Looting: Lagos Lawmaker Says Nigerian Youths High On Drugs, Sees Bleak Future |The Source

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October 30, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Amuwo Odofin constituency 1 of Lagos State, has condemned the looting and arson of Public and Private Properties by hoodlums who hijacked the Peaceful and Coordinated #EndSARS protest against Police brutality and extra judicial killings.

Alli-Macaulay alleged that many Nigerian youths are high on drugs all the time, which makes them misbehave and act abnormally.

The Lawmaker said this during a plenary at the Lagos State House of Assembly on the looting and arson in the wake of the #EndSARS protest.

She said the National Orientation Agency needs to be alive to its responsibilities and help change the attitude of the youths.

“The National Orientation Agency needs to get to work. We need to begin to orientate our young people. They need people who can talk to them from time to time. They are high on drugs all the time, most of them. They go to social media and say all sorts of things. I’m even scared to give my young children phones because I am scared of what they may see on social media. It is that bad.”

She stressed that unemployment shouldnt be the yardstick or an excuse for looting, adding that unemployment was not exclusive to Nigeria.

“It is not unemployment that should be the reason why youths should come out and begin to misbehave. There is unemployment across the world, even in the United States.

“I schooled in the UK, and I saw a lot of young people who were not employed but they didn’t become hoodlums. Why can’t we look inwards and look for solutions to our problems?” she asked.

The lawmaker argued that an unemployed graduate could get a job in the informal sector instead of complaining about joblessness.

“Why can’t the young people look within themselves, look for their talents? Even if you are a graduate, what stops you from being a designer or a professional tile man and make a brand of it? There is no excuse for being a hoodlum. With this action from the youth, the future of the nation looks bleak” she said.

Ondo Governorship Poll: PDP’s Eyitayo Jegede, Heads For Tribunal |The Source

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Ayodele Oni

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October 30, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni

At last, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the October 10 election in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the poll.

He has decided to challenge the victory of Govenor Rotimi Akeredolu, a fellow SAN, at the tribunal.

Joined in the petition are the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and the Deputy Govenor- elect, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Ifedayo Adedipe is the lead counsel for the Governorship candidate of the PDP.

Jegede is challenging the election on four grounds.

He said the election was marred by irregularities and pockets of violence and intimidation.

Jegede also faulted the emergence of Akeredolu during Party’s primaries.

Akeredolu won the Governorship election, defeating closest rival, Jegede, with 93,000 votes.

WTO: Okonjo-Iweala Expresses Happiness, Exudes Hope |The Source

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The Source

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October 30, 2020

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By Gideon Njoku

The preferred winner for the office of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has expressed happiness for the success made so far in her quest to clinch the high profile job.

Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s candidate for the office, beat 13 others in a highly competitive Sreening and interview for the job.

She beat her closest rival, South Korea’s Minister for Trade and Investment by 104 to 60 votes, thus securing the broadest acceptance among member nations.

As is the tradition in the WTO, she needs a consensus to win, something that has already been taken for granted. A formal announcement of her choice was being expected when the US Government threw a spanner in works.

The Donald Trump Government which never backed her from the onset refused to endorse her clear victory, preferring the South Korean to her, even though the European Union, the African Union, China and more back her. This may force a vote on November 9. If it gets to that, it will be a first in the history of the WTO.

But in a tweet on Thursday, Okonjo-Iweala exuded happiness and an infectious confidence. She tweeted: “Happy for the continued success & progress of our @WTO DG bid. Very humbled to be declared the candidate with the largest, broadest support among members & most likely to attract consensus. We move on to the next step on Nov. 9, despite, hiccups. We’re keeping the positivity going!”

For the records, this is not the first time the Trump Government would oppose Nigeria’s chances for an international job. The country also opposed the second term bid of Dr Akinwumi Adesina as the President of the African Development Bank, AfDB. Adesina got his re-election.

Looted Bags Of Grain From Ekiti Silo Haunt Consumers |The Source

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Ayodele Oni

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October 30, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni

Residents of Ado Ekiti are now cautious and afraid of buying the locally made pap from hawkers for fear of being poisoned.

This is an aftermath of the disappearance from government silos bags of maize grains already treated with chemicals meant for planting.

Some hoodlums, in the wake of #EndSARS protests, which rocked the country, broke into the silo along Ijan road in Ekiti state capital, and carted away several bags of maize already treated with chemical.

The bags of grain were mistook for Palliatives, meant for distribution in the wake of the outbreak of Covid 19 pandemic.

The protesters also broke into the store of the State Emergency Management Agency, where bags of sugar, indomie and other products were carted away.

