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Tag: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

APAPA GRIDLOCK: LAGOS MOVES TO TAKE OVER PRESIDENTIAL TASKFORCE OPERATION

•Operators In War Of Words Over Port Congestion

•Governor To Meet Amaechi, IGP Over Officials’ Misconduct At Seaports

An unplanned fact-finding visit to Apapa, on Monday, by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ascertain the causes of incessant gridlock on roads leading to the seaports has revealed several factors, which are responsible for the congestion.

It was the fourth time Governor Sanwo-Olu and members of the State cabinet would be visiting Apapa over traffic congestion, which has impacted negatively on businesses and lives in the environ.

As the Governor physically assessed the complexity of the situation that allowed heavy-duty trucks to clog up the access roads, a blame game ensued between stakeholders operating within and around the Apapa seaports.

While the Committee of Freight Forwarders and Maritime Truckers (COFFAMAT) blamed the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) officials, Presidential Taskforce on Port Decongestion and the police for the corruption that allowed truck drivers to park indiscriminately on the road, the Council of Maritime Transport Union and Association (COMTUA) absolved the police and the Taskforce, accusing COFFAMAT, truck drivers and other stakeholders of not playing by the rules.

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during an inspection at the Tin Can Transit Park, Apapa, on Monday, December 28, 2020.

A customs licensed clearing and forwarding agent, Mr. Boniface Okoye, heaped the blame on the customs for giving undue access to the shippers’ council to leave empty containers to the port areas, while pointing accusing finger to the police for looking away after allegedly collecting kickbacks.

Following the accusation and counter-accusation, Sanwo-Olu intimated the stakeholders of the State Government’s move to checkmate activities of all operators that had led to the problems being experienced in the area.

The Governor wondered why container-laden trucks not yet called upon for loading in the ports were indiscriminately parked on newly rehabilitated Tincan Road, instead of moving into the approved terminal provided by the Government.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that part of the steps being taken by the State Government to restore sanity back to the area was to take over the enforcement of the Presidential Taskforce on Port Decongestion and create a new operational template for the task force, which will be enforced by a combined team of officers of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the police.

He said: “This is about the fourth time which my Government has been trying to address Apapa gridlock and bring sanity back to the area. On each occasion we had come here, we knew that there were road constructions. This time around, there has been a lot of improvement and we have seen that a lot of the roads within Apapa have been completed. But, there has been no respite for commuters in terms of free traffic flow.

“Our plan is to bring about cohesive system where all stakeholders would understand their roles and resolve challenges being encountered. Since last year, the Presidential Taskforce has been working on this issue. Now, there is a process that is starting in which the State Government is taking over the task force. This is one of the reasons for this trip to Apapa today; to ascertain what needs to be done. We will have a team of policemen and LASTMA dedicated to Apapa Ports for enforcement of task force’s mandates.”

The Governor said the visit to the ports would be followed up with stakeholders’ engagement with NPA, shipping companies’ owners and freight forwarders, stressing that a situation where truck drivers needed to wait for about 10 hours for handing over of operation from one NPA team to another was not acceptable.

L-R: Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Special Adviser on Works & Infrastructure, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Chairman, Lagos Inter-Agency Monitoring and Enforcement Coordination Committee, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, during an inspection at the Tin Can Transit Park, Apapa, on Monday, December 28, 2020.

Sanwo-Olu said the sharp practices and inadequacies observed in the handling of the container operations at the ports would be escalated to the Minister of Transport, adding that the misconducts of the policemen stationed closed to the ports would be reported to the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The Governor said it was time the arm of the law caught up with those who had created the situation that led to the chaotic movements of container-laden trucks in and out of the ports.

He said: “Lagos State Government is not the owner of the ports whose operations is causing pain to residents, but we owe a duty to our citizens whose lives and businesses have been badly impacted because of the gridlocks created in this part of the State. I believe this trip would give us another opportunity where all of us, as stakeholders, will be able to identify impediments and resolve the issues once and for all.”

