Nnamdi Kanu Cries Out, Says He Never Supported Sit-At-Home Order

By

-

July 25, 2023

Simeon Ekpa and Mike Ozekehome and Nnamdi Kanu

By Gideon Njoku

Detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has lamented the destructive effect of the sit-at-home order in the South-east, and insisted that he was never in support of its declaration.

Kanu’s disclosure, through his lead Counsel, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has left not a few people confused as who then, authorised the order, and why he did not order that it be stopped immediately the Group began to enforce it.

IPOB had, in frustration, soon after Kanu was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, and brought back to Nigeria by Nigerian authorities, ordered a sit-at-home to protest the manner of his arrest, detention, prosecution, and to pressurise the Federal Government into releasing him unconditionally.

The Group declared Monday of every week a sit-at-home day, as well as any day Kanu was billed to appear in Court.

To enforce the order, those who dared to disobey, including school children were met with violence and blood and death. In one school in Imo State, the Principal, an Anglican Priest, was killed for daring to let his students take the West African School Certificate Examination on a sit-at-home day. Businesses were destroyed. The economy of the Zone went down to zero. The irony: the order had no effect on Kanu’s fate.

Neither the Federal Government nor other Zones noticed. And the people of the South-east Zone suffered while other Zones moved on.

After a lot of pressure was put on IPOB with an explanation that the Group was punishing the people whose fight it said it is fighting, as well as destroying the economy of the Zone, IPOB reduced the sit-at-home order to only the days Kanu would appear in Court. Gradually, it cancelled it entirely unless it became necessary.

But the cancellation was rather late.

Things had gone awry. And the order hijacked by the self-acclaimed disciple of Kanu, Simon Ekpa.

Based in Finland, Ekpa and IPOB parted ways. When IPOB cancelled the atrocious sit-at-home order, Ekpa and his (IPOB) Group, allegedly, known as Autopilot, continued with it.

It has since worsened.

Aside from the every Monday enforcement in a number of areas in the Zone, Ekpa has raised the antenna. He now takes the pleasure of grounding the Zone for days at a stretch, and, atimes, for weeks no matter protestations from Kanu’s IPOB and the people and the leadership of the Zone.

Now, Kanu, for whom Ekpa claims he declares and enforces the order has said that he was never in support of the sit-at-home order from the beginning.

Making his stand known through Ozekhome, Kanu cried out against the order and said he wished he could, personally, address the people, and tell them he was never in support.

In a video shared by Dan Nwomeh, Senior Special Assistant, Mainstream Media, to Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah on his Twitter handle on Monday, Ozekhome disclosed that Kanu does not, and has never believed in the sit-at-home. He said Kanu insists that “he could not be fighting for his people and at the same time shutting down their economy.”

He quoted Kanu as having “cited the effect of the sit-at-home exercise on the social, economic, cultural and political life of the people, lamenting that it has put them under psychological, psychical and mental stricture.”

Said Ozekhome: “As his lead Counsel and lawyer, he has told me that he does not believe in it. He cannot be fighting for his people and shutting down their economy. How do they feed? How will they train their children? Many a time, he cried to me in my presence that he wants to be released so that he can hold a world press conference and address the Igbo and Ala Igbo and the entire world to say, ‘Don’t stay at home on Mondays, go about your normal duties, go to work; because the Bible tells us it is upon the labour of your hands, I will bless the fruits of your labour’.

”So, I am now re-echoing again and again what Nnamdi Kanu has told me.

“He does not believe in that sit-at-home on Mondays which cripples the social-economic, social-cultural and political life of the people, putting them under psychological, psychical and mental stricture and torture.”

FBN Holdings: We Understand The Market, Okonkwo Says Of Superlative Profit Ahead AGM

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

July 25, 2023

0

The Group Managing Director of First Bank Holding, FBNH, Nnamdi Okonkwo has set the tone for what stakeholders are expecting at the Holder’s next month’s Annual General Meeting, AGM, next month after disclosing that the company understands the financial market better than competitors.

