The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says citing fake news as reason behind moves by the All Progressive Congress (APC) led administration to regulate social media is not tenable.

The opposition party in a Wednesday statement while rejecting moves to regulate the free speech said this is because there are already laws to tackle dissemination of false information.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the move is targeted at silencing dissenting voices, a claim reiterated by Nigerians and civil society organisations among others who have jointly rejected the initiative.

Lai Mohammed, information minister said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has resolved to go ahead and regulate free speech as leaving it unchecked endangers the country’s unity.

The party also described the move as unconstitutional, anti-people and a suppressive design to asphyxiate Nigerians.

“The PDP asserts that the renewed frenzy to censor the social media is ostensibly targeted at muzzling outspoken Nigerians, particularly the youths, media and civil society organizations, from demanding for accountability and competence, as well as exposing the widespread corruption, unbridled treasury looting, barefaced injustice, human right abuses, constitutional violations and divisive actions of the APC administration,” the party wrote.

“Our party rejects the claims that the regulation bill is targeted at checking fake news. This is because our nation already has enough implementable laws to counter the dissemination of fake news and punish offenders.

“It is clear that the APC administration is rather xenophobic of criticisms from citizens against its manifest atrocities that it seeks to surreptitiously reenact the obnoxious military decree 4 to suppress Nigerians.

“Instead of this desperation to gag the citizens and curtail their constitutionally guaranteed rights, our party counsels the APC administration to rather take steps to reassure Nigerians by ending its manifest corruption, treasury looting, abuse of human rights, nepotism and unaccountability for which the citizens demands answers,” the statement partly read.

lalasticlala, mynd44

Leaders of the Northern region say they deployed ethnic and religious sentiments to quell nationwide protests demanding police reforms from escalating to its geo-political zones.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of its Kaduna meeting yesterday which had state governors, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in attendance.

Last month protests calling for the end of the now scrapped Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) went rife although the demand began online in 2017 with the hashtag #EndSARS.

While youths in almost all Southern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participated in the protests which later escalated globally, few of their counterparts in the Northern region who attempted to key in had state sponsored thugs unleashed on them.

In a communique issued at the end of the gathering by the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) Simon Lalong, leaders of the region were praised for preventing the youths from participating.

“We commend the roles of his eminence, royal highnesses, and other royal fathers in ensuring that the EndSARS protest did not escalate significantly in the North by adopting sentimental issues such as ethnicity and religion, the Forum resolved to continuously engage with their Royal Highnesses in addressing this challenge,” the communique by Mr Lalong read in part.

At the meeting, the leaders also backed President Muhammadu Buhari on his administration’s resolve to regulate the social media, a move described by civil society organisations and critics as targeted at dissenting voices.

They also endorsed extensive reform of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) led by Mr Adamu.

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers State has described the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist group even when the seccessionist movement is yet to take a life of any individual.

Mr Wike who stated this in his state-wide broadcast Wednesday evening proscribed the Nnamdi Kanu’s led movement.

Mr Kanu, a fugitive being tried for treasonable felony, had his group proscribed in 2017 over rising demands for the return of the defunct Biafra republic.

The proscription had the backing of South-East governors whose chairman, David Umahi, said the move was to douse the rising escalation of tension in the geo-political zone.

A similar demand by the late Odumegwu Ojukwu led to the 1967-1970 civil war which millions of lives and properties were lost with casualty majorly on the side of the Igbo predominantly area.

The Rivers helmsman during his broadcast said while the Government acknowledges and appreciate the enormous contributions from non-indigenes to the political, social, and economic development of the State, it will neither accept nor allow any individual or group from within and outside to violate the peace, endanger lives and property under any guise in the State.

“And so, let it be understood that we have nothing against all or any specific tribe and will continue to live in peace with people of all other tribal extractions residing or doing business in Rivers State,” Wike said.

“But we have everything against the presence and activities of the legally proscribed and anarchic Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and whatever that group stands for in Rivers State.

“This is clearly a terrorist group whose existence, creed, mission and activities are strongly denounced even by the Government and peoples of South-Eastern States of the country. I have therefore signed the executive order to reinforce the total ban on IPOB and its activities in Rivers State or any part thereof and nothing will stop us from enforcing this ban in its entirety,” he added.

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned youths protesting nationwide with demands for police reforms to desist from further demonstrating.

Mr Buhari gave the warning this evening, 48 hours after soldiers swooped on demonstrators opening live rounds on them.

Although the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said no death was recorded at the time, social media evidences are pointing to the contrary.

After the massacre, hoodlums went on rampage setting private and government properties ablaze.

In his address, Buhari warned the protesters mainly the youths to desist from further action. He said this is because it has been hijacked and defaulters would be going against national security, an act that will not be condoned.

“In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy,” Mr Buhari said.

“For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.

“I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding,” he added.

President Muhammadu Buhari has kept silent 24 hours after the massacre by suspected military personnel in Lekki, Lagos State.

Mr Buhari doubles as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces whose men participated in the killing, according to multiple video clips on the social media.

