Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Monday 14th June 2021
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 14/06/21
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Tension As Gunmen Attack Police Station In Akwa Ibom, Kill Policeman
File photo used to illustrate story.
The Ini Divisional station in Odoro Ikpe, Akwa Ibom State was attacked by unknown gunmen, on Sunday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon confirmed the attack.
File photo used to illustrate story.
Macdon told newsmen in Uyo that the attack on the division was repelled by officers and men of the Operation Restore Peace recently launched by the Inspector General of Police.
He, however, said the command lost one person in the attack, who was hit by a bullet and was rushed to a hospital for treatment but later died.
According to him, the officers of the command recovered the operational vehicle and three motorcycles from the hoodlums.
He added that one of the hoodlums, Imo John Udo was arrested.
“Police operatives arrested one of the hoodlums, Imo John Udo, 28, from Ikot Edem village in Essien Udim LGA of the state.
“Their operational vehicle, a Venza, they used was recovered and three motorcycles.
“As I speak, men of the Operation Restore Peace are still combing the bush as the hoodlums possibly escaped with bullet wounds sustained in a gun duel during the attack.
“The CP, Andrew Amiengheme, has already ordered discreet investigations. In no distant time, more of the perpetrators will be arrested,” Macdon said.
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EFCC Arrests Fake Witch Doctor Over N250 Million Scam In Ogun
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka (aka Awise), the leader of the alleged deadly syndicate of ‘juju’ scammers that operates from a shrine at Ashipa Town, near Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a statement issued by the EFCC’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, Awise’s arrest followed a petition by a victim, Bright Juliet who lost N250 million to the syndicate after she was tricked to provide money for sacrifices and invocations to heal her of an ailment.
She was introduced to Alaka by Akinola Bukola Augustina (aka Iya Osun) whom she met on Facebook in the course of her search for solutions to her health challenge. What drew her to Augustina was the latter’s post under the name, Osunbukola Olamitutu Spiritual Healing Centre.
Once she contacted Augustina, the latter promised to heal her only if she paid N16 million. The victim paid the money through an Access Bank account belonging to Mohammed Sani, who later turned out to be a Bureau De Change operator.
After paying the money without receiving healing, Augustina passed the victim on to other members of the syndicate, notably Awise.
Juliet revealed that she met Awise at his shrines in Ashipa Town and was hypnotised and subsequently transferred various sum through bank accounts and in cash to the suspect and his syndicate members until she lost N250 million to them.
Despite all the monies collected from her, her health conditions never improved.
She consequently petitioned the EFCC.
A team from the Foreign Exchange Malpractices Section (FEMS) at EFCC headquarters, on May 21, 2021, arrested both Sani Mohammed and Akinola Bukola Augustina in Egbeda and Abule Egba respectively, in a sting operation in Lagos. Augustina, who is currently on administrative bail, later led operatives to the Ashipa Town Shrine of Awise, but the latter escaped arrest having got wind of the presence of the Commission’s operatives. He was, however, later apprehended.
Following his arrest, the Commission has traced and marked several assets linked to Awise, believed to be got from proceeds of his criminal activities.
According to the EFCC, the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.
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Fans Unfollow Gospel Singer, Tope Alabi On Instagram For Criticising A Fellow Artiste’s Song
No fewer than 300 social media users have unfollowed popular Gospel musician, Tope Alabi, over comments condemning a song by an up-and-coming gospel artiste, Yinka Alaseyori. The song which described God as ‘Oniduro’, meaning a guarantor or surety was condemned by Alabi while performing on stage in a public event.
In a video that has now gone viral, Alabi was seen making a veiled reference to Alaseyori’s song, saying it will be wrong for anybody to refer to their God as a guarantor.
Tope Alabi, who spoke in Yoruba, said there was a day she wanted to sing the song, but the Holy Spirit told her to shut up. According to her, God is more than a guarantor or surety and it will not be good to describe him so.
She further warned Gospel singers to digest songs very well before releasing them to the public.