The deeply rooted understanding of its operating business environment, Okonkwo said, has ensured that the Group continues “to deliver a strong financial performance,” leveraging cutting-edge digital platforms despite the prevailing economic headwinds.

Coming on the back of the release of FBNH 2023 Half Year results, keen analysts insist that his comment will resonate positively with investors and other major stakeholders amidst the economic headwinds currently affecting the country’s financial sector.

Okonkwo while commenting on the results said in line with its focus, “the Group delivered strong growth in gross earnings and profit before tax resulting in N656.6 billion and N206.3 billion respectively, for the first half of 2023 financial year.

“Across our businesses, we continue to focus on customer-centric innovations with strong transactional and digital capabilities supported by sound risk management practices to anticipate and creatively deliver products and services that delight the different customer segments that we serve.

“Furthermore, we are committed to leveraging technology via digital platforms to enhance operational efficiency.

“Although the current operating environment remains challenging, we are confident of successfully navigating the terrain in our transformation journey to deliver sustainable value to our stakeholders,” he added.

FBNH’s half-year 2023 results, clearly indicate that the financial service provider delivered superlative performances in key metric areas in the period ending June 30, 2023.

The results have received wide applause from not a few industry stakeholders who said the conglomerate is well positioned in the nation’s financial sector.

For instance, Futureview Financial Services Limited, in its analysis said the report “portrayed a positive outlook” citing management and tax efficiency as key factors that delivered incredible profitability for FBNH.

According to the financial service firm, “The financial analysis of First Bank Nigeria Holdings for H1 2023 portrays a positive outlook, with notable growth across key financial indicators and improved profitability.

“The bank’s increased interest income, net interest income, and fee-based revenue demonstrate its strong financial performance during the period. Furthermore, First Bank Nigeria Holdings’ prudent cost management practices and tax efficiency have contributed to its enhanced profitability.

“The growth in total assets and net assets indicates a robust financial position, enabling the bank to effectively support its business expansion and future endeavors.

“With this positive momentum witnessed in H1 2023, the company is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in the Nigerian financial market. Nevertheless, prudent financial management and risk mitigation strategies will be crucial in sustaining this impressive performance in the coming periods.”

The report obtained by the magazine indicates that the company’s assets have grown significantly by close to 50 percent year-on-year, YoY to N14.2 trillion at the end of June 2023.

Commenting further, the firm said, “Return on Average Assets (ROAA) remained stable at 1%, reflecting the bank’s ability to generate earnings from its assets. Earnings Yield experienced a remarkable growth of 20% to 29%, signifying increased returns for investors relative to the market price.”

Compared to the half year 2022, its profit before tax, PBT, rose by over 200 percent to over N200 billion from N65 billion, while Profit After Tax, PAT, stood at over N187 billion compared to the same period in 2022.

The significant increase in PAT, the firm said, reflects the bank’s ability to generate higher earnings while efficiently managing tax liabilities.

Further analyses of the report indicate that Net Interest Margin declined by six percent to 62 percent, while Net Interest & Commission Margin decreased by seven percent to 19 percent.

Operating Profit Margin rose by 25 percent to 54 percent; Tax Rate decreased by five percent to nine percent; while Net Profit Margin witnessed a significant increase of 24 percent to 49 percent.

Meanwhile, key industry stakeholders familiar with the holder’s trajectory insist that Okonkwo has been a round peg in a round hole since he took charge of FBNH, bringing with him a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in the nation’s banking sector.

EndSARS: Amnesty Int’l Counters LASG Mass Burial Of Victims

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

July 25, 2023

0

Amnesty International, AI, a global human rights body has demanded that the federal government disclose the identities of EndSARS protesters allegedly killed in Lagos 2020.

The demand comes on the heel of a leaked memo that the Lagos state government was planning to conduct a mass burial for over 100 persons killed on October 20, 2020, during the protest against police brutality across the country.

