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#EndSARS: ‘Destruction of Public Assets Will Hurt Nigerians in Lagos’ – Gov Ikpeazu

Abia State State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has visited his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where he declared that criminals who carried out the last month’s coordinated attacks on public assets and private businesses in Lagos State orchestrated the violence to hurt the whole country.

Ikpeazu condemned the arson, noting that Lagos remains a home for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, language or religion.

He particularly thanked Sanwo-Olu for protecting the businesses and properties owned by Igbo during the violence.

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According to him, “I am here to commiserate and show my concern to my brother, governor of Lagos State, over the event that happened some two weeks ago.

“I’m particularly touched by the level of destruction, which will hurt all Nigerians living in Lagos. This is because Lagos is home to all – commercial city, it is a place where everyone speaks the same language.

“I want to particularly thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving protection to our brothers from the South-east during the crisis. This is an indication that our people and their businesses are safe in Lagos. We will continue to live as a united country. With all of us working together, we can keep flourishing.”

Ikpeazu urged Igbo living in Lagos to continue to abide by the laws of the state and eschew actions that may cause mistrust between them and members of their host communities.

L-R: Abia State Commissioners: Hon. Kalu Uduma (Budget and Planning); Dr. Aham Uko (Finance); Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) and others in a group photo during courtesy visit by the Abia State Governor at Lagos House, Alausa, on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

He said the political leaders had drawn a number of lessons from the recent youth protests against police brutality, saying governors were now inclined to drive up inclusion in their policies and programmes.

In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu appreciated Ikpeazu for taking the pain to travel down to Lagos from the South-east to identify with the residents over the violence. He promised that Lagos State Government would continue to support business aspirations of the Igbo and protect their rights to live in Lagos.

In a related development, indigenes of South-east and South-south living in Lagos have paid solidarity visit to Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House in Alausa.

The Igbo leaders, who were led by the governor’s Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, restated their commitment to the growth of Lagos, while aligning with the move to rebuild the destroyed assets.

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Igbokwe said a true Igbo son could not have been part of those who set fire on the public assets, adding that Igbo people are known as builders.

“The attacks are unimaginable in terms of cost and worth. There is nothing that can make a true son of Igbo to participate in destruction of the land where our businesses have been most successful.

“There is an adage that says you cannot go and pass faeces where they put your food. We pledge our loyalty and stand by the Government and the people of Lagos,” he said.

Leader of the South-south indigenes in Lagos, Isaac Emiyade, on his part, said he had lived in the state since 1977 and had never witnessed public protests in which public assets were destroyed at such level.

Emiyade praised Sanwo-Olu for promoting cohesion among all ethnic nationalities cohabiting in Lagos, pledging that people of South-south residing in the state would continue to support move to strengthen peace and progress of Lagos.

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Responding, Sanwo-Olu said diversity remains the state’s strongest point, pointing out that the spirit of Lagos to host visitors and be a melting pot for all ethnic group has not been and cannot be dampened, despite violence visited on the state.

“One of our strongest point is our diversity. We must not allow what happened to demoralise our spirit to undertake the responsibilities which Lagos State has taken up.

“Lagos will continue to give everybody living here equal opportunity,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Idowu Sowunmi

November 12, 2020
Senate Committee on Army Kicks Against Rehabilitation Of Repentant Terrorists in Nigeria

The Senate Committee on Army, says it disagrees with the Federal Government’s (FG) programme on deradicalising ex-Boko Haram members.

The Chairman of the committee, Senator Ali Ndume, who has always maintained a divergent view on the matter, again reiterated his disagreement with the FG’s move to rehabilitate and reintegrate repentant Boko Haram members at a closed door budget defense session with the Nigerian Army on Wednesday.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Ali Ndume

Ndume’s position which was the same as that of the committee, has always been of the opinion that deradicalizing Ex-Boko Haram Members is a misplacement of priority stressed that the Federal Government cannot be resettling and pampering former terrorists while the country is still at war.

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“I am in disagreement with the government,” Ndume buttressed.

He further noted that Boko Haram members who are apprehended can be kept as prisoners of war, adding that in due time they can be profiled and tried in accordance with the law.

Damboa attack carried out by repentant Boko Haram member
In further defense of his position on the matter, Senator Ndume claimed that the recent terrorist attack in Damboa was orchestrated by a repentant Boko Haram member.

According to the lawmaker, the repentant Boko Haram member was feeding the terror group information regarding the movement of the army.

