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In the Nigerian digital space, different days birth different trends. Today, the hashtag, #StingyMenAssociation is trending and popular Nigerian celebrity, Don Jazzy, has joined the bandwagon.

Basically, Nigerian men who have ‘joined’ the association take pride in the fact that they are stingy to ladies; especially when these ladies request money from them.

To make the trend more fun, Twitter users have gone as far as making ‘identity cards’ to prove their membership while potential members are asking questions on how to join the association.

Showing he is a bonafide member of the association, Don Jazzy took to his Twitter handle on Monday to announce that he has joined SMA.

He shared his ‘ID’ card bearing his photo and his personal details alongside a caption which read, “Registration Complete.”

Meanwhile, the female folks are not left out as they have formed their own association which is currently gaining momentum on social media with the Stingy Women Association of Nigeria (SWAN) with its motto: “Do Not Open.”

Those who led nationwide protests demanding extensive police reforms with the #EndSARS hashtag must be prosecuted, says Festus Keyamo.

Mr Keyamo, a junior labour and employment minister stated this today while speaking with Peoples Gazette on the recent blockade of the U.S capitol.

Supporters of outgoing president Donald Trump had on Wednesday invaded the parliament in a bid to halt the confirmation of Joe Biden as the next leader of the foreign country.

While the invaders where arrested by the police, Mr Trump’s social media accounts were deactivated after he sent out messages suggesting he supports their actions.

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter said they prohibited Mr Trump from further using their platforms over the latter’s choice of words which are inciting.

For the junior minister, the development has reignited the resolution of President Muhammadu Buhari administration to control free speech in the country.

He also said the administration will not back down on prosecuting arrow heads of the now suspended protest which abruptly ended after military personnel swooped on peaceful demonstrators and opened live rounds on them at the Lekki tollgate, Lagos on October 20.

The protests which began peacefully in some cities turned violent after alleged state sponsored hoodlums were let loose against the peaceful assembly. The government saw the protest as a move aimed at ousting it from power.

“What happened that triggered #EndSARS and cost the nation billions in destruction and human lives was based on a pure lie,” Keyamo told the online news medium but failed to point out the lie.

“In America, those who attacked the Capitol and the person who incited them are being punished. But here in Nigeria, we are calling for those who incited #EndSARS protesters into killing and maiming so many people to be freed. It won’t happen,” he added.

While warning purveyors of hate speech in the country to desist further, the minister said what was meted out to the U.S president serves him right.

“There is always a thin line between free speech and irresponsible and dangerous hate speech. Donald Trump was restricted because he lied and fermented hate speech,” he reckoned.

“Don’t make unfounded claims in Nigeria. If you do, be prepared to defend yourself and be ready to face the consequences,” he added.

Johnson Suleman, the general overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, has prophesied, saying power will leave the North when President Muhammadu Buhari completes his tenure.

Mr Suleman who gave the prophesy on December 30, according to a two minutes twenty seconds video clip circulating on social media, said Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, will take over the saddle of leadership when his principal leaves.

The cleric recalled that in 2012, a revelation came to him that former president Goodluck Jonathan who sought a second term during the 2015 general election will not be re-elected.

He said the Almighty told him then that Mr Jonathan will be the last president of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that his successor will pilot the affairs of the country without ministers for six months.

Mr Buhari who trounced his predecessor governed for six months without ministers, saying he was searching for saints who will make his cabinet.

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“And I’m saying this again to you, this is what the Lord told me,” the minister said to members of his church, “This country will shake o.

“I speak in parables, I said something during the independence (October 1). I repeated it again, you will see what will happen. The reason I’m saying these things now is so you won’t say it happened before he (Suleman) said it, so I’m calling the date now.

“6:35pm, December 30, 2020, note it, the Lord told me audibly that number two will become number one, it’s a prophesy,” he added.

