Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Sunday 8th December 2019
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 08/12/19
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DSS Spokesperson Lied, Operatives Invaded Court To Rearrest Sowore
Against naked lies told by spokesperson for the Department of State Services on Saturday that operatives of the agency did not invade the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday to rearrest pro-democracy campaigner and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, SaharaReporters has released a footage showing how officials of the secret police recklessly displayed force while storming the place.
The scenes captured grossly contradicts the position of the DSS, who tried to turn the facts on its head in a statement on Saturday.
VIDEO: The scenes captured grossly contradicts the position of the DSS, who tried to turn the facts on its head in a statement on Saturday.The agency is yet to give a concrete reason for its rearrest of Sowore. #FreeSoworeNow pic.twitter.com/EEAOIc6SEA— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) December 7, 2019
The agency is yet to give a concrete reason for its rearrest of Sowore.
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BREAKING: Heavily-armed DSS Operatives Chase Falana As He Drives Sowore, Bakare Out Of Court Premises
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BREAKING: DSS Denies Invasion Of Court To Rearrest Sowore
The Department of State Services has denied that its operatives invaded the Federal High Court, Abuja, and disrupted proceedings in an attempt to rearrest pro-democracy campaigner and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, on Friday. In a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, on Saturday, the DSS claimed that its personnel were never involved in the incident.
Afunanya said, “Our personnel were never, at any time, involved in the incident.
“In actual fact, it was his people who seized him.”
Recall that DSS operatives Invaded the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, disrupting proceedings and chasing away presiding judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, and forcefully taking Sowore away less than 24 hours after he was finally released on bail after two previous court orders.
The journalist was standing trial in a case brought against him by the government when the incident happened.
The action of DSS has been widely condemned across the world by prominent individuals and groups, with many calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to do the right thing by calling the agency to order.
Speaking on the missing Olawale Bakare, the DSS said only Sowore was rearrested, adding that they were not interested in Bakare.
Sowore was initially arrested on August 3 for calling on Nigerians to pour out to the streets in peaceful demonstrations to demand a better country from the administration of Buhari.
The journalist is accused of insulting President Buhari and planning to bring down his regime.
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E2%80%99s-rearrest-dss Prominent Nigerians Condemn Sowore’s Rearrest By DSS
Over 24-hours after operatives of the Department of State Services forcefully rearrested pro-democracy campaigner and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, Nigerians of all social standing have continued to condemn the action.
Sowore had arrived the Federal High Court, Abuja, early to stand trial in the case brought against him by the Nigerian Government accusing him of insulting President Muhammadu Buhari and planning to bring down his regime.
Midway through at the court’s proceeding, heavily-armed DSS operatives abruptly disrupted the session, forcing presiding judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, to run for safety.
After an unsuccessful move to leave the court premises, Femi Falana (SAN), volunteered to drive the journalist to the headquarters of the DSS where he has remained detained.
Leading the voices condemning the act, Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, likened the actions of the DSS to wild dogs.
He said, “I watched the video of a pack of the DSS bring down and fight over their unarmed, totally defenceless quarry within the sanctuary of a court of law. I found little or no difference between the two scenarios, except that the former, the wild dogs, exhibited more civilised table manners than the DSS in court manners.”
Also, former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, described the act as a desecration of the judiciary, adding that the action of the DSS operatives was strange to the constitution.
She said, “Let it also be known by Buhari that the cruel, unreasonable or arbitrary use of the power he wields today as Nigeria’s President is alien to our Nigerian constitution and international law.
“As supervisor of the State Security Service, I demand that the President instructs the DG to immediately comply with the court order. Release Sowore immediately.”
Legal experts have also bemoaned the display of illegalities and lawlessness by the secret agency.
Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro (SAN), said that the government that disobeys court orders erodes its moral authority to enforce orders.
He said, “Actually going into a courtroom to effect an arrest, that is horrible, it should not be spoken of that any agency of government has done something like that.
“I believe that the Nigerian nation deserves an apology from the DSS for what they had done in court.
“It is not only a disgrace to the agency that did it, but also actually an embarrassment to us as a nation.”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun Adegboruwa, said the court needs to take urgent steps to protect judges and courts from further invasion, adding that the government must ensure that the DSS was made to account for their actions.
