Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Friday 3rd January 2020
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 03/01/20
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JUST IN: Hundreds Flee Homes As Terrorists Attack Adamawa Community
Hundreds of residents fled their homes as suspected Boko Haram insurgents invaded Michika Town in Adamawa State on Thursday evening.
The insurgents stormed and attacked Michika and Bassa communities simultaneously.
A resident, Vandi Hosea, said they came around 6:00pm and shot sporadically for about two hours.He said, “They came and opened fire in many directions.
“There was confusion everywhere. We fled into bushes and many residents are on the mountain at the moment.”
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EXCLUSIVE: Shehu Sani Framed, Working On Getting Bail
Senator Shehu Sani, who was arrested and framed by the Economic and Financial Crimes, is currently seeking bail after he was accused of extortion, SaharaReporters can confirm.
Sani, a vocal critic of President Muhammadu Buhari, was arrested for allegedly extorting $20,000 from Sani Dauda, owner of ASD Motors.
SaharaReporters findings however, showed that the EFCC arrested the former senator before seeking out his accuser to prove his innocence.
A source familiar with the case said, “He is seeking bail at the moment.”
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BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Vocal Buhari Critic, Shehu Sani, Over Alleged Extortion
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Dauda had been asked by the anti-graft agency to prove his allegation against the senator.
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Nigerian, UK Groups Slam Facebook For Allowing Platform To Be Used For Child Trafficking After Sahara Reporters Story
Thousands of Cameroonian children who fled the fighting in their country’s English-speaking regions are taking refuge in Adagom community in south-central Nigeria, where some have been exploited by people looking to take advantage of their vulnerability
Thousands of Cameroonian children who fled the fighting in their country’s English-speaking regions are taking refuge in Adagom community in south-central Nigeria, where some have been exploited by people looking to take advantage of their vulnerability
Philip Obaji Jr.
The Africans Unite Against Child Abuse, United Kingdom, and Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Protection, Nigeria, have criticised Facebook following revelations that children, especially girls, were being trafficked from a refugee camp in Ogoja, Cross Rivers State, after being advertised for labour exploitation on the popular social networking platform.
The groups slammed Facebook for permitting child trafficking to take place on its service and also being slack to take action when such incidents happen.
In a joint statement, the non-profit organisations expressed dismay that it took Facebook 29 hours to suspend the account of the suspect, after investigative journalist, Philip Obaji Jnr, had reported the account in contravention of the company’s policies of responding to enquiries within 24 hours.
The report revealed details of a named person, who had used his Facebook page to advertise photos of Cameroonian girls fleeing the ongoing conflict in Southern Cameroon’s Anglophone region.
This conflict has so far displaced millions of people with several thousand staying in refugee camps across Southern Nigeria.
The NGOs were exceptionally concerned that despite this case being reported to Facebook, it took the online platform hours to take action, thereby putting the victims at further risk of harm.
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The Child Refugees ‘Sold’ Through Facebook
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In one of the Facebook posts cited, the person had uploaded an image of a girl he claimed was “intelligent, hardworking and about 17,” and asked persons “interested in hiring her as a maid to inbox me.”
The organisations recalled that this would not be the first time Facebook would be accused of enabling child trafficking on its platforms.
“In 2018, Facebook was severely criticised by NGOs in South Sudan and across the world that its site had been used for the auctioning of a child bride in the country.
“Human trafficking is a growing global problem with over 40 million people at risk, according to the International Labour Organisation.
“Nigeria is known as a source, transit and destination country for human trafficking victims with over one million trafficked each year, according to the Global Slavery Index.
“Human trafficking and slavery is illegal in most countries around the world, including Nigeria,” the NGOs said.
Debbie Ariyo, Chief Executive Officer of UK-based AFRUCA, an anti-child trafficking organisation, said, “It is concerning that social media platforms are increasingly being used by human traffickers to facilitate the sale of human beings, with little being done to address this. Social media platforms have become the 21st century slave markets. This has to stop.”
Betty Abah, Executive Director of CEE-HOPE Nigeria, stated that it appears Facebook has a discriminatory approach to addressing crimes against vulnerable children in Africa than other more advanced parts of the world.
“I do not believe Facebook would have failed to act if this was happening in a European country,” she added.
Both organisations urged the relevant government agencies in Nigeria to act to secure the well-being of refugee children in the country, and investigate the child trafficking allegations to ensure all perpetrators are brought to book.
They also called on Facebook to investigate the case as well as tighten its safeguard mechanisms to ensure that crimes such as human trafficking are completely eradicated on its platforms.
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Should Nigeria Remain As One Country? By Ayoola Babalola
There are two basic questions that must be answered by all of us Nigerians. One, do we want to remain as one country, Nigeria? Two, if the answer is yes, under what conditions?
