Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Mohammadu Buhari

  • IGP Replaces SARS with SWAT, Directs Personnel of New Team to Report to Abuja for Debriefing and Medical Examination

    IGP Replaces SARS with SWAT, Directs Personnel of New Team to Report to Abuja for Debriefing and Medical Examination

    Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, Tuesday yielded more grounds to the yearnings of the #EndSARS protesters by officially replacing Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) with a new team called Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT).

    The new team is expected to fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.

    Prospective members of the new team, in accordance with Section 18 (10) of the Police Act 2020, have been ordered to report to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment.

    #EndSARS: House of Reps Commends Buhari, Directs IGP to Commence Police Reforms

    The officers, formerly known as SARS personnel, are expected to undergo this process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.

    It would be recalled that Adamu had over the weekend announced the dissolution of SARS unit after days of agitation across the country.

    Despite this, protest continues in major South-west, South-south, South-east and North-central regions of the country.

    The medical examination would be carried out by the newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU), a Unit, which henceforth shall engage in psychological management, re-orientation and training of officers of the Force deployed for tactical operations and other duties.

    #EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu Identifies with Demonstrators, Meets Buhari Tomorrow

    The unit, which is domiciled with the Force Medical Department and coordinated by the Force Medical Officer, has its membership drawn from amongst psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, public relations practitioners, civil society and other human Rlrights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.

    Adamu, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said the personnel are to commence training at the different police tactical training institutions nationwide, next week.

    While personnel from the Police Commands in the South-east and the South-south would be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College in Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State, those from the Police Commands from the North and the South-west would be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende in Nasarawa State; and the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun in Osun State, respectively.

    BREAKING: IGP Bows to #EndSARS, Disbands SARS Nationwide

    While reaffirming his irrevocable commitment towards the successful and holistic implementation of the police reforms, IGP enjoined members of the public, particularly protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow measures being put in place to come to fruition and engender a police force that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Aftermath of #EndSARS: Presidential Panel on Police Reforms Okays Five-point Demand of Protesters

    Aftermath of #EndSARS: Presidential Panel on Police Reforms Okays Five-point Demand of Protesters

    A meeting with the leadership of Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders had agreed to meet the demands of the #EndSARS protesters which included halting use of force against demonstrators and unconditional release of arrested Nigerians.

    The meeting affirmed and described the five-point demands of the protesters and the #EndSARS movement as genuine concerns that should be urgently addressed by the Federal Government.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the stakeholders’ meeting on the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), it was agreed thus:

    “Following the public protests regarding various forms of human rights violations by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the consequent disbandment of the unit by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, there arose the need for stakeholder engagement to build trust and restore public confidence in law enforcement.

    “The agitations also brought to the fore, the need to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    “The Forum was addressed by the Inspector General of Police and the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission.

    “The Forum collectively: welcomed the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; reaffirmed the constitutional rights of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and protest; further affirmed the sanctity of life of every Nigerian and the role of the Police in protecting this right; affirmed that the five-point demands of the protesters and the #EndSARS movement are genuine concerns and will be addressed by the government.”

    Police Killings: IGP Adamu Bans FSARS, Other Tactical Squads from Patrols

    Following directives by President Muhammadu Buhari on dissolution of SARS and immediate response to yearnings of Nigerians, Adamu Tuesday replaced the squad with a new team called Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and convened a stakeholders’ meeting.

    The meeting, organised by the Office of the Inspector General of Police and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), was a multi-stakeholders’ forum attended by Ministry of Police Affairs, Police Service Commission, leaders and representatives of civil society organisations in Nigeria, activists from the entertainment industry and the #EndSARS movement and development partners.

    According to the communiqué signed by the Inspector General of Police and Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, Esq, the Forum noted that the dissolution of SARS presents an opportunity to embark on comprehensive reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigerian Police Force as a modern, responsive and citizens-centred law enforcement organisation.

    “The Forum further notes that the proposed reforms should be anchored under the basis of the White Paper on the Report of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad which was jointly authored by the National Human Rights Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police Force.

    #EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu Identifies with Demonstrators, Meets Buhari Tomorrow

    “The Forum affirms that reform proposals for the Nigerian Police Force will be based on Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and existing legislations such as the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, and the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2010 amongst others.

    “Following the dissolution of SARS, the Forum calls for the following immediate steps to be taken in restoring public confidence and trust in the Police: an order by the Inspector General of Police to all State Commands to halt the use of force against protesters; unconditional release of arrested protesters and citizens; open communication and outreach to citizens to establish trust and confidence and a roadmap for the implementation of the White Paper of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the SARS.

    “The Forum welcomed the proposal to set up an Independent Investigation Panel to look into the violations of human rights by the defunct SARS and other segments of the Nigerian Police. The Forum agrees to the setting up of this Independent Panel by the National Human Rights Commission within the next one week. An open call for Memoranda from members of the public whose rights have been violated by the defunct SARS and other segments of the Police will be released by the Commission within one week.

