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This weekend went down as one of the best highlights in the Nigerian music industry this year for Nigerians. American rapper, Cardi B put on a show - from her entry into Nigeria to her breath-taking performance - that pushed almost every Nigerian out of their worries and the harsh economic reality in the country. However, the excitement didn't linger enough to douse the anti-competitive practices Pepsi was engulfed in prior to the concert.

While Nigerians might have to vibe to Cardi B's back-to-back hit songs, it was impossible to shake off the unhealthy competitive tendency of Pepsi that shocked consumers of carbonated soft drinks (CSD) in the last week of November.

Although, competition is the best thing that could happen to a market. It drives efficiency, promotes affordability, ensures value for money; all to the benefit of the consumers, but when it dives into plotting against a market rival, that’s when competition becomes hazardous; the latter was what was conveyed in a leaked email by the Managing Director of Pepsi Nigeria, Ziad Maalouf.

What happened? An excerpt from the mail reads, “B-Brand (reference to Bigi) disruptive business model will either become a temptation for anyone who has a bit of money to start own brand in Nigeria, or it will be a curse that ensures no one takes such a decision again.”

What decision is Maalouf talking about in the mail? Bigi Drinks (produced by Rite Foods) entered the market with a competitive price and bigger PET bottle to penetrate the CSD market in 2016, at a period Pepsi resized its PET bottle downwards to 50cl but kept product price at N100 and Coca-cola increased its 60cl price to N150. Amidst this price hike and reduced quantity, Bigi offered consumers 60cl at N100.

That was the turning point for all the brands and consumers. Bigi's price war changed the status quo in the CSD market. For more than two decades, Pepsi (bottled by Seven-Up bottling Company, SBC) and Coca-cola (bottled by Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC) had major control over the market, but Bigi’s disrupted entry cost them valuable share.

Why Nigerians need to be worried:

While an offense marketing response is expected from a company that has taken a hit from a smaller rival, what is shocking is the power play being pulled by Pepsi. The message is clear, Pepsi is not just coming for Bigi, the only Nigerian-owned soft drink brand, the company is also looking to shutout aspiring Nigerian brands from entering the CSD market.

Although, Pepsi is positioned as a Nigerian brand, but it’s just another franchise of a foreign brand no different from Coca-cola. While it’s contribution to the employment market is commendable, the company’s proposed response to Bigi’s market presence pose a threat to not just Bigi, but to also the employment market which will have a ripple effect on the Nigerian economy.

Just as the growth of Bigi drinks resulted into the employment of many Nigerians, if Pepsi achieve its aim against Bigi, it will lead to the loss of several jobs, and even discourage new investors from establishing river brands, thereby, killing future job creation in the CSD market. So there’s need to protect smaller brands from the claws of the major players like Pepsi which has declared war against smaller brands.

https://www.stelladimokokorkus.com/2019/11/pepsi-nigerias-md-fiery-email-raises.html

A former Chairman of Esan North-East Local Government Council in Edo state, Hon Sam Oboh has been shot by unknown gunmen.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that Sam Oboh, a member of the Edo People’s Movement (EPM), has been a very vocal critic of the Godwin Obaseki led APC government in Edo state, was attacked by assailants who riddled his vehicle with bullets, shooting him in the process.

Oboh was driving with his wife seated on the passenger`s seat. The woman was unhurt in the attack. Speaking on his ordeal, the party chieftain said;

“The incidence took place at Obagie village along Benin Auchi road, as I approached, Gunmen started shooting sporadically at my Prado SUV with the intention to kill”.

“I managed to meander my way through the barrage of Gunfire”.

“One thing is sure, they wanted to take my life but I serve a living God who delivered Daniel from the hungry lions, He also saved my life”.

“All glory to him alone, I am alive”, Hon. Oboh concluded.

https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-party-chieftain-shot-at-close-range-car-riddled-with-bullets-photos/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has accused his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP of corruption, warning that the interests of his state should not be 'toyed' with.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that Wike attacked the party over a committee set up to investigate the emergence of Ndudi Elumelu's emergence as minority leader of the House of Representatives. It will be recalled that Elumelu, from Delta state, was elected minority leader despite strong opposition from the national leadership of the party.

The party leadership wanted Kingsley Chinda to be minority leader. Speaking on the development, wike said;

"The committee set up by the PDP on the illegal emergence of Ndudi Elumelu is the most corrupt committee ever set up by the party,” a statement from the Rivers Government House quoted the governor to have said in Port Harcourt."

"We thank our worthy son, Austin Opara, for withdrawing from that committee, so that he is not entangled in the illegal activities of the tainted committee.".

https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-wike-turns-against-pdp-accuses-party-committee-of-corruption-reasons/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

There is a need for closer bilateral relationships between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirate (UAE), the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has said.

The Speaker, who received the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirate to Nigeria in his office during a courtesy visit on Thursday assured that expedited legislative action would be taken on outstanding bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries as soon as the House resumes from its annual vacation.

Stating that Nigeria is a country that seeks cooperation with other countries for the benefit of the people, the Speaker noted that UAE is a model State with remarkable growth, which Nigeria hopes to replicate.

He said: "For us, we always look for cooperation, we always look for friends who can enhance and grow our relationships as a legislature, even as a country.

"Of course, yours is a model State, your remarkable growth and development over the years is something we all look to replicate here in Nigeria.

"There's is no doubt or question that we want to open up new shores, new avenues, new frontiers beyond our traditional trading partners and UAE obviously is already calling and yearning for investments and bilateral relationships that cut across borders between the two countries.

"On the Agreements which you talked about, I'm well aware that we have domesticated some, you said about six of them, two are outstanding, we will take these up as soon as we get back from the annual vacation.

"We will fast track the process to make things easier between the two countries.

"I just want to encourage you, as we encourage ourselves that we need to cement the areas with some grey areas.