Sanwo-Olu also part of the issues to be resolved with the Federal Government over Apapa congestion was the uniformity in the operational licence being issued to barge owners. This, he said, is to stop creation of illegal terminals for barge operators and make adequate plan for licencees operating in traffic-prone areas.

He said: “We have arrested people we felt were operating illegal barge terminals before, but we were surprised some of these people had licences issued by the Federal Government. This is part of the issues we want to resolve. We are working collaboratively with the Federal Government on this. If someone gets an approval for barge operation, let Lagos Government be aware, so that roads are probably planned to those terminals.”

December 29, 2020
Fancy Driving Electric Cars? Lagos Governor Unveils Nigeria’s 1st, Assembled Locally

The first locally assembled electric car has been unveiled by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos on Friday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended Stallion Group for believing in the Lagos and Nigeria dream, also hailed the company for revamping the moribund VON asset located along Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

He said: “This is one of the major industrial hubs of this nation. This is one of the major employers of labour in this country. I commend Stallion Group for revamping the asset that was going moribund.

Governor of Lagos State, babajide Sanwo-Olu unveils first electric car in Nigeria. Friday, November 13, 2020.

“I want to assure you that the Lagos-Badagry Expressway would be completed. The road was just a two-lane way, but the government has turned it into 10 lanes, five on both sides.

“We are doing a complete rebuild of the road, with bridges and interchanges. We are building a road that will last for 30 to 40years for you. And because we know that this is an international gateway, it does not deserve anything less. We are building a first-class road infrastructure that all of you would be proud of.”

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Speaking on the Hyundai Kona car, Governor Sanwo-Olu said with the unveiling of the car, Nigerians can now drive electric cars, noting that Lagos remains the hub for the nation’s economy and a pacesetter in industrialisation.

The Hyundai Kona car is 100 per cent electric and comes with zero emission, 482km driving range and can be charged both at home and workplace.

He said: “We are not just launching Hyundai Kona, Nigeria’s first electric car assembled in Lagos, we are indeed empowering and creating youth employment. We are also creating opportunity for teeming youths of this nation.

“The future that we see is the future of technology and this is the technology that we are talking about. This is 21st Century technology that has been brought into our country. With hardcore manufacturing companies like Stallion Group Automobile, we can begin to see the need to disemphasise mono product, which is oil.

“With the innovation of Hyundai Kona, we do not need to put the pressure on what the pump price of oil is again. All the issues and fights that we are having about prices of petroleum going up and the rest of it will be a thing of the past. This is a way to go and it is the future that we are seeing now.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu while stressing his administration’s commitment to growth of businesses in the State, said Lagos State Government will partner with Stallion Group Automobile as well as private industries in the State and create an enabling environment for them to do well, so that they can create job opportunities for the youths.

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He also assured that Lagos State Government would be partnering through Ibile Oil and Gas and other private organisations to create different charging points in Lagos, so that people will have opportunity of where they will charge the electric cars.

He said: “This is the first electric car that we are seeing and we as the government need to partner with them. We need to create an enabling environment for them to do well, so that they can employ a lot more youths and create more jobs and pay our youths a lot more money, knowing fully well that the future belongs to you and the future is here.

“And so the state government, working with Ibile Oil and Gas will be creating different charging points in the city, so that people will have an opportunity of where to charge the cars.

“For us we see a renewed hope, for us we see a tomorrow coming today, for us we see and believe in the Stallion dream.”

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Stallion Group Automobile, Mr. Rohtagi Manish, said the innovation toward building Nigeria’s first electric car was a step towards an eco-friendly green Lagos.

Manish said that the materials used to assemble Nigeria’s First 100 per cent electric zero emission car was mostly sourced from local resources.

The Vehicle, when fully charged for 9hrs, 35mins could go a distance of 482km (a distance of Lagos to Warri), before it requires another charge.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also took time to tour the premises of Stallion Group Automobile to see the various innovative work and assembling of various brands of vehicles by the company.