Some human rights bodies have alleged that some protesters were killed by soldiers sent to the Lekki Toll gate, Lagos where many youths had gathered for the protest.

The state government, however, denied the allegation that the killing took place.

But a viral memo on Sunday detailing a plan by the state government to spend over N60 million to conduct a mass burial for 103 casualties has brought the controversy back to reckoning, even though the government said those concerned were not killed at the Lekki Toll gate.

Not a few Nigerians have demanded a thorough probe of the matter.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, AI Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the state to put the burial on hold while an investigation is conducted on the true identities of the casualties being prepared for the burial.

The human rights body accused the state government of being secretive about the matter, saying the families of those killed and their families must be compensated after investigation has been concluded.

According to the statement, “The Nigerian authorities must urgently halt their plans to carry out a secret mass burial of #EndSARS victims and instead carry out a thorough and independent investigation into the killings and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice in fair trials.

“They must also carry out transparent coroner inquests and autopsies on the 103 #EndSARS victims and publish their identities and the circumstances of their deaths.

“It is appalling that the Lagos state government has not even mentioned that it has held the bodies of 103 #EndSARS victims in its custody since October 2020.

“All those detained because of their role in the #EndSARS protests must be immediately released. The Nigerian authorities must also ensure that victims and their families are provided with access to justice and effective remedies, including adequate compensation.

“In October 2020, an on-the-ground investigation by Amnesty International confirmed that Nigerian security forces opened fire on thousands of peaceful protesters, who were peacefully calling for good governance and an end to police brutality, killing at least 12 protesters at Lekki toll gate and in Alausa.

“Amnesty International was able to establish that pro-government supporters instigated violence at many of the demonstrations, providing cover for the police to use lethal force against peaceful protesters.

“On 16 November 2020, a Judicial Panel of Inquiry set up to investigate the Lekki toll gate killings submitted its report, which indicted the military and the police for killing unarmed protesters, who were sitting on the floor and waving Nigerian flags and singing.”

The EndSARS protests began on October 8, 2020, and climaxed on October 20 when heavily armed soldiers stormed Lekki Toll gate where many Nigerians were protesting peacefully.

Imo Government Works Out Modalities For Palliatives Distribution

By

The Source

-

July 24, 2023

0

The Imo State Government has put machinery in motion on how to distribute food items as palliatives for the suffering masses.

At an emergency Imo State Executive Council sitting, Monday, presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma, the government approved the various palliative proposals to cushion the effects of hardship and difficulties suffered by the people as a result of removal of fuel subsidy and consequently, the increase in commodity prices.

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, is expected to work with the relevant ministries and Head of Service to fine-tune the modalities for the palliatives implementation.

Briefing newsmen at the end at the meeting, the Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Statistics, Dr. C. C. Osuala said that government has set-up Commodity Centres in the 27 Local Government Areas that will stock and sell products such as rice, garri, fertilizers etc, at reduced prices to her citizens.

Osuala was supported at the media briefing by the Commissioners for Transport, Barr. Rex Anunobi; Education, Prof. JohnCliff Nwadike; Trade and Investment, Comrade Simon Ebegbulem; Digital Economy and E-Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi; the Chief Political Adviser/Head Political Bureau, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu and the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku.

“The Commodity Centres are meant to bring down the astronomical market prices by the shylock men and women,”Osuala explained.

Osuala also said that EXCO approved a new Mass Transit system that will reduce transportation cost from one point of the State to another. “This government hopes to achieve through improved Imo Transport Company (ITC) operations and expansion of the Civil Service Free Transport Scheme by expanding the routes and injecting more vehicles.”,

He said that the Exco also congratulated the Governor on the several awards and recognitions he received recently such as the award from Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) as “Prudent Manager of Fiscal Recourses of the State”as well as the one where he was recognised as the ‘’Most Innovative Digital Governor’’ by Titans of Tech Awards.