"President Muhammadu Buhari has been there because he is interested in exploring avenues for good working and bilateral relationships between our two countries"

The Speaker also expressed the desire of the House of Representatives to work closely with the UAE legislature after its November national election, adding that both can benefit from each other.

"We look forward to your elections and looking forward to the parliamentary relations.

Earlier in his remarks, the Ambassador said the courtesy visit was intended to seek closer ties with the House of Representatives considering several engagements and opportunities between the two countries in the past.

This, he said led to the signing of six Agreements between the two in 2016, with four ratified before President Buhari's visit to UAE in April 2019 which led successful outcomes on economic, investment, climate change, humanitarian and other sectors of the two countries.

He informed the Speaker of the six bilateral Agreements between the two countries and the need to domesticate those that have been ratified while soliciting for expedited action of the outstanding ones.

According to the Ambassador, the Agreements have implications on the economy, investments and for people who would want to establish themselves in Nigeria or UAE and access global markets.

https://politicsnigeria.com/gbajabiamila-seeks-closer-ties-with-uae/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

Chief Allen Onyema, CEO of Air peace airlines, broke down in tears as he welcomed Nigerians evacuated from South-Africa in the wake of Xenophobic attacks against foreigners.

Onyema made headlines after offering to evacuate Nigerians from South-Africa for free. The first batch of Nigerian returnees from South Africa arrived Lagos yesterday amidst jubilation.

According to the flight Manifest, about 231 males and 86 females returned home yesterday.As they alighted from the aircraft they expressed bitter experiences in the hands of their South African hosts.

They were received at a temporary camp opened for their profiling. The government has made available to each of them N40, 000.00 recharge card to enable them to communicate with their family members.

In appreciation of the gestures, the returnees rose in euphoria to sing the national anthem.

POLITICS NIGERIA has footage of the passengers hugging and praising Onyema who broke down in tears...

Watch below;

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1372398666259036&id=1650884521891022

Source: https://politicsnigeria.com/airpeace-ceo-allen-onyema-weeps-as-he-welcomes-nigerians-from-south-africa-photos/

Watch:
https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-abba-kyari-police-capture-notorious-abuja-kidnap-kingpin-yellow-photos/

Information reaching the POLITICS NIGERIA newsdesk on Thursday afternoon reveals that the Nigerian police force has arrested a notorious Kidnap kingpin, Bello Audu popularly known as ‘Yellow’.

Audu is the alleged Mastermind of Kidnappings on Abuja-Kaduna road. He is said to be the most-wanted commander of kidnappers terrorising Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road axis. He was reportedly arrested by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the police led by DCP Abba Kyari.

He allegedly confessed to more than 50 kidnappings and killings. Members of his gang are also said to be in custody. On Tuesday, six persons were also reported kidnapped on the road.

Abuja-Kaduna road, in recent times, has become known for kidnappings causing many commuters to travel by rail.

Watch the video of the criminal below;

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2017080208392024&id=100002701927599

Source: https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-abba-kyari-police-capture-notorious-abuja-kidnap-kingpin-yellow-photos/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

A member of the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Justice Sheriff Hafizu has said there was a preponderance of evidence to prove that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio was robbed of victory in the February 23 National Assembly election.

Justice Hafizu in a split judgement on September 11, 2019, held that it was his view that Senator Akpabio overwhelmingly won the election and ought to have been returned as the duly elected Senator for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

Engr Chris Ekpenyong of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was declared winner of the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Senator Akpabio had challenged Ekpenyong's declaration at the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom citing unlawful cancellation of his collated votes by INEC to give his opponent an edge in the election.

Delivering judgement on the petition Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice W. O. Akanbi with the concurrence of Justice Ebetu dismissed the petition and upheld the declaration of Engr Ekpenyong as the winner of the February 23 National Assembly elections into Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

However, in his dissenting judgement, Justice Hafizu held that the contention of the Respondents that Senator Akpabio ought to have called unit polling agents to prove his case was wrong since Akpabio had not challenged the results of the units and therefore there was nothing to prove.

According to Justice Hafizu, the case of Senator Akpabio centred on cancellation of duly collated votes at INEC office which went beyond the units. He cited the case of Dr William who had admitted during trial that Senator Akpabio's votes were altered in INEC office in Uyo on the instructions of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Mike Igini and said such alterations were unlawful.

He said he found merit in the Petitioner's case that his collated votes which showed that he won the election was surreptitiously and unilaterally cancelled by an INEC official so as to hand over victory to Engr Ekpenyong.

Justice Hafizu also held that from the evidence adduced during the trial it was obvious that the Returning Officer had cancelled the votes of Obot Akara Local Government Area due to an established case of over-voting and said it was wrong for the same cancelled result to be revalidated in INEC office in Uyo.

The Minority Judge held that the Witnesses paraded by the Respondents were unreliable as they gave contradictory evidence during trial. He cited cases of witnesses who had alleged that they were abducted by APC thugs and forced to thumbprint for the party only for card reader reports to put a lie to such claim, a contention that the majority judgement glossed over.

According to Justice Hafizu, INEC was wrong to have cancelled the 61,329 votes garnered by APC in Essien Udim Local Government Area against PDP score of 9,050 votes. He said the unlawful cancellation of the votes was a clear case of robbery since it did not follow the due process of INEC guidelines.

The majority judgement also glossed over evidence that was given in the case including certified true copies of results released by INEC which were tendered by the Petitioners. It also remained mute on the Police reports that the elections were free, fair and credible.

Accordingly, Justice Hafizu voided the declaration of Engr Ekpenyong as the winner of the election and declared his return invalid. He also declared Senator Akpabio as the winner of the election having garnered majority of the lawful votes and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to present a certificate of return to Senator Akpabio as the duly elected Senator of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

Attendees and lawyers at the Tribunal openly applauded the judgement of Justice Hafizu, describing it as sound and bound to stand the test of time and devoid of any pecuniary consideration but justice delivery. Supporters of Senator Akpabio jubilated and congratulated themselves on the minority judgement.

