Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Metro

  • How President Buhari Intends to Move Forward with #EndSARS Demands

    How President Buhari Intends to Move Forward with #EndSARS Demands

    Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday night again indicates his readiness to move forward with the demands of the Nigerian youth through the EndSARS protest by appealing to come to the negotiation table and not be afraid.

    The President made the appeal in his remarks at the maiden National Youth Day celebration, observed on November 1, which coincides with the African Youth Day celebration in Abuja.

    At the event with the theme: ”Invest in the Youth, Secure Our Future”, where winners of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development 60-day App Challenge and Youth Innovators were recognised and received cash rewards, the President assured that his administration will not attempt to stop or suppress their voices, President Buhari further appealed to Nigerian youths to end street protests and participate in meaningful discussions with government aimed at comprehensive reforms to end all forms of police brutality against Nigerians.

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    In the same vain, President Buhari has also condemned wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people, a stigma that compelled Nigerian youths to recently take to the streets in protest against police brutality in the country. The agitation le to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, a unit in the Nigerian Police Force.

    President Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Muhammad Bello, reiterated that the pleas of Nigerian youths have been heard by his administration and advised them not to be afraid to come out to dialogue with the government on the best way to reform the police.

    He said that the Federal Government ‘‘now wants to hear concrete and practical ideas,’’ from the youths, while acknowledging their constitutional right to peaceful protests.

    ”You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.

    ”However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.

    ”Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.

    ”It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly. It is our duty to use this fateful situation to move ourselves to a more just and caring society.

    ”As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavours.”

    He said, ”No one who is obeying the law, whether they are in line waiting for a taxi or in a peaceful protest line, should be harassed or brutalized by law enforcement agencies.

    ”It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.

    ”To allow protests is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and belief in democracy, and faith in the innate goodness of our people.

    ”This also shows confidence in the ability of our government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge,” he said.

    The president highlighted that in order to empower youths across the nation, whom he described as agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development, his administration has established no fewer than 25 initiatives.

    He noted that these noble initiatives, ongoing in the last five years, were aimed at placing Nigerian youths on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skills development and direct employment.

    ”Today we will unveil the official logo of the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund for the period of 2020 – 2023.

    ”This novel fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills and talents of Nigerian Youths and to provide our youths with a special window to access much needed financing, business management skills and other inputs critical for sustainable enterprise,” he said.

    The President announced that over one million applications have already been received since the Youth Investment Fund Portal went live on 12th of October 2020.

    He listed other youth-based initiatives, consistent with his administration’s policy of positioning youths for strategic leadership in different fields of endeavour, as follows:

    ”The birth of the Nigerian Youth Policy in 2019, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund in July 2020, Young Farmers Initiative, Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership/Mentoring (DEEL) programme, which recently received an approval of N4 billion naira for implementation, and the Not Too Young to Run Act.”

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    Other initiatives, according to the President, include the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) , the N-Power, SI and Disaster Management, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme , Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) and the Youth Enterprise with Innovation In Nigeria (YouWIN).

    The President also added the $20 million Technology Fund for Young Innovators as some of the major initiatives empowering youths across the country.

    Restating his call for national unity, President Buhari said Nigerian youths are better positioned to drive the indivisibility of Nigeria and collectively overcome whatever challenges bedevilling the nation.

    He said, ”On this special occasion, we affirm our faith and confidence in the indivisible entity called Nigeria and in its future.

    ”We face many challenges but, in you, this nation has the collective ability and drive to overcome that which confronts us”, President Buhari affirmed.

  • Youths Under 40 Years will Govern Edo State Along with Obaseki

    Youths Under 40 Years will Govern Edo State Along with Obaseki

    As Governor Godwin Obaseki begins his second term in office, the Edo State Government has assured that it will create positions for youths in the cabinet that will be constituted soon.

    This was disclosed in a statement at the weekend by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie.

    Osagie said the participation of Edo youths in the affairs of the state was important to Governor Obaseki, who has assured that young people below 40 years would be given positions in the new cabinet.