She said, “Look at the enormous things God has done and somebody now came out to say Oniduromi e seun. God is not my own guarantor. God is more than a guarantor. I also loved that song, but the day I wanted to sing it, the Holy Spirit said ‘shut up your mouth.’ This is not like saying a song is not good.
“When you receive a song in the spirit, there are some deliberations you must have with the Holy Spirit before releasing it to the public, otherwise, if you release it the way it comes, individuals will just be singing rubbish.”
Despite her prominence, Alabi’s comment was met with outbursts from some of her fans.
While many pointed out that the singer also uses ‘worldly’ lyrics in her songs, some simply just unfollowed her.
From checks, SaharaReporters observed that Tope Alabi’s follower base on Instagram reduced by 300 in the past week.
Also, comments regarding ‘Oniduro’ have consistently trolled almost every of Tope Alabi’s Instagram posts even without being related. She seemed to have lost respect on social media.
Below are some of the comments:
Odamilolaoseun wrote, “Madam Tope Alabi, I think it’s time you retrace your step and restitute of all the unwarranted critiquing, stop pulling others down. The part where you said ‘your pride’ (not the holy spirit) said ‘gbenu soun’ (shut up) is a big fat lie! Where and when others fail and run a guarantor (Oniduro) stands. Who stands before the throne pleading for us? Who advocates for us? E ronujinle ma (think deeply, ma).”
Another Instagram user, Toyinooge wrote, “Oloruko pupo ni Olorun (God goes by many names)… You call him what HE is to you… He is my Guarantor, Surety, He is everything good. Saying that publicly wasn’t nice at all.”
Sleekvalerie stated, ”Aunty Tope ‘onilara’ (Envious Aunty Tope). ‘Emi mimo’ (Holy spirit) said you should ‘gbenu sound abi’ shut up, right). Secretary to the Holy Spirit. You have no right to discredit another person’s song. Awon born against.”
Walegbajumo said, “When Tope Alabi sang: ‘Oti Jesu npami o jare’ meaning ‘Jesus’ alcoholic drink is intoxicating her’, nobody faulted her or saw any negative vision concerning that. What moral justification does she has to fault ‘Oniduro mi Eseun ooo?’ Meaning ‘Guarantor’.”
Meanwhile, the young lady whose song was condemned was seen in a recent Instagram video singing the ‘condemned’ song alongside one of Tope Alabi’s song. This has endeared many tweeps to her and they sought to follow her.
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Twitter Ban: Stop Crackdown On Human Rights, Reverse Directive, CSOs Blast Nigerian Government
A coalition of 70 civil society organisations has condemned the decision of the federal government to suspend Twitter’s operations in Nigeria.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported how the government banned the microblogging site for allegedly threatening the country’s corporate existence.
But in a joint statement through Isa Sanusi, media manager for Amnesty International Nigeria, the groups demanded the immediate reversal of the ban, describing such as undemocratic.
According to the groups, the development is another indication of the worsening violation of human rights by the extant administration in the country.
They also condemned the “directive” issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for all broadcast stations to deactivate their Twitter accounts.
The statement read: “We, the undersigned civil society organisations are concerned about the repression and escalating crackdown on human rights by the Nigerian government, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.
“We strongly condemn the arbitrary and unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, by the authorities, and the resulting restrictions on the human rights of people, as well as the threat to prosecute anyone using Twitter in Nigeria.
“We are concerned about an alarming backsliding on human rights across Nigeria as the Federal Government and state authorities continue to use the criminal justice system and repression to silence peaceful dissent, while failing to ensure accountability for violations of rights. People continue to suffer repressive measures including unlawful surveillance and harassment, arbitrary arrests, detention and unfair trials.
“The Nigerian authorities have continued to propose laws to regulate the social media, and restrict the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom, including through legislative bills popularly known as the ‘Hate Speech Bill’ and ‘The Social Media Bill’ which both provide severe punitive sanctions such as the death penalty in some cases, for social media users convicted of ‘crimes’ provided under them.
“The suspension of Twitter in Nigeria is inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“The Nigerian authorities have continued to fail in their obligation to respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the human rights of its own people.
