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EndSARS: Human Rights Body Demands Minister’s Arrest, Prosecution For Lying Over Lekki Massacre

By
Bayo Bernard
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Lai Mohammed

By James Orji

For peddling falsehood over what transpired during the EndSARS protest at Lekki Tollgate, Lagos on October 20, 2020, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA has called for the sack of Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

The Lagos state Judicial Panel on EndSARS submitted its report to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, in which the Justice Doris Okuwobi-led panel detailed how security agencies, including soldiers and police killed unarmed protesters.

Mohammed had repeatedly  denied that protesters were killed when soldiers invaded the venue where hundreds of protesters, mostly youths gathered to protest police brutality. On one occasion, the minister described as ‘phantom’ claim that protesters were shot at and killed by the soldiers.

In November 2020, Mohammed attacked Catherine Udeh, popular as DJ Switch, a disc jockey, after she filmed soldiers shooting protesters live on Instagram, describing her as “purveyor of fake news”. Switch had since fled the country claiming she received threats to her life.

Also, the information minister later in the month described the American based Cable Net News, CNN report on the shooting as a lie.

In January, 2021 Mohammed asked Amnesty International, AI to ‘shut up’ if the global rights group failed to show proof that protesters were killed.

During the one-year memorial of the Lekki Tool gate shooting on October 20, the minister addressed a press conference in Abuja, the nation’s capital where he described the claim that protesters were killed as a ‘phantom’.

Mohammed said “one year later, and despite ample opportunities for the families of those allegedly killed and those alleging a massacre to present evidence, there has been none: No bodies, no families, no convincing evidence, nothing”.

But in the 309-page report submitted to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the panel described what happened at the Lekki Tool gate as ‘atrocious, maiming and massacre’ of peaceful protesters by security forces.

“The panel in its report found that on October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Gate, officers of the Nigerian Army shot, injured and killed unarmed, helpless and defenseless protesters without provocation or justification, while they were waving the Nigerian flag and singing the national anthem and the manner of assault and killing could in context be described as a massacre,” the report said.

Reacting to the report HURIWA, in a statement said the Minister must be dismissed, arrested and prosecuted for deceiving Nigerians on what actually took place at the Lekki Toll gate on the night of October 20, 2020.

HURIWA said in the statement that despite ‘undisputed evidence that indeed there was systematic annihilation of many civilian protesters in Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State last October,” Mohammed chose to deceive Nigerians, the group, therefore urged “President Muhammadu Buhari as a father of all to order the arrest and prosecution of his minister of information, Lai Mohammed for committing a grave and heartless offence that is equivalent to the denial of the Holocaust of the 6 million Jews by Adolf Hitler which is punishable by nearly half a century of incarceration”.

“HURIWA is also commending the brave members and Chairperson of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the #ENDSARS PROTESTS especially the circumstances surrounding the massive cases of extrajudicial killings by the Army and armed police when these armed forces opened fire with lethal weapons targeted at the unarmed protesters.

The human rights body further urged the federal government to ensure that the panel’s recommendations were fully implemented, asking “President not to sweep the lawlessness of the security agencies under the carpets just as the Rights group said if the President allows his information minister to get away with the impunity of denying the massacre that happened before the eyes of the world captured live on video cameras, then he will be remembered long after he has retired from public office as a dictator who oversaw the genocide of young protesters and the generations unborn will never forgive him for this.”

Osun APC Groups Trade Words Over Assassination Attempt

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rauf Aregbesola and Oyetola

By Ayodele Oni

As preparation for Governorship election in Osun state kicks off, the crisis between the Minister of the Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and Governor Gboyega Oyetola continues to escalate as a group loyal to the Minister is alledging assassination attempt on some of its leaders.

Governor Oyetola served as Chief of Staff to former Governor Aregbesola but his Governorship ambition did not receive the blessing of the Minister. The allegation is that the Minister was forced to back him because of the Governor’s relationship with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a man whose relationship with Aregbesola  is also tight.

There have been attempts by a former Governor of the State and a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Chief Bisi Akande, to reconcile the duo, but their supporters continue with their drum of war.

The Osun Progressives, a group in the State chapter of APC loyal to Aregbesola trigerred the latest onslaught with an allegation of assassination attempt on some of its leaders by Governor Oyetola and his group.