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    Your Claims on Police Shooting at #EndSARS Protesters Untrue, IGP Tells Amnesty International

     

    He said as part of the 2020 Alaghodaro Summit, a youth summit would be organised to evaluate how the policies, programmes, and initiatives of the Obaseki-led administration in the first four years in office have benefited youths in the state.

    “The governor acknowledges the role of youths in the actualisation of his second term bid. Youths make up over half of the state’s population. So, it is only right that they determine what works best for them in government.”

    “The 2020 Youth Summit will enable the state government to assess the impact of the administration’s policies and programmes on job creation, youth empowerment, basic and technical education and youths participation in governance, among others,” Osagie stated.

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    Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, will be sworn into office for another term of four years on Thursday, November 12, 2020

  • Your Claims on Police Shooting at #EndSARS Protesters Untrue, IGP Tells Amnesty International

    Your Claims on Police Shooting at #EndSARS Protesters Untrue, IGP Tells Amnesty International

    Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has dismissed report by Amnesty International, accusing the police personnel of shoting at peaceful protesters.

    While affirming that officers of the Nigeria Police Force acted professionally, Adamu said his men exercised commendable restraints and some paid the supreme price for peace during the recent protests and ensuing violence in some parts of the country.

    Reacting to the report by Amnesty International dated October 21 that police personnel shot at peaceful protesters, the police chief described the Amnesty International report as untrue, misleading and contrary to all available empirical evidences.

    He noted that during the protests, police officers “used legitimate means to ensure that the protests were carried out in a peaceful manner and in most cases, physically protected and walked side-by-side with the protesters.”

    He reiterated that even when the protests turned violent in some parts of the country, the officers still maintained utmost restraint and did not use excessive force in managing the situations.

    “Available Reports show that twenty-two (22) police personnel were extra-judicially killed by some rampaging protesters and scores injured during the protests. Many of the injured personnel are in life threatening conditions at the hospitals.

    “Two hundred and five (205) police stations and formations including other critical private and public infrastructure were also damaged by a section of the protesters.

    “Despite these unprovoked attacks, our police officers never resorted to use of unlawful force or shooting at the protesters as alleged in the report. It also beggars imagination that Amnesty International failed to mention or pay tribute to Police officers who were gruesomely murdered during the protests while serving their fatherland.

    “The Force decries the discriminatory tendencies exhibited by Amnesty International as seen in the report. One wonders if in the estimation of Amnesty International, police officers are not also human beings equally entitled to the protection of their fundamental rights to life and dignity of human person,” said Adamu, in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba.

    The Inspector General of Police, while noting that NPF is committed to the Federal Government’s ongoing holistic reforms of the Force targeted at improving service delivery, positive police-citizen relationship and respect for human rights, enjoined Amnesty International to ensure they subject their reports to adequate scrutiny and proper verification of facts before making the reports public.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • In a Daring Operation in Northern Nigeria, US Special Forces Rescue American Hostage

    In a Daring Operation in Northern Nigeria, US Special Forces Rescue American Hostage

    Idowu Sowunmi with agency reports

    An American citizen abducted last week in Niger has been rescued during a high-risk U.S. military raid in neighbouring Nigeria, officials told ABC News early Saturday.

    The mission was undertaken by elite commandos as part of a major effort to free the U.S. citizen, Philip Walton, 27, before his abductors could get far after taking him captive in Niger on Oct. 26, counter-terrorism officials told ABC News.

    The operation involved the governments of the U.S., Niger and Nigeria working together to rescue Walton quickly, sources said. The CIA provided intelligence leading to Walton’s whereabouts and Marine Special Operations elements in Africa helped locate him, a former U.S. official said.

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    Then the elite SEAL Team Six carried out a “precision” hostage rescue mission and killed all but one of the seven captors, according to officials with direct knowledge about the operation.

    “They were all dead before they knew what happened,” another counter-terrorism source with knowledge told ABC News.

    President Donald Trump called the rescue mission a “big win for our very elite U.S. Special Forces” in a tweet and the Pentagon lauded the rescue mission in a statement.

