Politics

Lekki Shootings: Soldiers’ barracks have been identified, says Falana

No Comments

Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana (SAN), says the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 And Beyond, has commenced an investigation into last Tuesday shootings of protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos State.

Falana, who is the Chairman of the group, said ASCAB has so far identified the barracks where the soldiers who opened fire on protesters were deployed from.

He made this known on Monday in an interview with Arise TV monitored by The PUNCH.

Falana, who insisted that soldiers were deployed to the demonstration ground last Tuesday, said, “We have already identified the barracks where the soldiers left for Lekki, we have already identified the barracks.”

He, however, did not reveal the details of the barracks.

Falana added, “The President was likely to have been told soldiers were ordered so I want to believe that’s why it was not addressed. They said it was a rumour but I think the facts are emerging now, that indeed soldiers went to Lekki, indeed they fired at protesters and indeed some of the protesters at least two have been officially acknowledged to have died from gunshot wounds.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also lambasted the Federal Government for lacking respect for the rule of law and citizens’ rights to protest.

He said, “The Nigerian government has no respect for the rule of law and has ensured they stave off all forms of protests in the country.

“Every designated venue for protest in the country have been fenced by the government to prevent demonstrations.

“In Lagos, the Gani Fawehinmin Square has been fenced while the Unity Fountain in Abuja has also been fenced, and the same government has said citizens have the right to protest.

Tuesday night attack has been condemned by both local and international human rights organisations and personalities.

Politics

Lawyer writes Sanwo-Olu, requests CCTV footage of Lekki shootings

No Comments

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has written a letter to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, demanding the CCTV footage of the shootings at the Lekki toll plaza on October 20, 2020.

In the letter, titled, ‘Urgent Request Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011’, the lawyer promised to undertake and pay the cost of certification and any applicable administrative fees.

It read in part, “I am a Nigerian citizen, resident of Lagos State, human rights activist, private legal practitioner and lawful participant in the #EndSARS movement cum peaceful protest.

“As an interested party and pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, I hereby respectfully apply for the authenticated copies of the Closed Circuit Television records showing the attack on the #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos on October 20, 2020.”

Effiong also requested for certified copies of the instrument setting up the judicial panel of inquiry and restitution for victims of SARS related abuses and Lekki toll gate incident with its terms of reference.

Politics

FCT Minister Orders Arrest, Prosecution Of Looters

No Comments

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has ordered the arrest and prosecution of the people who break the FCT warehouse in Gwagwalada Area Council and looted the food items in the store.

Bello gave the order during an emergency security meeting with leaders of various security agencies in the city, on Monday in Abuja.

The minister, who asked those who looted the food items to return them immediately, disclosed that there would be massive deployments of security agencies to safeguard factories and warehouses in Idu Industrial District of the city.

”What is going on is was no longer #EndSARS protest but broad day stealing by hoodlums,” he said.

On her part, The FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Aliyu condemned the looting in strong terms.

Aliyu said no nation could survive without a food reserve which are being looted across the country.

She called on Council chairmen and Royal fathers to reach out to opinion molders unite the people against looters.

Royal fathers who spoke called for decisive actions to be taken against those looting across the city.

They said hoodlums are beginning to enter markets shops and personal business premises.

Present at the meeting are the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, Brigade commander, Chief of Staff to the minister amongst others. (NAN)

Politics

Adamawa private establishments hit hard as thugs continue looting despite curfew

No Comments

Thugs who started breaking into government warehouses in Adamawa State on Sunday morning have extended their act to private establishments.

Looting has continued in private warehouses and stores around the state capital, Yola and some other communities around the state even as this report was filed Tuesday morning.

A rice miller, Alhaji Mohammed Shemad, told newsmen Tuesday that he lost over N188 million worth of goods after thugs entered the stores of his mill and took away a total of 10,615 bags of processed rice.

The Managing Director of Shemad Concept Nigeria Ltd, a rice milling firm located in Bakin Kogi, Yola North Local Government Area (LGA), said the thugs descended on his mill after looting the nearby Adamawa State central stores on Sunday afternoon.

“Altogether, we had 10,615 bags of rice comprising 5,210 bags of white rice and 5,440 bags of parboiled rice,” Alhaji Shamad said.

