Author: Day Break

  • The real hooliganism is in Aso Villa says Aisha Yesufu

    The real hooliganism is in Aso Villa says Aisha Yesufu

    Popular activist and #EndSARS campaigner, Aisha Yesufu has reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s warning to #EndSARS protesters on Monday.

    The President’s warning is coming amidst a second wave of protests in Lagos and Osun. He vowed to deal with any acts of hooliganism.

    Yesufu, in a speedy response via Twitter, branded the President a ‘Coward’, adding that the real hooliganism is in Aso-Villa.

    “The coward that was no where to be found when Shekau executed 78 farmers for arresting one of his men.”

    “The real hooliganism is in Aso Villa and Buhari @MBuhari is the one chairing it!

  • You abandoned governance to become APC spokesman – PDP mocks Buhari

    You abandoned governance to become APC spokesman – PDP mocks Buhari

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of assuming the role of an emergency spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to launder the image of the party.

    PDP made the remark while berating Buhari for allegedly making false claims that the APC swept the December 5 bye-elections.

    The opposition party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan described Buhari’s claim as another desperate measure to divert public attention from its manifest failures.

    A statement by Ologbondiyan reads partly: “The PDP asserts that President Buhari has by this confirmed that he has indeed become a lame-duck President, having abdicated his presidential responsibilities of securing the nation and managing the economy to issuing press statements for APC and struggling for media space, as spokesperson and image launderer of the party.

    “Perhaps Mr. President’s handlers ought to have informed him that out of the six senatorial bye-elections, the PDP freely swept three in free, fair and credible contests, while the APC only muscled the other three in polls that were marred by manifest irregularities and rigging.

    “Moreover, the PDP is in a clear lead in Zamfara where the INEC returning officer, Prof. Ibrahim Magatawa, openly betrayed the plot between INEC and APC to allocate votes for the APC and rig the Bakura State Constituency bye-election.

    “The shameful enterprise witnessed in Zamfara only goes to further confirm how the APC rigged isolated bye-elections in Katsina, Kogi, Borno and Lagos where INEC officers were used to allocate fictitious figures away from the genuine ballots cast, which placed the PDP in a clear lead.

    “As a party, the PDP asserts that since Mr. President has demonstrated his preference for party politics above governance, he should take a crash course on party spokesmanship, relocate to the APC national secretariat to join Alhaji Mai Bala Buni and leave governance for more capable and competent hands to pilot the affairs of our nation.”

  • Citizens have   every Right To Protests –  Buhari

    Citizens have every Right To Protests – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday acknowledged the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests.

    The President on Monday in Abuja added that hooligans behind peaceful protests, would, however, be dealt with.

    As the second wave of #EndSARS protest is believed to resume today in some parts of the country, the Lagos State Police Command on Sunday warned that it would resist any planned demonstration, procession or gathering in the state.

    The demonstrations against police brutality, bad governance and poor economic policies, were expected to resume in Lagos on Monday, December 7, 2020, at designated locations across the metropolis.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned that the command would not allow any demonstration under any guise because Lagos residents were still nursing the injuries of the violence that trailed the #ENDSARS protest.

    “The Lagos State Police Command has again warned against any gathering, procession or protest in Lagos State as some unpatriotic individuals and groups are planning to embark on the replica of the recent destructive and violent EndSARS protest that left pains and agonies in Lagos State,” the police had said.

    But while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff’s Annual Conference 2020 in Abuja on Monday, President Buhari noted that Nigerians were free to embark on peaceful protests.

    A statement by the President’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, partly reads, “The President described the Year 2020 as a very challenging one, citing the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on almost every aspect of national life.

    “Reiterating the government’s commitment to the rights of citizens to embark on peaceful protests responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land, the President recounted that hooligans sadly hijacked the #ENDSARS protests to cause wanton damage to lives and property in many cities across the country.”

    “I charge you all to sustain these efforts until the full restoration of peace and security in the nation is achieved,” the President was quoted to have told the armed forces.

  • Buhari advocates arms control at AU meeting

    Buhari advocates arms control at AU meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged African leaders to promote the implementation of arms control instruments and embargoes, to complement and consolidate the African Peace and Security Architecture.

    Buhari made the call at the 14th extra-ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) on “Silencing the Gun,” held virtually on Sunday, the News Agency of Nigeria reported to curb security threats.