Ndume was of the opinion that it is unfair and not right to have the government lavish its resources on those who threaten the peace of the nation.

‘I Am Completely Against It!’
Early in February, Senator Ali Ndume pushed against the bill aimed at creating an agency for repentant insurgents.

The Boko Haram Bill which is aimed at creating a national agency that would see to the rehabilitation, de-radicalization, and integration of repentant insurgents in the country met with stiff opposition from Ndume who believes it is a misplacement of priority.

“I personally disagree with that. The war is not over and some criminals that have been killing people you say that you are doing Operation Safe Corridor for them.

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“I am completely against that idea. They know my position on that, you can’t do that.

“It is when you win the war and some people surrender that you think about something like that,” Ndume said on the floor of the Senate where the bill was read for the first time.

He added that the idea of the bill will only make Boko Haram have more recruits since they are sure of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

“You are just telling people to go and join Boko Haram and then repent and become something (sic) that’s a totally unacceptable idea and a way of solving the problem,”.Channels TV reported.

November 12, 2020
Court Remands Ladies Accused of Murder Attempt on Osun Governor

Two ladies accused of attempting to assasinate Osun state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, have been remanded by the state’s Magistrate court in Oshogbo on Wednesday.

The state Police Command that arraigned the suspects also accused them of stealing and vandalising Justrite, a mall in Osogbo.

The six-count charge against the 20year old suspects, Tajudeen Suliyat and Ayomide Abdulazeez, included attempted murder, malicious damage, burglary and conspiracy.

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The Gurdians’s Timothy Agbor reported that the Police prosecutor, ASP Idoko John, told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on October 17, 2020, at about 4:30 p.m. at Olaiya Junction, Osogbo.

According to ASP Idoko’s testimony, the accused persons conspired among themselves and unlawfully attempted to kill Governor Oyetola by firing guns and throwing stones at him.

Giving further explanation, Idoko said the accused persons did willfully and unlawfully damage 17 vehicles in the governor’s convoy.

The prosecutor also said that the accused on the same date at about 8:00 p.m. unlawfully broke and entered into Justrite Mall and stole laptops, mobile phones and phone accessories, all valued at N3,568,000, property of Ashiru Ibrahim Olayemi.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the allegations preferred against them.

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The defence counsel, Nurudeen Kareem, made oral application for the bail of the accused persons in most liberal terms, saying the offence against the suspects were bailable.

In his reaction, the prosecutor opposed the bail application on the ground that the accused persons will commit similar offence if granted bail.

In his ruling, Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara ordered the remand of the accused persons in Ilesa Correctional Centre till November 20, 2020 for ruling on their bail application, Timothy Agbor of The Gurdian reported.

November 12, 2020
Buhari, El-Rufai, Saraki, PDP Mourn Passing of Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Balarabe Musa

President Muhammadu Buhari; the Governor Nasir El-Rufai-led Kaduna State Government; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have mourned the passing of the first elected governor of Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, who served the state from October 1979 to June 1981.

While joining the government and people of Kaduna State in mourning Musa, Buhari said the former governor’s passing would be “sorely missed by all Nigerians, who have diligently followed his antecedents as a voice for the voiceless.”

The President believed Musa “reflected the passion and vigour that heralded Nigeria’s independence, which steadily translated into activism for return to democracy at the height of military interregnum and has remained steadfast in the call for good and inclusive governance.”

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As the former governor goes home, Buhari affirmed that he left “a bold footprint on Nigeria’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.”

The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends and associates.

Announcing the death of Musa, El-Rufai said Kaduna State is proud of the public service the former governor rendered to the state and its people.

“Alhaji Balarabe Musa will be remembered as a progressive politician who tried in his time as governor to expand the horizons of opportunity for ordinary people.

“He made notable contributions to industrialising the state. As a leader, he demonstrated at the ballot box, the capacity of a political party devoted to the protection of the interest of ordinary people to acquire power democratically.

“As a private citizen, he projected the qualities of principled politics, decency, integrity, consistency and commitment to improving the lives of our ‘talakawa’ in Kaduna State and Nigeria.

“Despite the setback of his unwarranted impeachment from the office of Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa remained steadfast to his principles and spoke his mind often, helping to project a radical voice in public discourse in defense of democracy, and to advance social justice.

“As we pay tribute to his life of unblemished public service, we pray Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him al-Jannar Firdaus and to comfort his family,” said El-Rufai, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye.

