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#EndSARS: IPOB, YOV Express Shock Over Deployment Of Armed Forces |The Source

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The Source
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Operation Crocodile Smile

By Gideon Njoku

The Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, and the Yoruba One Voice, YOV, have expressed deep shock over the deployment of the Army for what the Army Leadership say is its “Annual  Operation Crocodile Smile Exercise.”

The exercise, the Army always say, is to flush out criminals, in a show of force. It was such exercise, for the South-East, code-named Operation Python Dance, that forced IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kalu, into “exile”, killed many youths  and, ultimately, was instrumental to the death of his parents. Both their Royal Highnesses, Eze and Ugoeze Kanu, were buried same day, after they died, in exile,  outside their Royal Palace.

Their son, Nnamdi Kanu was absent at their funeral.

It, also,  contributed to what most people saw, and still see, as the illegal proscription of IPOB by the Federal Government.

In this year’s exercise, the Army has added Cyber Crime to what its personnel would look out for.

However, many people say the beginning of Operation Crocodile Smile at this time is untidy, considering that Nigerian Youths are on the streets protesting the brutalities, humiliation and extortion meted out on Nigerians, especially, the youths, by the now defunct Special Anti-Armed Robbery Squad, SARS.

The youths, flaunting a hashtag #EndSARS, have been protesting for 10 days, and even though the FG has bowed to them and dissolved SARS, replacing it with SWAT, the Youths are not impressed. Aside from rejecting  SWAT, they insist it is SARS in a new bottle, and they are asking for more.

The protest is gradually becoming violent, with deaths and destruction, as well as hinging towards a revolution, with huge support.

Concerned about the shape the hitherto peaceful protest is taking, with thousands of youths grounding states, and making more demands, the FG has warned it may be pushed to forcefully break it.

It is in that line that many think that Operation Crocodile Smile is an indirect way of using force against the protesting youths. They warn of the dangers in doing  that.

Reacting to the Exercise in a joint statement signed by Christy Ekama  for IPOB, and Zacheos Somorin for YOV, the groups say the Operation Crocodile Smile is aimed at the protesters, and asked the Army to cancel the exercise. Expressing shock that such an exercise would be introduced now, it called on the International Community and the UN, to keep an eye on Nigeria, saying President Muhammadu Buhari would be held responsible for any loss of life during the exercise.

The joint statement by both groups reads:

“We read with shock and dismay the plan by the Federal Government to deploy the Armed Forces under the guise of “Operation Crocodile Smile” with the sole aim to quell the popular #EndSARS protests across the country.

“The protests are a clear testament to failure of leadership. We fully endorse the #EndSARS protests. We commend Nigerian youths for again rising to the occasion to redirect the drifting ship of state.

“The Federal Government must immediately rescind its decision to deploy the Armed Forces to truncate legitimate protests by Nigerians. This is contrary to international law.

“The Federal Government must not add to the gruesome bloodletting by the discredited SARS operatives through the ill-advised deployment of the Armed Forces.

“We will hold the Buhari Administration and its officials responsible for any killings occasioned by the deployment of the Armed Forces to quell legitimate civil protests.

“We call on the United Nations and the international community to take particular interest in the #EndSARS protests and the planned deployment of the Armed Forces, and to hold Nigerian officials to account for any infringement of civil rights.

“The Armed Forces must be reminded that their loyalty is to the Nigerian state. The era of regime protection is gone forever.

“We commend Nigerian youths for their courage and sacrifices in the face of police brutality, joblessness, insecurity, extra-judicial killings and hopelessness.

“We stand in solidarity with you in the struggle for a better future.

Billed to start on Tuesday, the exercise would end on December 30, 2020.

Criticism Trails Sport Minister’s Neglect On Grassroot Sports Development, As Ramond FC Boss Lambast Minister |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The National Sports Festival that is usually used to test and discover talents and future sportsmen and women for the nation from the grassroots is gradually becoming history.

In the late 1970s and 1980s, this competition was always an avenue for scouting of athletes for the nation, in which Sports men and women like Mary Onyali, Sunday Bada, Adokiye Amiesimaka, Stephen Keshi, Christian Chukwu and the likes were discovered, but, years down the line, the nation is gradually allowing this legacy go into extinction.

