Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Monday 19th October 2020
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 19/10/20
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E2%80%99t-send-soldiers-after-endsars-protesters-gani-adams-tells-president-buhari Don’t Send Soldiers After #EndSARS Protesters, Gani Adams Tells President Buhari
Gani Adams
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to use soldiers to forcefully stop the #EndSARS protests that had gripped more than 20 states in Nigeria.
On Saturday, the Nigerian Army announced plans to kick off ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ amid the ongoing protests.
Gani Adams
In a letter to President Buhari on Sunday, Adams said he could not imagine soldiers being sent to stop street protests, adding that the military was programmed to fight external aggression and not peaceful demonstators.
He added that using soldiers to quell protests by civilians had already been declared illegal by a Federal High Court in July 2020.
Adams said, “I can’t imagine soldiers being sent to stop protests. Soldiers are to fight external aggression. We are dealing with peaceful protesters. It is wrong to give the impression that Nigeria is at war with its citizens. We must do everything to promote and defend democratic culture.
“I condemn violence in all forms. I strongly condemn the actions of some security operatives that murdered the protesters. The list available to me shows 20 people have been killed across the country. I also condemn in the most profound manner the killing of any protester or the killing of any security official associated with the protests.
“The protests have been largely peaceful. The resort to violence by a section of the protesters is condemnable. It is uncalled for. Violence seeks veangace and creates wounds which scars never heal. Violence diminishes critical thinking, undermines democracy and destroys any noble intention of the protesters. It also questions the quality of those behind the protests. On the other hand, adoption of a violent response by the state should never be considered an option.
“I saw clips of the attack on the convoy of the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Gboyega Oyetola. This is detasteful. In the same way I condemn the violent attacks on the convoy of the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi. It’s unfortunate that the incidence in Osun led to avoidable deaths.
“The police should not just be reformed, it should be transformed. This is the time for you to work with the National Assembly to establish state and community policing system in line with the fundamental principles of federalism. You have a golden opportunity to do this. Go ahead and take the bull by the horn and save Nigeria from the potential of horrendous evil of a garrison state.”
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Bayelsa Government Shuts Down Schools Over Flooding
Duoye Diri
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has directed that all schools in the state be closed due to rising flood water that had taken over homes, schools and farmlands.
A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said the directive takes effect from Monday, October 19.
Governor Diri said the decision was taken to avert further danger to lives.
Duoye Diri
He gave the directive after leading a team on a visit to some of the flooded communities in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw local government areas on Saturday.
The governor, who lamented the devastating effect of the flooding on the people and communities, said his administration would not abandon them at their time of need.
He said, “Due to the devastating effect of the flooding that I have seen, I hereby direct the Commissioner for Education to immediately shut down all secondary and primary schools pending when the floods would abate. We do not want to lose lives and we do not want reptiles to cause injuries to our wards.
“Painfully, we have to take this decision because the schools were just resuming from COVID-19 closure and here we have another natural challenge arising from flooding.
“I will continue with this visit to empathise and sympathise with our brothers and sisters. Let me assure all of them that as a state we are with them.”
Diri called on federal agencies, particularly the National Emergency Management Agency to come to the aid of the government and people of the state.
Diri emphasised the need for a permanent solution to the annual flooding challenge, saying the people had suffered enough.
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#ENDSARS: Protesters Dare Military, Commence Camping Near CBN Headquarters In Abuja
Nigerian youth protesting against police brutality and rights violations on Sunday commenced camping near Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja.
The protesters also vowed not to be intimidated by the threat of the Nigerian Government to use soldiers to dislodge them from streets of major cities across the country.
The protesters vowed to block the Mararaba-Nyanya Highway and Airport Road ahead of Monday morning in continuation of the demonstration.
Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Sagir Musa, had on Saturday issued a statement on the plan to commence operation ‘Crocodile Smile VI’ from October 20 to December 31.
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#ENDSARS: Kill Protesters, Face International Criminal Court, Falana-led Coalition Tells Nigerian Army
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Tanker Drivers Barricade Yola-Jalingo Road Over Police Brutality
Angry tanker drivers have blocked the Yola-Jalingo Road to protest police brutality against a tanker driver.
The attack by police on the tanker driver allegedly occurred near Mayo Belwa town in Adamawa State.
This comes amidst nationwide protests by Nigerian youth against police brutality and bad governance.
