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Military Takes Over Investigation Of Burnt Party Offices In Ondo |The Source

October 25, 2020

Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State — Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The military may have become involved in investigations on the burning of the campaign office of Ondo state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the wake of the #EndSARS protest that rocked the nation.

Other things set ablaze by the suspected arsonists are the Secretariats of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) and that of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Akure.

Investigation revealed that, already, four suspects are assisting the military and they have made useful statements.

One of the suspects was reported to have mentioned an influential politician as well as a youth leader, in Akure, as their leader on whose instructions they operated for three days.

It was gathered that some politicians have gone underground as the suspects made useful confessional statements to the security agency holding them.

A military source confided in our correspondent that the suspects were taken to a military formation rather than the Police station for obvious reasons.

“The situation does not call for the handling over of the suspects to the Police because of the obvious reasons which you know.

“We are shocked to know that most of those committing this crime under the guise of protest are even outsiders who appear to be imported by politicians, who want to take advantage of the situation to create unnecessary problems in the State.

“Some influential persons have been mentioned and we are conducting a thorough investigation so that innocent persons are not implicated for what they didn’t do.”

In the heat of the protest, the Governor’s campaign office, the PDP State Secretariat, Police Stations as well as other public places.

Afenifere Believes In One Nigeria – Fasoranti, Denies Issuing Quit Notice To Any National |The Source

Ayodele Oni

October 25, 2020

By Ayodele Oni

Pan Yoruba socio cultural group, Afenifere, has said it did not issue any notice asking any Nigerian national to quit Yorubaland.

A viral video, issued by one Adeyinka Grandson, on behalf of the Yoruba group, had given an ultimatum of Sunday, October 5, for some Nigerians, especially, the Igbo, to quit Yorubaland.

In a statement, signed on behalf of the leader of the group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, by a chieftain, Seinde Arogbofa, insisted that the group did not know anything about the video.

The statement reads: Our attention has been drawn to a WhatsApp video now going viral, purportedly issued by one Adeyinka Grandson, or his representative, giving 48 hours ultimatum ending on Sunday, October 25, for some Nigeria nationals, especially the Igbo, to quit Yorubaland.

“Most embarrassing to me as Afenifere leader was that the young man, who made the announcement, kicked off with the well known tune of Afenifere anthem, thus given the impression that this was an Afenifere initiative.

“This is to say that we do not know anything about the quit order, nor are we in anyway connected with its issuance or the initiators.

“For the time being, in addition to our other releases, let us maintain peace.”

Grandson had made a strongly-worded video asking every Igbo living in Yoruba land to quit within 48 hours, which ends on Sunday, or face a situation that would make “Ore 1967” a child’s play.

Arson, Looting:IGP Deploys Police, Asks Them To Reclaim Space, Says Enough is Enough |The Source

The Source

October 24, 2020

Shocked and embarrassed by the arson and looting of public and private places, including police stations and prisons, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, has ordered the immediate mobilization of all police operational assets and resources to bring an end to the wanton violence, killings, looting and destruction of public and private property, and reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters in some parts of the country.

The IGP gave the order to all Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), Heads of Police Operational Units, Squadron and Base Commanders in charge of Zonal/State/FCT Commands, the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit and the Special Protection Unit, on Saturday, 24th October, 2020. In addition, CPs/Heads of Police Formations in the various states have also been charged to mobilize their men and work in sync with the Command CPs in the areas where they are domiciled, to dominate the public space and ensure peace and safety in the affected areas.

In a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, the IGP, while noting that enough is enough to all acts of lawlessness, disruption of public peace and order and wanton violence which have resulted to indiscriminate looting of shops, malls and ware houses, damage to property and loss of lives in some parts of the country, directed the Police strategic managers to personally lead and coordinate the operation and use all legitimate means, to halt further slide into lawlessness and brigandage.

The IGP enjoins law-abiding citizens not to panic but rather join forces with the police and other members of the law enforcement community to protect their communities from the criminal elements.