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

Speaking at the unveiling of Hyundai Kona, Nigeria’s first locally assembled electric car in Nigeria at Ojo in Lagos State on Friday, Governor Sanwo said the Lagos-Badagry Expressway when completed will last for about 30 to 40 years.

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu however seized the opportunity to assure Lagosians that the State Government would complete the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

He said his government is committed to the construction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, saying that the delay of work on the road was based on the government’s plan to build a first-class infrastructure that people would be proud of when completed.

Tobiloba Kolawole

November 13, 2020
#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
#EndSARS: You Invited Soldiers after Imposing 24-hour Curfew, Nigerian Army Counters Sanwo-Olu

Nigerian Army has berated Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his team for not saying the truth about the invasion of Lekki Toll Gate by soldiers on October 20 to disperse #EndSARS protesters.

The Army, in a statement by its Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, Headquarters 81 Division, Osoba Olaniyi, said the decision to call in the military was taken by the Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government after a 24-hour curfew was imposed.

“From the onset of the #EndSARS protest, there was no time personnel of 81 Division of the Nigerian Army Lagos were involved. However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24-hour curfew was imposed.

“This was as a result of the violence which led to several police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police custody released and weapons carted away.

“The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at this point that LASG requested for the military to intervene in order to restore normalcy.

“The intervention of the military followed all laid down procedures for Internal Security operations and all the soldiers involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for Internal Security Operations,” the statement explained.

On the allegation of massacre at Lekki Toll Gate, the statement said: “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilians’ protesters were massacred by soldiers at Lekki Toll Plaza.

“This allegation is untrue, unfounded and aimed at causing anarchy in the country. At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any civilian.”

The Army reiterated that in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, it did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.

“This allegation is the hand work of mischief makers who will stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army.

“The general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation as there is no iota of truth therein,” the statement said.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 29, 2020
Again, Sanwo-Olu Begs #EndSARS Protesters, Says Let’s Leave the Road and Dialogue Accordingly

In his usual heart-led leadership qualities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Monday again appealed to the youths demonstrating against police brutality in the state to leave the roads and embrace the dialogue for the resolution of their agitations.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration has shown sincerity and willingness to address all concerns raised by the protesters, given the actions taken so far, including the constitution of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and setting up of compensation funds for the victims.

According to him, “We have shown unprecedented commitment to the complete overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force. The inauguration of Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigeria Police.

“I believe that some of the actions we have taken should, to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns.

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“Let me reiterate that I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. While we are able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time. We ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands.

“I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalised by the disbanded SARS, including the families of those who died, to present their case before this tribunal.”

Sanwo-Olu made the appeal during the swearing-in of members of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution at the State House in Marina.

The governor’s appeal came on the heel of violent dimension assumed by the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the dtate.

Reiterating his solidarity with the protesters’ demands, Sanwo-Olu urged the protesters to be part of the process of implementing the reforms they clamoured for in the police, adding that continuous blocking of roads, government and private offices would slow down the procedure of implementing their demands.

He admitted that the task of reforming the police was achievable, but required the input and cooperation of the youth to accomplish task.

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He commended the cohesiveness of the “resilient” young people who stood their ground in the last two weeks. Their tenacity, Sanwo-Olu said, has made the much-desired change in the policing system become inevitable.

Speaking about the judicial panel, the Governor said he was convinced that its outcome and recommendations would open a new chapter in police-citizen relationship.

He promised that his administration would ensure that all wounds are healed, justice served to victims of abuse, and guilty police officers prosecuted.

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At the time of the swearing in of the panel members, the representatives of the youth in the panel had not been nominated by the protesters.