Chief Bola Ige
Re-arranging my library for activities of the New Year, I stumbled on the book ‘Nigeria is negotiable’ by prominent journalist and essayist, Chido Onumah. I have previously read some essays in the book, I must say that this profound writer and essayist is one of kind with the way he captures the issues of the Nigerian community in politics, education and nation-building. He writes from the perspective of a neutral observer who is not an ordinary observer but a nation-builder, a progressive thinker and embodiment of intellectual gifting and of course a person of powerful oratory.
Away from the writer, the book has a beautifully designed cover with an inscription of the above question quote by late Attorney-General, Chief Bola Idowu Ige. The question is one that the Nigerian people has shifted the responsibility of answering to younger generations from decade to decade and as we begin a new decade, it is imperative that the Nigerian nation and society embarks on a quest to answer this question that is germane to our progress and collective development as individuals, nationalities and a ‘country’ if we decide to remain together.
The Northern and Southern Protectorates of the Niger area British colony were amalgamated in 1914 by the then Governor-General, Lord Fredrick Lugard. Although there are no publicly available information or documents about the amalgamation edict, that does not alienate us from reasonable questions such as who are the witnesses to the edict?, who signed on behalf of the north?, who signed on behalf of the South?, under what conditions were the agreement made? The absence of answers to this questions will undoubtedly make one conclude that it is either there were no Nigerians present at the amalgamation or maybe as the slaves they were taken to be, they had no right to be informed about a decision that will later affect their future and generational existence. This unproven fact continuously pose threats to the existence of this country and to the unity of her people. Realistically speaking, the nationalist of this country who agitated for our independence could not have been present as they were far too young to be considered entities in the decision making process of the British colonial government. As at the time of the amalgamation, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was only five years old, Azikwe was 10, and Tafawa Balewa was just two years old. They obviously could not have been present at the signing of the edict.
This unveils Nigeria as a British experiment created to ease governance and administrative duties of the then slave masters with no intention to fraction out or create an indissoluble state or national entity out of it. Although the trial was made, the idea started falling apart before independence and a little after regaining freedom from colonial masters. This idea of one nation Nigeria continues to fall apart by the day and many political actors of our current polity have left this question unanswered, myopically clinging to the statements of the ‘fraudulent constitution’ which so far has not successfully brought about peaceful co-existence and national integration.
Without mincing words, there is no peace in the land, there are no patriots who are genuinely concerned with the growth and development of our country without ulterior motives, everybody goes about his/her business with a sense of ethnical belonging and tribal bigotry other than true nationalistic values aimed at building integration with our brothers of different languages and this continually reminds the country of this profound question of whether we want to continue to live together as one country and under what conditions.
In recent times, those who have stood against secession are not necessary patriots and nationalists, most times, some of them are terribly corrupt people and or government officials who profit greatly from the forced marriage of Nigeria not minding whether the resources of the land directly profits the indigenous people of it or not. One the other hand, some other group who do not want a divorce are power drunk and ethic bigots amongst our sick northern brothers who thinks that Nigeria is a private enterprise handed over to them in 1960, they think that the South is a conquered territory and for this reason, they were born to rule and must remain in power for ever not minding the provisions of the constitution and the sanity of their opinions in a twenty first century world where people have the right to choose where they want to be and who will be their leader. Many of these uninformed opinions are the reason why we have deliberate weaponisation of poverty and illiteracy, state sponsored terrorism, unrest and disunity in the country.
Regardless of whatever anybody thinks, the Nigerian project has failed and is still failing. Although there are people who genuinely want to make Nigeria work for her own people, I think they are yet to come out from the disillusionment that the British plunged us into as a people. Nigeria cannot work under the unseen and unknown terms under which it was created by people who no longer exist in this century. A question of whether we should rethink our conditions of being together must be answered in no time to secure a place in the daily transforming African socio-economic polity and not to be left behind by the rest of the world.
Those who directly inherited Nigeria from the British colonial masters did not hope for long that Nigeria is a workable project. Although, the first prime minister is regarded as a nationalist, he was not optimistic about the future of Nigeria as an indissoluble entity. As a matter of fact, he clearly expressed his dislike for the people of the Igbo tribe which is unpatriotic for a national leader and also expressed his discontentment about what he referred to as just the British intention for the people.
Since 1914, the British Government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country, but the Nigerian people themselves are historically different in their backgrounds, in their religious beliefs and customs and do not show themselves any sign of willingness to unite. Nigerian unity is only a British intention for the country.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, 1949
Still speaking at the Northern House of Assembly in 1952, Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who later became the Prime Minister of Nigeria (1960–1966), dismissed the amalgamation of Nigeria by the British Government. He declared as follows: “The Southern people who are swarming into this region daily in large numbers are really intruders. We don’t want them and they are not welcome here in the North. Since the amalgamation in 1914, the British Government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country, but the Nigerian people are different in every way including religion, custom, language and aspiration. The fact that we’re all Africans might have misguided the British Government. We here in the North, take it that ‘Nigerian unity’ is not for us.”