He said, “In any state where there is glaring disobedience of order of court or brazen infraction of the constitution, the AG of that state should be referred to the LPDC.
“Unless we act swiftly and urgently now, there seems to be more ahead in the coming days.”
Similarly, human rights activists and celebrities across the country have asked for the immediate release of Sowore and suspension of DSS boss, Yusuf Bichi.
Music artiste, Davido, said, “Justice slowly becoming a thing of the past in our dear country.
“A kid somewhere in Nigeria dreaming of becoming a lawyer and bettering the community would see this and start having doubts. Just sad.”
Ahmad Salkida is his submission, tweeted, “The actions of the DSS further underlines the accusations of official thuggery against hapless citizens as declared recently by #WoleSoyinka.
“The Buhari government is intolerant of the same type of activism that brought them to power. This is a dark day for democracy. #FreeSowore.”
Comrade Deji Adeyanju stated that, “We are not afraid of the tyrant; we are not afraid of cowardly DSS; we are not afraid of the cabal.
“They cannot make us live in fear in a democracy. We will never bow to tyranny and their threats. #FreeSoworeNow.”
On his part, JJ. Omojuwa tweeted, “Forget your political affiliation, what happened to Sowore is an attack on your freedom and dignity as a Nigerian citizen.
“It should never happen. It is a disgrace on the Nigerian Government and it should never be allowed to stand.”
Toke Makinwa while commenting on the issue, said, “Your neighbour is being robbed and you turn off your lights and go to sleep because your house is safe, you forget that the neighbourhood is under attack.
“This concerns all of us regardless of who’s side you are on. We are all not invincible, what happens when they eventually come for you?
“God have mercy on Nigeria. #Freesoworenow.”
Senior Pastor of Daystar Church, Sam Adeyemi, also condemned the rearrest of Sowore.
He said, “Watching the video of the rearrest of Mr Sowore right inside a court of law is saddening.
“People expect their leaders to model the right behaviour. When those that should enforce the law break it, it weakens everyone’s resolve. We must do better to build our democracy.”
Timi Dakolo, popular musician tweeted, “This Sowore matter concern us all. If we are not safe inside a courtroom, I wonder where is a safe place for us as Nigerians.
“Today it is Sowore, tomorrow it might me or you or someone close to you. It should concern you. #FreeSoworeNow.”
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Brazen Invasion Of Court By DSS And Lagos State Task Force: Suggestions For The Bar By Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa
I commend the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association for its prompt response to the court invasion by the DSS. The statement issued is very encouraging and timely indeed. That is what is expected, given that the main objective of the NBA is to promote the rule of law.
I suggest the following further steps: 1. A meeting with the CJN and AGF to consult on possible steps to be taken to protect judges and the courts from further invasion. As it was happening in Abuja, so also was it happening in the Federal High Court in Lagos where it was reported that members of the Lagos State Environmental Task Force stormed the court and even stabbed an officer of the court.
The purpose of this meeting is to secure the courts with a functional police post as is done in the National Assembly and even houses of assembly of the states.
2. To ensure that the DSS is made to account for the events of December 6, 2019.
3. To also meet with the leadership of the National Assembly, the committees on judiciary and human rights and law enforcement with a view to getting the DSS to be brought to book.
4. To demand the immediate disengagement of the present leadership of the DSS and all its officers involved in the invasion.
5. To meet with the AG of Lagos State to unravel the invasion of Lagos court and bring those involved to book.
6. To visit CJ of Federal High Court and Hon Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu for solidarity and consultations.
Henceforth, let the NBA get its members involved in any government to be held accountable for any breach of the rule of law by the government and its officers and agencies.
In any state where there is glaring disobedience of the order of court or brazen infraction of the constitution, the AG of that state should be referred to the LPDC and if he’s a SAN, also to the LPPC.
The same should happen to the AGF when it involves the Federal Government and its agencies.
Then the counsel involved in such cases for the government should be held accountable by the NBA and the bar generally and be suspended forthwith.
Unless we act swiftly and urgently now, there seems to be more ahead in the coming days.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Senior Advocate of Nigeria
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Omoyele Sowore’s Abduction And Implications Of Doing Business In Nigeria By Ayo Moses Ogedengbe
There are too many civilised “nonentities” in Nigeria that think that they are trendy and classy just because they don’t comment on national developments.