He further called for the understanding and cooperation of the citizens assuring that the action is geared towards ensuring public order and safety and public security in our communities.

The IGP however warned trouble-makers not to test the collective will of the nation by coming out to cause any further breakdown of law and order.

Lagos Talks Tough, Condemns Ethnic, Religious Jingoism |The Source

The Source

October 24, 2020

Lagos State Government has asked Lagosians to ignore the various Social Media postings trying to whip up ethnic sentiments in the destruction and loss of lives connected to the #EndSARS protests.

In the wake of the protests, many posts have tended to lay the blame on one tribe or the other, as the mastermind of the huge destructions and loss of lives. In one of the videos posted, the Igbo living in Yoruba were given 48 hours to live or face the grave consequences.

But in a statement signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, the state Government decried such posts in a very strong language.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to videos in social media and the online space, creating tension and encouraging ethnic conflicts.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Lagosians to disregard the videos, which are the tools of anarchists, whose plan is to create hatred and divisiveness for which Lagos is not known.

“Inciting videos of this nature are not what our land needs now, following the loss of lives and destruction that fake news, misinformation and unfounded rumours have triggered in our dear State in the last couple of days.

“The government appeals to Lagosians to disregard the calls of ethnic and religious jingoists as well as agents of destruction who are on a mission to destroy our State by pitching us against one another for yet to be ascertained reasons.

“This is a very critical moment for us as a people. It is, therefore, important that we stand together and remain circumspect because the brewery of falsehood is unrelenting in its mission.

“Lagos State is the melting point of various cultures, tribes and religions across Nigeria. We have co-existed harmoniously for ages and will continue to live together peacefully.

“The sad incident of the past few days affected everyone who lives, trades or works in Lagos, regardless of their tribe, culture, race and religion. This is a time for us to empathise with one another and not listen to purveyors of evil messages, especially on social media.

“The government will continue to protect lives and property. Fake news and inciting message merchants are hereby warned to stop their evil enterprise or face the legal consequences of their destructive actions. Our dear State will go through this with the resilience for which we are known and come out stronger.”

#EndSARS Protest: NGIJ Condemns Violence, Calls for Calm, Dialogue |The Source

Akinwale Kasali

October 24, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalism, NGIJ, has roundly condemned the mayhem unleashed by thugs who hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protests, as well as the shooting of unarmed civilian #EndSARS protesters in the Lekki axis of Lagos state on Tuesday, October 20.

The Guild expressed grief, shock and concern over the unfortunate loss of lives, property in various parts of the country as a result of the protests, and pray that God console the affected families.

In a statement signed by the Guild’s Vice President (Information and Strategy), Israel Bolaji, in Lagos, the NGIJ stated that the orgy of violence threatens the gains of democracy in Nigeria while the development was not the best option in the interest of democracy and development.

While the call for an end to police brutality and impunity, as well as improved governance was in order, the unprecedented violence, unquantifiable destruction, massive looting and loss of lives amount to a blatant violation of basic laws of human freedom, peace, right to life and possession of properties.

The statement added, “We restate with conviction that citizens have the full rights to protest to express their agitations, displeasure and grievances to the government within the confines of the law.

“That, however, should not be allowed to degenerate into a carnage or total break down of law and order. We must strive to protect our democracy by embracing dialogue and shifting grounds.”

The guild appeals to the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the situation and come out with the true position that would help the Judicial Panel of Inquiry into cases of Human Right Abuses across the nation and investigate those behind the dastardly acts with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book.

In view of this, the NGIJ appealed to angry protesters to sheath their swords, dialogue with government and make government commit to an actionable plan of action that will drastically change the status quo for short, mid and long terms.

“Having made their demands known, it is imperative that angry protesters calm down and negotiate with government and commit them to a concrete action plan targeted at yielding desired results to which government will be held responsible specifically on the issue of police brutality as well as the general call for improved governance that translates to better condition of living for citizens.