“We therefore call on the Nigerian authorities to: Immediately rescind the unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria and withdraw the threat to prosecute anyone using Twitter in the country.
“Immediately withdraw the directive to broadcast stations to deactivate their Twitter accounts. End widespread impunity for human rights violations, in particular the rights to freedom of expression including online, access to information and media freedom.
“We also urge the international community, including the UN and the African Union to publicly condemn the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, and to put pressure on the Nigerian authorities to reverse the decision.”
The statement was signed by the following organisations:
Amnesty International NigeriaCISLAC (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre)Global RightsNigeria Mourns Business and Human Rights Roundtable Tap Initiative for citizens developmentCivil society consortium on civic spaceCentre for Democracy and Development (CDD)Alliances for AfricaWILPF NigeriaEchoes of Women in Africa InitiativesAkubeze Okocha, B.E.E InitiativeAccess to JusticeSterling Centre for Law & DevelopmentConcerned NigeriansJENNON-PIUS &Co initiative Education as a VaccineInvictus AfricaDinidari FoundationRaising New Voices InitiativeCentre for Impact Advocacy (CIA)Stand To End Rape Initiative (STER)The Interactive Initiative for Social Impact.Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF)FEMBUD Deaf Women Aloud InitiativeLex Initiative for Rights Advocacy and DevelopmentSesor Empowerment FoundationLegal Defence and Assistance Project -LEDAPCLEEN FoundationCentre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)Zero-Corruption Coalition (ZCC)National Procurement Watch PlatformCommunity Action for Popular ParticipationBorno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)Tax Justice and Governance PlatformEnvironmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, NigeriaWomen in NigeriaState of the Union (SOTU)Organization Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)Say NO Campaign—NigeriaWomen in Media Civil Rights Concern Stakeholders Alliance for Corporate Accountability (SACA)International Press Centre (IPC)Enough is Enough (EiE)African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL). African Women in MediaSocial ActionPrisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).Rainbow Watch and Development CentreRule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution.The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA)Yiaga AfricaCITADSocio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)Bauchi Human Rights Network (BAHRN)Edo Civil Society OrganisationsBudgITAvocats Sans Frontières (ASF) FranceThe Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN)Elixir Trust FoundationInternational Human Rights and Equity Defense Foundation (I-REF)Women, Law and Development Initiative Africa (WOLDI Africa)Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA)Paradigm InitiativeMinority Gender Action (Mingenac)Partners west Africa
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IPOB Lawyer Seeks UK Intervention Over Assassination Attempt on His Life By Nigerian Army, Police
Ifeanyi Ejiofor
An attorney for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor has called for the intervention of the British Government over the assassination attempt on his life and invasion of his ancestral home at Oraifite in the Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State by Nigerian security agents.
In a letter dated June 10, 2021, addressed to the High Commissioner, British High Commission, and obtained by SaharaReporters, the lawyer asked the British Government to prevail on the Nigerian Government to set up an independent investigative panel to probe the killing of his personal assistant, Samuel Okoro and an assassination attempt on his life on June 6, 2021.
Ifeanyi Ejiofor
He questioned how he was singled out for assassination despite the peace initiatives and solutions he had offered for lasting peace to reign in the Southeastern region of the country.
Ejiofor narrated how the team of agents killed his personal assistant, Samuel Okoro, put his body in the boot of his (Ejiofor’s) Toyota Camry car, and went away with the car and Okoro’s body.
He said the security operatives came with about 15 vans and buses.
The letter read in part, “It is even more worrisome since till date, there has been no statement from any of the said security agencies, taking responsibility for the murderous invasion and/or operation, and/or given any explanations for same.”It is therefore clear from the foregoing, that our client’s life is no longer safe, as there is an obvious state-sponsored conspiracy to eliminate our client at all cost and by any means.
“We call on the British Government to prevail on the Federal Government of Nigeria to set up an independent investigative panel to investigate the recent incident that occurred at our client’s ancestral home in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, on the 6th day of June 2021, and the first invasion that occurred on the 2nd day of December 2019.”We also call on the British Government, to prevail on the Federal Government of Nigeria and her security agents to desist from further attempts on our client’s life.”We further call on the British Government to intervene in the circumstance and afford our client all necessary protection available.”We finally crave the indulgence of the British Government for a proactive oversight and intervention in the light of this obvious travesty of justice and to prevail on the Nigerian Government to desist from a further attempt on our client’s life.”
