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Showing posts with label protest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protest. Show all posts

Planned Nationwide Citizens' Mass Protests achieved its Purpose before Commencement

Planned Nationwide Citizens' Mass Protests achieved its Purpose before Commencement

 MEDIA RELEASE 

1st August, 2024



Planned Nationwide Citizens' Mass Protests achieved its Purpose before Commencement 


....... Government must now move Swiftly and Sincerely to Engage Protesters and Implement Emergency Promises Made to Citizens 


....... If Government Acts, Protesters Bound to Review Protest Plan and Time Frame


The Leadership of the organised Civil Society under the umbrella of United Action Front of Civil Society, UAFCS, rising from a major assessment meeting of its Situation Room in the early hours of today, August 1st is compelled to urgently make some interventions on the nationwide citizens' mass protests on hunger in Nigeria following the plea by the lead  Solicitor of the initiators of the Nationwide Citizens' Protest, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN that the plan for the protest should be reviewed since it has already achieved its essential purpose before commencement 


Our profound X-ray of the nationwide protests vis a vis the strong appeal by the lawyer of the organisers and the emergency responses of government to the planned protests at our situation room this morning essentially agrees with the submission of Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN that with the sharp responses to the nationwide citizens' protests by various levels of government nationwide coupled with the numerous promises and panicky steps taken by government at all levels as well government frantic appeals to citizens for time and restraint, the protest in our sincere view has already achieved fifty percent of its purpose.


However, the concern of most leaders of the organised Civil Society is the long-standing history of government treachery and unreliability as touching its promises to citizens and peoples of Nigeria. This trust deficit between government and citizens in Nigeria is self inflicted by government officials notorious for abandoning and ditching promises and commitments made to the people without scruples or batting an eye lid, which is why the organisers of this protest would like to stay out on the streets of Nigeria until government yields to their demands and starts implementing them


Therefore, in the light of this grave concern about the reputation of government that we call on the Federal Government and Government at all other levels of Nigeria that if they are indeed serious and sincere about their various promises and pleas towards averting the Citizens' Action, to immediately identify, invite and engage leaders and organisers of the nationwide mass protests to negotiate citizens demands and the implementation of agreements reached during the negotiations so as to enable Protesters reduce the days of the nationwide protests as requested by Mr Ebun Adegboruwa SAN.


For us, the ball is purely in the court of government to expend more time and energies in engaging and interfacing with the initiators and leaders of the protests rather than those being recruited to oppose it. We hope that government, just as the Inspector General of Police did two days ago, will immediately take up the brace to engage Protesters and negotiate the country out of the brewing national crisis rather than recruiting pro government, anti protest forces to make the citizens peaceful protests violent and riotous.


Signed 

Olawale Okunniyi 

(Veteran Che)

08033993867

Head, Coordinating Secretariat,

United Action Front of Civil Society 


NB: Once again, for help and support during the nationwide protests, citizens are enjoined to contact Protest Monitors at the situation room of the organised Civil Society via the WhatsApp of the following hotlines: +23481-884-51511, +234 814 286 4904,+234 703 504 6101, +234 803 582 3617. Please note that the above hotlines are for whatsApp messages Only.

 MEDIA RELEASE 

1st August, 2024



Planned Nationwide Citizens' Mass Protests achieved its Purpose before Commencement 


....... Government must now move Swiftly and Sincerely to Engage Protesters and Implement Emergency Promises Made to Citizens 


....... If Government Acts, Protesters Bound to Review Protest Plan and Time Frame


The Leadership of the organised Civil Society under the umbrella of United Action Front of Civil Society, UAFCS, rising from a major assessment meeting of its Situation Room in the early hours of today, August 1st is compelled to urgently make some interventions on the nationwide citizens' mass protests on hunger in Nigeria following the plea by the lead  Solicitor of the initiators of the Nationwide Citizens' Protest, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN that the plan for the protest should be reviewed since it has already achieved its essential purpose before commencement 


Our profound X-ray of the nationwide protests vis a vis the strong appeal by the lawyer of the organisers and the emergency responses of government to the planned protests at our situation room this morning essentially agrees with the submission of Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN that with the sharp responses to the nationwide citizens' protests by various levels of government nationwide coupled with the numerous promises and panicky steps taken by government at all levels as well government frantic appeals to citizens for time and restraint, the protest in our sincere view has already achieved fifty percent of its purpose.