NGIJ also call on parents and guardians to caution their wards against destroying private and public assets, and also appeal to youths to discontinue the protest to curb infiltration and being hijacked by hoodlums which is presently the current situation.

Lekki Killings: Afenifere Says Killing Of Protestants Aimed At Causing Ethnic Division |The Source

Akinwale Kasali

October 24, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

The Pan Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, says that the killing of the #EndSARS Campaign protesters against Police brutality and extra judicial killings by Soldiers is an attempt by some people to turn the current situation in Lagos into an ethnic and tribal war.

Commiserating with the families of the victims of the Lekki shooting and others who lost their lives since the #EndSARS protests began, the group, in a statement signed by its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said it identified with young Nigerians demanding for a better society.

The Group also called on the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to apologise over the killings of innocent Nigerians, and condemned President Muhammadu Buhari’s silence over 48 hours after the incident, before his address on Thursday.

The statement reads “Afenifere is in deep mourning over the Tuesday mindless massacre of peaceful innocent Protesters in Lekki by bloodsucking Nigerian soldiers.

The space where Muslims prayed on last Friday and Christians on Sunday was turned to a bloody ground when the Nigerian state showed its beastiality”.

“We mourn all the dead and commiserate with their families.We once again identify with the young ones in their just demands for a better society.Mr Babajide Sanwo-0lu, the Governor of Lagos has denied inviting soilders to Lagos, we need to know who deployed those killers through an international inquiry”.

“It is also pathetic that the President has kept mute over the killings and has not deemed it necessary to visit the scene or commiserate with those who lost dear ones”.

“We have also noticed the massive destruction of property in the city after the killings which security forces who were eager to kill innocent people have not been able to stop”.

“We appeal for calm and a halt to destruction.

“We are not unawares of attempt to cause ethnic divisions over what is going on. We should be careful not to play unto the hands of those who have exploited our peoples through divide and rule over the years”.

The Group stressed that the unity of the oppressed is key at the moment and, it also enjoined people to avoid any action that could be misinterpreted as solidarity is required at this moment.

The Group also demanded the arrest and trial of all trigger-happy men who have caused sorrow, tears and blood.

Dangote Condemns Customs CG For Frustrating Ban On Importation of Tomato Paste |The Source

Bayo Bernard

October 24, 2020

By Fola James

The Managing Director, Dangote Tomato Processing plant in Kadawa, Kano State, Abdulkarim Kaita has disclosed that the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS is frustrating the federal government’s efforts to ensure local production of tomato paste in the country, even after local manufacturers have increased their capacity to produce enough for consumption.

Kaita said he has severally met the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali on the need to stop the product from being brought in through neighboring countries.

He therefore called on the Federal government to stop the importation of the product, which he said is still thriving through the Cameroon and Cotonour in Benin Republic corridors.

“We are appealing to the Federal Government to put a total ban on the importation of tomato like what it did to rice,” Kaita said.

Kaita made the call at the flag off of the distribution of tomato seedlings to 5,000 farmers under the Anchor Borrowers programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN on at Kadawa village in Kura Local Government Area.

He said the ban on rice importation has proved that Nigeria can produce what she needs in terms of food production, insisting that the ban on the importation of tomato paste would lead to the establishment of more tomato processing plants, as well as create job opportunities for many Nigerians.

For instance, he said, his company has the capacity to produce 350 million tomato seedlings annually, which will ensure massive production of tomato paste.

According to him“There are 12 major tomato producing states in the country which if fully cultivated, in the next one year Nigeria will be able to start exporting tomato.

“It is only by putting a total ban on tomato importation that the government can encourage farmers to grow the commodity for the country to be self sufficient,” he said.

He explained that the company was working with the CBN under the Anchor Borrowers programme to provide tomato farmers with high yield seeds which would enable them to produce a minimum of 40 tons per hectare.