Osuala said that the award in the tech sector “happens to be the first of such to any Governor in Nigeria because of his establishment of the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government in Imo State and the attendant Skill-Up programmes of the Ministry that have turned out digital youths, who are provided with skills that make them employers of labour instead of dependants.”

Osuala told the newsmen that the Governor had earlier reeled out the palliatives in his address to Stakeholders in the State and “anyone desirous of the report can approach office of the Secretary to the State Government to get a copy.”

Answering reporters questions, the Commissioner for Transport and his Trade and Investment colleague, Anunobi and Ebegbulem respectively said that plans are nearing conclusion for the Mass transit to take off just as the Commodity Centres as approved will soon start procuring products for sale to Imo citizens.

“I Have Resolved To Conduct Local Government Election” – Gov. Uzodinma

By

The Source

-

July 24, 2023

0

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma has reiterated his Government’s resolve to conduct Local Government elections that will usher in Executive Chairmen and Councilors at the third tier of government this year.

The Governor spoke while swearing-in the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) Chairman, Chief Charles Ejiogu and two newly appointed members, Mr. Igbo Kenneth Chinyere and Chief Dominic Uzowuru, at the New Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri on Monday.

Addressing the Chairman and members of the Commission, the Governor congratulated them for making themselves available to serve, informing that the inauguration is a process of strengthening the ISIEC as a body that will take the government to the rural areas.

He then charged the Chairman, the old and new members, to study the law establishing their office and do well to keep the principles of their oath.

Governor Uzodinma enjoined them to work hard to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of Imo people who have longed for Local Government elections.

He seized the opportunity to remind Imo people that the events of past years which include insecurity, killings and maiming, banditry, actions of unknown gunmen, the #ENDSARS# and even the Covid-19 pandemic, did not create enabling environment for the conduct of Local Government elections.

He promised that now that the situation has changed and the environment becoming more conducive, his Government will conduct the Local election before the November governorship poll.

Concluding, the Governor said his idea of democracy in progress includes bringing it nearer to the people at the Councils.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Chief Ejiogu as the Chairman ISIEC expressed gratitude to the Governor for finding them worthy to serve at this critical time of political era.

He promised that they are duty bound to carry out their assignment according to the oath they took, noting that they are ready to work to satisfy the yearnings of Imo populace.

He promised that they will justify the confidence repose on them.

The swearing-in was witnessed by all members of Imo State Executive Council in session, as well as the old members of ISIEC – Dr. Henry Adimelechi, Mrs. Jacinta Uchechukwu and Chief Charles Ohiri – while Barr. Magnus Agu was unavoidably absent.

Desperation On Display As APC Fakes THISDAY Newspaper Headlines – LP

By

The Source

-

July 24, 2023

0

The Labour Party has said that its Presidential Candidate in the February 25 2023 election, Peter Obi, remains the phenomenal political leader of contemporary Nigeria that all good heads wants to hug but devious ones want to de-market, tarnish and if possible, destroy.

In a statement signed by Diran Onifade, Head of Media, the Party said as “Obi’s political profile continues to soar among Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, the envy, and anger against him by those envious of his positive attributes continue to rise.”

Obi-Datti Media office noted how a worried ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and its Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu are even wishing and pleading with the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal PEPC to consider pairing them with ATIKU Abubakar of the PDP instead of Obi and in fact, wants Obi disqualified outrightly and be prevented from participating in the rerun, should there be one.

“It said: “In their desperation to stop Obi at all costs, they have lined up a series of untoward activities using rogue troll agents that seek to portray him negatively and copiously misrepresent him in public space.

“The latest machination is the production of a fake Sunday’s edition of THISDAY NEWSPAPER of July 23, 2023, which they are circulating and purporting in their mischievous lead story that Obi granted an interview which they captioned as him saying: “Tinubu won but disqualify him and set a rerun between ATIKU and I.”

“This devilish act is ostensibly to enable them to defend their call that Obi should be disqualified by the PEPC thus seeking a rerun between Tinubu and ATIKU.

