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Controversy Over Ownership Of Lagos: Yoruba Group Canvasses For Change Of Name From Lagos To Isheri

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Mudashiru Obasa

By Ayodele Oni

As controversy over the ownership of Lagos rages, Apapo O’odua Koya, (AOKOYA), a Yoruba group, has advised the Lagos State House of Assembly, (LSHA) to change the name of Lagos to Isheri State.

The controversy re-echoed last week during the visit of Oba of Benin to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo -Olu and asserted that the Binis founded Lagos.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, Apapo O’odua Koya, AOKOYA, a coalition of several Yoruba, Itsekiri self determination groups, said the change of name was necessary to protect, defend and uphold the heritage of Oduduwa.

The group pointed out that Lagos was a name given by Portuguese, some 500 years after it had existed and thrived in commerce, art, philosophy and trade.

AOKOYA emphasized that it was time to do away with the colonial mindset to ensure the territories reclaim its ancient value and norms.

The group was of the view that the change will also put a stop to the arrogant claims by some anti Yoruba people on the civilisation of Lagos as a foremost Yoruba city.

It urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to sponsor a bill to change Lagos State to either Oduduwa or Isheri State in line with the history and tradition of the true owners of the land.

AOKOYA, in a statement signed by Captain  Kunle Odeyemi stated that the Oba of Bini should spend his time improving the lot of his people and build Bini to the status of Lagos instead of seeking empires that never and will never belong to him.

Speaking on the recent visit to Lagos by the Oba of Benin, the group commended the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his maturity and diplomacy in handling the rascalism of the Oba of Bini and his arrogant, uncouth, uncivilised behavior.

AOKOYA stated that there should be a limit to tolerance adding that “Distortion of history of a people is an eye blink from violent conquest. If the Oba of Bini had his way, he would invade Lagos with force of arms.

“There has been a very conscious attempt to rewrite Yoruba history by some anti-history people who are driven by three elements: envy, greed and desire for conquest.

“The Yoruba people all over the world must rise up to put an end to  this dangerous  trend and display of brigandage.

“The Bini Kingdom was established by the son of Oduduwa but this never gets to the head of Yoruba people. We relate with Bini with respect and decorum in line with Yoruba civilisation. We do not expect less from Bini, an extension of Oduduwa heritage.”

“That claim that Oduduwa came from Bini was an embarrassment to his own ancestors, the preceeding Obas of Bini who were all, until recently buried in Ile Ife on their own request knowing they all came from Ile Ife.

“Your territory can never make progress and attain peace when you build the foundation on cheap lies and dirty, childish and filthy propaganda. This only confirms the fact that some traditional institutions are being hijacked by people of low vultures who have no sense of history.”

“All history books over time asserted the fact that the first known settler in today’s Lagos came from Ile Ife. Lagos is essentially an Awori ancestral territory.

“They settled in Lagos some 500 years and thrived before Ado came from Bini. It should be understood that Ado was actually the son of Ashipa, a Yoruba man who married an Edo woman who gave birth to Ado who then became the first Oba of Lagos. But before this time, there were traditional rulers in the 50 Kingdoms that had existed in Lagos State.

“When a mango is ripe and beautiful, everyone wants it. When the mango is unripe and rotten everyone runs away. We wonder why the Oba of Bini is not talking about other Kingdoms established by his forefathers but focusing on Lagos.”

Subsidy Palliatives: Ondo Tows FG Path, Approves ₦35,000 Additional Benefit For Civil Servants

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Civil Servants in Ondo State will as from November receive additional ₦35,000 each described as wage award by the state government to cushion effects of subsidy withdrawal of petrol.

According to Sina Adeyeye, media officer at the office of the Head of Service, also to benefit are pensioners who are already receiving additional ₦10,000 along with their regular entitlements.

The Ondo State State Government assured that  arrangements have been concluded to commence the payment as announced by the Federal Government to its workers.

Head of Service,  Kayode Ogundele announced this at the monthly meeting between government and the leadership of labour to deliberate on receipts from the federal allocation.

The Head of Service disclosed that workers would begin to receive the wage award along side their November salary, adding that it would be paid for the period of six months.