In his condolence message, Senate President Bukola Saraki, described the passing of Musa “a renowned statesman who fought for our return to democracy and a former Governor of Kaduna State” as “a great loss to the nation.”

He therefore sent his heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Kaduna State, saying Musa would be “dearly missed.”

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On its part, PDP said it’s “deeply grieved by the death of elder statesman, outstanding democrat and former governor of old Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.”

The party described Musa’s death “as a huge national loss given his steadfastness, patriotic contributions and zeal in fighting for the unity, stability and development of our nation.”

“Alhaji Musa was a forthright leader, an embodiment of ideals, who spent better part of his life championing the entrenchment of justice, equity, fairness and rule of law in every sector of our national life, despite the challenges he faced.

“Our party commiserates with the Balarabe Musa family, the government and people of Kaduna State, as well as his friends and associates even as we pray that the Almighty God grants eternal repose to his soul and fortitude to the family and the nation at large, to bear this irreparable loss,” PDP said, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

Idowu Sowunmi

November 12, 2020
President Buhari Mourns Former Governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria’s North

President Muhammadu Buhari joins government and people of Kaduna State in mourning a former civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, whose passing will be sorely missed by all Nigerians, who have diligently followed his antecedents as a voice for the voiceless.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari believes Alhaji Musa reflected the passion and vigour that heralded Nigeria’s independence, which steadily translated into activism for return to democracy at the height of military interregnum and has remained steadfast in the call for good and inclusive governance.

As the former governor goes home, the President affirms that he left a bold footprint on Nigeria’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.

President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends and associates.

November 11, 2020
Nigeria President Buhari Reinstates Sacked UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Dissolves Babalakin-led Council

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday ordered the immediate dissolution of the Wale Babalakin-led Governing Council, University of Lagos.

This was coming as the Buhari administration gave reasons for the reinstatement of the suspended university’s Vice Chancellor, Toyin Ogundipe.

Though Babalakin and some members of the council have since tendered their resignation letters, the latest decision of to Federal Government was in fulfilment of the recommendation of a Special Visitation Panel set up by President Buhari to resolve the crisis rocking the institution following the controversial removal of Ogundipe.

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“President Muhammadu Buhari, and Visitor to University of Lagos has approved the Report of the Special Visitation Panel to University of Lagos.

“The highlights of the findings and recommendations approved by Mr. President are as follows:

“The removal of Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe as the Vice Chancellor did not follow due process.

“The Vice Chancellor was not granted an opportunity to defend himself on the allegations upon which his removal was based. He should accordingly be re-instated.

“All allegations made against the Vice Chancellor and the management of the University before and after the Constitution of the Special Visitation Panel should be referred to regular Visitation Panel for thorough investigation and necessary recommendations.

“The process adopted by the Council in the appointment of Professor Omololu Soyombo as Acting Vice Chancellor of the university was inconsistent with the provisions of the law relating to the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor.

“The Governing Council should be dissolved.

“Mr. President after careful review of the report has approved all the recommendations of the panel.

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“Accordingly, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe is hereby reinstated as the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos.

“The Governing Council of University of Lagos Chaired by Dr. B. O. Babalakin is hereby dissolved,” said a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Ben-Bem Goong.

It would be recalled that Ogundipe was accused of financial impropriety and gross misconduct. He was removed controversially at a council meeting which took place at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.

The relationship between Prof. Ogundipe and Dr. Babalakin became strained about two years ago.

Idowu Sowunmi

November 11, 2020
Vice President of Nigeria Advocates Suitable Curriculum for Quality Education

The Vice President of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is advocating for the design and development of suitable curriculum assessments and monitoring systems that will focus on improving the quality of education during and post-COVID-19 pandemic, adding that this requires urgent steps.

The Vice President stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2020 Annual Education Conference.

The Vice president, represented by Minister of State for Education, Mr. Chukuemeka Nwajuiba, stated that the adaption of the curriculum was necessary to facilitate learning in hybrid schooling situations in view of the unexpected disruptions of education system by COVID-19 pandemic.

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He said the possibilities of designing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics curricula such that they can be taught virtually should be worked out by appropriate government offices and stakeholders.

“The theme of this conference is a true reflection of an unusual global challenge faced by education in recent days.

“The emergence of Coronavirus pandemic has no doubt adversely affected the education sector and the economy at national and global levels.