However, the concern of most leaders of the organised Civil Society is the long-standing history of government treachery and unreliability as touching its promises to citizens and peoples of Nigeria. This trust deficit between government and citizens in Nigeria is self inflicted by government officials notorious for abandoning and ditching promises and commitments made to the people without scruples or batting an eye lid, which is why the organisers of this protest would like to stay out on the streets of Nigeria until government yields to their demands and starts implementing them


Therefore, in the light of this grave concern about the reputation of government that we call on the Federal Government and Government at all other levels of Nigeria that if they are indeed serious and sincere about their various promises and pleas towards averting the Citizens' Action, to immediately identify, invite and engage leaders and organisers of the nationwide mass protests to negotiate citizens demands and the implementation of agreements reached during the negotiations so as to enable Protesters reduce the days of the nationwide protests as requested by Mr Ebun Adegboruwa SAN.


For us, the ball is purely in the court of government to expend more time and energies in engaging and interfacing with the initiators and leaders of the protests rather than those being recruited to oppose it. We hope that government, just as the Inspector General of Police did two days ago, will immediately take up the brace to engage Protesters and negotiate the country out of the brewing national crisis rather than recruiting pro government, anti protest forces to make the citizens peaceful protests violent and riotous.


Signed 

Olawale Okunniyi 

(Veteran Che)

08033993867

Head, Coordinating Secretariat,

United Action Front of Civil Society 


NB: Once again, for help and support during the nationwide protests, citizens are enjoined to contact Protest Monitors at the situation room of the organised Civil Society via the WhatsApp of the following hotlines: +23481-884-51511, +234 814 286 4904,+234 703 504 6101, +234 803 582 3617. Please note that the above hotlines are for whatsApp messages Only.

The Looming Protest: Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga And The Age Of Unreason

The Looming Protest: Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga And The Age Of Unreason


The two individuals that no longer surprise me at all are Citizens Joe Igbokwe and Bayo Onanuga, however in the present instance I wonder what sycophancy and court-jesting have done to their ability to discern the times and by jove incline their hearts to wisdom, apologies to the Holy Book.


Joe Igbokwe in the service of his master decided perhaps without deep research to do the greatest disservice to the present watch. In threatening the Igbo in Lagos and across the Country, Citizen Joe Igbokwe has forgotten that hunger and poverty are indiscriminate of Region, Religion and ethnicity. He has forgotten that unemployment and want are indiscriminate of Creed and Clan. And he has forgotten that playing the ethnic card ala threatening a Tribe in the face of pain, penury and poverty is but an invitation to anarchy. He has forgotten that he who is down needs fear no fall.


Citizen Bayo Onanuga is himself caught by a disease I would call Obi-neurosis, a fear I would call Obi-Phobia, and a complex that fixates him to everything and anything Peter Obi, and the Obidient Movement. I pity him.


The two citizens here mentioned and their fellow travelers in the path of infamy are obsessed with the spoils of power that they cannot see. They are blinded by filthy lucre that they cannot read the times, and their soul is sold to Mammon such that they cannot perceive the ominous tide that romances our space.


They are without an ounce of equivocation Pseudo-Progressives swimming against a deluge. Joe Igbokwe can threaten the Igbo for all he cares. Bayo Onanuga can accuse Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement for all he cares, one infallible fact is that the clock is ticking, that time is running out, and like Kenyans the Gen Zee generation are tired, and have elected to trounce the tranquilizing drug of gradualism choosing proactive action over siddon look.