While restating the commitment of the Ondo State Government to the well being of its workforce, Ogundele recalled the state has provided buses to commute workers to and from work to assuage the hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.

According to him, other measures put in place as palliative measures would continue to run concurrently with the payment of wage award until a lasting solution is found to the current economic situation in the country.

He added that arrangement was almost completed to capture pensioners into the state’s health insurance scheme, which  workers are currently enjoying, noting that medicals formed the major expenses of most of the retirees.

He therefore urged workers to reciprocate the gesture by re dedicating themselves to excellent service, while the union leadership should sustain the atmosphere of constructive engagement that is currently being adopted.

The state chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) Victor Amoko, the Trade Union Congress, (TUC),  Clement Fatukasi and Joint Negotiation Committee,(JNC)  Ademola Olapade, lauded the state government for listening to the yearnings of workers, particularly setting the pace in the south western states and some other parts of the country.

They however urged  government not to relent in its efforts to bring succour to the workers and retirees as the current economic situation in the country has rendered the current salaries of workers inadequate to meet their basic needs.

Earlier, the state Accountant General of the state, Mrs Toyin Oni, had presented before the meeting, the receipt from FAAC and the proposed disbursement template as it has been the routine since the inception of Governor Akeredolu’s administration.

CBN: Supreme Court Validates Old N200, N500, N1,000 Notes

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
To further ensure liquidity in the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had directed its branches across the country to continue to issue and accept old and new naira notes.
The apex bank said in a statement on Wednesday that the old and new N200, N500, and N1000 banknotes are still legal tender, and must be used for daily transactions in the country.
The state signed by the bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali Akana comes amidst complaints of naira scarcity in some parts of the country, blamed on the panic withdrawal by some Nigerians, who believe that the Supreme Court judgment outlawing the validity of old naira notes by the end of the year will come to force.
In response, the CBN said last week that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had approached the apex court to review the judgment, saying the old and new naira notes remained legal tender.
The prayer has now been granted, the CBN stated.
The statement issued yesterday is believed to be a reinforcement of the CBN position on the issue, particularly as the festive period is approaching.
The statement said, “Following the order of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, granting the prayer of the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation to extend the use of old Naira banknotes ad infinitum, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all its branches to continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, old and re-designed, to and from deposit money banks (DMBS).
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Supreme Court ordered that the old versions of N200, 500, and N1,000 banknotes shall continue to be legal tender, alongside the re-designed versions.
“Accordingly, in line with Section 20(5) of the CBN Act 2007, all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will continue to remain legal tender, indefinitely.
“Members of the public are enjoined to continue to accept all Naira banknotes (old or re-designed) for their day-to-day transactions and handle these banknotes with the utmost care, to safeguard and protect the lifecycle of the banknotes.
“Furthermore, the general public is encouraged to embrace alternative modes of payment, e-channels, in order to reduce pressure on the use of physical cash.”

Fayemi Speaks At UN Climate Change Conference In Dubai

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and President of the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF) is among speakers at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference.

Otherwise called COP 28, the conference is expected to take place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate from November 30 until December 12 2023.

Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head, the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, explained that the former governor was invited to the conference in his capacity as President of FORAF, the regional platform that seeks to strengthen governance and promote sustainable development in Africa’s towns and cities.

He will speak on “The Role of Sub-National Governments in Operationalization of Loss and Damage Fund” at the side event organized by the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).

“The Loss and Damage Fund is a mechanism that was established at COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt to provide financial assistance to developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The fund is expected to be operationalized in 2024.

“Fayemi’s speech will focus on the role which sub-national governments can play in the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund.

“He will argue that sub-national governments have a critical role to play in identifying and assessing the needs of vulnerable communities, and in ensuring that the funds are used effectively and efficiently.

“Fayemi’s participation in COP 28 is an important opportunity for FORAF to raise the profile of sub-national governments in the climate change debate.

“It is also an opportunity to highlight the work that FORAF is doing to support sustainable development in Africa’s towns and cities.”

