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Hoodlums invade Bauchi govt warehouse, meet it empty
Motivated by happenings in other parts of the country where COVID-19 palliatives were discovered unshared, some youths in Bauchi on Sunday invaded the state government warehouse but were left disappointed as there were no palliatives in the store.
Reports had it that the youths went to a warehouse located in the premises of the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Project (BSADP) in the state capital to loot palliatives believed to have been kept there.
The state governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, confirmed the invasion of the warehouse by the youth in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle, @SenBalaMohammed.
According to the governor, his Chief of Staff opened the warehouse for the hoodlums as soon as they arrived and they discovered it was empty.
He added his administration had long distributed the COVID-19 palliatives to the people of the state through a high power committee, which included himself, his deputy, chairmen of all political parties in the state and traditional rulers.
According to him, his administration’s core mandate was to give Bauchi State citizens a better prospect and excellent opportunity for a prosperous life.
“Today, hoodlums attempted a raid on the #COVID19 palliative warehouse in Bauchi State. My Chief of Staff was informed and he ordered the warehouse to be opened.
“They looked in and saw it was empty, and they turned back. And that’s because we shared everything to beneficiaries as at when due.
“For accountability, when we started distribution months ago, I ensured to set up a high-powered committee that included myself, my deputy, the state PDP Chairman and Chairmen of all political parties in the state, including traditional rulers, and others.
“The core of my mandate remains the crucial drive to give Bauchi State citizens a better prospect and more excellent opportunity for a prosperous life. We are doing this, and we will continue to do more. #GreaterBauchi,” Governor Mohammed tweeted on Sunday.
Incidences of invasion have been witnessed in Lagos, Osun, Plateau, Kwara, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa and many more states. Both public and private facilities have also been attacked by criminals in search of palliatives.
October 25, 2020
Gbajabiamila visits Sanwo-Olu, Akiolu, Tinubu, sympathises with Nigerians over tragedies
…says House ready to support Lagos, other affected states

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that Nigerians killed before, during and after the #EndSARS protests must get justice.
The Speaker, who sympathized with Nigerians from all parts of the country as a result of the killings, said the unity of the country remains non-negotiable.

Speaking when he paid a visit to sympathise with the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, the Speaker said the destruction caused by the protests was a very sad event that should not occur again in the history of Nigeria.
The Speaker and his delegation also paid a visit to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, whose historical palace was destroyed during the wave of violence that engulfed the state. The delegation equally met with the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Accompanied by some members of the House, Gbajabiamila, at the Lagos House Marina, expressed sadness over the wanton destruction of property and the devastation after he and members of his team watched a documentary on the incident.
“I came in from Abuja today, not just to stand in solidarity with him, but by extension the people of Lagos State. These have been very difficult few days. It has even been more difficult for me in the last hour. Driving in from the airport and sitting with the governor to watch the documentary here put together, that evidences the carnage we all witnessed. It makes us all very sad.
“This, certainly, is not the Lagos of our dream that we all talk about. And I know deep down, and I believe no matter how brave a face one puts to it, that even the protesters have their regrets that things went this far, because from my understanding and from what I’ve seen, both those who are pro-protest and those who are anti-protest, were all affected.
“There’s very little I can say. But I know that standing with me is a man of courage, a man of destiny. Because it’s very unusual for you to come into office, and within a year a few months, you witnessed two calamitous events: first, you were in the epicentre of Covid-19, which you dealt with to the admiration of all.
“Whilst we were still grappling with that, you now became the epicentre of the protests. I want to encourage you to lift your head high, because you discharged your duties as a governor of a state that was troubled in the last few months, or close to one year,” he said.
The Speaker said he did not wish the incident to take an ethnic dimension having heard a lot of conspiracy theories about it.
“Let us shut our ears to those things. Let us focus as one people, whether you’re Igbo, whether you’re from the North, whether you’re from the South. This is the mantra that we have in the House of Representatives because if you talk about nation-building, we say it is a joint task.
“I want to also use this opportunity, in a way, to be grateful and commend our brothers and sisters from the North. I said this because if the North had been a part of this, I don’t know if we’ll all be standing here today. That’s why I commend our brothers and sisters from the North.
“On Tuesday, we talked in the House about compensation. I want to reiterate that the House will do all it can to make sure that everybody that has suffered from police violence – whether you’re from the North, from the East, from the West, because everybody in Nigeria has suffered from police violence, not just those of us from the Southwest. That will be applicable to all, including policemen that lost their lives in these unfortunate incidents.