The allegation was contained in a statement signed by the group’s Chairman, Adelowo Adebiyi, in Osogbo.

The statement titled ‘Fresh plot by Governor Oyetola’s camp to eliminate top leaders,’ claimed that members of the group have been receiving calls threatening to kill them, over their activities within the State.

It then called on the leadership of the APC, to take interest in the Osun case to avoid the killing of innocent lives for the actualization of someone’s ambition.

“Information at our disposal now makes it clear that the level of desperation of Governor Oyetola-led Ileri Oluwa Group has reached the throats of its leaders and, therefore, concluded that elimination of leaders will put a stop to our opposition to them.

“It is noteworthy to mention that some of the leaders have been receiving strange calls which started at the weekend.

“The callers were threatening  leaders with assassination as the solution to their activities in the state.

“We learnt on inquiry that the Governor’s group, Ileri Oluwa is jittery of what is likely going to be the outcome of the case instituted by members of the APC who belong to Aregbesola caucus and would not mind if some leaders are killed in order to put a stop to their activities.”

However, Osun State Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-governmental Relations, Taiwo Akeju, in his reaction to the allegation, said the accusers were on a mission to cause a distraction for the Government.

According to him, Osun Progressives should look for those plotting to kill their leaders elsewhere, as Oyetola and members of his political group are decent individuals.

“They want to cause distraction and that will not work. They should look for those that wanted to kill them elsewhere, because the Governor is decent, members of his political group and Osun APC are decent individuals too.”

Give Presidency to Igbo come 2023, Arewa Communities In Igboland Say

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

Northern Communities resident in the South-East geopolitical zone, under the aegis of Arewa Communities in Igboland, has thrown its weight behind Igbo Presidency in 2023, saying that that is the only panacea for lasting peace in the country.

Addressing a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State, Monday, the group insisted the next president must be from the South East, in the spirit of equity as this will help to douse tension and drastically reduce the security crisis in the region through engendering peace and national cohesion.

“The unity of this country should be paramount in our hearts. This, we can achieve by allowing an Igbo man to emerge as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023″, they said.

They, however, insisted that for this to happen the Igbo must put their acts together, with their elites making genuine efforts to reconcile their differences. This will enable them produce a competent and detribslised candidate. This will ensure full Northern support.

Therefore, they asked other geopolitical zones to stay clear of the Presidency.

The National President of the group, Alhaji Mohammed Nalado Umaru, who spoke on behalf of the AREWA communities, said they are confident other geopolitical zones will key in.

“We are sure that the North, West, South-South and others will support this noble agenda”, he said.

Worried about the skewed political structure against the Igbo, Alhaji Umaru called for the correction of the trend in 2023 for Nigeria’s continuity.

“We, the Northern people living in Igbo land are highly in support of an Igbo Executive President in 2023. We live and earn our living in Igbo Land and will continue to live together as an indivisible entity.

“Igbo are accommodating and pan Nigeria. What will be required from them is to harmonise themselves and produce a detribalised person that will be contesting the 2023 Presidential election.

“Late Sarduana of Sokoto, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa and Awolowo did not envisage disunity and war when they fought our colonial masters to secure our political and economic independence.

“Our experience today centres on tribalism, nepotism, marginalisation, religious sentiment, bribery and corruption which has eaten deep into our hearts.

“If we can tell ourselves the truth, the leadership in the country has been lopsided as sensitive positions are denied a particular ethnic group.

“President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker House of Representatives, Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Director General of DSS are all occupied by an ethnic group, leaving the Igbos to feel marginalised.

“We should not fan embers of crisis because where there is war, nothing is secured, let us give peace a chance like our founding fathers”.

The Army Massacred Nigerian Youths At Lekki Toll Gate, Says Panel

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS-Related Abuses and Other Matters (Lagos EndSARS Panel), Monday submitted their report to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwolu, with a damning verdict:  It was a massacre.

Members had been sitting and interviewing witnesses since last year october.

The Panel heavily indicted soldiers and security agents in the killings and forceful removal of their victims, who were unarmed youths protesting at the Lekki toll gate.

In a 309 page submission,the Justice Doris Okuwobi-led panel said at least 9 youths were killed and 48 were shot.

“The atrocious maiming and killing of unarmed, helpless and unresisting protesters, while sitting on the floor and waving their Nigerian flags, while singing the National Anthem can be equated to a ‘massacre’ in context,” part if the report read.

