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A1 PREMIER MODEL ACADEMY LTD, OSOGBO, OSUN STATE
By
abiodun KOMOLAFE
On Nov 6, 2022
The amalgamation of territories, imposition of the colonial masters, the unfortunate intervention of the military and its attendant maladministration of the civil-society, and the corruption-infested politicians have not actually given the country that opportunity to realize her potentials. To be honest, it is because Nigeria’s handlers have different motives and a diametrically opposed understanding of the concept of development that her journey to nationhood has remained an illusion.
As we know, there is no generally acceptable interpretive understanding of the concept of development. For instance, part of the organic components of a nation is the understanding of the meaning of the concepts of citizenship. It is on this premise that a nation thrives. In other words, since no nation flourishes without its citizens, any nation that wants to thrive must have its organic components in place and the majority number of the population must share, intimately, the rudimentary knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a citizen, as agreed to, and enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria. Otherwise, it will just be as if one is running against the wind.
On July 28, 2022, Olugbenga David Owolabi was kidnapped alongside his staff, Rachael Opadele in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, by yet-to-be-identified kidnappers. Owolabi was a Nigerian-American who had come to Nigeria, to invest in the hospitality business in Ogbomoso, his hometown. On August 3, 2022, they were senselessly killed by their abductors, despite the payment of N5m ransom. Owolabi was buried on October 1, 2022 which, as fate would have it, coincided with a very important day in Nigeria’s chequered history. Opadele had earlier been buried in Ogbomoso, on August 5, 2022. Like the others, Nigeria has again succeeded in making the sun of three of her promising citizens set at dawn.
Olugbenga Owolabi is gone; and there’s nothing anybody can do to bring him back to life. But, if he had known that the country he called his own didn’t understand what it meant to be a citizen, he wouldn’t have come to Nigeria at all, not to speak of investing here. Let’s face it: the short time he spent in the USA – and he became a citizen – is now the only gift God has given him. From the time mappings for his life, all things being equal, if he had not come here, those unredeemed killers and haters who have turned Nigeria into a pool of blood would not have slaughtered him like a ram. Of course, they’d not have killed him without the American government deploying its entire arsenal for battle against his killers.
Typical of the Nigerianness in us, nobody is talking about who killed Owolabi; and neither Oyo State nor his Local Government has uttered a word; forget about admitting that the State has lost an illustrious son. Rather, it’s been business as usual, as if nothing happened. No justice! Not even a show of pretence for it! Sad that, even up to the point of the corpse being flown abroad, no Nigerian officials were seen to have shown any semblance of sympathy, either by words or actions. Well, that’s to show how horrible our system is. In our clime, the worth of a citizen has gone into a nosedive! Why then should one die for the country?
Owolabi’s unfortunate death is not the first; certainly, it won’t be the last either! Since his murder, several other unresolved murders have taken place. Yet, the heavens have not fallen! And who cares? After all, those who died did not belong to the families of members of the ruling class. So, life goes on! But, again, this is Nigeria! America takes care of her living and the dead! Nigeria does neither! Here in Nigeria, life no longer has any meaning! Ours is a generation of wasters, in a very dangerous country! Against the backdrop of our illimitable woes, the leaders _“daily call on the citizens to make sacrifices while they (the leaders) wallow in privilege.”_ Tragically, the leadership doesn’t even understand why and how the country is being led to a moral free fall in all areas.
The general assumption is that Nigeria is a sovereign state, but the current state of heightened insecurity only suggests that she may have already been stripped of her sovereign attributes. Otherwise, how do we describe events in the land which have only shown that our leaders are in a wide sea of uncertainty with regard to how a nation evolves; the inalienable rights of a citizen, and why he or she must be accorded such? Remember the 2013 Boston Marathon domestic terror attack and how the American government rose to the occasion! Remember how US Special Forces rescued Philip Walton, an American citizen held hostage in Nigeria in 2020! Here in Nigeria, the late Hamani Tidjani was only unlucky to have positioned his wind vane wrongly. And he paid dearly for it! On Owolabi’s gruesome murder, even the texture and essence of the _Nigerians in Diaspora Commission_ (NIDCOM) seem to have been seduced into compliance with sickening silence.
Had Oyo State Government been truly there for those it was elected to serve, somebody in government would have noticed the state administrative protocol gap in Owolabi’s unfortunate murder, and would have issued a statement on behalf of the government. That his remains were taken back from the land of his birth for internment in a foreign, adopted country was a big shame of unimaginable proportions. But again, how did we get here? For God’s sake, how does one belong to a country where human lives are not valued; where _“yesterday’s dreams have become the worst nightmares”;_ where _“very sharp pieces of broken promises”_ have become the new ideology? And, if we may ask: what is the functional relevance of Nigeria’s sovereignty? Isn’t that why a Leah Sharibu could still be languishing in the terrorists’ den even as the government continues to behave as if it never happened?
The social thoughts of a society, I was made to understand, undergird the thought flows of its citizens. For example, when President John F. Kennedy famously urged Americans “ask not what” their _“country can do for”_ them but _“what”_ they _“can do for”_ their _“country’,_ that became the mantra in the USA that even a kid in that _‘God’s own country’_ was always ready to die for the American flag. On the converse, have we asked why Nigeria now looks _“like a boiling pot that everyone wants to escape from”_ and why Nigerians are with misdirected aggression prepared to _‘japa’_ into certain deaths in Ukraine?
With happenings like this in Nigeria, national consciousness and the concept of patriotism are on the verge of losing both their meanings and relevance; of course, with huge national security implications! Nigeria may also lose investors and her capacity for economic growth will be hindered. To put it bluntly, what it means is that, once the central value of citizenship is lost, the entire country is lost. The more reason the handlers of Nigeria must do a new orientation programme that will teach Nigerians to be patriotic. In doing this, the government should lead by example. Otherwise, the scheme will fall like a pack of cards.
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, rest the souls of the faithful departed and grant us peace in Nigeria!
_*KOMOLAFE wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State ([email protected]; 07087941459 - SMS only)_
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By
abiodun KOMOLAFE
On Nov 6, 2022
The amalgamation of territories, imposition of the colonial masters, the unfortunate intervention of the military and its attendant maladministration of the civil-society, and the corruption-infested politicians have not actually given the country that opportunity to realize her potentials. To be honest, it is because Nigeria’s handlers have different motives and a diametrically opposed understanding of the concept of development that her journey to nationhood has remained an illusion.
As we know, there is no generally acceptable interpretive understanding of the concept of development. For instance, part of the organic components of a nation is the understanding of the meaning of the concepts of citizenship. It is on this premise that a nation thrives. In other words, since no nation flourishes without its citizens, any nation that wants to thrive must have its organic components in place and the majority number of the population must share, intimately, the rudimentary knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a citizen, as agreed to, and enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria. Otherwise, it will just be as if one is running against the wind.
On July 28, 2022, Olugbenga David Owolabi was kidnapped alongside his staff, Rachael Opadele in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, by yet-to-be-identified kidnappers. Owolabi was a Nigerian-American who had come to Nigeria, to invest in the hospitality business in Ogbomoso, his hometown. On August 3, 2022, they were senselessly killed by their abductors, despite the payment of N5m ransom. Owolabi was buried on October 1, 2022 which, as fate would have it, coincided with a very important day in Nigeria’s chequered history. Opadele had earlier been buried in Ogbomoso, on August 5, 2022. Like the others, Nigeria has again succeeded in making the sun of three of her promising citizens set at dawn.
