₦airaland Forum

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, says a collective effort from citizens is required to put an end to the insurgency in the North-East.

According to the Army chief, it would take the combined actions of both civilians and the military to win the war against terrorism. 

Buratai said this on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday.

He wrote, “There is general misunderstanding of what insurgency and terrorism entail. There is likelihood of terrorism persisting in Nigeria for another 20 years. It only depends on the level of escalation and the appropriate responses by all stakeholders both civil and military authorities.

“Also by both local and international actors. Citizens’ responsibility is equally important and imperative. All must cooperate to contain the lingering insecurity. Let there be collective action and responsibility.”

Similarly, former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof Usman Yusuf insisted that the security situation in the country calls for collective efforts from all Nigerians.

Speaking with Arise News on Wednesday, Yusuf said, "The government and all Nigerians must agree that things are not working and the government must involve the people . The way security is done in this country is that things come from Abuja without involving people. We are in big trouble, the insecurity in this country has increased in recent times with killing of people, raping our women, cattle being rustled, and villages burnt. Its high time the federal government puts this nation on war footing and mobilise every body". 

Yusuf also suggested that communities and the military should train the youths to fight against killings, kidnapping and banditry.

"No nation can call itself secure if it does not have control of it’s airspace, waterways and highways and forests," he said. 

"We cannot be secure and will only be deluding ourselves if we think things will change and if we should continue like this. Everybody must sit up and know that security is not for the government and military alone but ours. I have friends in the United States of America who are from Somalia who call me and say they are worried about Nigeria because this is the way Somalia started and look at where we are today.

“ When we speak, it’s not that we are against the government, we brought them in, and they must do what we ask. If government doesn’t protect us, then it’s of no good to us. I call on every Nigerian to speak up".

... call on international community to support Nigeria in fight against terrorism

The Northern Elders’ Council (NEC) has expressed solidarity with President Muhammadu Buhari and expressed confidence in his ability to effectively halt the remnants of terrorists in the country following the killing of farmworkers in Borno State. 

The group, in a statement signed by its Assistant General Secretary, Dr Adama Kabiru, on Wednesday, described the killing as "barbaric, repulsive, inexcusable, depraved and deserving of the harshest consequences possible". 

The NEC said persons or groups gloating over the sad incident as a way of deriding President Buhari is tacitly encouraging Boko Haram to kill more.

According to the council, the sad incident should instead serve as a wake-up call to all relevant stakeholders irrespective of pecuniary differences to support the military. 

The group, however, urged the international community to support Nigeria in way of cutting off the terrorists’ access to funding and arms. 

The NEC further appealed to countries that have placed an embargo on the sales of arms to Nigeria to have a rethink.

Read the full statement below:

The Northern Elders’ Council (NEC) is urging that the Boko Haram terrorists responsible for killing scores of farmers in Zabarmari, Borno State must not go unpunished for their abhorrent crime against humanity. The specific individuals that carried out the attack should be identified and dealt with while the campaign to exterminate the terrorist group should be escalated. This is even as we sympathize with the families of the bereaved, President Muhammadu Buhari and the entire nation.

We condemn the killing of these innocent farmers, who were only out to earn their livelihood, in the strongest terms as barbaric, repulsive, inexcusable, depraved and deserving of the harshest consequences possible. The punishment for this crime should be made particularly stiff given the fact that the terrorists possibly targeted the farmers to precipitate a food crisis.

The council regrets that the terrorists and their enablers committed the atrocious murder despite all of Mr President’s sacrifices and that of the Nigerian military by exploiting the political atmosphere in Borno State to inflict pains on humanity. 

The killing of the farmers should now prompt an alignment among all stakeholders irrespective of pecuniary differences. Those sitting on the fence in the anti-terror war must now take a stand in the interest of humanity while those who that usually make justification for the crimes committed by Boko Haram terrorists should now know that it is them against the civilized world that holds the sanctity of human life dear.

We appeal to those currently trying to squeeze political capital out of this tragedy to have a rethink because it is appalling for anyone to be callous to the point of using the death of innocent persons at the hands of terrorists as means of gaining political traction. Anyone gloating over the murder as a way of deriding President Buhari is tacitly encouraging Boko Haram to kill more people, which unfortunately is what a worrying number of persons have been doing. 

NEC is certain that the death of these farmers will trigger actions that guarantee that days of the terrorists are numbered, and this singular wicked and dastardly act is one they will pay the highest price possible for. Nigerians should help ensure this by furnishing the military and security agencies with timely information that will lead to successful military operations against Boko Haram fighters.

We, therefore, urge Mr President to give the command for the Nigerian military to unleash on Boko Haram and any of its known affiliates while the intelligence community is also mandated to fish out terrorists’ enablers to cut off the financial, propaganda and intelligence they receive from their supporters. Resources should be prioritized to scale up the operations to rid northeast Nigeria and the entire  Lake Chad Basin of terrorism.

The international community must at this point shake off their indifference, particularly countries whose foreign policy drive had contributed to the rise of extremism and terrorism. They should support Nigeria by assisting in cutting off the terrorists’ access to funding and arms. Those countries that have refused to sell arms to Nigeria must at this stage have a rethink especially when it has become crystal clear that their subtle embargoes on arms sales to Nigeria were premised on false reporting by NGOs that covertly work to advance the cause of the terrorists.

Following the killing of farmworkers in Zabarmari, Borno State, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives have been advised to face the reality on the ground and see the fight against insurgency as a collective one. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice (CTJ) gave this call on Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja. 

Speaking on behalf of the group, National Coordinator, Timothy Charles noted that for far too long, the crisis in the North-East has been left for the military alone without any help from relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly.  

According to the coalition, the NASS has always danced to the gallery without proferring any solution. 

To put an end to the menace, Mr Charles said all hands must be on deck, urging the National Assembly to explore ways it can use the instrument of the legislation to assist the country and the troops on the frontlines. 

The coalition further challenged the lawmakers to come up with innovations that would promote the security of lives and properties in the country. 

With a more pragmatic and proactive commitment from all critical stakeholders including the Senate and House of Representatives, the group, however, assured that the insurgency war would soon come to an end.

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition for Truth and Justice receives the recent statement credited to the hallowed chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives in the National Assembly with regards to the security situation in the country. 

The position of the National Assembly which from all intents and purposes is not malicious, but instead, it is out of tune with reality because the insurgency crisis in North-East Nigeria has been left for the military alone, while institutions such as the National Assembly has continued to pay lip service.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice is particularly alarmed that the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly have not been credited to have proffered any solution to the insurgency crisis in North-East Nigeria, but instead, it has been playing to the gallery through public statements that are more of rhetoric and grandstanding. 

The National Assembly has again by their recent actions demonstrated gross insensitivity to the sanctity of human lives with regards to the Zabarmari killings in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice is calling on members of both chambers of the National Assembly to put the interest of the country at heart in the conduct of their legislative business by exploring ways it can use the instrument of the legislation to assist the country in the fight against insurgency and other criminal activities in Nigeria. 

The members of the Senate, as well as the House of Representatives, must realize that they are representatives of the people. As such, it behoves on them to see the task of addressing the security challenges in the country as a collective one.

It is also instructive to add that the people they represent in the National Assembly are also victims of acts of criminalities. As such, it is expected that our lawmakers should come up with innovations that would promote the security of lives and properties in the country. 

Our lawmakers must also be seen to be a part of the solution to the spate of insecurity in the country. Their deliberations in the hallowed chambers must reflect the realities on the ground and must also be seen as having respect for the sanctity of human lives. 

It is indeed instructive to state that had the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives been supportive of the efforts of the government towards tackling the threats posed by the Boko Haram insurgency, Nigeria would have made considerable progress in the war against insurgency. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice wishes to advise the members of the National Assembly to do all within its powers to render valuable support to the government on the war against insurgency in Nigeria. 

It must also as matter urgency begin the process of enacting laws that would boost the operations of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because the realities on the ground require a more pragmatic and proactive commitment from all critical stakeholders including the National Assembly.  

The members of the National Assembly must see this task as a national concern and do all within its purview to ensure that Nigeria records success in the war against insurgency. It must also be stated that this is not the era for paying lip service and criticizing the government’s efforts. This is indeed the era of joining hands and working as a team towards the overarching aim of ensuring the security of lives and properties in Nigeria. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice believes that our lawmakers can enact laws that would also further strengthen Nigerians sovereignty and protect the country from external aggression and in the overall interest of the country. 

This is indeed not the time to apportion blames because human lives are being lost daily, but rather this is the time for collective action and with a strategic purpose of nipping in the mid the nefarious activities of insurgents and terrorists, as well as other criminal gangs across the country. 

The members of the National Assembly must also see themselves as partners in progress and not rivals in governance as recent events suggest with the unfortunate incident in Zabarmari community in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Coalition for Truth and Justice is charging the members of the National Assembly to rise to the occasion in this critical point of our existence as a country by doing the needful in support of the war against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria. 

The Coalition for Truth and Justice believes that if the National Assembly extends its support to the war against insurgency and terrorism, Nigeria shall experience tremendous success. 

This is our position.

The Centre for Public Accountability CPA, has described as a bad omen for free and fair election, the desperation being exhibited by the All Progressives Congress APC, ahead of the bye election into the Bakura constituency of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, scheduled for Saturday December 5, 2020.

CPA in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Olufemi Lawson says it was reacting to the constitution of a 20-man election campaign Council by the APC National secretariat, which has 3 serving Governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and others as members. The APC had in a statement by it Deputy National Publicity secretary, appointed the Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar as the Chairman of the committee, which also has Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State, Senator Wammako from Sokoto State among many others.

"As key observers in the democratic process, we are deeply concerned, that if an election involving only one seat in the state house of assembly can generate so much interest from the APC, in a manner that threaten to overheat the polity, what will happen if such election is statewide, involving larger constituencies.

"We are amazed by the audacity of the APC to raise these army of campaigners, in the same state where neither the party nor its leader in the state, former Governor Abdul'aziz Yari have associated with the people of the state, whom he abandoned with a burden of Insecurity, after his tenure in 2019.

“The show of shame by the APC, is an extension of the threat that has been issued by some top politicians of the party in the State, to destabilise the administration of the incumbent Governor, Hon. Bello Matawalle." CPA said.