I understand if you are satisfied with your salary, three bedroom flat and used SUV and as a result have no dreams for the country of your birth.
I personally have a dream for Nigeria and so does many other citizens like Omoyele Sowore, who are frustrated and opinionated.
To seek a revolution without carrying fire arms or taking steps to overthrow government is not and can never be a crime.
To seek to raise the consciousness of the citizens by asking them to demand change is never a crime.
That is why democracy as a system of government is defined as “government of the people, by the people and for the people” and not government of tyranny, by a tyrant and for the slaves.
If protesting and calling the protest #RevolutionNow were a crime, the courts should have been able to convict Omoyele Sowore after keeping him for over 120 days.
So, please note that your abstinence and silence from national issues of injustices, corruption and poor public services delivery does not make you a better person.
You are just myopic and damn too selfish.
You see, I am writing this piece because someone said to me that I should leave Sowore’s matter alone and face my business on WhatsApp and I laughed.
He will be reading this post so I have decided to grant him the anonymous identity as his view remain myopic in my own opinion.
For you, who is reading now, be reminded that the idea around the statement when you are told to “mind your business” is not just to sell your products and services.
It is also to show interest in your country and speak out against injustices and the violation of the social contract, at least, on a need to say basis.
If your country becomes a banana republic where people are kidnapped in the courts of law in broad day light, what will happen to your business and your plans to partner with global brands?
Every serious business generates an annual report at the end of each year that includes taking a look at the technological, political, social and economic environment in which it operates.
This skill of environmental scanning, which is necessary for writing such a report is primarily the duty of a sound public relations practitioner, who has the knowledge, skill and attitude to research happenings and developments in the society and report same to management and leadership of the organisation or the client he serves for effective planning purposes.
Yes, this helps for planning and carrying stakeholders along in business projections and the possible benefits of occurrences in the business environment as well as the possible dangers ahead for a free market economy.
It is not “tush” or “classy” to operate like you are immune from the developments in the environment in which you operate and live.
For instance, based on the poor medical services in the country today, if anybody at all gets involved in a minor accident or contracts a minor disease that should be otherwise curable and manageable where effective and efficient medical services exist, such may result into the death of the victim.
As impunity becomes a culture reminiscent of 1984, let me state very clearly that a genuine foreign investor will definitely be scared of coming to do business in Nigeria knowing full well that if a well-respected citizen and prominent leader like Omoyele Sowore can be abducted in the law courts, anything can sure happen to him or her as well as his or her investments.
If you add this to the myriad of unsolved criminal cases of fraud, kidnapping, terrorist bombing and the absence of efficient and effective public services, how exactly do you expect a young millionaire in Monaco, who sees opportunities for long-term investment in Nigeria to so want to?
So, when you think that keeping quiet is a matter of sophistry and status symbol, I beg to disagree.
How exactly is it a matter of class or civilisation to keep quiet in the face of injustice?
One of the greatest dangers for any business is the violation of the rule of law and the principles of justice, equality and the right to be heard.
Businesses thrive best where the rule of law is respected and the justice system is well established to serve the general public without fear or favour.
For the avoidance of doubt, here are the few things among many others that a businessman or woman thinks about before investing outside his country of birth:
1. Political stability, personal and property rights.
2. Labour skills.
3. Tax rates.
4. Transport and infrastructure.
5. Size of economy and potential for growth.
Without disregard for number 2 to 4, let me say very clearly that no businessman will leave his country in pursuit of profit if the other four items on the list are guaranteed where the first on the list isn’t.
The very first item on the list touches directly on the gross injustices against Omoyele Sowore and his supporters and clearly sends a sharp message of disregard for the rule of law and the issue of personal and property tights.
Therefore, I think that the government should look into this matter and think of us businessmen, who are trying to partner other companies with greater capacities for partnership and the clear purpose of creating wealth as well as employment opportunities for the over 30 million young Nigerian roaming the country aimlessly.
Ayo Moses Ogedengbe is a Branding and Public Relations Strategist
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German Preacher, Reinhard Bonnke, Dies At 79
Renowned German evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke, has died at the age of 79.
In a statement by his wife, Anni Bonnke, the sad incident was revealed on Saturday.
Anni said, “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is with sorrow that the Bonnke family would like to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Reinhard Bonnke.
“He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 7, 2019.