Olugbenga Owolabi is gone; and there’s nothing anybody can do to bring him back to life. But, if he had known that the country he called his own didn’t understand what it meant to be a citizen, he wouldn’t have come to Nigeria at all, not to speak of investing here. Let’s face it: the short time he spent in the USA – and he became a citizen – is now the only gift God has given him. From the time mappings for his life, all things being equal, if he had not come here, those unredeemed killers and haters who have turned Nigeria into a pool of blood would not have slaughtered him like a ram. Of course, they’d not have killed him without the American government deploying its entire arsenal for battle against his killers.
Typical of the Nigerianness in us, nobody is talking about who killed Owolabi; and neither Oyo State nor his Local Government has uttered a word; forget about admitting that the State has lost an illustrious son. Rather, it’s been business as usual, as if nothing happened. No justice! Not even a show of pretence for it! Sad that, even up to the point of the corpse being flown abroad, no Nigerian officials were seen to have shown any semblance of sympathy, either by words or actions. Well, that’s to show how horrible our system is. In our clime, the worth of a citizen has gone into a nosedive! Why then should one die for the country?
Owolabi’s unfortunate death is not the first; certainly, it won’t be the last either! Since his murder, several other unresolved murders have taken place. Yet, the heavens have not fallen! And who cares? After all, those who died did not belong to the families of members of the ruling class. So, life goes on! But, again, this is Nigeria! America takes care of her living and the dead! Nigeria does neither! Here in Nigeria, life no longer has any meaning! Ours is a generation of wasters, in a very dangerous country! Against the backdrop of our illimitable woes, the leaders _“daily call on the citizens to make sacrifices while they (the leaders) wallow in privilege.”_ Tragically, the leadership doesn’t even understand why and how the country is being led to a moral free fall in all areas.
The general assumption is that Nigeria is a sovereign state, but the current state of heightened insecurity only suggests that she may have already been stripped of her sovereign attributes. Otherwise, how do we describe events in the land which have only shown that our leaders are in a wide sea of uncertainty with regard to how a nation evolves; the inalienable rights of a citizen, and why he or she must be accorded such? Remember the 2013 Boston Marathon domestic terror attack and how the American government rose to the occasion! Remember how US Special Forces rescued Philip Walton, an American citizen held hostage in Nigeria in 2020! Here in Nigeria, the late Hamani Tidjani was only unlucky to have positioned his wind vane wrongly. And he paid dearly for it! On Owolabi’s gruesome murder, even the texture and essence of the _Nigerians in Diaspora Commission_ (NIDCOM) seem to have been seduced into compliance with sickening silence.
Had Oyo State Government been truly there for those it was elected to serve, somebody in government would have noticed the state administrative protocol gap in Owolabi’s unfortunate murder, and would have issued a statement on behalf of the government. That his remains were taken back from the land of his birth for internment in a foreign, adopted country was a big shame of unimaginable proportions. But again, how did we get here? For God’s sake, how does one belong to a country where human lives are not valued; where _“yesterday’s dreams have become the worst nightmares”;_ where _“very sharp pieces of broken promises”_ have become the new ideology? And, if we may ask: what is the functional relevance of Nigeria’s sovereignty? Isn’t that why a Leah Sharibu could still be languishing in the terrorists’ den even as the government continues to behave as if it never happened?
The social thoughts of a society, I was made to understand, undergird the thought flows of its citizens. For example, when President John F. Kennedy famously urged Americans “ask not what” their _“country can do for”_ them but _“what”_ they _“can do for”_ their _“country’,_ that became the mantra in the USA that even a kid in that _‘God’s own country’_ was always ready to die for the American flag. On the converse, have we asked why Nigeria now looks _“like a boiling pot that everyone wants to escape from”_ and why Nigerians are with misdirected aggression prepared to _‘japa’_ into certain deaths in Ukraine?
With happenings like this in Nigeria, national consciousness and the concept of patriotism are on the verge of losing both their meanings and relevance; of course, with huge national security implications! Nigeria may also lose investors and her capacity for economic growth will be hindered. To put it bluntly, what it means is that, once the central value of citizenship is lost, the entire country is lost. The more reason the handlers of Nigeria must do a new orientation programme that will teach Nigerians to be patriotic. In doing this, the government should lead by example. Otherwise, the scheme will fall like a pack of cards.
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, rest the souls of the faithful departed and grant us peace in Nigeria!
_*KOMOLAFE wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State ([email protected]; 07087941459 - SMS only)_
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Accordinqg to the source, two days ago, Boko Haram released the remaining 23 passengers of Abuja-Kaduna rail and same day, Nigeria freed 101 dangerous terrorists as prisoners swap.
Under the Buhari led APC pro bandits regime, security of lives and property have been zero as the government negotiated with bandits like never in our history . The pro bandits regime killed, arrested and jailed peaceful protesters with impunity.
A Brigadier in the Nigeria Army had reportedly cried out that terrorists are winning.
He said : While congratulating the families of train victims for the safe return of their relatives, something very sad came to mind about the whole tragedy.
1- The ultimate winners are the terrorists. They achieved all their objectives without retribution.
They have all their inmates released,collected hefty amounts of money in billions of Naira and foreign currencies and went away without losing a soul. Meanwhile they inflicted damages on Nigeria. They killed passengers,destroyed a train and stopped it from operation for a very long period and instilled fear in minds of Nigerians.
2- The biggest tragedy is that all the captives were released through payment of ransoms which impoverished family economies, some might never recover. The last victims were released by military committee which means more money were paid and the military had also cornered part of the ransom money. In the whole saga there was no shooting,no arrest, not even declaring some people wanted. What kind of country do we have for God's sake? Time will tell the kind of arrangement reached for the release of the victims.
3- We just have a paper military. What is there in a military that cannot use force on terrorists. There is nothing impressive about military that abandoned its trade and go to terrorists and pay ransoms. It is really a shame on NIGERIAN government.
4- As long as people benefit from train attacks and kidnapping there will be no end to this kind of tragedy. The terrorists have made a good,safe and profitable venture and have gone to plan another attack. Security agencies that benefit from it will be too willing to be part of the next attack. The Mamus that made billions from ransom negotiation will be waiting to make ransom harvest.
A kidnapping Industry has been created by government's inability to deal ruthlessly with criminals.
Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari rode to power in 2015 on promises to tackle insecurities, corruption and rebuild the economy . The country has become a breeding space for terrorism and world capital of poverty under the anti people led APC maladministration.
Accordinqg to the source, two days ago, Boko Haram released the remaining 23 passengers of Abuja-Kaduna rail and same day, Nigeria freed 101 dangerous terrorists as prisoners swap.
Under the Buhari led APC pro bandits regime, security of lives and property have been zero as the government negotiated with bandits like never in our history . The pro bandits regime killed, arrested and jailed peaceful protesters with impunity.
A Brigadier in the Nigeria Army had reportedly cried out that terrorists are winning.
He said : While congratulating the families of train victims for the safe return of their relatives, something very sad came to mind about the whole tragedy.
1- The ultimate winners are the terrorists. They achieved all their objectives without retribution.
They have all their inmates released,collected hefty amounts of money in billions of Naira and foreign currencies and went away without losing a soul. Meanwhile they inflicted damages on Nigeria. They killed passengers,destroyed a train and stopped it from operation for a very long period and instilled fear in minds of Nigerians.
2- The biggest tragedy is that all the captives were released through payment of ransoms which impoverished family economies, some might never recover. The last victims were released by military committee which means more money were paid and the military had also cornered part of the ransom money. In the whole saga there was no shooting,no arrest, not even declaring some people wanted. What kind of country do we have for God's sake? Time will tell the kind of arrangement reached for the release of the victims.