Some suspects arrested in connection with the looting were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti early in the week.

Despite public announcement by government warning against the consumption of the grain, some had found way into the market, where it is being sold to unsuspecting buyers.

The state government, through ministry of agriculture, had advised the looters to return the bags of maize as they are not meant for consumption but seems they are adamant.

Investigations in Ado Ekiti revealed that pap, which is one of the by-products of maize, has become a dreaded meal for families.

Although, there has not been any report of outbreak of diseases occasioned by the consumption of the treated grain, people are now skeptical of buying finished products from grain.

WTO: FG Shuns Confrontation, Buhari Seeks Back Channel Diplomacy |The Source

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Bayo Bernard

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October 30, 2020

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By Fola James

The federal government will engage the United States of America, USA diplomatically rather than isolating the superpower in her quest for former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to emerge Director General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO according to the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The Donald Trump led American government on Wednesday said it will not back the former minister for the top job after throwing its weight behind the South Korean candidate, citing Dr Okonjo-Iweala as an inexperience trade negotiator.

Many Nigerians have described the US government position as racist and plan to further isolate Africa from the global space after it earlier opposed the emergence of Dr Akinwumi Adesina as President of African Development Bank, AfDB. Adesina, a former Nigerian Agriculture Minister later secured the position after riding on a broad support from the continent.

But the Nigerian government has disclosed that it will try to seek the support of the US through various diplomatic channels between the two countries, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The spokesperson for the ministry, Ferdinand Nwonye, said the government will try to seek the US cooperation before November 9 when WTO is expected to make the final selection for the head of the world trade body. The second round of selection was announced on Wednesday October 28 where Dr Okonjo-Iweala was picked in a consensus instead of her South Korean counterpart in line with procedures guiding the 164-members body.

Nwoye said ahead the November 9 D-Day “Nigeria will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lofty aspiration of her candidate to lead the World Trade Organization is realised.”

The magazine also learnt that President Buhari have been engaging both direct and back channels diplomacy to reach out to President Trump to change his mind on the issue.

“The president has been speaking with our friends in Europe and Asia to prevail on the US leader. We expect these diplomatic interventions to yield positive results in few days,” a top ministry official said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Dr Okonjo-Iweala said she will press on to win despite apparent opposition from the United States.

The ex-minister said she’s “Happy for the success & continued progress of our @wto DG bid. Very humbled to be declared the candidate with the largest, broadest support among members & most likely to attract consensus. We move on to the next step on Nov 9, despite hiccups. We’re keeping the positivity going.”

AFCON 2022 Qualifiers: Super Eagles Battle Ready For Sierra Leone; As Rohr Names 24 Players For Double Header |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 30, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has released a list of 24-players that would execute the double header against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone for the qualification of the 2022 African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cameroon in 2022.

Super Eagles are sitting atop its group after getting the maximum Six Points from two matches against the Squirrels of Benin Republic and the Crocodiles of Lesotho, winning 2-1 and 5-2 respectively.

Getting the maximum Six Points in the double header in Benin, Edo State Capital, and in Freetown, Sierra Leone capital, would see the Third Best Rated team in Africa securing a place in the AFCON 2022 with two games to spare.

In the list released by Coach Gernot Rohr, Napoli Football Club of Italy Striker, Victor Oshimen is back in action for Nigeria after missing out on this month’s friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia in Austria, including Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa safe hands, Daniel Akpeyi with Spanish based midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo returning to the team.

Seven players including defender Abdullahi Shehu, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, midfielders Ramon Azeez and Samson Tijani, and forward Paul Onuachu are on standby for the games.

In a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, he said the Super Eagles take on the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Friday, 13th November before flying to Freetown for the return game on Tuesday, 17th November at the Siaka Stevens Stadium, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

He also said that players are expected to report at the Protea Hotel Emotan in Benin City on Monday, November 9th.

The full list of invited players include; Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Sebastian Osigwe (FC Lugano, Switzerland); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Galatasaray, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (FC Twente, Netherlands); Frank Onyeka (FC Midtjylland, Denmark); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Unattached); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure (Club Brugge, Belgium); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia)

Standby: Francis Uzoho (APOEL Nicosia, Cyprus); Samson Tijani (TSV Hartberg, Austria); Abdullahi Shehu (Omonia Nicosia, Cyprus); Ramon Azeez (Granada CF, Spain); Kelechi Nwakali (SD Huesca, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Heartland FC); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium).

CNPP to INEC Chairman: Use Your Second Term To Re-enact Better Edo, Ondo Templates |The Source

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The Source

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October 30, 2020

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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has urged the reappointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu to ensure that the rare opportunity provided by his second tenure do not end in disappointment after 2023 general elections.