He queried the rationale and motive of those behind the attack, saying Sheikh Ahmad Gumi who was advocating for bandits was being protected by security agents of the Nigerian state.
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Bring Prophet T. B. Joshua’s Body Home For Burial, Ondo Youths Tell Family Of Late Cleric
Some youths in Ondo State have called on the government to consider immortalising the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known as Prophet T. B. Joshua, by naming an institution after the cleric.
They also urged the family of the late cleric to bring his remains to his hometown, Arigidi Akoko for burial.
The renowned Ondo-born cleric died on June 8, 2021, a few days to his 58th birthday in Lagos.
The youths, who are from the four local government areas of Akoko made the call at the weekend during a ‘special walk’ to honour the departed cleric in his hometown of Arigidi Akoko.
PHOTONEWS: Ondo Youths Holds Procession To Mourn Late Prophet T.B Joshua pic.twitter.com/kQWkuS0EH5— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) June 13, 2021
Speaking at the procession, the President of the Akoko Youth Forum, Mr. Ifeoluwa Ajibuwa described the late Joshua as a charismatic pastor, televangelist, and philanthropist who devoted his lifetime to the teaching of Christ.
He said the prophet was among the most philanthropic among the sons and daughters of Akoko who ever lived.
While noting that Prophet T. B. Joshua was a blessing to Akokoland, Ondo State, Nigeria and the world at large, Ajibuwa pleaded with the government to bury his remains in his hometown of Arigidi Akoko.
He said, “The man of God was a shining light that has shone on every country of the world thus making Akoko land a place in the hearts of the people around the world.
“Prophet T. B. Joshua was a philanthropist, a role model and mentor to this generation and his message of love and help for the needy made him irresistible among the preachers and televangelists in the world.
“We want him immortalised by the government because it is also the best way to remember him for his impact to the society and the people. He will surely be greatly missed by everyone and all over the world.
“Even, his contributions to the security, welfare and education sector of the state will always makes the vacuum created by his demise unfilled.
“We, the entire youths of Akoko want to make it a clear request to the family of the deceased and those concerned that his remains should be brought home to Arigidi Akoko for Burial.”
Other speakers at the event also testified to the philanthropic nature of the cleric, saying his good works would speak after him.
They noted that his contributions to the security, welfare and education sector of the state was invaluable which they said would make it difficult for anyone to fill the vacuum created by his demise.
The monarch of Joshua’s hometown, the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun had also demanded that the remains of the deceased be buried at place.
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#Oniduromi Challenge Trends On Twitter As Nigerians Blast Gospel Artiste, Tope Alabi For Condemning Alaseyori’s Song
Popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has come under heavy criticism for condemning a song by an upcoming gospel artiste, Yinka Alaseyori.
Alaseyori, in one of her songs, described God as her (spiritual) guarantor or advocate.
The song, ‘Oniduro mi e seun’, meaning ‘thank You my Guarantor’, had since then gained prominence in churches in the South-West.
But, in a video that has now gone viral, Tope Alabi was seen making a veiled reference to Alaseyori during an event, saying it will be wrong for anybody to tag God as his or her guarantor.
Tope Alabi, who spoke in Yoruba, said there was a day she wanted to sing the song, but the Holy Spirit told her to shut up. According to her, God is more than a guarantor or surety and it will not be good to describe him so.
She further warned gospel singers to digest songs very well before releasing them to the public.
She said, “Look at the enormous things God has done and somebody now came out to say Oniduromi e seun. God is not my own guarantor. God is more than a guarantor. I also loved that song, but the day I wanted to sing it, the Holy Spirit said ‘shut up your mouth.’ This is not like saying a song is not good.
“When you receive a song in the spirit, there are some deliberations you must have with the Holy Spirit before releasing it to the public, otherwise, if you release it the way it comes, individuals will just be singing rubbish. He has given us the brain to digest it very well, then bring it back.”