“So, Your Excellency, we bring you good tidings and good wishes from Abuja. We stand with you. Whatever the House can do to help in rebuilding not just Lagos State but other states that have been affected as well from whatever part in Nigeria, the House will definitely join hands. Because we’re now in the situation of reconstruction.
“I want to encourage our young men and women out there that you fought a good fight, and I’m sure deep down, you’re not happy with what you’ve seen. The government listened, the president listened, the House listened, the Senate listened, the governors listened, it is now time to take stock and make sure this never happens again.
He said the true situation of what happened in Lekki must be unravelled.
“Your Excellency, the ground zero of what happened here is Lekki. That was what precipitated the violence and the carnage the following day. It is important to me, as I know it is important to you and to everybody, to know what exactly happened.
” A judicial panel has been set up, and I hope those who say this is what happened will have the courage to go before the judicial panel and say this is what happened and give credible evidence. And if that was indeed what happened, then the law must take its course. But if that was not what happened, the law must also take its course. Either way, the law must take its course.
“The governor was telling me just now that it was going to cost about a trillion naira to rebuild Lagos. That makes my heart heavy. And I asked the governor what’s the budget of Lagos State? What are you planning? And he told me that they’re planning a budget of about a trillion naira.
October 25, 2020
CAN blames Govt over escalation of lootings, vandalization
By Ujah Simon, Kaduna
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has blamed government over the incident of lootings and vandalization of palliatives for not doing enough in carrying the citizens along.
CAN also fault imposing of 24 hours curfew on larger people in a slightest provocation, describing it as unfortunate and a step in the wrong direction. A statement issued on Sunday and signed by Kaduna state CAN Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab noted that the escalation of the lootings was due to government inability to carry relevant stakeholders along.
“This unfortunate incidents are happening because government is not doing enough to carry her citizens along in issues as this”, it stated. The statement added that “CAN notes that issues like this, escalate largely because government is not carrying the relevant stakeholders along. “These youths live in communities where we have different community leaders, Government should involve these leaders in matters as these rather than resorting to imposing curfew at every little provocation. “We therefore call on Government to as a matter of urgency reassess and review the 24 hours curfew imposed to a more favorable time to enable citizens go about their lawful business”, it stated. CAN stated that while it called on Government to review the curfew, it also called on citizens especially pastors and all Christians in Kaduna State to be lawful and obey Government regulations always. “We reiterate the call on all to find lawful channels of ventilating their grievances to enable a peaceful environment for our individual and collective growth”, saying it was wrong to allowed the wrong doing of a few, within a little part of the state to cause the larger community pains and hardship.” Government should find other ways of handling criminality. Curfew has become an easy tool in the hands of government that at the slightest provocation.
It called on government official keeping palliative in any Warehouse for selfish reason in the face of hunger and hardships in the country to bring them out and share to the people before they’re located by the citizens to avoid further escalation of crises, while condemning the act of vandalization and looting by youths and Called for investigation.
October 25, 2020
BREAKING: Four feared dead in Kogi as residents struggles for palliatives
Four persons were feared to have died on Sunday afternoon in Kogi as hundreds of residents stormed a warehouse in Lokoja in search of COVID-19 palliatives.
The warehouse, located along the Murtala Mohammed Way, close to Kpata the market was reportedly invaded as early as 7am on Saturday through Sunday, mostly by the women.
The State Government had last week commenced distribution of COVID-19 palliatives to the 21 local government areas.
Each local government area got at least one trailer load of palliative items, including rice, semovita, indomie noodles and pastas in 10 kilogram packs.
The siege on the warehouse, it was gathered, might not be unconnected with an order by Governor Yahaya Bello the remaining items be distributed to people.
A source, who claimed to have been at the scene, stated that the casualties were recorded despite warnings by security personnel deployed to the area the residents should maintain the peace and avoid anything that may lead to stampede.
Some of the women,who spoke with our correspondent, confirmed they were there in response to the Governor’s directive that the remaining items be distributed to them.
Meanwhile, the government has expressed appreciation to residents who turned out to share in the palliatives.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement on Sunday said: “Report at our disposal showed that local government authorities ensured the palliatives reached the masses and helped in ameliorating the hardship visited on our nation as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We urge our people to continue to stand tall in public conduct as government will always put their welfare on the front burners.
“The Government of Kogi State also wishes to sound a note of warning to miscreants that all constitutional efforts will be geared towards protecting shop owners in the state as any violation of law and order will be met with superior resistance by law enforcement agencies.
“Our people should go about their normal businesses as Kogi State remains safe.”
October 25, 2020
Kogi state residents discovers warehouse for COVID-19 palliatives , cart away items
Kogi state residents have located a warehouse where the COVID19 palliatives donated to the state were being kept.