The statement further said what the APC is aiming to achieve with the byelection, is a futher degeneracy of the security situation in Zamfara state, hence the need to call them to order urgently,

"APC should at all times be reminded, that there is a limit to the abuse of power and any attempt to deny the people, the right to freely elect their representatives, should be resisted.'

"Constituting such an intimidating campaign council for a state assembly seat election shows that the party have lost control of themselves and they are bound to also lose control of the nation -democratically." the statement concluded

Tinubu Support Group(TSG) commiserate with the Government and People of Borno State over farmers killing.


The grousome killings of farmers this weekend is a huge loss not just to their family and the state, but the nation at large

We condemned unwarranted killings of innocent Nigerians by whatever guide and call on the security agencies to step up intelligence gathering to prevent further loss of lives of harmless Nigerians in the state and beyond.


We appeal to our people and community leaders at all levels to assist the security in intelligence gathering/shairing and to continue to live together in peace and harmony and not allow divisive elements to put a wedge between them. Remember security is everybody's business and should not be left alone for security personnel alone.


We want to reassure residents of Borno and the country in general to go about their lawful activities without fear because they have a governor and President that is up and doing to stop the insecurity in the state.

We are aware that the leadership of our security and law enforcement agencies are taking action to safeguard the nation against insecurity and divisive element and they need our cooperation.

May the Almighty God grant rest to the souls of the departed.

More than 300 statutory delegates, Students and observers are expected to take part in the National convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, which opens in Abuja today.

A statement by the media and publicity committee, of the NANS Convention Planning Committee, stated that the convention will deliberate on the State of Campuses, State of the Nation and issues of unity in the Students' movement.

“In addition, we have guests that are invited from within and outside the country and about 5000 Students, will be present at the opening ceremony,’’ the statement said.

The Committee was optimistic that after the convention, the NANS would be able to play active roles in promoting the ideals and goals expected of students in the country.

High point of the convention, will be the election of new national officers for the NANS, who are expected to run the affairs of the organisation for the next one year.

Exclusive: Troops of Nigerian Army and civilian JTF after rescuing 200 Zabarmari villagers from Boko Haram planned attacks.

The combined forces were equally responsible for the recovery of the 43 slained rice farmers by Boko Haram. Credible sources have authoritiavely revealed to TheNigerian News.

#EndSARS: Don't Subvert Truth Before Lagos Panel, Group Warns Lagos Govt, AMnesty International



The Lagos state government and Amnesty International, AI, have been warned to allow the Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up to probe the allegation of brutality against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Lagos state to work without any form of interference.

A civil society organisation, Advocates For Social Justice, at a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, warned the Lagos government and the rights group against subversion of truth before the commission.

Mr. Agwu Gabriel Esq., Executive Director of the group said it is alarmed that a delegation from Lagos State Government is in London for a meeting with Amnesty International to exonerate Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, on the deployment of the military to manage the #EndSARS protest at Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.

The group alleged that Amnesty International is at the forefront of the campaign of calumny being waged against the Nigerian military .

The Executive Director said, ''The #EndSARS protests turned violent on the strength of its engineered interventions and campaign of fake news in which it triggered the misplaced outrage about a massacre that never happened.

''To have a sense of how badly Amnesty International lied against Nigeria and its military, Cable News Network (CNN) has walked back its claim of 38 fatalities from the Lekki Toll Gate incident because its report was based on the lies told by the NGO. Nigerians had risen up against the lies prompting the network to recant its flawed reporting.

''Amnesty International lies had been exposed long before CNN was forced to make a volte face. When its Country Director, Osai Ojigho went on Arise TV to continue the offensive against Nigeria but could not provide evidence to support her organization’s claim that the military massacred protesters in Lekki. All she could provide was the lame quip that the military has a tradition of killing people and taking their corpses away, which is another lie that Amnesty International has replicated and elevated to the level of a myth''.

The group said Ojigho, representing her organization, went as far as riding the coattails of a proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to go testify against the Nigerian government and military in support of a terrorist organization.

On the proccedings before the Unitd Kingdom Parliament on the Lekki incident in Lagos, Mr. Gabriel described it as a rehash of the proceedings of the Canadian Parliamentary committee, which can best be described as a charade.

''Again, the UK Parliamentary show of shame was brokered by Amnesty International, which possibly still thinks that the Britain can resume being Nigeria’s colonial master if its staff lie enough about human rights abuses allegedly committed by the Nigerian Army or other security agencies.

''This and much more is public knowledge about Amnesty International and the poisonous branding it is carrying out on Nigeria. It is something that right thinking Nigerians have been clamouring to bring an end about. They see the NGO for the monster it is and they have not stopped drawing attention to the danger that this organization poses to the country.

''Unfortunately, Lagos state is neither reading the national mood correctly nor properly evaluating the facts before it. The people around Governor Sanwoolu are apparently still addicted to being inferior in the face of a foreign-based NGO that has the reputation of sowing discord and crisis around the world, one that has made it a permanent goal to bring Nigeria into ruins.

''Interestingly, one of the ways Amnesty International attempts to undermine Nigeria is by casting aspersions on the institutions of the country. It has persistently targeted the military and security establishments with this approach. It has equally added other institutions like the judiciary. Its latest target is logically the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry'', the group said.

The group called on the Lagos state government to immediately stops further interface, interaction and contact with Amnesty International in Nigeria, United Kingdom and in any other country of the world.


End

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has raised an alarm over the existence, secret sponsorship and operation of a terrorist organisation in the southern part of the country. 

CESJET, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ikpa Isaac, fingered supposed human rights group, InterSociety for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law, to be behind the sect. 

The centre said it came to this conclusion after a thorough forensic investigation conducted by a team of experts. 

According to Comrade Ikpa, the group, in alliance with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) aims to plunge Nigeria into a crisis and bloodshed potent enough to compromise national security.

With external sponsorship, CESJET said the new group has expanded unimaginably in the last few months, consistently recruiting new members. 

The centre added that the group was behind the violent bloodshed and arsons in Oyigbo in Rivers State which led to the killing of several soldiers. 

It, however, charged the police, the DSS and all other relevant security agencies to keep an eye on Intersociety operations and IPOB Code members in the South. 

The centre further urged Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to sustain his vigilance on the sect to protect lives and property. 

Read the full statement below:

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) deems it expedient to alert Nigerians and security agencies in the country on the existence, secret sponsorship and operation of a terrorist’s organization in the Southern part of the country, especially between the Abia and Rivers state axis by the InterSociety for Civil Liberties & Rule of Law.  

Albeit, whilst InterSociety operates under the banner and nomenclature of a human rights advocacy group. But on the contrary and in absolute discord with its publicized agenda, the group is an assemblage of persons supporting and promoting armed criminals, dubious elements, and questionable characters, which are actively plotting to cause anarchy and destabilize Nigeria.    

A detailed forensic investigation conducted by a team of experts from CESJET incredibly discovered InterSociety’s alleged secret links and connections with some aberrant groups in Nigeria. These are grouped in connivance with external forces have nursed the evergreen agenda to ginger its members to plunge Nigeria into an overwhelming crisis and bloodshed potent enough to compromise national security.

InterSociety allegedly has a strong bond with IPOB, the proscribed or outlawed terrorists’ organization formerly run by its escapee leader, Nnamdi Kanu. This group launched bloody secession campaigners, indulged in extra-judicial killings, acts of vandalism, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery and other violent crimes. It compelled the Southeast State Governments to proscribe it and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to declare it a terrorist’s organization. The decision was further rectified by a competent court.

But in an unexpected asinine twist, InterSociety has suspected and clandestinely revived, energized and armed members of the defunct IPOB. The sponsors of the resurgent IPOB have also slightly modified its name, which is now called “IPOB Code.”  The armed criminal gangs of the new group, IPOB Code are also predominantly found in Southeast states; but in the bid to divert attention, most of them have now migrated to Oyigbo community in Rivers state.    

CESJET obtained from reliable sources that the regrouped members under IPOB Code have stockpiled large caches of arms and ammunitions in Obigbo. And from this position of criminal strength, IPOB Code members intermittently harass, intimidate and threaten innocent and law-abiding citizens aimed at their forceful conversion into the sect to further boost their numerical strength. Many have been their victims.

And with consistent financing of the activities of IPOB Code by InterSociety, which is also supported with funds from external sponsors, the new group has expanded unimaginably in the last few months. Nonetheless, the recruitment drive and its obnoxious operations have intensified to a frightening level, compelling Rivers State Governor Nyemsom Wike to issue repeated public warnings against their criminal activities in the state.

In the last couple of months, IPOB Code armed gangs have consistently terrorized Obigbo residents by instigating and promoting deadly cult clashes. Many have lost their lives in the process and it has marked Oyigbo as the most deadly and hottest spot of cult clashes in Rivers state.  

Accordingly, when #EndSARS protests birthed and rocked some states in Nigeria, particularly in the Southern part of the country, the IPOB Code members seized the opportunity to exercise their murderous and terror instincts on people in the guise of protesting police brutality.

The armed criminal gangs, concealed by the #EndSARS demonstrations violently unleashed baffling bloodshed and arsons on people and public properties.  IPOB Code members gruesomely murdered scores of civilians, police officers; torched several police stations at different spots and also, horrifically killed six soldiers deployed to maintain public peace and security in the wake of the raging #EndSARS protests.

In a barbaric fashion, the masterminds videoed these murderous acts and celebratedly syndicated it on social media. Thereafter, InterSociety, which also serves as the intellectual and media arm of IPOB Code has launched determined and venomous propaganda against the Rivers State Governor and the Nigerian Army in the desperation to change the narrative in their favour.    

A desperate InterSociety in the bid to seek public attention have coined bogus claims and fabricated narratives. The IPOB Code sponsors are claiming soldiers in connivance with Gov. Wike have sponsored massacres and abductions in Oyigbo merely to attract public empathy and draw the attention of the international community as façade to cover-up the perpetrated evil and crimes.

But Gov. Wike who is the Chief Security officer of the state has repeatedly debunked their claims of deaths in Obigbo. The Governor has neither faulted the operations of solders in the state in manner nor linked the Army to any alleged abductions as claimed by IPOB Code propaganda instrument-InterSociety.

