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Protests: Gani Adams Says South West Governors Ignored Him |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani  Adams, has disclosed that restructuring of the nation is the only solution and alternative available in tackling the myriad of problems bedeviling the Nigeria.

The Yoruba Generalissimo stressed that only if the nation is constitutionally restructured before the nation can move forward and develop optimally.

Adams was conferred the Aare Onakakanfo chieftaincy title which was last held by the widely acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential election, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, before his mysterious death in 1998.

The factional leader of the Oduduwa Peoples Congress, OPC, opined that the country is not practising true federalism because its component units have been weakened by the concentration of power on the central government.

He made this statements when he featured on a programme on Arise News on  Sunday, 25th October, 2020 while speaking on the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests by Nigerian youths.

He said the youths have sacrificed a lot to advance positive cause in Nigeria.

“We have to know the genesis of the grievances of the youths regarding #EndSARS. Part of their demands included a change in the constitution. After they were attacked by the military on Tuesday, a lot has happened.

“The realisation that Nigeria’s constituent units are too dependent on the federal government for security hit hard, with the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu admitting he was not in charge of the situation.

“If we continue like this, the future of Nigeria is bleak, that’s why I’ve clamoured for restructuring.”

Adams suggested going back to Nigeria’s 1963 republican constitution and, also, revert to the regional system of government.

He, however, noted that the regionalism he espoused should be fashioned after the existing six geopolitical zones as enshrined in the 1999 constitution, and not the three regions of north, east and west, as practised in pre independence era and early years of independence.

“it was the only constitution written by the leaders of this country, If Nigeria doesn’t restructure, it will break as soon as possible,”.

He also stressed that lack of education, poverty, frustration, lack of hope and unemployment are the main reason whereby arson and looting was the order of the day across the country over the past week.

“Most of the kids committing these atrocities are not up to 20 years old, most of them are not employed.

“Let’s go down memory lane to when we benefitted from free education and free health while growing up. If you have education till secondary school, you will know the implication of engaging in crime. If you take education away from your children, you will have series of problems.

“Most of the urchins that were destroying property live under the bridge. They know they have no future”.

Adams revealed the role he has played in de-escalating the civil unrest in Lagos, even though the political leaders of the southwest region didn’t reach out to him, but as the Yoruba Generalissimo, he had to do his part for peace.

“Of all the southwest governors, none of them  called to ask what I can do. Even if I was not Aare Ona Kakanfo, as someone who headed an organisation of about six million (OPC) people, they should have contacted me.”

He recounted how he cautioned against ethnic jingoism, by dousing tension that was building between different ethnic groups in Lagos as by warning against civil war.

“You cannot try to douse tension without providing solutions. We can’t move forward without going back to our constitution.

“Nigeria is a country of many countries. You should not run a unitary system in a country of 200 million people”.

Using the United States of America as a yardstick, Adams said the country operates a federal structure.

“Every region should develop at their pace. You bring 70 to 80% of power to the centre, but all crimes are local”

He also added that the OPC has been helpful in securing lives and properties and curb violence in the country.

“The police stations that were not burnt were jointly protected by the police and the OPC. I’ve been receiving calls recently as many leaders requested for protection from the OPC.”

He, however, lambasted the present crop of southwest leaders, stressing that most of them put on the cap of late sage, Obafemi Awolowo but they don’t follow the ideology of Awolowo.

Ondo Govt Not In Hurry To Reopen Schools – Gov Akeredolu |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Despite the relative peace in Ondo state after the #EndSARS protest, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has said public and private schools in the state are to remain closed.

Briefing Journalists at the Government House in Akure, the Governor pointed out that there should be no hurry to reopen the schools in view of the ongoing nationwide agitation by youths.

The Governor had, on Tuesday 20th, October, ordered the closure of schools in the state following the nationwide  #EndSARS protest by youths which later turned violent.

The schools had been under lock since March following the outbreak of the global pandemic and were just reopened last Monday.

There has been agitations by parents on whether schools would reopen on Monday, 26th, October, since the closure order came a day after academic schools resumed from the seven month covid-19 holiday.

According to him, “Already, our children are billed to return to school after the disruption occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic surge, having assessed the situation in the last few days, schools must remained closed for the time being”

The Governor had, on Friday, announced the relaxation of the 24 hours curfew imposed during the #EndSARS protest, urging people to go about their normal duties.

However, after the curfew relaxation, some suspected hoodlums swooped on Secretariats of political parties and burnt them, as well as destroyed government properties at Okitipupa and set free inmates at the Correctional Centre in the town.

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

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

By
The Source
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Abubakar Mohammed Adamu - IGP

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

By
The Source
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0

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

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

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

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

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
Lagos EndSARS Protesters

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.”

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