Obi Laments Demolition Of Properties In Lagos; Igbo Say They Are Targeted

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has lamented the demolition of properties belonging to Nigerians, describing it cruel, particularly at a time Nigerians are going through serious economic crisis.
The LP party presidential candidate disclosed this in series of tweets on his verified ‘X’ handle.
He said the demolition is rampart in Lagos, stressing that the action is capable of multiplying poverty in the country.
Obi spoke amidst complaints by Igbo in Lagos that they are targeted in the ongoing demolition of building properties by state government.
The Governor Babajide Sanwoolu administration has embarked on the demolition of structures built on drainage channels and other illegal points across the state.
The claim that some people were targeted has yet to be confirmed by The Source magazine.
The former governor of Anambra state, however, stated that the demolition in Lagos and others states in the country is condemnable, calling on the authorities not to worsen the already difficult economic condition of the poor.
Obi said, “It’s with complete despondency and unhappiness that I have followed the ongoing demolitions of properties across the country, especially knowing the extra hardship such acts have been heaping on hapless citizens who are already battling with multi-dimensional Poverty.
“The poor in our midst who are putting their meager resources are going through very severe financial stress that should not be multiplied further,” he said.
“My appeal therefore is for the respective governments involved in this act to consider the hardship in the country and try and put a human face to their actions.
“While we should enforce sensible regulations, all actions of government must show compassion.”
Meanwhile, environmentalists has urged the government to apply caution in the ongoing demolition in Lagos state, they also insist that residents who built properties constituting obstruction have no right to complain when the government is carrying out demolition of such properties.

New Appointee In Ondo Rejects Choice As Vice Chairman Of LCDA

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Citing irreconcilable differences between two communities, a political appointee in Ondo State has rejected his appointment as vice chairman of a Local Council Development Authority (LCDA).

Maxwell Omosuwa from Uso community which form part of the newly created Uso/ Emure-Ile LCDA, said in his rejection letter to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu that his community deserves the Headquarter of the new Council.

He also said that since his community lost out in the citing of the headquarter, its indigenes deserve the Chairmanship position and not Vice.

His letter reads ‘It’s my pleasure to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State for finding me worthy of appointment.

“The nomination was highly appreciated considering the teeming members of our party who worked assidously for the success of our party in every poll.

“However, I want to reject the appointment to douse the tension of acrimony between my town, USO and Emure-Ile.

“Ever since Uso-Emure-Ile LCDA was created and headquarter was sited at Emure-Ile, it was expected that the first Chairman should go to USO but reverse is the case and people of my community are seriously angry with this decision, therefore, it will be wrong of me to take the position of vice chairman to my community.

“Meanwhile, I was a Vice chairman to the whole Owo LGA in just concluded local government administration which I diligently served the local government with all my capacity.

“On a final note, I cannot but appreciate Mr. Governor and other leaders who deemed it fit to bestowed upon me Vice-chairmanship appointment for the second time.”

Powering Prosperity – Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential Through US Partnership

By
The Source
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0

By David Greene (Chargé d’Affaires, a.i.
United States Embassy Abuja)

Nigeria is on track to be the world’s fourth-most populous country by 2050. It already has the largest economy in Africa and, with 60 percent of its population under the age of 25, it stands on the threshold of a demographic dividend that can dramatically transform its economy for the better. Nigeria’s strategic partnerships are essential in harnessing this potential, and the United States is playing a leading role. As we near the six-month mark of President Tinubu’s administration, our relationship has emerged as a key for success. One year ago, at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, President Biden renewed our commitment to deepening engagement across the continent. Here is how we are doing that in Nigeria – working in areas that matter most to everyday citizens, such as growing the economy, strengthening democracy, improving health outcomes, ensuring security, and addressing the climate crisis. 

Nigeria’s economic potential is vast, and with the right macroeconomic framework, a sound fiscal strategy, and a strong commitment to rooting out corruption, it can become a preferred destination for foreign direct investment. American investors and companies are eager to engage with Nigeria, and the United States government is doing its utmost to build our bilateral trade and investment ties.

Consider these examples: We have joined forces to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation, with investments from U.S. tech giants such as Microsoft, Cisco, Meta, Google, and Starlink. This partnership has built a platform to train unemployed and underemployed women and youth. Moreover, it has been a catalyst for quality investment, accounting for more than a quarter of all venture capital flowing into Africa.