Having realized, it is chasing an empty whirlwind, and determined to make their story convincing to the ears, InterSociety infused it with the ethnic cleansing card and religious extermination agenda. The glaring attempts to disfigure reality is further weakened their inconsistent and conflicting expositions. If based on Intersociety claims of an ethnic and religious agenda pursued by a Muslim /Fulani Army; why is the same Army from the 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt overseeing Rivers state led by a Southwesterner?  

Also, to frighten Gov. Wike and divert attention from their atrocious acts, IPOB Code members had earlier accused him of ingratitude. They claimed the Governor rewarding their electoral support to him with chasing them out of Oyigbo and Rivers state. It was a ploy to distract Gov. Wike’s attention from focusing on the atrocious acts.       
But InterSociety should be adequately informed that it’s behind the scenes satanic resurrection of the defunct IPOB is known by the relevant security agencies. Its identity as sponsors, think-tank and media propagandists for IPOB Code is no longer hidden now. Even the composition of its principal officers has betrayed it as a congregation of members of the defunct IPOB ever willing to unleash mayhem on any part of Nigeria.  

CESJET is, therefore, calling on the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and all other relevant security agencies to keep an eagle eye on the operations of  InterSociety and IPOB Code members in the South. They could probably be building an amazing network of adherents discreetly to the detriment of public peace and security.

Gov. Wike who is the Chief Security Officer of the state must necessarily sustain his vigilance on the sect to protect lives and property. Or else,  and quite undeniably, members of IPOB Code are fully prepared and armed to plunge the state into unimaginable violence and bloodshed, anytime soon.

The Centre for Public Accountability CPA, has asked the Senate to ignore what it described as a campaign of calumny against the reappointment of Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.


CPA in a statement by its Executive Director, Olufemi Lawson, on Friday noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s reappointment of Prof. Mahmood is a confirmation of his brilliant performance, during his first term, as the Chairman of the commission.

He described those behind the recent media campaign against the INEC boss, as fifth columnists, who have become completely dissatisfied with the achievements of Mahmoud during his first, especially the success of the Commission in ensuring that elections in Nigeria, are no longer business as usual for these corrupt politicians and their puppets, whose only hope of winning elections is through violence and manipulation of voters and election officials.

The group further urged the Senate to stick with the facts of the accomplishments recorded by INEC jnder Mahmoud, especially as it has helped in deepening our democracy. "We urge the senate to treat as mere cheap blackmail, baseless and parochial, any petition against the confirmation of Prof. Mahmoud for a second term, if at all, there is any.

"Nigerians have come to the realization of the unprecedented reforms being undertaken by INEC, during the first of this patriot, and his reappointment will increase the confidence of Nigerians, in the future reforms aimed at giving Nigerians credible elections, which remains a baseline, for good governance and development, that they yearn for."



"Ours is a nascent democracy and the National Assembly as one of the fundamental pillars of our democracy, must always be seen, as such that promotes all form of actions, that can further entrench democracy, by not allowing the Assembly, to become an institution that self serving individuals, particularly greedy politicians, can exploit, to advance their greed and selfish ambitions." the statement concluded.

#EndSARS: Forum Warns against attack on Southwest Region, seeks de-escalation of tension.


SOUTH WEST REINESANCE FORUM
The issues.

Unprecedented protests against police brutality have spun into deadly clashes in several major Nigerian cities. There is no accurate toll yet, but as of 23 October, the government had reported 69 people killed, including civilians, police officers and soldiers, some murdered in the most gruesome circumstances.

Our country, particularly the Southwest region, witnessed wanton destruction of public and private assets in the violence that trailed the protests. The coordinated arson that trailed the EndSARS protests became a wake-up call for us to be vigilant and collectively move against actions that could undermine our wellbeing and security, as a people of the region, mostly affected by violence.

At this point in time, we believe what is needed is a de-escalation strategy. While we encourgage government to focus on reform: stopping abusive police practices, ensuring justice for victims and overhauling law enforcement.

Beyond the government intervention, there is a need to sharply differentiate between the genuine agitations of the protesters and those given to unwanton destruction of properties and our collective heritage as a people.

The protesters dug in, with much of the movement staying focused on the single issue of ending police brutality, but others also clamouring for wider reforms in governance, particularly economic and security policies. Many youths saw sustained protest as the only means of holding political elites accountable for high unemployment, galloping inflation and deepening poverty exacerbated by anti-coronavirus measures while some others has taken the avenue to attack our collective patrimony and that which distinct us as a people particularly the people of the south west region.
Nigeria’s governments, from military to civilian, have a long history of managing protests through a mix of repression and co-optation. But the current unrest looks like it will be hard to stamp out. Protesters, who have heard the government pledge to reform policing many times before, are adamant that they now expect to see wholesale change. They seem unwilling to tolerate more police abuse.


Now we have two choices: keep trying to contain an ocean of angry people or de-escalate.
We belief as a region that the escalation of the crisis has taken its toll on the economy of all the states of the south west with everyone feeling unsafe hence the choice of de escalation over attempt to continue to contain what will eventually implode and destroy us all.

We are currently experiencing a deep infiltration of our communities, by aliens who are being sponsored to unleash terror, at any slight provocation by security agents or individuals. Only recently, we saw the audacity at which some hoodlums killed, roasted and ate a policeman in Ibadan, Oyo state. This is not who we are, as Yoruba people. The magnitude of destructions witnessed can only be likened to a war situation.

While it is undeniable, that there are shortcomings on the part of government and security agencies, we must understand that we have our land to protect against these tactical invasion, and destruction of our public properties and individual assets, particularly in the southwest region. The other day, it was Lagos. Today it's Ibadan. It's looking more like an agenda to destabilise the land, and we must be alert to this.

Every expression of grievances should be peaceful and we must avoid another round of senseless violence by all means, this time around.

Importantly, we commiserate with the government of the States of the region, particularly Lagos State, over the magnitude of destructions suffered during the hoodlums attack on our region. Our sympathy also goes to individuals such as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Asiwaju Tunde Badmus, and various persons who lost properties and loved ones, to the invasion aftermath of #EndSARS.

The government across the south west states need to swiftly explore all avenues toward the latter course.

First, they needs to soften his stern tone and show more empathy for unarmed civilians who have suffered grave abuses and huge material losses.

They should ensure that security personnel stop using force against peaceful demonstrators and act with maximum restraint at all times, but also protect law-abiding citizens and their property from attack.

State governments should expedite credible, transparent investigations into the actions of the police and military in connection with the protests. It is a positive step that the Lagos state government has included the incident at the Lagos toll gate on 20 October among the terms of reference of its judicial panel of enquiry and restitution for victims of SARS-related abuses. Police and military officers found to have committed atrocities against protesters should be brought to justice.

The government will need to show further commitment to bringing to justice police officers who had perpetrated abuses over the years while not leaving out those that carried out harson on us through attack on public and private properties and individuals.


Signed:

1-Olufemi Lawson

2- Ologun Ayodeji

Co-Conveners

Acknowledging the impressive manner in which the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu responded and managed the recent ENDSARS protest and also his laudable strides to rebuilding Lagos following the destructions of properties that followed the protest, the Lagos Concern Group have commended the Governor for standing in for his people, giving them strong representation and ensuring that the State is further re-positioned on the path of growth and development after the event of the October 20, 2020.


The group in a public statement signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Gbadamosi Lekan,”If there is anything that Babajide Sanwo-Olu should be commended for, it is his ability and strong will to always identify with the people and the great show of humility that accompanied his personality all through the period of the protest to the Post ENDSARS period”


He further appreciated the Governor for his unwavering will to stand by his people, as he did not allow himself to be distracted nor discouraged even when political merchants and miscreants tried changing the narrative against him to pitch him against the people he swore to protect and defend.


In his words,” Sanwo-Olu kept a clear head in focusing on the real issues of governance which was not just identifying with the people, but also ensuring that he led them through this period with the right kind of focus and devotion”.


Comrade Gbadamosi also thanked the leadership of the All Progressive Congress for their support to the Lagos State Government in handling the situation, adding that the laudable efforts and exemplary leadership shown by the Lagos State Governor is a testament of the values and cores which he learnt from his mentor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Hon. James Faleke, representing Ikeja federal constituency in the National Assembly and other Tinubu’s boys has begin mass mobilization to raise supports ahead of 2023 Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

Faleke and host of others in Tinubu’s camp have rallied behind Tinubu, some of whom have openly maintained their support for Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu ahead of 2023 presidential election by establishing a support group identified as Tinubu Support Group-TSG.
Hon. James Faleke, in an address at a gathering in Lagos on Friday said he his leading the course toward the emergence of Asiwaju as the president of Nigeria in 2023.
“Only God knows what will happen in 2023 and my only prayer is that Asiwaju should become the president of Nigeria in 2023,
‘’ I am fronting it, not only here also in Abuja, we have set up our own platform which is called Tinubu support group, and we have our secretariate in Abuja,
“so many leaders that Asiwaju has developed are also part of this project,
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, coming from Ikeja is our duty to beg him to run for presidency and that is why on your behalf as your elected representative I have been piloting that affair, begging him to come out and contest for the president of the country,
“he deserves it, because his good, he has the brain, he has the capacity and has the interest of Nigeria at heart” Faleke said

CAC Issues NYCN New Certificate of Trustees, Council President now Secretary of BoT



The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) with a new certificate of registration and reconstitute the new board of trustees.

CAC had in a letter with reference number COM/SPM/2020/044 dated 9th October 2020 signed by Dr Femi Ogunlade for the Registrar General addressed to the sacked Chairman, Board of Trustees titled “Re: Consent of the Board of Trustees to Northumbria Solicitors to File New Constitution of the National Youth Council of Nigeria With Corporate Affairs Commission,” revealed that it has cancelled and withdrawn the registration of the association on just and equitable ground.

The Commission in a newly issued certificate obtained by newsmen, signed by Registrar General, A. G Abubakar dated 28th October 2020 reconstituted the trustees in line with the provision of the NYCN 2018 Constitution as amended.

