Lifestyle

More drama around ‘Aregbesola shooting’ as group claims Osun govt gave students N1m to protest

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The drama around a shooting incident around the convoy of minister of Interior Affairs, Rauf Aregbesola in Oshogbo the Osun State capital continues taking new dimensions as the days go by.

A group of youths who identified themselves as Concerned Citizens of Osun, have alleged that the state government bought some leaders of the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) with the sum of N1m to protest at the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The group in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Afeez Olakunle stated that the protest was politically motivated, alleging that an unnamed aide to Osun state governor worked with NAOSS leadership to stage the protest.

The group expressed concern that the government could stoop low to dragging students into the internal crisis of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

It also lampooned the leaders of NAOSS for making themselves willing tools in the hands of politicians.

The statement reads in part, “It is a shame that NAOSS, a supposed intellectual body of students, could sell itself so cheap to accept a sum of N1m from the state government to protest against the NSCDC in the state.

“The question to ask NAOSS leadership is that: why had it remained silent on the series of insecurity occurrences and political violence in the state? Why did NAOSS choose to protest against NSCDC which is doing its job of protecting the lives and property of the people of the state? Why is it that it was a government official, SSA, that was mobilising media for the NAOSS protest?”

Meanwhile, NAOS President, Moshood Yusuf, in his reaction, challenged the group to bring out proof that he collected money to mobilise students for the protest.

Yusuf, who claimed to have witnessed the alleged shooting by NSCDC operatives on Monday, stated that he did not need to be paid before protesting on behalf of the masses.

“During the protest, my people could not even afford sachet water for themselves. Can I have N1million and I won’t be able to provide ordinary water? I have been expecting something like this because when you fight for masses, it is bound to happen this way. They should provide proof.

“I was around Olonkoro Area (of Osogbo) when the (Monday) shooting happened. Will I fold arms while people are killed? I witnessed the (shooting) incident. I was around Olonkoro (Osogbo). All of us had to flee. Nobody sponsored us. It is our thoughts; thoughts of the students. I can’t fold arms when a paramilitary organisation engage in an activity such as this,” he said.

The NAOSS had protested at the NSCDC office on Tuesday over a shooting incident that involved the convoy of Aregbesola which has generated different accounts from authorities concerned.

While the state police command stated that some people suspected to be political thugs on Aregbesola’s convoy shot into the air without provocation, the NSCDC said its operative Attached to the minister’s convoy returned fire from some thugs suspected to be government agents.

Politics

Group advises Buhari to explore political solutions to Kanu, Igboho cases

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The Igbo Think Tank, also know as Nzuko Umunna, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to explore Political solutions in the cases of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, so that the duo would be released from detention.

The group advised that by constructively engaging with the IPOB leader and all self-determination leaders, including Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, the federal government could avoid undue distractions for the country.

In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Nzuko Umunna, Ngozi Odumuko, on Monday, the Think Tank urged the President to “explore the opportunities provided by the intervention of South-East Governors, South East NASS Caucus, South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Pa Mbazulike Amaechi, and some groups in the South-East to release Nnamdi Kanu and resolve his matter politically.”

Public opinion and sentiments show that Nigerians want Mr President to deploy political solution and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Political solution will lead to permanent peace and a sense of nationhood, as the country will only experience true progress in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity,” it added.

Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in detention for months after he was allegedly abducted in Kenya and returned to Nigeria.

Igboho on the other hand, is currently being detained in the Republic of Benin, a situation allegedly orchestrated by the Nigerian government.

While Kanu leads an agitation for the secession of Igbos and Southeasterners from Nigeria, Igboho is also a leading voice clamoring for an independent Yoruba Nation for the South-West people.

Politics

Group accuses Nigerian elite of working against Tinubu’s 2023 presidential bid

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A socio-political organisation, Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ) claimed on Friday powerful forces in Nigeria are already working against the 2023 presidential ambition of the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group National Coordinator, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, who stated this in a statement in Lagos, described the people working against Tinubu’s presidential bid as enemies of Nigeria.

He insisted that the ex-Lagos governor has the capacity to improve the country’s fortune.