PT
An eyewitness, Muhammad Ali, said the incident occurred when police officers from Karewa Area Command in Yola accosted the tanker driver, who was transferring fuel from his reserve tank to the main tank and demanded bribe.
“A tanker driver whose fuel got exhausted was trying to transfer fuel to the main tank from his reservoir.
“Some policemen from Karewa Area Command who are notorious for extorting motorists accosted the tanker driver and demanded bribe from him.
“When he failed to heed to their demand, they descended on him, beat him up to stupor and even tore his clothes. Onlookers had to intervene to rescue the man and rushed him to hospital,” he disclosed.
Another eyewitness, Sale Baba, said, “We are tired of the atrocities perpetrated by the police that is why this time we shutdown the highway to demand justice for our colleague who was brutalised for committing no crime.
“The situation is now causing serious tension as commuters plying the highway have become stranded for hours.
“The authorities should take stiff actions to ensure that the policemen are brought to justice as they constitute a threat to peace and security.”
Reacting, police spokesperson in the state, DSP Sulaiman Nguroje, said, “The situation is under control.
“The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adeyanju, has directed that the matter be investigated immediately.”
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Lagos Residents Ask Governor Sanwo-Olu To Disband Egbeyemi-led Task Force Over Extortion, Brutality
Olayinka Egbeyemi
Some Lagos residents have asked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to disband the ‘vicious and monstrous’ Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force led by Olayinka Egbeyemi.
Those, who spoke with SaharaReporters, said like the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad, operatives of the task force extort hapless citizens with impunity and in most cases forcefully hijack vehicles from alleged traffic offenders in a most debased manner.
“If you don’t cooperate, they are quick to shoot and also brag that nothing will happen,” one vehicle owner said.
Olayinka Egbeyemi
The people alleged that Egbeyemi’s operatives were daily nightmares to Lagos motorists.
They asked Sanwo-Olu to show leadership by immediately dismantling the task force and replace Egbeyemi with a professional.
In a viral video, one of the operatives of the task force was caught after he shot dead a peaceful #EndSARS protester.
“They are laws unto themselves. The vicious and monstrous Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force led by Olayinka Egbeyemi is another monster like the disbanded SARS.
“They operate with impunity, arrest motorists indiscriminately mostly without any offence just to extort. They are armed to the teeth and often threaten with guns and knife under the directive of the recalcitrant commandant, Egbeyemi.
“They are quick to hijack steering from alleged traffic offenders and chase the owner while they drive away the offender’s vehicle without allowing the victim to pick any of his personal effects. You dare not try to film the harassment and intimidation. You might not live to tell the story. They are that deadly. Lagos Task Force is the twin brother of the dreaded SARS.
“They have chased many to their early graves while trying to extort. This must end! Egbeyemi and his gang rakes in millions of naira from largely innocent Lagos motorists. His Bolade-Oshodi office is a cesspit of fraud. He has his syndicate on alert and their operation is seamless.
“Fines ranges from N20,000 to N50,000 depending on the offence they slammed on motorists. The syndicate collects these monies without issuing state government treasury receipts. Save for the release order paper bearing a stamp from Egbeyemi’s office. The monies are diverted into private pockets.
“To cover their dirty fraud, the release order paper is retrieved at their yard in Alausa before vehicles are released. Then, the thieving gang in Alausa will collect additional N1,000 as ‘security fee’. Findings reveal that no fewer than 500 vehicles are daily clamped down by the daredevil Egbeyemi’s goons and they are extorted with impunity,” another resident said.
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#EndSARS: What Next On The Youth Movement? By Gidado Shuaib
Beyond #EndSARS protests, I see the ongoing mass action against the brutality of the Nigeria Police Force’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad as a social movement which can hardly be subdued by force. The movement which was initially started on Twitter by Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink, saw its recent resurgence after a video started trending on Twitter showing a SARS police officer shooting a young Nigerian in front of a hotel In Ughelli, Delta State.
Soon after, #EndSARS began trending globally, triggering a mass action engineered by the youth. The video was an eye-opener for most Nigerians that the brutality and inhuman treatments by security operatives could no longer be condoned; else the country could plunge into a human rights crisis.
While the Federal Government has granted most of the demands including disbanding SARS Unit of the police, the protesters have sustained their agitation against worsening insecurity in the country.
