Inside the Plan by Presidency Allies to Deploy Hoodlums for Deadly Police Attacks and Blame Protesters, Revealed by Peoples Gazette

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly facing pressure from key allies, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to approve a highly controversial strategy aimed at intensifying the ongoing nationwide protests. According to an exclusive report by Peoples Gazette, this plan involves manipulating violent incidents to discredit protesters and justify severe government responses.

The Gazette reveals that a crucial meeting held on Monday morning, attended by Wike, Gbajabiamila, Akpabio, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and Minister David Umahi, discussed the proposal. The strategy reportedly includes using hoodlums to instigate violence and implicate protesters in attacks on police officers, thereby escalating the situation.

President Tinubu’s recent address, which proposed immediate relief measures for the poor, has not quelled the protests that began on August 1. Despite these measures, the protests have persisted, prompting Wike and others to suggest more aggressive tactics to deter demonstrators.

Critics, including some within the administration, fear that such a plan could worsen the crisis and lead to further violence. At least 15 civilians have already died as a result of security force actions since the protests began.

A presidential spokesperson stated that while various recommendations are under consideration, no actions will be taken without President Tinubu’s approval. Responses from Gbajabiamila, Akpabio, and other key figures involved in the meeting remain unavailable.