    “U.S. forces conducted a hostage rescue operation during the early hours of 31 October in Northern Nigeria to recover an American citizen held hostage by a group of armed men,” said Pentagon chief spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman.

    “This American citizen is safe and is now in the care of the U.S. Department of State. No U.S military personnel were injured during the operation.

    “We appreciate the support of our international partners in conducting this operation.”

    And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: “Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our military, the support of our intelligence professionals, and our diplomatic efforts, the hostage will be reunited with his family. We will never abandon any American taken hostage.”

    ABC News consultant Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense and retired CIA officer, said preparations for Walton’s rescue likely started when he was abducted.

    “These types of operations are some of the most difficult to execute,” he said. “Any mistake could easily lead to the death of the hostage. The men and women of JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command), and the CIA should be proud of what they did here. And all Americans should be proud of them.”

    Eric Oehlerich, an ABC News consultant and retired Navy SEAL, said Walton was “lucky” that such a mission was possible such as short time after he was abducted, when others have been held for years.

    “Men in these top-tier special forces units train their entire adult lives to be ready when called upon, hostage rescue operations are inherently dangerous,” he said. “Those men put someone else’s life above their own, they do so selflessly….it’s an illustration of utter commitment.”

    A former U.S. counter-terrorism official emphasized generally how long the odds are for rescue in the “highly dangerous” missions — less than 30%. But the official said that it’s crucial to act as quickly as possible so that hostages don’t wind up in the hands of al Qaeda or ISIS.

    “The longer a hostage is held the harder it is to find an exact location to be able and conduct a rescue operation,” the official said.

    U.S. and Nigerien officials had said that Walton was kidnapped from his backyard last Monday after assailants asked him for money. But he only offered $40 USD and was then taken away by force, according to sources in Niger.
    Walton lives with his wife and young daughter on a farm near Massalata, a small village close to the border with Nigeria.

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    Nigerien and American officials told ABC News that they believed the captors were from an armed group from Nigeria and that it was not considered terror-related. But hostages are often sold to terrorist groups.

    Concern grew quickly after the kidnapping that an opportunity to rescue Walton could become much more dangerous if he was taken by or sold to a group of Islamist militants aligned with either al Qaeda or ISIS and American special operations commanders felt they needed to act swiftly before that could occur, said one counter-terrorism official briefed on the hostage recovery operations.

    A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed after the kidnapping that an American citizen had been abducted in Niger and said the U.S. government was “providing their family all possible consular assistance.” The spokesperson declined to comment on the case, citing “privacy considerations,” but added, “When a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with families however we can.”

    Another American, Christian humanitarian aid worker Jeffery Rey Woodke, 60, has been held hostage for the past four years since being kidnapped in northern Niger by armed militants.

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    Lagos Lifts #EndSARS-imposed Curfew, Directs Public Servants to Resume Nov 2

    Niger, home to 22 million people and three times the size of California, is one of many Sahel nations plagued by terrorism and instability, but its military has been a close U.S. partner in the fight against regional jihadist groups, including affiliates of both al Qaeda and ISIS.

    Last week, a U.N.-backed donor summit raised $1.7 billion to support the region’s governments as Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the humanitarian crisis is at a “breaking point,” with 13.4 million people in need of assistance.

    © ABC News

  • Lagos Lifts #EndSARS-imposed Curfew, Directs Public Servants to Resume Nov 2

    Lagos Lifts #EndSARS-imposed Curfew, Directs Public Servants to Resume Nov 2

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has with immediate effect lifted the #EndSARS-imposed curfew, which was introduced after the peaceful protest was hijacked.

    This was coming as the governor has also approved November 2 as the resumption date for all public servants on Grade Levels 1 to 12.

    While lifting the #EndSARS-imposed curfew, the Sanwo-Olu administration explained that the 12am-4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) would subsist.

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    Encouraging Lagosians to feel free by going about their businesses without any hindrance whatsoever, the governor assured that security agencies would continue to discharge their duties.

    He urged Lagosians to cooperate with law enforcement personnel to maintain the status of Lagos State as one of the most peaceful states in the country.

