Youths Protest At APC Secretariat, Demand Removal Of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

On Friday, youths gathered at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat to demand the removal of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of showing disrespect to party leaders. The protesters carried placards with slogans such as “President Tinubu, sack Wike now,” “Stop disrespecting APC members,” “No minister is above APC,” “APC no be Wike property,” “APC must restore order,” “Wike, APC leadership is not your mate,” and “Wike, no more political threats.” The demonstration followed a public clash between Wike and APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru over political issues in Rivers State. Basiru had urged Wike to resign from his ministerial role, criticizing what he described as the minister’s “obsession” with Rivers politics. He emphasized that all members of the APC National Working Committee must respect sitting governors as party leaders in their states. 'Sack Wike now' — protesters besiege APC headquarters, ask Tinubu to dismiss FCT minister pic.twitter.com/A7yU0tK2DU — TheCable (@thecableng) January 23, 2026

Read More

Ajuwale Stool: Protest Rocks Ijebu Ode Over Alleged Imposition

Indigenes and residents of Ijebu Ode held a protest on Friday morning, marching from the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters to oppose what they described as attempts by “powerful interests” to influence the selection of the next Awujale. The demonstration followed a circular issued by the Ogun State Government on January 20, 2026, which barred the kingmakers from advancing the selection of a candidate from the 95 nominees submitted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. Leaders of the ruling house include Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi), and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman). The circular, issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, has fueled allegations that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration is attempting to interfere in the traditional selection process to favor a preferred candidate. Mrs. Adenugba Obileye, who led the peaceful protest, said the march was meant to express the community’s disapproval of what she called “plots to interfere with the work of the kingmakers” and to ensure that the Awujale is selected through proper traditional procedures. “We are here to register our displeasure and demand that the kingmakers be allowed to perform their constitutional duty without interference. The people of Ijebu will not accept any attempt to impose a candidate outside the traditional process,” Mrs. Obileye said.

Read More

Trump Tells Iran He Will Not Attack, Warns of Consequences Amid Protests

US President Donald Trump reportedly told Iran that he has no intention of attacking the country, while urging caution, according to Iranian Ambassador to Islamabad Reza Amiri Moghadam, as reported by the Pakistani daily Dawn on Thursday. Amiri Moghadam said he “received information at around 1am, which indicated that Trump did not want war and had asked Iran not to attack the US interests in the region.” The announcement comes after heightened speculation that the US might take military action, following reports of troop withdrawals from Middle East bases and a warning for American citizens on Monday to leave Iran without delay. Trump had previously threatened Tehran over casualties during ongoing anti-government protests. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump adopted a more measured tone, noting that he had been informed executions in Iran had stopped, but cautioning that “if something like that happens, we will all be saddened.” Iranian authorities have accused the US and Israel of supporting what they describe as “riots” and “terrorism” amid the unrest. While official figures have not been released, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates that more than 2,600 people, including protesters and security personnel, have been killed.

Read More

Edo State Government Says Ekpoma Unrest Was Coordinated Riot, Not Student Protest

The Edo State Government on Tuesday rejected claims that the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was a protest. In a statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government described the incident as a “coordinated riot” aimed at destabilising the state. It added that the violence was “well-organised” and allegedly sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations abroad. According to the statement, security agencies have identified the suspected masterminds, who reportedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City, with funding traced to sources in the diaspora. The government also dismissed claims that those arrested in connection with the unrest were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) or that arrests were made inside student hostels. It clarified that the university is currently closed and students had vacated the hostels before the incident. “The government firmly refuted claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels,” the statement read. Authorities said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on the university campus, while others were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction. “The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement added, noting that most arrests were based on clear evidence, including video footage linking the individuals to the violence. The government emphasised that the incident had no connection with AAU students or the National Association of Nigerian Students. The unrest follows the January 9 kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma, which had sparked fear and outrage among residents, particularly AAU students.