    “The major challenge for Africa today is achieving a new trajectory of peace, security, stability and a conflict-free Africa, following threats of terrorist activities and other crimes across the continent,” Mr Buhari said.

    He said the increasing number of peace agreements and their ongoing operationalisation in conflict situations around the continent demonstrated a resolve to chart a new course.

    He said the assembly was encouraged by Africa’s efforts in the implementation of the AU’s roadmap and the theme of this year, even in the midst of COVID-19.

    Mr Buhari noted that numerous challenges still abound in Africa, “the reason the assembly is calling for endorsement for the extension period of the implementation of the AU master roadmap and amnesty month beyond 2020.

    “There will be immediate need to have the monitoring and evaluation mechanism put in place to gauge the implementation at the continental level.

    “We are beginning to equally see emerging intra/inter-state resurgence of conflicts in Africa, underscoring the imperative for the AU Mediation Support Unit to be strengthened.

    “Our member states are ensuring inclusive democratic governance, constitutionalism and facilitating access for AU mediators when necessary will also complement these efforts.

    “Threats of terrorist activities, other trans-organised crimes and external interference in the internal affairs of African States are increasing.

    “We also see maritime security threats, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the challenges of a porous border are also visible.

    “It is in this regard that we blame the slow implementation of the African Common Defence Policy, hinged on the establishment of the African Standby Force,’’ Mr Buhari said.

  • ASUU: NANS president reveals what will happen if strike exceeds December

    ASUU: NANS president reveals what will happen if strike exceeds December

    The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Sunday Asefon, has warned of a total shut down if the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, fail to end the prolonged strike by the end of December.

    Asefon issued the warning while lamenting the incessant strike actions by lecturers, which have crippled academic activities in the country.

    He said the federal government and the striking lecturers need to come to a round table to find a lasting solution to the reoccurring impasse.

    The newly-elected student leader said this in Abuja when he paid a visit to Comrade Daniel Onjeh, one of Nigeria’s most respected student activists who led NANS 18 years ago.

    He said he had come to seek guidance and advice from Comrade Onjeh in recognition of his excellent stewardship of the organization.

    The university lecturers’ strike, he added, negatively impacts Nigerian students, educationally and financially.

    He noted that most of the students who paid for accommodation lost their money because of the strike and they have to pay new rents when schools reopen as their landlords do not care.

    Asefon said, “Ours, we have decided that we want to fight for the interest of the Nigerian students. The issue of ASUU strike, making our students stay at home every time must come to an end.

    “If there is an agreement between the federal government and ASUU, the FG should as a matter of urgency try to honour the agreement, and if there is none, they should come out to tell us because we cannot continue to allow our students to stay at home every year, it is not fair.

    “It is sad that most of our students who are studying a five or four years course, end up spending up to seven years on campus due to this industrial action by lecturers, this is against the curriculum of the Nigerian student.

    “During the course of my campaign, I visited most of the universities in the country and discovered that students in one of the schools are paying as high as N185,000 as acceptance fee. To us it is fraudulent, to us is a scam.

    “These are things we are going to put an end to.

    “Let it be on record that if by the end of this December, if the federal government and ASUU fail to come to a conclusion and our students return to class, we shall embark on a total shutdown.”

    The new NANS President used the opportunity to sound a warning to lecturers in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria, who demand sex for marks from female students. He promised to pursue every legal means to ensure the sexual predators are flushed out of schools and prosecuted.

    In his response, Onjeh advised him to domesticate NANS activities by prioritizing the interests of Nigerian students, whom he swore to, defend and protect, in all ramifications.

    He urged him to be true to the organization’s constitution and its charter of demand whose tenets are geared towards the enhancement of the educational system and the development of Nigeria.

    RELATED POSTS:

    Strike: We are still consulting and no decision has been reached yet – ASUU

    ASUU debunks rumor of plans to call off strike

    ASUU agrees to call off strike as FG agrees to pay the union N70bn

  • Nigerians charge army Chief on Professionalism; Respect for Human Rights of Citizens:

    Nigerians charge army Chief on Professionalism; Respect for Human Rights of Citizens:

    A cross  section of Nigerians drawn from higher Institutions of the South East of Nigeria, civil society stakeholders and media scholars have tasked the hierarchy of the Nigeria Army to take immediate but transparent steps to mainstream the absolute respect of human rights of citizens by soldiers in all internal security operations. 