3- We just have a paper military. What is there in a military that cannot use force on terrorists. There is nothing impressive about military that abandoned its trade and go to terrorists and pay ransoms. It is really a shame on NIGERIAN government.
4- As long as people benefit from train attacks and kidnapping there will be no end to this kind of tragedy. The terrorists have made a good,safe and profitable venture and have gone to plan another attack. Security agencies that benefit from it will be too willing to be part of the next attack. The Mamus that made billions from ransom negotiation will be waiting to make ransom harvest.
A kidnapping Industry has been created by government's inability to deal ruthlessly with criminals.
Major Gen Muhammadu Buhari rode to power in 2015 on promises to tackle insecurities, corruption and rebuild the economy . The country has become a breeding space for terrorism and world capital of poverty under the anti people led APC maladministration.
These Twitter trolls are a reflection of the wicked, insensitive & meanness of the Muhammadu Buhari regime, since coming on board as Nigeria’s President in 2015 the Buhari regime and its officials have been asking Nigerians after shooting, stabbing and impoverishing Nigerians the same question, over and over again, “Are You Dead Now?”
When the regime massacred Shiites in Zaria, it turned around and asked Shiites, “Are You Dead Now?”. When they turned they guns, blazing, on IPOB members in Nigeria''s South East, they asked them “Are You Dead Now?”
When the Buhari regime killed peaceful “EndSARS" protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, the regime and its progenitord of hate turned around and mocked the dead and wounded, “Are You Dead Now?” they asked, the regime went further and asked, "if you are dead, show is your dead bodies."
When they visited the home of Sunday IGBOHO, the renowned Yoruyba agitator in the dead of the night, ransacked his compound and killed innocent civilians, they turned around and asked, “Are You Dead Now?”
They’ve treat Nigerians with the same disdain by inflicting hunger, starvation, abandoning them to their faith during the COVID-19 pandemic, they've mismanaged the economy, killed the national currency-Naira, ensured that they are no longer generating electricity, made fuel scarce deliberately in order to force Nigerians to pay through their noses, they brought massive unemployment, doctors and nurses have fled in droves and the regime is still asking you, the people of Nigeria “Are you Dead Now’?
These Twitter trolls are a reflection of the wicked, insensitive & meanness of the Muhammadu Buhari regime, since coming on board as Nigeria’s President in 2015 the Buhari regime and its officials have been asking Nigerians after shooting, stabbing and impoverishing Nigerians the same question, over and over again, “Are You Dead Now?”
When the regime massacred Shiites in Zaria, it turned around and asked Shiites, “Are You Dead Now?”. When they turned they guns, blazing, on IPOB members in Nigeria''s South East, they asked them “Are You Dead Now?”
When the Buhari regime killed peaceful “EndSARS" protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, the regime and its progenitord of hate turned around and mocked the dead and wounded, “Are You Dead Now?” they asked, the regime went further and asked, "if you are dead, show is your dead bodies."
When they visited the home of Sunday IGBOHO, the renowned Yoruyba agitator in the dead of the night, ransacked his compound and killed innocent civilians, they turned around and asked, “Are You Dead Now?”
They’ve treat Nigerians with the same disdain by inflicting hunger, starvation, abandoning them to their faith during the COVID-19 pandemic, they've mismanaged the economy, killed the national currency-Naira, ensured that they are no longer generating electricity, made fuel scarce deliberately in order to force Nigerians to pay through their noses, they brought massive unemployment, doctors and nurses have fled in droves and the regime is still asking you, the people of Nigeria “Are you Dead Now’?
An Abuja High Court on Thursday declares Bandits as terrorists group.
According to a judgement delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the court outlawed the activities of some groups linked to banditry and declared their activities as acts of terrorism.
The court ruling followed an ex-parte motion filed by Mohammed Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Abubakar said, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the legal action, seeking an order declaring the activities of bandits as act of terrorism.
He said the court action has the goal of outlawing the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other terrorist groups in the country.
Abubakar said, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the legal action, seeking an order declaring the activities of bandits as act of terrorism.
He said the court action has the goal of outlawing the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other terrorist groups in the country.
In a supporting affidavit to the ex-parte motion, Aminu Kayode Alilu, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, who argued the motion ex-parte, explained why the Federal Government chose to approach the court for the order.
He argued that security reports have confirmed that bandit groups were responsible for killings, abductions, rapes, kidnappings, and other criminal acts in the Northeast, Northcentral, and other parts of the country.
The Government blamed the groups for an increase in “banditry, incessant kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, and other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings in communities and commuters, and wanton destruction of lives and proper property.”
It specifically argued that Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other similar groups, were responsible for the deaths of soldiers, police officers, and other security agents across the country.
“The activities of the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other similar groups, constitute acts of terrorism that can lead to a breakdown of public order and safety, as well as a threat to Nigeria’s national security and corporate existence”, the motion claimedAfter listening to the argument on the application on Thursday, the court ruled and specifically declared the activities of the “Yan Bindiga Group” and the “Yan Ta’adda Group” and other similar groups in any part of the country, especially in the Northwest and Northcentral geo-political zones, as “acts of terrorism and illegality”.
It equally proscribed the Yan Bindiga and the Yan Ta’adda Groups as well as other similar groups in any part of Nigeria, especially in the Northwest and Northcentral geo-political zones, “either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are calle
It ordered the Federal Government to publish the prosecution order in the Official Gazette and two national dailie
Justice Taiwo said he was convinced that such orders were necessary in view of the nefarious activities of bandits and their effects on the people and the nation’s econom
The judge also proscribed all other groups in the country, irrespective of their names, but whose activities and objectives are similar to those of Yan Bindiga Group and the Yan Ta’adda Grou
The court listed terror activities to “include, but not limited to banditry, kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings in communities and commuters and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria.”
An Abuja High Court on Thursday declares Bandits as terrorists group.
According to a judgement delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the court outlawed the activities of some groups linked to banditry and declared their activities as acts of terrorism.
The court ruling followed an ex-parte motion filed by Mohammed Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Federal Ministry of Justice, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Abubakar said, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the legal action, seeking an order declaring the activities of bandits as act of terrorism.
He said the court action has the goal of outlawing the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other terrorist groups in the country.
Abubakar said, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the legal action, seeking an order declaring the activities of bandits as act of terrorism.
He said the court action has the goal of outlawing the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other terrorist groups in the country.
In a supporting affidavit to the ex-parte motion, Aminu Kayode Alilu, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, who argued the motion ex-parte, explained why the Federal Government chose to approach the court for the order.
He argued that security reports have confirmed that bandit groups were responsible for killings, abductions, rapes, kidnappings, and other criminal acts in the Northeast, Northcentral, and other parts of the country.
The Government blamed the groups for an increase in “banditry, incessant kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, and other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings in communities and commuters, and wanton destruction of lives and proper property.”
It specifically argued that Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other similar groups, were responsible for the deaths of soldiers, police officers, and other security agents across the country.
“The activities of the Yan Bindiga and Yan Ta’adda groups, as well as other similar groups, constitute acts of terrorism that can lead to a breakdown of public order and safety, as well as a threat to Nigeria’s national security and corporate existence”, the motion claimedAfter listening to the argument on the application on Thursday, the court ruled and specifically declared the activities of the “Yan Bindiga Group” and the “Yan Ta’adda Group” and other similar groups in any part of the country, especially in the Northwest and Northcentral geo-political zones, as “acts of terrorism and illegality”.
