By Suleiman Yakubu

Youth organisations in Niger State, under the banner of Youth Civil Society Organisations, have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apologise to Nigerians for the current economic hardship in the country.
The group issued a two-week ultimatum to the President and his cabinet to reverse the fuel subsidy removal, revitalise the country's refineries, and implement a price control mechanism on agricultural commodities. They argued that palliatives cannot sustain the populace beyond 24 hours.
These demands were made during a world press conference held at IBB Pen House, Minna, on Tuesday.
The coordinator of the group, Abubakar M. Kutigi, highlighted the severe suffering of Nigerians due to the continuous rise in the cost of living. He criticised the government's policies, describing them as "pregnant with obnoxious, unrealistic, and negative results" that have been harsh on the populace.
He added that the country is "bleeding" and lacking purposeful leadership. According to Kutigi, Nigerians are "hungry and angry" due to ineffective economic policies, poor legislation, and weak anti-corruption efforts.
Kutigi also criticised the President and his team for removing fuel subsidies without a comprehensive understanding of the existing framework. He called for the state minister of petroleum and the group managing director (GMD) of NNPCL and NMDPRA to ensure that the Dangote refinery receives the necessary crude oil to produce Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for Nigerians.
The group also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the national stake in the Dangote oil and gas company and the crude oil swap deal. They demanded that the findings be made public.
Kutigi emphasised that the poor should not be further burdened and called for the recent electricity tariff increase to be reversed until a 24-hour electricity supply is guaranteed.
The group warned that if their demands are not met within two weeks, Nigerian youths would occupy the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to seek lasting solutions for a better Nigeria.
On the planned nationwide protest against bad governance, Comrade Babangida Salihu, the North Central Coordinator of Youth Reformation, stated that while they would not stop anyone from protesting, it should be done with decorum.

By Suleiman Yakubu

In anticipation of the nationwide End Bad Governance and Hunger protest scheduled for August 1, the Niger State Police Command has announced extensive deployments of police personnel and other security agencies to maintain public safety and order.
Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, through a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, emphasized the command's zero tolerance for violence. While acknowledging the citizens' right to peaceful protest, he warned against any form of violent demonstration.
The statement detailed that the deployed police personnel, in collaboration with sister security agencies, will dominate public spaces, ensure public safety, secure critical government infrastructure, warehouses, and markets, and maintain law and order.
The Commissioner assured that the police, alongside other agencies, will be fully prepared to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums. He further stated that officers will commence a show of force within the state and implement other proactive security measures to prevent crime, ensuring public safety without intimidating or violating anyone's rights, except for miscreants with ulterior motives.
CP Danmamman urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against any act of violence, warning that such actions would be met with a stringent security response. He also called on Nigerlites and the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies to conduct their lawful activities without fear of intimidation.