“Let me point out that to cushion the effects of the pandemic, the world is embracing technological innovations. Virtual interactions have increasingly replaced face-to-face engagement and limit the total disruptions to many sectors,” he said.

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Also at the event, the Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu reiterated the commitment of the ministry for continued deployment of technologies and the internet in education to ensure that online education became an integral component of school education.

The conference was organised by national and international partners in the education sector, and has the theme “Building an Effective, Resilient and Sustainable Education System for Nigeria’s during and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: The Way Forward”.

November 11, 2020
Banks in Ekiti Nigeria Fears Attack, Shuts Down as Police Withdraws

Following alleged withdrawal of policemen, commercial banks in Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State shut-down on Tuesday.

According to report by Rasaq Ibrahim of The Nation, who visited the second largest community in the state, the financial institutions in the town as well as Point of Sale (POS) outlets were under lock and key due to fear of being attacked because of the alleged absence of policemen.

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The absence of policemen in the community is the aftermath of the recent EndSARS protest which was highjacked by hoodlums who took advantage to perpetuate their sinister motives.

It was learnt that the burning of two policemen and destruction of the Area Command in the unrest led to the absence of officers in the town since they had no station to operate.

“The town was said to have suffered the most grievous attacks and destructions during the last EndSARS protests: structures and property estimated at millions of naira were either burnt or vandalised.

“At the end of the attacks, the Area Command and divisional police stations in the town were attacked and vehicles as well as other vital items on the premises were either damaged or burnt”, The Nation’s Rasaq Ibrahim gathered.

According to report, banks in the town did not open for operation yesterday, Tuesday, due to alleged withdrawal of policemen.

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The situation, as it was learnt, consequently forced many customers who wanted to transact business to travel kilometres to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, to access banking services.

in their reaction to the bank shut-down in Ikere-Ekiti, “some bank customers, particularly those who wanted to deposit money, withdraw money and transact other businesses, expressed disappointment over the development.”

They added that it had affected their businesses negatively.

A bank official, who spoke in confidence with The Nation, disclosed that the development was as the result of alleged absence of policemen in the community.

November 11, 2020
Sacked UNILAG Vice Chancellor May Return to Office Today

Suspended Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, may return to his seat own Wednesday.

This is according to The Guardian’s Iyabo Lawal who reported that the return of Pro. Oluwatoyin to the position of UNILAG VC followed the recommendation of the panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate allegations of abuse of office and financial recklessness levelled against him by the Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) led Governing Council.

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A source confirmed to The Guardian on the condition of anonymity that Prof. Ogundipe has been exonerated from the charges of corruption and recklessness levelled against him and will return as Vice Chancellor of UNILAG.

Prof. Ogundipe who had been in loggerheads with the now resigned Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Babalakin challenged his removal and refused to vacate office.

Echotitbits had previously reported that the Babalakin-led council named an acting vice-chancellor to take over from Ogundipe pending when a substantive VC would be appointed.

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“But following protests from the university community, particularly the Senate and the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government constituted an emergency visitation panel to look into the crisis and come up with recommendations.

“While the panel was yet to submit its report, Babalakin resigned his chairmanship of the council, faulting the composition of the panel, saying he had no confidence in them”, Iyabo Lawal of The Guardian stated.

November 11, 2020
Activist Sues 50 Persons Including Daystar Pastor Sam Adeyemi Over #EndSARS Protests

A human rights activist, Mr Kenechukwu Okeke, has filed a criminal complaint Against 50 persons including musicians Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Davido and the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi for their roles in the #EndSARS protests that took place nationwide in October.

Okeke sued them before a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja on Tuesday, Channels TV reported.

In the suit brought before the court, he is asking that the defendants who promoted the protests be brought to justice for allegedly destroying his properties.

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Other defendants listed in the suit are musician, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz and social media comedians, Debo Adebayo fondly addressed as Mr Macaroni and Maryam Akpaokagi also known as Taoma.

Others include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent Idibia, also known as TuFace, Bankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh (Don Jazzy) and Yemi Alade.

Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, former Super Eagles Star, Kanu Nwankwo, a former Director-General, Bureau for Public Sector Reforms, Doctor Joe Abah, Kiki Mordi, and actors, Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo, Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro and Deji Adeyanju., were also listed in the suit.

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In his supporting affidavit, Mr Okeke claimed that the defendants, using twitter and internet web source, played active roles in the #EndSARS protest which later became violent and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 97(2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. According to Channels TV, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

November 10, 2020