It equally proscribed the Yan Bindiga and the Yan Ta’adda Groups as well as other similar groups in any part of Nigeria, especially in the Northwest and Northcentral geo-political zones, “either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are calle
It ordered the Federal Government to publish the prosecution order in the Official Gazette and two national dailie
Justice Taiwo said he was convinced that such orders were necessary in view of the nefarious activities of bandits and their effects on the people and the nation’s econom
The judge also proscribed all other groups in the country, irrespective of their names, but whose activities and objectives are similar to those of Yan Bindiga Group and the Yan Ta’adda Grou
The court listed terror activities to “include, but not limited to banditry, kidnappings for ransom, kidnapping for marriage, mass abductions of school children and other citizens, cattle rustling, enslavement, imprisonment, severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, other forms of sexual violence, attacks and killings in communities and commuters and wanton destruction of lives and properties in Nigeria.”
KACCL/PS/OB/45 19th November, 2021
PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE GRUESOME MURDER OF MR. TIMOTHY OLUDARE
We act as solicitors to the family of the deceased; our Client, whose illustrious son, Mr. Timothy Oludare, was murdered in a cold-blooded manner in his hotel room at Ile-Ife, Osun State and it is on their unequivocal instructions that we issue this statement.
For contextual expediency, it is needful to state that the late Timothy Oludare, a 37-year-old husband and father of three had travelled from Abuja to Ile-Ife, Osun State on the 5th of November, 2021 in furtherance of his Masters of Business Administration studies at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. He subsequently checked in at the Hilton and Resorts Hotel owned by Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, the founder of Oduduwa University on the same ill-fated day. He went ‘missing’ for the next two days only for his dead and mutilated body to be found buried in a shallow grave near the hotel.
We welcome with keen interest, the news of the arrest of six suspects linked to the gruesome murder of Mr. Timothy Oludare by men of the Osun State Police Command on the 15th November 2020. Indeed, the preliminary investigation, arrests and findings have nullified the initial apprehension that the deceased must have fallen into the hands of killer herdsmen which if true, could have exacerbated ethnic tensions in Osun State and beyond. While commending the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for these painstaking efforts, we however strongly want to emphasize that it will serve the overriding interest of justice to bring all those involved in this dastardly murder to book.
It is worrisome and sad that Mr. Timothy Oludare can be cut down in his prime for motives best known to his killers which of course, must be extracted and investigated by the Police without delay. It portends serious danger that a place meant to serve the temporary accommodation needs of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike could in actual fact be a place where cold-blooded murders are orchestrated and carried out in the most desperate and daring manner. Again, we note the temerity and the audacity in which the murder of the late Timothy Oludare was carried out as contained in the preliminary findings made by the Osun State Police Command. According to the findings, our Client’s son was strangled to death in his hotel room, his body was subsequently mutilated and wrapped in a blood-soaked blanket/bedsheet belonging to the hotel and finally buried in a shallow grave near the hotel.
As things stand, the hotel and its vicinity are a crime scene and should be treated as such, nothing must be on the way of a thorough and wider investigation of this highly reprehensible murder because nobody irrespective of their status or influence is bigger than the extant laws of the land.
We therefore urge utmost professionalism by the Police in this matter; no stone must be left unturned to get to the root of this matter. On our part, we are ready to partner with the Police to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. While we trust that this matter will reach its expected legal conclusion, we want to reiterate that we will not hesitate for a second to do everything within legally permissible limits to fight anyone who attempts to frustrate the expected end of justice.
 |
| Late Timothy |
Conclusively, as a firm committed to the promotion of the rule of law and protection of the fundamental rights of all law abiding citizens which include among others, the right to life, we are emphatically restating that the killers of Timothy Oludare must face the full weight of the law.
Thank you.
KACCL/PS/OB/45 19th November, 2021
PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE GRUESOME MURDER OF MR. TIMOTHY OLUDARE
We act as solicitors to the family of the deceased; our Client, whose illustrious son, Mr. Timothy Oludare, was murdered in a cold-blooded manner in his hotel room at Ile-Ife, Osun State and it is on their unequivocal instructions that we issue this statement.
For contextual expediency, it is needful to state that the late Timothy Oludare, a 37-year-old husband and father of three had travelled from Abuja to Ile-Ife, Osun State on the 5th of November, 2021 in furtherance of his Masters of Business Administration studies at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. He subsequently checked in at the Hilton and Resorts Hotel owned by Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, the founder of Oduduwa University on the same ill-fated day. He went ‘missing’ for the next two days only for his dead and mutilated body to be found buried in a shallow grave near the hotel.
We welcome with keen interest, the news of the arrest of six suspects linked to the gruesome murder of Mr. Timothy Oludare by men of the Osun State Police Command on the 15th November 2020. Indeed, the preliminary investigation, arrests and findings have nullified the initial apprehension that the deceased must have fallen into the hands of killer herdsmen which if true, could have exacerbated ethnic tensions in Osun State and beyond. While commending the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for these painstaking efforts, we however strongly want to emphasize that it will serve the overriding interest of justice to bring all those involved in this dastardly murder to book.
It is worrisome and sad that Mr. Timothy Oludare can be cut down in his prime for motives best known to his killers which of course, must be extracted and investigated by the Police without delay. It portends serious danger that a place meant to serve the temporary accommodation needs of Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike could in actual fact be a place where cold-blooded murders are orchestrated and carried out in the most desperate and daring manner. Again, we note the temerity and the audacity in which the murder of the late Timothy Oludare was carried out as contained in the preliminary findings made by the Osun State Police Command. According to the findings, our Client’s son was strangled to death in his hotel room, his body was subsequently mutilated and wrapped in a blood-soaked blanket/bedsheet belonging to the hotel and finally buried in a shallow grave near the hotel.
As things stand, the hotel and its vicinity are a crime scene and should be treated as such, nothing must be on the way of a thorough and wider investigation of this highly reprehensible murder because nobody irrespective of their status or influence is bigger than the extant laws of the land.
We therefore urge utmost professionalism by the Police in this matter; no stone must be left unturned to get to the root of this matter. On our part, we are ready to partner with the Police to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. While we trust that this matter will reach its expected legal conclusion, we want to reiterate that we will not hesitate for a second to do everything within legally permissible limits to fight anyone who attempts to frustrate the expected end of justice.
|
| Late Timothy |
Conclusively, as a firm committed to the promotion of the rule of law and protection of the fundamental rights of all law abiding citizens which include among others, the right to life, we are emphatically restating that the killers of Timothy Oludare must face the full weight of the law.
Thank you.
SUMMARY:
● The panel has confirmed without ambiguity that Lekki Toll Gate massacre happened.
● The Army & Police indicted of carrying out the Massacre
● The panel has named all victims and proposed compensations.
● proposed punishments for all the security personnel involved in the killings.
● The panel has proposed naming the Lekki Toll gate “EndSARS Toll Gate”
● The Lekki Concession company(LCC) owners of the Toll gate attempted a cover up of the atrocities perpetrated by the Nigerian Army and Police.
LEKKI SHOOTING: THAT WAS A MASSACRE!
Can Jide Sanwoolu, Lai Mohammed, Garba Shehu, Raji Fashola and others asking “where are the bodies?” honourably bury their heads in shame now that the submitted #EndSars Panel report has shown that there was indeed a massacre?
Everyone knows there was a massacre; it is a living truth that is incontrovertible. The authorities are equally aware that the tragedy that occurred at Lekki Tollgate October 2020 was a mindless massacre. They masterminded the evil just to break the undying resolve of protesting youths yearning for a country that respects human rights and social justice.