    These impressions and massages emerged at the one day town hall meeting organized  by the prominent Civil Rights Advocacy body:- HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) which held in Enugu at the weekend just as the civil populace have been urged to partner actively with the Nigerian Army to ensure the attainment of the highest standard of professionalism in Nigeria in no distant time.

    Speaking on the theme of “Engaging the media for responsible, accountable and professional Nigerian Army,” a lecturer at the Enugu State’s University  of Technology (ESUT) Dr. Chidiebere Ezinwa, who is also a constitutional lawyer, cautioned that should the pervasive cases of human rights breaches by soldiers against citizens be allowed to fester,  then the prestige and respectability of the armed forces will decline.

    “The role of the military is clearly spelt out in Section 271 and 218 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Section 217 deals with establishment and composition of the armed forces of the Federation, while section 218 deals with command and operational use of the armed forces of Nigeria. Section 217 sub section (1) specifically states that, there shall be an armed forces for the Federation which shall consist of an Army, a Navy, and Air Force and such other branches of the armed forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly.”

    “The above provision shows that the Nigerian Armed Forces is made up of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Army is responsible for protecting the lives and property and territorial integrity of the nation mostly on land by fighting external aggressors and quelling internal insurrection. The Navy protects the country’s maritime environments and safeguard the seas and coastline. The Air Force was established in 1964 and forms the air power of the country.”

    “Sub section (2) states, the Federation shall, subject to an Act of the National Assembly made in that behalf equip and maintain the armed forces, as may be considered adequate and effective for the purpose of:

    a. Defending Nigeria from external aggression.

    b. Maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land, sea or air.

    c. suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an act of the National Assembly and

    d. Performing such other function as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

     Section 217 sub section (2) (c) deals with acting in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so by the President but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.”

    The University Don argued that there are two components of aids to civil authorities which are -the support to civil police in an event that they are unable to cope with civil disturbances or any of such unrest, and when the military is called upon to do so and in times of national emergencies like disasters and the like. Surprisingly, the military is involved in virtually every crisis point in the country. Why is this so? What has happened to the Nigerian Police? Will the Army not suffer the same fate with their continued involvement of in almost every civil strife?

    He submitted further: “The role of the military is clearly spelt out in Section 271 and 218 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Section 217 deals with establishment and composition of the armed forces of the Federation, while section 218 deals with command and operational use of the armed forces of Nigeria. Section 217 sub section (1) specifically states that, there shall be an armed forces for the Federation which shall consist of an Army, a Navy, and Air Force and such other branches of the armed forces of the Federation as may be established by an Act of the National Assembly.”

    “The above provision shows that the Nigerian Armed Forces is made up of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Army is responsible for protecting the lives and property and territorial integrity of the nation mostly on land by fighting external aggressors and quelling internal insurrection. The Navy protects the country’s maritime environments and safeguard the seas and coastline. The Air Force was established in 1964 and forms the air power of the country.”

    “Sub section (2) states, the Federation shall, subject to an Act of the National Assembly made in that behalf equip and maintain the armed forces, as may be considered adequate and effective for the purpose of:

    a. Defending Nigeria from external aggression.

    b. Maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land, sea or air.

    c. suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an act of the National Assembly and

    d. Performing such other function as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

     Section 217 sub section (2) (c) deals with acting in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so by the President but subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

    The University teacher expressed dismay that the policing duties are been taken over by the Arny due to institutional collapse of the Nigeria Police Force  just as he stated: “What has happened to the Nigerian Police? Will the Army not suffer the same fate with their continued involvement of in almost every civil strife?”

    It is against the backdrop of Section 217(2) (c) thatthe armed forces in Nigeria face a number of challenges especially in view of the numerousinternal security threats that brought the army face to face with the civil society almost on a regular basis.Although, this situation pre-dated the 1999 Constitution, the reasons for armed forces intervention in crises period remain the same.”

    “The interaction of the army with the civil society in the course of performing its constitutional function of quelling internal crisis when called upon has a number of negative consequences, which has notonly dragged the image of the army in the mud due to some unprofessional conduct; but also has eroded public confidence and trust in the army. 