Obi-Datti Media recalls that last week the same rogue agents had claimed that Obi granted an interview on Arise Television saying he is willing to take defeat and wait for elections 2027.

“All this wicked and dubious propaganda is aimed at achieving one mission; to confuse the public, distract and defocus the Justices from their statutory responsibilities.

“We, therefore, wish to urge the Nigerian public not to be gullible and to disregard the fake THISDAY publication and embrace the correct edition with the lead story, ATIKU: APC Plotting to Manipulate Judiciary, Undermine Democracy.“ They should also watch out for more of these sinister acts of desperation orchestrated by a drowning government that is visibly afraid of justice which must certainly come.”

Timi Frank To FG: “Investigate Boko Haram’s Attack On Atiku”; Demands Security Beef Up Around Former Vice President

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

July 24, 2023

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Timi Frank, a political activist has urged the Federal Government to urgently investigate an attempted Boko Haram attack on the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar.

The Social Commentator also urged the Federal Government to beef up security around the former Vice President, and called the attention of the international community to the development in Nigeria.

Frank disclosed that some suspected Boko Haram members made an attempt on the life of Abubakar on Sunday at his residence in Yola, Adamawa State.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Frank said the arrested suspect confessed to Police a grand plot to plant a bomb at the Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, the residence of the Atiku as well as the American University of Nigeria, AUN, in Yola, Adamawa State Capital.

The statement reads:

“Security information reaching us earlier today has it on authority that about 4 Boko Haram members, all the way from Danboa, Borno State made their way at about 9:45pm local time yesterday (23/07/2023) to the Yola residence of His Excellency, the Waziri Adamawa (Atiku Abubakar) and identified themselves upon confirmation of the residence as to their mission in Adamawa.

“Reacting swiftly, the Dougirei Police Command was immediately tipped off as the ring leader was promptly arrested with the rest fleeing from the premises.

“Upon investigation by the SCID Adamawa State Police HQ, it was verified and confirmed that the suspect confessed to a grand plot to plant bombs in the Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, the residence of the Waziri as well as the American University in Yola.

“These confessions of the dreaded Boko Haram sect are troubling and worrisome, as this is the first time an attempted attack of this magnitude would be planned on the person of HE Atiku Abubakar.”

Narrating the incident further, Frank said: “It is quite shocking that this is coming at a time the Federal Government had given assurance to the citizens of the decimation of the dreaded group, let alone an attempt on a high profile personality like H.E Atiku Abubakar.

“Having received the official Police HQ Situation Report, we would like to call on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency beef up adequate security around the former Vice President, with swift investigation into unraveling the circumstances leading to Atiku as a target by this group.

“There is no gainsaying that it will be foolhardy on the part of the Federal Government treat this security breach with kid gloves as after effects in the event of any eventuality will be enormous for the country to contain.

“Furthermore, we must note that all through the active years of the Boko Haram sect ravaging the North-east not a single attempt was made on the person of H.E Atiku Abubakar, and we are curious as to the timing of this planned attack in this manner.”

He called on International Community “to take notice, that only recently the INEC confirmed at the PEPT on HE winning in 21 states and therefore sending shock waves to the opposition and current government on the possibility of a rerun election.

“Perhaps this grand plot is being sponsored by top opposition politicians to assassinate the former VP in a bid to cause chaos and deny him any chance of retrieving his stolen mandate. We are therefore, circumspect in this regard.

“Therefore, any collaborators or sponsor of this dastardly ideas must be fished out forthwith to forestall any untoward reactions towards the FG and rougue politicians alike. Nonetheless, it is imperative for the FG to immediately get to the root of this matter urgently with a view to bringing all accomplices to book.

“I am confident that the Federal Government will take this security breach as a matter of national emergency.”

How Ore Petrol Tanker Fire Was Ignited – Eye Witnesses

By

The Source

-

July 24, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

Eyewitnesses have recounted how the petrol tanker fire at Ore, Ondo state which burnt to dead not less than 20 persons, started.