Counsel to Senator Akpabio, Mr Adekunle Oyesanya, SAN praised Justice Hafizu for his courage in giving the dissenting judges represented the position of the law.

It would be recalled that a lawyer and human right activist, Barrister Leo Ekpenyong had raised an alarm penultimate week in a widely published article: "Judgement for sale" alleged that two members of the National Assembly elections petition tribunal in Akwa Ibom State had been compromised predicting that there would be a split in the judgement the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District matter.

https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-how-akpabio-was-robbed-of-victory-election-tribunal-judge-opens-up-photo/

Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank Plc, is set to light up the social and entertainment scene this month with the announcement of the Bank’s “Aspire Music Festival”.

Dubbed as the most anticipated entertainment event of the year, the music festival holds on Saturday, September 21, 2019, by 8.00pm at the Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The breathtaking festival promises to be a night to remember, as it will feature captivating and thrilling musical performances by some of Nigeria’s biggest artistes including Olamide, Flavour, Phyno, Niniola, Mayorkun and Rema.

The Aspire Musical Festival, which is a must-attend event for music lovers, tourists and fun-seekers, is one of a series of events lined up by Zenith Bank to usher in “Style by Zenith 2.0”, the bank’s annual lifestyle fair which will take place towards the end of the year.

Attendance at the music festival is exclusively reserved for Zenith Bank customers. However, non-Zenith customers can still participate by simply opening a Zenith Bank account and registering to attend at www.zenithbank.com/style.

Zenith Bank Plc is recognized as one of the most innovative financial institutions in Nigeria and was voted the most customer-focused bank in Nigeria for the Retail and SME segments in the 2018 KPMG Annual Banking Industry Customer Satisfaction Survey (BICSS).

https://politicsnigeria.com/zenith-banks-aspire-music-festival-debuts-in-lagos-feautures-top-artistes/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

"I would appreciate them in helping us as well to address the belief our people have and the reality that there are many persons from Nigeria dealing in drugs in our country"- Dr. Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, South African Minister of International Relations.

Is this the sort of thing that ought to be said by the South African Government when we are still in mourning and when we have not even buried our compatriots that were cruelly slain, bludgeoned to death and cut to pieces in the streets of South Africa?

At a time when this irresponsible, insensitive, shameless, conflicted, self-hating, pitiful and mendacious creature that calls herself the Foreign Minister of South Africa should be apologising to the Nigerian people for the mindless savagery and barbarity of her blood-crazed compatriots, she is pointing accusing fingers at their victims and the objects of their collective hate and seeking to demonise them. What have we done to deserve this? First you kill us then you seek to justify it and criminalise us!

Does this she-devil of a Foreign Minister really believe that innocent Nigerian men, women and children should be butchered at will in the streets of South Africa by bloodthirsty and bestial mobs?

Worse still does she think it is right and proper that this is done with the full endorsement and support of both the South African Government and police? Is that the way forward? Is that the way to build bridges in Africa and enhance peace and stability on the continent?

Can such behaviour be justified or defended under any circumstances? What would she do or think if the Nigerian Government and people decided to reciprocate and mete the same treatment out to South Africans that reside in Nigeria and South African companies that are situated here?

In any case how many of those that were butchered over the years were drug dealers? If it is true that as many Nigerians deal in drugs as she has suggested, why can't the South African Government apprehend, arrest and prosecute them and send them to jail rather than demonise, misrepresent, target and kill innocent and defenceless Nigerians?

This is a clear case of racial stereotyping and a squalid and shameful attempt to justify hate, racism, xenophobia, self-hate, black on black violence and mass murder. Permit me to educate the South African Foreign Minister and to set the record straight.

There are thousands of Nigerian professionals, academics, lecturers, intellectuals, businessmen, teachers, scientists, engineers and doctors in your country working hard, doing a great job and contributing massively to your development and economy.

The fact that your people hate Nigerians and enjoy killing us has nothing to do with drugs, human-trafficking or drug-trafficking. It is because your people are hateful, ignorant, xenophobic, lazy, racist and envious of ours.

And the few irresponsible Nigerians that go to South Africa and indulge in terrible and unforgivable crimes like drug and human-trafficking and gang-related violence do so only because your people have a terrible weakness, an undue fascination and an insatiable appetite for hard drugs, alcohol, prostitues, men and women of easy virtue and the dark, ugly and wild side of life.

It is therefore not surprising that South Africa has, for the better part of the last 25 years, been described as the "world's capital for homicide" and the country with the "highest number of people that have been afflicted with HIV AIDS!"

Rather than work hard, like their Nigerians counterparts, South Africans prefer to go to sleazy and cheap nightclubs, to gamble on gaming machines and poker tables, to drink huge amounts of beer, to take massive amounts of hard drugs and to stay at home, watch television and sleep. They are not particularly good at anything except singing beautiful songs and killing their fellow Africans.

It is for this singular reason that their women love and respect Nigerian men and have nothing but contempt for their own. Generally-speaking Nigerian men are strong, productive, virile, focused, courageous, industrious, adventurous and hard-working with a touch of arrogance and they excel in all their ways. Sadly the average South African male does not possess these virtues or qualities.

It does not stop there. For the better part of the last 50 years Nigeria has been the major military and economic power in Africa and we have used our wealth, power and influence wisely and expeditiously to the advantage of many countries on the continent.

For example, had it not been for us the minority white Boers would still be ruling over the black South Africans and apartheid would still have been firmly in place.

We nationalised British Petroleum and Barclays Bank because of them in the late 1970's and thereby compelled the British to accept our demand of black majority rule in South Africa and Zimbabwe and to stop supporting apartheid and white minority governments.

We are far ahead of South Africa in terms of education and virtually every other sphere of human endeavour and we have opened up our country for them to come and invest in without any pre-conditions, obstacles or trade barriers.

Today Nigeria is by far the biggest market for their expertise, products, goods and services and if that market were to ever be closed to them or if their companies were nationalised it would affect their economy enormously.