But, Alabi’s comment had since attracted the outrage of many Nigerians on social media, who opined that she was only envious of Yinka.
Some also stated that Alabi had also been guilty of using certain words in the lyrics of her songs, that were considered ‘worldly’.
The #Oniduromi challenge was started on Twitter so the song will gain more popularity as a way to spite Alabi’s comments.
Below are some reactions on Twitter.
Aunty TOPE ALABI trying to be a @AlikoDangote of gospel music. One way or the other, I believe God canâ??t be mocked… #WoliG— One Proud Ekiti Boið?¤ª (@gbemidepoola) June 13, 2021
Highly disappointed in mrs Tope alabi she fall my hand,why do you condemn her,you think you passs God? na waiting u throw you get no caP ð??³— Paul ð???ð??ï¸ (@paulkingdp) June 13, 2021
Even If Tope Alabi Has Issues With The Song Or The Singer Herself, I Don’t Think Her Choice Of Publicly Downplaying The Song Was The Right Way To Go.The First Time I Listened To The Said Song, The Only Meaning I Read To The Chorus/Title ‘Oniduro’ Was As A ‘Pillar’ Not Guarantor— Alan (@Harbiodinho) June 13, 2021
Why is Tope Alabi criticizing another personâ??s song this way in public? If Iâ??m correct, â??OnÃdùró miâ?? translates to â??my guarantorâ??, how is it wrong to tag Jesus as your guarantor? What do you think? pic.twitter.com/ZaI40OJFbj— Man of Letters. (@Letter_to_Jack) June 13, 2021
Tope Alabi holy spirit could not tell her that Ajanaku was a cultist while she was praising him and referring to God through him in all her albalm then until Ajanaku died and was exposed and buried by occultic men. The holy spirit didn’t talk wen she danced like Naira Marley guls— David Davilis (@Davilis2015) June 13, 2021
Tope Alabi that turned Yoruba incantations into praise and worship is the one condemning another personâ??s song?….Abegi ð???ð???— kING ð???ð??? PETTY ð???ð?½â?â??ï¸ð???ð?½â?â??ï¸ (@azeezmite01) June 13, 2021
I love Tope Alabi as a person, & I always listen to most of her songs on daily basis, but I’ll never support her for what she did some days ago. I think Tope Alabi misunderstood the song titled “Oniduro” by Adeyinka Alaseyori. If you truly listen to that song, you’ll be on…….— Senior Man á»?má»lúà bà 1â?ï¸ ð??¯ (@Greenaetion) June 13, 2021
Nah! This is wrong! God manifests in different ways to different people in different situations! Tope Alabi shouldnâ??t have done this at all! If your spirit no agree e no mean say another person spirit no need â??Oniduroâ?. OLA$UNKANMI (@AdeWhaLaay) June 13, 2021
Frankly speaking, I didn’t know there was any gospel singer whose name is Alaseyori. But after Tope alabi criticised her, I’ve come to know who she is. God let my enemies’ criticisms become a source of blessing for me and not the other way round.— Buhari’s babe ð??? (@faridah2202) June 13, 2021
Who is a Guarantor? A guarantor is a person who makes a guaranty or gives security for a debt. It can also refer to a person that makes or gives a promise, assurance, or pledge relating to quality, durability, or performance. On this note! God is my guarantor! #OniduroChallenge— Olóyè TD. Esq ð??µð??? (@BolanleCole) June 13, 2021
Dear Tope Alabi,You missed this. Holy Spirit will never tell you not to sing a song that encapsulate JESUS AS A PERSON!When Jesus stood in our place on the cross, who was He to us all? #OniduroChallenge— Engr Dray â??ð??? || ð??±ð??· L.A. ð??±ð??· (@dray4lyf_) June 13, 2021
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Buhari: One Hell Of An Interview! By Ozodinukwe Okenwa
SOC Okenwa
President Muhammadu Buhari has finally broken his long silence. He broke his silence last Thursday through an exclusive interview on the Abuja-based Arise TV network. He spoke on a number of important national issues. He talked about IPOB, agitation for Oduduwa and Biafra Republics, Fulani herdsmen and their clashes with native farmers and land-owners, #EndSARS protest, insecurity, poverty, unemployment and lopsided national appointments among others. The interview lasted less than an hour and the hard questions and follow-ups appeared to be a taboo.