    Sanwo-Olu appreciated “security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace to our troubled communities” and commended Lagosians for observing the curfew and ensuring the return of normalcy.

    The governor urged the citizenry not to do or encourage any action that may turn back the clock, but “to keep living in harmony as we get set to rebuild our dear state and strengthen the unity that we are known for.”

    Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has directed that all public servants on GL 1-12 should resume duty from Monday (November 2).

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    The governor, in a statement by Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, observed that the directive is in accordance with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and advisory of the state Ministry of Health.

    Muri-Okunola urged all accounting officers to ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols guiding against the spread of the virus in their respective MDAs, just as he directed that attendance duty rosters must be maintained in all state government establishments.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • President Buhari Welcomes International Partnerships to Spur Development

    President Buhari Welcomes International Partnerships to Spur Development

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja expressed the commitment of the government of Nigeria to work with an international think-tank group and investment promoter, Horasis Global Visions Community, to find solutions to challenges facing the country, its government and corporate entities.

    Speaking at a virtual meeting with the members of the Visions Community led by its founder and chairman, Dr Frank-Jürgen Richter, cross-sectional representatives of State Governors and corporate organizations in Nigeria, President Buhari said: ”I am excited about the work that Horasis has been engaged in since it was founded in 2005.

    President Buhari receives in Virtual audience Horasis Global Visions Community led by its Chairman Dr. Frank-Jurgen Richer in State House on 30th Oct 2020

    ”As a platform for frank discussions and generation of multidisciplinary ideas for the resolution of multi-faceted challenges facing mankind, the work of governments and corporate organisations are expected to be impacted more positively,” he said.

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    President Buhari accepted the request of the global think tank to create its African hub in Nigeria, commending their vision for an expanded manufacturing through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to make the country a major beneficiary of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (ACTFA) coming into effect next year.

    ”It is my hope that many corporate organizations in Nigeria will be drawn into the mainstream discussion around several challenges facing Nigeria and indeed the rest of Africa,” the President said.

    President Buhari expressed the commitment of the government of Nigeria to the proposed annual Africa Summits of the organization, with Nigeria hosting, in the strong belief that Nigeria will fully benefit from the meetings.

    The Chairman of the group, Frank-Jürgen Richter, commended Nigeria’s economic growth in the last few years and gave strong assurances that the Africa Summits with Nigeria as the hub will bring the benefits of increased FDI.

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    Other speakers at the meeting, including the Chairman of the Horasis Visions Community in Nigeria and a former Minister of National Planning, Prof Shamsudeen Usman, the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Engineer Mansur Ahmed, expressed excitement about the good prospects of increased manufacturing through FDI to give a competitive advantage to Nigeria in view of the ACFTA.

  • #EndSARS: Again, Lagos Further Relaxes Curfew from 10pm to 6am

    #EndSARS: Again, Lagos Further Relaxes Curfew from 10pm to 6am

    The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has again yielded to peoples’ appeals by announcing a further relaxation of the 24-hour curfew imposed after the breakdown of law and order, following the hijack of the peaceful #EndSARS protests.

    The curfew would now be from 10pm till 6am.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, praised Lagosians for observing the curfew, which is expected to restore normalcy in the Centre of Excellence.

    He urged all Lagosians to go about their businesses in peace, even as they shun “actions that can threaten our unity.”

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    https://echotitbits.com/lagos-police-command-arrests-fleeing-sergeant-aiwansone-for-killing-girlfriend/

    The governor advised purveyors of fake news to stop causing disaffection among Lagosians, who are well known for being peace-loving and friendly.

    Meanwhile, the General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olajide Oduyoye, has reaffirmed the commitment of its personnel to traffic control across the state, saying the temporary withdrawal of officers resulted from the arson, killings and violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests.

    Oduyoye revealed that 12 LASTMA zonal offices were destroyed during the mayhem, while officers were attacked at various locations and, therefore, the agency’s operational efficiency and logistics were disrupted.

    He stated that despite the temporary setback, LASTMA has taken stock, re-strategised and its officers have resumed their duties at intersections and junctions across the metropolis.

