#EndSARS: Wike Says Governors Playing To The Gallery; Slams Adesina |The Source

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October 17, 2020

By Adesina Soyooye

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has accused some of his Governor-colleagues of playing to the gallery in the #EndSARS protest by Nigerian Youths.

He has, also, slammed the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the President, Femi Adesina, for, allegedly, playing politics with the letter of appreciation he, Wike, wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari had, as he did for a couple of other states, approved a refund of N79bn which Rivers State spent on Federal Roads.

In appreciation, Wike had written a letter which he, also, advertised in Newspapers, for the President’s gesture. Among other praises he heaped on Buhari, Wike said Buhari proved to be a “father for all” by the gesture.

Coming from Wike, an unrepentant critic of the President, to Adesina and many others, it was odd. So Adesina did a satirical article on it, which was like, even Wike now appreciates the President as a father to all.

But speaking on an AIT interview programme on Friday, Wike slammed Adesina, insisting, that he did the right thing by appreciating the President because, every good one does deserves appreciation just as every bad deserves condemnation.

Thousands of the youths are protesting nationwide against the killings, brutalities and extortions of Nigerians, especially youths by the personnel of the, now, defunct Special Anti-Armed Robbery Squad, SARS.

For 10 days and counting, they have grounded state capitals, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

A number of Governors had not only supported the protest, but joined in the strong condemnation of SARS.

However, Wike, addressing the Youths in Porthacourt said he was unimpressed by the Governors, and would never join them in protest.

He accused them of playing to the gallery, and trying to curry popularity.

“I am not like that”, Wike said, insisting that when he was talking about the atrocities of SARS against Rivers people, the killing of people, including a lecturer, nobody listened to him because, according to him, it is Rivers State, “so, why would anybody ask me to come now and join a protest against SARS? I will not.”

Finally, PDP’s Jegede Reacts After Ondo Guber Defeat |The Source

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Ayodele Oni

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October 17, 2020

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By Ayodele Oni

Days after the conduct of the Governorship election in Ondo state, first runner up, and candidate of People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Eyitayo Jegede, has finally reacted to his loss.

In a press statement titled “Appreciation message” and personally signed by him, Jegede stated:

“I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all the good people of Ondo State who voted at the governorship election held on 10th October 2020.

“I thank those who conscientiously voted for PDP and, also, thank those who did not vote for us because you still added value to the democratic process by virtue of your participation.

“My appreciation goes to the electorate throughout the 18 LGA’s for your collective sacrifice and belief in our democracy.

“I encourage you all to continue to keep the peace and be law-abiding as we wait.

Thank you and God bless.

Publicity secretary of PDP, Mr Peretei had earlier issued a statement that the party was still studying the outcome of the election.

Neither the party nor Jegede has congratulated the winner, incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and candidate of the APC. But Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, in an AIT interview session on Friday, said that the PDP lost to sabotage and disunity within the party. Akeredolu won in 15 out of the State’s 18 Local Government Areas.

#EndSARS Protest: Why Osinbajo Apologised To Protesters |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 17, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

In an apparent acknowledgement of the seriousness of the protests by Nigerian youths which have lasted 10 days and counting, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has profusely apologised for the Government’s belated reaction.

Thousands of youths in protest over the brutalities, killings, humiliation, and extortion of Nigerians, especially youths, by Special Armed Anti-Robbery Squad took over Nigerian streets.

Not a few people are shocked that President Muhammadu Buhari has not made a national broadcast to calm the situation down, just as they are that the leadership of the Police and Nigeria kept closed eyes and ears to the atrocities by some personnel of the defunct SARS.

And not a few are worried that the protests could lead to a revolution. The Presidency realises this. Short of a broadcast by the President, Vice President Osinbajo has taken to his Twitter handle to profusely apologise to the #EndSARS protesters, for the Government’s long silence as the SARS atrocities went on.

In the multiple tweets on Friday seeking understanding from the #EndSARS protesters, apologising and assuring them that government is responding to their demands, Osinbajo said the experiences of before will never come back.

Following is his message to protesters:

“Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so. We could’ve moved faster and for this we are sorry.

“We understand that you want to see action from us and I’m here to tell you that work is ongoing. I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT (NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.

“The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.

“With Mr. President’s approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units.

“I am sending my deepest condolences to the families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers. To those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery.

“We have proposed that each state government set up a Victims’ Support Fund, which @NigeriaGov will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.

“We also understand that the issues that you’re raising are bigger than just SARS. They’re deep and systemic and we’re undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.

“On Monday, Mr. President also reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.