However, that the interview happened at all was a pleasant surprise package ostensibly packaged smartly by the President’s media and publicity handlers. Since coming to power democratically six odd years ago President Buhari had remained aloof, mute, stone-faced and stone-silent in the face of the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.
In the interview he sounded unpresidential, undiplomatic and incoherent. Yet it afforded us a rare opportunity of taking another hard look at the man presiding over the woes of millions of Nigerians with little or no democratic responsibility.
SOC Okenwa
Buhari is hardly an orator or a good communicator. He barely speaks to Nigerians because he is aware of his intellectual shortcomings. He loves to delegate duties because he knows that his presidential profile is one marked by mediocrity and irresponsibility. This leadership deficiency could be at the root of our national decline.
If the alleged dementia he is suffering from could permit him to come to grips with the Nigerian condition of today he would have sounded more conciliatory towards the opposition — especially the unconventional armed and dangerous hue. Those with genuine complaints against Nigeria ought to be encouraged to come to the table for dialogue rathan than using menacing language.
On the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) violently campaigning for a Biafran nationhood the President was playing ostrich by describing them as “a dot on a circle with nowhere to go”. Waxing dismissive and disconnected from the reality on the ground Buhari demonstrated his poor understanding of the issue of Biafra and the agitators desperately seeking secession.
Reaching for a military solution to the problem the Head of State made it clear he had instructed his military and police attack dogs to go on the offensive. The consequencies were obviously lost in his hawkish calculations and conclusions. The President must be an executive fool if he ever thought that Nnamdi Kanu and his boys would be impressed by his threat.
On the issue of marginalisation of the south-east region in the scheme of things Nigeriana he sought to play down the problem by asking Nduka Obaigbena, Olusegun Adeniyi, Reuben Abati and Ms Tundun Abiola to refer themselves to the federal civil service and how the Igbos were justly represented. Rathan than answering the crucial question of marginalisation and injustice being meted out to the Igbos systematically he begged the question disingenuously.
He spoke about the massacres (orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen) in Benue State and how he felt the Governor, Samuel Ortom, had been calling him out unfairly. The Benue Governor happens to be the only courageous Governor among his 35 peers who had stood up to Buhari taking issues and exceptions with his poor leadership and his favouritism of his Fulani ethnic group. Of course Buhari is only good at nepotism and tribalism! Governor Ortom would be remembered, long after his gubernatorial exit from Makurdi, for his hard pro-people positions and intrepidity.
On poverty and unemployment the embattled underwhelming President acknowledged that his regime had failed to empower Nigerians blaming the accentuated insecurity and terrorism on the growing army of the poor and the needy amongst us. Yet he forgot to recognize his failure in creating jobs (despite promising a million jobs or out-of-poverty schemes during the presidential electioneering campaign) and provinding avenues for the growth of want and despair.
About the 2023 presidential poll as it concerned the ruling APC party Buhari hit the Tinubu gang in Lagos below the belt! He minced no words in saying loudly and clearly that no one in Lagos would be allowed to impose a candidate or dictate the pace for the next general elections. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his Lagos mob must have been demobilized and demoralised by the presidential declaration.
Concerning the controversial appointment of yet another northerner, Maj-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, as the new Chief of Army Staff (despite the fact that he was neither the most competent nor the next-in-line) he had said that he went for ‘competence’ in flagrant disregard of hierarchy. The President was being clever by half and telling half-truth hiding the obvious clannishness and regionalism behind the appointment. How could Gen. Yahaya be more competent than those senior to him in rank beats our imagination!
Speaking on the #EndSARS massive nationwide protest of last year October Buhari told his interviewers that the popular mass revolt was meant to remove him from power! Sadly he is still in the saddle muddling up everything. If the #EndSARS demonstrations had succeeded in removing him from power Nigeria would have since become a better place to live in.
