Peter Obi reacts to Bisi Akande’s allegations that #EndSARS protests was targeted at Tinubu

Former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande’s claims that Obi’s supporters, known as the Obidient Movement, planned the 2020 #EndSARS protests to thwart Bola Tinubu’s presidential aspirations have been sharply criticised by Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.

In a statement to PUNCH, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, refuted Akande’s accusations, labeling them as not only factually incorrect but also deeply insensitive to the victims of the protests.

The controversy stems from a recent podcast appearance by Akande, where he alleged that the #EndSARS protests were part of a larger, well-funded conspiracy orchestrated by the Obidient Movement.

Akande suggested the movement, allegedly supported by foreign funding, was aimed at derailing Tinubu’s rise to power.

“The Obidients were behind the #EndSARS. It was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu). I said the Obidients, I didn’t say Obi,” Akande stated during the interview.

He further added, “They came from America to do the #EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party. They couldn’t form a party. It was well planned and organised with a lot of money from America.”

Obi’s representative, however, swiftly rejected Akande’s narrative, asserting that it was a deliberate attempt to rewrite history and mislead the public.

Ibrahim stressed that Akande’s comments were not only unfounded but also disrespectful to the memories of those who lost their lives during the #EndSARS protests, which were a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s struggle for justice and police reform.

“The allegations are not only misleading but also divisive. It is unfortunate Akande would suggest that the Obidient Movement was behind the #EndSARS protests, and even more astonishing that he would imply it was orchestrated to prevent a particular individual from becoming President,” Ibrahim stated

“Well, let me be clear: the movement is a grassroots phenomenon that emerged organically, driven by the passion and dedication of Nigerians who are committed to creating a better future for our country. It’s a movement that transcends partisan politics and is focused on promoting good governance, accountability, and inclusive development.

“The #EndSARS protests, on the other hand, were a spontaneous response to the widespread discontent and frustration among Nigerian youth regarding issues of police brutality, corruption, and economic inequality. It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of our young people, who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

“To conflate these two distinct phenomena is not only inaccurate but also unfair to the millions of Nigerians who are genuinely committed to creating positive change. We urge former governor Akande to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims that can only serve to further polarise our society.”

BREAKING; JAMB shifts 2025 UTME registration, new date announced

The registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will now commence on Monday, Feb. 3, instead of Friday, Jan. 31 as earlier slated.

Dr Fabian Benjamin, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Public Communication Advisor, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.

Benjamin said the change was necessary to allow the Board to implement essential adjustments to its registration templates.

“These adjustments came in light of the recent suspension of certain law programmes at selected universities, as submitted to the Board by the Council for Legal Education.

“Additionally, the Board discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres had used deceptive facilities to be approved, prompting the need for further scrutiny and corrections by disapproving such centres.

“The Board acknowledges the disruption this may cause to candidates and other stakeholders and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience,” he said.

He added that the additional time would be used to ensure that all necessary changes were made for a smooth registration process.(NAN)

Nigerian Army 32 Artillery Brigade gets new Commander

Brig.-Gen. Justin Ifeanyi, has assumed office as the new Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure.

Ifeanyi takes over from Maj.-Gen. John Lar, who is proceeding to Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes.

This is contained in a statement on Friday in Akure by Maj. Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 32 Artillery Brigade.

Ifeanyi, who assumed command as the 12th Commander of the Brigade called on officers and soldiers of the brigade to place service and national interest above personal interest.

He appreciated the efforts of the outgoing commander by taking the brigade to greater heights and promised to consolidate on the good work of his predecessor.

Ifeanyi lauded the remarkable and transformative drive of the outgoing commander and thanked him for all his efforts in sharpening the brigade.

Earlier, Lar thanked officers and soldiers of the brigade for their immense support and cooperation during his tenure.

He acknowledged their professionalism, dedication and collective contributions which he said played a vital role in his recent elevation to the enviable rank of a Major General.

Lar urged the officers and soldiers to extend similar cooperation and support to the new commander to enable him succeed as he pilots the affairs of the brigade.

Highlights of the event include the signing of handing and taking over notes, decoration of the new commander with the brigade insignia, and handing over of the brigade flag. (NAN)