    While assuring members of the public of the agency’s commitment to ensuring free traffic flow on all roads in Lagos State, Oduyoye thanked LASTMA officials for their cooperation, dedication and efforts on effective traffic management across the metropolis.

    Speaking on a recent story being circulated on social media, Oduyoye debunked the report which alleged that Sanwo-Olu has directed the officers of the agency not to arrest any motorist who contravenes Lagos State Traffic Law.

    The general manager pointed out that the false news story had made the rounds on the social media on previous occasions, adding that the company that generated the initial fake report had apologised, retracted and pulled down the news from its website earlier in the year.

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    According to him, “The primary duties of the agency is traffic control and the arrest of recalcitrant drivers as stated in the law that established the agency. The law was later reviewed by Lagos State House of Assembly in year 2018, with that of Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service. It is, therefore, logical that the governor, who is the number one law-abiding citizen and law enforcement officer in the state, would not flout the law through such pronouncement.

    “I must implore all law-abiding citizens of Lagos State, especially motorists, to adhere strictly to the traffic law of the state in order not to run afoul of the law which has consequences. We must all have positive attitudes towards obeying the laws of the state which were made to ensure orderliness and fast-paced socio-economic improvement of individuals, corporate entities and generality of the people.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Lagos Police Command Arrests Fleeing Sergeant Aiwansone for Shooting Girlfriend

    Lagos Police Command Arrests Fleeing Sergeant Aiwansone for Shooting Girlfriend

    Lagos State Police Command has arrested the fleeing Sergeant Eze Aiwansone, attached to the Special Prorection Unit (SPU) Base 16 in Ikeja for the shooting of his girlfriend, Joy Eze.

    The incident occurred on October 8 in Opebi, Ikeja.

    The command said the suspect, who had been on the run, was arrested by his elder brother who is an inspector of police in Lagos State and handed him over to the command.

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    The State CID Panti has taken over the case on the instruction of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, for further investigation, said a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

    Odumosu has, however, warned police personnel in Lagos State to desist from any act that could tarnish the image of the police, charging them to be committed to the principles of community oolicing for better service delivery and public safety in the state.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • South-East Governors to Engage Youths

    South-East Governors to Engage Youths

    The Southeast Governors says the forum will engage with the youth to address their peculiar concerns within the zone.

    The Chairman Southeast Governors forum and the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi made this known in a communique after a closed door meeting held at the Government house, Enugu.

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    Umahi urged the youth to sheath their sword to enable the forum work out modalities to meet their demands.

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    According to Governor Umahi, the southeast Governors sympathises with the families and victims of the post EndSARS protests noting that the governors ensure the security of lives and properties.

    Various stakeholders in the region both the National Assembly and Federal Executive Council members and other religious and traditional leaders were present during the meeting.

  • Truck Crushes Woman in Front of Father’s Hotel in Ogun

    Truck Crushes Woman in Front of Father’s Hotel in Ogun

    A truck has crushed a middle-aged woman at Onihale area, near Owode-Ijako, Ogun State on Thursday, the state Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has said.

    According to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Owode-Ijako Unit Commander of TRACE, Mrs Temitope Oseni, who spoke on behalf of the Corps Commander, Seni Ogunyemi, confirmed that the incident happened at about 8.23 am.

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    Narrating the ugly incident, Oseni recounted how a FAW truck, marked BHN 1353, inbound Onihale area had lost control due to brake failure and rammed into a motorcyclist and a woman who was about to alight in front of her father’s hotel.

    Two boxer motorcycles and four persons were involved in the accident, with a man sustaining injury, Oseni said.

    The TRACE unit commander said that the corpse of the deceased had been released to the family for burial, while the injured was taken to Famous Hospital at Iyana-Ilogbo, Ogun, for treatment.

    Oseni also commiserated with the family of the victim and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

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    To ensure free flow of traffic on the road, the truck and two motorcycles involved in the accident had been removed.

    It is however advised that to avert loss of life, truck drivers and owners are to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before putting them on the road.