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Tag: Endsars

Stop The Protest, We’ve Heard You Loud And Clear – President Buhari

After breaking his silence since the deadly Lekki Toll Gate shooting of unarmed peaceful young #EndSARS protesters, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday appealed to demonstrators demanding action to overhaul the nation’s Police to end their protests.

In his address, the president stressed that it had become necessary to address the youths after concluding a meeting with all the security chiefs and having heard from many concerned Nigerians.

The president however failed to address salient issues such as the mystery that now surrounds the Lekki Toll Gate shooting alleged to have been masterminded by men of the Nigerian army and videos going the rounds that suggests that men believed to be state agents were seen supervising thugs to lunch attack on unarmed protesters on the street of Abuja.

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While he urged the #EndSARS protesters to bring to an end their demonstrations, President Buhari assured Nigerians that the government has heard their voice and was working to meet their demands on the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and others.

The President also urged the international community to verify facts before jumping into conclusion.

“To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.

“In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.

“For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated. I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding”, he said.

President Buhari also sounded a note of warning to those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well-intended protest of some of the youths in parts of the country against deviant acts.

He said while he acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of F-SARS and acted decisively, the speed at it the squad was disbanded was misconstrued to be weakness on the part of government.

“The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.

“As democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth. On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

“Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.

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“The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.

“All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country”.

President Buhari also commented on the rising spread of falsehood and misinformation, especially through the social media, describing it as insensitive to the pains and plight of Nigerians. He stated further that it was a deliberate ploy to mislead gullible citizens within and outside the country “into unfair judgement and disruptive behavior”.

He noted that against such falsehood, his administration, both in deeds and in words, has given enough attention “to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic”.

He explained that government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in the society.

The president listed some of the measures to include the administration broad plan to lift 100million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years, and the creation of N75billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths.

He also listed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is “paying three months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small – and medium – enterprises, paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission, giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans, and guaranteeing market for the products of traders”.

These, he noted, are in addition to many other initiatives such Farmermoni, Tradermoni, Marketmoni, N-Power, N-Tech and N-Agro.

Buhari said no Nigerian government in the past had methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like the present has done.

On the welfare of police personnel, Buhari said the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalizing the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force, adding that the emoluments of other paramilitary services were also being reviewed upwards.

He continued: “In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.

“Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.

“We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.

“We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected.

“But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence”.

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Lawmakers Begs for Calm as #EndSARS Protest Assumes Violent Dimension in Ondo State

The president called on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, even as he enjoined security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect.

He also paid tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

The president stated: “I would like to thank those state Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint. I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.

“This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation. Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

October 23, 2020
#EndSARS: At Last, President Buhari Will Address the Nation 7pm

Almost 48 hours after Nigeria was under fire and the infamous Lekki Toll Gate shooting at unarmed peaceful protesters Tuesday night, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari will now address the nation at 7pm on Thursday, October 22, 2020.

Presidency spokesman, Femi Adesina disclosed this in a statement Thursday evening, stating that the President have now been briefed by security chiefs on the current situation of widespread unrest and violence in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo and others, where state and private assets including bus terminals, mass transport buses, banks, courts and shopping malls have been looted, and in some cases burnt down.

President Buhari with R-L: NSA Babagana Monguno (Rtd), Chief of Defence Staff General AG Olanisakin, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral IE Ibas, and Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SB Abubakar as he presides over National Security Council Meeting in State House on 22nd Oct 2020

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The President’s national address, which is coming after several calls from civil society groups, journalists and the Senate, is expected to be broadcast on television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria respectively for the broadcast.

It’s expected that Buhari’s national broadcast should be able to douse the tension in the country as a result of #EndSARS violence among other security challenges, and give fresh hopes for greater Nigeria.

The presidency spokesman also stated that President Buhari earlier on Thursday presided over National Security Council Meeting at the State House.