A tanker loaded with petrol had lost control and fell into a ditch very close to the community’s stream.

One of the witnesses, Awalu Saliu From Sokoto State narrates that “The tanker fell around 4:30 in the evening. I heard about it and I drove to this place from the town. Many people were taking fuel. The rain has stopped.

“I parked my motor-cycle and came down. After some time, we heard something like a boom. The fire started coming. There was another boom and we saw fire coming.

“Over 100 people scooping fuel directly from the tanker ran away. I also ran. I saw people carrying fuel and being trailed by the fire. Many people would have died if the fire had started from the tanker, but it started where the water flowed to the residence of a woman who was cooking. The woman died instantly.

Tijani Diekola, recounts that “I got here few minutes after the explosion and met some burnt corpses on the ground but the situation was so tensed and nobody could get near the place.

“It was this morning that some relatives of the victims were able to get the corpses of the affected people. None of them survive the incident because most of them were burnt beyond reasonable measures.

“This morning I met about ten burnt dead bodies, while those around the tanker cannot be recognized. They were packed inside a sack by officials of the FRSC.

“The tanker driver lost control of the vehicle and entered the ditch around 4:30pm. The people started trooping to the place of the incident, scooping the fuel until the ugly incident happened around 6pm.

“What actually happened was that the fuel started spilling into a stream in the community, while the residents continue to scoop the fuel with buckets and kegs until the explosion occurred.

“Unfortunately, a woman was cooking in her kitchen when the inflammable product on the water caught fire, burning the woman to death while the fire travels back to the tanker.

“A pregnant woman crossing the stream with three other minors were caught in the river and were burnt beyond recognition.

“No one could move to safe them. Some other people who were close to the tanker were also badly affected. Their remains were packed this morning.”

As at Monday, officials of the Federal Roads Safety Commission, (FRSC) were still clearing debris and remains of those burnt beyond recognition as they could no longer be recognized by their relations.

FRSC has confirmed that eight dead bodies were recovered at the scene of the incident while others sustained various degrees of injuries.

Subsidy Removal: Kwara Floats Social Investment, Pays Additional N10,000 To Workers Monthly

By

Ayodele Oni

-

July 24, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, on Monday announced N10,000 additional money to public workers as palliatives for the state to mitigate the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At a media briefing at the Government House Press Centre in Ilorin, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, disclosed that the palliatives will cut across different sectors and demographics of the state.

He said, “on top of the palliatives is cash support of N10,000 for every public sector worker in the state, which will begin this month (July) and last until a new minimum wage is introduced to enable workers to cope with the economic shock created by the subsidy removal.

“In deference to the new advisory of the National Economic Council, (NEC) for states to design their own independent responses to the development, the Governor has directed the leadership of the civil service to continue a staggered work schedule, not exceeding three days a week, to reduce transportation expenses for workers.”

Kwara government earlier introduced a three-day work schedule for its civil servants, but suspended it in deference to an earlier advisory of the NEC for states to await a more holistic response to the development.

However, the new staggered work plan will not cover ‘essential workers, the governor’s spokesman clarified.

The Governor also approved the payment, from this month, July, of new hazard and skipping allowances, and 100% CONMESS for consultants and medical doctors under the government’s payroll.

“This shall be nonpartisan, and would be coordinated by a government team to be supported by respected stakeholders who would get inputs from traditional rulers, religious bodies, market leaders, trade unionists, and community-based organisations to generate the lists of beneficiaries and disburse accordingly.

“The whole idea of these interventions, which gulped billions of naira of public funds, is to show empathy and deploy as many resources as the state can afford to support the people at this special time.

“The Governor has also approved the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to activate N500m worth of conditional support for petty traders and MSMEs in the state.

“The state government will receive fertilisers and grains from the Federal Government and pay for same. It is not free.

“Modalities for the handling of these will be made available later. This is to boost farming outputs and food security in the state.