NYCN new certificate partly read " the Trustees previously registered on the third day of November 2017 here by special resolution and with my authority, been reconstituted as follows:

Rt. Hon.Elizabeth Uyinmwen Ativie, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo and Mr Sunday Akin Dare. Given under my hand and the Common Seal of the Corporate Affairs Commission at Abuja, this Twenty- Eight day of October 2020.

As indicated in the CAC certificate of registration, the reconstituted trustees are statutory members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) as stated in Article 7, Section 7.2, Sub - Section B, C and F of the NYCN 2018 Constitution as amended.

Sub Section B stated that " Members of the Board of Trustees shall be comprised of past Presidents and serving President of the Council, however, any Zone that has not produced a President shall for equity and fairness be allowed to nominate the nominate senior past elected officers from that Zone as representative of the Board.

While Sub - Section Started " the trustees shall not be more than (9) in number, which shall comprise one representative from each geo-political zone, the serving Minister in Charge of Youth Development, the President of the Youth Council and a female representative nominated by the national management committee.

"The sitting President shall be the Secretary, the Chairman of the duly elected Past President of the Council, and also an Ex - Officio who shall be the immediate past Chairman of the Board. The Board shall also have a Deputy Chairman and Assistant Secretary.

Consequently, as reconstituted in the new CAC directive, the incumbent President of the Council, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo is now the Secretary of the BoT, while Hon. Sunday Akin Dare, as the serving Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Uyinmwen Ativie the only female former NYCN President, are statutory members of the NYCN Trustees.

Similarly, towards ensuring a full constitution of the BoT, the NYCN President and Secretary of the BoT, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo has asked the Zonal structures of the Council, to immediately nominate their representatives, into the new board. He asked the Zones to Conduct their Stakeholders Meeting to Elect their Zonal Representatives in the NYCN Board of Trustees and Advisory Council.


"Inline with NYCN Constitutional Provisions, you are to Convoke, preferably before the end of 2020, an NYCN Stakeholders meeting, to elect your one zonal rep in the NYCN Board of Trustees and three two male, one female rep In the Advisory Council." Amb. Sukubo said.

"The stakeholders meeting should comprise the following: (a) Current and Former Members of NYCN National Executive Council from the Zone; (b) Current and Former NYCN State Chairmen; (c) Founder or Leader of nationally affiliated VYOs with head-office in the zone.

The NYCN President, who is also the Secretary of the Registered Board of Trustees, says the BoT looks forward to receiving, from the zones, the names of all zonal representatives soon.

By: Lekan Lawani

The sad events of November 20, 2020 have come and gone. The slain and the wounded #ENDSARS Protesters and there families are left to bear the burden of loss of their wounded and dead young ones.
The real question is "What really happened?"

This question continues to beg for correct answers.

In this confusion and information contusion that followed , the truth has become elusive.

Eyewitnesse's accounts have become seriously discounted for lack of demonstrable and credible evidence. Government response also have been visited with some measure of disbelief owing to the heavy emotions and trauma that beclouded the sense of judgement of the populace at large.

But let us try to assemble and analyse what are the facts on the ground.
A curfew was imposed by the Governor of Lagos state.

Invitations were sent out to the security agencies to try to restore public order.
The military moved into Lekki at about 6.30pm, perhaps a bit too early since the curfew was to take effect from 9pm.
For a fact, the army shot at the protesters with live bullets wounding some and killing a few others. Exact numbers are difficult to determine for now.

The above represents to a large extent the chronicles of the sad events on that faithful day. The next issue is , who gave instructions for the protesters to be shot?
Were there fatal casualties after the shootings?

Who called in the army?

Of the three questions raised above, perhaps the most pertinent is the last.
Even though the governor never denied that he called in the army alongside the other security agencies, he was not categorical in his initial response. Obviously being more disturbed by the news of bloodshed and fatalities he was perhaps more interested in absolving himself and his government from any complicity in the alleged killings. This clear oversight angered more than a few such that even after his media aide in a follow up statement on the matter admitted unequivocally that the governor had invited the military alongside other security agencies to enforce the curfew statewide, the people did not take any serious cognisance of this important clarification .
The army had unsuccessfully tried to capitalise on this lapse of the state government to wrongly pass the blame for the senseless killings on the state governor.

This is a charge that does not and cannot stick.

The plain truth is that inviting the military to maintain the terms of an imposed curfew by the state can never be taking as licence for unprofessional and unbridled violation of citizens rights talk less of the actual recklessness of raining live bullets on innocent, peaceful and unarmed protesters.

The state governor does not determine the terms of engagement of the military in the discharge of a lawful order neither can Governor of Lagos state be held guilty of clear and open misuse and application of excessive force in containment of civil disobedience. The nigerian army, NOT governor babajide Sanwo, is guilty as charged, in the unfortunate killings of innocent youths at the Lekki toll gate on the 20th of nov 2020.



Lekan Lawani, writes from Ikeja, Lagos

*Congratulations to an excellent achiever. Dr Robert Okojie!!*

On behalf of my family and humble self, I Congratulate my dear big brother, Dr.Robert Okojie on his appointment into NASA'S inventor's hall of fame.

I was extremely thrilled and delighted, when I heard the good news. I am thankful to God Almighty for all He has done for you and through you.
You are indeed an excellent achiever, a great mind, gentleman, disciplined, a happy family man and God fearing intellectual with a heart of gold.
Your outstanding achievement has made the family so proud and shown to the world that Esan people, Nigerians are great people. May God Almighty continue to uphold you, strengthen and bless you richly Amen..

You have worked so hard on yourself and created the necessary advantage to convince others of your potentials and abilities, it all paid off in the end, you deserve it sir.

I wish you the best of luck with your new appointment.

I look forward to even more successful news about you, which you are very much capable of.

Once again congratulations big brother.


Prince Emmanuel Odigie

*Congratulations to an excellent achiever. Dr Robert Okojie!!*

On behalf of my family and humble self, I Congratulate my dear big brother, Dr.Robert Okojie on his appointment into NASA'S inventor's hall of fame.

I was extremely thrilled and delighted, when I heard the good news. I am thankful to God Almighty for all He has done for you and through you.
You are indeed an excellent achiever, a great mind, gentleman, disciplined, a happy family man and God fearing intellectual with a heart of gold.
Your outstanding achievement has made the family so proud and shown to the world that Esan people, Nigerians are great people. May God Almighty continue to uphold you, strengthen and bless you richly Amen..

You have worked so hard on yourself and created the necessary advantage to convince others of your potentials and abilities, it all paid off in the end, you deserve it sir.

I wish you the best of luck with your new appointment.

I look forward to even more successful news about you, which you are very much capable of.

Once again congratulations big brother.


Prince Emmanuel Odigie

#EndSARS: Lagos Govt, Judicial Panel Dragged To Court Over Probe Of Lekki Shooting


The Lagos state government has been dragged before a federal high court to disband the the Judicial Panel Of Inquiry and Restitution For Victims Of SARS
Related Abuses In Lagos State and Lekki Toll Gate Incident

The Plaintifs in the case, Adekunle Augustine and Semion Akogwu, prayed the court to disband the panel on the ground that the Lagos state governor, being a party in the matter, did not exercise his power in public interest by setting up the panel.

The plaintiffs are praying the court to make a declaration that the Lagos State Governor, being a party cannot set up a panel to investigate itself and the outcome of the panel will be in favour of the state.

The plaintiffs averred that he who pays the piper dictates the tune.

Apart from the judicial panel of inquiry, other defendants in the suit are, the Governor Of Lagos State, the Chairman of the panel and the Attorney-General of the state who are 1st, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

The Chairman of the panel is listed as the 2nd respondent in the case dated November 11,2020 and filed at a Lagos federal high court with suit number FHC/L/CS/1572/20.

The plaintiffs, Augustine and Akogwu, in the suit, filed through their counsel, Samuel Adama, Esq. seek the determination of the following questions:

*WHETHER having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 2nd Defendant being an Agent/Appointee of the 1st Defendant can ensure fair hearing for the Plaintiffs under the auspices of the 3rd Defendant in a mater in which the 1st Defendant is a party?

*WHETHER having regards to section 5(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant validly exercised his powers in public interest by setting up the 3rd Defendant to investigate a matter in which the 1st Defendant himself is a party?

*WHETHER having regards to Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant is a party to be investigated under the terms of reference for the 3rd Defendant in the discharge of its mandate?

*WHETHER the 4th Defendant being the Chief law officer of the State ought to act in public interest by advising the 1st Defendant against the setting up of the 3rd Defendant and ought to do all things legally possible to ensure fair hearing in the matter?

Upon the determination of the questions, the plaintiffs also prayed the court for the following reliefs:

*A DECLARATION that having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) together with Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 2nd Defendant being an Agent/Appointee of the 1st Defendant cannot ensure fair hearing for the Plaintiffs under the auspices of the 3rd Defendant in a matter in which the 1st Defendant is a party.

*A DECLARATION that having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Fepublic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) together with Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant, being a party in the matter, did not exercise his power in public interest by setting up the 3rd Defendant.

*A DECLARATION that the appointment of the 2nd Defendant and the setting up of the 3rd Defendant by the 1st Defendant is tantamount to making the 1st Defendant a Judge in his own cause and ipso facto breaches the Plaintiffs rights to fair hearing.

*AN ORDER of this Honourable Court disbanding the 3rd Defendant and nullifying its proceedings and whatsoever actions taken thereby so far to give way for a credible and independent commission of inquiry to be set up by the Federal Government to take over the mandate of the 3rd Defendant as contemplated by its establishment abi nitio.

In the affidavit in support of the originating summon, the plaintiffs said,
''That on the 20th of October, 2020, the 1st Defendant caused the deployment of troops to Lekki Toll gate, Lagos State where a large number of youths were gathered in peaceful protest against police brutality; and the troops fired several artillery weapons at the scene leading to various degrees of bodily injuries and alleged death of several people.

''That the 1st Defendant admitted that he authorized the deployment of troops to Lekki Toll Gate on that 20th October, 2020 to stop the peaceful protest which by extension occasioned the use of artillery weapons by the soldiers at the scene, leading to some life threatening injuries, grievous hurt and alleged death of many of the protesters. A newspaper publications to the fact that the 1st Defendant admitted he authorized the deployment of troops to Lekki Toll Gate Lagos on that 20th October, 2020 is hereby annexed and marked Exhibit ‘A’.