He went ahead to say the country will not disintegrate as speculated in some quarters, particularly by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a seccessionist movement seeking the return of the defunct Biafra Republic.

“Nigeria will not break, Nigeria will not divide, there will be no war in this country. What God will do, He will do it silently,” Suleman said.

He also warned those strategizing for the next general election in 2023 to pray hard in order to be alive by then.

“Those who are planning for 2023, listen to me, they should pray to see it,” he added.

A former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, also shared the video clip on Twitter, watch.

Ejike Mbaka, the spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry of Nigeria (AMEN) has warned against politicising the demands of the youths who called for the scrapping of police brutal squad last year.

Youths last year took to the streets across the nation, demonstrating and demanding extensive police reforms including the abolishment of now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) under the control of the federal government.

The protesters presented their demands to the government, some of which has been met by dissolving the force unit accused of brutality; setting up of probe panels; prosecution of defaulting officers and release of all arrested protesters.

Before the nationwide actions abruptly ended on October 20, military personnel swooped on demonstrators at the Lekki tollgate and opened live rounds on them.

While the military action was still being condemned both internationally, the government went after leaders of the protests. A no-fly list was alleged generated and targeted against the protest leaders who also had their bank accounts frozen on alleged funding of terrorism.

Warning the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari, the catholic cleric said the demands of the youths shouldn’t be politicised else there be consequences.

He warned that should the lukewarm attitude continue and the youths are forced to rise again, any attempt to stop them will end the government.

“The Holy Spirit of God asked me to warn the government of the day to be very careful; to change policies and take care of the youths without politicising their (youths’) condition,” Mbaka said during the 2020 edition of his popular annual December 31 Crossover Night ministration.

“That the government should rise and urgently create jobs and innovate opportunities that would benefit the youths of the nation because they have suffered so much.

“Don’t politicise the condition of the youths, otherwise, they will arise and end the political system.

“Should the government fail to do so as soon as possible that time is coming when the youths will rise against the government, and that any attempt to stop them will end the government.

“I can see a year ahead; it is not specific whether it is in 2021 that this will happen, but it is within a time in the time of life, that the anger of God will befall many people in the political circle because they have looted so much and disgraced this nation enough.

“Those who should be serving the country have looted the country dry for their personal aggrandisement, such that our children and grandchildren no longer have a future,” he said and warned politicians stealing from the nation’s treasury to henceforth desist.

Femi Adesina, the special adviser on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians to wind down their criticism of the Nigerian leader this year.

Mr Adesina gave the advice in his last article for the year 2020 urging critics of the administration to calm down and wail less in 2021.

His principal has faced much criticism since he took over power in 2015. His slowpoke in decision making especially appointing minister after six months of taking oath of office earned him the sobriquet “Baba Go Slow”. He is described by critics as the most nepotistic president the country has produced so far.

The detractors are quick to cite government appointments given to mostly Northerners and the forceful ousting of Walter Onnoghen, as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) prior to the 2019 election.

But advising the critics on how to conduct their affairs this year, the presidential spokesman said his principal needs less distraction and much praise to carry out his constitutional duties as president.

“…2021 is the year of work. Hard work, to deliver on the major projects by next year. Is it then a year to continue wailing? No. It is the year to calm down. A year for wailing wailers to find a vocation, and allow government to concentrate, and deliver on projects at hand,” Mr Adesina wrote.

“Anybody who loves the country must resolve to give government as less distraction as possible this year. Yes, there are challenges: security, economy, improving quality of lives. Lack of jobs. Inflation.. And many others. But is it the year to wail? No. We should rather hail, encourage government to do better, and engender better standards of living for Nigerians.

“So, what am I saying. No criticism in 2021? No. But let it not be a full time vocation, as it has been with some people. They will criticize the rail project of the government, calling it white elephant, but will be the first to hop on the trains, taking selfies in it. Wailers, calm down.