    He said that the military participation in quelling internal public disorder has been described as a necessary evil given a number of allegations against the army. Soldiers have been accused of a number of unprofessional conduct ranging from intimidating and coercing civilians, corruption and extortion at checkpoints, psychological and emotional abuse, blatant and flagrant acts of sexual and gender based violence. For instance, the UN. High commissioner for Human Rights Michele Bachelet, strongly condemned what she described as excessive and disproportionate use of force by Nigerian armed forces against peaceful protesters in the capital Lagos.  

    Perpetrators of these crimes are not usually brought to book, which is also a major source of concern to the citizens and International human rights agencies. What takes place is the usual run of the mill investigation which leads to no arrests or any form of accountability. Bachelet observed that Nigerian security forces suspected of serious crimes and gross violations of human rights have gone unpunished over the years. It is expected that the questions about who ordered, who arranged, who knew about the killing of unarmed protesters in October,2020 in different parts of the country especially in Lekki in Lagos  would be answered with appropriate punishment given to culprits.” The university administrator said too:

    “The army have also been accused of raiding media houses, arresting, detaining their staff and confiscating their computers, laptops and accessing their smartphones without warrant in contravention of Cybercrime law 2015. The premise of Daily Trust Newspaper have been raided on different occasions by soldiers in the company of other security agencies to answer questions about some of their publications such as an article that allegedly divulged classified military information related to planned attacks against Boko Haram.”

    The above he said, apparently negates the doctrine of military subordination to civil authority which Former president Obasanjo strongly advocated as one of the ways of facing 21st century challenges by the military. He enjoined them to embrace in its totality, the fundamental doctrine of military subordination to civil authority. The doctrine entails the following: 

    (i) Acceptance of the constitution as the sole and supreme doctrine defining the role of the armed forces.

    (ii) Acceptance of the elected civilian Chief Executive as Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces, and the supremacy of elected officials of state over appointed officers at all levels.

    (iii) Acceptance of civilian headship of the ministry of Defence and other strategic establishments.

    (iv) Acceptance of civilian or legislative deliberation and decision-making over the military budget.

    (v) Acceptance that the decisions regarding the goals and conduct of military operations must serve the political and strategic goals established by the civil authority.

    (vi) Acceptance of civil (Supreme Court) authority to review any action or decision taken by military judicial system or court martial.”

    Also speaking at the event attended by young people numbering over one hundred in Enugu State Capital and members of the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA), a lecturer at the Mass Communications Department of the prestigious institute of management and technology (IMT) Enugu, Dr. Nwanze Emeka, the media was called upon to assist the Army to report cases of Human Rights violations committees by the operatives against civilians to enable the Army’s hierarchy tackle such.

    His words: “The Nigerian army’s essential functions are primarily to secure the regional parameters of Nigeria and help the common position when called upon to do so. Consequently, in carrying out these professional obligations, there has been charges of fundamental human right infringement against the Nigerian army by Local and International human rights campaigners, Civil Society Groups, and Non-Governmental Organizations like Amnesty International, Transparency International, and Human Rights Watch, among others. These charges are centered on the reported extrajudicial killings, illegal detentions, sexual abuses, and other unprofessional activities. The observed unprofessionalism within the Nigerian military has created a vacuum in the relationship between civilians and the military.”

    “The recent call for the re-evaluation of the military operations related to human rights violations was awakened following the Lekki shooting occasioned by the recent call for the end of the radicalized Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in which the Nigerian military was implicated in the death of some protesters. This particular event is just one among the numerous human rights abuses perpetrated by the operatives of the Nigerian army.”

    “For instance, recently, in my community, a certain gentleman man invited some officers of the Nigeria Army to a land dispute resulting in assault occasioning harm. Recall that such a matter is a civil matter that should be treated in a court and not use the military officers to intimidate his rival.”

    “The military has in the recent past been used to recover a debt. It is wrong to use the office of the Nigeria Army for selfish purposes. In my street at Uwani Enugu, a military operative was involved in debt recovery, which aggravated torture and property damage. Such a despicable act is condemnable, and such be readdressed. In this regard, the Nigerian media is called upon to use its professionalism, strengthening military professionalism.”