    “The Forum recommends the psychological evaluation, training and retraining of disbanded SARS officials prior to re-deployment. The Forum resolves to set up the following Technical Sub-Committees to design an implementation roadmap and work plan for the implementation of the White Paper: Training, Capacity and Re-orientation; Logistics: Infrastructure, Communications and Technology; Arrest, Detention, and Investigations; Regulations, Oversight and Accountability and Financing and Partnerships.”

    Buhari-led Government Approves 5for5 Demand of #EndSARS Protesters

    The communiqué stated that sub-Committees would be supported by the National Human Rights Commission and other civil society organisations.

    Those who attended the meeting include: Kole Shettima of MAC Arthur Foundation; Innocent Chukwuma of Ford Foundation; Jude Ilo of OSIWA; Segun Awosanya (segalinks) of #EndSARS Movement; Yemi Adamolekun of Enough is Enough; Clément Nwankwo of PLAC; Rafsanjani of CISLAC; Kemi Okonyedo of PWAN; YZ of CITAD; Folarin Falana Falz; Deji Adekunle of NIALS; Chris Ngwodo ( SSA to President Research & Policy); Fatima Waziri (Rule of Law Adviser); and Abdulrahman Yakubu of NHRC Secretariat.

    Others are: Hilary Ogbonna of NHRC secretariat; Halilu Adamu of NHRC Secretariat; Ben Aguh of NHRC secretariat; Uju Agomuoh of PRAWA; and Onyinye Ndubuisi of UNDP.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • #EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu Identifies with Demonstrators, Meets Buhari Tomorrow

    #EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu Identifies with Demonstrators, Meets Buhari Tomorrow

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Monday showed class and identified with #EndSARS protesters.

    Sanwo-Olu, who declared that he was addressing the demonstrators not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son, explained that the safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos was important.

    SERAP condemns Buhari, demands end to criminalising peaceful protesters in Nigeria

    He added that he’s communicating with Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, and other relevant security agencies in order to ensure peace and tranquility in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu noted that as a servant of the entire people of Lagos, he would be meeting President Muhammadu Buhari tomorrowvl (October 13) in Abuja.

    Buhari-led Government Approves 5for5 Demand of #EndSARS Protesters

    While identifying with the protesters, the governor said the #EndSARS campaign touched on the essence of democratic freedom, adding that citizens must never be denied the right to protest and their voices heard.

    According to him, “I was at the venue of one of the #EndSARS protests today. The safety of everyone involved in peaceful protests across Lagos is important and communicating with the Commissioner of Police, this is what we want to guarantee on all sides.

    Beyond SARS

    “Tomorrow, I will be meeting with HE President Muhammed Buhari in Abuja.

    “As a servant of the people, my job is to listen and do everything within my power to act while managing the nature of the problems our people are protesting against. I am proud of our youth and the courage they are displaying in articulating their grievances.

    “I identify wholeheartedly with the #EndSARS campaign as it touches the essence of democratic freedom.

    “Citizens must never be denied the right to protest and your voices have been heard.

    #EndSARS: Governor Abiodun orders release of protesters

    “A clear pronouncement has been made and Mr. President has addressed the nation. All SARS officers involved in the killing of innocent people and engaging in the abuse of human rights will be brought to justice.

    “My stand on #EndSARS is unmistakable and I assure you that I identify with this protest because your concerns are legitimate. The protest is in good faith but we have to be peaceful and decorous in expressing ourselves.

    “I have received the news of casualties at the Surulere protest as well as other developments we are monitoring. We mourn with the families of those who have lost their loved ones.

    “Please do not allow your protest be hijacked and used by people with a pre-existing vendetta.

    “We must prevent the escalation of issues and I am meeting with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and other security leaders in a few minutes to ensure that live rounds that could lead to further casualties are not used at all as the police looks to maintain peace during the protests.

    #EndSARS: House of Reps Commends Buhari, Directs IGP to Commence Police Reforms

    “I want to appeal to the protesters to take a break from protesting tomorrow. Tempers are at a highest on all sides at this time and while we work to prevent escalation, the safety of our residents is paramount.

    “I speak not just as a governor, but as a father, brother and son.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Nigerians in Diaspora Mentoring Corp congratulates Obaseki

    Nigerians in Diaspora Mentoring Corp congratulates Obaseki

    Nigerians in Diaspora Mentoring Corp has congratulated the newly elected Governor of Edo State Dr.Godwin Obaseki and appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for proving that election in the country can truely be free, fair and with global merit defending democracy.

    “As we all followed and monitored to the point that The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), today, declared the candidate of the opposition party to the President, of Peoples Democratic Party as the winner of the governorship election in Edo 2020”

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    “It gives us stakeholders joy and confidence that when the will is inherent , good governance can be delivered and this should be a catalyst to maintain it going forward” according to the group.