The truth is that they benefit far more from and make far more money from us today than we benefit and make money from them.

In a trade war they have far more to lose than we do because not that many Nigerian companies have invested heavily in and operate in South Africa whilst many South African companies have invested heavily in and operate in Nigeria.

As a matter of fact some of those companies make more money from the Nigerian market and their Nigerian operations than they do in the whole of the rest of Africa put together.

That is what we have offered and given them and yet they have offered and given us next to nothing in return. All we get from them are insults, violence and heartache!

Historically and in every other way they are very much our juniors. Our people were educated at Oxford, Cambridge and the very best universities in the world since 1860. South African blacks never went to a real university until the 1990's after aparthied fell.

We have liberated and brought peace, justice and stability to many African countries and been a blessing to the African continent for many decades despite our present challenges.

Whether it be Angola, Mozambique, Congo, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, Eritea, Ghana, Namibia, Sierra Leonne, Liberia, Sao Tome and Principe, Sudan, Chad, Niger and so many others, we were there in full force with our money, our resources, our arms, our logistical support, our oil, our economic concessions, our aid and in some cases our troops.

We shed blood and our blood was shed for other African countries over the years yet all we get in return are insults.

If you say Nigerians are drug pushers and human traffickers then I will say that South Africans are losers, racists, drop-outs, failures and genocidal maniacs.

Worse still had the white Boers not built up South Africa it would still be a barren land and the black population would still be nothing but slaves that live in filthy and squalid little townships.

Despite all the razzmatazz and great public relations about being a happy and prosperous "rainbow nation" where everyone is so happy and is treated so well, the truth is that South Africa remains a country with a black body and a white head.

I say this because even though political control and leadership has been ceded to the blacks, 80% of the multi-national corporations, big business, industry, the private sector and the economy and 90% of the choicest land, the biggest farms and the best farmlands still remain in the hands of the white Boer minority.

Given this, is it any wonder that black South Africans are literally going mad and are deeply frustrated and filled with hatred and bitterness?

They have nothing and, unlike in the days of Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki (all great and inspiring men of strength, courage, wisdom, conviction and profound wisdom) other than a handful of new political leaders who are essentially corrupt, weak, fearful, divided, conflicted and uninspiring token niggers and Uncle Toms (with the possible exception of a bright, courageous and rising young star by the name of Julius Malema), their prospects of ever amounting to anything over the next 100 years is very dim.

The real power still resides in the hands of the minority white Boers and the prospects for a prosperous and bright future lies heavily in their favour at the expense of the majority blacks.

If only the South Africans knew and remembered their history and considered ours they would be praying for Nigeria and thanking us every day rather than insulting and killing us.

Without our support and the pressure we brought to bear, the great Nelson Mandela may never have been freed and the ANC and its armed wing (Umkhonto Wi SIzwe) would not have received the massive and robust funding and support that it did throughout the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's.

Together with the Cubans and the Libyans, Nigeria did more for the liberation of South Africa and South African majority rule than any other nation in the world.

What the South Africans are doing to Nigerians today makes me regret the fact that we did so much for them in the past.

They have repaid our good with evil and consequently evil will never leave their doorstep. They have shed our blood for no just cause and the heavens will respond and avenge us. They have made us weep and shed tears for our compatriots and for this they shall pay a heavy price!

The South African Foreign Minister and those that share her racist and deplorable disposition and xenophobic views should consider these facts and the implications of her words and actions before she ventures to open her fat, ugly and very undiplomatic mouth to speak untruths and garbage about Nigeria and Nigerians again.

Failing to do so may provoke a series of cataclysmic events and unpredictable and harsh reprisals which would result in the final demystification and total humiliation of the "rainbow nation" and the painful and everlasting disgrace of its people.

Make no mistake about it, even a Nigeria in her weakened state and with all her challenges is still big and strong enough to bring South Africa to its knees.

And if the killing and mass murder of our people does not stop that is precisely what we shall do. A word is enough for the wise.

Permit me to conclude this contribution with the following.

Many years ago in the early to mid-1970's, when apartheid was alive and well in South Africa and when I was a young student at Harrow, which undoubtedly remains the best private school in England, I broke the jaw of a blond, blue-eyed English-speaking white South African fellow student who said some very nasty things about black South Africans during a history class.

During a heated debate about racial segregation and the South African Mixed Race Act which made it a criminal offence for blacks and whites to get married or have sexual relations, he got up and said, before the entire class, that

"allowing those dirty black dogs to touch our beautiful and pure white women is sacrilage. It is against the laws of God! It is like getting a monkey to mate with a human being!"

Finally he said "no sane white woman would ever want to have sex with a black African monkey and any of them that do should be sent to jail".

I reacted swiftly and without any hesitation. Without any warning or even words of anger, I left my desk, walked up to him and broke his jaw with one clean blow from my right fist. He never knew what hit him!

I remember hearing and enjoying the way his jaw popped open and cracked. It was a strange noise and as he hit the floor his legs started to shake uncontrollably after which he lost consciousness.

For one horrendous moment I thought I had killed him but thankfully eventually his eyes opened, he sat up and he was rushed to the hospital on a stretcher.

He hailed from one of the biggest and richest white families in South Africa who were (and still are) in the diamond mining business. I almost got expelled from Harrow for my "wild and unruly" behaviour until I gave my reasons for hitting him to the school authorities.

They were shocked and equally appauled by what he had said, which they rightly regarded as a grave and reckless provocation, and they decided to let me off the hook.

I was reprimanded and warned and I remember that the Headmaster wrote a formal letter about the incident to my father who was livid with me for jeopordising my entire academic career simply because of a racial slight and slur.

Papa said "you didn't have to hit him and almost kill the poor boy: you could have just attempted to educate him in a civilised manner and at the worst insult him back!"

Yet I had no regrets or remorse about my course of action or the choice that I made and to my eternal credit I never apologised for my action to the South African, the school authorities, my father or anyone else.

