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Lai Mohammed attributes EndSARS protest escalation to fake news and disinformation
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, stated that the escalation of the #EndSARS protests in 2020 was due to widespread fake news and disinformation, which he described as the government’s biggest challenge during that period. The protests, which began on October 8, 2020, as peaceful demonstrations against police brutality, particularly the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, gained momentum on social media. Mohammed, speaking at the London School of Economics and Political Science, noted that while the protests initially reflected genuine public frustration, they took a different direction as unverified information circulated. He specifically mentioned that the situation worsened when misleading content spread across traditional and digital platforms, especially after troops were deployed to the Lekki Toll Gate. Mohammed criticized CNN, alleging that some of its reports relied on unverified content, which he claimed heightened tensions and shaped global perceptions. He also discussed Nigeria's communication strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the multi-channel approach adopted, including daily briefings and outreach in local languages, to counter misinformation. Mohammed defended the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, stating it was a considered decision after attempts to address concerns over misinformation and divisive content failed. These remarks were part of his three-day UK speaking tour, where he discussed leadership, governance, and public
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadAliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, announced that the expansion of the Dangote Refinery to a production capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day is expected to create employment for approximately 95,000 skilled workers during the peak construction phase. Dangote shared this information in Lagos during his induction as an honorary fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, describing the project as a significant milestone for Nigeria's industrial transformation. He emphasized the group's commitment to engineering excellence, job creation, and sustainable economic growth, noting that the project will rely heavily on Nigerian expertise, providing opportunities for engineers, technicians, artisans, and other skilled professionals. Upon completion, the expanded refinery is anticipated to become the world's largest, surpassing India's Jamnagar refinery, thereby strengthening Nigeria's refining capacity. The expansion is also expected to stimulate local manufacturing, enhance technology transfer, deepen Nigeria's oil and gas value chain, improve fuel security, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, and generate significant foreign exchange savings for the Nigerian economy. The President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof. Rahamon Bello, commended Dangote's impact, stating that his journey inspires a new generation of professionals.
Aviation stakeholders are urging the Federal Government to address the escalating cost of aviation fuel, warning that it could jeopardize preparations for the 2026 Hajj. Bukalti Gamawa, President of the Concerned Aviation Stakeholders, stated that the sharp increase in Jet A1 fuel prices, exacerbated by global oil price hikes due to international conflicts, poses a significant threat to airlifting thousands of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Nigeria's aviation industry has seen over a 300 percent rise in fuel prices, forcing some airlines to reduce or suspend operations. Stakeholders emphasize that many airlines contracted for the 2026 Hajj planned to lease aircraft, but the current fuel costs have eroded profit margins, potentially leading to operations at a loss. They advocate for urgent policy actions such as price regulation, forex support, or special fuel arrangements, despite the removal of Hajj subsidies. Gamawa warned that without immediate intervention, the 2026 Hajj could face record-high fares or operational disruptions. Jet A1, which was approximately ₦1,000 per litre in Nigeria and $0.68 per litre in Saudi Arabia when contracts were negotiated, now sells for up to ₦3,000 per litre in Nigeria and around $1.40 per litre in Saudi Arabia. This represents a 200% increase in Nigeria and over 105% in Saudi Arabia. For example, a single flight from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, consuming about 70,000 litres, would have cost ₦70 million but now costs around ₦175 million. Ai
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has officially recognized the Shehu Gabam-led National Working Committee NWC of the Social Democratic Party SDP. This decision, confirmed by INEC officials and updated on its website, follows a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment delivered on March 27, 2026, affirmed Gabam as the authentic National Chairman of the party. The ruling stemmed from an appeal filed by Fayemi Babatunde, an aggrieved party member, who challenged the validity of the Ekiti State governorship primary and the legitimacy of the party leadership that conducted it. Babatunde specifically faulted the NWC led by Dr. Sadiq Gombe, describing it as illegally constituted. While a Federal High Court initially dismissed the case and affirmed Gombe, the Court of Appeal partially overturned this decision, stating the lower court lacked jurisdiction over the SDP leadership tussle. The appellate court set aside the Federal High Court's pronouncement recognizing Gombe and validating the November 8, 2025 primary election. However, it relied on INEC's monitoring report, which confirmed the primary election was conducted with valid delegates and produced a winner, Mr. Bankole Oludele. INEC's website now lists Gabam as National Chairman, with Olu Agunloye as National Secretary, and other NWC members including Hajia Maggie Mariam as National Treasurer and Aderemi Abimbola as National Legal Adviser, with "By Co
Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Lyon in the first leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final on Sunday. Lyon initially took the lead in the 18th minute with a goal from Jule Brand. However, Arsenal equalized shortly before the hour mark due to an own goal from Ingrid Engen, following a mishandle by goalkeeper Christiane Endler. Arsenal then took the lead in the 83rd minute when Olivia Smith capitalized on another defensive error. The two teams will play the second leg in Lyon next weekend. Last season, Arsenal defeated Lyon at the same stage and went on to win the trophy.