The panel said the  massacre was carried out by the soldiers, who had their vans parked “at the Lekki Toll Gate and removed as many bodies and corpses of the fallen protesters which they took away with their vans.”

According to the report, “the  Nigerian  Army  was  invited  for  intervention  in  the  State  and  was  deployed  to Lekki  Toll  Gate  on  the  20th  of  October  2020.

“At  the  Lekki  Toll  Gate,  officers  of  the Nigerian  Army  shot,  injured  and  killed  unarmed  helpless  and  defenseless  protesters, without  provocation  or  justification,  while  they  were  waving  the  Nigerian  Flag  and singing  the  National  Anthem  and  the  manner  of  assault  and  killing  could,  in  context, be  described  as  a  massacre.

“The  Panel  also  found  that  the  conduct  of  the  Nigerian Army  was  exacerbated  by  its  refusal  to  allow  ambulances  render  medical  assistance to    victims  who  required  such  assistance.

“The  Army  was  also  found  not  to  have adhered  to  its  own  Rules  of Engagement.

“The  Panel  found  that  the  Nigerian  Police  Force  deployed  its  officers  to  the  Lekki  Toll Gate  on  the  night  of  the  20th  October,  2020  and  between  that  night  and  the  morning of  the  21st  of  October,  2020,    its  officer  shot  at,  assaulted  and  battered  unarmed protesters,  which  led  to  injuries  and  deaths.

“The  Police  officers  also  tried  to  cover  up their actions by  picking  up  bullets.

“The  Panel  found  that  LCC  hampered  the  panel’s  investigation  by  refusing  to  turn  over some  useful  and  vital  information/evidence  as  requested  by  the  Panel  and  the Forensic  Expert  engaged  by  the  panel,  even  where  such  information  and  evidence was  by  the  company’s  admission,  available.

“It  manipulated    the    incomplete  CCTV Video  footage  of  the  Lekki  Toll  Gate    on  the  night  of  the  20th  of  October  2020,  which it tendered  before  the  Panel.

“The  Panel  found  that  there  was  an  invitation  of  the  Nigerian  Army    to  Lagos  State made  by  the  Lagos  State  Government  through  the  Governor  before  the  hierarchy  of the  Nigerian  Army  deployed  its  soldiers  to  the  Lekki  Toll  Gate  on  the  night  of  the  20th of  October.

“The  Panel  found  that  there  was  an  attempt  to  cover  up  the  Incident  of  the  20th  of October  by  the  cleaning  of  the  Lekki  Toll  Gate  and  the  failure  to  preserve  the  scene ahead  of  potential  investigations…

“Upon  the  above  key  findings  amongst  others,  the  Panel  made  a  total  of  32 Recommendations,  which  included  but  not  limited  to:

“Holistic  Police  Reforms  covering  welfare,  training  and  proper  equipping  of  Policemen and  their  working  environment;

“Sanctioning  of  the  officers    of  the  Nigerian  Army  and  the  Nigerian  Police  Force respectively  who  participated  in  shooting,  injuring  and  killing  of  unarmed  protestors at  the  Lekki  Toll  Gate  on  the  20  and  21st  of  October  2020;

“Development  of  more  robust  engagement  between  the  Youth  and  the  Government;

“Setting  up  of  a  Standing  Committee/Tribunal  to  deal  with  cases  of  Violation  of  Human Rights  by  security  agencies  and  a  trust  fund  to  settle  compensation  awarded  by  such committee/tribunal;

“A public  apology  to  #EndSARS  protesters  who  were  killed,  injured  and  traumatized  by the  Incident of the  20th  of October 2020;

“The  memorialization  of  the  Lekki  Toll  Gate  and  the  20th  of  October   going  forward.

“The  recognition  of  Hospitals  and  Medical  Doctors  who  played  heroic  roles  following the  Incident  of  the  Lekki  Toll  Gate  on  the  20th  of  October  2020  thereby  saving  lives and  minimizing  the  impact  of  the  injuries  suffered  by  the  victims,  most  of  which  were on  a  pro-bono  basis;

“The  Panel  recommended  various  sums  of  compensation  to  victims  of  the  Lekki  Toll Gate  Incident,  which  must  be  expeditious  in  order to  accelerate  the  healing  process.