The statement read: “Detractors of Tinubu are not just Jagaban’s opponents, they are the collective enemies of the people, and If Nigerians fail to stop them now, we may not be able to stop them for a very long time.

“Nigerians must reject the elite who are ganging up against Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition to become the next Nigerian president.

“One major reason they don’t want Tinubu is because they want to keep holding the nation by the jugular as the ‘owners of Nigeria’ against the interest of the masses.

We all know how these people appropriated the resources of Lagos State before the emergence of Tinubu on the scene in 1999. Except for the respite brought by former governor Lateef Jakande, Lagosians had long been denied the dividends of democracy and fruits of good governance, despite the fact that Lagos was the capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“But since Tinubu took over the leadership of Lagos State, it has become a prosperous and a pacesetters state to date, under his guidance and mentorship.

“They had ganged up to appropriate the larger chunk of Lagos resources through their military cronies. They simply assumed they were done with Lagos, until the restructuring reengineered by Asiwaju Tinubu changed the course of event, leading to total liberation of Lagos and the well-being of Lagosians, particularly traders from across the country.

“It’s therefore expedient for those who experienced the past hardships and insecurity to appreciate Tinubu’s courage to spread the joy and wealth that had been monopolised by the privileged few to the detriment of over 20 million Lagosians.

“Their fear now is that the centralised stolen wealth would be redistributed to the advantage of the poor, should the ‘man of the people’ like Tinubu take the rein of power at the centre.”

Lifestyle

Group urges Army to respect female soldier’s decision to marry corps member

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A group known as the Women Empowerment & Legal Aid, on Monday, asked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Farouk Yahaya, to respect the decision of a female soldier, Private Sofiyat Akinlabi, to marry a male corps member.

The Chairperson of the group, Funmi Falana, in a letter to the COAS, demanded the immediate release of the soldier who had since been detained by the military authorities after accepting the marriage proposal of an unnamed corps member at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Kwara State.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, had earlier said that Akinlabi violated military laws by getting involved in a public display of amorous relationship with a paramilitary trainee, vowing that she will be punished.

However, in the letter titled, ‘Request for the Release of Private Sofiyat Akinlabi’, the wife of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said the female soldier “has not contravened the regulation on restriction of marriage for three years”.

The restriction of a female military personnel from contracting any marriage for three years upon enlistment which is not applicable to male military personnel is illegal and unconstitutional,” the letter added.

Falana argued that no male soldier has been punished for proposing to a love interest in public as seen on social media. therefore, declared the detention of Akinlabi illegal.

“In view of the fact that male soldiers have not been penalized for involving themselves in a public display of amorous relationship in full military uniform the threat to sanction Private Sofiyat Akinlabi is discriminatory.

“In view of the foregoing, we urge you to use your good offices to order the release of Private Sofiyat Akinlabie from further custody. Furthermore, her decision to marry the male youth corps member should be respected as both of them are entitled to freedom of association guaranteed by Section 40 of the Constitution,” the letter added.

Politics

Group urges US to designate Buhari, Tinubu, El-Rufai terrorism sponsors

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A United States-based non-profit organisation, Global Advocates for Terrorism Eradication (GATE), on Friday urged President Joe Biden to designate President Muhammadu Buhari, former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai and some officials of the Nigerian government as sponsors of terrorism in the country.

Also listed in the petition are former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, the Director-General of Department of State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, his Information and Culture counterpart, Lai Mohammed and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

In a 26-page petition signed by GATE’s Principal Advocate, Robert Berry, and addressed to the US Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken, the group described the killings in several parts of the country as state-sponsored terrorism.”

It also alleged that the Nigerian government officials were “sponsoring terrorism by carrying out terrorist activities including training, funding, financing, and recruitment of terrorists using their offices as a safe haven, transit and operational base for terrorists.”

The petition read: “The Nigerian government officials have deployed the instrumentality of power and are using the veil of sovereignty in knowingly consenting and with malicious intent allowing and promoting the use of Nigeria as a breeding ground and recruitment nursery for international terrorism activities contrary to foreign relations authorizations act fiscal years 1988 and 1989 (P.L.100 to 204:22 U.S.C 2656f), as amended.