He explained that his company sells white rice at N17,500 per bag to wholesalers and N18,000 per bag of parboiled rice to wholesalers, bringing his total loss to N188,095,000.

Shemad who takes his paddy rice for processing from a warehouse of his company located elsewhere in Yola, said thugs were about to break into that warehouse too when he was called, and he had to mobilize equally armed thugs to guard the warehouse.

Many other private establishments have been broken into since the free-for-all looting started in Yola on Sunday morning.

Among major outlets looted have been the PZ warehouse at PZ Junction, Jimeta from where food and toilet items were looted; NECAS, an agricultural equipment firm in Kofare from where tractors were taken away, and so on.

The hoodlums have similarly not spared the Yola stores of state and federal agencies like Adamawa Agricultural Development Project (AADP), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among others.

All the looting went on despite assurance earlier by the state police command through its spokesman, Suleiman Nguroje that police and other security personnel would be enforcing a 24-hour curfew imposed on Sunday afternoon by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

Politics

Sunday Dare meets Seyi Makinde, as he plans to meet with #EndSARS Protesters

No Comments

Following the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that all ministers and aides should go back to their constituents and appeal to youths in their state and region to eschew violence, the Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has arrived in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital to hold a meeting with representatives of youth wings in the state.

Sunday Dare, while briefing the state house correspondents, shortly after he met with governor Seyi Makinde on the directive of the presidency, said he will meet with the aggrieved youths this Monday.

He added that at the end of the consultative meeting with the youths, he will make use of the 25 empowerment programs designed by the federal government to engaged the youths with the help of the Oyo state government.
The Minister of youth who disclosed that he had paid on the spot assessment visit to Lagos state and areas where casualties were recorded during the #EndSARS protest, maintained that federal government will get Justice for those who lost their lives and those attacked during the protest.

As at the time of filing this report, Local Government Chairmen, Local Council Development Chairpersons, PDP chieftains, as well as Clerics and traditional rulers have arrived at the house of chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan to dialogue with the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde on how to move the state forward.

Politics

Tension In Kogi As Police Allegedly Open Fire on Journalists, Thugs

No Comments

It was gathered that the miscreants gathered at the building as early as 7:00am chanting solidarity songs with the intention to break into one of the warehouses owned by the state government.

There is currently tension in Lokoja, Kogi State, as policemen reportedly opened fire on rampaging thugs, who had converged on Zone 8 area of the town in an attempt to loot a warehouse.

It was gathered that the miscreants gathered at the building as early as 7:00am chanting solidarity songs  with the intention to break into one of the warehouses  owned by the state government.

It was also gathered that efforts by the security personnel attached to the building to pacify and calm the thugs was unsuccessful as they called for reinforcement.

This situation led to sporadic shooting in the area as school children, journalists and others in the vicinity ran for safety.

A journalist with Sun Newspaper, Emmanuel Adeyemi, was alleged to have been hit by a bullet while covering the event.

It was learnt that was he had been moved to an undisclosed medical facility for treatment.

Politics

BREAKING: Buratai, Army commanders meet on insecurity, Lekki shooting

No Comments

Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, is in a meeting with top hierarchy of the military.

They include Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and Commander of the Guards Brigade.

Also in attendance are commanders of the Army operations, unit commanders, among other senior officers.

The parley is holding at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

On the agenda are insecurity in Nigeria, End SARS protests, violence and looting in states as well as the Lagos shooting.

The Lekki toll gate incident on October 20 sparked global outrage.

The United States and others have called for probe of those who opened fire on unarmed protesters.

Politics

We didn’t hoard palliatives – Nigerian Governors

No Comments

Nigerian Governors have denied hoarding COVID-19 palliatives.

They made the denial in reaction to the looting of several warehouses nationwide.

Soon after the End SARS peaceful protests were hijacked, thousands of people in different states burgled storage facilities that housed tonnes of foodstuff.

Most of the items were donated by the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).

The body comprises business moguls and companies.

At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, they contributed funds and used the same to procure palliatives to assist the federal and state government.

On Monday, the governors insisted that the items were not hidden as widely alleged.