“Please, “be calming down” in 2021, so that government can function with less distractions. It is not the year to cavil, find unnecessary faults, and fill the land with lamentations,” he added.

Femi Adesina, the special adviser on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians to wind down their criticism of the Nigerian leader this year.

Mr Adesina gave the advice in his last article for the year 2020 urging critics of the administration to calm down and wail less in 2021.

His principal has faced much criticism since he took over power in 2015. His slowpoke in decision making especially appointing minister after six months of taking oath of office earned him the sobriquet “Baba Go Slow”. He is described by critics as the most nepotistic president the country has produced so far.

The detractors are quick to cite government appointments given to mostly Northerners and the forceful ousting of Walter Onnoghen, as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) prior to the 2019 election.

But advising the critics on how to conduct their affairs this year, the presidential spokesman said his principal needs less distraction and much praise to carry out his constitutional duties as president.

“…2021 is the year of work. Hard work, to deliver on the major projects by next year. Is it then a year to continue wailing? No. It is the year to calm down. A year for wailing wailers to find a vocation, and allow government to concentrate, and deliver on projects at hand,” Mr Adesina wrote.

“Anybody who loves the country must resolve to give government as less distraction as possible this year. Yes, there are challenges: security, economy, improving quality of lives. Lack of jobs. Inflation.. And many others. But is it the year to wail? No. We should rather hail, encourage government to do better, and engender better standards of living for Nigerians.

“So, what am I saying. No criticism in 2021? No. But let it not be a full time vocation, as it has been with some people. They will criticize the rail project of the government, calling it white elephant, but will be the first to hop on the trains, taking selfies in it. Wailers, calm down.

“Please, “be calming down” in 2021, so that government can function with less distractions. It is not the year to cavil, find unnecessary faults, and fill the land with lamentations,” he added.

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to rejig the security architecture to further tone down rising insecurity in the nation.

Mr Buhari gave the assurance while addressing Nigerians during his new year broadcast Friday morning.

There have been calls for the reorganizing of the military and para-military outfits to tackle worsening insecurity but the president looked the other way.

The worsening situation forced the formation of some security outfits deemed unconstitutional with the most recent being the Eastern Security Network (ESN) launched late last year by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which will operate in the South-East and South-South geo-political zones.

The secessionist group said the outfit is similar to Amotekun in the South-West region and that of pastoralists set up nationwide by herdsmen under the umbrella of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

Security chiefs whom the president appointed in 2015 when he took over power has continued in office despite calls for their sack over most of them who have outlived their tenures.

The president while reacting to the demand also made by the Nigerian Senate thrice said he was satisfied with the efforts of the security chiefs.

But while addressing Nigerians, the president assured that his administration will reorganize the security architecture this year although he gave no particular date.

He said, “re-energizing and reorganizing the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police with a view to enhance their capacity to engage, push back and dismantle the operations of both internal and external extremist and criminal groups waging war against our communities in some parts of the country,” will be one of his most priority.

Aside security, he also mentioned the economy and the anti-corruption war as key sectors his administration will improve on this year.

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Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, says he will not listen to the new year broadcast of President Muhammadu Buhari scheduled for Friday morning.

The presidency had earlier released a statement informing the citizens of the president’s wish to address them when the new year starts.

For Mr Effiong, his decision is hinged on his resolve not to trade-off his mental health. He said listening to the Nigerian leader leads to depression.

He predicted that nothing meaningful will come out from the scheduled broadcast and advised some presidential aides to listen to their principal’s speech which he described as lame even when the broadcast is yet to be aired.

“Listening to Buhari’s new year speech will amount to starting the year with depression. I’m not ready to compromise my mental health in 2021,” Effiong said Thursday evening.

“I bet that Buhari will not say anything meaningful or of consequence. Garba Shehu, Femi Adesina and others can listen to his lame speech,” the lawyer wrote on Facebook.