Protesters demanding police reforms at the Lekki Toll Gate were swooped on by soldiers who opened live rounds on them yesterday at about 7pm.

While reactions have greeted the military action most of which condemned it, Mr Buhari whom they are answerable to is yet to speak.

He attended the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting earlier today and nothing related to the incident was made public after the meeting held virtually.

A statement from his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said his principal commended the setting up of judicial panels by state governors as steps taken to reform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Mr Adesina never made mention of the incident where over dozens are reported to have been sent to early grave.

Checks by TODAY POLITICS on the president’s social media accounts and those of his aides remained silent on the killings.

Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, accused of playing a role in the massacre, has denied involvement. The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also addressed residents in a state-wide broadcast Wednesday morning.

Prompto:
That is why I replied to hell with him for calling bigoted souls like you for help. It is God that will punish him for calling you. It will not be well with you n your entire household born n unborn generation if any member of your tribe volunteer to help Yoruba in their struggle.

Prompto:
To hell with every igbo dead alive n unborn.
It is Ogun that will kill any Yoruba that need Igbo support to make a stand against Buhari.

ANigerian soldier has been taken into custody after speaking up against use of deadly force to quell ongoing protests against police brutality.

Harrison Friday, a lance corporal, circulated a video clip on social media to urge colleagues to disregard any directive to open fire on protesters because it would be too costly for the country.

After initially dismissing the video as coming from a ‘fake soldier’, the Army announced on Tuesday night that the man in the video was a corporal and said he had been taken into custody.

Mr. Friday was accused of cybercrime for releasing the video, and it was not immediately clear where he was being held.

The Army said credited the arrest to early successes of its so-called operation crocodile smile, which was launched last weekend to purportedly counter Anonymous hacker collective and others.

Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State, has reacted to the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate yesterday.

The demonstrators were swooped on by suspected military personnel who open fire on them in a bid to thwart the gathering. Over dozens have reportedly lost their lives as at press time.

But speaking with Channels Television Wednesday morning, the All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain denied involvement.

He is said to own shares in the infrastructure and reportedly ordered the removal of security cameras and switching off the street lights in the area before the soldiers struck.

“I will never, never be part of any carnage. I will never be part of that,” the former governor told the broadcast station on the telephone when contacted.

“I have no dime, no kobo investment in the tollgate.

“We are about 13 to 14 days into the protests now. Before now, I was being accused and reported to the Presidency that I was behind the protests, that I was a sponsor of the protests,” he added.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, has described the killings of peaceful protesters by alleged men of the Nigerian Military, as coming from forces beyond his control.

The Tuesday evening attack on demonstrators at the Lekki Toll Gate has reportedly left over a dozen dead and others in critical conditions. This is coming after sponsored thugs failed to drive the protesters demanding police reforms out of the streets.

In a statement Tuesday night, the governor he will deliver a state-wide broadcast on Wednesday.

“This is the toughest night of our lives as forces beyond our direct control have moved to make dark notes in our history, but we will face it and come out stronger,” the governor said.

“I’ve just concluded visits to hospitals with victims of this unfortunate shooting incident at Lekki. It has taken me this long to make a statement because I have to prioritize the welfare of the victims of this very sad incident.

“There are currently 10 patients at the Gen Hospital, 11 at Reddington and 4 at Vedic; with mild to moderate levels of injuries while 2 are receiving intensive medical care. 3 patients have been discharged & we will continue to monitor and ensure all patients get the best care.

“As the Governor of our state, I recognize the buck stops at my table and I will work with the FG to get to the root of this unfortunate incident and stabilise all security operations to protect the lives of our residents.

“I will give a state broadcast in the morning,” he added.

Meanwhile the Twitter handle of the Nigerian Army has described the incident where live rounds were opened on protesters as fake news.

Lagos State Police Command has banned any form of protests in the state.

This was made public by Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the command in a Tuesday statement, hours after the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government.

“Due to the new development of violent attacks on police officers and men and formations including innocent Nigerians in Lagos State, and the 24-hour curfew imposed by the Lagos State Government with effect from 4 pm today October 20; the Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the public that henceforth no protest or gathering or possession, under whatever guise, is permitted within Lagos State,” the statement read.

“In light of the above, all security agencies have deployed adequate personnel to take charge and enforce the curfew across the state.

“The command regrets to confirm the setting ablaze of Orile Police Station today at about 10am, where some of our policemen were critically injured and unconfirmed reports state that one of them is dead.

“It’s crystal clear that the #ENDSARS protest has been hijacked by hoodlums who want to run down the state and the police command will resist such state of anarchy, unrest and brouhaha with all powers within the ambit of the law.

“While the command is resolute in the sustenance of human rights and democratic tenets, the public is hereby warned to comply with the curfew and desist from any act of violence in the state as the command will resist such in totality,” it added.

The Lagos State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor, who announced this on Twitter said the curfew begins at 4pm today.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the imposition began necessary given the rate at which peaceful demonstration turned violent. TODAY POLITICS had earlier reported how a police station in Orile area of the state was set ablaze after the killing of two protesters.