    “There are obvious reasons why the Nigerian media is always short of expressions to drive home serious points when it concerns military operations and how it affects human rights. An observation of the military response to media reports will suggest that the Nigerian military does not usually tolerate criticism from media establishments. The army is always quick to tag information against them as “fake and an attempt to tarnish the military image.” Most times, journalists are harassed, and their devices are seized or damaged. The point is that the media has failed in its professional obligation of bringing to society well-researched and verifiable information. Hence, giving the military the opportunity of countering media reports. So many times, the military rebuff of media reports favors the army and, as such, creates doubts in the minds of the civilians. Presently, Nigerians rely more on foreign media reports about the Nigerian army than the Nigerian media reports.”

    “The probable explanation for the observed bias and sometimes incorrect reports against the military operation could be attributed to the surge in electronic journalism. This trend accounts for the gap in empirical reporting and the decline in public trust. Similarly, Lazarsfield and Katz (2010) argued that for journalism to achieve its set objectives in the area of opinion leadership, agenda-setting, information dissemination persuasiveness, watchdog, nation-building, and the fourth estate of the realm, it must be displayed with every sense of professionalism. The information coming from journalism must be positive correct, and reliable information.”

    Accordingly, Place of the Nigerian Media in Enhancing Military Operations

    In view of the above-stated gaps in the Nigerian media-military operational reports. The following recommendations are made:

    1. For the media to achieve a robust exposure of the military operations in Nigeria, especially regarding professional fallouts, the Nigerian media is expected first to address the issue of bias reports. In this way, the Nigerian military will have no basis for the denial and counter reporting.
    2. The journalist/media reporters should increase their correlation with the Nigerian Army, studying them and giving them information that will enable them to perform their duty with every sense of professionalism.
    3. The media should be involved in periodic sensitization of the Nigeria Army because they are the image-maker of any organization.
    4. The Nigerian media should be reporting the Nigeria’ army success fairly and objectively, instead of highlighting only the setbacks in the course of operation.”

    The IMT Teacher and Mass Communications expert then said: “In summary, the above discussion clarifies that professionalism is essential in the military and media relationship. A sanitized Nigerian media will provide the civilians with an unbiased report relating to the military operations. An established unbiased report will enable the military to accept its position in a particular unprofessional act and resort to ethical standard when a similar situation is presented. Adherence to professionalism creates a favorable opportunity for a professional relationship. Therefore, professionalized media reporting will create a professionalized military operation.”

    National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko said the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) will strive  to always speak on behalf of the common people of Nigeria just as he charged the media to work for the people and resists from working as appendages of holders of public offices such as governors and legislators because according to him, there is a gross lack of accountability and transparency in the governance of Nigeria and the media mostly maintains undignified silence when such violations of the Constitution by political office holders take place due to personal and financial aggrandizement.  

  • Fresh #EndSARS protest breaks out in Osogbo

    Fresh #EndSARS protest breaks out in Osogbo

    #EndSARS protesters on Monday trooped out into the streets of Osogbo, the Osun State capital in a fresh round of protests.

    The #EndSARS protesters stormed the streets demanding the release of all protesters taken into custody by the police.

    They also clamoured for the unfreezing of their accounts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had received the nod of the federal high court in Abuja to freeze the accounts of 19 individuals and a public affairs company linked to the #EndSARS protests till January.

    The converged at the Ogo-Oluwa area and marched to the Osun State House of Assembly and the State Secretariat, Abere.

    The protesters carried different placards which read: “We are not fighting for any political party”, “#End Bad Judiciary in Nigeria”, ” #End fake judicial panel of Inquiry in Osun”, “Unfreeze all the frozen account”, ” We are Nigerian youths” among others.

    The #EndSARS protesters had demonstrated nationwide for two weeks to demand an end to the rogue police unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Violence erupted as hoodlums had hijacked the #EndSARS protests to cause mayhem in many parts of the country, leading to the deaths of many people, and destruction of property.

    RELATED POSTS:

    End SARS: ‘Lai Mohammed misinformed information minister’ – DJ Switch

    End SARS: Soldiers block Lagos Judicial Panel from entering military mortuary

  • House of Reps reveals                why they can’t impeach Buhari

    House of Reps reveals why they can’t impeach Buhari

    The House of Representatives has rejected a lawmaker’s call for the commencement of the process to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari.

    House of Representatives spokesman Benjamin Kalu said the demand for Buhari’s impeachment by Kingsley Chinda, a lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in Rivers State was the “opinion of a single member of the opposition party in the house.”