Some Nigerians share same sentiment as the legal practitioner mostly due to increasing insecurity bedeviling all parts of the country. Several calls for the rejig of the security architecture have always fell on deaf ears even when the Nigerian Senate has also suggested so thrice.

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One of the schoolboys abducted by Boko Haram terrorists last week has pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari to withdraw troops sent to rescue them.

The young lad whose name is unknown at the time of publishing this report made the plea while appearing in a video clip released by the terrorist group.

He said some of the abducted students were killed during the attack.

“All the armies that have come here to help us, please send them back,” the boy said using english, “they (soldiers) can do nothing to them (Boko Haram terrorists) please,” he added before reverting back to local lingua franca.


He and over three hundred students of the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara Local Government Area were kidnapped late Friday.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Aminu Masari, has confirmed the government was in talks with the kidnappers using Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as an intermediary.

Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, says terrorism in the country is far from being over anytime soon.

Mr Buratai stated this on Tuesday, three days after the gruesome massacre of rice farmers in Borno State at the weekend.

“There is general misunderstanding of what insurgency and terrorism entail,” the army chief said on his verified Facebook page Tuesday morning.

“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 in international actors. Citizens responsibility is equally important and imperative. All must cooperate to contain the lingering insecurity. Let there be collective action and responsibility,” he added.

There have been calls for his sack alongside other security chiefs but President Muhammadu Buhari continues paying deaf ears to them.

Critics say the ousting of the security chiefs and their replacement will bring in fresh ideas on how to tackle worsening insecurity across the country.

Lawmakers at the Kogi State House of Assembly today endorsed the state governor, Yahaya Bello, for 2023 presidency.

The unanimous endorsement took place at the premises of the state lawmaking arm of government today in Lokoja.

They cited good governance among others as reasons for their decision.

“We, the Right Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members of the Kogi State House of Assembly upon due deliberation of proper motion therefore, do hereby unanimously make and pass a Vote of Confidence on His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State,” the resolution of the assembly read.

Elisha Abbo, senator representing Adamawa North senatorial district has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

His defection was announced at the floor of the Nigerian Senate today during plenary. Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, read the letter wherein Mr Abbo notified of his colleagues of his decision to join the ruling party.

“Thus, in living up to the expectation of the good people of Adamawa North Senatorial District, I hereby defect from the PDP to the APC with effect from today being Wednesday, the 25th day of November, 2020,” part of the statement read.

The lawmaker, when asked why he left the opposition party, said his ambition to become governor and the internal crisis in the party whom he accused the state governor, Ahmadu Fintri, of causing, necessitated his decision.

“If there is no crisis, how do you have another party in the PDP? There is a crisis in the party in Adamawa State and the governor is the cause of the crisis. He is insecure,” Abbo, who made headline last year for assaulting a lady in Abuja, told journalist after plenary.

“I cannot be overwhelmed because I know how hard I fought to bring Governor Fintiri to power. Go and check the record, I am not boasting. I am the main man that fought to bring Fintiri to power.

“My local government, Mubi North, is the second most populous in the state. The outgoing governor of Adamawa State is from Mubi North. I am the PDP there. Every PDP steward is from Mubi North, yet they couldn’t defeat me. I defeated all of them because I moved with the grassroots.

“If anyone is saying he is more powerful than me, then let 2023 come, we will meet them there. One thing about elections is that today, people are becoming wiser and wiser.

“So, to answer you, the governor did not defeat me. The governor did not chase me out. I actually gave way so that I will go and take his seat from him,” he said.

His defection comes weeks after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama ordered him to pay N50 million as compensation to Osimibibra Warmate, the lady he assaulted in 2019.

The federal government says fuel subsidy is still in place contrary to the believe that it has been removed completely.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, made this known yesterday while appearing on Channels Television.

The government had recently announced the removal of the subsidy on petrol and this led to the increase in petrol and electricity prices across Nigeria.