And on Niger Republic and the railway he was building from Kano to Maradi he confessed his attachment to the French-speaking neighbouring country saying that his relations were there. He said that as Hausas and Fulanis were found in Niger so you could find Yorubas in the Benin Republic. He declared that the white men in general and the French in particular tinkered with natural boundaries for their colonial conveniences and interests! Besides, since oil had been discovered in Niger Republic building the rail-line would facilitate oil and gas trade between the countries at the expense of Benin Republic.
About the contentious question of banning of open grazing the retired General referred to the old practise dating back decades when Nigeria was still a normal country and Nigerians respecters of the law. When you recall that the southern Governors had, in the so-called Asaba Declaration, decided to ban any form of open grazing in their respective states and the silly reaction from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, then you can afford to conclude that cows and their herders are indeed special breeds in Nigeria!
Malami even went on to compare the murderous herders and their business to the southerners (mostly Igbos) doing legitimate business selling auto spare parts in the north! Utter balderdash, arrant nonsense from the chief law officer of a dynamic great country. AGF Malami could work under President Buhari because they are both square pegs in round holes!
For us, therefore, the Buhari interview on Arise Television was nothing but a pathetic media sortie of a reclusive taciturn dictator in civilian clothes. We were disappointed by his declarations and decisions. It was one hell of an interview, all things considered.
SOC Okenwasoco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr
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Ghanaian Man Strangles 25-year-old Nigerian Ex-Girlfriend To Death With Her Braids In Italy
The police in Milan, Italy have arrested a Ghanaian, George Kyeremeh, for allegedly killing his Nigerian ex-girlfriend identified as Blessing Tunde.
The 34-year-old suspect was arrested in the early hours of Friday, by the homicide team of Carabinieri police.
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Blessing was found dead on May 12, in a green area next to a road in the Milanese district of Mazzo di Rho, where s** workers stay.
An autopsy conducted on the 25-year-old victim indicated she had been strangled with the long braids of the wig she used to wear which were found wrapped around her neck.
She was earlier reported missing by her friend to the Novara police headquarters. The friend told the police that she last heard from Blessing on the phone around 1 pm on May 3 and she had said she was in Rho. However, all attempts to get in touch with her afterwards proved abortive.
It was gathered Blessing in mid-April had broken up with the suspect after a year-long romantic relationship.
Friends and roommates described the Ghanaian as a jealous lover and both constantly quarrelled over other men in her life.
It was further learnt that after the Breakup, George tried to convince Blessing to come back to him, calling her several times between April 13 and May 3 and asking her friend to intercede for him.
Milan Carabinieri police have placed the man in preventive custody at the order of preliminary investigations judge (GIP), Angela Laura Minerva.
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E2%80%94-artiste-shares How SWAT Police Officers Profile Young Men, Extort From Them In Port Harcourt — Artiste Shares Ugly Experience
File photo used to illustrate story
A young man, Onwuzuruike Lukeson Oguchi, has shared his experience with members of the Special Weapons And Tactics Squad, a unit of the Nigeria Police Force which replaced the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
In October 2020, after a series of protests by young men and women across the country against the notoriety of the SARS unit, the SWAT squad was introduced to “fill the gaps” left by SARS.
File photo used to illustrate story
Gistmania
However, in recent times, there have been reports of illegal stop and search operations and extortions by officers of SWAT.
Oguchi, who was a victim of the unit on Thursday said he had gone to Port Harcourt in Rivers State to help a friend in a research programme but was stopped by the officers who were already cajoling other victims to make transfers into their (the officers’) bank accounts.
According to him, the officers questioned his source of income and how he was able to afford two iPhones.
The young man said he noted that the officers profile young men based on appearances such as hairstyles, dress sense, and quality of cars they drive.
He said, “I was returning from Port Harcourt city to Onelga in Rivers State with my friend and my younger brother.
“I received a call from my mum warning me not to follow Elele Ikiri Road that she learnt that the route was unsafe. I promised her that I would not be taking that route but deep down within me, I knew I was already on the route.