EndSARS: CLCC Condemns Hooliganism, Joins Others Calling For Calm |The Source

Bayo Bernard

October 24, 2020

By Tosin Olatokunbo

A human rights body, the Center for Law and Civil, CLCC said it’s seriously concerned by the spate of killing of citizens and police personnel , burning, looting of public and private property by thugs and hooligans who have hijacked the EndSARS protest in Nigeria.

CLCC condemned the excessive use of force against innocent and harmless protesters in Lekki tollgate by soldiers, it however bemoaned the continued burning of police stations, setting ablaze of court premises and setting free, prison inmates in various correctional centers across the country, because it “is the highest level of invitation to anarchy.”

Its position came amidst call from local and international bodies on the government to ensure peace across the country.

Former United States of America, USA Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, European Union, United Nations and the United Nations are among those that have called on the federal government to intervene to avoid total degeneration into anarchy.

According to CLCC “These actions cannot be justified under any circumstance as the evil we seek to end or fighting against will surely trigger if nothing is done quickly to stop the situation from degenerating into total anarchy.

“CLCC completely agrees that Nigerians have been taken for granted for too long by our leaders, and have been subjected to all forms of sufferings, agony, degrading and inhuman treatments, but we cannot change the situation by simply allowing violence to reign supreme.”

Nigerians have the right to call their leaders to account, the group said, adding that such should not be done theorugh wanton destruction of private and public property.

“It is our collective responsibilities to checkmate the impunity of our leaders but, this could be achieved by peaceful protest, dialogue and electing our preferred leaders in subsequent elections.

“Violence, looting, and killings of innocent civilians and visiting jungle justice on security personnel is not the best way to go.

“CLCC therefore calls on all Nigerians to remain calms, our demands have been made known to the concerned authorities loud and clear, let’s give them the benefit of the doubt to do the right thing, as they have promised.”

Regent Abducted In Ondo Community, Palace Vandalized |The Source

Ayodele Oni

October 24, 2020

By Ayodele Oni

An orgy of violence took over the restive community of Alade in Idanre Local Government in Ondo state and led to the abduction of the Community’s Regent, and another woman by suspected hoodlums.

It was learnt that the incident, which happened seven days after the demise of the Traditional Ruler of the Community, Oba Olusegun Ayodele Akinbola, the Aladeokun of Alade Idanre, was the climax of chieftaincy feud between Owa of Idanre and the deceased monarch.

Narrating the ordeal of the Royal family, a close relation, Mr Zadok Akintoye, explained that “I remember my wife waking up this morning to remind me and discuss the need for one of us to be present in Alade for the customary seventh day prayers and ceremonies (for the late Oba)

“We concluded that one of us should go while the other stays back. I stayed back.

I was just preparing to leave the house when a distress call came through from my sister-in-law informing me of the destruction of the Palace and her current location in a swamp in the forest behind the Palace.

“She also did inform me that the Regent and several people including my wife have been abducted. I immediately made a call through to some friends and came on social media to alert the world of my wife’s abduction and proceeded to Idanre in a haste to find information about my wife’s whereabouts.

“Fortunately, a kind spirited resident of the peaceful Alade bound by the love for truth had taken custody of her. I got her back from this citizen who took the liberty of driving her back to Akure.

“She broke down in tears and was unconsolable. Indeed, the clothes on her were not hers and she had no shoes on.

“Information coming in indicates that the thugs who invaded the palace, abducted people, and proceeded to destroy vehicles, vandalized the Palace, and stole money, personal effects, including telephones, and other properties, were acting on the instruction of the Owa of Idanre kingdom, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, who incidentally is a cousin to the late king.

“I am perplexed at how a peaceful Idanre descended so quickly into an orgy of hatred, not sparring the innocent in their quest. The level of destruction is unbelievable.

“The Regent was beaten, assaulted and abducted under the instruction of the Owa of Idanre. Her injuries are deep and painful.

