By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigeria Renaissance Group (NRG), a pro-democracy civil rights organization, has raised an alarm over what it described as a coordinated plot to stage blackmail-driven protests against key officials in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released Tuesday, the group claimed intelligence pointed to a manipulated protest campaign, rather than a genuine expression of public dissent. Targets of the alleged smear include: Chief Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Chief George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman.
According to NRG spokesperson Comrade Mohammed Lawal, the planned protests aim to undermine national leadership through deception and blackmail, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s stability and distract from developmental efforts.
“We support peaceful protests driven by sincere motives, but we strongly oppose any attempt to destabilize the country by maligning officials who are committed to national service,” Lawal said.
He called on security agencies to ensure law and order during any forthcoming demonstrations, and on young Nigerians to reject manipulation by individuals “who have turned their backs on the system that once empowered them.”
NRG stressed that while protest is a democratic right, it must be exercised with integrity and national interest in mind, not as a tool for political mischief.
The group pledged to continue monitoring developments and urged Nigerians to prioritize unity and constructive dialogue in addressing grievances.