Like in every other state, they carted away as much of the items as they could.
See photos:
October 25, 2020
BEAKING: Lagos state government relaxes curfew, now 8pm to 6am
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reviewed the curfew imposed on the state to curb the civil unrest in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.
The governor made this known on Sunday evening in a statement by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
The commissioner stated, “The curfew in Lagos State has been reviewed. Restriction time is now 8 pm to 6 am.
“Lagosians are enjoined to plan their journey times as they go about their lawful businesses. Public schools remain shut till further notice.”
Sanwo-Olu had eased the 24-hour curfew on Friday to start from 6pm to 8am.
Details later…
October 25, 2020
Militant group wants Gov. Emmanuel to hands off LG, 13% derivation funds
By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
A militant group, Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) has asked Governor Udom Emmanuel to stop managing funds allocated to the 31 local governments of Akwa Ibom.
It also advised the governor to steer clear from the management of the 13% Oil Derivation Fund, and demanded for the immediate establishment of an Oil Producing Development Commission to manage the fund.
The NDLF has also asked Paramount Rulers and other categories of traditional rulers not to dabble into matters relating to oil companies and compensation to host communities in the state.
The Akwa Ibom State Commander of the NDLF, Captain Victor Eyoh in a statement issued to reporters in Uyo at the weekend said the demands of the group were in the best interest of the state.
According to the statement, ‘we hereby demand that Mr. Udom Emmanuel should account for all the funds he has received so far particularly those meant for the development of the 31 local government areas and also refund same to the respective local government areas without further delay.
”Furthermore, the Governor should hands off forthwith the confiscation LG funds for whatever reasons. Such funds from the Federation Account should not be tampered with, rather all the 31 LGAs should be allowed be allowed to receive and utilize same for the development of their councils.
”We hereby also demand that the state government should set up, as a matter of urgency, the Akwa Ibom State Oil Producing Development Commission to manage the 13% Oil Derivation Funds as done in other States of the Niger Delta to ensure the adequate development of the oil producing areas which have been subjected to untold hardships, loss of means of livelihood, environmental hazards, poverty and marginalization these past years”.
While sympathising with victims of the EndSARS protest who lost their lives and property, the NDLF urged the government to accede to all the demands of the youths for peace to reign in the country.
But the state government through the commissioner for information and strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong said the Governor has never interfered with local government funds.
Ememobong said the 13% oil derivation fund is part of the funds which accrues to oil producing states which is constitutionally managed by state governors.
He urged the NDLF to rather press for resource control, including solid minerals.
”The Governor does not interfere with Local government funds. The chairmen handle their funds in the way the think best for the smooth running of their local governments specifically and the state in general.
”The derivation fund is a part of resources accruing to the state which is managed by the Governor for the benefit of the state.
”The militant group should rather be asking for the full control of the resources to the regions or states producing them, like other minerals in the country.” Ememobong said.
October 25, 2020
AKSU distances self from admission, job vacancies advertisement
By Samuel Ogenyi Uyo
Akwa Ibom State University ( AKSU) has distanced itself from an admission and job vacancy advertisement purportedly emanating from the office of the Vice Chancellor, VC, Prof, Nse Essien saying such offer was fake .
The social media has been awash with advertisement for staff recruitment, admission of students and sales of 500 laptops computers from the office of the VC of the state owned University to members of the public.
A statement issued by Essien in Uyo and made available to newsmen yesterday said the scammers had listed three names as agents and requesting members of the public to pay certain amount of money to their bank account for transactions relating to the advertisement.
According to the statement,”my attention has been drawn to announcements using facebook accounts with my name and my photographs deceiving unsuspecting members of the public that as Vice-chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University(AKSU), I am charging various sums of money for the following purposes:recruitment of staff, admission of students and sales of 500 Laptop computers from the Federal Government.
“The scammer is asking those interested in the above transactions to pay into Zenith Bank accounts of Dr Kenneth Allaeze/ Obioma Faith Omaha/ Amos Izuchukwu Igiri.” It explained.
The VC dismissed the advertisement as fake adding that the University is not involved in the said admission as only the Joint Admission And Matriculation Board, JAMB, has the authority for admissions into Nigerian Universities.
“I hereby state categorically that: I have not on my own or directed anybody to open the said Facebook accounts neither I as a person nor acting in my capacity as Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University have ever told anybody that the above-stated transactions were going on in the University and have not asked anybody or agency to carry out the above-stated transactions on my behalf or the University.
“None of the bank accounts mentioned in those announcements belongs to me or anybody or agency mandated by me.Akwa Ibom State University is not carrying out any admission of any kind as JAMB is the only agency authorized to conduct admissions of eligible candidates into Nigerian tertiary institutions, and candidates are not charged fees for the purpose of admission either by JAMB or AKSU.” It further explained.