Read More

NANS Plans Nationwide Protest On January 14 Over New Tax Laws

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a nationwide protest on January 14, 2026, over the introduction of new tax laws. In a statement on Wednesday, NANS President Comrade Olushola Oladoja said the reforms could worsen economic challenges for students and millions of Nigerians. He criticised the Federal Government’s approach, accusing advisers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of giving misguided counsel that could create unnecessary tension nationwide. Oladoja also took aim at the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, for inadequate stakeholder engagement and consultation before the rollout of the tax policy. He warned that poor planning and weak implementation could undermine progress in other sectors of the economy. “The decision to commence implementation of the Tax Reform Law from January 1, 2026, sets a dangerous precedent for a government that claims commitment to democratic values and participatory governance,” he said, noting that the National Assembly had reportedly raised concerns about discrepancies in the gazetted law. He added that civil society organisations, youth groups, and student bodies had called for a suspension of the policy to allow for greater transparency and public sensitisation. As part of the protest, NANS declared January 14 a National Day of Action, directing chapters, state councils, and zonal coordinators to organise peaceful demonstrations nationwide, including marches to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. “There can be no government without the governed. While power may reside in offices, the power of the people will always be greater,” Oladoja said.

Read More

PHOTOS: NLC Protest Hits Lagos, Abuja, Enugu Over Rising Insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) launched a nationwide protest on December 17, 2025, to demand urgent government action over rising insecurity, with confirmed demonstrations in Abuja, Lagos, and Enugu. Led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, members gathered at key locations, including the NLC secretariat in Abuja, ahead of the rallies. Despite a late-night meeting between President Bola Tinubu and union leaders aimed at averting the protest, the NLC went ahead with its planned action. In preparation, police deployed tactical units and placed commands on high alert in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja. The protests caused disruptions in Enugu, highlighting the scale of the nationwide mobilisation. While the demonstrations were planned across the country, Taraba State has not been confirmed as a location where protests took place. So far, Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu are the only states with verified reports of active protests. The nationwide action was organised to draw attention to the worsening insecurity in Nigeria and push for immediate government intervention.

Read More

Tinubu Meets NLC Leaders In Last-Minute Move To Stop Nationwide Protest

President Bola Tinubu met behind closed doors with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday night in a bid to halt the nationwide protest scheduled to begin today. The meeting, held at the State House in Abuja, was led on the labour side by NLC President Joe Ajaero. After the talks, Ajaero avoided giving a definite answer on whether the protest would still take place, saying the decision would be taken collectively by the union. “If I’m insisting, I’m not insisting. I will communicate to you. It is not an organisation that one person rules. Let’s go back now. You have a meeting of labour and the governor’s forum. We’ll go back to the drawing board and digest all that Mr President said to us, and move forward from there.” He added that the NLC leadership would reconvene early on Wednesday to review the outcome of the engagement with the President. “We came for consultation with the president, and we are finished. So, we have to go back to our meeting and then continue tomorrow. By tomorrow, we will get the outcome.” The labour union is expected to announce later on Wednesday whether it will proceed with the planned protest. The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

Read More

NLC To Hold Nationwide Protest On December 17 Over Insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for December 17 to demand urgent government action on the country’s worsening insecurity. The announcement came in a communiqué released on Monday after the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos. The statement was signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and Acting General Secretary Benson Upah. The NEC discussed critical national and industrial issues, including the recent abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. The council condemned the kidnapping and the killing of a school staffer during the incident, while also criticising the withdrawal of security personnel from the school prior to the attack. Describing the surge in attacks on schools as alarming, the NLC urged the Federal Government to protect all schools, especially those in remote and vulnerable areas. The NEC also called for immediate investigation and prosecution of those responsible for security lapses. Other issues addressed during the meeting included the crisis in tertiary education, the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and the revival of the Labour–Civil Society Coalition (LASCO). The council also expressed concern over the state of the Labour Party, urging members to realign the party with working-class principles and integrity. The communiqué warned that continued failure by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity and other pressing issues could lead to escalated industrial actions across sectors such as health and education. It stressed that workers’ safety and welfare remain a top priority and called on citizens to support efforts for a safer nation. The NLC assured that the December 17 protest would be peaceful but firm, aimed at compelling decisive government action. It further urged state governments and security agencies to intensify protection for vulnerable communities, particularly schools and students, warning that neglect could threaten national stability. The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and promoting social justice and equitable development across the country.

Read More