The truth is that I was proud of what I did and I believed that defending the honor of my black South African colleagues was far more important than staying at Harrow. I was prepared to risk it all by physically assaulting the white boy and I did it with relish.

My gamble paid off and the South African boy, as sober as ever, never insulted or spoke ill of blacks again in my prescence.

As a matter of fact we ended up becoming friends in the following years and I will never forget what he told me just before we left Harrow in 1977. I remember the words because I wrote them down at the time and have meditated on them for years.

He said "you don't understand the Bantus" (meaning black South Africans).

He went on to say "the day they get power in South Africa is the day that South Africa will begin to die. Since the 17th century we Boers built up everything there and they contributed nothing. We fought the Zulus and later the British and we built and developed that land with our flesh, sweat and blood. Giving a country like South Africa to them is like giving a monkey a loaded gun. They will use it to kill everyone around them and eventually they will kill themselves. They are not like you Nigerians: they have no history or class. They are unenlightened, ungrateful, primitive, uncouth and very backward and one day the rest of Africa will know them for what they are!"

Judging from the words of the South African Foreign Minister and the xenophobic and racist diposition of the South African President, Government and people, it appears that that day has finally come.

https://politicsnigeria.com/a-warning-for-the-foreign-minister-and-the-people-of-south-africa-by-femi-fani-kayode/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has said that new policies that will regulate the operations of Okada in the state are underway.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the Governor made this revelation on Friday while giving an account of his stewardship in the first 100 days in office at De Blue Roof of Lagos Television in Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The event, which had in attendance artisans, businessmen and women, politicians, as well as residents of the State provided an opportunity for the Governor to enumerate some of the achievements of his administration in 100 days.

Speaking on public transportation and safety, the Governor said: "It has become imperative for us as a government to map out new policies that would guide how Okada riders operate in Lagos State. This would further stem the tide of accidents and indiscriminate use of okadas on Lagos roads.

"When these are eventually put in place, we expect strict compliance from all concerned in our quest to achieving a greater Lagos for all, in line with our 'THEMES' policy trust."

Speaking further on his achievements, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: "After taking oath of office, our resolve towards achieving a greater Lagos was made known through our six policy areas. We remain committed to a Lagos where there would be Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; a Lagos of 21st Century Economy; Entertainment and Tourism as well as Security and Governance urging all to contribute their quota to make these a reality."

"Within 24hours in office, I signed my First Executive Order on Sanitation and Traffic Management, LASTMA now operates two daily shifts to ease the free flow of traffic in the State. I have also visited the Apapa corridor four times in the last 100 days. As a government, we are not one for excuses. "

Sanwo-Olu also enumerated other giant strides such as the commissioning of the Dr. Abayomi Finnih Recreational Park in Oregun, commissioning of 120 patrol vehicles and 35 patrol motorcycles and prompt payment of pensions to retirees by the Lagos State Pension Commission.

Other accomplishments, according to Sanwo-Olu are, rehabilitation of roads across the state including the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, commencement of abandoned Pen Cinema Bridge and Isawo Road in Ikorodu, launch of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund(LSETF) W-Initiative in collaboration with Access Bank to empower women entrepreneurs and business start-ups.

In the education sector, Governor Sanwo-Olu pointed to the administration's commissioning of a block of 14 classrooms donated to the State government by RCCG Faith Tabernacle of David Parish, Ajah, as part of the administration's gains in PPP model of governance with all segments of the society for the progress of the state.

Going forward, the governor revealed plans to establish a Lagos Metropolitan Fibre Optics station to boost the provision of internet facilities in the state, just as he hopes to work assiduously to make the Lagos State School feeding programme a reality.

Speaking further, the Governor said that the Lekki-Ikoyi toll plaza would soon be cashless.

He said: "The Lekki-Ikoyi Toll Bridge would become cashless in the next couple of weeks to ease traffic on that corridor and have less human contact as possible.

Moreso, the Governor promised to tackle the challenge of energy head on if his vision to make Lagos a 21st Century economy is to become a reality.

"In this regard, we are holding talks with DISCOs in the state, with a view to providing 20,000metres for the use of Lagosians. We also plan to replicate the Lateef Kayode Jakande Gardens in Surulere, Sangotedo, Ajara-Badagry and Epe in order to make our people home owners."

In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso stated that in just 100 days, Lagosians can attest to the fact that the combination of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, remains a formdable one, hence, their ability to lead the people to the Lagos of their dreams is clearly not in doubt.

He said: "In the last 100 days, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commissioned various projects for the well-being of Lagosians such as the Maternal and Child Care Centre in Eti-Osa and the launch of the Lagos Blue box programme just mention a few.

Dignitaries in attendance include the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the Deputy Governor ably represented by his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Sherifat Folasade Jaji; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I; Chief Judge of Lagos, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, among other dignitaries.

https://politicsnigeria.com/lekki-ikoyi-toll-bridge-to-become-cashless-gov-sanwoolu/

The Merger was a master stroke...

Access Bank Group’s audited H1 results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday showed Gross Earnings of N324.4 billion, up 28% from N253.0 billion in the corresponding period of 2018. The growth in gross earnings was driven by 46% increase in interest income on the back of continued growth in the Bank’s core business and 22% non-interest income underlined by strong recoveries.

The Bank delivered a Profit before Tax (PBT) of N74.1 billion, a 62% increase from N45.8 billion recorded during the same period in 2018. Profit after Tax (PAT) grew by a similar margin from N39.6 billion in 2018 to N63.01 billion in H1 2019.

Similarly, the Bank posted 34% growth in Operating Income to N202.3 billion from N151.4 billion in 2018. Total Asset was up 31% at ₦6.48 trillion as at June 2019 in comparison to ₦4.95 trillion in December 2018.

Access Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained solid at 20.8%, well above the regulatory minimum.

Commenting on the result, Group Managing Director/CEO, Herbert Wigwe said, “Access Bank’s performance in the first half of the year reflects a sustainable business model coupled with effective execution as we make solid gains towards the achievement of our strategic goals”.