Their position was contained in a statement by Abdulrazaq Bello-Barkindo, spokesman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

Bello-Barkindo pleaded with members of the public to desist from spreading rumours.

He reiterated that palliatives found in warehouses broken into in Lagos and some other states were kept for members of the society especially vulnerable citizens.

“Until mid-October, when the NGF had its last meeting, up to ten States had not participated in the flag-off ceremonies for the distribution of palliatives in their States. This was because the items meant for distribution in these states had not been completely received from CACOVID.

“Some other States that still had palliatives in their warehouses chose to keep a strategic reserve ahead of a projected second wave of COVID-19. The NGF wishes to state categorically that no State has been involved in or has hoarded any palliatives.”

The NGF told contributors to the palliatives that prior to the looting, states had kept full accounts of all the items received and distributed.

The governor assured that they are doing their best under the circumstances to ameliorate the needs of the population.

Entertainment, Politics

Last few days have been tough but I’m back up- Falz speaks about Lekki toll gate massacre.

No Comments

Nigerian rapper and singer, Falz who is known for the active role he played in the #Endsars protest has taken to his instagram page today to reaffirm his decision never to give up.

On the 20th of October, there was a massacre at Lekki toll gate in Lagos, where peaceful protesters were killed and injured by the Nigerian soldiers.

View the video below to listen to Falz concerning his plans to keep fighting for the young Nigerians who lost their lives at Lekki toll gate.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGzQU5LhsZN/?igshid=110nme2t9arvc

Politics

NASS assures justice for victims of alleged SARS abuses – Lawan

No Comments

The President of Senate, Ahmed Lawan, says the National Assembly (NASS) would ensure justice for victims of alleged abuses by the personnel of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Lawan announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

He said the NASS would also ensure that the government fulfills the commitment it has made to the youths agitating for police reform and good governance.

“I want to re-assure our youths that the NASS will collaborate with the Executives to ensure justice for victims of misconduct and rights abuses by personnel of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police.

“In the same vein, to discourage impunity, we will insist that the perpetrators of the alleged abuses be prosecuted and sanctioned as appropriate.

“We will also work with the Executive to ensure that the five-point demands of the #ENDSARS protesters, which the government has committed itself to, are fully implemented.

“In the unfortunate hijack of the protests, hoodlums unleashed horrifying violence, arson, looting and wanton destruction of public and private property in the country,’’ the statement read in part.

According to Lawan, NASS is fully committed to putting the necessary legislation in place for comprehensive reform of the Police to enhance their institutional integrity and efficiency.

“As we seek a path out of this regrettable crisis, my heart goes out to the victims of the reprehensible violence and criminality witnessed in the last few days in many parts of the country.

“I send my condolences to the families of our security and law enforcement agents who have made the supreme sacrifices in the course of their service to their fatherland.

“I call for a thorough investigation of every criminal act that we have witnessed in the past few weeks with a view to bringing to justice all those elements that have callously destroyed public and private properties.’’

The president of the senate also urged the youths, across the country, to join hands with the authorities in bringing an urgent cessation to the violence.

“I call on our patriotic youths to leave the streets as the government has heard their voices and addressing their grievances to avoid unwittingly providing covers for the criminals and fifth columnists in our midst.’’

On those criminal elements unleashing terror on our cities under the guise of the protest, Lawal urged the security agencies to restore law and order across the country and bring the criminals to justice.

In restoring law and order, he charged the security agencies to do it with the utmost restraint.

“While still grappling with the havoc of COVID-19, the country can ill afford yet another epidemic that has now appeared in the form of the lawlessness that is going on.

“I thank all Nigerian leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians for their interventions towards restoring peace and order after the unfortunate degeneration of the protest into chaos and brigandage in many parts of the country.

“In particular, I thank all Nigerians for their patience and understanding in this trying moment in our dear country.

“I thank you all for your wise counsel to the protesting youths to embrace peace and for the government to be open and sincere in addressing the issues that the youths have raised so clearly,’’ Lawal said.

Politics

Hoodlums invade Abuja industrial estate, loot warehouses.

No Comments

Hundreds of hoodlums, on Sunday, invaded the Idu Industrial Layout in Abuja, raiding several warehouses.