Collaborative efforts in agriculture further underscore our commitment. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently dedicated $22 million to strengthen Nigeria’s cocoa value chain, supporting more than 60,000 cocoa farmers, processors, marketers, and other agribusiness service providers in what is Nigeria’s #2 foreign exchange-earning export. From tech to agriculture, these steps go beyond statistics. They translate into tangible outcomes: good jobs, seed money for new ventures, and higher-value agricultural exports.

The United States is also a steadfast partner in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector. With World AIDS Day – December 1 – approaching, it is worth recalling that over the past two decades, PEPFAR, the leading U.S. initiative to address HIV/AIDS, has invested nearly $8 billion in Nigeria, providing more than 1.6 million individuals with life-saving HIV treatment. In response to COVID-19, the United States donated more than 44 million vaccine doses, helping the Nigerian government approach its target vaccination rate of 70 percent of the eligible population. Partnerships like the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, with an annual budget of more than $71 million, have reduced child death rates and strengthened health systems.

Those investments are just part of our overall development assistance to Nigeria. In fiscal year 2022 alone, the U.S. government allocated over $1.2 billion dollars in such support. These funds provide humanitarian assistance, and improve health, economic development, education, social services, democracy, human rights and governance, and peace and security.

In the latter two areas – democracy and security – we aim to support an inclusive future where Nigerian citizens’ votes count and translate into responsive governance, and where they can live in peace. We are a steadfast partner in seeking to strengthen election processes that will enhance accountability to meet citizens’ expectations, and pursuing innovative projects to help communities resolve differences without violence. Through cooperation with and training of Nigeria’s military and police, we are building more capable forces. Collaborating with civil society, law enforcement, and the judiciary, we are confronting the security challenges that stand in the way of economic growth while upholding a shared commitment to human rights. Initiatives include building Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capacity, bringing technology to courtrooms and case-management systems to help in the administration of justice and reduce pre-trial detention, and supporting efforts to enhance accountability and transparency in police forces.

Our partnership to address the climate crisis reflects our mutual recognition of this challenge, and our respect for Nigeria’s role as both an energy producer and a country profoundly impacted by the effects of climate change. In the leadup to COP28 – the 28th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change, which begins this week – the United States and Nigeria are aggressively seeking solutions. For example, U.S. support for Nigeria’s leadership as a Global Methane Pledge champion has led to action that is reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of all.

These programs and cooperative efforts advance a joint agenda that is built and driven by the highest levels of our leadership. President Biden met with President Tinubu in September, and numerous senior U.S. officials have come to Nigeria in recent months to confer on meeting Nigeria’s energy needs, driving U.S. trade and investment in Nigeria, and strengthening our law enforcement cooperation. These engagements strengthen our ties, address Nigeria’s pressing needs, and tackle shared challenges.

Ultimately, realizing Nigeria’s potential hinges upon enhancing its fiscal and economic health – and capitalizing on its strategic partnerships to build on that foundation. The opportunity has never been greater. Nigeria, with its youth, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit, is poised to seize this moment. We commend the government for its bold actions thus far to try to move the economy to a more solid footing. The United States is your partner in that effort – through investment, better security, a stronger workforce, and resilient institutions – that benefits all Nigerians and expands prosperity for both our peoples. Our journey ahead has its obstacles, of course. But together we will find a path toward a shared prosperity. 

IGP Approves Posting Of Police Public Relations Officers

By
The Source
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0
Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

Zone 2 Lagos, Cooperative, Kwara, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Sokoto get new PPROs

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has approved the posting of Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) to various State Commands and Formation to strengthen community engagement and communication. The newly posted officers are tasked with fostering positive relationships between the Nigeria Police Force and the communities they serve.

This was disclosed in a Press Release by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

The newly posted Officers and their respective portfolios include SP Ayuba Tunni Umma to PPRO Zone 2, Lagos; SP Hauwa Idris Adamu to PPRO Nigeria Police Cooperative; DSP Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi to PPRO Kwara State; ASP Unah Paul Echefunachi to PPRO Ebonyi; ASP Rufa’i Ahmed to PPRO Sokoto; and ASP Musa Mohammed to PPRO Bayelsa. Similarly, ASP Abuka Pius has been posted as a Staff Officer to the Public Complaint Bureau of the Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The Inspector General of Police emphasized the importance of community collaboration in policing, and  urged the newly posted officers to work closely with the communities they serve.