The Sanwo-Olu administration had, last Friday, reached out to the protesters to forward the name of their nominees into the judicial panel. The protesters, however, pleaded for more time to send the names of their nominees, four days after the request.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 19, 2020
#EndSARS: Lagos Swears-In 7-member Judicial Panel into SARS brutality

The 7-member Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution to probe accusations of brutality and human rights violations leveled against the now disbanded police tactical unit, Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) has been sworn-in on Monday at the State House, Marina, Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the swearing in of members of the panel said in the last two weeks, the state had witnessed the justified protests of youths against police brutality, saying that the pain of the young ones had been felt in various parts of the State and country as well as in the diaspora.

“They have spoken in one voice against the unbridled violation of their rights and lives by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Through the #EndSARS protests, Nigerians from all walks of life have spoken loud and clear on the need for government at all levels to take immediate and concrete actions to secure the lives of innocent Nigerians, especially the youth – many of whom have suffered gross violation of their fundamental human rights.

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“Some have even lost their lives under questionable circumstances. In one of my engagements with the protesters, they gave me a list of five immediate demands, which I personally presented to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja last Tuesday.

“I must, however, state that even before my visit to Mr. President, I had taken action on some of their demands, which included the immediate release of all those detained on account of their participation in the #ENDSARS protests and the establishment of a N200 million fund for compensation to families and individuals who were victimized by officers of the disbanded SARS,” he said.

According to Sanwo-Olu, in response to one of the demands of the youths and in line with the resolution of the National Economic Council on October 15, 2020, under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Lagos State Government had constituted a Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution under the Chairmanship of a Retired Judge of the Lagos High Court, Justice Doris Okuwobi.

He said in Lagos State, the government fully understood the enormity of the task at hand and the need to ensure that it uphold the tenets of due process and fair hearing, which was why government had selected a seasoned and
unblemished Judge to head this Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

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“The Panel will sit for six months with the following terms of reference: Receive and investigate complaints of police brutality or related extra judicial killings in Lagos State and ensure that victims and their families are able to publicly air their grievances; evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on the validity of the complaints; determine and recommend compensation and other remedial measures where appropriate, and issue cheques in favour of victims
or their dependents; determine the officers responsible for the abuse of victims and recommend their prosecution.

“The panel is to make recommendations to the Lagos State Government on what must be done to ensure that the Police and all security agencies no longer abuse the rights of citizens. Recommend Standard Operating Procedures for the Police on relating with citizens while discharging its duties.

“By virtue of Section 5 of Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, this Tribunal being set up today has powers to procure all such evidence, written or oral, and to examine all such persons as witnesses as the Tribunal may think necessary or desirable to procure or examine and summon any person in Nigeria to attend any meeting
of the Tribunal to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in the person’s possession,” he added.

The governor explained that the Tribunal had a mandate to carry out the directives of the Federal Government to enable it discharge its duties without fear or favour, advising members to be mindful that these complaints might be against Police Officers that are still in active service or already dismissed.

Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu stressed that members of the panel had the mandate to ensure that the rule of law prevailed. He said it is expected of the panel to use its powers to ensure that all necessary parties appeared before it to testify.

The governor reiterated the commitment of his government to implement the recommendations of the panel, expressing determination to ensure that the Police and other security agencies no longer brutalise or kill people.

“We will continue to play our part in the entrenchment of a just and secure society. I am on the side of the young people out there: I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. I must reiterate
that while we were able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time: we ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands. I assure you that Lagos State will neither tolerate the violation of your fundamental human rights nor the victimization of its residents.

“I believe that some of the actions we have taken including the constitution of this Judicial Panel of Inquiry, should to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns. We are committed to the complete overhaul of the Nigerian Police; the inauguration of this judicial panel is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigerian Police.

“I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalized by the disbanded SARS (including the families of those who died) to present their case before this Panel,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said the task of reforming the Nigerian Police was achievable, but noted that it required the cooperation of all Lagosians, including the youth to accomplish this, saying that “Through our collective actions, we will ensure that all wounds are healed, justice is served, and every guilty police officer is prosecuted.”

