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#EndSARS: Kanu reveals 3 things Nigerian youths must do to achieve results after protest
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) and Director of Radio Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has reacted to the nationwide protest by youths to end Special Anti-Robbery Squad, (SARS).
Speaking on Tuesday, October 13 in a statement made available through IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, revealed ‘three ingredients’ the youths can adopt to achieve positive results in Nigeria.
He said, “EndSARS campaign is heading in the right direction. Only three ingredients are needed now.”
He alleged that the authorities that want SARS to stay may try to bribe and lobby for it to continue, but urged the agitators and their leadership not to compromise in the agitations to end the evil wind that found its way into the Nigeria Police in the name of checking armed robbery.
The IPOB leader said: “The leadership of various groups on the ground in the agitation making it a must to resist every attempt by ruling cabal to buy them over.
“They will throw money at the issue in the hope of buying people off the streets, but they must be resisted.
“Consistency is vital at this stage. Don’t allow mental fatigue to creep in. Momentum has a natural multiplier effect. With the momentum the movement becomes unstoppable.
“These three key ingredients will deliver victory. After this, things will no longer be the same in Nigeria. I salute your courage. History beckons,” Nnamdi Kanu added.
October 14, 2020
Pro SARS supporters attack #EndSARS protesters in Abuja
#ENDSARS protesters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on Wednesday were attacked by other groups against the campaign.
Several persons were injured and vehicles vandalised as the invasion of the new groups led to a clash at the popular Berger Roundabout in Abuja.
It was chaos as people scampered for safety and tried to defend themselves as the invading groups attacked the protesters with sticks and machetes, destroying vehicles and anything on their path.
The situation held up vehicular traffic and business activity across the nation’s capital.
Armed policemen and other security agents who were around could not contain the situation.
October 14, 2020
#EndSARS: Reform security sector by sacking service Chiefs — North East Elders to Buhari
North East elders have reiterated its call for removal of Service Chiefs to strengthen the war against terrorism and banditry.
The elders, under the aegis of Coalition of North East Elders for Peace and Development (CNEEPD), said the protests continued after scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) because of frustration occasioned by worsening insecurity in the country.
The group noted the disbandment of the unit was not the end to insecurity, insisting that “general restructuring of the sector starting with the removal of the Service Chiefs was the best way moving forward”.
They had kicked against the planned move by the Chief of Army Staff,Lt. General Tukur Buratai to launch a new operation Codenamed “Operation Fireball” to tackle insecurity in the North East., Daily Times gathered.
The elders, in a statement by its National Chairman, Engr Zana Goni, said the declaration by Buratai to launch the operation was diversionary, saying it was “new wine in an old bottle.”
“We read in the news the renewed pledge by the Chief of Army Staff,Lt. General Tukur Buratai to launch new operation to tackle the worsening insecurity in the North,particularly in the North East following increasing activities of Boko Haram elements in the region.
“The Chief of Army Staff,who was quoted in the news as saying the country was approaching its critical stage in the counterterrorism stage, had promised to launch a new operation which he called “Operation Fireball,” saying it was the final onslaught against Boko Haram insurgency,” the statement read.
According to them: “As a body of elders deeply rooted in peace advocacy in the country,particularly in the North, we see this plan as welcome development, given the worsening insecurity in our region. However,we wish to state that like many other pledges in the past,Buratai’s promise could be another way of getting President Muhammadu Buhari to back down on his plan to immediately restructure the security architecture which he fears would affect him.
“If President Muhammadu Buhari’s reasons for keeping the service chiefs whom he was supposed to have replaced due to overdue tenure, were because they were doing well in the fight against terrorism, neither the Senate nor Nigerians would be asking him to sack them.”
October 14, 2020
PDP Govs. Forum declares new Police Act unconstitutional
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has called for a repeal of sections of the Police Act recently accented to by President, Muhammadu Buhari citing constitutional breaches.
This was contained in a communique issued after a Zoom meeting held by the PDP governors.
The communique was signed by the Chairman of the forum, Aminu Tambuwal, who is also the governor of Sokoto State.
A copy of the communique was made available to reporters in Abuja, on Wednesday.
The governors among other things, implored the president and the National Assembly to repeal Section 4(1) of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2019 which “purportedly authorises the President to deduct 0.5% of the total revenue accruing to the Federation Account for the benefit of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund.”
According to the governors, the said deduction is patently unconstitutional.
The communiqué read in part, “The meeting noted the signing of the New Nigeria Police Act, 2020 by Mr. President, Commander in Chief.