This is however having a toll on grassroot sports in the nation.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ramond International Football Club and Academy, Oluwaremilekun Oluwatosin Adebanjo, has faulted and criticised the Minster of Sport and Youth Development, Dare Esan, for neglecting Grassroot Sports Development, which has over the years been the scouting scene for the nation in the sporting circle.

Adebanjo said that different Ministers have been coming on board with different agenda and policies not minding what the agenda of their predecessors was. Instead of continuing the agenda to achieving the same goal, they neglect that by coming up with what he termed ‘Elephant Projects’ that wouldn’t come to reality till they leave the office.

He stressed that grassroot sports Development should be given more focus and attention at all times for the nation sports to move forward.

“As a Minister of Sport, he ought to know all the Football Academies registered in Nigeria and proper monitoring should be done as regards that, knowing their growths and how they could help in developing the nation. Not only football, but all sports.

“If something like this is put in place, all the corrupt coaches in the national team, most especially Age Grade national team coaches who usually collect bribe and inducement by selecting players that rub their palms would be stopped.

“By so doing, the Minister already have a monitoring team that is familiar with the Clubs and this will help in choosing players on merit and abilities not through bribes”.

He also stressed that building of sports centers for grassroot sports Development is necessary and proper maintenance of this will help is developing sports and scouting of talents would be easier.

Adebanjo added that the Sport Minister needs to be more proactive if he wants to succeed in office, but must first and foremost make sure that grassroot sports Development is looked into and giving more attention because they are the future of the nation’s sport, who will hoist the nation’s flag in global competition and championships.

Akeredolu: #EndSARS Hijacked By Politicians; Says Attack On Oyetola, Terrorism |The Source

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The Source
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By Charles Igbo

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, says the #EndSARS protests have been hijacked by politicians and criminals. He is of the view that politicians who have any score to settle with others are now using the protesters to settle such scores. Moreso, he said the protests have been hijacked by hoodlums

The Governor who is the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum spoke on the heels of the attack on Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola in Osogbo by the protesters on Saturday.

The protest in Osogbo had turned violent with markets and malls set ablaze.

Oyetola who had  joined the protesters, along with some members of his cabinet, on a protest march, was apologising to them for not coming to address them earlier because he was out of town, and came in an hour earlier,  was violently attacked.

The protesters pounced on Oyetola and his entourage with all kinds of weapons, destroying cars, injuring people and sending many scampering for their dear lives. He was spirited away, but two people were killed.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Ojo Oyewamide, on Saturday’s incident, Akeredolu condemned in strong terms the attack on Gov. Oyetola by #EndSARS protesters in Osogbo, the State Capital.

Aside describing the attack as unwarranted, misdirected and repulsive, Governor Akeredolu bemoaned the act, and insisted that the genuine movement has been hijacked by politicians to visit their frustrations on .perceived opponents

He said:

“Undoubtedly, the #EndSARS movement has had a popular and receptive attitude to it by majority of Nigerians, including policy makers, who have seen in it, an opportunity to deepen concern and redirect efforts towards veritable reforms aimed at achieving positive results.

“All the same, the desirability or otherwise of this movement appears to have come under a curious integrity test following the misdirected anger visited on Governor Oyetola.

“This act is a clear act of terrorism under the guise of a civil and supposedly peaceful protest that has been hijacked by criminals and hoodlums hired by politicians. This is more so, that dangerous weapons were said to have been deployed in the ignoble act.

“Nothing more describes and represents this pernicious act as repulsive. It is, therefore, pertinent to call on the organisers to rein in stakeholders involved in the #EndSARS protests so as to stratify between those with genuine, altruistic desires for reforms and elements who have offered themselves as mercenaries to unleash mayhem on innocent people.

“It must be noted that State Governors stand in between two inescapable points of challenges: while they ought to be Chief Security Officers in their respective States, are indeed, compelled to act as such, the workability of such still remains some distance away from reality.

“In order words, the attack on Governor Oyetola or any other Governor anywhere in the Country is a clear infliction of double jeopardy. No Governor is in charge of any Police Formation, Unit or Department.”

Akeredolu called on youths to hold firm their belief in the Nigerian Project and press for whatever is desirable to make it work.

He, also, admonished them not to be useful tools in the hands of politicians at this trying period.

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

By
Adesina Soyooye
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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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Eyitayo Jegede

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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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

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Festus Keyamo

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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Chief Mrs Tola Oyediran Awolowo

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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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

By
Uche Mbah
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ASUU Meeting

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.

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