“The Panel  recommended  that  any  data  that  may  have  been  generated  over  the  years on  the  impunity  of  the  Police  across  Nigeria  be  studied  and  deployed  as  early  warning signs  (EWS)  mechanism.”

EndSARS: Lagos Panel Counters FG, Says 48 Protesters Killed By Soldiers

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
EndSARS Portest at Lekki

By James Orji

The Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and other matters described what happened at Lekki tole gate on October 20, 2020 as a ‘massacre ‘.

Hundreds of protesters, mostly youths had gathered at the venue to protest police brutality, but were later dispersed by soldiers who shot live bullets at them. Some protesters were believed to have been killed by the soldiers, even though the fedral government denied the allegation.
Amnesty International, a globally respected human rights body, including the American based CNN said protesters were killed when soldiers invaded the venue.
But in its report submitted to the Lagos State Government on Monday, the panel headed by Justice Okuwobi described what happened as ‘atrocious ‘ maiming and ‘masacre’ .

The panel said at least 48 protesters were either shot dead, injured with bullets wounds or assaulted by soldiers who stormed the Lekki toll gate on October 20, 2020.

The report partly read in part, “The atrocious maiming and killing of unarmed, helpless and unresisting protesters, while sitting on the floor and waving their Nigerian flags, while singing the National Anthem can be equated to a ‘massacre’ in context.

“It was alleged and corroborated that the soldiers had their vans parked at the Lekki Toll Gate and removed as many bodies and corpses of the fallen protesters which they took away with their trucks.
Those involved in the massacre, the report said must be made to face justice, and restitution made to assuage the feelings of the victims.
According to the justice Okuwobi-led panel “that for the purpose of restitution, healing and reconciliation the federal Government needs to publicly apologize to the youth for abruptly undermining the protest with their state actors.

“The Government should do all it can to bridge the gap of distrust with the Youth. A monument memorializing the lives lost and those injured at the Lekki Toll Gate with the names inscribed on the Monument.”

The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed had in October, during the one year memorial of the protest, demanded an apology from CNN and others who reported that protesters were indeed killed by soldiers.

Meanwhile, Olu Adegboruwa, a senior advocate and one of the panel members has threatened to make the report public if the Lagos State Government failed to do so. His threat comes on the back of a similar demand by a civil advocacy group, Enough is Enough on the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration  to release the report to the public.

Jonathan Mourns Sani Dangote

By
The Source
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0

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has commiserated with the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and members of the Dangote family over the death of Sani Dangote, Vice President of Dangote Group of Companies.

In a condolence message sent to the family, Dr. Jonathan described the late Sani Dangote as an industrialist who had made significant contributions to the growth of the nation’s economy.

The former President stated: “I condole with the Dangote family on the death of Sani Dangote, Vice President of Dangote Group of Companies.

“As a businessman and industrialist, Sani made a significant impact to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy. He will be greatly missed by people from all walks of life in Nigeria and beyond for his philanthropy as well as his creative and innovative ideas in business and entrepreneurship.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest and give his family , friends and colleagues the strength to cope with this loss.”

Ondo Community Rallies Support For Reps Member

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bunni Tunji Ojo

By Ayodele Oni

Affa Okeagbe Community in Akoko area of Ondo State has rallied support for a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Bunni Tunji Ojo in his quest to give his area needed development and facelift.

Tunji Ojo is currently representing Akoko North West and East federal constituency in the green chamber.

The traditional ruler of Affa, Okeagbe, Oba Oladunjoye Fajana, who is leading the conmunity in garnering support for the Lawmaker, stated that he has ensured that the area is not left behind in the scheme of things and deserves to be given a second chance.

Oba Fajana, while giving the outline for activities lined up to celebrate his 30th Coronation anniversary, said that the community would use the occassion to celebrate the Lawmaker who has lived up to the expectation of the people.

Some indigenes of the community, that include Evangelist Olumuyiwa Asagunla and Chief Efficacy Adewunmi butressed the position of the royal father that the reps member has won the  hearts of the people with developmental projects spread across the two Local Government areas.

A statement signed by Julius Alabi (chairman, Media and Publicity sub- Committee) of the ceremony, stated that the community reiterated that Mr Tunji-Ojo has performed and represented good people  of Afa Okeagbe Community well and deserves a free ticket for the second term.

