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Alaafin On A Surprise Visit To Oluwo Of Iwo Says Osun State Capital Should Have Been Iwo, Not Osogbo |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Alaafin Visits Oluwo

By Akinwale Kasali

The Alaafin of Oyo, HRM Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Iku Baba Yeye, has stirred the hornet’s nest with his statement that the Capital of Osun State should have been situated in Iwo and not Osogbo where it is at present.

The renowned King and Paramount ruler in Oyo State made this controversial statement that will be at the front burner of discourse in the coming days, when he surprisingly visited Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi in his Iwo palace.

Alaafin, alongside Oba Akanbi, condemned the disunity in Yoruba traditional Institution, with the Oluwo of Iwo calling on the Alaafin to engineer a process of reunification to the advantage of the Yoruba rich, respected heritage on the world map.

The Oluwo of Iwo described Alaafin as a foremost traditional ruler, not only in Yorubaland, but also in Nigeria, saying his words and actions are needed at this critical time of unity challenge in the institution.

Reacting to the words of his host, the Alaafin affirmed disunity in Yoruba traditional council, saying it was invited by political infiltration into the ranking of the council by politicians of the old Oyo Empire, as he assured Oluwo to handle the assignment with all his utmost traditional strength.

He further disclosed Iwo as the supposed seat of Osun State capital should traditional, political and cultural sagacity be considered while carving out Osun out of Oyo .

Oba Lamidi related his relationship with Iwo as cordial and always symbiotic, saying his visit will further cement the affinity between the two ancient city.

He commended Oluwo for his tenacity despite numerous distractions, saying his first 20years  as Alaafin was turbulent and rough, even than Oluwo’s case.

“Yoruba traditional institution is porous, one without unity and lacking the strength to protect and secure Yorubaland. It is disheartening there was no formidable central council of Obas to issue statement of appeal and command where necessary most especially as it relates to the recent destruction that accompanied the recent EndSARS Protest in the South Western Nigeria”

“Our unity is not only strength but also greenlight to the security, protective and progressive hope of Yorubaland and her generations. I want to charge and appeal to the respected Alaafin of Oyo to use his traditional paraphernalia and stronghold to bring out olive branch branch and unite actors in the council”

“Baba Alaafin, I appreciate your visit, it is a gesture that must be reciprocated. Your worth is unquantifiable. I’m ready to complement your efforts at fashioning a new map for the progress of Yorubaland”

Alaafin was quoted as saying “Iwo is an ancient city with cordial and understandable relationship with Oyo. I’m not new to Iwo. I visit occassionally. Iwo is rich in culture, tradition and religion. Ordinarily, Iwo should have been the capital of Osun State following their traditional, political and religious sagacity”

“The bridge of peace in Yourbaland was affected through the infiltration of politicking into the Institution by politicians of the old Oyo Empire. The challenge from every quarter as it equally comes from Oluwo is a challenge to rise to that occassion and do the much needful without retraction”

“I commend Oluwo for his courage, tenacity and zeal in standing tall despite enormous distractions stage managed by his few subjects. I had tougher experience in the first 20years of my reign, cry rough and turbulent. It is what Yoruba will call “Ojumo kan, ogun kan- one day, one war”

“I’m pleased to visit Oluwo again, felt at home and give him words of encouragement in shaping new course of hope for the Yoruba race”

Joining Oluwo to receive the Alaafin were : The Aagberi of Iragberi, Akire of Ikire Ile, Adatan of Asa, The Waziri of Yorubaland, Chief Imam of Iwoland, Prof. Lai Olurode, Queen Iyabo Lamuye and many dignitaries cutting across traditional, religious and academic circles.

Protests: IGP Tackles Amnesty Int’l |The Source

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The Source
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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, has affirmed that officers of the Nigeria Police Force acted professionally, exercised commendable restraints and some paid the supreme price for peace during the recent protests in some parts of the country. The IGP made this observation following report by Amnesty International dated 21st October, 2020 that Police personnel shot at peaceful protesters. He described the Amnesty Int’l report as untrue, misleading and contrary to all available empirical evidences.

The IGP noted that during the protests, officers of the Force used legitimate means to ensure that the protests were carried out in a peaceful manner and in most cases, physically protected and walked side-by-side with the protesters. He reiterated that even when the protests turned violent in some parts of the country, the officers still maintained utmost restraint and did not use excessive force in managing the situations.

According to a release signed by Force Spokesperson, DCP Frank Mba, available Reports show that twenty-two (22) police personnel were extra-judicially killed by some rampaging protesters and scores injured during the protests. Many of the injured personnel are in life threatening conditions at the hospitals. Two hundred and five (205) Police stations and formations including other critical private and public infrastructure were also damaged by a section of the protesters. Despite these unprovoked attacks, our police officers never resorted to use of unlawful force or shooting at the protesters as alleged in the report. It also beggars imagination that Amnesty International failed to mention or pay tribute to Police officers who were gruesomely murdered during the protests while serving their fatherland. The Force decries the discriminatory tendencies exhibited by Amnesty International as seen in the report. One wonders if in the estimation of Amnesty International, police officers are not also human beings equally entitled to the protection of their fundamental rights to life and dignity of human person.

The IGP, while noting that the Force is committed to the Federal Government’s ongoing holistic reforms of the NPF targeted at improving service delivery, positive police-citizen relationship and respect for human rights, enjoins Amnesty International to ensure they subject their reports to adequate scrutiny and proper verification of facts before making the reports public.

Protests: IGP Inaugurates 9-Man Committee To Assess Police Losses |The Source

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The Source
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Abubakar Mohammed Adamu - IGP

Appreciates Sacrifices by Police personnel, delegates to visit families of deceased and injured officers

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has inaugurated a 9-Man Committee for the assessment of losses suffered by the Nigeria Police Force during the ENDSARS Protests across the country. The IGP, during the inauguration program which held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, today, Friday, 30th October, 2020, noted that the setting up of the Assessment Committee is informed by the need to properly document the losses suffered by the Force for the purposes of strategic planning, re-construction and re-equipment as well as for future reference. He observed that the Force encountered huge losses in terms of human and material resources during the ENDSARS protests which commenced on a rather peaceful note but unfortunately degenerated into violence, loss of lives and wanton destruction of property.

The Committee, which has CP Abutu Yaro as Chairman, according to Force Spokesperson, DCP Frank Mba, was charged by the IGP to see the assignment as a call to service which must be undertaken with purposefulness, empathy, dedication and sacrifice. The terms of reference of the Committee include: that the delegation should physically visit the scenes of incident and capture the pictorials of all damages done to police infrastructure and personnel; verify the fatalities suffered by the police; establish the weapons holdings that were lost during the incidents, amongst others. The IGP particularly emphasized that the delegates should visit families of deceased police officers and the injured on behalf of the Force.

The IGP, while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, GCON and Government at all levels for their support and commitment to the holistic reforms of the Force, reassured the families of the deceased police officers and the injured their losses and sacrifices would continually be remembered by the Force and the nation. The IGP also appreciated the professional conduct and restraints by Police personnel during the period, even in the face of imminent threats to their lives.

At least, 22 Policemen were reportedly killed during the two-week protest, with several Police Stations burnt and looted.

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mojisola Alli-Macaulay

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Eyitayo Jegede

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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Ngozi-Okonjo-Iweala

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Poisonous Grains in Ekiti

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

By
Bayo Bernard
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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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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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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Chief Willy Ezugwu

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.

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