Celebrities including CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey; US Rapper, Kanye West; Canadian Singer, Drake; former professional footballer, Rio Ferdinand, and “Star Wars” actor John Boyega have joined a growing list of international stars showing solidarity support to the #EndSARS protests.
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Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests resonated with the demands by the Black Lives Matter agitators in faraway United States. At their center, the movements convey a similar message: A nation that permits state security operatives to manhandle innocent citizens without any potential repercussions is not a mature democracy. And, as in the United States, this is not the first time Nigerians have risen up against police brutality.
As the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. Thus, many Nigerians have had cause to share their ordeals in the hands of notorious security operatives. I had a similar experience in October 2019 when some policemen arrested a Lagos-based professional webmaster, Mr. Adebowale Adekoya, who manages our websites.
From Lagos with armed policemen, he was taken to Kwara State, before bringing him to Abuja to effect my arrest over an investigative article published on one of our media platforms, The News Digest. The article was written by an award-winning campus journalist, Alfred Olufemi, a year before the arrest.
Meanwhile, the webmaster who was not involved in the said investigative report, spent a week at the police detention facility. I was also picked up in Abuja, detained and driven to Kwara State in a cruelling experience. Much later, we came to know that a prominent political figure was behind our ordeal. The case is however still in the court. This was only a tip of the iceberg of the cruelty many Nigerians have been subjected to in the hands of security personnel.
The administration of President Buhari is attempting to muffle End SARS protests which have already gripped the country like a wildfire, in a similar way that the previous administration of President Goodluck Jonathan failed to subdue the Occupy Nigeria campaign in 2012.
The #EndSARS protests have been calling for an end to police brutality and oppression resulting in the banning of the F-SARS, the Occupy Nigeria socio-political protest movement of 2012 was in response to fuel subsidy removal, alongside all the corruption endemic in the country’s petroleum industry.
Most protests and movements in Nigeria have been geared towards entrenching the rule of law, good governance, transparency and accountability, equity and justice. Thus, I see #EndSARS as a movement that is bound to yield a far-reaching result for Nigerian youths.
While emphasising on the need for the youths to continue to speak up against the ills in society, it is necessary to acknowledge the fact that the government has so far paid attention to our grievances.
As a young Nigerian, I am very proud of the gallantry displayed by the youths in this movement. The accomplishments are unprecedented which now require tactical and foresight in moving forward.
At this stage, we should consider a meeting of youth representatives with the government and other critical stakeholders since the authority has demonstrated ready acquiesces to our demands.
At this moment, when the movement has no recognised leadership, it is necessary that a structure be put in place immediately to select charismatic representatives who should articulate and present areas of grievances to the government.
Since the government has granted some of the demands, we need to explore this right opportunity for constructive engagements on other issues including unemployment, education crisis, gender imbalance, and inequality, especially in youth participation in governance among others.
While we continue to mourn young Nigerians who lost their lives to dreaded police officers such as Kazeem Tiamiyu, Tina Ezekwe, Chibuike Daniel Ikeaguchi, Kolade Johnson, Mus’ab Sammani and so on, I appeal to the Nigerian government to provide compensation to the families of this young people. Though, a lost life cannot be brought back, but it will go a long way in providing succour to their families in this hard time.
The only way we can heave a sigh of relief and shout Eureka is when the government, and not the police hierarchy, resolves to offer us what the #EndSARS campaign truly signifies. That is: a comprehensive reform in policing in the country, which must trickle down to the education sector and the nation’s ailing economy. This must be done in tandem with the general security reform that will arrest the spate of insecurity in the country.
Gidado Yushau Shuaib is the Editor of Youths Digest and The News Digest. He wrote in via giddyshuaib@gmail.com
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#EndSARS Protest Beyond Police Brutality, IYC Says, Demands End To Impunity
The Ijaw Youth Council has said that the ongoing nationwide protest on EndSARS was a metaphor for a structured Nigeria and not just an end to police brutality.
The IYC through its spokesperson, Ebilade Ekerefe, commended the undying spirit of the Nigerian youth to ensuring that the country was habitable for all and appealed to them to stay focused on the course and not derail no matter the provocations by retrogressive forces.
He said, “Ijaw Youth Council are very much concerned over the ongoing nationwide EndSARS protests and we are monitoring the unfolding events as a region and will take appropriate action in days to come.