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Governor Sanwo-Olu Set to Inaugurate Judicial Panel to Investigate Police Brutality

The panel, which is headed by retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, will sit for six months and is mandated to thoroughly investigate all verifiable claims of abuses and fatalities arising from SARS engagement in the State, with the objective to bring erring officers to justice and get compensation for the victims.

Other members of the judicial panel include: 1 Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN – representing the Civil Society; Mr. Taiwo Lakanu – a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police; Ms. Patience Udoh – representing the Civil Society; Mr. Segun Awosanya – Human Rights Activist; Mrs Olutoyin Odusanya – Director, Lagos Citizens Mediation Centre; Two Representatives of the protesting youth and a Representative of the National Human Rights Commission.

October 19, 2020
Gov Sanwo-Olu Visits Widow of Man Shot Dead During #EndSARS Protest

To further demonstrate his heart-led leadership qualities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited the widow of the driver hit by stray bullet during the last Monday demonstration by youths in Surulere for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The protest ended bloody when the police attempted to disperse some of the protesters who were moving towards Anti-Cultism Police Command in the area. In the ensuing chaos, Okechukwu Iloamuazor, 55, was hit by bullet and died on the spot.

The governor arrived at the deceased’s house at 2pm and was received by family members led by their head, Bede Enewally. The family house was enveloped in gloom as the Number One Lagos State citizen visited the grief-stricken widow, Ngozi Iloamuazor.

Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the family over the incident, which he described as unfortunate. He said late Iloamuazor should not have died under the circumstance, but assured the family members that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

Already, all the four policemen who opened fire on the protesters in Surulere had been identified by the government and the police authorities. They are currently undergoing orderly room trial at Lagos State Police Command.

But, Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration would take the officers’ punishment beyond the established disciplinary guidelines of the police.

According to him, “On behalf of Lagos State Government, and the people of Lagos, I commiserate with the family over this mindless brutality that led to the death of your son. We condemn endless killing of innocent citizens to the highest level. It is highly disheartening to learn that the victim, Mr. Iloamuazor, was performing his legitimate duty when the unfortunate incident happened. He hurt no one to have subjected to such pain death.

“The officers involved are undergoing orderly room trial as we speak, but we will allow the police complete their investigation. We will certainly take the case out of the police and bring the full wrath of the law on the officers who perpetrated this irresponsible act. This will be clear signal for other trigger-happy officers.

“Mr. Iloamuazor’s death is a sad loss not only for the family but to the entire citizenry that has clamoured for an end to police brutality. I assure you that his death won’t be in vain and the case will not be swept under the carpet. This is going to be the beginning of real change that people want to see in law enforcement.”

Sanwo-Olu reiterated that his administration remained on the side of those calling for change in policing method. He said all those maimed or killed in Lagos in the course of the demonstration would be duly compensated, adding that his administration would honour their sacrifices by pushing for reforms that would bring about a policing system that would uphold rights of the citizens.

He said: “As a government, we have stood on the side of the protesters and we totally believe their agitation is legitimate. We need total reform in the policing system and it is a clarion call on all of us, who are exercising powers on behalf of the citizens.”

A policeman, Inspector Ayodeji Erinfolami, also died in the incident.

Late Iloamuazor’s boss, Sam Okafor, who witnessed how the driver got hit by stray bullet, relived the incident.

Okafor cleared the air that the deceased was not partaking in the protest, pointing out they were both heading to Ilupeju when they ran into the protesters in Surulere.

“We were stuck in the traffic caused by the protesters who were shouting #EndSARS. For more than 40 minutes, there was no movement. I wound down the windshield for fresh air, while Iloamuazor got down from the car to stretch his body. After stretching, he put his both hands into his pockets and trying to figure out where the traffic started.

“Suddenly we heard gunshot three times. The next thing I saw was Iloamuazor falling from his position. His hands remained in his pockets as he fell. I ran out of the car and screamed for help. People came and started performing all sort of things to save him. The police came to the scene and I told them my driver had been shot on the spot,” he said.