The CNPP, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, also, advised Prof. Yakubu to use his “second term to re-enact better Edo and Ondo states electoral templates that have given hope to the masses that votes can count again.

“As we are aware, every politician contesting in an election is given the benefit of the doubt that he or she wants to win. But the truth is that only one of the contestants can win per time.

“That is democracy, which is the rule by the majority. But it is not out of place for the contenders to discredit an electoral process that did not favour their interests.

“However, the electorate, whose duty it is to choose their leaders, will always know who won or lost in the process.

“Therefore, electoral manipulations denies the people the opportunity to choose who they can trust with their future.

“The #EndSARS protests and its aftermath should be a wake up call for independent bodies or institutions like INEC and the judiciary to know that in Nigeria it’s no more business as usual as the Nigerian youths have awaken.

“It has become more obvious by the day that the Nigerian masses are becoming more and more impatient and all manner of injustice, including electoral manipulation ahead of 2023 elections could endanger the already fragile peace in the country.

“While the CNPP congratulates you for this rare opportunity, we note that it’s equally a golden opportunity to write your name in gold at the end of your tenure.

“We call on the National Assembly to ensure that clear provisions for electronic voting and virtual transmission of results are not omitted in the current constitution amendment by the 9th Assembly to minimise human interference in electoral outcomes.

“With the use of technology, including SMS voting, Nigeria can reduce the cost of elections by more than 70 percent and have more acceptable electoral outcomes for the benefit of the country.

“For instance, with telephone numbers linked to the voter’s card, a voter can cast his or her vote from his house, without visiting a polling booth”, the CNPP observed.

How And Why My Home Was Attacked; A Reflection |The Source

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The Source

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October 30, 2020

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By Victor Ndoma-Egba

At about 2 am (local time, as I was abroad) on Saturday 24th. October 2020, I received a text informing me that there were plans by arranged hoodlums to attack my residence in Calabar, that of Senator Gershom Bassey and a hotel owned by Senator John Owan Enor. I promptly forwarded the texts to Senators Bassey and Owan Enoh. I also called the security agencies in Calabar to apprise them of the information.

Calabar from my information was already tense from the previous day’s break-in into warehouses storing COVID 19 palliatives and the subsequent breaching of shops and other businesses. The impending attack on Senators Bassey, Owan Enoh and I was already public knowledge as later that morning I got many calls to that effect.

Thereafter, I kept calling the security agencies by the hour when, in spite of their assurances that they will secure my house, there was no evidence of any security personnel in my vicinity. I understand, the times were indeed confounding for everybody.

At about 2 pm, the intruders broke into my house and looted it to the ground, leaving only the bare floor. All the toilets, baths, pumps and indeed every imaginable fitting were removed as were items of furniture, clothing, a huge collection of mainly rare, out of print books, documents and historic photographs.

They, also, removed all the windows, railings, family pictures and burglary proofs. Even my private chapel was not spared. They set the cars ablaze and parts of the building after more than four hours of interrupted operations in my house. It was methodical.

Among the intruders were obviously electricians, plumbers, carpenters, motor mechanics, panel beaters and other tradesmen. Mercifully, no life was lost. I started building the house in 1991 and moved in in January, 2009.

If the attack is meant to deter me from speaking out on issues of principle, or dampen my spirit in way, I have bad news. It will rather spur me further to speak on justice, rectitude and accountability, especially, in the public space. I had committed myself to the service of the public and so shall it be.

While not prejudging, and without prejudice to the work of the security agencies , I have forgiven the intruders ,and pray fervently for them to find meaning , inner peace ,and fulfilment in their lives. I only plead that they return my late father’s judges robes which they certainly would not be needing for anything and is surely incriminating.

The destruction of my house was clearly premeditated, wanton and unjustifiable but I understand the anger in the land especially amongst our youths. However, if looting and burning my home will better their lives and bring positive change to our land then it is a sacrifice my family and I gladly make.

I am worried, however, that we now have an environment that is breeding armies and possibly generations of understandably frustrated, angry and bitter youths that are often exploited by unscrupulous political jobbers. Given our demographics, our youths can either be a blessing ,if they are educated or skilled, motivated and engaged, or a curse otherwise. We are obviously better as a nation ensuring that they ( our youths) remain our most important and prized resource by fundamentally reforming our society and systems to guarantee them the realization of their innate potentials and that they are engaged.

“It is in our collective best interest to do so, and we can do it and must do it. Every situation reinforces itself and unless, therefore, we break the cycle of hopelessness, anger, hunger and frustration among our young ones the situation will only get worse. This will certainly be to the detriment of all. Let us act, and act immediately.