''That the 1st Defendant thereafter set up of the 3rd Defendant consisting of 20 members with the 2nd Defendant as the Head, for the purpose of investigating the Lekki Toll Gate military invasion and other matters thereto and to make recommendations to the 1st Defendant on the findings. A newspaper publication on this fact is hereby annexed and marked Exhibit ‘B’

''That the 1st Defendant constituted the 3rd Defendant and appointed all the members thereof at his pleasure.

''That I am desirous of seeking justice in the matter but I strongly believe I will be prejudiced by the setting up of the 3rd Defendant, hence this suit.

''That since the 1st Defendant authorized the military invasion that led to the various degrees of bodily hurt and alleged death of many Nigerians who were at the scene at Lekki Toll Gate on the 20th October, 2020, he is a principal figure to be investigated and hence I will not have fair hearing on the platform of the 3rd Defendant which is a creation of the 1st Defendant that is equally on the threshold of investigation over the matter''.


End

…promises to mobilize Nigerians against fleeing terrorists.

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has pledged to support the Nigerian Army and the Borno State government in accelerating the capture of the 86 terrorists listed on the most wanted list released on Wednesday.

CATE, while briefing select newsmen on the published list, in Maiduguri expressed the desire for the Army to speed the capture or elimination of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, Abu Musa Al Barnawi and other terrorists named in the fourth list of Nigeria’s most wanted terrorists so that Nigerians in the northeast can begin the rebuilding of their lives in earnest.

National Coordinator of CATE, Gabriel Onoja said the Coalition akwnowledges the role of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai and his resolve for the Nigerian Army to bring the last of the terrorists in the country to book.

He enthused that “We are pleased to note that the Nigerian Army is not resting on its oars. Since the first, second and third editions of this most wanted terrorists’ list were published, we have seen the efficiency with which the Army captured or eliminated the criminal terrorists that have made it difficult for people in the north east to lead productive live.

CATE also understands that the terrorists are living amongst us after fleeing from the theatre of operation.

“We are happier that General Buratai promised that the launch is the final push to end Boko Haram’s activities in the north east. We want to implore that the general should lead the army to appropriately treat anyone on that list the way those on the previous lists were treated.

“The signs are already there about how things have changed. The more the terrorists on the most wanted list are taken down the more the number of the towns and villages in the northeast that are able to record improvement in their peace and security index.

“It is our belief at CATE that the 86 terrorists on this latest most wanted list can be captured quickly if the populace cooperate with the authorities by supplying useful information that will assist the Nigerian Army. People should take advantage of the unanimity of technology and telephony to provide useful tips and information to the designated contacts whenever they know something that will help capture any of the wanted terrorists.

“People must however know that they are not to personally approach any terrorist or engage them as only the military and law enforcement agents that are trained for this,” he cautioned.

According to the national coordinator of CATE, the list will put Boko Haram terrorists under pressure, and that they are likely to make a show of still being capable of staging spectacular attacks, which requires that the security apparatus of the country is prepared to deal with this possibility.

He explained that, “You can see that the number of those that made this latest most wanted list has shrunken from the higher number in previous list. It is a testimony to how the General Buratai led Nigerian Army has decimated the ranks of Boko Haram terrorists, irrespective of what faction they belong.

“By publishing another list, the Army has made it apparent that the space is closing in on the terrorists that are left. The efficiency of previous operations to take them down would have set the fear of the troops into them so some panicked behaviour should be expected from the terrorists in coming days, which would include the usual strategy of attempting to carry out spectacular attacks. The security apparatus of Nigeria should be prepared for this.

“Some people may see it as a risk factor, but it is an opportunity. By coming out to attempt attacks, the terrorists would also make themselves available for capture and this is where the timely provision of information about the movement of terrorists and others of their activities will be useful to the Army.

“What we have resolved at CATE is to help mobilize Nigerians to support the Nigerian Army in all ways possible to contribute to the capture of fleeing Boko Haram terrorists. For us it is the one way of assisting to help realize the assertion by General Buratai that capturing those on the latest most wanted list will help bring Boko Haram to an end in the northeast,” Onoja stated.

Some well-meaning Nigerians have blamed the failure of state governors to deliver the dividends of democracy to their people for the civil unrest and insecurity witnessed in parts of the country.

The group, under the aegis of March4Nigeria Initiative, said the governors should be held responsible for the escalation of the EndSARS protest into violence.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, National Coordinator, Comrade Augustine Adie said some governors have constituted themselves into demigod, leading to agitations and disenchantments in the polity.

Comrade Adie noted that the "discovery of COVID-19 palliatives stored in various warehouses across the states is indeed a vindication of the efforts of the federal government towards improving the lives of the people in ways too numerous to mention".

Describing the attitude as "appalling and inimical to sustainable growth and development in Nigeria", the group said it is time for citizens to hold their governors accountable.

The March4Nigeria Initiative, however, tasked the governors to do the needful in their different states with regards to delivering the dividends of democracy.

It also hoped that the governors would admit their mistakes and retrace their steps in the way and manner they govern their various states.

Read full statement below:

Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the leadership of March4Nigeria, I warmly welcome you all to this press conference put together in the wake of the aftermath of the EndSARS protest in Nigeria that resulted in quite unpleasant events across the country.

The March4Nigeria Initiative is constrained to lend its voice to bring an end to bad governance in the country, which is rife at the state and local government across the country. We must all admit that the activities of most governors and local government administrators are somewhat responsible for the various agitations and disenchantments in the polity because these governors have constituted themselves into mini gods.

The recent discovery of COVID-19 palliatives stored in various warehouses across the states is indeed a vindication of the efforts of the federal government towards improving the lives of the people in ways too numerous to mention.

However, it has become clear that most governors are not in tune with reality either by omission or commission, as it is inexcusable for food items meant for the people during the coronavirus pandemic are kept from the people for God knows why.

The March4Nigeria initiative views such actions as counter-productive and ultimately against the interest of the country in this critical point of our existence, hence the need for demonstration of responsibility in governance at the state and local government levels because they are indeed accountable to the people that voted them into office.

The hoarding of the COVID-19 palliatives is just one example of how things are going wrong at the state and local government levels, which by and large undermines the efforts of the government at the centre.

When one takes a cursory look at budget performance across the 36 states of the country, one would be confronted with tales of underperformance and a lack of commitment to uplifting the standard of living of the people.

The March4Nigeria Initiative views such disposition as appalling and inimical to sustainable growth and development in Nigeria. It is also instructive to state that not until citizens start to ask questions on accountability from state governors and local government administrators, we would be going round in a vicious circle.

Citizens must be charged to ask questions on the performance of budget across the 36 states of the federation. Citizens must also demand transparency from governors in the conduct of state business, as only this can guarantee socio-economic development at the state and local government levels.

It is thus a statement of the fact that should the governors continue in such fashion, sustainable development would elude us, and we would all bear the brunt of our actions and inactions.

The March4Nigeria initiative is using this medium to task the various state governors to go to work and do the needful in their different states with regards to delivering the dividend of democracy to the people.

We are also tasking the various state governors to display a strong commitment to complementing the efforts of the federal government in tackling the various challenges in the country. We also acknowledge the fact that some governors have been quite cooperative with the federal government in addressing security challenges in their domains.

It is thus our considered opinion that if this attitude is replicated across the 36 states of the federation, Nigeria would be steady on the path of economic growth and development. Thus, the governors and local government administrators must shun all acts of corruption in their domains.

This is on the heels that the level of corruption at the state and local government levels is indeed mindboggling and should indeed be the focus of any genuine EndSARS campaign in the country. If this trend is no curtailed, sustainable development will continue to elude us and youth restiveness would not abate.

There must be an entrenchment of transparency and accountability in the states and local government to ensure that Nigeria makes substantial gains in our quest for development.

It is also our considered view that if there are no attitudinal changes on the part of governors; Nigeria might remain a project that won’t be completed for a long time to come.

The March4Nigeria Initiative is advocating for collectiveness and synergy between the federal government and the state governors towards ensuring that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

We thank you all for your time, and we desire that state governors would realize their mistakes and retrace their steps in the way and manner they govern their various states. This remains the only option left towards setting Nigeria on the path of greatness.

Thank you all, and God bless

Ensure 75bn Nigerian youth fund is properly utilized in line with international standards, Policy House Int'l MD task Minister for Youths & Sports


The Managing Director of Policy House International and the Executive Director of Incentive-Based Initiative (IBI) Nigeria. Taiwo Akerele has advised the Honorable Minister for youths and sports Sunday Dare, to ensure that the 75bn Nigerian youth fund is properly managed and utilized in line with international standards.

Akerele gave the advice on Tuesday when he paid the Honorable Minister a visit in his office and also used the occasion to present the minister a book he had recently written titled " SAGE OF GROWTH ...reflections of a policy economist"

The Honorable Minister thanked Akerele for the advice and promised to ensure that the 75bn Nigerian youth fund will be properly managed and utilized in line with international standards he concluded.