    He said calls for impeachment were not logical because Buhari is yet to appear before the House to explain what his administration is doing to address the security issue.

    I will not allow EndSARS protests again -- Buhari

    “If this call came post-President’s visit for the failure to dialogue well enough in securing solutions or due to his inability to put our positions to use, it would appear logical,” Kalu said in a statement on Sunday.

    “Unfortunately, this call is not only illogical, it appears as a tool mischievously thrown up to disrupt the agenda of the coming visit with all it sets out to achieve in the spirit of nation-building which remains the mantra of the 9th Assembly and is considered a joint task.”

    Earlier on Sunday, Chinda called on Nigerians irrespective of political party, tribe, or religion to compel their representatives to commence impeachment process against the president over the rising cases of insecurity in the country.

    Last week, about 48 rice farmers were killed in Zabarmari, about 20 kilometres from Maiduguri, on Saturday, November 28. Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack.

    The killings prompted Nigerians, particularly northern groups to demand Buhari’s resignation. While the Nigerian Senate called for the sack of service chiefs, the House of Representatives summoned the president to appear before it.

    Kalu said the purported call to impeach Buhari “does not in any way reflect either the minority, majority or general position of the 9th House of Representatives and should be disregarded like his other divisive, distracting, destabilizing and destructive positions.

    “The motive behind this press release as well as the timing leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of most progressives who were instructed by their constituents to request for an interaction with the president.”

    House of Reps denies distributing 360 exotic cars to membersNigeria — The  Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

    The House of Representatives spokesman urged Nigerians to be patient and wait for the outcome of their meeting with Buhari “before being misled by a lone voice on a frolic of his (Chinda) own, whose private opinion in no way represents the position of the House of Representatives.”

  • Buhari mourns Harry Akande, Ex-Presidential Aspirant

    Buhari mourns Harry Akande, Ex-Presidential Aspirant

    The President on Monday, sorrow over the former presidential aspirant of the All People’s Party, Chief Harry Akande, who died on Saturday.

    His condolence message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled “President Buhari condoles with family of former presidential aspirant, Harry Akande.”

    The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with family and friends of renowned business mogul and presidential aspirant of the then All People’s Party, Chief Harry Akande, praying that God will comfort and strengthen them at such a difficult time.

    The President joins international and local business partners of the deceased, management and staff of his companies, and all beneficiaries of his foundation in mourning the public-spirited investor, who over the years registered his kindness in helping the deprived and underprivileged.

    “President Buhari believes Chief Akande’s role in the nation’s development remains remarkable and commendable, particularly contributing to infrastructural development by ensuring the extension of basic services to communities wherever he invested, and continually expanding his interests in construction, electricity, and healthcare.

  • Soldiers, Police take over Lekki toll gate

    Soldiers, Police take over Lekki toll gate

    Another round of #EndSARS protests, armed police officers and soldiers were on Monday spotted at the Lekki toll gate, Lagos.

    According to different Twitter users, the security operatives were deployed around midnight.



    The Lagos State Police Command had on Sunday in a statement by its spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, threatened that “security agencies will not fold their arms” as youths plan fresh protests against police brutality and extortion.

    The statement was issued after a poster, titled “#EndSARS reloaded phase II” went viral on social media.

    It was stated in the poster that the “phase II” of the #EndSARS protest would begin on Monday, December 7 in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Delta, and Bayelsa.

    The demands of the protesters are “Buhari, Buratai, Sanwo-Olu must resign and face ICC for killing innocent Nigerians at Lekki toll; free all #EndSARS protesters; unfreeze all bank accounts of #EndSARS protesters and referendum.”

    In October, many citizens took to the streets across Nigeria to express their frustration against police harassment.

    However, hoodlums hijacked the demonstrations to unleash violence on citizens. Public and private properties were looted and destroyed in the process.

    Speaking with SaharaReporters, a source, who works in the Lekki area of Lagos, confirmed the heavy presence of police and soldiers at the toll gate plaza.

    The source, however, said no protester had gathered around the area.

    Meanwhile, Nigerians have continued to tweet on #ENDSARS on social media, calling for an end to bad governance and police brutality. Old videos of the protests held in Abuja and Lagos are being circulated online with the hashtag.