“For the past 60 years, he has preached the glorious gospel of Jesus throughout the entire world.
“We want to thank you on behalf of him and our family for your kind love and unwavering support, which enabled him to preach the matchless message of salvation to countless people. He preached Jesus.”
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Lagos Magistrate Court Disconnected Over N1.9m Debt
The building housing Lagos Magistrate Court in Ikeja has been disconnected over a debt of N1.9m.
According to sources, who spoke with PUNCH, this is the second time the institution had been taken off the electricity grid this year.
“They have their own dedicated transformer with a meter and it is whatever we read from the meter that we use to bill them.
“They owe about N1.9m. They owed for the months of August and September and they quickly paid for September bill. That was after they were disconnected,” an official of Ikeja Electricity Distribution said.
“They have not paid for October and November bills and we have to disconnect them again. They are not supposed to owe at all because they are maximal customers.
“It is embarrassing that an institution like court was disconnected on the account of not paying electricity bills.
“The court has been disconnected since Tuesday and I have no idea when it will be reconnected.”
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E2%80%99s-reaarrest NBA Bwari Branch Urges National Assembly To Investigate Sowore’s Reaarrest
The Nigerian Bar Association, Bwari Branch, has called on the National Assembly to investigate the manner in which the Department for State Services attempted to rearrest Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare in the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Bwari, Ahmed Tijani, in a statement said President Muhammadu Buhari’s time as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was spiralling into that of past African dictators.
The statement reads, “It is the constitutional imperative of the National Assembly to legislate for the peace and security of the nation.
“Where the rule of law is flouted, anarchy is the end means. Therefore, there is pressing need for a thorough investigation to be conducted by the legislative body into the action of DSS in this particular incident.
“Nigerians are waiting to see that justice is done in this case.”
While detailing series of actions carried out by the executive to undermine the judiciary, the NBA branch called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to condemn the DSS and all lawyers working in sync with the domestic intelligence arm of the country.
The statement added, “We therefore call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Tanko, to rise up to this occasion and speak truth to power even if he’s alone – but we assure the CJN that he won’t be alone on this matter. Nigerians and the world are solidly with him.
“We must speak up in unison to condemn this executive brigandage.”
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NHRC Calls For Arrest, Prosecution Of DSS Operatives Who Invaded Court
The National Human Rights Commission has called for the arrest and prosecution of all security operatives, who invaded and desecrated the hallowed chambers of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday for contempt.
The commission disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja while reacting to the conduct of Department of State Services operatives, who rearrested journalist, Omoyele Sowore, in the courtroom.
The statement said, “The National Human Rights Commission has watched with dismay the conduct of law enforcement officers in facie curie on Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“The commission directs all relevant agencies of government to arrest and try all law enforcement officers involved in the desecration of the hallowed chambers of the court Abuja for contempt of court.”
The commission reiterated the need for law enforcement officials to understand that to qualify as law enforcement agents, the must first of be law-abiding and not be above the law.
NHRC reminded the DSS that democracy was founded on the principle of separation of powers, which must be respected by law enforcement agents.
The statement added, “They should be tried and this should serve as a reminder to all law enforcement agents that they must obey the law in carrying out their law enforcement duties.
“They must enforce the law within the law.
“Impunity by law enforcement officials cannot be indulged in our democracy because impunity uproots the very foundation of our constitution and our democracy.”
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34 Dead, 101, 500 Displaced By Flood In Three States
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The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System has revealed that at least 34 people were killed by floods in Lagos, Yola and Niger states.
According to the tracking system, 101, 500 were also displaced by flood across different parts of Nigeria.
The report said, “Local media reported that six people died in floods in Lagos after a release of water from the Oyan Dam in Abeokuta in Ogun State.
“Rainstorms and flooding affected parts of Adamawa State from August, 2019, leaving seven people dead and dozens of houses damaged in the city of Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
“Continued heavy rain in September caused flooding in Niger State where 11 deaths were reported. The death toll has increased to 18.
“Also, in Adamawa State, about 40 villages are under water after flooding from the Benue River.
“More than 100,000 people are also affected by severe flooding across seven local government areas since 27 October, following torrential rainfall and overflow of water from the Niger and Benue rivers.
“Around 19,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Adamawa, while
“40,000 people were affected in Rann, Borno State.”
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