“While acknowledging the many important innovations in the new law, the Forum emphasised the need to make the Nigeria Police Council, which has Mr. President as Chairman and 36 state Governors as members, fully operational and the clearing house on all issues bordering on the organisation and administration of the Nigeria Police Force as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
“The Forum further observed the discrepancies in S.12(2) and S.12(4) of the Act on the appropriate authority with responsibility to deploy Police Commissioners to the respective States. Whereas S.12(2) gives the responsibility to the Police Service Commission, S. 12(4) gives either the Police Service Commission or Inspector-General of Police the same responsibility.
“This is even more regrettable as the Constitution gives this responsibility to the Police Service Commission (S. 215) (1)(b). We advise that the constitutional provision be upheld.
“Furthermore, the Forum canvassed for appropriate consultations with the Governors of various States on the deployment of Police Commissioners to the States since the Police is a common institution that executes the laws of both the Federal and State governments.
“The Forum implored Mr. President and the National Assembly to repeal Section 4(1) of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2019 which purports to authorise the President to deduct 0.5 per cent of the total revenue accruing to the Federation Account for the benefit of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, as it is patently unconstitutional.
“The beneficiaries of the Federation Account are the Federal, States and Local Governments only. More creative funding options should be explored.”
The PDP governors also expressed concerns over the controversy surrounding the Water Resources Bill, 2020.
“Towards this end, the governors called for greater consultations just as they referred the document to the body of Attorney Generals of PDP controlled states to study and advise accordingly,” it added.
Governors who attended the zoom meeting include: Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Udom Emmanue (Akwa Ibom), Senator Bala Muhammad (Bauchi); and Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
Others are: Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (Oyo) and Bello Muhammad Matawalle (Zamfara).
October 14, 2020
NAFEST Technical Committee Visits Governor Lalong
Ahead of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) scheduled for November in Jos, Plateau State, Members of the Technical Committee for the event have visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Little Rayfield to assure him that the whole country is being mobilised for the festivity.
Leading the delegation to the Government House, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture Otunba Segun Runsewe praised Governor Lalong for approving the hosting of the event in the State.
He said NAFEST 2020 will be a historic event because Plateau State is the Home of Peace and Tourism and has a rich cultural history that has been at the centre of national development in many ways.
He said “Plateau State is an attraction to people within and outside Nigeria. By restoring peace to the State, you have increased the invitation for development and progress of the people. This is why tourism and culture can now be used as a tool for improving the economic fortunes of the people and showcasing the hospitality and beauty of Plateau. This we shall achieve by staging NAFEST”.
He commended the Governor showing leadership particularly resolving the date for the event which he said was an initial challenge. This he said has motivated about 5 states to begin jostling for hosting rights for the next edition.

Governor Lalong while responding said the State was honoured to host NAFEST 2020 because it will further confirm the peace and tranquility pervading the State which makes development possible.
He said “We have to promote our culture and heritage which is a great asset. If we do not market Nigeria, no one can market it for us. Our focus is to develop tourism and culture as another way of harnessing economic and social resources. This explains why it is difficult to leave Plateau when people come here”.
Lalong assured that the Government will expedite action on the completion of the Luka Bentu Indoor Theatre for the event while the airlines operating to Jos have been advised to make adequate arrangements for people attending the event.
The Governor also said that the State will ensure that everything is done in line with COVID-19 protocols even as the cases have dropped significantly in recent times due to the proactive approach adopted by the Government.
October 14, 2020
Ibibios back new states for Oros, Annangs from A’Ibom
By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Obong Patrick Udofia has said that the Ibibios would support the quest for new states by other ethnic nationalities from Akwa Ibom.
He has however advised that such agitation should not be done in a manner as to witch hunt other sections and breed bad blood among the ethnic nationalities in the state.
Udofia,who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Inter Socio Cultural Matters told newsmen yesterday in Uyo that the creation of more states from the present Akwa Ibom would be welcomed as it would bring more development and bring the government closer to the people.
“We are not against having more states from Akwa Ibom provided it will not be planned to witch-hunt each other and bring bad blood amongst us. So if there is capacity and capability among any and they meet the criteria, good luck.
“It will be in our best interest because instead of getting one allocation we can now get two or three. Look at Igboland, from the former East Central state you now have all these five states and they are still themselves.
“So it is fine with us the Ibibios provided it will not be used against people, for instance if I have a property in Annangland and not from there and you now say I will go just like our sister in Cross River who was denied the Chief Judge position just because she is not originally from Cross River despite been married to someone from there.So there should be no discrimination in that line.” He explained.