Okafor urged the governor to ensure justice was served in the matter, noting that he was yet to be relieved of the shock.

Enewally said Iloamuazor’s death threw the family into a state of perpetual sorrow, noting that the deceased carried several responsibilities in the family. He said the family put its trust in the governor to ensure justice was served at the end of the day.

October 17, 2020
Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, PDP Commiserate with Makinde over Passing of Mother

President Muhammadu Buhari, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have commiserated with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and his entire family over the passing of their mother and the Matriarch of the Makinde family, Madam Omojolagbe Abigail Makinde.

The late matriarch of the Makinde dynasty died at the age of 81 at her Ikolaba residence in Ibadan.

The President sent condolences to friends, family and associates of the matriarch, whose testimony of love and kind heartedness continues to be shared, particularly her warmth to the poor and less privileged.

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Buhari urged friends and family members to find solace in the good works of the governor’s mother, who invested heavily in fear of God, love and hard work, and ensured her children and grandchildren followed same training of diligence, discipline and charity.

The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, prayed God to receive the soul of the departed, and comfort the family.

Sanwo-Olu, in his condolence message, prayed God to grant the Makindes the fortitude to bear the loss.

“I commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde on the passing to eternal life of his dear mother, Mrs Abigail Makinde.

“While I extend my condolences to the Makinde family, I pray that God grants them the grace and courage to bear the loss.

“May Mama’s soul rest eternally,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Also, Ogun State governor has said he received the news of the death of Mama Makinde with great shock and disbelief.

Abiodun described Mama Makinde as a frank and straightforward woman who raised her children in a godly way and was a source of strength to those she came in contact with during her life time.

“Mama was a rare gem, a supportive wife, a loving mother who would stop at nothing to ensure the welfare of her children and others who crossed her path.

“She was not only a mother to her children, but mother to children sir other parents, as she did not discriminate, but treated everyone equally. She made positive impact on the lives of people in her community. I am sure she will greatly missed,” Abiodun said.

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He noted that he was particularly pained by her death when preparation was on top gear for her 82nd birthday, adding that with her death, the country, Oyo State and Governor Makinde had lost a good adviser, motivator and a great counsellor.

“It is a pity that mama died at a period when her wise counseling was mostly needed not only in Oyo State, but in Nigeria.

“I sympathise with my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde. I know this is indeed a trying period for him. It is my prayer that the Almighty God will grant him the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Abiodun said.

The governor while praying for the repose of soul of the deceased, called on Nigerians to emulate Mama Makinde who lived a life of service to humanity, saying this would imprint their names on the sand of time.

PDP National Working Committee, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and entire PDP family, had consoled Governor Makinde, over the passage of his amiable and highly revered mother.

The party said: “Our party grieves over the death of this great personality, particularly at this time Oyo state and indeed the nation at large, need her prayers, intercessions and wise counsel the most.

“Madam Makinde was a rare gem; an exceptionally resourceful, upright, straightforward and patriotic Nigerian, who sacrificially committed her life towards the good, welfare and development of others rather than herself.

“Though we deeply mourn at this point, our party draws solace from the fact that she lived a fulfilled life and bequeathed to our nation, a patriot in Governor Makinde.

“Indeed, Governor Makinde’s exceptional commitment to duty, forthrightness in governance, love for his people and Nigerians at large, all stem from the tutelage and nurturing he received from his mother.

“Our party indeed identify with Governor Makinde and the Makinde family at this moment of grief.

“We also commiserate with the government and people of Oyo state and pray God to grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, particularly given that she rests on in the bosom of her Lord and creator.”

A statement by Jagun Olubadan, Muyiwa Makinde, on behalf of the family had Thursday announced that the late matriarch slept peacefully in the Lord in the early hours of October 15.

“With total submission to the will of the Almighty God, we announce the passing to the great beyond of our mother, Mrs. Abigail Makinde, who departed this world in the early hours of today, Thursday, October 15, 2020.

