano via comradeabbasdatti@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu is set to address the nation on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am, amidst ongoing nationwide protests. The presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, announced this in a statement on Saturday.

He stated that the address will be broadcast on television, radio, and other electronic media outlets through the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

The Daily Reality gathered that the broadcast will be repeated at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on the same day.

This announcement comes as protests continue to sweep across the country, with various groups calling for attention to their demands.

The president’s address is expected to address the current situation and provide guidance to the nation.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, addressed the nation in light of the planned nationwide protests, emphasizing the severe negative effects of violent demonstrations on our society. 

In his address, the IGP highlighted several critical points that underscore the importance of maintaining peace and order during protests.

“It is not only in Nigeria that there is hardship. It is a global meltdown. Is the government doing anything about it? Yes! This is what a responsive government will do,” stated the IGP. He stressed that while the current economic challenges are not unique to Nigeria, the government is actively working to mitigate their impact and provide relief to the citizens.

Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protest, the IGP remarked, “Where police stations were burnt down, criminals took over. Arms looted were in the wrong hands, and armed robbers took over. Women could no longer walk freely once it is 7 pm.” He warned that the destruction of police infrastructure leads to a breakdown in law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal activities.

“There are enough lessons to learn from previous violent protests in Nigeria,” the IGP continued, urging citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed such events. “Serious dangers come with unchecked demonstrations,” he added, highlighting the potential for loss of life, property damage, and widespread fear among the populace.

The IGP acknowledged the right to protest, stating, “The right to protest is a right to peaceful protest.”He called on all Nigerians to exercise this right responsibly and to avoid actions that could escalate into violence. Peaceful protests, he emphasized, are a powerful tool for expressing grievances and driving change without endangering lives and properties.

In conclusion, the IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order. He urged all Nigerians to cooperate with the Police to ensure that any forthcoming protests are peaceful and orderly.

By AM Ashafa

There has been nothing left that has not been said for and against the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria. The government mobilised various people and groups to fight against it. In the first place, mercenary anti-protests amongst religious groups, youth groups, women, and tribal groups were brought or mobilised, allegedly spending a lot of national resources to campaign against the protest with some recorded successes and failures. 

The government also pointed at the opposition and other Jacobins as being behind the protest with the intent of taking over the government. Indeed, this may sound like Yahoo’s political argument. What has not been said much is that both the government and protesters are patriotic. The question is, who is more patriotic among them?

First, is a protest criminal? Is the expression of disliking government political decisions an act of criminality? Certainly no. On the other hand, is the government stopping a protest that, in its wisdom, tends to cause destruction to be allowed to happen? Certainly no. This means there’s a need to strike a balance. Any example of countries where protests turned into violence is mere pessimism. People won’t say that police brutality in response to protests was largely 95% of the reason why peaceful protests often turned violent.

The government has a responsibility to listen to its citizens. Citizens, not those controlling the government, own the police and all law enforcement agencies and machinery. The condition of members of the armed forces and their families in the harsh and messy socio-economic quagmire is no better than that of the entire citizens. Yet, they have a responsibility to save the citizens, the country, and the government that will make life bearable. 

The government must try hard not to criminalise protests. Protesters must try hard not to engage in violence and criminal destruction of public and private properties to vent their anger. When I heard one cleric saying obedience to all kinds of leaders in all brutal policies is obedience to Allah and doing otherwise with protests is criminal disobedience to Allah, I quickly reflected on the protestations in 1804 by Usman Danfodiyo, whose protestations brought about the Sokoto Caliphate that brought sanity to the Hausa society of the 19th century. 

My question to that cleric is, was he saying that Danfodio and the successive leaders of that largest political state in pre-colonial Africa were and are products of criminality? Certainly, Danfodio led a peaceful protest until the King of Gobir, Uunfa, responded with a high-handedness that the peaceful protesters couldn’t bear. The tide then turned, and the rest is history. 

We must always learn from history. Government and protesters must never ground our country. It’s for all of us. We have no other country but Nigeria. We must collectively refuse to be idiots in how we handle its stability and future.

By Uzair Adam

On Monday, the Federal Government announced the distribution of an additional 10 trucks filled with 50kg bags of rice to each state. These bags will be available for purchase at designated locations for N40,000 each.

During a council meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, informed State House correspondents that this initiative aims to alleviate poverty and address the high cost of living.

Idris stated, “The Federal Executive Council believes that most of the demands made by protesters are already being addressed by the government. Therefore, there is no need for further protests, as the government is actively working on these issues.”

“The President has listened to those planning protests and is already taking action on their behalf. For instance, the government is making efforts to ensure food availability.

“In the previous Council meeting, we announced the distribution of 20 trucks of rice to state governors for distribution to those in need, particularly the poorest in society.

Additionally, rice is being sold at about 50% of its usual cost, with each bag priced at N40,000.”

Idris explained that the rice has been transported to various centers across all states, where it can be purchased for N40,000 per bag. “Initially, 10 trucks have been provided to each state.

“This is just the beginning, and while we acknowledge that the supplies may not be sufficient, these are necessary first steps. More interventions will follow,” he concluded.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Northern Broadcast Media Owners Association (NBMOA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what they describe as unfair practices by foreign TV channels. They allege that these channels operate without proper licensing from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

In an open letter, Dr Ahmed Tijjani Ramalan, Chairman BOT of NBMOA, outlined the severe challenges facing indigenous private TV channels in Nigeria.

He highlighted issues such as inadequate facilities, stringent government regulations, high operational costs, and declining advertising revenues, which are exacerbating the struggles of local broadcasters.

The letter pointed out that the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) recently expressed similar concerns, noting that harsh economic conditions threaten the survival of many broadcast media houses.

BON called for a presidential media support initiative to provide concessions on tariffs and rates to prevent widespread shutdowns.

Ramalan criticized the alleged preferential treatment given to foreign channels which he claims operate without adherence to Nigerian broadcasting regulations and siphon significant advertising revenue that should have supported local channels.

He urged regulatory bodies like NBC and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) to enforce laws equitably and ensure that all broadcasters, local and foreign, play by the same rules.

Ramalan appealed to President Tinubu to address the regulatory lapses and protect Nigerian broadcast media from unfair competition.

We humbly beg for Mr President to intervene to stop the illegalities by regulators and advertising agencies for the survival of indigenous television channels in Nigeria,” the letter