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Northern House of Assembly, 1952
Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Western Region also wrote in 1947 what could be explained as not only a discontentment about the Nigeria structure but also an advocacy for a review of the constitution (the terms of which they were united) that unless Nigeria is re-wired through its laws, it may just be a definition of a territory and not a united people.
“If rapid political progress is to be made in Nigeria, it is high time we were realistic in tackling its constitutional problems.
“Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression. There are no ‘Nigerians‘ in the same sense as there are ‘English‘, ‘Welsh‘ or ‘French‘,” Chief Awolowo in his book, Pathway to Nigeria’s freedom, (P. 47-48), said.
Although, there is hardly a statement doubting the unity of Nigeria traceable to the prominent nationalist of the Eastern Region, Dr Nnamdi Azikwe, the Igbos of the modern day have continued to agitate for a republic of their own following the unacceptable marginalisation of their tribe and hate speeches and ethnic rivalry the North has consistently raised against them. Many incidents that we have experienced in the past years and the attitude of the government towards responding to them also points to the urgency needed in answering the question. For example, the sluggish approach to defending the people of the East and Middle-belt, their farmlands and their homes from the brutal invasion of the Fulani herdsmen of the North. The failed RUGA project, the unnecessary Sharia implementations, the proscription of the IPOB as a terrorist organisation even though the Fulani herders is the third deadliest in the world, one of the greatest threat to the unity of the forced-amalgamation in recent times, is the brutal and brutish barbarism of the Fulani herdsmen whose madness does not have rhyme or rhythm. All they know is to spread grief, anguish and dreadful pain wherever they choose to display their unbridled cruelty and impunity. All these points to one fact. Although obscure, the fact is that some people think they are more entitled to Nigeria than others. This set of people promotes the course of a tribe and ethnic above national interest and integrational development. This people will stop at nothing to achieve their dream of political supremacy and royalty even if the approach will cost lives, shed bloods and desecrate the constitution and peaceful co-existence of the country.
Let us assume that there were Nigerians present to sign the 1914 amalgamation edict, it’s been more than a hundred years and many of those who lived around that time if not all are dead and no longer available to witness the genocidal ambitions that the edict has sprout up. The agreement was informed by the surrounding circumstances and now, we have an entirely different situation, and according to a statement by former America President, Abraham Lincoln.
The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.
Abraham Lincoln
Our present occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion, we must think a new and act a new. If a forcefully united Nigeria worked 1914, the hazard it poses to the African people is obvious and unacceptable in 2020. Chief Tola Adeniyi said and I paraphrase; Peradventure any tribe or section of the internally re-colonised and oppressed contraption called Nigeria wishes to opt out of the yoked marriage, it should be allowed to go in peace. The inevitable breakup if we do not go confederate, should be allowed without undue and mindless bloodshed which invariably will result in the same breakup.
As we usher in a new decade, we must be aware that the societal development goals we may be building are mirages if we do not unequivocally spell out the conditions on which we want to be together as a people. The inhabitants of the geographical location called Nigeria must be allowed a referendum to decide on whether they want to remain as one country and if the answer is yes, they must also decide under which conditions they intend to do that.
Babalola wrote in via babalolaemmanuel16@gmail.com
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Minimum Wage: We’ve Begun Negotiation With Labour Union, Says Ondo Governor, Akeredolu
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has said that his government was committed to paying the N30, 000 minimum wage for civil servants in the state.
Akeredolu revealed that the process for payment of the new wage had already begun with some negotiations between the state government and organised labour unions.
He disclosed this on Thursday while speaking during a special prayer to mark the first working day of year 2020 in Akure, the state capital.
He said, “Organised labour and government have been having discussions and negotiations and we are fine-tuning our conclusions to ensure that we come up with most acceptable and sustainable salary structure considering the financial strength of the state.
“I wish to assure you that payment of the new wage would commence as soon as on-going discussion and negotiation are concluded.”
Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress in the state, Sunday-Adeleye Oluwole, confirmed the development in a statement.
He said, “Ondo State Government set up negotiation team in November last year, negotiation is ongoing but no agreement has been reached with government.”
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Four Persons Crushed To Death On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway By Truck
Four persons have lost their lives at Pipeline Junction, Ogere Remo axis of Ibadan-Lagos Expressway when a truck that had lost control crushed them to death on Thursday morning.
Spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the tragedy, revealing that it occurred around 4:30am.
He highlighted that the truck with registration number TKP 653 XA, which was loaded with yams, lost control.
He said the truck had 14 passengers, presumed to be owners of the products, sitting on the top of the yams when the accident occurred.