“The current Nigerian Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari is executing a global Jihadist agenda that is comparable, if not more insidious, than that of the Taliban’s of Afghanistan.

“It is even more dangerous because it is mixed with genocidal tendencies. It is in the best interest of the United States and all the democratic countries of the world to identify this threat early and address it now.

“This is to prevent the further spread of the global jihadist agenda of the Buhari government and to arrest an imminent ethnic and religious genocide.”

The group also gave Washington a two-month notice to act on its petition, saying it would be forced to head to the US Federal Court to apply for a Writ of Mandamus to compel Biden and Blinken to issue the designation in line with the provisions of law.”

Politics

Afenifere is a terrorist group, must be proscribed —Northern Coalition

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The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has labelled the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, a terrorist organisation, calling on the Federal Government to immediately proscribe it as well as other cultural tribal organisations undermining the peace, security and peaceful coexistence of the country.”

In a statement issued on Monday by Abdul-Azeez Suleman, CNG’s spokesman and made available to Ripples Nigeria, the Northern Coalition said any organisation or individuals associated with groups that incite others to violations or openly support acts of terror and terrorist movements should be arrested and decisively dealt with by the authorities.

Part of the statement reads;

The CNG emphatically repudiate the provocative action of remnants of those who harbour pent-up grudges against the rest of Nigeria for the failure of Awolowo’s tribalistic ambition to secure the nation’s leadership, and deem this affront.

“The CNG unequivocally declare that groups like Afenifere and other organisations who go about making inciting statements to undermine the corporate existence of Nigeria are terrorists organisations and we call on the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, to recognise them as such and proscribe them with immediate effect.

We have noticed, sadly, that Afenifere has, over the years, constituted themselves into a nuisance by always making statements capable of throwing the nation into chaos and anarchy and the government should rein them in and curb their excesses.”

Politics, World News

Group, Northern Youths Commend Senate Rejection Of Onochie As INEC Commissioner.

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The Concerned Nigerians Group and the Northern Youths Council of Nigeria have commended the 9th Senate for rejecting the nomination of Lauretta Onochie as a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

On Tuesday, the Chairman of the Committee, Kabiru Gaya, said in his report that Onochie did not satisfy the provisions of the Federal Character Principles.

Concerned Nigerians Group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Theophilus Abuh Agada, commended this move by the Senate.

It noted that the nomination of Onochie, a member of the ruling All Progressive Congress and special assistant to the president as INEC commissioner is an aberration and mockery of Nigeria’s democracy.

“We commend the Nigerian Senate for showing extraordinary courage in rejecting the nomination of Onochie as INEC commissioner. INEC is an independent institution, and the candidacy of Onochie negates the principle upon which the body was established.

“Onochie is not just partisan; she has proven over time to be a paid hack of the ruling party. Her demonstrable actions in defending the president and politicians elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress will affect her sense of judgment in discharging her duties as an INEC commissioner.” the group said.

The group stated that an INEC commissioner ought to be someone with no questionable character but with proven integrity.

It also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended electoral bill to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure transparency and credibility in elections.

“If the President means well for Nigeria and he is concerned about the quality of leaders elected into different offices, he should sign the amended electoral bill rather than appointing an aide of questionable integrity that will help him and his party rig elections.

“In the same vein, we call on the National Assembly not to reverse the gains we have made in our electoral process by banning the electronic transmissions of results.

” The ruling All Progressives Congress succeeded in 2015 in assuming power because of the innovative introduction of a card reader. The National Assembly must continue to support creative ideas by INEC, which will help the commission conduct free, credible and transparent elections.

“Finally, we call on the Inspector General of Police to begin immediate prosecution of Lauretta Onochie for brazenly lying under oath.”

The Northern Youths Council of Nigeria also lauded the Senate’s rejection of the nomination of Onochie, describing it as a victory for democracy and confirmation of the Independence of the National Assembly.

In a statement by its President, Isah Abubakar, the group stated those who badly counseled President Buhari to make such nominations had better “desist from misleading him or risked facing the anger of Northern youths.”