Some of his life touching projects include construction of classrooms for public schools, distribution of 12 ambulances, 4 motorcycles, 52 generators to health centers, distribution of food items to Constituencies, purchase of Patrol vehicles to four  divisional police stations; Free Medical and Surgical outreach with over 20,000 beneficiaries.

To ease transportation in the area, the Lawmaker also facilitated rehabitation of link roads and empowerment for the needy.

“We should now see him as our choice for the House Representatives in our Federal Constituency. What should be our concentration now is on how to secure victory for him in the general election.

“We all know that his leadership qualities are rare even within Ondo state and we know that his choice at this time is an advantage for the entire state.

“He has also shown that he can uphold the welfarism ethos of which the community is being known for, with what we have seen.”

ASUU in Fresh 21 Days Strike Ultimatum To FG

By
Uche Mbah
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0
ASUU

By Uche Mbah

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said it may go back to the trenches in 21 days if by then the Federal Government still refuses to implement agreements reached by both parties.

ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, handed down the ultimatum Monday in Abuja.

Osodeke was briefing Journalists on the decisions reached during the National Executive Council meeting of the union.

The Union had met for two days to deliberate on the way forward in connection with the suspended strike.

Recall that ASUU recently suspended their threatened strike action after series of meetings with the Federal Government over welfare issues.

According to the ASUU Chairman, the union will meet again after the expiration of the twenty one days ultimatum to decide on the full strike action.

Part of the agenda discussed was the appointment of Issa Pantami as Professor by the Imo state branch of ASUU and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO; the precarious security of the country and the living conditions within the Nigerian University System.

Anambra Declares Tuesday Public Holiday for Zik

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Nnamdi Azikwe

By Uche Mbah

Anambra State Government has declared November 16 public holiday in honour of the first President of Nigeria, late Nnamdi Azikiwe.

A statement on Monday by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C Don Adinuba, said this is the third time the Government has honored the first President of Nigeria.

“Tuesday, November 16, 2021, has been declared a work-free day in Anambra in honour of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president who was born on November 16, 1904″, Adinuba wrote.

“This is the third consecutive year Anambra State is observing the birthday anniversary of the man who led Nigeria to independence on October 1, 1960, and is popularly known as The Great Zik of Africa because of his extraordinary Pan-African vision and commitment.

“It was the Great Zik of Africa who inspired such outstanding Pan-African leaders as Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana who led his country to freedom from colonial rule on March 6, 1957

“Zik, who was born in Zungeru in Niger State and grew up in Calabar and Lagos, studied various disciplines in the United States and remains the most urbane, cosmopolitan and intellectually engaging of all Nigerian leaders.

“He remains an unrivalled trailblazer, having established Nigeria’s first indigenous bank, African Continental Bank and Nigeria’s first indigenous university, University of Nigeria at Nsukka, among other monumental and far-sighted achievements.

“It is a huge national embarrassment that Nigeria has yet to declare November 16 a national holiday,”he concluded.

Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote, Loses Brother, Sani Dangote, In The US

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Business tycoon and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote is bereaved.

He has lost his younger brother, Sani Dangote, who is the Vice President of Dangote Group and owner of Dansa Agro-Allied Limited.

The death of the younger Dangote came as a shock to his friends and associates.  They are yet to come to terms with his sudden demise.

Sani died on Sunday in the United States of America after a protracted illnesss.

Confirming the demise of Sani, his close relatives said  it was with sadness and grief that they announce his demise.

The late Dangote was a businessman with more than 30 years’ experience in manufacturing, agriculture and oil services.

He was an established businessman with investments in key sectors of the economy including manufacturing, agriculture, banking, and oil services, aside been the Vice Chairman of Dangote Group.

The Late Sani also sat on the Board of several other companies including Nigerian Textile Mills Plc, Nutra Sweet Limited, Gum Arabic Limited, Dangote Textile Mills Limited, Alsan Insurance Brokers, Dan-Hydro Company Limited, Dansa Food Processing Company Limited and Dangote Farms Limited.

He was also the Deputy Chairman of the African Gum Arabic Producers Association and a two-time President of Lagos Polo Club in addition to being a professional polo player.

In recognition of his sterling leadership qualities, he was appointed as the Consul-General of the Romanian Embassy in Nigeria.

The late Sani was a member of several Chambers of Commerce, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria and President of the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association (“FERSAN”).

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