“We will continue to update and engage with you all on these action steps and the ones to come, in the spirit of transparency, so that you can hold us accountable. We are, after all, here to serve you and we owe you a duty to win back your trust. Stay safe and God bless”.

It is not known if, and how soon, the youths will listen to the Vice President’s appeal, but on Saturday, they were out to the streets again.

How #EndSARS Protest Killed Keyamo’s Driver |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 16, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo, lost his driver, Yohana Shankuk, to the #EndSARS protest in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Shankuk was killed in a vehicle accident on his way to work.

Announcing his driver’s death via his Twitter handle, Keyamo said Shankun was on his to his (Kayamo’s) private residence when he was knocked down by a vehicle.

According to him, the vehicle’s driver saw advancing protesters, and in a bid to avoid them and, the traffic, he took one way and, fatally hit Shankuk.

Keyamo: “I regret to announce that my driver, Mr Yohanna Shankuk, died yesterday in Abuja as a result of the protests. A vehicle that saw advancing protesters at Berger roundabout, made a U-turn, took the one-way back, and ran over him as he was making his way on foot to my private office.”

Keyamo had been in support of the protesters, asking that none of them should be arrested as ventilating their frustrations is part of democratic culture. “They MUST be allowed to that without inhibitions.”

Awolowo’s Eldest Daughter,Tola Oyediran, 79 Passes On |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 16, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

Chief Mrs Tola Oyediran, the first daughter of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, is dead. Mrs Oyediran passed on Friday, according to family sources, without any signs, whatsoever, that something was wrong with her. She probably died of old age, a family source said.

With her death, the only surviving daughter of Chief Awolowo, and his very beloved wife, Hannah is, now, Dr (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu.

His first son, a lawyer, Segun Awolowo, father of Segun Awolowo’s Jnr., died in a vehicle accident when Chief Awolowo was in prison in Calabar.

His second daughter, Ayodele Soyode also, a lawyer, and the mother of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s wife, Dolapo, died a few years ago. This was followed by the passing of Chief Oluwole Awolowo, Chairman of Afrian Newspapers Publishers Plc. Publilsher of the Nigerian Tribune Titles, founded by his father in 1949.

The late Mrs Oyediran was married to a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyediran. Her nephew, Segun Awolowo Jnr, grew up in her house, having been born two months after his father’s death.

Until her death, Mrs Oyediran, was a Co-Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Publisher of the Tribune Group of Newspapers.

#EndSARS: NGIJ Advocates A Comprehensive Police Reform, Says, SWAT Can Come Up Later |The Source

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 16, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

The President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists(NGIJ), Ayoyemi Mojoyinola, has faulted the establishment of the Special Weapon And Tactics Team (SWAT) as a replacement of the Special Anti-robbery squad (SARS) that was disbanded over massive protests against the brutality and injustice experienced in the hands of the operatives, by Nigerianyouths.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Secretary of the Guild, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to Journalists in Abuja.

Mojoyinla observed that the new establishment may be seen as a sign of insensitivity and a misplacement of priority on the part of police authorities, explaining that what is needed at the moment is a complete reform of the Nigerian police force, not creation of a new arm of the Force.

The Guild’s President noted further that the Nigerian youths have shown great concern and displeasure in the operation of the entire police force, as records of brutality, maltreatment, unnecessary killings have marred the efficiency and achievement of the current Inspector General of Police, hence, the need for the IGP to ensure that nothing of such occurs again.

He added that the IGP should also go after officers who are culprits of these the alleged acts of brutality against citizens.

According to Him, SWAT was created with a good intention, especially for the fact that there will be no form of unnecessary oppression, checking of mobile phones, profiling of citizens, as ordered by the Inspector General of Police, but creating it at this time is wrong timing as emotions are still high.

‘This is not a time to create SWAT, What the Nigerian police needs now is complete reform, that is the way to Go for the Force.

“What we should be talking about now is retraining police officers, making them go through courses that will enlighten them morally and psychologically, increase in their salaries and allowances, not creating another arm that will come into the already failing policing system.

“Let them be reformed, after this has been done, we can now talk about SWAT, the duties of SWAT is needed but not at this time, what we need now is Police reformation’

However, he appreciated the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and the IGP, Mohammed Adamu for listening to the demands of the youths.

Meanwhile, he urged protesters to be as peaceful as possible in making their demands.

ASSU Strike Continues As Meeting With FG Ends In Stalemate |The Source

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Uche Mbah

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October 16, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

Nigerian students will stay at home longer than expected as the meeting between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Presidency, Thursday, ended in a stalemate. This has raised fears that the continuous staying at home of students would continue to fuel and drive the #EndSARS/#EndSWAT project.