Following the release of the half year results, the Bank also declared an interim dividend of 25k to its shareholders.

“Our focus on retail gained momentum during the period, as continued investments in our channels platform resulted in a 29% contribution to gross fee and commission income, up 92% from the corresponding period in 2018. The strong retail contribution demonstrates the effectiveness of our continued drive around low-cost deposits, on the back of an innovative digital platform. Asset quality improved as guided, to 6.4% on the bank of a robust risk management approach. This is expected to trend into the future as we strive to hit and surpass the standard we had built in the industry prior to the merger. Similarly, liquidity ratio improved year on year to 49.7%, reflecting deliberate steps to optimise our balance sheet in order to ensure the group’s liquidity position remains robust.” Wigwe added.

“Going into the second half of the year, our focus is on consolidating momentum and driving access to financial inclusion through our various agency initiatives. Additionally, we will remain disciplined in our efforts to deliver enhanced shareholder value, as we continue to realise the synergies from our newly expanded franchise” he noted.

About Access Bank Plc

Access Bank Plc. is a leading full-service commercial Bank operating through a network of more than 670 branches and service outlets, spanning three continents, 12 countries and 31 million customers. The Bank employs 28,000 people in its operations in Nigeria and has subsidiaries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom (with a branch in Dubai, UAE) and representative offices in China, Lebanon and India.
Listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998, Access Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise and proven risk management and capital management capabilities.

The Bank serves its various markets through four business segments: Retail, Business, Commercial and Corporate. The Bank has over 900,000 shareholders (including several Nigerian and International Institutional Investors) and has enjoyed what is arguably Africa's most successful banking growth trajectory in the last twelve years. Following its merger with Diamond Bank in March 2019, Access Bank became one of Africa’s largest retail banks by retail customer base.

As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.

https://politicsnigeria.com/access-banks-first-post-merger-h1-pbt-hits-n74-1bn-declares-25k-interim-dividend/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

Despite the country’s challenging and fiercely competitive business environment, Fidelity Bank Plc delivered a solid financial performance in the first half of 2019, recording double-digit growth in key revenue lines whilst achieving significant traction in digital banking uptake.

Details of the audited half-year result for the period ended June 30, 2019, released at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Thursday showed a 15.7 percent rise in Profit Before Tax (PBT) from N13.0 billion in the earlier period to N15.1 billion in the reporting period. Profit After Tax (PAT) rose by 15.6 percent to close at N13.6 billion from N11.8 billion recorded in 2018, whilst gross earnings increased by 12.3 percent from N92.3 billion to N103.7 billion. In other indices, Total Assets rose by 12.8 percent to N1.940.2bn from N1,719.9bn in the previous period.

Total Deposits; a measure of customer confidence, increased by 12.0 percent to close at N1,097.0 trillion from N979.4 billion in 2018 Financial Year (FY).

Commenting on the results, Fidelity Bank CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo expressed delight with the bank's financial performance. According to Okonkwo, the bank remained focused on the execution of its medium-term strategic goals and targets for the 2019FY whilst promising that the bank would continue to sustain the momentum and deliver another strong set of results for the 9M 2019. He said, “Gross Earnings increased by 12.3 percent to N103.7bn driven by a 52.4 percent growth in our fee-based income and a 7.2 percent growth in Interest Income. Digital Banking, Okonkwo stated has continued to gain traction driven by new initiatives in retail lending segment and increased cross-selling of its digital banking products.

“We now have 45.0 percent of our customers enrolled in the bank's mobile/internet banking products, 82.0 percent of total transactions now done on digital platforms and 29.0 percent of fee-based income now coming from digital banking”, he added. The Fidelity CEO pointed out that retail loans were steadily on the rise after the launch of the bank’s new digital lending product dubbed Fidelity Fastloan, further adding that the bank has deepened lending partnerships with select Financial Technology (FinTechs) companies.

Buoyed essentially by innovative digital technologies, Fidelity Bank’s retail strategy has become a major game-changer for the business. This was again evident in the H1 2019 results as savings deposits now account for about 22.6 percent of total deposits - a clear sign of the bank's increasing market share in the retail segment. “We are on course to achieving the 6th consecutive year of double-digit savings growth”, he stated.

Total Deposits however increased by 12.0 percent to N1,097.0bn from N979.4bn driven by double-digit growth in both local and foreign currency deposits. Non-performing Loans (NPLs) Ratio improved to 5.4 percent from 5.7 percent in the 2018FY due to the growth in the loan book. With regulatory ratios such as the Capital Adequacy Ratio at 17.0 percent, Liquidity Ratio at 34.8 percent, well above required threshold, Okonkwo was optimistic that the bank will sustain this sterling performance in the second half of the year.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 4 million customers who are served across its 240 business offices and various digital banking channels. The bank which focuses on select niche corporate banking sectors as well as Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), has in recent times won accolades as the Best SME Friendly Bank, Best in Mobile Banking and the Most Improved Corporate/Investment Bank among several industry awards and recognition.

https://politicsnigeria.com/h1-2019-fidelity-bank-posts-double-digit-growth-in-earnings-profitability-deposits-loans/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

Kogi West Senator, Dino jonah Melaye narrowly escaped death after unknown gunmen stormed the venue of the Governorship Primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.

Melaye was injured during the chaos. POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that Early Wednesday morning as the exercise was being carried, hoodlums armed to the teeth stormed the stadium and started shooting sporadically. Delegates and Party chieftains scampered to safety, with many crawling on their bellies to avoid being hit by Stray bullets.

A statement released by Melaye's media team claims that the senator was the main target of the target. The statement read;

"The disruption and sporadic shootings in the early hours of today at the venue of PDP primary which led to an abrupt end of the exercise was aimed at Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye."