Fellow party men and women, you might be aware that the Former Elected Local Government Chairmen Association(FELGOCAS)was registered in January 2006 by the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) to forster understanding among former and serving elected LGA Chairmen in order to provide a platform on which the former elected Chairmen may interact and play positive role and complementary roles in matters affecting the political development of our dear country.
As a third tier of government, local governments in a Presidential system of government are the pillars upon which genuine democracy stands. The service of LGA Chairmen in strengthening these pillars cannot be overemphasised.
Therefore, we are constrained at this time to voice out our worries and fears about the unfortunate state of affairs of our beloved party, the All Progressives Congress(APC).
We have no doubt that you would all agree with us that the ruling party in Nigeria, the almighty APC currently tethers on the precipice of disintegration if urgent care and caution are not taken to restore sanity and order in the party.
But first let us take you down memory lane, incase we have forgotten so soon the sacrifices by men and women of goodwill to forge the alliance that gave birth to the APC some characters are bent on destroying today through guile and unbridled ambition.
On 6th February, 2013, four political parties- the Congress for Progressive Change(CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party(ANPP), Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN), and All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) merged together to form All Progressives Congress(APC).
It took the toil and sweat of the leaders of these parties for this merger to work and harder work and strategy for the party to be able to wrestle power from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) that had held sway at the federal level since 1999.
Indeed, speaking in his forward to the book, "Power of Possibility and Change in Nigeria", written by the Director-General of Progressive Governors Forum(PGF), Comrade Salihu Mohammed Lukman, President Muhammadu Buhari said "all the four parties came to the painful realisation" that none of them could defeat PDP as separate entities hence the need for the merger.
The importance of the merger, according to Mr President, could not be overemphasised as the future of Nigeria was tied to it! The President declared that he consulted with the National Leader of our party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande at the commencement of the merger negotiations about the need to have a broad-based national political party. And that it would have been catastrophic had the merger plans failed.
Why did I go through this historical chronicles? Because as it is said, you have to know your past to be able to plan for your future. And with current happenings in APC, I doubt if our past is still of any essence to us as a party.
Not a few of the current leaders have simply caved into politics of perfidy, bitterness and dishonesty.
Nigerians voted for us on the strength of CHANGE which the founding fathers of our party led by President Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others propagated and institutionalised. But can some of these so-called leaders in our party beat their chests today that they still subscribe to it? Can they swear to high heavens that they are still on the same page with the leader of our party, President Buhari on CHANGE mantra?
The bitter truth and reality in APC now is while the President is busy working for CHANGE, the fifth columnists are busy working for their selfish ends. They do not care whether the APC disintegrates or not as long as their gluttonous nests are feathered! Sad!!

When on June 25, 2020, an Interim Caretaker Committee was put in a place by the National Executive Committee(NEC) of our party to among others reconcile aggrieved party members and organise a National Convention to bring up new leadership to steer the ship of the party within six months, most of us grudgingly accepted the strange arrangement as a result of our profound respect for our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Interim Committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni assumed office and to our amazement, began to play the script of the "so-called cabal" in the party. Instead of uniting the various entities in the party, the Committee is doing the opposite. The Edo State crisis is a case in point. The Interim Caretaker Committee inexplicably became a lameduck unable to forster unity within the party. Indeed, instead of supporting the candidate of the party in the governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Committee allegedly gave full support to the opposition PDP candidate leading to the the disastrous outing of the party in the governorship election.
We stand corrected!
As if that was not enough, the Committee has gone ahead with a sit-tight agenda to extend its tenure beyond December 2020 under the pretext of carrying out fresh registration of members and inability to conclude its reconciliation efforts!
The Committee has less than a month to go yet it is planning for fresh registration of members, abandoning the original mandate of the committee which is to organise a National Convention.
Our advise to the Caretaker Committee is to drop the idea of the registration with immediate effect.
The People of this country are hungry and unemployment is at its peak yet registration of new members is what we think is important now. Can a hungry person be happy to register for any political party now? This is not the right time to embark on new membership registration at all except there is a hidden agenda.
Almost all the states in the far north are currently under security siege, so how is the Committee planning to conduct registration exercise in those areas?
Should it even be extremely important to to look into party membership, we advise the Caretaker Committee to request for an update of members i.e any one who wishes to register should approach the registration Centres while the names of those who have left the party be submitted by each ward so that the names can be deleted. There is no need for extension of tenure because of registration or inability to conclude reconciliation. A reconciliation process in any political party is a continuum, not a one-off affair.
We also advise the party to print the permanent cards to be distributed to members who are still current.


The time has come for Mr President to take this issue of extension of tenure very seriously. It is no longer funny that our party is hanging precariously on the precipice. Most senior appointees of Mr President are no longer sold to the CHANGE MANTRA. Its all about themselves and their selfish interests. The whole party is divided down the line. Something urgent needs to be done and the time is now Mr President.

WAY FORWARD
We hereby profer as way forward the followings:

1. The Interim Caretaker Committee should suspend its tenure elongation agenda with immediate effect.

2. Our dear President must be wary of deceitful leaders who might want to advise him wrongly on the state of affairs in our party.

3. The plan by the Interim Management Committee to dissolve all existing party executive structures must be jettisoned forthwith. It is strange for a Caretaker Committee to contemplate the dissolution of legally constituted Executives in the party!

4. A new timetable and date for the National Convention must be announced immediately

5. The planned Registration of new members must be dropped for the new the incoming EXCOs to handle.

Anything short of these will not be acceptable to majority of the party faithfuls and the end result is better imagined.
We wish to use this medium to commiserate with the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu on the unfortunate destruction of his businesses during the EndSARS saga in Lagos. We are assuring you that no gang up against you will stop us from giving you the necessary support that is needed always. We appreciate your leadership qualities and we plead with you not to be distracted by the recent sad events. Stay the course, and ultimate victory is assured by God's grace.

Signed

HON IBRAHIM DASUKI HASKE(SARKINTUDUN SOKOTO)
National President

Following ultimatum by the Benue State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress( APC),Abba Yaro to Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi to withdraw his statement on the APC Caretaker Committee in which he warned of consequences should refuse to withdraw those allegations within 24 hours,or face displinery action, a Chieftain of the Party has called on Abba Yaro to immediately resign or face immediate suspension.
He said Yaro has lost confidence of members long before the 2019 general elections where he was the informant to the PDP, thereby selling the election for peanuts.

In a statement by Hon. John Obande, he said his reckless statement on Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, a Co-convener, Concerned APC Members (CAM), our Leader, who is rebuilding the Party is criminal and should be disregarded. We shall ensure Abba Yaro's suspension from his ward beginning from Monday, 9th November, 2020.

Obande, a Chieftain of the Party in Benue South insists that, Abba Yaro is only playing a script to siphon money from the Caretaker Committee because he lacks the moral standing to recommend any displinary action against a senior member of the Party like Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi who was due to win the Governorship Primary election in 2019 before Sen. George Akume forced him to stepdown. He will contest again in 2023 and he will win. Obande said, Abba Yaro has no right to call on Comrade to withdraw his statement, he would be mentally sick to think that such a genuine movement for the soul of our Party will be thrown into the dustbin. Is the mandate of the caretaker committee not to reconcile members, Organise Convention and hand over ? So, what is the rubbish Abba Moro is saying or is he begging for food or recognition.

Already, there are series of petitions against the State Chairman ranging from abuse of office, financial misappropriation, lack of capacity and anti-Party activities since 2015.

APC Concerned Members warns Buni led All Progressive Congress Caretaker Committee not to attempt to elongate their tenure in office beyond December and should stop the proposed membership registration.



For the sake of posterity and for the love we share for our great party (APC), we stood our ground effortlessly as group in making sure that the erstwhile APC chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was removed as the chairman of our great party after being viewed to lack capacity to listen to opposing views within the party and listen to advise from members.



We were part of the court processes and movement leading to Comrade Oshiohmole’s sack from beginning to the end but not the total removal of the National Working Committee. Our expectation was for the most senior party member to be handed over the party leadership as stated by our constitution after the emergency NEC meeting. Even though the meeting was not properly called as all the extant rules for calling such meetings were flouted with refusal to give NEC members adequate notice of 14days.



As loyal party members, even though the composition of the Caretaker Committee was at variance with section 17 (4) of our party’s constitution which states “nobody can hold Executive Position at the same time with Party Position” The party’s National Executive Council breached this same constitution with the imposition of Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee. Remember the word Caretaker is not known to our constitution.



We obeyed the resolution of the NEC meeting as directed by our leader President Muhammadu Buhari after they made the two-resolutions public, which is to reconcile party members in various states of the federation and conduct convention in December 2020. But we were shocked when we read it in the newspapers this thursday that the Caretaker Committee is embarking on new membership registration. The Committee is also planning the dissolution of all Wards, LGA and State Excos and conduct new congresses even though their tenures will not expire till two (2) years’ time, this is absurd.



As to the Committee claims of having finished reconciliation in Ekiti and some other states, the public should know that they have further encouraged crisis in those state chapters than solving problems inherited. A case in point is Zamfara state. Senator Kabir Marafa yesterday exposed the committee’s lies in a statement. He declared that the Buni Committee lied and that the two factions in the state are still very much alive each with its secretariat in operations, likewise in Ekiti Rivers etc.





We are forced to remind the CTC that National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution did not give them such powers to begin new registration of members because none of them were elected without party membership cards. Are Governors Buni, Oyetola,Bello and other members of CTC no longer card carrying members of the party that we now want to give them new membership cards?



All elected members under our party submitted party membership cards to INEC during nomination of candidates because our country’s constitution forbids independent candidacy, so why the rush to discard party register as we battle economic difficulty and with little money in our party’s accounts? Note that all primaries in 2019 and recent ones in Edo and Ondo were done with party register and membership cards





We are aware also that article 13 of our party’s constitution permitted the sacking of Oshiomhole and not the whole National Working Committee members. Is only the National Convention that has the only legitimate right to remove them and not NEC. We later discovered that Mr President was deliberately misled at the NEC meeting by flaunting the party’s constitution to outrightly dissolve the Oshiomhole led NWC because of some powerful interests scheming for 2023 presidency.



It is no longer a secret that some members of the CTC have been bragging about having gotten the nod of the Presidency to extend their mandate till December 2021!!!

















Our Demands:

1. The Caretaker Committee should begin the process of convening the National Convention in December with immediate effect.

2. All the permanent party membership cards that were printed and submitted to the party’s National Secretariat by APC Data Center for onward distribution to our members in the Wards, LGA and States should be distributed immediately. Incase they cannot find it; they should request for it at our data center.

3. The incoming National Working Committee should handle the updating of new register if we so need to update one.

4. If our demands are not met, we will have no option than to approach the courts for interpretation of our constitution as it was done before you came onboard and we will occupy our secretariats. The party belongs to us all.

5. The most senior member of sacked Oshiohmole led NWC should be returned as Chairman because that is what our party constitution says.

6. We call on State Chairmen of the parties not to join the illegal registration because is tailored for your removal from office in the long run



The steps of Buni led Caretaker Committee has further left no one in doubt that the committee has lost foothold in the discharge of its duties as unbiased umpires and now interested in squandering the 3.9 Billion Naira left in the Party's purse which has been depleted daily.



Lastly, we the Concerned APC members call on President Muhammadu Buhari to Call to order the Caretaker Committee before they destroy the image and the goodwill of our great party due to their selfish interests and tenure elongation plot. We will not sit back and allow this to happen to our beloved.