The IGP charged them to entrench the policing ideals and community-oriented initiatives being implemented by the respective Heads of their Commands and Formations.

Said the statement “The Nigeria Police Force extends its congratulations to the newly appointed PPROs and wishes them success in their new roles.”

President Tinubu’s 2024 Budget Is Padded, Useless For Nigerians

By
The Source
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0

In a swift reaction to the 2024 Budget tagged Budget of Renewed Hope which President Bola Tinubu  presented to a joint session of the National Assembly, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, described it as useless and hopeless.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP, dismissed the Budget as presented by Mr President, as “deceitful, strangulating and hopeless.” The statement added that the Budget has “no mechanism for economic recovery”, and noted that the official rate of N750 to one US Dollar is suffocating.

Following is the full text of the reaction by the PDP titled:

Tinubu’s 2024 Budget, Deceitful, Strangulating and Hopeless

*Has No Mechanism for Economic Recovery, N750/US1 Suffocating

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describes the N27.5 trillion budget for 2024 fiscal year as proposed by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly as a huge disservice which, if allowed to pass, will further asphyxiate Nigerians and plunge our nation into more economic depression and hopelessness.

“The PDP also describes the claim by President Tinubu that the budget is a Budget of Renewed Hope as conjured, unfounded and deceptive as the budget is completely devoid of concrete mechanisms to revive the economy, create jobs, address the comatose manufacturing and productive sectors, human capital development deficiencies and depleting life expectancy of Nigeria citizens.

“The 2024 budget is filled with heavily padded figures, duplicated items and several false statistics including claims of global increase in inflation rate as excuse for an impending excruciating increase in taxes and interest rate to the detriment of our productive sector.

“It is clear that the 2024 budget as proposed with its heavy provisions for luxury appetite of the Presidency and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders which is predicated and expected to be funded from multilateral and bilateral foreign loans and increased taxes on Nigerians, is designed to further mortgage our nation and strangulate the already impoverished Nigerians.

“The budget framework with respect to Recurrent Expenditure Vote of N9.9 trillion, Capital Expenditure Vote of N8.7 trillion and N8.25 trillion for debt services is unsustainable and unrealizable in view of the stated outstanding debt and proposed borrowing which is targeted mainly to finance consumption, luxury appetite and debt servicing.

“The lack of concrete and verifiable action plans to revive the manufacturing, energy, agricultural and education sectors which are the main drivers of any economy is a pointer that the Tinubu-led APC government is bereft of ideas and completely disconnected from the reality of life being faced by Nigerians.

“It is of grave concern that the President in the budget speech stated that his government has ‘adopted a Naira to US Dollar exchange rate of N750 per US Dollar for 2024’.

“This is a clear admission of failure, incapacity and lack of direction by the APC administration to manage and grow the economy in such a way as to strengthen the national currency, productivity and competitiveness in the global market.

“It has further confirmed that the numerous promises by the President and officials of his government asserting a monetary policy to strengthen the Naira have been a deceptive ploy which is consistent with the APC in the past eight and half years.

“By adopting a defeatist N750 per US Dollar exchange rate, President Tinubu has further plunged our economy into the abyss, weakened our productive sector, wrecked the purchasing power of Nigerians and the capacity of the youths to be creative, recognizing that it will be almost impossible for Small and Medium Enterprises as well as Startups to access capital under such a suffocating budget.

“Every responsible leadership strives to work and defend its national currency. Unfortunately, the Tinubu-led government has surrendered our nation currency and pride to the whims and caprices of the so-called “market forces”.