Featuring on Today Politics programme of the broadcast station, Mr Sylva said the government was still subsidising petrol and it would have been more costly than it is presently if it hands off.

“We are still trying to manage this bumpy start. We have not been able to get to that 100 per cent removal of subsidy from the foreign exchange end,” the minister said.

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“If we were to take it out completely and allow people to access foreign exchange from the parallel market and allow people to import the product, the price of the pump will even be more.

“The Federal Government, knowing the impact it will have on the people, decided that they are still going to manage this situation,” he added.

Sylva said he does not see the recent agreement to import the product from Niger republic as an embarrassment, adding that Nigerians should be proud of such development which encourages regional trade.

“I don’t see that as an embarrassment at all. Nigeria is a big market. We need products. Even if all our refineries are functioning, we will still need extra products,” he said

“Niger Republic produces oil and they are landlocked as a country. They have a refinery that refines in excess of what they require.

“They offered to sell the excess to Nigeria because this is a bigger market. In the spirit of regional cooperation, regional trade, we decided to buy from them. I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Sylva stated.

The Nigeria Army has admitted swopping on peaceful protesters at the Lekki tollgate, one of the #EndSARS venues of protests in the state demanding extensive police reforms, with live bullets.

Soldiers on October 20 arrived the protest venue in seven military trucks, according to a footage captured by the Closed-circuit television (CCTV).

According to the video surveillance cameras, shooting started 10 minutes after the military personnel arrived the protest venue.

While several were reported dead and others missing, military authorities kept saying its personnel did not use live rounds on the peaceful demonstrators.

They said its men shot blank bullets into the air to disperse the seemingly defiant protesters. But a twist has been added to the story by military representative, Brigadier General, Ahmed Taiwo, today.

Mr Taiwo while testifying before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State government to look into the incident said soldiers went to the protest venue with both live and blank bullets.

He added that Army Chief of Staff, Tukur Buratai, ordered military presence at the scene, adding that he gave the directive at about 3:00p.m that day.

When asked if rules of engagement were followed, Mr. Taiwo said that no rules were used as the soldiers were under attack, contradicting the military headquarters narrative.

Mr. Buratai had previously insisted that the Nigerian Army acted professionally and kept to the rules of engagement in the handling the #ENDSARS protesters and the federal government has said it was very satisfied with the conducts of security agencies during the protests.

The Federal Government has hailed security agencies over its roles during the global protests demanding extensive police reforms.

The demonstrations which began peacefully on October 8th was halted on the 20 of the same month after soldiers swooped on demonstrators at Lekki toll gate and opened live rounds on them.

According to Amnesty International, about 10 citizens died from gunshot opened on them during the incident but the federal government has continued to insist no one was killed at one of the scenes of protests in Lagos State.

At a press conference in Abuja, Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, said the government was very satisfied with the conduct of security agencies during the demonstrations.

Mr Mohammed reiterated the claim of the Nigerian Army that empty bullet casings were used by the military during the massacre.

“We insist that the military did not shoot at the protesters at Lekki. They fired blank ammunition into the air,” the minister said.

“Anyone who knows anyone who was killed at Lekki Toll Gate should go straight to the judicial panel with evidence.

“At this point, it is important to say that the Federal Government is very satisfied with roles played by the security agencies especially the military and the police all through the EndSARS crisis.

“They were professional. Even when their lives were at stake, they exercised uncommon restraints. Their professionalism saved many lives and properties,” Mr Mohammed added while calling for the sanction of Cable News Network (CNN) which aired a documentary indicting state agents.

Lai Mohammed, Information Minister, has called for the sanction of Cable News Network (CNN).

Mr Mohammed who made the call on Thursday while addressing reporters in Abuja said the international news organization should be penalized for airing unverified documentary about the #EndSARS protests.

He was reacting to a recent report by the news medium indicting state agents in the massacre of protesting Nigerians demanding extensive police reforms at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos State on October 20.

