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AFRICMIL Urges Police to End Attacks on Journalists Amid #EndBadGovernance Protests

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The African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has expressed grave concern over the recent assaults on journalists reporting on the #EndBadGovernance protests taking place in various regions of the country.

The organization has urged Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, along with other security agencies, to uphold their duty of maintaining law and order while respecting citizens’ rights.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent address aimed at addressing the situation, the protests, which began on August 1, 2024, persist in several states across the nation.

In a statement released on Monday, AFRICMIL’s coordinator, Dr. Chido Onumah, condemned the violence perpetrated by police officers against journalists and other citizens. The group emphasized that such actions violate the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and expression.

The statement underscored that the Nigerian Constitution (1999), specifically Chapter 4, Section 39 (1), guarantees every individual’s right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to hold opinions, receive information, and disseminate ideas without undue interference.

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Attacking journalists who are merely performing their professional duties, and brutalizing citizens for exercising their right to protest, constitutes a severe breach of this constitutional guarantee.

AFRICMIL highlighted that the #EndBadGovernance protests did not arise spontaneously. They are a direct response to the severe economic hardship inflicted upon Nigerians due to poorly executed policies, extravagant government spending, and mismanagement of the economy.

The protests are a reaction to the government’s abrupt and poorly planned removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira, which have led to significant increases in the cost of goods and services.

This economic strain has been compounded by what the group describes as the government’s insensitive spending on non-essential items, such as a new residence for the Vice President and luxury vehicles for lawmakers.

Given the severe impact of these policies and the lack of measures to mitigate their adverse effects, it is understandable why citizens have taken to the streets to express their grievances through the #EndBadGovernance protests.

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AFRICMIL asserts that the police have no justification for attacking journalists covering these events or for using violence against peaceful protesters.

The organization has reiterated its call for the Inspector General of Police to address the misconduct of his officers and to immediately cease all forms of harassment against journalists performing their roles.

AFRICMIL stresses that protecting the rights of journalists and protesters is crucial for upholding democratic principles and ensuring that citizens can voice their concerns without fear of retribution.


 

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Kaduna Police Arrest Social Media Inciter Dan Saudia for Provocative Posts

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It has been reported that the Kaduna Police Commmand recently made an arrest of a social media inciter at a raid.

This revelation was made in the spokesperson speech on the 24th of June, 2025. “The command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of one Comrade Mustapha Abubakar, popularly known as Dan Saudia, a self-acclaimed social commentator.”

“He is notorious for making inciteful and misleading comments on social media platforms with the intent to disrupt public peace and security.”


 

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El-Rufai Says Tinubu Didn’t Like Him and He Was Closer to Buhari

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu never liked him, even when they were both part of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). El-Rufai made the comment during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Monday.

He described himself as a loyal supporter of former President Muhammadu Buhari during their time in the party and mentioned that he was much closer to APC chieftain and former Osun State Governor, Bisi Akande. “Tinubu never really liked me. We didn’t have that relationship. In the APC, I was seen as Buhari’s boy,” El-Rufai said. “The person I worked closely with was Baba Akande.”

Speaking further, El-Rufai expressed doubts about the possibility of a new coalition political party emerging under the current leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu. He compared the current INEC boss to his predecessor, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who oversaw the registration of the APC during his tenure, hinting that the political environment now is less open to such developments.


 

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Tension Eases as Trump Declares “Complete and Total” Israel-Iran Ceasefire

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After nearly two weeks of rising clashes between Israel and Iran, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced what he called a “complete and total” ceasefire between both countries. He made the declaration on Monday evening, saying the agreement would officially take effect within 24 hours. This announcement follows a chaotic period that saw the U.S. launching heavy airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, while Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a location used by U.S. forces.

While Trump shows his confidence in the ceasefire deal, things on the ground suggest otherwise. Iranian officials quickly denied agreeing to any formal truce. Their foreign ministry did hint, however, that they might reduce military action; but only if Israel also holds back.

Israel, on the other hand, claimed they picked up fresh missile launches from Iranian territory shortly after the ceasefire was announced. In response, Israel reportedly prepared new airstrikes, though Iran denied any fresh attacks from their side.

International observers say the situation remains very fragile. There’s still no clear written agreement detailing how both sides will back down, especially concerning Iran’s nuclear activities, which was the cause of the dispute.

The news of the ceasefire brought quick reactions from the global economy. Oil prices dropped sharply, sliding more than 3% as traders relaxed over possible disruptions in the Middle East, especially around the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies. Stock markets also rallied. U.S. futures climbed nearly 1%, while Gulf country’s financial markets bounced back by up to 3%. European and Asian stocks posted gains as well, as investors bet on lower risks in the region. Meanwhile, gold prices and U.S. treasury yields dropped, and the dollar weakened, signaling that traders are betting central banks

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