The Council admonished the leaders of the National Assembly and other Legislative wings to continue to put Nigeria’s Democracy first above party and individual sentiments.

It said, “Without democracy, the Senate President would have been handling chalk in the classroom, or Mr. Speaker would have been busy in court without the hope of occupying the sensitive positions democracy afforded them. This also applies to other members of the National Assembly.”

The group further urged them to ensure that they safeguard democracy for the future generation so that their children would benefit from it too.

Politics

Group wants Lagos govt to probe use of N1.9bn for waterworks rehabilitation

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The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has implored the Lagos State government to probe funds released since 1999 for the rehabilitation of the existing waterworks in Lagos.

This probe includes the N1.6bn released under the Akinwunmi Ambode administration, the group stated.

Oluwafemi Akinbode, the Executive Director, CAPPA, made this call on Sunday, April 4, at the public presentation of a Report titled “Water & COVID-19 : One Year after Damning Report, Water Shortage still Persists in Lagos”, a book in commemoration of this year’s World Water Day.

According to Oluwafemi, this year’s World Water Day’s theme, “Valuing Water”, reinforces their conviction that the water sector must be salvaged from for-profit entities and their promoters in government, who have made it virtually impossible for our people to access safe and affordable water.”

He also warned that the water situation in the metropolis is so dire, causing apprehension among Lagos residents who fear exposure to diseases while sourcing for water from unwholesome places.

Politics

Group urges Sanwo-Olu to ban NURTW from Lagos roads

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The Federal Government on Saturday, March 6, suggested that getting COVID-19 vaccination could become a requirement for all international passengers.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who said some countries have already started introducing restrictions for receiving visitors.

He spoke in Abuja at an event where President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo received their first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Mustapha stated that no one would be able to travel without being vaccinated in the coming months.

“I think vaccine hesitancy would have to give way to the reality,” he said.

He added: “Because the truth about it, Your Excellency, is that very soon, nobody will be able to travel the world unless you produce the certificate that we have been given.

“I have not confirmed but reliably, some countries have started putting restrictions on receiving visitors, even exercising activities of their faith without a COVID-19 vaccination.

So the word that is going out there, on behalf of Mr. President, is that Nigerians should make themselves available, those that are eligible in the first set of the deployment, because the deployment is going to be in four phases, to receive these vaccines.

“They have been tested. Our most strategic leadership has received them this morning. They are safe, efficacious and it is for the good and well being of our people.”

Meanwhile, Buhari described his decision to take the vaccine in public as “a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.”

I have received my first jab and I wish to commend it to all eligible Nigerians to do same so that we can be protected from the virus,” he said.

He urged all state governments, traditional and religious leaders, to take the lead in the mobilization effort within their environment and spheres of influence.

He said: “The vaccine offers hope for a safe country, free of Coronavirus.

“I similarly urge all eligible Nigerians to present themselves and be vaccinated in accordance with the order of priority already mapped out, at the various authorised designated centres only.”

He congratulated the PTF on COVID-19 on the successful multi-sectoral approach to the management of the pandemic, and also commended state governments, donors, development partners, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders as well as critical stakeholders who have supported Nigeria’s response to the pandemic.

He pledged that all the resources will be equitably administered.

Politics

EFCC disowns recruitment group on WhatsApp

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dissociated itself from the activities of a group on WhatsApp, dedicated to EFCC Recruitment 2020/2021.

The Commission in a statement by it head of media and publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, and made available to Ripples Nigeria, on Monday, said “the activities of the Group, is not known to the EFCC”.

The statement read in part, “For the umpteenth time, the Commission reiterates earlier pronouncements that the agency is currently not recruiting. Any publication or advertorial to the contrary, in the social or mainstream media, can only be the handiwork of scammers.

The public is hereby advised to be circumspect to avoid being ensnared by fraudsters.

“Employment into the EFCC is not an under-the-table affair, as such exercise is usually preceded by elaborate advertorial in the media and Commission’s social media platforms.

“The public is also to treat with caution, fraud alert messages on WhatsApp, ascribed to the EFCC Help Desk Headquarters Jabi, Abuja.

“Such messages are not from the EFCC as the Commission has no “Help Desk”.

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