The government had insisted that the lecturers should embrace a new payment platform for their salaries, which the lecturers refused to be part of. Recently there have been reports of scandals involving misappropriation of funds within the management of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the platform in question, with many wondering why lecturers must be subjected to such platform.

Lecturers have been without salaries for over six months due to the standoff.

But with the #endsars-#endswat protests, indications are that the government saw the reopening of schools as part of a strategy to whittle down the process and, therefore, invited the ASUU leadership for another round of discussions on the issue.

The meeting ended in a stalemate.

Sources indicate that there were hot arguments from both sides of the divide as both parties stood their grounds.

ASUU had insisted on the payment of outstanding salaries on the GIFMIS before the full implementation of UTAS, but the presidency stuck to their guns on IPIS.

Even the recent appeal by the Senate President Ahmed Lawan for the Government to pay outstanding salaries and allowances to the lecturers first before negotiating under the new platform seem to have been ignored by the presidency. Instead, the Accountant General of the Federation had insisted the lecturers receive their salaries under IPIS pending the resolution of the crisis, a move the lecturers rejected on the the ground that it was not demonstrated to them before they were railroaded into it.

Government is bent on sending IPIS officials to the universities to deal directly with the institutions in order to break their ranks beginning Monday, but ASUU had directed their members not to give them audience. Government, they believe, is using the Biometric capturing as a ruse to break their ranks.

Wike: Ondo Governorship Election Was Sabotaged |The Source

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 16, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State, Friday morning, gave reasons why his party, the People’s Democratic Party, lost the Ondo State Governorship election.

The Party’s candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, lost to the incumbent Governor and candidate of the APC, Rotimi Akeredolu, by a margin of about 93,000 votes.

Speaking in an interview on an AIT programme, Wike said the party lost to sabotage within the Party.

He said one of the reasons the PDP lost was because there were members of the party in the state who sabotaged the party during the election.

The party, he said, lost because it went into the election divided. There was no unity. The party was not united. Wike said he tried to draw the Party’s attention to the situation.

He disclosed that it was exactly the same situation that he tried hard to avoid in Edo state during the September 19 election. In Edo, he said, everybody was brought in. They came together. And worked together.

He said that did not happen in Ondo. Because of the disunity, members of the party, he revealed, worked against the party’s candidate.

When asked if rigging did not contribute to the loss, he was of the view that rigging cannot quite take place where one is not popular. He gave an example with Rivers state saying: “They tried to rig in Rivers, but they did not support because they just couldn’t”.

Sterling Bank Partners Today’s Woman on Health Workers Fund

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Bayo Bernard

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October 16, 2020

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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Sterling One Foundation has entered into partnership with Today’s Woman, a magazine of choice for the woman of style to help create awareness all over the world for its Health Worker’s Fund initiative using Giving.ng, a reputable crowd-funding platform.

As part of its annual giving month social initiatives, the magazine has chosen to support the Sterling One Foundation Health Workers Fund project.

The magazine stated that the reasons for the partnership is to acknowledge the fact that there is a need to fight for health workers who are on the frontline battling against the deadly corona virus.

The magazine most health workers are on a hazard allowance of just N5,000 a month and we believe that they deserved more. They are constantly at risk so we want Nigerians to join us to move this up to N100,000 a month for three months,” the post said.

In their words, “We urge Nigerians to be a part of something bigger. Your N1,000 can go a long way. Think about it, if 10,000 people give N1,000 that would be a massive sum of N100,000,000 and that would mean 1,000 medical workers are sorted. About 111 health workers have benefitted from this fund, and many more still need our help.

You don’t have to be rich or influential to help out or spread the word. They need your help to keep doing what they do.”

Kidnappers Release Journalist’s Wife |The Source

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The Source

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October 16, 2020

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By Levi Chidi

Judex Okoro, the Sun newspaper Correspondent in Calabar, the Cross River state capital, has announced the release of his wife, Uduak OKoro, who was kidnapped three days ago by unknown gunmen.

Mrs. Okoro was abducted Tuesday night at Big Qua Town, near Apostolic Church, Calabar Municipal area council.

According to the journalist, his wife was released at 11:30Pm Thursday.

Okoro who is also the Chairman, Correspondents’ Chapel in the state said: “My wife has been released. She was released around 11:30pm on Thursday night”.

Speaking further, he said: “I thank Cross Riverians, my kinsmen and the NUJ for their solidarity. My wife was released unhurt”.

Though Okoro was silent as to how his wife regained her freedom, a credible source told this Magazine that she was released in an undisclosed location in Calabar South local government area, described as haven for criminals, after an undisclosed amount of money was paid as ransom.