The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Ethnicity, Region or Religion, deceive yourself for all you care, the Truth is before us. The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Peter Obi or the Obidient Movement, lie to yourselves for all you care, the Truth is lucid. Continue to make matters worse for Tinubu with your sycophancy, continue to gaslight the gullible, and continue to delude and denude the hapless. Truth is that Nigeria is at the precipice and that our Country is hanging dangerously at the tipping edge.


Rather than advise their Master to work the path of caution, discretion and propriety, they sing his praises and nudge him further down the path to Golgotha. They see no wrong in wanton profligacy and wanderlust. They see no wrong in a Presidency that pours out 100m US Dollars for a new Presidential Jet in the face of harrowing poverty. They see no wrong in the spate of job loss and inflation. They see no wrong in the scarcity of food, the hike in price of Fuel, and the suicidal hunger that confronts the Nigerian hoi polloi. All they do is hail their Master as though he is infallible. All they do is blame Buhari as if their Master didn't promise to continue with Buhari's policies that saw Nigeria going in out of inflation, today Nigeria is enmeshed in the worst inflation in our history. Seeing the glaring comeuppance of failure, seeing that the Young are gearing up to challenge for the soul of our nation, Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and their cohorts in the cult of Court-jesting are busy shifting the blame, are busy gaslighting the ignorant, and are busy throwing darts at the innocent, but it won't work.


It was Frantz Fanon who said long time ago that every generation out of relative obscurity discovers it's mission, Fulfills or betrays it. If the Gen Zee across Africa have risen, to ethnicise this rising is like pouring water on the Crocodile, I pray Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and Co knows this. If the Gen Zee is planning the Nigerian version of the Kenyan uprising, the right thing to do is to begin quickly to address their grievances and proceed with some immediate Reforms and not to threaten, insult, over-awe, harass and harangue them.


I must close this effort with the ageless lines of John F. Kennedy to wit, those who make peaceful change impossible, make violent change inevitable. The Truth is that those threatening the Young people hatching and planning a peaceful protest for the soul of Nigeria come August 1st to August 10th, 2024 are the enemies of democracy, enemies of the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, and the enemies of Nigeria QED. And Nigeria shall most definitely outlive them.


I believe in Nigeria. I believe that the Eagle shall yet Soar. And I believe that this period of darkness shall yet pass.


I'm CHUKWUDUMEBI.


Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.

Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT.


The two individuals that no longer surprise me at all are Citizens Joe Igbokwe and Bayo Onanuga, however in the present instance I wonder what sycophancy and court-jesting have done to their ability to discern the times and by jove incline their hearts to wisdom, apologies to the Holy Book.


Joe Igbokwe in the service of his master decided perhaps without deep research to do the greatest disservice to the present watch. In threatening the Igbo in Lagos and across the Country, Citizen Joe Igbokwe has forgotten that hunger and poverty are indiscriminate of Region, Religion and ethnicity. He has forgotten that unemployment and want are indiscriminate of Creed and Clan. And he has forgotten that playing the ethnic card ala threatening a Tribe in the face of pain, penury and poverty is but an invitation to anarchy. He has forgotten that he who is down needs fear no fall.


Citizen Bayo Onanuga is himself caught by a disease I would call Obi-neurosis, a fear I would call Obi-Phobia, and a complex that fixates him to everything and anything Peter Obi, and the Obidient Movement. I pity him.


The two citizens here mentioned and their fellow travelers in the path of infamy are obsessed with the spoils of power that they cannot see. They are blinded by filthy lucre that they cannot read the times, and their soul is sold to Mammon such that they cannot perceive the ominous tide that romances our space.


They are without an ounce of equivocation Pseudo-Progressives swimming against a deluge. Joe Igbokwe can threaten the Igbo for all he cares. Bayo Onanuga can accuse Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement for all he cares, one infallible fact is that the clock is ticking, that time is running out, and like Kenyans the Gen Zee generation are tired, and have elected to trounce the tranquilizing drug of gradualism choosing proactive action over siddon look.