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Lawmakers Begs for Calm as #EndSARS Protest Assumes Violent Dimension in Ondo State

Those present at the security meeting include the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammad Adamu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral IE Ibas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal SB Abubakar; Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olanisakin and National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno (Rtd).

By Tobiloba Kolawole

October 22, 2020
Lawmakers Begs for Calm as #EndSARS Protest Assumes Violent Dimension in Ondo State

As #EndSARS protest assumes a violent dimension in Ondo, the State House of Assembly has called for calm.

In an attempt to entreat the protesters, Speaker, Bamidele Oloyelogun, on Thursday in Akure appealed to the youths to embrace peace and allow the government to attend to their agitations.

While he urged the protesters to conduct themselves peacefully so as to allow for the resolution of all issues and demands, Speaker Olyelogun assured them that the state lawmakers identify with their plight and are sympathetic to their cause.

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#EndSARS: Ohanaeze Ndigbo Dissociates Igbos from Nnamdi Kanu on Destruction of Yoruba Assets

In his remark about the now infamous Lekki Toll Gate shooting, Speaker Oloyelogun condemned the Tuesday night incident that unconfirmed reports alleged was masterminded by men of the Nigerian army.

The Speaker therefore appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently address the demands of the protesting youths to restore normalcy, arguing that “nothing can be achieved in an atmosphere devoid of peace.”

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#EndSARS: We Can’t Suppress Nigerian Youths, Let’s Right the Wrongs – Okowa Tells Leaders

Furthermore, he advised all stakeholders to come to the roundtable to discuss issues involved and arrive at amicable ways of ending rights violations in the country.

According to reports, a police station, the APC and the PDP secretariats in Akure were set ablaze by hoodlums who have now hijacked the protest in many parts of the country.

October 22, 2020
#EndSARS: We Can’t Suppress Nigerian Youths, Let’s Right the Wrongs – Okowa Tells Leaders

Following the widespread unrest occasioned by the use of force on unarmed peaceful #EndSARS protesters in some states in Nigeria’s South, the Governor of Delta, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on all leaders in the country to rally and earnestly begin the process of correcting the wrongs in the society.

The Governor made the call for correcting the wrongs in the society in a condolence message to the youths in the country following the shooting of EndSARS protesters at Lekki, Lagos on Tuesday.

According to the message, the governor said “it is obvious that we cannot suppress the voice of the Nigerian youth. They have suffered untold pains and expressed their frustrations in the last two weeks.

“As leaders, our duty is to start to right the wrongs. We need to start the process of re-building a nation that works for all.

“We need to take steps to recreate hope for our people, the youths inclusive”, Okowa said.

Furthermore in his message, the Governor aknowledged the call for reforms, which has been the demands of Nigerian youths.

“My dear youths, you have spoken loudly. You have changed the narrative, and the reforms you called for cannot be wished away.’’

However, Governor Okowa reiterated his appeal to the youths to give the Government time to reflect on and take action on their demands, saying “just a little space’’.

“You are heroes and heroines, and you should not allow your well-intentioned protests to take a negative turn,’’ the Governor stated.

October 22, 2020
#EndSARSProtest: Lagos Orders Investigation into Lekki Shooting

The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into reports of live ammunition fired at peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Plaza Tuesday evening.

This was coming as Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to remain calm.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement, said the shooting would be investigated immediately.

“There have been reports of shooting at Lekki Toll Plaza, following the 24-hour curfew imposed on Lagos State to stop criminals who hid under the #EndSARS protests to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens.

Lagos Police Arrest Protester Who Allegedly Killed Two in Fatal Accident

“The state Glgovernment has ordered an investigation into the incident. Governor Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish.

“He advises Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who have hijacked the noble protest of our gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan of turning our dear state upside down,” Omotoso said.

#EndSARS: Lagos Swears-In 7-member Judicial Panel into SARS brutality

He assured that the governor would do everything within his power to ensure that the lives of all Lagosians are protected at all times.