Now that the youths have been vindicated, will the authorities truly implement the recommendations of the Panel? Will the APC government ever apologize to young people and admit that its dirty hands are full of blood and the spirit of the slain innocent is crying bitterly in heaven for vengeance?
Given that the #EndSars struggle was a major reason why Twitter was banned, would the Buhari regime truly apologize and lift the thoughtless ban with immediate effect? Would the Buhari regime place itself in the witness box and answer questions over the fatal murder of courageous Nigerians exercising their fundamental rights to protest and freedom of expression and association?
For there be true peace in Nigeria, those massacred must get justice. Now that the truth has been corroborated, consequences must be meted out against those found wanting. And that will start from President Muhammadu Buhari, the very Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces. No justice, no peace.
We will never forget.
Festus Ogun, ESQ
Names of the victims:
This is the documented VICTIMS' list of #LekkiMassacre as released by the Lagos panel .
With this, it shows that LAI MOHAMMED is an unrepentant old LIAR. The fact remains that the #Buhari regime murdered Nigerian Youths on October 20, 2020.
SUMMARY:
● The panel has confirmed without ambiguity that Lekki Toll Gate massacre happened.
● The Army & Police indicted of carrying out the Massacre
● The panel has named all victims and proposed compensations.
● proposed punishments for all the security personnel involved in the killings.
● The panel has proposed naming the Lekki Toll gate “EndSARS Toll Gate”
● The Lekki Concession company(LCC) owners of the Toll gate attempted a cover up of the atrocities perpetrated by the Nigerian Army and Police.
LEKKI SHOOTING: THAT WAS A MASSACRE!
Can Jide Sanwoolu, Lai Mohammed, Garba Shehu, Raji Fashola and others asking “where are the bodies?” honourably bury their heads in shame now that the submitted #EndSars Panel report has shown that there was indeed a massacre?
Everyone knows there was a massacre; it is a living truth that is incontrovertible. The authorities are equally aware that the tragedy that occurred at Lekki Tollgate October 2020 was a mindless massacre. They masterminded the evil just to break the undying resolve of protesting youths yearning for a country that respects human rights and social justice.
Now that the youths have been vindicated, will the authorities truly implement the recommendations of the Panel? Will the APC government ever apologize to young people and admit that its dirty hands are full of blood and the spirit of the slain innocent is crying bitterly in heaven for vengeance?
Given that the #EndSars struggle was a major reason why Twitter was banned, would the Buhari regime truly apologize and lift the thoughtless ban with immediate effect? Would the Buhari regime place itself in the witness box and answer questions over the fatal murder of courageous Nigerians exercising their fundamental rights to protest and freedom of expression and association?
For there be true peace in Nigeria, those massacred must get justice. Now that the truth has been corroborated, consequences must be meted out against those found wanting. And that will start from President Muhammadu Buhari, the very Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces. No justice, no peace.
We will never forget.
Festus Ogun, ESQ
Names of the victims:
This is the documented VICTIMS' list of #LekkiMassacre as released by the Lagos panel .
With this, it shows that LAI MOHAMMED is an unrepentant old LIAR. The fact remains that the #Buhari regime murdered Nigerian Youths on October 20, 2020.
The missing MBA student at Obafemii Awololowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Timothy Adegoke is dead, a statement by the state police Command confirmed it.
Adegoke was declared missing on November 7 2021.
According to a statement signed and made available to the press by Opalola Yemisi Olawoyin who is the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, the police said it was working to unravel the circumstances surrounding Adegoke’s death.
It reads in part: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode, psc, wishes to assure the general public, especially the family of the deceased, students and management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, that the police command is working assiduously to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Timothy Adegoke, a master’s degree student of OAU who came from Abuja to sit for his examination at the OAU distance learning centre, Moro, Osun State.
“It would be recalled that, a case of missing person was reported on 7th November, 2021 at about 1630hrs, at Edun Abon police station and later transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation on 9th November, 2021. Immediately the case was received, detectives from SCID of the command swung into action and have arrested six (6) suspects in connection with the case while investigation is ongoing.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police is using this medium to appeal to the family, the sympathizers, students and management of the university to remain calm and be rest assured that, the police will do all within its constitutional responsibility to unravel the mystery behind his death.”
The police however did not state how he died or where his body was found.
Adegoke, was an Abuja-based student who travelled to Ife on November 5 to sit for an examination at the school’s distance learning centre in Moro, Osun State.
He was declared missing two days later when friends and family members could neither reach his phone line nor find him at the exam venue.
The missing MBA student at Obafemii Awololowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Timothy Adegoke is dead, a statement by the state police Command confirmed it.
Adegoke was declared missing on November 7 2021.
According to a statement signed and made available to the press by Opalola Yemisi Olawoyin who is the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, the police said it was working to unravel the circumstances surrounding Adegoke’s death.
It reads in part: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode, psc, wishes to assure the general public, especially the family of the deceased, students and management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, that the police command is working assiduously to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Timothy Adegoke, a master’s degree student of OAU who came from Abuja to sit for his examination at the OAU distance learning centre, Moro, Osun State.
“It would be recalled that, a case of missing person was reported on 7th November, 2021 at about 1630hrs, at Edun Abon police station and later transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation on 9th November, 2021. Immediately the case was received, detectives from SCID of the command swung into action and have arrested six (6) suspects in connection with the case while investigation is ongoing.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police is using this medium to appeal to the family, the sympathizers, students and management of the university to remain calm and be rest assured that, the police will do all within its constitutional responsibility to unravel the mystery behind his death.”
The police however did not state how he died or where his body was found.
Adegoke, was an Abuja-based student who travelled to Ife on November 5 to sit for an examination at the school’s distance learning centre in Moro, Osun State.
He was declared missing two days later when friends and family members could neither reach his phone line nor find him at the exam venue.
For many that were arraigned in court, the Nigeria police has not been able to provide convincing evidence as to the cookup allegations leveled against them.
October 20 2020 was the real black day when the security operatives comprises of the police, the Nigerian Army and others on their cohort evil agenda opened fires on the peaceful protesters holding the Nigerian flags at Lekki toll gate in Lagos State.
With series of denial, panel of enquires were set up in 28 states and revelations were already in the public that Nigerian government through the security apparatus of the State killed her abled body youths for demanding for good governance and leadership from the Major General Muhammadu Buhari led Federal lawless regime.
As Memorial programs were lined up by the concerned Nigerian youths to mark the one year of the killing, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's led National Economic Council has confirmed the administration's failure again that the country is unsafe under this regime to guarantee the constitutional right to protest and therefore can't protect the protesters, if they choose to protest to mark the one year anniversary of those innocents killed last year by this incumbent regime.
To dose the tensions the Osinbajo led NEC have resolved that payment of compensation to victims should proceed with each State, in collaboration with the Federal Government, establishing the modalities for the settlement of all monetary compensations awarded by the panels.
Equally, NEC, which is composed of all State Governors in the Federation and representatives of the FG, Chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also unanimously resolved today to ensure the prosecution of persons indicted by the panels. The Council specifically directed States "to immediately forward copies of final reports of the panels to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of all indicted persons.
However, let them scale through this month, you will hardly hear anything about the NEC resolutions again unless their is another crisis threatening their authorities.