On the outcry against illegal mining of gold in Zamfara state, the President decried such practice and asked the Federal Government to call those involved to order.
“There is nothing wrong in mining but let them do it legally. If the FG said that mining should be done and marketed, fine but if you go and do it through the back door it is not good.
“But that is not the only place because there are so many mineral resources that people are mining illegally and arranging themselves. But here it is unthinkable for you to go and start exploiting oil.” He said.
On restructuring, he observed that poverty remained the only impediment against its realization adding that the government of the day has capitalized on the poor masses suppressed voices.
He said that once Nigerians are able to overcome their physiological needs such as hunger, they would have the boldness to maintain a strong standpoint on restructuring the nation.
” Restructuring becomes difficult because of hunger. Some of us can not afford to say no to authorities because they are affraid of being kick out from the system . But if you worth your onions , you would know that without the system ,you can still be yourself by sending your children to school , eat your food and say no it must be this way if not count me out of your arrangements.” He explained.
He described the economic policies of Governor Udom Emmanuel as suitable for the present economic realities of the state saying that his industrialization agenda is beginning to open the state to international investment.
On challenges of leading the 34,000 member union, Udofia said MMI has been structured to discipline erring members while a leadership succession plan that discourage in- fighting has been entrenched in the union.
“Here we have Governors, Generals, Bishops, commissioners and other influential people but in the history of the 34 year old union, none have been found wanting because we have structures in place to check any excesses and people conform to our laid down rules.” He said.
October 14, 2020
Sokoto Government Construct N1.700b Sports Arena, Indoor Hall
By Muhammad Goronyo,Sokoto
Addressing Journalists in Sokoto led by the state NUJ chairman, Comrade Isah Abubakar Shuni,the managing Director Qualitrends GS company handling the multi million naira modern sports arena and indoor hall,Architect Usman Bajini said the general concepts behind sports arena is to establish sporting centre that will accommodate all the indoor sporting activities such as hockey, squash, badminton, lawn tennis and what have you.
He further explained that the external sporting arena along the line is designed to accommodate 5,000 sitting capacity with additional 6,000 flexible sitting capacity.
“It can accommodate not only sporting activities, is like eagle square that can take crowded events.
” We are in political dispensation, government usually evolve ideas, so anytime it decide to metamorphose into modern, golden, standard stadium”.
He said the audience canopy is segregated from the VIP stand designed to have space from physical crowd adding that two entrances for exit and entrance are designed for safety reasons.
“The contract cost for two projects, sports arena and indoor hall will gulf N1.700b, N1.250b while indoor hall will consume N450m with a completion period of one year”.
Representative of the state government from the state Ministry of Works said he was satisfied with the quality of work and the speed with which the work is going.
October 14, 2020
#EndSARS protesters shut Lekki toll gate again, despite heavy dowpour
EndSARS protesters on Wednesday remained adamant, laying siege on the Lekki toll gate along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
They stormed the Lekki Toll Gate section of the Lekki-Epe Expressway despite heavy downpours.
They grounded vehicular traffic along the expressway, chanting “End SARS, END SWAT”, ” End Police Brutality”
Several residents plying the toll gate were forced to return home because of the gridlock.
October 14, 2020
BREAKING: #ENDSARS protesters block Berger roundabout in Abuja
Despite the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday the #EndSARS protest continued in Abuja on Wednesday.
The protesters used vehicles to block motorists at Berger roundabout in Abuja chanting ‘end police brutality’.
This paralysed vehicular traffic in the area as impatient motorists made U-turn to avoid getting caught up in the resultant gridlock.
The protesters were seen stationed at Berger in large number.
Details shortly…
October 14, 2020
#EndSARS: UN Coordinator In Nigeria Calls For Peace
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has sued for peace amid the agitation and protest by Nigerians demanding an end to police brutality and extortion by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Kallon in a post on his official Twitter page said the decision of the Nigerian government to reform the police is welcomed and the youths should remain peaceful as the process of reforming the police may take time.
“I have followed the developments regarding #EndSARS movement. Government’s commitment to dismantle the outfit & reform the @PoliceNG is welcome. The process may take time. I appeal to the youth to remain peaceful. The @UN is committed to supporting Nigeria’s continued stability,” he tweeted.
I have followed the developments regarding #EndSARS movement. Government’s commitment to dismantle the outfit & reform the @PoliceNG is welcome. The process may take time. I appeal to the youth to remain peaceful. The @UN is committed to supporting Nigeria’s continued stability.
October 14, 2020