“For us in the IYC, the EndSARS protest is a metaphor for a restructured and reorganised Nigeria and there is no better time than now.
“Now is the time to bring back the 2014 National CONFAB Report for its full implementation in the interest of peace, unity and political stability in the country.
“This is not the time to joke with things that matters. President Muhammadu Buhari has an opportunity to making history, an history that will consume us or an history that will reposition the country for excellence and become a statesman after power.
“This nationwide protest is coming at a time the people of the Niger Delta are been provoked with the sale of N5bn gold bar to the CBN by the Zamfara State Government when the people of the Niger Delta has no access or control to our oil and gas mineral resources. Our ecosystem upon which our livelihood depends on is completely destroyed as a result of oil spillage and gas flaring which has greatly affected the life expectancy rate of our people, yet the government don’t care.
“Sadly, instead of addressing this challenges by reviewing the obnoxious laws which has rendered us incapacitated, the Federal Government is rather making further attempts to forcefully take over our waterways through the obnoxious water resource bill just like they did with the land use act. We’ve resisted it and we shall continue to resist it.
“However, it gladdens our heart that the so called lazy youth have risen up to challenge the status-quo which has made us live like animals in our country. In the days ahead, the Ijaw Youth Council in consultation with critical leaders from the region will decide the best course of action as we match towards a well organized and well structured country.”
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Nigerian Politics And Extinction Of Godfatherism By Alabidun Shuaib Abdulrahman
Globally, politics is dynamic, they say. But it seems it is more dynamical in Nigeria, considering the sequence of political happenings since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
The tempo of playing politics of godfatherism, in recent times, especially by political elites and those who are opportuned to be at decision making helms for the country, is ‘fast and furious’.
Known as Africa’s largest economy and battling for stability in its diversity, Nigeria has had a fair share of being described as a nation not living its full its potential, and its brand of politics riddled by godfatherism has been identified as a cause.
Unlike in saner climes where godfathers are more concerned to regulate public policies in favour of the citizens, Nigerian politicians have proven to be after how they can appropriate government’s contracts, political-cum-public appointments and plundering the coffers of the state. Politics in Nigeria has also been made very expensive beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.
The economic pressure put on people in the name of godfatherism is overwhelming, even as its effect on good leadership is another worry for many. In many countries where godfatherism is not practiced, politicians emerge and put the people’s interest first.
Often times, in our country, puppets are being put forward by godfathers to vie for political office, in order to feather their nest and build political empires at the expense of the people. This, no doubt, stalls national development and growth.
Meanwhile, sometimes, it does lead to dirty squambles and bitter politicking between the godfathers and godsons. The refusal of a godson to listen to his godfather has always led to bad administration, this can be seen in the case of Godwin Obaseki and Adams Oshiomole of Edo State.
Before the Edo State gubernatorial election that was conducted in September, there were debates about the effect of its outcome on godfatherism.
The build-up to the election was painted with lots of arguments on who will emerge winner. This came especially after Adams Oshiomole, the immediate past National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who is also a former governor of the state clearly supported another candidate other than the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, who he did all possibilities to install against all political odds to be his successor in the year 2016. All was well then. The relationship was sweet, not until recent when it becomes sour. They fell out with one another and became political adversaries.
It all become tug of war and banter competition but at the end, the voice of the citizens prevailed. Obaseki was voted in again. The beginning of a new era was established.
Like it was witnessed in Edo, the waves against godfatherism have swept many acclaimed lord of politics of their dominance and left them with nothing. Many become completely irrelevant, while some are still holding to the last stroke for survival.
Earlier in 2019, in Kwara State, the reign of godfatherism that spanned for like four decades was ended through an inspired political revolution called O to ge (Enough is enough). The Saraki dynasty which was established by Dr. Sola Saraki held sway for a very long time. A mere picture of Saraki in any poster was a sure bet to emerge, not minding the candidate’s competence, eligibility, level of education among other needed criteria.
It continued till his demise in 2012, and was sustained by the czar of the dynasty, the immediate past Senate President of Nigeria, Bukola Saraki. Unfortunately, Bukola Saraki lost his reelection as a senator and all his sponsored candidates for various political offices lost unprecedentedly too. The defeat, indeed, was historical which led to political oblivion of the dynasty.
Also, in Oyo State, the election that ushered in the incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde has proven that when the people stand against something, godfatherism cannot stop them. Before, it has always been Adedibus, Ladojas amongst other political bigwigs in the state. Isiaka Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi later took the baton of leadership and ruled for an uninterrupted eight years.