The Boko Haram/ISWAP and other terrorists who killed, raped and abducted citizens and even security officers are already been pardoned and reintegrated back to the society by the pro-terrorists Buhari led Government.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
I am 'Dele Abiola
READ THEIR FULL PRESS STATEMENT BELOW:
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝗡𝗘𝗖: 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦, 𝗙𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 & 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗
*Council also strongly advises against planned protests considering security situation
*Urges organisers to consider other options
In receipt of reports from judicial panels regarding EndSARS protests set up in 28 States across the country and in the FCT, the National Economic Council have resolved that payment of compensation to victims should proceed with each State, in collaboration with the Federal Government, establishing the modalities for the settlement of all monetary compensations awarded by the panels.
Equally, NEC, which is composed of all State Governors in the Federation and representatives of the FG, Chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, also unanimously resolved today to ensure the prosecution of persons indicted by the panels. The Council specifically directed States "to immediately forward copies of final reports of the panels to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of all indicted persons.
"Where incidents in the reports relate to matters of discipline, in addition to prosecution, NEC urged the Nigeria Police Force to take disciplinary action on the affected officers in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020."
Also rising from today's NEC meeting, members strongly advised those planning protests to mark the anniversary of the ENDSARS to reconsider the option in view of "current security situation across the country and the possibility of such protests being hijacked by armed hoodlums and other opportunistic criminals to cause mayhem at such protest events and venues."
Below are the NEC resolutions on the panels and an advisory on the planned protests:
NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS ON “ENDSARS” PANELS’ REPORTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY - 15TH OCTOBER 2021
At its meeting today, 15th October 2021, the National Economic Council (NEC/Council) received an update on the Reports of Judicial Panels of Inquiry into Allegations of Human Rights Violations against Members of Nigeria Police Force and other Security Agencies.
2. It may be recalled that following the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, which later transformed into violent demonstrations, in furtherance of resolution of NEC, twenty-eight (28) States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) (under the auspices of the National Human Rights Commission) had set up Judicial Panels/Commissions of Inquiry (Panels) to investigate allegations of violations of human rights levied against members of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, especially members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
3. The 28 States that set up these Panels were Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, and Taraba.
4. Out of the 28 States, 11 States (Abia, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Plateau, and Rivers) have submitted their final reports to Council; with Lagos, set to finalise its sittings on 19th October 2021, submitting an interim report. Governors of other States including Delta and Ebonyi at today’s meeting also indicated that their reports would be submitted soon.
5. Following deliberations on the recommendations of the panels, NEC agreed/resolved as follows, (and this applies to all the States and FCT that set up the panels):
PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS
6. Each State, in collaboration with the Federal Government, shall establish modalities for the settlement of all monetary compensations awarded by the Panels. Already, as resolved by NEC, a number of States have set up Victims Compensation Funds, from which several victims have already received payments of sums awarded to them by the panels.
PROSECUTION OF INDICTED PERSONS (SECURITY PERSONNEL AND CIVILIANS)
7. Council directed State Governors to immediately forward copies of final reports of the panels to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of all indicted persons.
8. Where incidents in the reports relate to matters of discipline, in addition to prosecution, NEC urged the Nigeria Police Force to take disciplinary action on the affected officers in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020.
IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OF NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES' ARCHITECTURE
9. NEC called on the leadership of the security agencies to ensure that –
a. Persons recruited into arms-bearing security agencies undergo psychiatric evaluations and drug tests before enlistment and periodically after enlistment to ensure that the personnel are psychologically fit to carry live weapons and to identify behavioural tendencies that may require psycho-social interventions.
b. Personnel of the agencies dutifully observes Rules of Engagement in the discharge of their functions/duties around and within the civilian populace.
c. While acknowledging the various initiatives introduced by the Federal Government to:
*strengthen police accountability through the Police Service Commission,
*sustain improved funding and budgetary allocation to the Nigeria Police Force and other securities agencies,
*and the lifting of the ban on recruitment of police officers,
Council urged the Federal Government to give priority to the general welfare of police officers and personnel of other security agencies.
In particular, it advocated the review of pension and gratuity of retired police officers and attainment of parity of remuneration by police officers with sister security agencies.
d. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of all police stations across the country with a view to ensuring that they are fit for purpose.
e. Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies should deploy cutting-edge technology in the fight against crimes.
f. Nigeria Police Force to, in line with the mandatory training provisions of the Police Act 2020, prioritize training of Police Officers on procedures for the entrenchment of Human Rights Provisions guaranteed by the Constitution and on the professional handling of weapons.
g. All those detained by the Police as a result of the EndSars protests are expeditiously processed with due regard to the principles of fair hearing.
h. The system established within the Nigeria Police Force for receipt and handling of complaints or petitions is strengthened, and all police officers on duty should be in police-approved uniform with their full names and force numbers boldly written for easy identification.
i. The States should, as resolved by NEC:
i)Properly utilize and support the community policing programme of the Federal Government, with active collaborative efforts and participation of traditional rulers, elders, youths, vigilante groups, etc.;
ii)Establish standing committees under States Ministries of Justice to address human rights violations on a continuous basis; and
iii)Take measures aimed at flushing out miscreants squatting in uncompleted buildings, and other blackout spots that serve as hideouts for criminals.
THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL ALSO ISSUED AN ADVISORY ON PUBLIC PROTESTS AT THIS TIME AS FOLLOWS:
While appreciating the role of lawful peaceful protests in the advancement of public discourse under democratic governance, the National Economic Council (NEC) strongly advises those planning public protests across the country to mark the anniversary of the #EndSARS, to consider other lawful alternative means of engagement.
This is because of the current security situation across the country and the possibility of such protests being hijacked by armed hoodlums and other opportunistic criminals to cause mayhem at such protest events and venues. Council, therefore, urges the organizers to reconsider their plan.
NEC would also like to point out the various actions already taken by Federal and State Governments to address the grievances that led to the 2020 protests, including:
* the disbandment of SARS;
*broad police reforms;
*establishment of judicial panels of inquiries to investigate allegations of human rights violations by members of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies;
* recommendations of which panels are already at various stages of implementation including the setup of Victims Compensation Funds from which several victims have received payments of sums awarded to them by the panels;
*and prosecution of police personnel indicted by the panels.
These are commendable actions that ought to be taken to a logical conclusion in a peaceful atmosphere.
Organizers of the planned protests should explore the various channels of communication with governments at various levels to advance their positions and avert the breakdown of law and order that may result from such public protests.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SOME OTHER ISSUES AT TODAY’S NEC MEETING
A.
PRESENTATION ON THE DRAFT NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2021-2025)
Council received a presentation and memo from the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning on the draft of a National Development Plan 2021-2025, which is a successor plan to the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017-2020.
Among other highlights, the presentation and memo were to acquaint Council with the need for linkage between Annual Budget and Plans.
The plan also targets an average of 5% GDP growth, the creation of 21million jobs, and lifting 35million people out of poverty within the duration of the Plan.
What is new in this plan?
· A mechanism to engage, empower and employ our teaming energetic youths
· Inclusiveness - Opportunities for young people, women, vulnerable people, etc., via mainstreaming.
· A financing plan to increase revenue to 15 percent of GDP by 2025 and to decrease the budget deficit
Policy Action:
· Prioritization and implementation of critical and strategic infrastructure projects that will directly boost production and productivity
· Institutional reforms in public sector, law enforcement, judiciary, and secure property rights, including intellectual property.
· Measures to diversify revenue and increase tax to GDP ratio by improving tax administration, including the informal sector, and widening the tax base.
B.