October 20, 2020
#EndSARS: Lagos Police Command Bans Protest, Gathering, Procession under Whatever Guise

Lagos State Police Command Tuesday declared that no protest or gathering or procession under whatever guise, would henceforth be permitted within the state.

The command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the #EndSAR protest has been hijacked by hoodlums who want to run down the state.

He explained that the police command would resist such state of anarchy, unrest and brouhaha with all powers within the ambit of the law.

“Due to the new development of violent attacks on police officers and men and formations including innocent Nigerians in Lagos State, and the 24-hour curfew imposed by Lagos State Government with effect from 4pm of today (October 20), Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that henceforth no protest or gathering or procession under whatever guise, is permitted within Lagos State.

“In the light of the above, all security agencies have deployed adequate personnel to take charge and enforce the curfew across the state.

“In the same vein, the command regrets to confirm the setting ablaze of Orile Police State today at about 10am, where some of our policemen were critically injured and unconfirmed reports state that one of them is dead.

“It’s crystal clear that the #EndSARS protest has been hijacked by hoodlums who want to run down the state and the police command will resist such state of anarchy, unrest and brouhaha with all powers within the ambit of the law.

“While the command is resolute in sustenance of human rights and democratic tenets, the general public is hereby warned to comply with the curfew and desist from any act of violence in the state as the command will resist such in totality,” said the statement.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 20, 2020
#EndSARS Protest in Ogun: Governor Abiodun Calls for Dialogue

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has again called on the Nigerian youth to call off their protest and engage government in a meaningful dialogue to find amicable solutions to their demands.

Governor Abiodun who made the call when he hosted representatives of students of higher institutions in the State in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said it was time to halt the protest before it degenerated into an wholesome situation that could cause choas in the country.

“Please wind down the protest; you have spoken and the whole world has heard you. Where your freedom stops, is where that of others starts. Don’t allow this protest to degenerate into a situation where people will begin to attack each other.

“It is time to dialogue so that we can find solutions to the problems you have highlighted. The National Economic Council has mandated us to handle the situation and here in Ogun State, we have inaugurated a panel to handle cases of brutality by security agencies with a view to ensure that appropriate punishment are meted out to those found wanting”, he explained.

Prince Abiodun who said he identified with the protest, noted that Nigerians, like citizens of other free countries of the world, have the right to protest. He, however, observed that the Nigerian youth have finally demonstrated that they are resilient and could rise up to be counted when the occasion arises.

He acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the students in the State since he assumed office, saying it was a demonstration of the qualities associated with people of the State and what they stand for.

“I want to appreciate you for being disciplined. You have behaved well since I assumed office. Ogun State students have not been reported to have behaved irresponsibly. Keep it up. It is the way you conduct yourselves today that determine how far you go tomorrow”, the Governor said.

The Governor said his administration has fashioned out ways of addressing the numerous challenges facing higher Institutions particularly in the area of electricity, transportation, provision of laboratories and workshops.

He informed the students leaders that access roads on their campuses are currently under rehabilitation, while government was working out a Public Private Partnership arrangements to build hostels and address transportation issues.

He said Goverrnment would reactivate their faulty transformers to improve power supply in their institutions.

Government, he maintained, would look into bursary and scholarship, assuring the students that those who excel would be rewarded to serve as inspiration to others.

Speaking earlier, the President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State, Comrade Tomiwa Bamgbose, while reeling out the challenges confronting the students, lauded the Governor for intervening in the Tai Solarin College of Education crisis and giving automatic employment to best graduating students in many polytechnics and universities in the State.

The President, National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOS), Comrade Gbemileke Okuronbi, appreciated the Governor for his strides in the education sector, pleading for the payment of bursary to ameliorate the suffering of the students.

October 20, 2020
I’ll Not Sign off 2021 Budget Excluding Youth, ASUU Demands – Speaker, Gbajabiamila Says

The House of Representatives on Tuesday says it has committed to a programme of reforms and collaborating with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in a bid to bring about comprehensive transformation of the nation’s police structure as Nigerian youths have continued with the now globally recognised #EndSARS protest.