“Dear Lagosians, I have watched with shock how what began as a peaceful #EndSARS protest has degenerated into a monster that is threatening the well-being of our society,” the Lagos helmsman said.

“Lives and limbs have been lost as criminals and miscreants are now hiding under the umbrella of these protests to unleash mayhem on our state. As a government that is alive to its responsibility and has shown a commitment to the movement #ENDSARS, we will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state.

“I, therefore, hereby impose a 24-hour curfew on all parts of the State as from 4pm today, 20th October,2020. Nobody, except essential service providers and first responders must be found on the streets,” Sanwo-Olu added.

Thugs suspected to have the backing of the Federal Government on Monday attacked protesters demanding the reform of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and its brutal units.

The nationwide demonstrations began two weeks ago and have continued to gain momentum locally and internationally. The violent attacks on protesters began last week and have continued despite the military announcing intending crackdown beginning tomorrow.

TheCable quoting its sources, said the hoodlums attacked demonstrators and setting ablaze automobiles allegedly belongings to them.

This is said to have occurred around Kabusa junction in the Apo district area of the nation’s capital, this evening.

Video clips seen by TODAY POLITICS circulating on social media showed the inferno consuming not lest than 9 cars packed beside the road.

jagaban002:
Any transaction from 10,000 upwards will charge 50 naira on savings account for stamp duty except if is agency account ,
And 50 naira for current account from 1,000 upwards that’s one of the bullshit that has to stop .
Sometimes I tell my customer that buy goods worth 10,000 to pay 9950 so the 50naira won’t go to tThe failed government

Olaide1295:

I use Sparkle ❇️
No charges at all

The website of the Nigerian Presidency has been pulled down online by Anonymous hackers.

The cyber attackers took down the portal Saturday evening. When TODAY POLITICS visited the medium, it went offline and yet to come back online as at press time.

The attack is that which the Anonymous cyber squad promised when it 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government elapsed.

They had advised the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to hearken to the demands of Nigerians calling for the reforms of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The attackers have claimed responsibility for knocking down websites of government agencies, including that of First Bank of Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed why observers are not taking note of the progress his administration is recording in the fight against corruption.

Mr Buhari represented by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, at a book presentation by Mrs Farida Waziri, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, insisted that corruption will be eradicated by his government.


A global civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption, Transparency International (TI) had in its latest report stated that corruption was getting worse under the present administration.

In the 2019 corruption perception index released by TI Nigeria moved two places down from last year, to rank the world’s 34th most corrupt nation with 146 out of 180 countries. The country also scored 26 out of 100 points, falling by one point compared to 2018.

The group provided possible explanations why Nigeria has failed to improve in corruption perception index despite the government’s declared “war on corruption.”


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The reasons includes: Selective rule of law by the government; Backlash against media and civil society damages; Institutionalised corruption in political parties and political integrity; Poor understanding of the definition of corruption and how to tackle it; Anti-corruption legal and policy framework is underdeveloped; Inability to implement recommendations on anti-corruption and Endemic corruption in vital sectors such as oil and gas and defence.

Mr Buhari while addressing the gathering said his corruption war is not being felt because the fraudulent conduct is deep-rooted in the country.


“We must know that corruption is a major challenge of governance and development, which we must all seek to eliminate from our system,” the president said.

“Our administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption has been unwavering and we shall unrelentingly pursue its eradication.

“We have made significant progress in loot recovered, leakages blocked and the arrest and prosecution made. If the impact have not been too apparent to some observers, it is because of the deep root corruption has taken and the extent of despair before our advent.

“Nevertheless, we have received good report and commendation from home and abroad on our success in fighting corruption. With our steady efforts we have great hope that corruption will be eliminated in our country,” he added.

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has again fined the Federal Government over its failure to commence the trial of Omoyele Sowore.

Mr Sowore who publishes Sahara Reporters is facing trial bordering on cyberstalking, treason and insulting President Muhammadu Buhari.

At the resume hearing, the prosecutors team appeared to have come unprepared. TODAY POLITICS observed that those who appeared in court were different from the lawyers who initiated the trial, the new team amended the charges an demanded for time to study and proceed with the trial.

Justice Ojukwu who presided over the court sitting thereafter ordered the prosecution team to pay the sum of N200,000 to the defence counsel as cost.

This is the second time the Court has imposed fine on the government. Last year, the govt. was fined N100,000 cost to be paid to the defence team for delaying commencement of the trial.

The case has been adjourned to Thursday.

Protesters are currently demonstrating at the office of Amnesty International.

They are accusing the international organization of aiding criminal activities across the country.

According one of the protest banners held by the protesters, terrorism in the country was overwhelming, Amnesty International is accused of aiding criminal activities across the country.

They listed Boko Haram, IPOB, ISWAP among others as major beneficiary of the organization activities in the country. Violent herdsmen whose criminal activities has been on the rise since President Muhammadu Buhari took over power in 2015 were not included in the list.

After the demonstration ended, protesters who participated in the exercise started asking for their “own share.”

One of them who is said to have held the money meant for his group disappeared while members asked for his whereabouts.

More details later.