People who witnessed the looting, reported that the thugs made away with bags of rice, cartons of tin tomatoes,  cereals, milk, bales of Ankara materials, and other items.

It was observed that despite the presence of policemen, the defiant mob continued to plunder warehouses.

The hoodlums were seen loading tricycles and motorcycles with the stolen goods as policemen fired teargas.

Politics

To realise that some of the people I spoke to were assaulted and shot at the same place that I visited, is something that breaks me -Shina Peller

No Comments

The lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency in Oyo State at the House of Representatives, Mr Shina Peller, tells LEKE BAIYEWU about his efforts to get the #EndSARS protesters out of the streets, using celebrities in the entertainment sector

You appeared in all-black attire to the House. What inspired your dressing this way?

I decided to wear all-black and I am going to do that for the next three days purposely to mourn the victims of Black Tuesday; the event that happened at the Lekki Tollgate where we lost Nigerians who were patriots and had stood so firm to fight in a constitutional way – through protests – to show their displeasure with police brutality and inhuman behaviour by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. These were people protesting peacefully and they (soldiers) fired at them. I felt it was high time I sympathised with them and showed a sort of respect, especially for the departed. I felt very bad. I was at the protest ground on the previous day and I spoke to a few of them. To realise that some of the people I spoke to were assaulted and shot at the same place that I visited, is something that breaks me down so deeply. Every time I remember all that happened, the process, talking to them and everything, it breaks me down.

You are a major stakeholder in the entertainment and hospitality sectors and many of the people who led the protests are entertainers. How have you used your influence to manage the crisis, especially in the National Assembly?

As you know, there are rules in the National Assembly and what we do as federal legislators include moving motions and sponsoring bills. The issue on the ground is of urgent public importance. In the House, I have taken steps. There was a motion I referred to when I was talking to people at the protest ground. It was a joint motion that was meant to be moved by a few members and me, especially the Chairman of the Young Parliamentarians’ Forum, Hon. Kabir Tukura. We took the right step for that to be done. But like I said, the House has its rules and the Speaker has the right to call whoever he chooses to allow to speak. The issue is a pressing issue and everybody will always feel that they have an opinion. But there are rules and we have a presiding officer who chooses to call on whoever he wishes, to contribute to that particular matter.

Politics

#Endsars:Looted covid19 palliatives is not owned by Oyo – official

No Comments

The Oyo State Government has said that the palliatives that were looted by hoodlums on Friday at a warehouse in the Akobo area of Ibadan, the state capital, did not belong to the state government.

Stressing that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration would not short-change the people, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Bayo Lawal, urged members of the public to discountenance the misinformation being spread on social media.

Some hoodlums had attacked a private warehouse belonging to a company in Ibadan carting away bags of rice believed to have been hoarded by the government.

Lawal, who doubles as chairman, Food Security and Palliative Committee of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, said the state was not supplied rice as part of the palliatives from CACOVID and that it did not, at any time, distribute rice as part of the palliatives to the people.

He said, “Investigations revealed that there was nothing that concerns the Oyo State government in that warehouse. The warehouse belongs to a private individual who operates in Oyo State and was given a valid contract by the Coalition Against COVID-19, a coalition of private organisations that have been helping states and the Federal Government to fight COVID-19.

“So, it was the rice that he procured on his own for repackaging that was mistaken to be Oyo State’s, that hoodlums looted.”

The Commissioner stated that the state government could not hoard what it did not have, explaining that CACOVID supported the state with cash, medical items and food items including Indomie and Spaghetti.

He said, it was really a big shock earlier this morning (Friday morning) when I started receiving calls alleging that food items meant for distribution to the masses were being hoarded. But when I enquired further, I was told that the bags of rice were looted in one of our warehouses in Ibadan, in Lagelu Local Government, to be precise. We don’t even have any warehouse outside the secretariat.

All the palliatives given to us were stored in our warehouses within the secretariat, not outside. Whatever is being circulated that Oyo State was hoarding CACOVID-donated rice is wrong and baseless allegation.

“We want the public to know that though CACOVID gave us indomie, spaghetti, there was nothing like rice. We are still expecting their rice up till today. The rice, which was looted, belonged to a private company that happens to be a CACOVID vendor for other states.”