Describing the report as a poor journalistic work, the minister bemoaned why an exclusive story will rely on social media videos he described as unverified.

“Like everyone else, I watched the CNN report. I must tell you that it reinforces the disinformation that is going round, and it is blatantly irresponsible and a poor piece of journalistic work by a reputable international news organization,” Mr Mohammed said.

“CNN engaged in incredible sensationalism and did a great disservice to itself and to journalism. In the first instance, CNN, which touted its report as an exclusive investigative report, sadly relied on the same videos that have been circulating on social media, without verification.

“This is very serious and CNN should be sanctioned for that. CNN merely said the videos were ”obtained by CNN”, without saying wherefrom and whether or not it authenticated them. Were CNN reporters and cameramen at the Lekki Toll Gate that evening?

“If the answer is no, on what basis were they reporting? Relying on second or third hand information and presenting it as ”CNN Investigation”? Why didn’t the CNN balance its story by showing the compelling testimony of Brig.-Gen. Taiwo before the Judicial Panel in Lagos?

“Is this one-sided reporting what is expected from an international media organisation or any serious news organisation? If CNN had done its investigation properly, it would have known how fake news and disinformation were trending during the EndSARS crisis.

“The BBC even did a report on this, and we recommend that report to CNN. Talking about the BBC, a reporter with the BBC’s Pidgin Service, Damilola Banjo, was at Lekki Toll Gate protest ground that night. She was quoted as saying soldiers were indeed at the Toll Gate but they shot ‘’sporadically into the air’’ and not at the protesters. CNN that was not at the scene reported otherwise.

“In airing its so-called investigative report, CNN conveniently forgot that on October 23rd 2020, it tweeted, from its verified twitter handle, that the military killed 38 people when it opened fire on peaceful protesters on Tuesday, October 20th 2020. Less than a month later, the same CNN, in what it called an EXCLUSIVE report based on a rehash of old, unverified videos, was only able to confirm that one person died in the same incident.

“In its jaundiced reporting, CNN was blind to the fact that six soldiers and 37 policemen were killed in unprovoked attacks.

“CNN, in its ‘investigation’, was blind to the wanton destruction of property in Lagos and across the country. Also, CNN was blind to the burning of police stations and vehicles all over the country. Instead, it went to town with unverified social media footages, in its desperation to prove that people were killed at the Lekki Toll Gate. Again,

“This is irresponsible journalism for which CNN deserves to be sanctioned. We insist that the military did not shoot at protesters at Lekki Toll Gate. They fired blank ammunition in the air. Again, anyone who knows anyone who was killed at Lekki Toll Gate should head to the Judicial Panel with conclusive evidence of such,” he said.

The call for sanction of the international news medium by the Information Minister comes weeks after the federal government through its agency sanctioned television stations in the country for airing video clips of the massacre obtained from the social media.

The government has continued to maintain its stance that the social media must be regulated like the mainstream media, saying leaving it unchecked will destabilize the nation.

Chiji Collins, the speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly has been impeached.

Mr Collins was removed this afternoon after being accused of alleged financial impropriety, high handedness, and gross misconduct.

Lawmakers numbering 19 in the 27-member house signed his impeachment.

He has been replaced with Paul Emeziem from Onuimo council.

walex2:
don't mind the stupid people hailing him and blaming Oshiomole for a governor who is so corrupt and who abused the separation of power by willingly set aside 14 Lawmakers who he knew they aren't going to dance to his tune, you issue a proclamation for an assembly to be inaugurated at night while others are completely shut out. If not the ineffectuaal Buhari that doesn't know anything, even the attorney general of the federation rose against it. I pray Tinubu and any of his proteges doesnt come in 2023 then he will know what is called politics, if he wasn't remove by court before then because of his fake certificate, a three credit governor who gained admission to UI without maths and eng. Stupid governor and dumb president

CBN action: #EndSARS promoters must face the law, says presidency

The Presidency has said those who allowed the recent #EndSARS protests to degenerate into the destruction of lives and properties in the country must account for their actions.

Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), made this known on Sunday while featuring on Channels Television’s programme, Sunday Politics.

The PUNCH had reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria froze the accounts of 20 #EndSARS champions while another promoter of the movement, Modupe Odele, was prevented from travelling last week and had her passport seized by the Nigeria Immigration Service.

When asked whether his principal was aware of the development, Shehu said the buck stops at the table of the President, noting that the protesters must face the law.

He said, “This country has only one president and has only one constitution. President Muhammadu Buhari is responsible for his government. The buck stops on his table.

“We are a country governed by law. There is a constitution —under section 33— that clearly defines the rights of citizens to freely protest in a peaceful way but where a peaceful protest turns into riot, violence and looting, there is a law and order duty to be performed.

“Everyone witnessed the massive looting of public and private properties particularly in Lagos, Calabar, Plateau, Taraba and some other states, even the FCT.

“Now, the laws of the country must be allowed to decide, to rule on wrongdoing on the part of anybody.

“I am not particular about any celebrity or promoter but this country has been harmed enormously and people should be prepared to account for what they did.”

He added that some politicians who promoted the #EndSARS demonstrations including those of the Peoples Democratic Party should “publicly denounce” the attendant destruction caused by the protest.

Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor, says protest begot the Boko Haram insurgency unleashing terror in his state.

Mr Zulum stated this while briefing State House Correspondents in Abuja after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari today.

He warned youths to be weary of protests they are participating in because the terrorist group in the North began in form of a protest against the use of motorcycle helmet in Maiduguri with the those are the forefront then fleeing from the state.

“On the issue of #EndSARS, I am calling on all Nigerians especially the youths to be very careful,” the Borno helmsman said.

“The whole Boko Haram saga started as a result of the protests by some youths in Maiduguri against the use of helmet by motorcycle riders. You have seen the situation now.

“Over one million people have been displaced and the most affected population are the vulnerable, the youth.

“Some of those that led the protests have left Borno State, they are either staying in Abuja or Lagos or abroad. we have to be very careful,” he added.

Some northern governors oppose wholesale scrapping of SARS

Some governors of the northern states are opposed to the wholesale disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), submitting that the unit under the auspices of the Nigeria Police has been doing a yoman’s job in the fight against insecurity in the region.

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, spoke in Abuja while fielding questions from State House correspondents after he met with President Muhammadu Buhari, Thursday.

Lalong argued that though the president has already approved the scrapping of SARS, the northern states do not believe that the baby should be thrown away with the bath water.

He said squad was not made up of bad elements alone as it also included personnel who were doing their work diligently.

The governor said what was needed was the reformation of the unit to enable it carry out its functions optimally.

However, Lalong conceded that there are divisions in the country on the continued existence of the unit.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the next presidential election will hold on February 18, 2023.

Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the electoral body relayed this at the inauguration of the special adhoc committee on the review of the 1999 constitution wherein he told members of the House of Representatives that there are about 855 days left for the next general elections.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned street demonstration in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The ban is contained in a Thursday statement titled ‘COVID-19: FCT Security Committee Prohibits Street Demonstrations’ by Muhammad Bello, FCT Minister.

This is coming despite Markets, schools and other heavy gatherings operating across the Nigerian capital after President Buhari lifted restrictions on movement.

“Due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT,” it partly quoted Mr. Bello as saying.

Nigerians have been demonstrating since last week demanding the disbandment of the now abolished Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Despite scrapping the brutal squad, protests continued nationwide with the people accusing the government of being insincere with regards to reforming the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The ban by the minister is unconstitutional, according to human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong.

"Only the president can invoke the Quarantine Act under Section 4," Mr Effiong said.

"While FCT is under president's control, its minister cannot stand as a surrogate to invoke Quarantine Act," the lawyer added.