By Suleiman Yakubu

The Concerned Nigerlites Forum, comprising various civil society organisations and student representatives, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate alleged foreign interference in the recent nationwide protests against hunger and poor governance.
In a statement titled "Post Protest Press Statement," signed by the forum's convener, Abduljalil Alhaji Yahaya, the group acknowledged the country's hardships but expressed concern over the violent turn of the protests. The forum emphasised the need for decisive action against foreign entities meddling in Nigeria's internal affairs.
The forum closely monitored the protests, which were marked by the hashtag #EndBadGovernance, and recognised the legitimate grievances of Nigerians regarding the prevailing hardships. They affirmed the democratic right of citizens to peacefully assemble and protest.
The statement highlighted Nigeria's rich history of protests, which have been instrumental in advocating for policy changes and demonstrating the strength of democratic institutions. However, the forum noted the display of foreign flags during the protests as a troubling sign of external influence with malicious intent.
"The Forum expresses dismay at the events that transpired during the recent uncoordinated #EndBadGovernance protest, where violence erupted in some states and there was a clear attempt by external forces to destabilise Nigeria. The actions of these foreign actors and their accomplices not only took us by surprise but also saddened us deeply," the statement read.
The forum condemned the display of foreign flags as part of a conspiracy to undermine Nigeria's democracy and incite political instability. They called on the Federal Government to take immediate action within a month to identify and prosecute those involved in attempts to sabotage Nigeria.
Additionally, the forum urged the government to implement initiatives to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, particularly by addressing hunger and reducing the high cost of governance. They also called for a review of Nigeria's foreign policy to ensure it aligns with national interests and promotes regional stability.
The forum concluded by urging all Nigerians to remain vigilant in identifying and exposing foreign agents seeking to create political instability in the country.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Director General of the Niger State Bureau of Religious Affairs, Dr. Umar Farooq Abdullahi, has urged Christians and Muslims in the state to unite against those who threaten peace. This call was made on Thursday during a visit to the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, at the State Secretariat in Minna.
Dr. Abdullahi, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Alhaji Liman MashaAllah, emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "We are one; the enemies of peace just want to cause disaffection amongst us."
As the Secretary General of the Niger State Imam’s Forum, Dr. Abdullahi highlighted the teachings of Islam on tolerance and peaceful coexistence. "We are all created by the same Creator, and our religion teaches us to live in peace with everyone. There will always be good, bad, and ugly people among us," he said. "I call on us to join hands together to defeat this common enemy who wants to destabilize the peace we are enjoying in our dear state. These hoodlums are evildoers and should be put to shame."
He also called on security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others, particularly in Kontagora. "Islam discourages any form of chaos or disaffection amongst us. Islam does not accept anyone who does not believe in Jesus," he added.
In his response, the state CAN Chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, commended the Bureau for their support. Represented by his Deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim, Dr. Yohanna stated that the Christian community has accepted the incident in good faith. "We believe hoodlums are always there to cause chaos, but the truth is, if there is chaos or crisis, we cannot move forward or live together," he said.
He further called for a cordial relationship, urging everyone to take advantage of the relative peace in Kontagora and the state to work together and put the enemies of peace to shame.