The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Ethnicity, Region or Religion, deceive yourself for all you care, the Truth is before us. The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Peter Obi or the Obidient Movement, lie to yourselves for all you care, the Truth is lucid. Continue to make matters worse for Tinubu with your sycophancy, continue to gaslight the gullible, and continue to delude and denude the hapless. Truth is that Nigeria is at the precipice and that our Country is hanging dangerously at the tipping edge.


Rather than advise their Master to work the path of caution, discretion and propriety, they sing his praises and nudge him further down the path to Golgotha. They see no wrong in wanton profligacy and wanderlust. They see no wrong in a Presidency that pours out 100m US Dollars for a new Presidential Jet in the face of harrowing poverty. They see no wrong in the spate of job loss and inflation. They see no wrong in the scarcity of food, the hike in price of Fuel, and the suicidal hunger that confronts the Nigerian hoi polloi. All they do is hail their Master as though he is infallible. All they do is blame Buhari as if their Master didn't promise to continue with Buhari's policies that saw Nigeria going in out of inflation, today Nigeria is enmeshed in the worst inflation in our history. Seeing the glaring comeuppance of failure, seeing that the Young are gearing up to challenge for the soul of our nation, Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and their cohorts in the cult of Court-jesting are busy shifting the blame, are busy gaslighting the ignorant, and are busy throwing darts at the innocent, but it won't work.


It was Frantz Fanon who said long time ago that every generation out of relative obscurity discovers it's mission, Fulfills or betrays it. If the Gen Zee across Africa have risen, to ethnicise this rising is like pouring water on the Crocodile, I pray Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and Co knows this. If the Gen Zee is planning the Nigerian version of the Kenyan uprising, the right thing to do is to begin quickly to address their grievances and proceed with some immediate Reforms and not to threaten, insult, over-awe, harass and harangue them.


I must close this effort with the ageless lines of John F. Kennedy to wit, those who make peaceful change impossible, make violent change inevitable. The Truth is that those threatening the Young people hatching and planning a peaceful protest for the soul of Nigeria come August 1st to August 10th, 2024 are the enemies of democracy, enemies of the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, and the enemies of Nigeria QED. And Nigeria shall most definitely outlive them.


I believe in Nigeria. I believe that the Eagle shall yet Soar. And I believe that this period of darkness shall yet pass.


I'm CHUKWUDUMEBI.


Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.

Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT.

June 12 Democracy Day: Tinubu must go, we are hungry – Nigerians protest hardship

June 12 Democracy Day: Tinubu must go, we are hungry – Nigerians protest hardship


As Nigerians mark the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, some aggrieved citizens on Wednesday protested against the current state of the country.

The aggrieved Nigerians took to the streets to protest against the hunger and economic hardship.


In Lagos State, some protesters who gathered in Ikeja said it’s time for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to be removed from power.


They anchored their demand on the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, stressing that “Nigerians can’t feed their families comfortably under Tinubu”.

As Nigerians mark the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, some aggrieved citizens on Wednesday protested against the current state of the country.

The aggrieved Nigerians took to the streets to protest against the hunger and economic hardship.


In Lagos State, some protesters who gathered in Ikeja said it’s time for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to be removed from power.


They anchored their demand on the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, stressing that “Nigerians can’t feed their families comfortably under Tinubu”.

Shehu Sani to Tinubu: Release #EndSARS protesters in the spirit of June 12

Shehu Sani to Tinubu: Release #EndSARS protesters in the spirit of June 12


Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani on Monday urged President Bola Tinubu to release all #EndSARS protesters that are still in detention.


Sani said Tinubu should release the detainees in the spirit of June 12.

According to the former lawmaker's posting on X, “In the spirit of the June 12 struggle which we fought 30 years ago, I call on the President to release all persons still held in the Nigerian Prisons because of the #EndSARS protest.”

Will Tinubu led APC government release them?

Many of the protesters were killed at Lekki Toll gate in Lagos by men of the Nigerian Army , the panel of enquiry revealed in it's report.
Also in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Osogbo, protesters were shot dead by security operatives.
 APC leadership in Nigeria is a disaster to humanity.


Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani on Monday urged President Bola Tinubu to release all #EndSARS protesters that are still in detention.