This, is said to be unprecedented as no governor has ever been voted in for two terms in the state. He was lucky, they say. Unfortunately, he lost the goodwill when he insisted on anointing a candidate to succeed him. It was seen as an affront. The candidate lost and he also lost his senatorial bid.
In Ogun State, former governor, Ibikunle Amosun failed in his attempt to install a successor. The same thing happened in Imo State, where Rochas Okorocha was prevented from installing his son-in-law as the successor.
Importantly too, the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ondo State has lend credence to the fading nature of godfatherism. Rotimi Akeredolu is popular for his spats with godfathers. He campaigned through the nook and cranny of the state, under the sun and in the rain, in the day and night to meet and convinced the electorates (the supposed godfathers) on his plans when emerge. He eventually emerged. No one ever came out to be the “bankroller” of the campaign. Neither did any “leader of democrats” surface nor any political leaders.
Interestingly, too, the likes of the acclaimed trio Nigeria’s godfathers – former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalam Abubakar were rendered powerless in 2019.
From what we have seen so far in the past few years, it is obvious that the business of godfatherism is going to extinction. It cannot last. Any acclaimed godfather in the country is only operating on extra time. Sooner or later, the final whistle would be blown.
However, the case of Lagos State where Bola Tinubu has been the one who is the godfather to successive governors is a matter of time. Whether this will continue beyond 2023 will be determined by time, because indeed, it is bad time for godfathers in Nigeria.
Alabidun is a journalist. He wrote from Abuja and can be reached via alabidungoldenson@gmail.com
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Attacking #EndSARS Protesters May Lead To Nigeria’s End, Fani-Kayode Warns Nigerian Government
Former Minister of Aviation in Nigeria, Femi Fani-Kayode, has warned the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, not to deploy troops against the #EndSARS protesters.
He said any attempt to do such may turn the #EndSARS movement into #EndNigeria campaign, adding that no force will be able to resist or stop it.
In a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, Fani-Kayode said that Nigerians had the constitutional right to protest against bad leadership without fear of intimidation and therefore governnent must not attack them.
He said, “We will not wait before more blood is shed before we speak and before we send out this warning.
“We will not wait until there is another mindless and needless massacre and massive shedding of innocent blood by our security forces before we shout out.
“We say this today, we say it without fear or favour and we say it for everyone, both friend and foe, to hear loudly and clearly: the determination to use brute force and to kill innocent young men and women in an attempt to crush this protest comes with a very heavy price tag and butchers bill.
“The plan to deploy soldiers in our streets and to slaughter # EndSARS protesters in the same way that the Shiite Muslims and IPOB youths were once slaughtered by the military and security forces will be Lt. General Tukur Burutai and President Muhammadu Buhari’s biggest mistake and gravest error.
“This must never happen and if it is true that they are seriously contemplating it then they should reconsider and think again!
“If for any reason whatsoever, they go ahead, it will turn the #EndSARS movement into the #EndNigeria movement and no force or power in hell or on earth will be able to resist or stop it.
“We warn again: do not unleash the dogs of war and demons of hell on these protestors.
“The consequences of going ahead and doing so, amongst much else, will be that you will end up in the International Court of Criminal Justice and be prosecuted for crimes against humanity and genocide in the not too distant future.
“These young men and women are fighting for their future: they cannot and will not be intimidated. The threat of mass murder or genocide or its actualisation will not stop them: rather it will embolden them and turn them into martyrs for democracy.”
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#ENDSARS Protesters Raise Over N4m Within Hours For Young Lady Who Participated In Abuja Demonstration To Buy Prosthesis
Some participants of the ongoing #ENDSARS protest across Nigeria have raised over N4m for a young lady named Jane to by a prosthesis.
Jane, who uses crutches, joined the demonstration in Abuja to demand for an end to police brutality and human rights abuses by law enforcement agents.
SaharaReporters gathered that a doctor noticed her in the crowd and called for donations to get her an artificial limb to enable her walk properly.
Shortly after the doctor made the request, 278 people were said to have raised the money.
It was learnt that the doctor had asked people to stop donating because the money raised so far had surpassed the initial amount targeted.
Many Nigerians have commended the kind gesture and love exhibited by the youth towards the young lady.
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