Signed:

OGENYI OKPOKU

2019 Gubernatorial Aspirant for Benue State

For Concerned APC Members

The Coalition of Northern Patriots (CNP) says South-West ministers have displayed gross disloyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari with their demands in the aftermath of the Lekki toll gate shooting in Lagos State. 

Describing the act as a "show of shame", the coalition advised the ministers to apologise honourably else have seven days to quit their offices. 

The group gave the ultimatum at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja. 

Among others, the ministers had demanded that the Federal Government support businesses affected by the arsons and lootings in Lagos as well as commence a probe into the involvement of the military in Lekki. 

In his address, Alhaji Nurudeen Dodo, leader of the Coalition of Northern Patriots (CNP), lamented that the ministers are pursuing destructive blackmail of the Presidency with their regional political agenda.

The coalition said the cabinet members' demands are "extremely outrageous, insensible and a blackmailing stunt of the Presidency", especially after they have abandoned their primary mandate. 

It, however, warned that the Nigerian military can not be left in the mercy of these "selfish" ministers to use as political punching bags or diabolical manipulations. 

It added that the forum has only proven to Nigerians that they are in Buhari’s Government for their selfish regional agenda.

Read the full statement below:

The Coalition of Northern Patriots (CNP) views with serious revulsion and objections from the outset to the position and demands of the forum of Southwest Ministers serving under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR in the aftermath of the #EndSARS violent protests which rocked some parts of Nigeria, particularly Southern states.

The Southwest Ministers were mandated by President Buhari to relocate to their home states to dialogue with aggrieved youths protesting over Police brutality and the excesses of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The Ministers were also mandated to pacify the restive youths and meet with other stakeholders have morphed into a pressure group who have jointly placed certain demands before the Federal Government as reparation for the deliberate damages inflicted on these areas by the insane demonstrators.

We are informed that the Southwest Ministers tabled to  President Buhari at the last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting demands such as initiating an investigation in the alleged shooting incident at Lekki Toll Gate with focus on the role of the Nigerian Army in the saga and should assist businesses affected by the arsons and lootings by the insane and violent #EndSARS protestors. But the Minsters were silent on the prosecution of the perpetrators.

Furthermore, and most uncharitably, the Ministers also imposed on the FGN the burden of supporting  Lagos State to replace damaged facilities particularly the ones concerned with the administration of justice and also, consider short to medium term support to small and medium businesses affected by the looting and arson which took place in Lagos among a motley of other demands.

The Coalition of Northern Patriots is stating that based on the prevailing economic crunch precipitated by the negative hangover effects of Covid-19 pandemic on global economies and scarce national resources, these demands are extremely outrageous, insensible and a blackmailing stunt of the Presidency embarked upon by the Southwest Ministers. Not every struggle is achieved through violence and that’s why most Nigerians deemed the magnitude of the #EndSARS protests and its attendant violence unnecessary. 

Conscientiously, we shall not bow to regional emotions or agenda by persons or groups and stampeding the Presidency with such illogical demands is most inappropriate at this time. The truth must be told that the leadership at the regional and state levels, especially in Southern part of the country sat back, and preferred to ginger and supervise the #EndSARS protests morph into violence, killings, arsons and destructions in the pretext of the expression of grievances under democratic freedom, only to excuse it as the infiltration of a hoodlum.

Worse of all, when the #EndSARS protests overly turned bloody, some veiled and overt political forces urged them on, instead of preaching peace and cessation of the mayhem. It is unfair and counter-productive to further stress a government already at the point of fiscal suffocation.

Nevertheless, we empathize with families of those who lost their lives in the mayhem and Nigerians whose businesses/investments were torched by the “protesting” hoodlums and vandals. 
 
But the demands of the Southwest Ministers are completely callous and a further confirmation of the grand plots to undo the Presidency animated in another way after the organized violent street demonstrations to cause destabilization, compromise national security and possibly, dethrone the incumbent Government via undemocratic means.

The political undertones as marketed by instigators of the violent #EndSARS protests have not dissipated in our psyche and we perceive the weighty demands by the Southwest Minsters as a continuation of this unacceptable and regressive agenda.  
Nigerians generally must never fail to understand that every action has repercussions.

The sponsors and instigators of the virulent #EndSARS protests had no cogent reasons to continue fueling the violent demonstrations’, especially when Mr President acceded and took practical actions immediately in addressing some of the Five-point demands of the protestors. We cannot allow anybody to push the real cost of the orchestrated “madness” they actively supported back to the Federal Government.

Some of the generative reasons adduced by the protesters reflected in hashtags like #EndPoverty or #EndBadGovernance and so forth. Nigerians witnessed the frustration of the efforts of the Buhari Presidency in alleviating poverty, including the shameful hoarding or warehousing of Covid-19 palliatives dispatched to states to cushion the effects of the lockdown, instead of distributing it to the targeted poor of the poorest Nigerians.

Much more, some of the Southwest Ministers who endorsed the propagative demands have been ex-Governors, Ministers or held other top leadership positions, but abandoned their people to poverty and misery, by also hoarding or misappropriating public funds meant for the development of their constituents. The side effects were the demons which sprouted in the guise of #EndSARS protests. They should bow their heads in shame and let everyone bear his brunt.

The Coalition of Northern Patriots minces no words to intimate these Southwest Ministers that President Buhari and the Nigerian Army cannot be abandoned to their mercy as political punching bags or diabolical manipulations.

The Ministers have only exhibited and shown to Nigerians that they are in Buhari’s Government for their selfish regional agenda. It explains why they have continued to undermine the President’s development efforts. And pushing for a special investigation of the Nigerian Army over the alleged Lekki shootings and killings is clearly outside mandate Mr President sent the Ministers on the mission and this should resound in their brains thunderously.

This is the first time Nigerians are getting to know about the existence of the shameful Southwest Ministers Forum in her history. Could these Ministers have ever mustered the courage to twist such a Presidential assignment to the pursuit of regional agenda, assuming Chief Olusegun Obasanjo or Dr Goodluck Jonathan were still President of Nigeria?  Did any of the Ministers ever parroted in this manner when Obasanjo or Jonathan held sway at Aso Rock? The kindness of President Buhari should not be over-exploited for any reason. 
 
The Coalition of Northern Patriots is hereby calling on the Southwest Ministers to honourably resign their positions from the cabinet of President Buhari to face the cherished individual and regional interests. Their actions have lucidly demonstrated that they cannot be trusted by the Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria.

If these Ministers fail to willingly resign with 14 days, the Coalition of Northern Patriots would not hesitate to call on President Buhari to sack them from his cabinet hence they have proved themselves as black sheeps in the fold.

Social Media Regulation: Northern Governor's and Their Misplaced Priority 


On Monday 2 November 2020, it was widely reported in the media that northern governors had converged for a meeting in Kaduna with the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, as well as the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and leading traditional rulers from the region.
It was reported that the northern governors at the end of the meeting had declared their support for the Buhari administration to regulate social media.

One can only begin to wonder if these northern governors from the region have suddenly lost their sense of priority considering the level of insecurity, lack of development in their region which they have failed woefully over the years to address, studies indicate poverty has doubled in more than 84 percent of northern communities since 1980 and consequently, the region remains in a perpetual state of 'poverty amidst plenty.
Rather than explore means to rescue the north from years of poverty and underdevelopment,  they would rather be more concerned in the federal government's attempt to regulate social media in the country which of course will be resisted by the citizens.

Tinubu and his friends were walking down to church when a sudden shoot out occurred. Although Tinubu enjoyed a narrow escape, the guy beside him was shot. As a result, his family decided it was time for him to leave the country to school abroad. To raise money for his trip, he sold the Volkswagen his uncle gave him, while his mother sold all her trinkets.
Tinubu arrived the United States in 1975. While in the US, he attended Richard J. Daley College, Illinois, Chicago first and later moved to the Chicago State University, graduating in 1979 with a bachelors of science degree in accounting.

While schooling, Tinubu worked as a cab driver, a security man, a door guard, a dishwasher and room service personnel. Because he had several sources of income, he no longer depended on his family in Nigeria for pocket money.

Tinubu was a very brilliant student, he maintained his position as the best student from the beginning of the academic year until the end. His excellent performance earned him a scholarship and also qualified him to tutor in the accounting department.

After a successful career at Deloitte and Touche, he went on to work with General Telephone and Electronics (GTE). While at GTE, he experienced first-hand racism and discrimination, so he resigned and went on to work at Mobil, United Kingdom.

In 1983, Tinubu relocated back to Nigeria and resumed work with Mobil Nigeria where he started off as an auditor. In no time, he rose to the position of treasurer. Tinubu spearheaded the construction of the Mobile Nigeria House

NYCN, Ethnic Youth Groups, commiserates Presidential Aide, Nasir Adhama over Grandfather's death.



The National Youth Council of Nigeria(NYCN) and the coalition of Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders, have commiserated with the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Youth and Students Affairs, Nasir Sa'idu Adhama over the death of his grandfather, (Khalifa) Muhammad Abdurrabbihi Adhama.

The Youth groups condolence is contained in a statement issued and jointly signed by the NYCN President, Amb. Sukubo Sara-igbe Sukubo, and leaders of Afenifere Youth Group, Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Worldwide, Arewa Consultative Youth Movement, Middlebelt Youth Forum, Northern Youth Parliament, Tiv Youth Worldwide and Ijaw Youth Parliament on Monday.



The youth groups , who expressed sadness, said their thoughts and that of Nigerian Youth, were with the family of the departed patriarch of the Adhama family.

"Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences goes to the entire Adhama families, as we pray that God grant the departed an eternal rest."

The groups prayed that the late (Khalifa) Muhammad Abdurrabbihi Adhama soul, find eternal rest and that God’s protection be on his immediate and extended family.

By Sola Oteniya

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appears to me as the latest and finest jester to emerge on the country’s political firmament. Lagos is very strategic being the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria. Years back, I read even intellectuals stylishly referring to it as the macrocosm of Nigeria.

In saner climes, whoever is entrusted with a public mandate to govern the state should be a person with impeccable credentials; upright with enviable records of excellence, integrity and infectious selflessness. But having followed Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s leadership of this complex state keenly for about two years now, I am under the compunction to believe the alleged allusion to his mental instability and criminal inclinations by his predecessor, ex-Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode might likely be true.