“At the Owa’s palace, the king after acknowledging that the Regent was his daughter by custom, made two demands; the Alade market must not be closed, and there can’t be a female Regent in Alade.

“Upon these two demands were the destruction, abduction and vandalism based. For these two reasons, a Yoruba king ordered the destruction of the palace of his late cousin, beat and traumatized his family, abducted his daughter and widow, destroyed all personal properties and desecrated the dignity of a family in mourning.

“Let me say without fear, that I will be laying a petition before the police against the Owa of Idanre for the abduction of my wife, and the destruction of our property. It is wrong and terribly unkingly for any leader to authorise and supervise what the king did today.

“Simple diplomacy would have resolved this issue instead of flouting the law to kidnap a citizen.”

However, the media office in Owa’s palace reacted and denied the allegations, which it described as “insulting”

“Nowhere, and under no guise, did Owa authorize anybody or group of people to go and kidnap anybody. Owa, who is known all over the world as a deep rooted pacifist, Justice of Peace and Paramount Ruler of Idanreland, which he had been leading for close to fifty years during which the nation accorded him the National Honour of the Order of Federal Republic (OFR) did not, and could not be party to any kidnap plan.

“The gathering at Owa’s Palace on 23rd October 2020 was meant to resolve the issue of purported intention of some people to come and perform burial rites of the departed traditional ruler of Alade Idanre inside the Alade Regional Market which was founded by Owa on 1861 and such thing was seen as an aberration, hence the need for the parley.

“The people were also educated that only at the transition of an Owa could the Alade Regional Market be closed or temporarily relocated and no other traditional ruler in Idanreland was given such entitlement.

“In fact, Owa’s personal car was used to take those who came from Alade Idanre back.

“Owa is well recognized as a refined monarch who loves all his subjects to a fault and with special affection and love for departed Aladeokun, who was also junior to him in age.

“So Owa could not be a party to any scheme that will make things tough or hard for his immediate family or the people of Alade Idanre who he left behind.”

The Media office, however, reminded the people of Alade that the tradition is that the second in command to the Monarch is recognized as a Regent, and not the daughter of the deceased monarch.

President Buhari Says 69 People Died In #EndSARS Protest |The Source

Akinwale Kasali

October 24, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally opened up on the casualty figure no thanks to the nationwide #EndSARS protest.

He revealed that no fewer than 69 people were killed after hoodlums hijacked the protests embarked upon by youths to against brutality and extra-judicial killings by the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a branch of the Nigerian Police.

The President disclosed this at a meeting he had on Friday with Former Nigerian Presidents and Heads of States. It was an emergency meeting held to find a way to pull Nigeria back from the edge of collapse. And to show the seriousness of the meeting, all of them, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida, attended the meeting.

Obasanjo, disgusted by the Buhari Government, had stopped attending State functions, unlike in the early days of Buhari administration when he was a regular face at the Aso Rock Villa. In the case of IBB, health challenges kept him away had kept him away from the Villa. But all of them were at the virtual meeting.

Speaking, Buhari said it was unfortunate that the initial genuine and well-intended protest by youths in parts of the country against former SARS was hijacked and misdirected, causing the violence experienced across the country.

The fatalities recorded include civilians and law enforcement agents who were preventing arson and breakdown of law and order.

President Buhari assured the ex-leaders that the administration would not allow further breakdown of law and order, even as it had decided to meet the demands of the #EndSARS protesters. He stated that efforts have been put in place to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Giving a breakdown of the fatalities, he said about 51 civilians, 11 police officers and seven soldiers had been killed in the unrest, though, it was not immediately clear whether these figures include the protesters allegedly killed by security forces at the Lekki tollgate.

Buhari lamented the destruction of number of public and private properties worth Trillions of Naira that had been completely vandalized by the hijackers, saying this would not be tolerated.

Speaking after the meeting Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, declared said all the leaders, without exception, commended the President’s address to the Nation on Thursday.

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