    Speaking about the results, in a Press Release, Mentoring Cmdt Alistair of NIDMECORP added, “We would like to congratulate all Edo citizens home and abroad for advising their electorates to maintain peace, cast and defends their votes until the final whistle. It is also commendable that security forces were able to show neutrality as much as possible whilst the National Electoral Commission did what is always expected of them for the sake of the country and not to the calls and dictates of others”

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    “Finally,we are using the occasion to call on NASS and the Presidency to speed up the electoral reform process and utilise the e-reporting of votes directly which impacted positively on Edo State election. Nigeria and Nigerians will be the winners in this democractic practises. INEC as umpire should consider re-registring other parties to deepen the freedom of polical association by all stakeholders most especially including diaspora votings.”according to him.

    Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    ” This too will lead to citizen’s becoming more empowered in process of politics, voter’s rights and democratic divided.,”, he said.

    It will be recalled Governor Obaseki of PDP clinched victory with 307,955 votes against Osagie Ize-Iyamu of APC who garnered 223,619 in the gubernatorial election held Saturday as announced by INEC.

  • Buhari, Abiodun Congratulate Adesina over Reelection as President of African Development Bank

    Buhari, Abiodun Congratulate Adesina over Reelection as President of African Development Bank

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, have congratulated President of African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, on his re-election for a second term in office.

    Buhari, who felicitated with Adesina on behalf of the Federal Executive Council and Nigerians in general, explained that the news of the victory came during the Council of State meeting, which was attended by former heads of state, Senate President, governors, some ministers, and senior government officials.

    Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adesina Re-Elected As AfDB President

    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, applauded reelected president’s versatility, experience at both national and international engagements, saying he believed that Adesina would “further deploy these qualities to energise the pan-African financial institution.”

    He urged him to remain “focused and steadfast in pursuing the noble goals of making life better for Africans through various development plans, already captured as High 5s.”

    The statement explained that the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, announced the good news of Adesina’s reelection to which Buhari led a round of applause immediately, saying: “He (Akinwumi Adesina) deserves it.”

    Adesina Set to Be Re-elected as African Development Bank President This Week

    The Nigerian President extended appreciation to the African Union for its endorsement of Adesina much earlier, and to shareholders of the bank who worked tirelessly to ensure the return of the visionary leader.

    Buhari rejoiced with family, friends and professional colleagues of Adesina over the re-election, while commending members of staff and Board of Governors of the bank for their consistent support for the former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and his management team.

    While pledging full support of his government to ensure a successful tenure for the bank’s leadership, the Nigerian President prayed God to continue to strengthen Adesina and his team for greater good to the continent.

    COVID-19: EurAfrican Forum Digital 2020 to Focus on Challenges and Common Points

    In his congratulatory message to Adesina, who hails from Ogun State, Abiodun described his reelection as a blessing to Nigeria.

    “On behalf of the good people of Ogun State, I congratulate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on his re-election as President of the African Development Bank.

    “It is not surprising, and it is indeed a blessing to our great nation, Nigeria to have retained leadership of the regional institution, when one considers the many developmental contributions by the bank to member countries.

    “I wish him a successful new term that will steadily continue to take the African region to greater heights,” the governor said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari Approves Appointment of John Momoh as UNILAG Interim Council Chairman

    Buhari Approves Appointment of John Momoh as UNILAG Interim Council Chairman

    President Muham Buhari has approved the appointment of the President of University of Lagos Alumni Association Worldwide, John Momoh, as the Chairman of the university’s Interim Governing Council.

    UNILAG Senate Votes Folashade Ogunsola as New Acting Vice Chancellor

    Momoh, who is Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Channels TV, would among other roles along with council members, ratify the election of the university’s new Acting Vice Chancellor, Folashade Ogunsola.

    UNILAG VC spent unapproved N120m, his sack legal –  says Babalakin

    Ogunsola had emerged victorious with 135 votes, having defeated Prof. Ben Ogbojafor, who scored 31 votes, while one vote was generally described as voided.

    Buhari Constitutes UNILAG Visitation Panel, Suspends Babalakin, Ogundipe

    The result of the election, Echotitbits gathered, has been forwarded to the Governing Council by the Deputy Registrar/Director of Academic Affairs, Olakunle Makinde.

  • Breaking…Yobe State Governor Speaks on in APC NEC Meeting: We Didn’t Break Any Law

    Breaking…Yobe State Governor Speaks on in APC NEC Meeting: We Didn’t Break Any Law

    Idowu Sowunmi
    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, who was Thursday appointed as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee and Extraordinary National Convention, has justified the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting called by the Acting National Chairman of the party, Victor Giadom.
    Buni said: “As a former two-term National Secretary, I know the party very well, and it’s all about doing justice to every member of the party. Without justice there won’t be peace. If you don’t manage crisis obviously crisis will manage you.
    “Today’s NEC Meeting is a Continuation of the last adjourned NEC Meeting. So, we are in no way in any aberration regarding the party constitution.”
    NEC meeting also ratified all decisions taken in respect of Edo State gubernatorial primaries.
    Other members that would serve as Convention Planning Committee include: Governors Gboyega Oyetola and Abubakar Bello of Osun and Niger states.
    Apart from President Muhammadu Buhari, the meeting was also attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; APC Acting National Chairman, Victor Giadom; governors, senators, members of House of Representatives among others.