Ambode had amplified in 2018 on Sanwo-Olu’s past mental rehabilitation at Gbagada General Hospital and his criminal records of being napped for spending counterfeit US Dollars in a nightclub in the United States. The former governor proclaimed loudly that based on Sanwo-Olu's doubtful history, it was a potential disaster for Lagosians to support such a character to become the political leader of the state or assume the job he was being propelled to do.

As I know of some Nigerian politicians, especially at partisan times, Sanwo-Olu profusely denied all the allegations. However, actions  speak louder than words. As governor now, Sanwo-Olu strikes me more as an unstable character, barren of finesse to govern and thus, confirming through actions, his unflattering past mental health crisis and unresolved criminal records previously labelled against him.

He neither prepared for the hectic mission nor had any clear vision, devoid of ideas on how to offer rewarding service to the state. As expected, Sanwo-Olu emerged in Government House Alausa, dazed and confused like a fowl poached out of its shelter into the open fields in the dead of the night.   

I am not surprised at the happenings in Lagos/Lekki to be specific.  After all, Mr Ambode cautioned all of us before now, but we wouldn’t listen. As usual, we reduced everything to politics and ignored him. Most Nigerians are tilted to darkness and I was not surprised when Lagosians voted Sanwo-Olu as Governor in 2019.

I do not doubt that the people of Lagos goofed terribly in the choice of Sanwo-Olu. I have come to know; the strength of a leader is measured mainly by his sagacious outings in times of public crisis. Sanwo-Olu, however, has shown to be devoid of this leadership dexterity or traits.

The Lekki Toll Gate #EndSARS protests incident assails my mind strongly. It has attracted national outrage because the governor abdicated his responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state with his poor handling of the protests by its manifest signs of turning into violence and bloodbath.

To my utmost surprise, Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s belated announcement of a 24-hour curfew, its stealthy extension to 9 pm same day without considering the traffic gridlock and mobility peculiarities of Lagos was his first display of incompetence to manage the crisis. His order to security agents to fortify Lagos to forestall further breakdown of public law and order by hoodlums, miscreants and criminals who hijacked the otherwise peaceful protests had no feedback mechanism. It means, the Governor may have abandoned the state willy-nilly to subordinates. 

With the alleged Lekki shootings by soldiers, Sanwo-Olu is completely lost in giving the accurate account of the incident. It shocked me that the Governor was easily caught in the web of self-denials and contradictions. He is parroting so much on the incident, but discernibly in doublespeak.  

By Sanwo-Olu’s various narrations on the incident at different times, it is suicidal for me or any other person to vouch for his accounts of the Lekki incident. The Governor has deepened my conjectures on whether he requested the Nigerian Army into Lagos or never consented it; 30, 70, 12 persons, seven or “only” two or one protesters was killed from the incident.

And the number of persons hospitalized who sustained injuries, supposedly shot by soldiers, Police bullets or wounded from the chaotic stampede is also a mystery of scientific complexity. If a State Governor has disappointed me in recent times, it is Mr Sanwo-Olu. Despite his exalted office, he preferred to follow the herds of social media merchants and the fake news reeled out on the incident, running his mouth incoherently and inconsistently like an accident victim.

I am astounded to hear Sanwo-Olu inconsistencies and incongruent accounts of a single incident on security in his state. The Governor celebrated self- contradictory statements. At first Sanwo -Olu claimed he tried to call Mr President when Lagos was being violently pulled down by #EndSARS protesters or hoodlums as they were later truly nicknamed. 

At this point, the violence of the #EndSARS protesters had peaked evident in the torching of several police stations; gruesome murder of policemen; unlawful and coercive release of suspects in police custody. Massive weapons were also carted away by the hoodlums. But to my amazement again, Sanwo-Olu claimed days later that he didn’t know where the soldiers came to Lekki. People with criminal instincts are also cheap liars.

It compelled me to ponder why the Governor was attempting to call Mr President but was physically disrupted by the enraged protestors. But shockingly too, Sanwo-Olu said; “For clarity, it is imperative to explain that no sitting governor controls the rules of engagement of the military…” I started wondering whether Mr President sat in Abuja and intuitively knew there was a problem of frightening magnitude in Lagos and decided to deploy soldiers without Sanwo-Olu’s consent.

And when pressurized, the Governor countered himself by saying he invited soldiers but didn’t ask them to shoot. In another aftermath rendition of the Lekki incident, Sanwo-Olu told Nigerians in a state-wide broadcast the next day that no one died from the Lekki incident; buttressing it by his visit to the scene immediately and then claiming there were no bloodstains at the spot.  

Sanwo-Olu later rebuffed himself as he told CNN’s Becky Anderson in an interview that only “Two dead bodies, that is what we have seen from all the morgues, that’s what we have seen going to hospitals, that’s what we have seen as a record…. I have been to the ground, there is no scratch of blood anywhere there.”

The same Governor again reenergized his rehearsal of self-contradictions. He tweeted on the second day of the incident that, “Information reaching us now is that a life was lost at Reddington Hospital due to blunt force trauma to the head. Three of the injured protesters have been discharged, while some are in the hospital. There is no record of any fatalities.”

The Governor’s contradictory reversal of himself indicated clear disparities with what transpired at Lekki Toll Gate. His rigmarole began after his political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Jagaban later visited him. Some sources claim Tinubu flew into France in the wake of the protests but was reportedly forced back home by irate IPOB members resident in that country to face the fire he ignited in Nigeria.  

It sounds more to me like the Jagaban was at Lekki that night as a talisman and no one sighted him. Therefore, the Jagaban was angry with Sanwo-Olu’s repeated claims that no one died or just one person neither were there any bloodstains at the spot.  The Governor realized the anger of his boss and had to rejig his tales, and started vibrating the inanities or cooking the stories of the death toll or should I believe he initially forgot? He then, unconscionably pinned soldiers to the shooting at Lekki obviously as an afterthought.

But as the Nigerian Army has repeatedly articulated, it was never involved in the #EndSARS protests initially, but the “decision to call in the Military was taken by the Lagos State Government after a 24-hour curfew was imposed;” and at no time did soldiers open fire on protesting civilians.

The fate of Lagos today is the paroxysms of poor leadership by an inexperienced, deceptive, mentally and psychologically unstable leader like Sanwo-Olu. This is the macabre dance from Lagos and Nigerians must watch with keen interest. Having voiced this far, can the Judicial Panel constituted by Sanwo-Olu to probe the Lekki incident still be trusted to do justice or be fair to all parties?

The answer is certainly NO!  The Governor can’t be a judge in his case. Sanwo-Olu’s antecedents on this matter justify an already pre-determined bias or judgement. Let the Federal Government constitute a neutral Judicial Panel to conduct the probe of Lekki incident.

Oteniya PhD wrote from University of Lagos.

CPA Congratulate Mahmood over reappointment as INEC Chairman


The Centre for Public Accountability(CPA) , has commended President Buhari for reappointing Professor Yakubu Mahmood as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying the President's decision is a confirmation of the commitment of the confidence of Nigerians, in the capacity of the INEC Boss, towards improving the credibility of Nigeria's electoral system.


This was stated by the group on Monday through its Executive Director, Olufemi Lawson, in a statement issued in Lagos.

CPA, while congratulating the INEC Boss on his reappointment, said Nigerians are beginning have more confidence in the Commission, due to his various initiatives during his first term in office, which witnessed series of innovation, that has improved the credibility of elections in the country. The group further said Prof Mahmood has ran a transparent and inclusive administration, during his first term in office.


CPA pointed out that Mahmood remained a patriotic citizen who is making Nigeria proud by superintending the electoral process with a sense of utmost dedication and forthrightness.


“As he get the opportunity to serve in this capacity for anorher term, we admonish Professor Mahmood to sustain his transparent and inclusive administration at INEC, just as he did, during his first term, to ensure constant improvements in Nigeria’s electoral system."

“We are not in doubt that Professor Mahmood has acquitted himself excellently and has bequeathed to the nation an electoral system that is in a better shape than what he met on the ground.

BREAKING : Governor Tambuwal congratulates Sukubo, donates vehicle to Nigerian Youth Organisations.


Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has congratulated the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo over his legal victory and the harmonisation of the leadership of the nation's apex youth organisation.

Governor Tambuwal spoke in Sokoto while hosting the leadership of the Council from across, alongside leaders of Ethnic Youth groups, as part of programmes marking this years African/National Youth Day, hosted by the Sokoto State government.

The Youth President in his speech lamented the lack of synergy between Nigerian youth and governments across the country, stating this has been responsible for the seeming hostility often witnessed between the citizens and government, on issues which ordinarily are to be resolved through dialogue.
He also unveiled the plan of the organisation for a National Youth Peace Confab, scheduled to take place in Abuja later this month.

Governor Tambuwal commended the leadership of the youth organisations under Sukubo, for its effort in promoting peace and national unity.

Tambuwal further expressed his delight, in the conduct of the youth, as he admonish the youth leaders, to remain responsive, forthright and diligent in their service to the country.

He highlighted his administration's commitment to youth development and participation in governance, which reflects in the number of young people, currently occupying strategic positions under his administration, as the Governor of Sokoto State.

The Governor used the occasion to present an official vehicle, a 28-seater Toyota Bus, to support the activities of Nigeria youth across the country.

The Concerned All Progressive Congress group has extended the ultimatum given to Mai Mala Buni APC led caretaker committee to fix party convention date for november.

The group in a unanimous decision decides to extend its earlier 14days ultimatum by 7days as a result of the party's publicity secretary statement that they are working on the convention time table last week.

In the light of the 7days extension, we hope that the failure and disappointments that characterise the period of the earlier ultimatum given will have no place in the next one week.

It is important to state that, with this extension, The Buni led APC caretaker committee is given an ample opportunity to fix convention date and time table that will produce new National Executives for our party in November.

We want to authoritatively warn that, if no time table released within the next 7 days, we will have no option than to embark on daily protest to draw attention of Mr President and party members on the elongation plot that will destroy the party we have labored for.

Signed
Abdullahi Dauda
Spokesperson
1st November 2020
08065896370