The CACOVID vendor whose warehouse was vandalised, Alabi Adeoye, stated that the looted bags of rice at the warehouse were meant to be supplied to Abia, Cross-Rivers, Plateau and Taraba States, disclosing that his company, which has been operating in Oyo State in the past five years, lost millions of naira to the attack.

“Our facility was vandalised and food items worth millions of naira were carted away. Property that was vandalised was worth millions of naira,” Adeoye was quoted as saying in the statement.

Politics

President Buhari despatches cabinet members to home states.

No Comments

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked his ministers to relocate to their home states for the purpose of dousing the tension created by the #ENDSARS protests and the lawlessness that followed.The ministers are scheduled to meet with stakeholders to explain federal government’s efforts to meet the demands of the youths.

Water Resources Minister Sulaiman Adamu, who confirmed the development during a courtesy call to Governor  Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State in Dutse, said  the cabinet members were directed to “go to our states to solicit the support of political, traditional, religious and community leaders against the violence that emanated from # EndSARS  protests.”

Adamu said he was therefore in the state to meet with leaders on “promoting tolerance, peace and stability in this critical moment and hear from them and report back to him (Buhari) immediately.”.

He acknowledged that the #ENDSARS protests started well and was in line with the Nigerian constitution only to be hijacked along the line by those who infringed on the rights of other citizens, killed innocent persons, looted and engaged in other criminal acts.

He said: “President Muhammad Buhari is soliciting the support of all other political leaders in the state to properly address the people of the state on the need to dispel any rumour that is tantamount to creating disunity among Nigerians and also throw the nation into crisis.”

Niger Delta Affairs Minister Godswill Akpabio who is on a similar mission to Akwa Ibom landed in Uyo on Saturday accompanied by other federal appointees from the state, including Senior Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang.

He urged youths of the state to embrace peace as President Buhari is committed to meeting their demands with regard to police reforms.

Akpabio said government was doing a lot in terms of job creation and development of key economic infrastructure in the state and the Niger Delta region.

He asked youths of the state to take advantage of social and economic job intervention programmes of the FG, adding that the Buhari administration is desirous of combating poverty and unemployment in the country.

Akpabio said the EndSARS protest was capable of scaring away existing and expected investors with the negative economic effects on the state and the region.

He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel and other governors for setting up a Judicial Commission of Enquiry to address the concerns of victims of SARS brutality, adding that the Federal Government was ready to work with governors to achieve justice for victims.

The minister urged all those who have lost their properties in the Thursday carnage to channel their petitions to the judicial commission of enquiry.

Also speaking, Senator Ita Enang condemned the wanton destruction of lives and property by miscreants under the guise of EndSARS.

Politics

Nigeria’s police order massive mobilization to ‘dominate the public space’ after unrest over SARS

No Comments

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s top police official on Saturday ordered the immediate mobilization of all officers to “reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters” after days of unrest and demonstrations over police abuses that left at least 69 people dead.

The police order could further heighten tensions in Africa’s most populous country after some of its worst turmoil in years. Nigeria’s inspector general of police, M.A. Adamu, ordered colleagues to “dominate the public space” while announcing that enough is enough, a statement said.

Nigerians on Tuesday evening watched in horror as soldiers fired on a peaceful crowd of mostly youthful demonstrators singing the national anthem in the country’s largest city, Lagos, with Amnesty International reporting at least 12 killed.

Some dismayed Nigerians then criticized President Muhammadu Buhari for not mentioning the killings and instead warning citizens against “undermining national security.” The government has insisted that the protests, while well-intentioned, were hijacked by thugs who looted and burned vehicles and businesses in the two days after the soldiers opened fire.

The scenes in Nigeria have struck a chord with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, and the shootings by soldiers sparked immediate international condemnation.

By not taking action against security forces, some Nigerians have warned, the president could inspire further abuses.

The new police order came even as a 24-hour curfew loosened for the first time Saturday in Lagos, a city of some 20 million where glittering wealth and grinding poverty are in sharp contrast, inflaming grievances over inequality and corruption.