“The recent vandalism, looting and insecurity in Calabar are unprecedented. Calabar, said to be an acronym for “Come And Live And Be At Rest”, has been historically famous for her allure, peace, security, restfulness, greenery, cleanliness, hospitality and culinary exertions. People from far and wide have retired here after a life of toil and sweat elsewhere, to find quiet and harmony. Our Carnival Calabar and Obudu Mountain Race had become items on the global events calendar attracting multitudes of people from all over the world as did the Obudu Cattle Ranch and creating their own economies.

With the needless loss of our innocence to blood and fury through violence and insecurity we are unwittingly losing ,if we have not already lost, our essential Calabar, all we have gained over generations, and across history, and our place in the world. We are moving from the global stage to the dark recesses of a gangland.

History has always been merciless and unrelenting on her judgement on those who have had the privilege of the public trust. Opportunities have never lasted forever. Even now will pass. We must therefore use now to secure our tomorrow. It is when we assure security for all by providing everyone the basic necessities of life that we guarantee our own security.

May God grant our leaders the wisdom to find us equity, justice, peace, security and prosperity.

For the rampaging bands, it is time to beat a retreat and reflect on whether your actions are helping you or your case in anyway or not as they are certainly not part of the #EndSars campaign.

Tomorrow is yours in-spite of your pain and anguish today. Be wise. Do not destroy it.

While your past may not have been the least it should have been the future remains your nevertheless. It is yours to lose or gain. I pray that you claim it and gain it.

I am humbled by the outpouring of love and solidarity from all and sundry over this incident. I remain ever grateful. I assure you that I have taken it in stride and must move on.

Senator NDOMA-EGBA OFR,CON,SAN was Leader of the 7th. Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Reprieve For Pupils In Ondo As Schools Reopen On Monday |The Source

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Ayodele Oni

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October 30, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni

Reprieve has come for pupils in public and private schools in Ondo state as government gives the nod for them to resume academic activities.

The state Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu had10 days ago declared that government was not in a hurry to reopen them, following gale of protests which greeted the clamour to scrap the notorious arm of the Nigeria Police, FSARS.

The protest, which was later hijacked by Miscreants, led to distruction of several public properties and forceful release of inmates at the Correctional Centre at Okitipupa.

Security agencies are still on trail of some of those linked with the looting and destruction of valuable public properties including the Secretariats of the two leading political parties in the state.

The schools had earlier been under lock since March following the outbreak of the global pandemic and were just reopened for a day before their closure.

Royal Fathers, religious leaders and prominent indigenes of the state have rIsen to condemn the arson and that those linked should be prosecuted.

In a statement in Akure on Thursday, the commissioner for education, Mr Femi Agagu announced that the schools can now reopen as from Monday, November.

The statement reads, “Mr Governor has directed that all schools should resume on Monday 2nd November 2020 now that the State has become peaceful. Parents and the public are to note this directive and all schools are to comply.

How Law And Order Collapsed In Nigeria – Femi Adesina |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 30, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, on Thursday, admitted a break down of law and order in Nigeria, a result of the #EndSARS protest by thousands of Youths nationwide.

Adesina spoke on a Channels Television interview while responding to Amnesty International’s verdict on the Nigerian situation.

He disagreed with AI over what led to the unprecedented arson and looting, both products of the protest.

AI had attributed them to the shootings at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, of Youths, which resulted in fatalities by, alleged, soldiers. The Army has denied any involvement in the shootings, but said it was deployed on the request of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

But in response, Adesina said the break down of law and order had started before the Lekki Toll Gate incident. He said the Benin Prisons had been looted, and prisoners released. He also said a couple of Police Stations had been burnt down before Lekki.

Adesina, also, faulted the claims that those who looted warehouses were angry and hungry. According to him, they took advantage of the break down of law and order during the protest and not as a result of AI’s conclusion of hunger and anger in the land.

Adesina:” This crowd of people you see going to loot are not necessarily hungry and angry. They are taking advantage of the collapse of law and order that came as a result of protracted protests. Amnesty international is wrong.

“Anarchy had broken loose before even Lekki. The Prisons in Benin and Oko had been broken before Lekki; Orile Police station had been burnt before Lekki; many policemen had been burnt before Lekki, so you cannot say that Lekki precipitated all those things. Look at the timelines. Check when those things happened, you will see that they had happened before Lekki.”

Adesina also said that Amnesty international neither runs Nigeria, nor have the facts of what happened.

Adesina: “Amnesty international does not have all the facts. They don’t run this country. They shouldn’t know beyond what they have been told. Certain criminal things had happened before Lekki.”