This was disclosed by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila while he delivered an address during Tuesday’s plenary at the House, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Giving assurances of his commitment to ensuring that police reform, as demanded by Nigerian youths under the #EndSARS movement, the Speaker stated that efforts are ongoing to developing a draft legislation that will be ready for consideration within thirty days.

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#EndSARS: Governor Sanwo-Olu Imposes 24hr Curfew on Lagos

The Speaker stated that for the records, he should be held to account on the expectation of his promise to reform the Nigerian Police Force through legislation.

” I will not sign off on a 2021 Budget that does not include adequate provisions to compensate those who have suffered violence and brutality at the hands of the police in Nigeria in the last two decades.

” I will not sign off on a budget that does not meet the reasonable demands of the ASUU, to which Government has already acceded. There is no better time to rethink the system of funding for higher education in Nigeria. The current system does a great disservice to our children and our country, and we must commit to changing it so that we can free our institutions of higher learning to be citadels where innovation thrives, and excellence is a given.

“With my colleagues in the House of Representatives, I will visit over the next week, some of the families of those who have lost loved ones to police brutality and when we come back, we will work together to honour the memory of those we have lost.

“The House of Representatives will pass an Electoral Reform Bill in time for the next general elections so that we may continue to improve the process of electing our political representatives at all levels.

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Again, Sanwo-Olu Begs #EndSARS Protesters, Says Let’s Leave the Road and Dialogue Accordingly

“I will support the amendment of the constitution to ensure that the provisions on fundamental human rights have teeth, resource control is dealt with equitably and that the next generation of Nigerians does not inherit evident dysfunctions of our current system”, Gbajabiamila said.

Read Full Address:

1. Good morning Honourable colleagues, thank you for being here this morning.

2. About two weeks ago, I spoke to this honourable House about the need for urgent, substantive, and wholesale reforms of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and an overhaul of our nation’s internal security and policing framework.

3.This honourable House debated the failures of policing that have caused our nation’s youth to take to the streets in their numbers, demanding that Government live up to our primary obligation to ensure the security and welfare of our people.

4.The nationwide protests that gave impetus to our deliberations that day have not abated. They have gotten more serious, with many reported instances of violence between state actors and protesters, between protesters and armed thugs who seek to hijack the passion and idealism of these protests for other nefarious purposes.

5.The Federal Government of Nigeria has acted to dissolve the Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS), whose gross abuses of power are the proximate cause of this present unrest. The Government has moved to set up, through the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), a national judicial panel of inquiry, in addition to similar panels set up by the federating state governments.

6.The House of Representatives has committed to a programme of reforms. We resolved to collaborate with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in this effort and to ensure that draft legislation is ready for consideration within thirty days.

7. None of these actions have sufficed to convince the ever-growing numbers of protesters to withdraw from continued agitation. From Lagos to Awkuzu, from Port-Harcourt to Kano, Abuja and Enugu, the protests have continued relentlessly, with good cause. Whatever else may be driving this moment, our people expect more than commitments. They expect action, and we must deliver.

8.This House will live up to the commitments we have already made, whilst we continue to seek avenues to do better and achieve more. Even as we act to establish systems for police accountability to ensure that the abuses of the past never happen again, we must seek the full measure of justice for what came before.

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Edo Government Imposes 24-Hour Curfew

9.We owe this to Tiyamu Kazeem and Tina Ezekwe, Tony Zitta and Anita Akapson, to Chijioke Iloanya and Jimoh Isiaq, Kolade Johnson, Modebayo Awosika and far too many others.

10. We owe it to the families they left behind, to those who even now do not know if their missing son, their long lost sister, their father, is buried somewhere in a shallow, unmarked grave, put there by those whose duty it was to protect them.

