By Safiyat Muhammed
The Bureau Newspaper
#NewsUpdateInNigeriaToday | #TheBureauNews
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Renaissance Group (NRG), a prominent pro-democracy civil rights organization, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians—particularly the youth—about an alleged covert plot to stage blackmail-driven protests aimed at discrediting key officials in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NRG revealed that it had uncovered a coordinated plan to stage non-organic protests masked as civic uprisings, but allegedly designed to embarrass and malign top government figures.
The group specifically named the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief George Akume, the President of the Senate, Obong Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede as the main targets of the purported smear campaign.
According to the NRG, the protests are not grassroots expressions of public discontent, but rather “a malicious orchestration” intended to destabilize governance and manipulate public perception. The group stressed that these acts serve no genuine democratic cause and are counterproductive to national development.
NRG Urges Vigilance and Lawful Engagement
Comrade Mohammed Lawal, spokesperson for the group, called on security agencies nationwide to stay alert and ensure law and order during the anticipated demonstrations. He emphasized the group’s support for peaceful and constructive protest, while denouncing any action rooted in blackmail, misinformation, or character assassination.
“We unequivocally support peaceful protests that are genuinely rooted in good intentions and a desire for constructive change,” Lawal said. “However, we categorically reject attempts to undermine key government officials through calculated deception.”
Lawal also cautioned Nigeria’s youth to be vigilant and resist the influence of individuals who have turned against the very system that once empowered them. He urged young Nigerians to pursue dialogue and patriotic advocacy rather than be used as pawns in political vendettas.
Protest Rights Must Uphold National Unity
While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, the NRG reiterated that such actions must uphold national unity, integrity, and respect for democratic institutions. The organization condemned the weaponization of protests for political mischief or public manipulation.
As June 12 approaches—a day symbolic of Nigeria’s democratic struggle—the NRG called on all Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of past heroes and avoid actions that could jeopardize the nation’s fragile unity.
The group pledged to continue monitoring developments and updating the public as the situation unfolds.
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