“Shortly after my mum’s call, I got a call from a friend’s pastor, who said he saw me and would like to join our vehicle since we were all headed to the same destination. I waited for a few minutes then he arrived and off we went.
“In the vehicle, Pastor Elijah Kelvin was telling us about how the police had been terrorising Port Harcourt in the last few days that he spent there. He even told us about his encounter with them and I told him outright that I wouldn’t let any officer bully me or even search my phone.
“We approached Elele town, a road between Umuawa and Elele town, and we were flagged down by a group of officers of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT) of which I quickly obliged and was awaiting their next order. An officer ordered us all to alight from the vehicle without even pulling over properly.
“Again, we obeyed without questions but this time around, he ordered everybody in the car to follow his colleagues who were all dressed in black and were waiting in a Black Maria designed for convicts.
“At this point, I started sensing that I’d finally met the much talked about devils that strive on the blood of innocent Nigerian youths, especially since he didn’t ask for my driver’s license, vehicle papers, or try to search the boot of my car. Looking at his lips and that of the other officer, they were obviously drug addicts.
“He looked inside the vehicle and saw 2 iPhone X. He quickly reached for those phones, took them, and asked me to follow him towards the Black Maria.
“I looked into the Black Maria and sighted about four young men inside the vehicle whom I guessed were their victims but I followed him and made my resolve to speak up even if I must die even though I was scared because they obviously chose a very strategic place for their ungodly duty. The road was very lonely. There is no community there, they were well-positioned. They know that in such a place, help cannot come easily.
“Getting to the Black Maria, he handed my phones to another officer inside the Black Maria who I believe was their boss. Quickly, he asked me to come into the vehicle but I immediately objected citing my fears of not feeling safe around or inside that vehicle. He looked at me and suspected I knew my rights.
“He alighted from the vehicle, asked me who owned the phones, I assured him they were mine. He asked what I was doing with 2 iPhones. He asked me what I do for a living. I introduced myself as a promoter of youth development around my immediate environment and as an artiste.
“He asked me who my father was, his occupation, I told him. He asked again who I am and I said I am a returnee, he asked me when did I return and I told him I just returned in 2019. He said, you said you’re a youth leader, I said no. He asked if I was a CDC chairman, I said no. He was just beating around the bush.
“He asked us where we were coming from and where we were going, I told him we were coming from Port Harcourt city and heading to Omoku in Onelga. We had gone to Port Harcourt to help someone trying to conduct a research in UPTH, who will also be concluding his research in my community. I told him my friends and I are the human specimens for the research.
“Immediately, he asked me to unlock the phones, I refused. He was shocked and asked why. I told him it is not within his mandate as a security officer. I said, ‘Your duty is to search my vehicle for any incriminating item if actually, I’m a suspect’.
“Immediately, his colleague sensed we were wrong candidates for oppression and asked him to give me my phones and allow us to go that I sounded genuine.
“I was questioned solely, my friends were taken to the other side where a vehicle that looked like a black maria was parked but it was painted white instead. One of my friends’ phones was searched, they searched their pockets, the one whose phone was searched told them his father is a police officer. He mentioned the name of one of the big police officers in this area here so they gave him back his phone. According to him, they were bringing them to the black maria but since they saw me resisting, that saved us in a way.
“Meanwhile, the other young men I saw in the black maria were sweating profusely, I even saw one of them making a transfer to the account of the officers. They had been cajoled by the officers.
“From what I observed, these guys have not stopped profiling people based on appearance. I am an artiste, they saw my dreadlocks and the other young man in the car with me. He’s also an artiste under my label, he weaved his hair; I think that was what made them stop us. One of the guys in the Black Maria had a growing dreadlock.
“It was just pure profiling, there were just young boys in the vehicle, no other gender and I am sure I’d be older than them. Those guys were driving one of the latest Lexus so the officers profiled them as Yahoo boys (Internet fraudsters).
”I could tell from the officers’ lips that they were drugs addicts; when you see someone who is into Indian hemp, you will know. They have very black lips.”
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SaharaReporters, New York
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