"The bid by Sen Dino Melaye to join the governorship race has since unsettled the camp of Governor Yahaya Bello. It is in the public domain already that Sen Dino Melaye is the only threat to the reelection of governor Bello with all capacities to defeat him."

"The gunmen came chanting different languages and forced their way into the venue with Dino Melaye as major target. We wish to equally bring to the public that Sen Dino Melaye sustained injuries from shots at the venue but now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital. Doctors are still battling to stabilize him as a result of the attack."

"This is the extent to which they intend to nail their target. We thank God for his life, but surely, evil men shall be exposed. For us, election is not a war but a process where people are allowed to decide freely who run their affairs. We have it on good authority from their camp to the fact that it is only Sen Dino Melaye that can challenge them in the election ahead."

"This led to the plan to disrupt and made him target in a bid to cow him. We wish to state that distinguished Melaye remains unperturbed, strong, more determined and more focused on the project to rescue Kogi state."

"We, therefore, urge all our supporters across the state to remain law-abiding, focus and resolute as light will definitely prevail over darkness."

https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-dino-melaye-sustains-injuries-after-gunmen-invade-pdp-primaries-photos/

A candidate in the ongoing Kogi governorship Primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Captain Idris Wada, was reportedly seen sharing 'dollars' to delegates at the venue of the primaries in Lokoja on Tuesday.

In Footage seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, Wada can be seen wielding what was said to be a bundle of dollars in a white envelope before handing it over to a delegate to share amongst others.

Wada, a former governor of Kogi State, is throwing his hat into the ring again to vie against the current governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, who emerged victorious in the Guber Primaries of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

However, in the early hours of Wednesday, the venue of the PDP primaries which was the popular Confluence Stadium in Lokoja was attacked by unknown gunmen. Delegates and party dignitaries swiftly fled to safety.

Watch the footage below:

Source: https://politicsnigeria.com/kogi-primaries-pdp-candidate-idris-wada-caught-sharing-dollars-to-delegates-photos/

Some youth groups have hailed the appointment of Hon. Victor Antai into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC.) They said the appointment would promote peace and bring development to the region.

In separate messages of congratulation to the new appointee the Oro International Youth Forum and Akwa Ibom Integrity Youth Foundation with a grassroots politician like Antai at the helms of affairs of the Commission in the state, youth restiveness would be a thing of the past.The Oro International Youth Forum in a message signed by the President, Barrister Christian Bassey Nyong, said Antai  “as an astute politician, a sterling administrator and effective leader, your service as a State Commissioner was equally glorious and satisfactory to the Oro people, thus your willingness to sacrifice your time and effort for the development of your people in many capacities have contributed to your being selected for this new challenging responsibility which is not a surprise to us.

“We are grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing a grassroots politician with an heart of gold as NDDC Board Member and based on your pedigree, we believe that you will contribute effectively to the development of the region and help to further develop the Oro Community and Akwa Ibom State at large.”On its part, the Akwa Ibom Integrity Youth foundation said “We are particularly grateful to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for finding an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State to occupy this very exalted position to beer reposition the region for a more rapid development.

“Your appointment is a clear demonstration to the fact that a gold fish has no hiding place. Also owing to your unbreakable track record of selfless service to humanity, youth and human development, we are confident that you will pilot the affairs of the commission with diligence and deep patriotism,”The groups also congratulated the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and expressed optimism that the Niger Delta region will witness a new lease of life with him at the helms of affairs at the Ministry.

https://politicsnigeria.com/groups-hail-appointment-of-antai-into-nddc-board/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

The purported location where AAC Presidential Candidate and Sahara Reporters Publisher, Omoyele Sowore is being detained by the Department of State Security Services, DSS, has reportedly been found.

According to activist, Deji Adeyanju, Sowore is being held at the Agency's Office along CMD road, Shangisha. His family and friends have also been denied access to him.

Security has been beefed up around the area as heavily armed masked officers are guarding the building.POLITICS NIGERIA has photographs of the facility. See them below;

https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-photos-of-dss-facility-where-sowore-is-allegedly-being-detained/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alh. Sule Lamido on Saturday met privately with PDP Presidential Candidate and Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar in Dubai.The leader of the 'Talakawas', Lamido was accompanied by Alhaji Mustapha Sule Lamido and Abubakar Sule Lamido.

Earlier today, Atiku made headlines after criticising and urging President Muhammadu Buhari to 'stop his campaign of calumny against opposition and the Judiciary'. Below is the statement, in part, signed by Atiku's media adviser, Paul Ibe;

"The administration has been groping in the dark since 2015, the reason majority of Nigerians decided not to reward their failures during the February 23 presidential poll consequently leading to the heist that characterized the conduct of that poll."

"The other plausible reason they didn't deem it fit to respond to the report is because Atiku Abubakar has yet to make a remark on the report. If the only reason why the Buhari administration will react to the affliction it has brought on Nigerians is for Atiku to call the nation's attention to how bad things have gone in the country under the slumber of General Buhari, Atiku will more than always, be ready to stand and speak up for the millions of countrymen and women who have become victims of his (Buhari's) misrule and grand cluelessness."

"A Commander-in-Chief, who fits the bill will not act unconstrained about reports from a reputable media organization on welfare and wellbeing of troops at the frontline of combat. Shamefully, however, up till this moment, the Buhari administration won't cause even a blinker on the damning report. Like is the case with other dysfunctional aspects of the system, his (Buhari's) administration prefers to live in denial, relying on propaganda - the only machine that they know how to operate without a glitch."

"We need to restate that Atiku Abubakar respects the practical purpose of the judiciary as an arm of government saddled with the responsibility of dispensing justice. Therefore, for the Buhari administration to call out the judiciary on how they might choose to do their job is not only an emotional blackmail to the bench, it is also very disrespectful to the integrity of the honourable justices of the court of law."

https://politicsnigeria.com/election-tribunal-sule-lamido-in-private-meeting-with-atiku-in-dubai-photo/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

President Muhammadu Buhari sends condolences to the Catholic Church over the killing of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu, the Priest of St. James Greater Parish Catholic Church, Ugbawka, Enugu State.President Buhari expresses deep shock and dismay over the killing of another priest, ordering a thorough manhunt for the killers and their immediate prosecution.