“The government, meanwhile, will be setting up a committee to interface with marketers on the need to curb extortionist tendencies as seen in the arbitrary fixing of prices of foodstuffs.

“Finally, the Governor identifies with the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strong commitments to sustainable economic reforms and the well-being of the Nigerian people, believing that the current discomforts are just like the pains that precede the joyful birth of a child.”

Ekiti Assembly To Hold Special Session On Evils Of Human Trafficking

By

The Source

-

July 24, 2023

0

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State House of Assembly has sent invitation to the Director General of National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to grace a special plenary to be held to sensitize people of the state on evils of human trafficking and ways to tackle the menace.

The special plenary session on human trafficking would involve stakeholders like the traditional institution, security agencies, justice system sector, civil society organizations, transport unions, market women association, and student and youth bodies.

According to him, resolutions passed against human trafficking from such a special plenary would be passed to the relevant agencies and quarters for implementation.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, advocated a stronger inter-agency collaboration among security agencies to tackle the menace of human trafficking in the state.

He also made a case for measures for support and rehabilitation of rescued victims of human trafficking for them to fit in to the society and live a life that would be meaningful to them and communities where they find themselves.

The Speaker made the remarks on Monday when he received the Head of the Ekiti State Liaison Office of NAPTIP, Mr. Samson Ademola, who led other senior officials of the agency on a courtesy visit.

Aribasoye pointed out that the Assembly would partner with NAPTIP to reduce the incidence of human trafficking, which he described as harrowing and dehumanizing to dignity of persons of victims whom he said have the right to live decent lives.

The Speaker identified a stronger and more efficient collaboration among security agencies like the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service among others as very key to reducing and stamping out human trafficking in the state.

The Speaker further promised legislative support for advocacy against human trafficking and also enlisted the Assembly members, local government chairmen and councillors to carry out enlightenment campaigns in their constituencies, council areas and wards in the fight against the menace.

Reacting to the needs of Ekiti NAPTIP for a permanent office accommodation, operational vehicles and other logistics, the Speaker urged the authorities of the agency to forward letters to that effect to the Governor for assistance and copy same to the Assembly to assist in following up.

Aribasoye further explained that serious enlightenment would have to be done to change the orientation of the youth against embarking on illegal and dehumanizing trips to foreign countries identifying ignorance and greed as parts of the factors responsible for human trafficking.

“Majority of the people lured into it (human trafficking) was out of ignorance and greed. We have to first address these issues especially the issue of greed among our younger generation.

“Whatever form of trafficking is inhuman, that is why we are praising you for protecting the vulnerable. Nobody on Ekiti State should be subjected to such inhuman treatment.

“I saw one of the victims who narrated her experience, it was a harrowing experience and I saw the reality of what human trafficking could do to somebody. We need to fight it together for us to win this battle.”

Speaking earlier, the Head of Ekiti NAPTIP Liaison Office, Mr. Ademola disclosed that this year’s World Trafficking Day coincided with the 20 years anniversary of the establishment of NAPTIP in Nigeria and the need to scale up the fight against all forms of human trafficking.

Mr. Ademola explained that the agency needed logistics support to sustain the fight against human trafficking especially in the areas of permanent office accommodation and operational vehicles to ensure its smooth operation in the state.

He explained that the agency presently operates from a two-room temporary office accommodation which he described as inadequate noting that Ekiti office can only be accorded the status of a zonal command if it has a permanent operational headquarters.

Mr. Ademola further explained NAPTIP needs operational vehicles that would ease patrol, arrest and transportation of suspects to the courts of law to facilitate their prosecution.

Identifying Ekiti South senatorial district as an endemic area for human trafficking in the state, the NATIP chief disclosed that eight girls from Ekiti Southwest local government area who were being trafficked to Libya were rescued by the agency.

He said the partnership with Ekiti Assembly would help to take the fight against human trafficking to all localities with the legislators being the representatives of the people in the grassroots.