11. We owe this much to the young people who have such high hopes and lofty aspirations for this nation that they are willing to risk their lives, brave the sun and rain, through night and day, to demand that all of us, one nation under God, live up to the better angels of our nature, and be better than what we are now.

12. On Wednesday last week, the leadership of the House met with the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). This meeting was in furtherance of the House’ resolution to partner with the Association to develop legislation that implements a new framework for holding police officers accountable when they fail in the performance of their duties under the law.

13. Following from that meeting, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata constituted a Committee, led by the eminent Professor Deji Adekunle, SAN to work with the House of Representatives to develop a Bill for the House within the timeline we have pledged. The Committee has resumed its assignment.

I thank Olumide Akpata and the leadership of the NBA for their support. I also thank Professor Adekunle, SAN and members of the Committee, all of whom volunteered for this assignment, for recognising the urgency of the moment and acting with dedication and in good conscience, in service of our beloved nation.

14.Two weeks from now, the House will receive and immediately begin to consider legislation that seeks to establish a system of independent, responsive accountability that:

a. Holds erring members of the Police Force to account for their conduct in the performance of their duties;

b. Imposes civil and criminal liability for violations of the law and the Police regulations;

c. Ensures that officers found who engage in unauthorised, unlawful use of force are expelled from office and subject to the full penalty of the law; and

d. Prohibits with severe penalties the practice of using illegal incarceration as a cudgel to extort law-abiding citizens of their hard-earned resources.

15. We will establish a system of citizen-led accountability for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) because in the democracy we have set out to build, the police are not above the citizenry, they are servants of the people. The police are not above the law; they are its guardians.

16. As we endeavour to hold our nation’s police to higher standards of personal and professional conduct, we must also make sure that we provide for the welfare of the men and women to whom we assign such significant responsibilities in our collective interest. From minimum police recruitment requirements, through to training, everything must change, if we are to have a police force that meets our nation’s needs and upholds the law of the land with integrity and professionalism.

17. Honourable colleagues, independence for any nation is not a function of a singular declaration; it doesn’t happen one time. Freedom is earned through generations, over and over again, by the sacrifice of patriots who band together to achieve for themselves and leave to their descendants, the inheritance of a more perfect union.

18. Sixty years ago, our country gained its independence from the British who until then had charted our course and devised our fate. Twenty years ago, when we set off the shackles of the military dictatorship, to commit once more to this grand experiment in civil governance, we gained independence again.

19.Today, we are witnessing across Nigeria, a call for a fundamental rethinking of our nationhood. As we sit here in this hallowed chamber, a new independence movement is roiling our nation. A generation of young people, who came of age in the years of our democracy have looked upon what we have built and decided that we can do better.

20. We will do well to heed this call and what it portends for Nigeria. Let us take the opportunity of this moment to do the hard things, make the right choices and pursue those objectives that drive progress and put us in good stead for generations to come.

As Speaker of this House of Representatives, let me say now for the records to reflect, and in the expectation that I would be held to account:

• I will not sign off on a 2021 Budget that does not include adequate provisions to compensate those who have suffered violence and brutality at the hands of the police in Nigeria in the last two decades.

• I will not sign off on a budget that does not meet the reasonable demands of the ASUU, to which Government has already acceded. There is no better time to rethink the system of funding for higher education in Nigeria. The current system does a great disservice to our children and our country, and we must commit to changing it so that we can free our institutions of higher learning to be citadels where innovation thrives, and excellence is a given.

• With my colleagues in the House of Representatives, I will visit over the next week, some of the families of those who have lost loved ones to police brutality and when we come back, we will work together to honour the memory of those we have lost.

• The House of Representatives will pass an Electoral Reform Bill in time for the next general elections so that we may continue to improve the process of electing our political representatives at all levels.

• I will support the amendment of the constitution to ensure that the provisions on fundamental human rights have teeth, resource control is dealt with equitably and that the next generation of Nigerians does not inherit evident dysfunctions of our current system.