“The PDP insists that with a transparent, honest and innovative management of resources and economic potentials of the nation; without inordinate pursuit of luxury consumption by a few individuals in leadership position, as being witnessed under the APC, the economy will witness a rapid turn-around and the Naira strengthened to its value of below N200 per US Dollar bequeathed by the PDP to the APC in 2015

“This 2024 budget as presented by President Tinubu therefore represents hopelessness for Nigerians. It is pathetic that the President whose main duty is to provide for the security and welfare of Nigerians as provided for in Section 14 (2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) could present a budget that is not geared towards the attainment of that Constitutional duty imposed on him.

“The PDP calls on the National Assembly pursuant to its Constitutional duty under Section 80, 81 and 82 of the 1999 Constitution to reject the 2024 budget as presented and use its legislative powers to disassemble the budget and make provisions that are critical and pivotal to the growth of the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.”

Uproar Trail Continued Incarceration Of Jatau Over Protest On Murder Of Deborah Samuel

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Rhoda Jatau, the Woman who protested against the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel, a 200-level student of Home Economics at Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, has been incarcerated – for months, and still counting.

Samuel was murdered by Islamic extremists and set ablaze after she advised her classmates against posting religious materials on their WhatsApp page.

Though, the police announced the arrest of two suspects; Bilyaminu Aliyu and Aminu Hukunci, in connection to Deborah’s murder, and they were arraigned on May 16, 2022, at the Sokoto Chief Magistrate Court for their alleged participation in the crime, nothing has been heard of the case since then.

The Sokoto State Police Command had disclosed that those arrested at the scene of the incident, while dispersing the mob, had been charged to court and the court remanded them in prison.

But it was alleged that the suspects have been released, prompting Jatau to lead a protest against the barbaric killing of the  young lady who is of the Christian faith.

She was detained in Bauchi State leading to the hashtag #FreeRhoda on the X platform.

However, Jatau, a mother of five has been in detention since 2022.

She was charged with “inciting public disturbance, contempt of religious creed and cyber-stalking” under the Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Nigerians on social media X, (formerly Twitter) have continued to slam Jatau’s continued detention.

Taking to social media Tuesday,  Modupe Odele with the X handle @Mochievous tweeted, “Rhoda Ya’u Jatau is a Christian from Bauchi State who has spent over 18 months in jail for sharing a video condemning the lynching of university student Deborah Emmanuel. She was accused of blasphemy…”

Another Nigerian, @Uncle_Onos, expressed concern saying, “She has so far spent over 18 months languishing in Police detention. This is the height of wickedness and cruelty. Meanwhile, no word has been of how the killers of Deborah were treated by the Police. They are probably walking the streets freely. RHODA JATAU MUST BE FREED!!!”

Also, popular skit maker, Mr Macaroni decried the continuous detention by tweeting, “Rhoda Jatau is a Christian. A Mother of 5. She has spent over 18 months and counting in a Prison in Bauchi for condemning the gruesome and barbaric murder of Deborah; a fellow Christian. This is a crime against humanity and this madness must come to an end! FREE RHODA JATAU!!!”

Reacting to one of the several tweets calling for the release of Jatau, another netizen with the handle @king_Bello7 decried the failure of the police to apprehend the murders of Deborah but “Deborah’s killers are walking free”

A music executive, @ChubieUjah  questioned if the constitution of the nation has been swapped for Sharia law without the knowledge of Nigerians. He posted, “I don’t understand how this is happening in a civilised society that claims to be a secular state. What are they not telling us? Has our constitution been swapped for Sharia law without our knowledge?” while @ProsperLuis2 expressed that “Christians are suffering in northern Nigeria.”

Another netizen @addel_cares blamed the Christian community for the detention of Jatau.

He tweeted, “Something would happen in Nigeria, and you would ask yourself, do we even have Christian leaders in Nigeria? I don’t even blame them, but the gullible Nigerians who see them as God, and when it’s time for them to stand up, they won’t. Arrest a Muslim and put him or her in prison and see if everyone would rest.” Another X user named @GoodPikins said, “Please release the innocent woman.”

@Real_Ekaf called for justice, adding that “Enough is Enough” on the detention of Jatau and @Cutefabulous02 added, “The injustice against Christians in the north is uncalled for. I wish the secularity of the Nigerian state is applicable to all the states of the federation. The day we would understand as people that humanity begot religion may mark the day of our liberation. #FreeRhoda”

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