The police inspector general “enjoins law-abiding citizens not to panic but rather join forces with police … to protect their communities from the criminal elements,” the statement said.

Elsewhere in Lagos, some youth took to the streets again Saturday, but this time to clean up some of the debris after the turmoil. Charred vehicles remained in some parts of the city.

“A lot of harm has happened to people’s business and our heart goes out to them,” said one volunteer, Monica Dede.

As for the way forward in Nigeria, she said, “we will still be heard, we will not be shut up, we will definitely push for what we believe in as the youths of Nigeria. We are part of the system, we are part of this governance.”

Politics

Oyetola imposes indefinite curfew amid looting spree

No Comments

Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has announced another 24-hour curfew across the state following looting spree.

Residents and hoodlums at the early hours of Saturday stormed Tuns Farm, former Deputy Speaker Lasun Yusuf’s residence, private shops and stores to cart away valuables and goods.

Oyetola, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ismail Omipidan, said the decision to declare the curfew followed the wanton looting of government and private properties, including private business premises and homes in several parts of the State.

“Government notes with huge disappointment, the abuse of the suspension, a day ago, of the 24-hour curfew earlier declared in the State to forestall the breakdown of law and order and protect the lives and property of citizens and residents.

“After an Emergency Security Meeting this afternoon, where the whole situation was reviewed and assessed, we came to the inevitable conclusion to declare a curfew. Consequently, I hereby declare a 24-hour curfew across the whole State with immediate effect.

“My fellow citizens, the declaration of a 24-hour curfew, which will be indefinite until further notice, is to prevent the current state of anarchy from degenerating into the large-scale breakdown of law and order.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there shall be no vehicular (including Okada) or human movement during this period. Only those on essential duties will be permitted to move around. These persons too must carry with them proper identification to allow access.”

He advised residents to return home immediately and remain in their homes until further notice.

He also assured them of their safety during the period.

Politics

#EndSARS: FG earmarks N75bn for youths development

No Comments

In response to the yearnings of Nigerian youths, the Federal Government said it has set aside N75 billion Youths Fund for their development projects for the next three years.

Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, who disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Saturday, said, the fund, which broken down to N25 billion per year, is meant to support the youths to actualize the creative and entrepreneurial ideas of the Government.

The Minister who was in Kaduna alongside the Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, also said, they were in Kaduna in response to the directive of President Muhammadu, who ordered all the Ministers to go back home and engage with their state governments and other stakeholders over the recent violence occasioned by the #EndSARS protests across the country.

According to her, “We came to meet with the Government of Kaduna State to discuss the issue of protests that have been happening around our country, specifically, the #EndSARS.

“The State has prepared an excellent report and rendered to us on all the plans and efforts they have undertaken and we have also come to understand the challenges that they have and how best to support them.

“We are here in response to the directive Mr. President gave to all Ministers to go back home and engage the major stakeholders within the states to see how best we can support the states in trying to address the security issues that we have at this time. So, it was a wonderful meeting and it was very productive.

“What we are doing at the Federal level is that we have set aside N25bn Youths Fund. It is actually an N75bn fund for three years. So, we are starting with N25bn for 2021. The fund is meant to support the youths to actualize creative and entrepreneurial ideal that we have, so that, they can be more productive, be their own bosses and employ other youths,” she said.

Speaking on the Ministry of Environment’s programmes for the Youths, the Environment Minister, Dr. Abubakar said, his ministry has established recycling plants across the states, which are already employing the youths.

According to him, “the Ministry of Environment as one of the ministries involved in the 774,000 jobs, has built various recycling plants in the states that are engaging the youths in terms of employment and also giving them the opportunity to recycle products especially plastic wastes.

“We have just gotten approval on our new policy on plastic waste management in the country. It was approved by the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday.

“Also, the Ministry of Environment is working on several initiatives that will create employment opportunities and create wealth for the youths,” he said.

In her own remarks, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe expressed appreciation to the people of Kaduna State, especially the youths for remaining peaceful despite the widespread protests across the country.

Politics, World News

I am still the Jagaban- Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

No Comments

Tinubu visits Sanwo-Olu, says I didn’t go nowhere, I’m still Jagaban

All Progressives Congress chieftain, Bola Tinubu, has lamented the invasion and wanton looting of public and private assets in the state of late.

