Abuja, Nigeria – Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of protesters pending the hearing and ruling on their bail application, scheduled for September 11, 2024.
This decision follows the accused pleading not guilty to a six-count charge, which includes allegations of terrorism. The charges have raised significant concern among human rights advocates, drawing attention to the government’s handling of protests primarily focused on issues such as hunger and misgovernance.
More details are expected to emerge as the case progresses with the next court session set to determine the immediate future of the accused protesters.
Protest Resume in Abuja Over Fuel Scarcity
Abuja, Nigeria – Scores of demonstrators took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, calling for the immediate dismissal of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), due to the ongoing fuel scarcity plaguing the nation.
The protest comes at a time when the NNPCL has admitted that its considerable debt to fuel suppliers is jeopardizing the sustainability of fuel supplies across the country. The corporation has highlighted that the financial burden is severely impacting its operations and could further destabilize the already fragile fuel supply chain.
During the protest, demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners with messages such as “We are tired of fuel scarcity and stories on why refineries are not working,” “No direction under Kyari,” and “We want accountability in the affairs of NNPCL.” The protesters decried what they viewed as a dismal performance under Kyari’s leadership, calling for greater transparency and accountability.
Aminu Abbas, the Convener of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations, addressed the media at Unity Fountain after the rally, questioning why a country as rich in oil resources as Nigeria continues to face such severe fuel scarcity. Abbas called for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis and ensure that the country’s refineries are functioning efficiently.
“To President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all those in positions of power, we say the time to act is now. Show us that you stand with the people, not those who profit from our misery. Mr. Kyari must be shown the way out, and the NNPCL must be reformed to serve the interests of all Nigerians. We will not be silenced,” Abbas declared.
“The fuel scarcity we endure today is not just a mere inconvenience; it is a calculated perpetuation of suffering. Under Mr. Kyari’s leadership, the situation has gone from bad to worse, with no end in sight. What has he done to alleviate this crisis? It is clear he seems intent on maintaining a status quo that benefits only a select few while the masses suffer,” Abbas continued.
“Why do we, the people, have to endure endless queues, inflated prices, and the daily uncertainty of whether we can fuel our vehicles or power our homes? The answer lies in the gross incompetence and mismanagement that have become the hallmarks of Mr. Kyari’s leadership,” he concluded.
The protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met and significant reforms are implemented within the NNPCL