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“Though Mama gave no indication of any sickness, she slept peacefully in the Lord at the age of 81, in the early hours of the day at her Ibadan home, 7B, Oyeleke Street, Ikolaba, Ibadan.

“While we appreciate the Almighty for sparing her life thus far, we must confess that we will sorely miss her counsel, motherly role and impact on the lives of her children and the grandchildren.

“We will equally miss her impactful role as a stabilising force in the family, her community and especially Oyo State, which is currently being governed by her son and our brother, Engineer Seyi Makinde.

“We sincerely appreciate the prayers and condolences of our numerous well-wishers.

“May Mama’s soul rest peacefully with her maker,” the statement said.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 15, 2020
Lagos Government Dissociates Self from Hoodlums who Attacked Protesters

The Lagos State Goverent has dissociated itself from hoodlums who attacked #EndSARS protesters at the Alausa area of Ikeja ìn Lagos State on Thursday morning.

In a statement, sighted by Echotitbits, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led State government it will never encourage thuggery or any act of violence that may put the lives and businesses of Lagosians at risk adding that it is strongly committed to ensuring that youths, who have taken to the streets to air their views, are well protected.

The statement said: “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to some unverified reports in the social media alleging that the government-sponsored thugs to disrupt the #EndSARS protest. This is untrue and wicked.

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“Such wild allegations were obviously concocted by enemies of peace and orderliness to whip up sentiments against the government, which has been doing everything possible to resolve the crisis by identifying with our youths in their efforts towards police reforms.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been preaching peace. So has the Deputy Governor, who addressed the protesters last Friday. The Governor has addressed them twice – at the Lekki Toll Gate and at the House of Assembly” the statement read.

Recall that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday visited the President to tender a five-point demand of protesters in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, at the meeting with the President stated that he had also ensured that all protesters arrested by the police in Lagos were released unconditionally.

Further in the statement dismissing any participation in the hoodlums attack on protesters, the state government accused the enemies of progress, who are not happy that Lagos is not on fire, as those fueling the “infernal lies” that the government was sponsoring thugs to attack youths who are engaging in a peaceful protest.

“They have been posting on the social media pictures suggesting that a Lagos Bus Service Ltd. (LBSL) vehicle was conveying thugs. The bus in question was on its normal operation when it ran into a group of protesters.

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“The passengers, who felt endangered, rushed out of the bus. They returned to continue their journey after the charging crowd had left.

“This should be a sober time for us all as we struggle to reverse the negative effects of COVID-19 on our economic and social lives, even as the experts are warning that a second wave is likely if we shun the safety guidelines we have all agreed to embrace.

“The government seeks the co-operation of all in ensuring that the crisis is put behind us as soon as possible”, Lagos State government said.

October 15, 2020
Sanwo-Olu Directs All Classes in Public and Private Schools to Resume Oct 19
- Daycare, Kindergarten and Nursery Resumes Too
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has directed all remaining classes in both public and private schools to resume academic activities on October 19.

The governor explained that the physical resumption, which is for the year 2020/2021 academic session, would now include pupils in pre-primary institutions such as daycare, kindergarten and nursery schools.

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Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisay, said the decision was taken after careful deliberations and consultations with relevant stakeholders, including safety professionals and nursery school providers.

The Sanwo-Olu administration advised all public and private schools to put safety first by adhering to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety protocols and hygiene guidelines prescribed by Lagos State Government, pointing out that the Office of Education Quality Assurance would continue to monitor and evaluate schools’ preparedness.

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“The necessary resumption protocols must be adhered to and cleared ‘satisfactory’ by Office of Education Quality Assurance,” the statement pointed out.

While welcoming and wishing the students a successful and fruitful academic session, the state government enjoined school owners and managers of all private schools to ensure that clearance is obtained from the Office of Education Quality Assurance before physical resumption.

Idowu Sowunmi
October 12, 2020