Tinubu made this known on Saturday when he paid a visit to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the State House in Marina.

Addressing journalists after the meeting with the governor, Tinubu said he did not travel out of the country as reported by some sections of the media
He told reporters that the purpose of his meeting with Sanwo-Olu was to ask him if he had ordered soldiers to attack #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate on Tuesday.

The former Lagos governor said he asked Sanwo-Olu “if he didn’t order the attack, who ordered the attack? That’s all I needed from him.”

Tinubu has come under fire in the last few days over the Lekki incident as rampaging hoodlums burnt down investments reportedly linked with him including a television station, a newspaper house as well as assets of the Lekki Concession Company, the managers of the toll gate.

Speaking on Saturday, Tinubu stressed the need for a thorough investigation into Tuesday night attack.

He said, “First, we have to segregate the calendar – those who suffered casualty before the protests from the hands of SARS. You have to separate that from those who suffered casualty due to what happened at the toll gate.

“For those who suffered casualty from SARS, the Commission of Inquiry that is already set up will unearth that and will make their recommendations. I trust the calibre and the character of the people there, they are independent. That is one.

“Those who suffered casualty during the gunshots need to answer some questions too. Even though we want to help, we still must extract information that will help the government to prepare in future and understand how and when to react because the governor, in particular, is a youth.

“As a youth himself, he (Sanwo-Olu) quickly went to Abuja with the 5/5. The government immediately put into action, dissolved the SARS and had to work through other recommended actions, the needs they demanded. Within a few days, he reported back to the public. That is responsive enough.

“But where are we getting the looting, the carnage, the burning, the invasion of police stations, stealing of arms, maiming of the innocent? It is a handshake beyond the elbow.”

Asked about his whereabouts in the past few days, Tinubu said, “I didn’t go nowhere; I’m a Lagosian and I still hold the title of Asiwaju of Lagos and I am still a Jagaban.

“Fake news is all over the place. They say Seyi my son was kidnapped and was chased but look at him. I didn’t pay a penny to bring him here.”

Tuesday night attack at the Lekki toll gate has been condemned by both local and international civil rights organisations and personalities.

Politics

Oyo government reads riot act to hoodlums.

No Comments

The Oyo State Government has read the riot act to hoodlums attacking private and public property in the name of the just-suspended #EndSARS protests in the State.

The warning was given by Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, in an interview with journalists after an assessment tour of the places attacked by hoodlums during the #EndSARS protests in different parts of Ibadan, the State capital.

The places visited include Ojoo Divisional Police Headquarters, where 12 vehicles and the building were completely razed, as well as Egbeda Divisional Police Headquarters at New Gbagi Market, Old Ife Road, Ibadan, where the structures and three vehicles were also burnt.

The team led by Operation Burst, a joint security outfit in the State, also visited Moniya, Monatan, Iwo Road Interchange, Agodi Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Agugu, Total Garden, Yemetu, Bere, Ayeye, Agbaje Market, Agbeni Market, Ogunpa Market, Oluyole Estate, and Odo-Ona.

This reporter observed that peace has returned to Ibadan, except for the isolated case of looting the empowerment items in the house of Senator Teslim Folarin, representing Oyo Central in the National Assembly. But seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the looting.

Olatubosun said: ‘We have gone round and I am happy to inform you that everywhere is calm. Business activities have picked up and people have been going out without any harassment.

‘But the peace we are witnessing in the state now would not have been possible but for the community engagement of Governor Seyi Makinde, which has helped the State to douse the tension.

‘Also, the understanding of our people and the belief they have in the leadership of Governor Makinde also worked in our favour. We also give kudos to security agencies, especially Operation Burst.’

Speaking on the dimension of isolated attacks on individuals that hoodlums seemed to be adopting in the state, Olatubosun said: ‘I appeal to those perpetrators that Oyo State is known to be peaceful and we will not condone any form of thuggery, hooliganism, violence and looting.

‘We appeal to parents and community leaders to warn their children and their followers that Oyo State is not a place where they can be destroying private and public property. I appeal to people that are angry to sheathe their swords.’

Close Menu

Privacy Policy