He stated, “The casualty was much because some of the passengers, who are also likely owners of the yam, were seating on the yam in the open space at the back. “Thus, when it lost control due to speeding and poor visibility, (they) fell by its side, with the yam and vehicle falling on them.” Akinbiyi said four of the passengers died on the spot while the injured were taken to Idera Hospital, Sagamu.
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Abuja-bound Train Attacked By Bandits In Kaduna
Bandits on Thursday attacked an Abuja-bound train near Katari Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Though the police were yet to confirm the attack, it was learnt that the windows of Coach SP12 attached to the train were shattered by bullets from the bandits’ shooting, a report by PUNCH said.
“Coach SP 12 attached to the train from Kaduna was shattered by gunshots,” a source, who’s also a passenger said.
“There was panic everywhere among passengers. It was something that nobody could explain at the moment but we are trusting in God that something be done by security operatives to curtail this unfortunate incident.”
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Mastermind Of Abuja Bank Robbery Arrested
The police in Abuja has arrested the mastermind of the foiled robbery of a first-generation bank in the Mpape area of Abuja last Saturday, a report by PUNCH said.
The suspect, a bartender identified as Ernest, was arrested at his hideout by police detectives and is presently being held at the command headquarters by old CBN building, Garki, Abuja.
The police had earlier arrested four suspects and gunned down the fourth member of the robbery gang identified as Patrick during the operation.
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BREAKING: Police, Army Prevent Armed Robbers From Escaping From Abuja Bank
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The FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, had on Tuesday paraded the gang members including a bank employee, Larry Ehizo, 30, Timothy Joe, 21, Princewill Obinna, 24 and Elijah David, 19.
Ehizo, who allegedly drove the gang members to the bank, claimed he was blackmailed by Ernest to carry out the heist.
Narrating how the failed heist was executed, David said Ehizo informed the gang members that the robbery would rake in N7m, noting that he assured them that only a few staff members would be at work on the day of the incident.
David further explained that the banker administered an oat of secrecy on him before they went for the robbery operation.
On entering the bank premises, the 19-year-old explained that they saw the policeman on duty sleeping, adding that they tied him with an old sponge and proceeded to the banking hall where they also tied other workers on duty.
He said, “Mr Larry told us that the job could fetch about N7m. After we entered the bank, we saw the MOPOL (riot policeman) on duty sleeping, so Obinna pointed a pistol at him and we tied him with an old sponge.
Mr Larry told us that he would keep the other door open for us.
“So, Larry and Obinna later went upstairs with pliers to disconnect the CCTV. On our way out, Larry suddenly shouted that the MOPOL had escaped, then I ran inside and all of them scattered. I didn’t know what to do. Then the police fired tear gas.”
David further said Ehizo attempted to implicate his colleague after they were arrested.
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Katsina Police Rescue Six Kidnapped Girls
Police in Katsina State say they have rescued six kidnapped girls and one crime suspect in two separate raids.
Spokesperson for the police in the state, Gambo Isah, told Channels TV that the force had responded to distress calls on both occasions.
Isah said the rescue took place in Batsari Local Government Area, while the arrest of the crime suspect happened at Faskari LGA.
He said, “Operation Puff Adder led by the DPO Batsari swiftly moved to the area and gave the hoodlums a hot chase into the forest and engaged them in a gun duel.
“Consequently, the bandits abandoned the victims and ran into the forest. And the team succeeded in rescuing a 16-year-old, Zahara’u Abdullahi, and five other young women all from Mata-Mulki Village under Batsari LGA.”
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E2%80%99s-unconditional-release Group Calls For Agba Jalingo’s Unconditional Release
The Oodua Youth Coalition has joined the call for the release of detained Nigerian journalist, Agba Jalingo.
Jalingo was arrested in August 2019 on the orders of Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State for demanding the whereabouts of N500m meant for the establishment of Cross River Micro-finance Bank.
He has remained in detention despite charges brought before him being bailable.
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We Voted For Change But It Backfired On Us, Says Agba Jalingo’s Wife
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In a statement on Thursday, OYC President, Oluyi Akuntayo, said he had watched closely the prosecution of Mr Jalingo and called on Governor Ayade to respect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which guarantees freedom of expression and fundamental human rights.
He said, “I pray that President Muhammadu Buhari allows the rule of law take its place in the continued detention of Agba Jalingo, the Calabar-based Nigerian journalist charged for treason by the Cross River State governor.
“This prisoner of conscience should be released without any stringent conditions attached to his freedom.”
Speaking further, Akuntayo called on government to improve security and other challenges facing the country.
He added, “Just days ago, the President met with security chiefs and I hope their discussions and briefs will provide lasting solutions to these seemingly endless insurgency, banditry, terrorism and tribal and ethnic violence rampaging Nigeria.”
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