The President commiserates with government and people of Enugu State, family of Rev Fr. Offu and members of the parish and all Christians.

Describing the killing of the priest as “barbaric and unwarranted’’, President Buhari assures the Catholic Church and all Nigerians that the fight against “lawlessness and recklessness’’ will be intensified as security of lives and property continues to top his priorities.“The entire nation is shaken by the horrible assassination of this priest.

The administration will continue to guarantee the freedom of religion and protect places of worship as well as the lives of citizens wherever they live,” he added.Directing law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in their investigations and bring the perpetrators of the “horrific crime’’ to book, the President calls on all religious leaders to pray for peace, healing and security of the country.

https://politicsnigeria.com/just-in-president-buhari-reacts-to-killing-of-catholic-priest-in-enugu/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo met with a group of Fulanis from the South-West in a bid to put an end to rising tensions in the region.Obasanjo met with the GAN ALLAH FULANI DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (GAFDAN) from Southwestern states of Nigeria including Kogi and Kwara States.

The National Chairman of the Association, Sale Bayeri led the delegation. In attendance are, Publicity Secretary, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, a survivor of a recent kidnap incident and Son of the immediate past Minister of Health, Dayo Adewole.Obasanjo stated that there is criminality, insecurity in Nigeria, stressing that, the development wasn't as terrible like its happening now before. He said Nigerians must interrogate themselves about various ugly things happening around them.

The former president maintains that Nigeria needs and wants peace, security, harmony wholesomeness, progress; which require all hands to be on deck.He added that the unity of Nigeria was the collective responsibility of all its people.

https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-obasanjo-meets-with-fulani-group-photos/

POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

The Muslim Rights concern group, MURIC has reacted to the abduction of Five pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God by unknown gunmen.In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Saturday signed by its leader, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the group urge Nigerians to pray for the safe return of the Pastors.

“We are deeply distressed by this ugly development. We empathise with Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the RCCG. We urge Nigerians to join Pastor Adeboye in prayer for the quick and safe return of the kidnapped pastors.“Our appeal for prayers is to all Nigerians regardless of religion or tribe.

We are one from Adam and Adam was from ordinary sand. It must be humanity first. Let us unite in prayers. A nation that prays together stays together.“In particular, we beseech Nigerian Muslims who are currently on hajj (pilgrimage) to add the safe return of the five pastors to their prayer points. We appeal to those among them who are already in Makkah to perform a special tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’abah) and Sa‘y to ask Almighty Allah to intervene in the plight of the pastors. Those who are still in Madinah are urged to offer two rak‘ahs each at the Prophet’s (SAW) mosque for the same purpose.

“In addition, we call on all Muslim Asalatu groups throughout Nigeria to dedicate time to special prayers for the five pastors during their Asalatu sessions tomorrow Sunday 4th August, 2019. They should please pray to Allah to stop the spate of criminality in our country.“This is not the time for blame game. Those who concentrate on blaming government and the security agencies are chasing shadows. They have missed the substance. The reality is that security is the responsibility of all of us. These kidnappers grew up in some families. This is indubitable evidence of the collapse of family values. Greed has supplanted self-satisfaction and immorality has displaced self-discipline in our homes.

“In our concluding remarks, we affirm that our hearts go to the families of the abducted pastors. We are deeply saddened. We share their fears and trepidations. Nonetheless, we appeal to them all to take heart and to be strong in faith. We are with them every inch of the way. They must not lose hope as the nation prays for them. We are confident that the five pastors will return home unhurt.”

https://politicsnigeria.com/rccg-what-muslim-group-muric-said-about-abduction-of-five-pastors/

@POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

The Channels Television reporter who was shot during a clash between the Nigerian police Force and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria a.k. Shiites has died.

Politics Nigeria gathered that the reporter identified as Precious Owolabi, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, gave up the ghost this evening.

His death was announced on the News bulletin of the TV Station a few minutes ago.

https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-channels-tv-reporter-shot-during-shiites-police-clash-is-dead/

@POLITICSNIGERIA.COM

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN a.k.a Shiites have released a statement alleging that 11 of their members were shot dead and 30 others injured by the Police during a clash with security officers at the National Assembly on Monday.

The group, in a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by its media chief, Ibrahim Musa, also denied shooting at police officers, claiming that since they began protesting for the release of the leader, Shiekh Ibrahim El-zakzaky, they have never carried arms.The statement read;"Abuja today yet again witnessed one of the worst cases of blatant trampling of the rights of citizens ever seen in the Federal Capital, when joint security forces consisting of both uniformed men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force and others in mufti, unleashed their fury on a Free Zakzaky protest by members of the Islamic Movement."

"The procession, attended by several thousands of persons, including very young children, the aged, women and the physically challenged, met with an extreme rage indicative of deep-seated animosity the Nigerian authorities bear for the Movement."

"What actually happened was that the protesters started the procession from NITEL junction and on getting to federal secretariat the police cordoned off the road and started firing at them."

"A lot of people have been shot but for now we can only confirm 11 deaths, but several are injured, the figure, for now, stood at 30. Though we are aware of the fact that the security agents have been going around taking off those they killed from the streets."

"Even some seriously injured persons that were taken to Abuja University Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada; the police went there and took away about 11 people they shot during the protest."

"We strongly dispute the claim by the police that the protesters shot at them because throughout our processions we have not been carrying any arms right from 2015 to date. It was also the police who shot at the Reporter of Channels TV, another indication that many innocent people were shot at by the police, including some of their own."

"In this era so social media the brutality displayed by the police today has been captured with some pictures showing the police setting up the bonfires and there are videos that captured the police carting away their victims."

https://politicsnigeria.com/police-killed-11-of-our-members-injured-30-shiites/