21.This is my commitment, and I ask the support of the House of Representatives for this and more. Let us through the grace of God and with humility work together to bring peace, security, justice and prosperity for all our nation’s people.

22.To the young people across Nigeria who have led these protests, whose call for change has brought about this historical moment, you are the midwives of national rebirth. You have moved a nation to action, and now you must join in doing the hard work of making real the vision of a more just, more prosperous, and more resilient nation.

23. We see your true cause. Please do not allow your righteous cause to be hijacked by those with base motives, who see in this moment an opportunity to pursue vendettas, to spread division, exploit the many existing fissures that exist in our society and bring our nation to its knees.

24.You have raised your voices and marched to demand a better Nigeria. From Abuja to Washington, to Calgary and London, your voices have been heard. Do not allow anybody to convince you that to withdraw from the streets now is to concede defeat.

25.This is the time to move your agitation from the chaos of the streets to the painstaking deliberations and strategic partnerships that birth policy and produce legislation. It is time to mobilise your voices in support of specific policy interventions that will deliver on our shared objectives of national renewal and a country that reflects the best of us. I thank you, your country thanks you, and history will be kind to you.

26. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

By Tobiloba Kolawole

October 20, 2020
#EndSARS: Governor Sanwo-Olu Imposes 24hr Curfew on Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has imposed a 24hr curfew on all parts of the state following rising tension occasioned by activities of hoodlums who hide under the guise of the ongoing EndSARS protest.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who have in the last one week identified with protesters in Lagos, and commitedly took their demands to President Muhammadu Buhari personally said he would not fold his arms and watch the state slide into anarchy.

“I have watched with shock how what began as a peaceful #EndSARS protest has degenerated into a monster that is threatening the well-being of our society. Lives and limbs have been lost as criminals and miscreants are now hiding under the umbrella of these protests to unleash mayhem on our State.

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[Video] #EndSARS: Hoodlums Set Ablaze Cars in Abuja

“As a government that is alive to its responsibility and has shown a commitment to the movement #ENDSARS, we will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state.

“I, therefore, hereby impose a 24-hour curfew on all parts of the State as from 4pm today, 20th October, 2020.Nobody, except essential service providers and first responders must be found on the streets”, the Governor said.

Tobiloba Kolawole

October 20, 2020
[Video] #EndSARS: Hoodlums Set Ablaze Cars in Abuja

As EndSARS protest against police brutality and extra-judicial killings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) nears two weeks on Monday, some hoodlums have burnt down about 50 cars at Apo Mechanic village in Abuja.

Thugs, alleged to be sponsored for the distruption of ongoing agitation for a comprehensive police reform stormed the area and set ablaze cars displayed for sale at a dealer stand.

According to reports, the hoodlums had attempted to attack peaceful protesters at Apo during their rally on Monday morning. However, the protesters overpowered and repelled them

It was gathered that after the initial failed attempt to attack the demonstrators, the hoodlums reinforced but on getting to the scene, the protesters had dispersed.

Reports have it that the hoodlums who were angered when they didn’t meet the protesters, decided to vent their frustration by setting ablaze about 50 cars at a dealership stand located at Jesus Avenue, along Apo Mechanic Village.

A report by Vanguard stated that those around the scene of the incident said the thugs vandalised other valuables in the area and also harassed people in the area.

On Monday night, amateur videos that captured several cars on fire trended across social media platforms.

Vangaurd reported that an eyewitness, who spoke anonymously for security reasons, said: “The hoodlums began the attack around 3:30pm. My colleague and I were driving home when we saw people running helter-skelter near the mechanic village.

“We had to park our car on the premises of Apo Shoprite for safety reasons and run for our lives.

“We also saw those who set the cars ablaze brandishing machetes and small knives to intimidate and scare the people away.”

The eyewitness added that some policemen were in the area while the mayhem lasted. But, they were too few to stop the hoodlums.

Video:

October 20, 2020