The statement said that the institution does not involve in sales of computers and warned members of the public to ignore any information on related transactions in the university.
October 25, 2020
Hold elites’ responsible for current woes in Nigeria -Osawaru cry out
The National Conscience Party (NCP), flag bearer in the just concluded governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Peters Omoragbon has blamed the political elites over the current unrest in Nigeria.
He said in a statement he personally signed and made available to the journalists on Sunday that the ruling political class should be held responsible for the poverty, hunger and other vices that have befallen the poor Nigerians.
Pastor Omoragbon said, it was unfortunate that since May 29, 1999 when the conventional politicians took over the reign of power from the military, it has shown that nothing fundamental has changed.
He lamented that since then, governance has continued to be for the interest of politicians as opposed to being for the people.
According to him, while the hardworking middle class were begging for a living wage, the politicians gave them a minimum wage of eighteen thousand naira per month less while their children were sent abroad to study.
He said, “the experience of the ordinary people since May 29, 1999 when the conventional politicians took over the reign of power from the military has shown that nothing fundamental has changed. Governance has continued to be for the interest of politicians as opposed to being for the people.
“Our people fought against military dictatorship not because they hated the military uniform but because they strove to enjoy political freedom and economic comfort. Unfortunately, they have not enjoyed either.
“The hardworking middle class were begging for a living wage but our politicians gave them a minimum wage of Naira Eighteen Thousand (N18,000.00) per month less than Five British Pounds.
“Whilst these middle -class children could barely afford three square meals, or pay school fees, the children of greedy politicians were flown abroad to study, organize birthday parties in Dubai and flew private jets and the latest cars in town. The police that was meant to protect every Nigerian were turned into private security firm to protect these politicians and the little that the ordinary Nigerian could salvage is forcefully taken by armed robbers and no police to protect them”.
He added that the the All Progressive Congress and the Peoples Democratic party should bow their heads in shame for hounding the COVID-19 palliatives meant for Nigerians.
“COVID 19 pandemic came and 86 Billion Naira earmarked for palliative went into private pockets, and we were told, in three days the money has been distributed, whereas, our wicked and greedy politicians were busy building warehouses and stock piling all the food stuffs and other items meant for the people in preparation for 2023 so that, during electioneering, these same items would be distributed as gifts by the politicians , who playing upon the intelligence of the people brought about by the poverty imposed on them would have no choice than to thank the thieves for their benevolence.
“The people were watching. The political elites failed to see the handwriting on the walls, that Nigeria was like a keg of gunpowder waiting to explode. The Nigerian political class forgot so soon the revolution in Sudan few years ago that took down President El Bashir from glory to grass, that he was dragged on the streets of Sudan and now cooling off in an underground cell that he once placed his political enemies”, he added.
While condemning the shootings on innocent #endSARS protesters at Lekki tollgate, he called for their immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved in the dastarded act.
October 25, 2020
CBN set to assess affected banks over looting
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is set to carry out an assessment of banks following a series of attacks unleashed on them by hoodlums last week.
A source at the apex bank, who was not mandated to speak, said: “We will make assessments over the weekend to see the extent of damage that banks suffered”.
He stated the CBN wants to be adequately informed of the extent of damages the banks suffered before taking any action.
According to the source: “Once we review the situation over the weekend we will know what to do”.
However, he pointed out the duty of the CBN is to regulate the banks while the banks “are the ones to assure their customers of the safety of their deposits”.
On Sunday, most banks in the Abuja metropolis manipulated their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) not to dispense cash.
A security guard at one of the new generation banks stated that the management manipulated the ATMs to prevent hoodlums from further damaging the machines while trying to steal cash.
Other than Jaiz bank in Central Area, which had only one ATM dispensing cash, no bank The Nation visited from Garki, Wuse, Central Area, parts of Asokoro and Gana Street on Maitama dispensed cash through their ATMs.
Adding some perspective to the development, Abdul Imoyo of Access Bank said though he was not in town to confirm if the management of the bank took that decision, his take was that the bank may have fixed the ATMs from dispensing cash to prevent its customers from being robbed by vandals.
According to him: “We have heard that these hoodlums lay in wait for customers make withdrawals from ATMs before robbing them of their money”.
“Robbing people who use ATMs may be the reason for manipulating the ATMs. It could be precautionary I don’t know. It is not peculiar to a particular bank”.
His bank, he said, “maybe staying on the side of caution, they don’t want to put people’s lives in danger”.
October 25, 2020