PRESENTATION ON THE GRAZING RESERVE AUDIT COMMITTEE & SYNERGY WITH THE NLTP
NEC received a presentation from the Governor of Kebbi on behalf of the Grazing Reserve Audit Committee. The summary of the presentation was to brief NEC on the essence of the audit which is to document available land in order to aid the implementation of the 10year National Livestock Transformation Plan approved by NEC in 2019. The presentation clarified that the audit committee is not mandated to recover grazing reserves.
C.
PRESENTATION ON THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE NEC AD-HOC COMMITTEE INTERFACING WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE (PTF) ON COVID-19 TO EASE THE LOCKDOWN OF THE ECONOMY
· Council received a progress report from the Chairman of the Committee, Delta State Governor on the above.
The Federal Ministry of Health is establishing oxygen plants across the 36 States in the country, but currently, 6 States have been provided with oxygen cylinders so far.
· The FG has paid for 40 million doses of Covid -19 vaccines coming in batches and therefore a considerable amount of the vaccines will come into the country between now and January 2022
· Nigeria is now classified among the 50 countries in the green zones
D.
STATE PERFORMANCE REPORT ON COVID -19 BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL
Council was informed as follows:
No of Cases =208,404
No of Cases tested =3,142,971
Active Cases =9,520,
Discharged Cases =196,123
Number of Deaths = 2,76
· Council was also informed on the global situation of Covid-19: over 237million confirmed cases and over 4.8million deaths due to Covid -19. There are now over 6.3billion vaccine doses administered
· Nigeria is still in the first wave of vaccination and vaccination tools will improve as the country receives additional vaccines
· Covid-19 cases have declined by 7.5% over the last week
· States are urged to continue to push testing activities in other to detect new cases before the situation worsens
· An update on travel restrictions on certain countries expected to be announced soon by the FG.
Council was also updated on the situation regarding the Cholera outbreak
Current Cholera situation in the country;
Suspected No of Cases =88,704
No. of States = 31t FCT
Number of Deaths = 3,208
· Multi-sectoral emergency operation centers activated at level 2 continues to coordinate the national response.
Challenges
· Difficulty in accessing some communities due to insecurity
· Open defecation
· Lack of portable drinking water
· Lack of basic health primary health care infrastructure
· Inadequate health facility and cholera commodities for case management.
Resolution
· Council commended the insightful presentations and congratulated the outgoing DG NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu on his new appointment at the W.H.O and also welcomed the incoming DG, Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa.
E.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
The Honorable Minister of State for Budget and National Planning gave Council an update on the under listed accounts as follows:
1. EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)
BALANCE AS AT 13TH OCTOBER 2021 STANDS AT $60, 857,773.43
2. STABILIZATION ACCOUNT
BALANCE AS AT 13TH OCTOBER, 2021 STANDS AT N 25,009,892,511.55
3. DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ACCOUNT
BALANCE AS AT 13TH OCTOBER, 2021 STANDS AT N56,144,024,000.71
𝗟𝗮𝗼𝗹𝘂 𝗔𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲,
𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 & 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚,
𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕.
15th October, 2021
For many that were arraigned in court, the Nigeria police has not been able to provide convincing evidence as to the cookup allegations leveled against them.
October 20 2020 was the real black day when the security operatives comprises of the police, the Nigerian Army and others on their cohort evil agenda opened fires on the peaceful protesters holding the Nigerian flags at Lekki toll gate in Lagos State.
With series of denial, panel of enquires were set up in 28 states and revelations were already in the public that Nigerian government through the security apparatus of the State killed her abled body youths for demanding for good governance and leadership from the Major General Muhammadu Buhari led Federal lawless regime.
As Memorial programs were lined up by the concerned Nigerian youths to mark the one year of the killing, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's led National Economic Council has confirmed the administration's failure again that the country is unsafe under this regime to guarantee the constitutional right to protest and therefore can't protect the protesters, if they choose to protest to mark the one year anniversary of those innocents killed last year by this incumbent regime.
To dose the tensions the Osinbajo led NEC have resolved that payment of compensation to victims should proceed with each State, in collaboration with the Federal Government, establishing the modalities for the settlement of all monetary compensations awarded by the panels.
Equally, NEC, which is composed of all State Governors in the Federation and representatives of the FG, Chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also unanimously resolved today to ensure the prosecution of persons indicted by the panels. The Council specifically directed States "to immediately forward copies of final reports of the panels to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of all indicted persons.
However, let them scale through this month, you will hardly hear anything about the NEC resolutions again unless their is another crisis threatening their authorities.
The Boko Haram/ISWAP and other terrorists who killed, raped and abducted citizens and even security officers are already been pardoned and reintegrated back to the society by the pro-terrorists Buhari led Government.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
I am 'Dele Abiola
READ THEIR FULL PRESS STATEMENT BELOW:
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝗡𝗘𝗖: 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦, 𝗙𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗔𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 & 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗
*Council also strongly advises against planned protests considering security situation
*Urges organisers to consider other options
In receipt of reports from judicial panels regarding EndSARS protests set up in 28 States across the country and in the FCT, the National Economic Council have resolved that payment of compensation to victims should proceed with each State, in collaboration with the Federal Government, establishing the modalities for the settlement of all monetary compensations awarded by the panels.
Equally, NEC, which is composed of all State Governors in the Federation and representatives of the FG, Chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, also unanimously resolved today to ensure the prosecution of persons indicted by the panels. The Council specifically directed States "to immediately forward copies of final reports of the panels to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of all indicted persons.
"Where incidents in the reports relate to matters of discipline, in addition to prosecution, NEC urged the Nigeria Police Force to take disciplinary action on the affected officers in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020."
Also rising from today's NEC meeting, members strongly advised those planning protests to mark the anniversary of the ENDSARS to reconsider the option in view of "current security situation across the country and the possibility of such protests being hijacked by armed hoodlums and other opportunistic criminals to cause mayhem at such protest events and venues."
Below are the NEC resolutions on the panels and an advisory on the planned protests:
NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS ON “ENDSARS” PANELS’ REPORTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY - 15TH OCTOBER 2021
At its meeting today, 15th October 2021, the National Economic Council (NEC/Council) received an update on the Reports of Judicial Panels of Inquiry into Allegations of Human Rights Violations against Members of Nigeria Police Force and other Security Agencies.
2. It may be recalled that following the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, which later transformed into violent demonstrations, in furtherance of resolution of NEC, twenty-eight (28) States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) (under the auspices of the National Human Rights Commission) had set up Judicial Panels/Commissions of Inquiry (Panels) to investigate allegations of violations of human rights levied against members of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, especially members of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
3. The 28 States that set up these Panels were Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, and Taraba.
4. Out of the 28 States, 11 States (Abia, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Plateau, and Rivers) have submitted their final reports to Council; with Lagos, set to finalise its sittings on 19th October 2021, submitting an interim report. Governors of other States including Delta and Ebonyi at today’s meeting also indicated that their reports would be submitted soon.
5. Following deliberations on the recommendations of the panels, NEC agreed/resolved as follows, (and this applies to all the States and FCT that set up the panels):
PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS
6. Each State, in collaboration with the Federal Government, shall establish modalities for the settlement of all monetary compensations awarded by the Panels. Already, as resolved by NEC, a number of States have set up Victims Compensation Funds, from which several victims have already received payments of sums awarded to them by the panels.
PROSECUTION OF INDICTED PERSONS (SECURITY PERSONNEL AND CIVILIANS)
7. Council directed State Governors to immediately forward copies of final reports of the panels to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of all indicted persons.
8. Where incidents in the reports relate to matters of discipline, in addition to prosecution, NEC urged the Nigeria Police Force to take disciplinary action on the affected officers in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020.
IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OF NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES' ARCHITECTURE
9. NEC called on the leadership of the security agencies to ensure that –
a. Persons recruited into arms-bearing security agencies undergo psychiatric evaluations and drug tests before enlistment and periodically after enlistment to ensure that the personnel are psychologically fit to carry live weapons and to identify behavioural tendencies that may require psycho-social interventions.
b. Personnel of the agencies dutifully observes Rules of Engagement in the discharge of their functions/duties around and within the civilian populace.
c. While acknowledging the various initiatives introduced by the Federal Government to:
*strengthen police accountability through the Police Service Commission,
*sustain improved funding and budgetary allocation to the Nigeria Police Force and other securities agencies,
*and the lifting of the ban on recruitment of police officers,
Council urged the Federal Government to give priority to the general welfare of police officers and personnel of other security agencies.
In particular, it advocated the review of pension and gratuity of retired police officers and attainment of parity of remuneration by police officers with sister security agencies.
d. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of all police stations across the country with a view to ensuring that they are fit for purpose.
e. Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies should deploy cutting-edge technology in the fight against crimes.
f. Nigeria Police Force to, in line with the mandatory training provisions of the Police Act 2020, prioritize training of Police Officers on procedures for the entrenchment of Human Rights Provisions guaranteed by the Constitution and on the professional handling of weapons.
g. All those detained by the Police as a result of the EndSars protests are expeditiously processed with due regard to the principles of fair hearing.
h. The system established within the Nigeria Police Force for receipt and handling of complaints or petitions is strengthened, and all police officers on duty should be in police-approved uniform with their full names and force numbers boldly written for easy identification.
i. The States should, as resolved by NEC:
i)Properly utilize and support the community policing programme of the Federal Government, with active collaborative efforts and participation of traditional rulers, elders, youths, vigilante groups, etc.;
ii)Establish standing committees under States Ministries of Justice to address human rights violations on a continuous basis; and
iii)Take measures aimed at flushing out miscreants squatting in uncompleted buildings, and other blackout spots that serve as hideouts for criminals.
THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL ALSO ISSUED AN ADVISORY ON PUBLIC PROTESTS AT THIS TIME AS FOLLOWS:
While appreciating the role of lawful peaceful protests in the advancement of public discourse under democratic governance, the National Economic Council (NEC) strongly advises those planning public protests across the country to mark the anniversary of the #EndSARS, to consider other lawful alternative means of engagement.
This is because of the current security situation across the country and the possibility of such protests being hijacked by armed hoodlums and other opportunistic criminals to cause mayhem at such protest events and venues. Council, therefore, urges the organizers to reconsider their plan.
NEC would also like to point out the various actions already taken by Federal and State Governments to address the grievances that led to the 2020 protests, including:
* the disbandment of SARS;
*broad police reforms;
*establishment of judicial panels of inquiries to investigate allegations of human rights violations by members of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies;
* recommendations of which panels are already at various stages of implementation including the setup of Victims Compensation Funds from which several victims have received payments of sums awarded to them by the panels;
*and prosecution of police personnel indicted by the panels.
These are commendable actions that ought to be taken to a logical conclusion in a peaceful atmosphere.
Organizers of the planned protests should explore the various channels of communication with governments at various levels to advance their positions and avert the breakdown of law and order that may result from such public protests.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SOME OTHER ISSUES AT TODAY’S NEC MEETING
A.
PRESENTATION ON THE DRAFT NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2021-2025)
Council received a presentation and memo from the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning on the draft of a National Development Plan 2021-2025, which is a successor plan to the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017-2020.
Among other highlights, the presentation and memo were to acquaint Council with the need for linkage between Annual Budget and Plans.
The plan also targets an average of 5% GDP growth, the creation of 21million jobs, and lifting 35million people out of poverty within the duration of the Plan.
What is new in this plan?
· A mechanism to engage, empower and employ our teaming energetic youths
· Inclusiveness - Opportunities for young people, women, vulnerable people, etc., via mainstreaming.
· A financing plan to increase revenue to 15 percent of GDP by 2025 and to decrease the budget deficit
Policy Action:
· Prioritization and implementation of critical and strategic infrastructure projects that will directly boost production and productivity
· Institutional reforms in public sector, law enforcement, judiciary, and secure property rights, including intellectual property.
· Measures to diversify revenue and increase tax to GDP ratio by improving tax administration, including the informal sector, and widening the tax base.
B.
PRESENTATION ON THE GRAZING RESERVE AUDIT COMMITTEE & SYNERGY WITH THE NLTP
NEC received a presentation from the Governor of Kebbi on behalf of the Grazing Reserve Audit Committee. The summary of the presentation was to brief NEC on the essence of the audit which is to document available land in order to aid the implementation of the 10year National Livestock Transformation Plan approved by NEC in 2019. The presentation clarified that the audit committee is not mandated to recover grazing reserves.
C.
PRESENTATION ON THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE NEC AD-HOC COMMITTEE INTERFACING WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE (PTF) ON COVID-19 TO EASE THE LOCKDOWN OF THE ECONOMY
· Council received a progress report from the Chairman of the Committee, Delta State Governor on the above.
The Federal Ministry of Health is establishing oxygen plants across the 36 States in the country, but currently, 6 States have been provided with oxygen cylinders so far.
· The FG has paid for 40 million doses of Covid -19 vaccines coming in batches and therefore a considerable amount of the vaccines will come into the country between now and January 2022
· Nigeria is now classified among the 50 countries in the green zones
D.
STATE PERFORMANCE REPORT ON COVID -19 BY THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL
Council was informed as follows:
No of Cases =208,404
No of Cases tested =3,142,971
Active Cases =9,520,
Discharged Cases =196,123
Number of Deaths = 2,76
· Council was also informed on the global situation of Covid-19: over 237million confirmed cases and over 4.8million deaths due to Covid -19. There are now over 6.3billion vaccine doses administered
· Nigeria is still in the first wave of vaccination and vaccination tools will improve as the country receives additional vaccines
· Covid-19 cases have declined by 7.5% over the last week
· States are urged to continue to push testing activities in other to detect new cases before the situation worsens
· An update on travel restrictions on certain countries expected to be announced soon by the FG.
Council was also updated on the situation regarding the Cholera outbreak
Current Cholera situation in the country;
Suspected No of Cases =88,704
No. of States = 31t FCT
Number of Deaths = 3,208
· Multi-sectoral emergency operation centers activated at level 2 continues to coordinate the national response.
Challenges
· Difficulty in accessing some communities due to insecurity
· Open defecation
· Lack of portable drinking water
· Lack of basic health primary health care infrastructure
· Inadequate health facility and cholera commodities for case management.
Resolution
· Council commended the insightful presentations and congratulated the outgoing DG NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu on his new appointment at the W.H.O and also welcomed the incoming DG, Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa.
E.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
The Honorable Minister of State for Budget and National Planning gave Council an update on the under listed accounts as follows:
1. EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA)
BALANCE AS AT 13TH OCTOBER 2021 STANDS AT $60, 857,773.43
2. STABILIZATION ACCOUNT
BALANCE AS AT 13TH OCTOBER, 2021 STANDS AT N 25,009,892,511.55
3. DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES ACCOUNT
BALANCE AS AT 13TH OCTOBER, 2021 STANDS AT N56,144,024,000.71
𝗟𝗮𝗼𝗹𝘂 𝗔𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲,
𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂 & 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚,
𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕.
15th October, 2021
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