Sani said Tinubu should release the detainees in the spirit of June 12.

According to the former lawmaker's posting on X, “In the spirit of the June 12 struggle which we fought 30 years ago, I call on the President to release all persons still held in the Nigerian Prisons because of the #EndSARS protest.”

Will Tinubu led APC government release them?

Many of the protesters were killed at Lekki Toll gate in Lagos by men of the Nigerian Army , the panel of enquiry revealed in it's report.
Also in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Osogbo, protesters were shot dead by security operatives.
 APC leadership in Nigeria is a disaster to humanity.

War In Gaza; Mass chaos at college campuses across US as pro-Palestine protests intensify

War In Gaza; Mass chaos at college campuses across US as pro-Palestine protests intensify

 

 



According to a BBC report Police have arrested hundreds more protesters in locations across the US, as protests against the war in Gaza intensify across university campuses.


Some 108 arrests were made at Emerson College, Boston police told the BBC's US partner CBS News.


Earlier, 93 people at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles were taken into custody on trespassing charges.


Universities across the US have seen a growing number of students walk out of class or try to set up encampments to protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.


The latest arrests follow others at Columbia, Yale and New York University.


The arrests at USC were made as students gathered in Alumni Park - where the university's main-stage graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place next month.


Police officers in riot gear cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at the centre of the campus, preventing demonstrators from gathering.


Students received a 10-minute warning from police helicopters to disperse. Those who refused, were arrested on trespassing charges.


The protest was reported to have been largely peaceful at first, but then turned tense with the continued police presence.


As police tried to detain one woman, protesters threw water bottles at them and chanted, "Let her go!"


Protesters gathered around the officers, drowning out their warnings with "free Palestine" chants. Students, some wearing kaffiyehs were holding "liberated zone" signs, banging drums.


Elsewhere in the country, Boston police told CBS that three officers had been injured in the action in that city - one of them seriously, though their condition was not life-threatening. No protesters were hurt, police added.


Students are said to have been camping out since Sunday, allegedly ignoring warnings to leave.


Emerson College has not yet commented on the arrests. In a previous statement, it said it supported the right to peaceful protests - while urging activists to comply with the law.



Earlier, there were chaotic scenes on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin as hundreds of local and state police on horseback, holding batons, dispersed protesters.


 

 



According to a BBC report Police have arrested hundreds more protesters in locations across the US, as protests against the war in Gaza intensify across university campuses.


Some 108 arrests were made at Emerson College, Boston police told the BBC's US partner CBS News.


Earlier, 93 people at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles were taken into custody on trespassing charges.


Universities across the US have seen a growing number of students walk out of class or try to set up encampments to protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.


The latest arrests follow others at Columbia, Yale and New York University.


The arrests at USC were made as students gathered in Alumni Park - where the university's main-stage graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place next month.


Police officers in riot gear cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at the centre of the campus, preventing demonstrators from gathering.


Students received a 10-minute warning from police helicopters to disperse. Those who refused, were arrested on trespassing charges.


The protest was reported to have been largely peaceful at first, but then turned tense with the continued police presence.


As police tried to detain one woman, protesters threw water bottles at them and chanted, "Let her go!"


Protesters gathered around the officers, drowning out their warnings with "free Palestine" chants. Students, some wearing kaffiyehs were holding "liberated zone" signs, banging drums.


Elsewhere in the country, Boston police told CBS that three officers had been injured in the action in that city - one of them seriously, though their condition was not life-threatening. No protesters were hurt, police added.


Students are said to have been camping out since Sunday, allegedly ignoring warnings to leave.


Emerson College has not yet commented on the arrests. In a previous statement, it said it supported the right to peaceful protests - while urging activists to comply with the law.



Earlier, there were chaotic scenes on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin as hundreds of local and state police on horseback, holding batons, dispersed protesters.


Dear Obidients you can March and hold your rally anywhere of your choice in LAGOS, says the Court

Dear Obidients you can March and hold your rally anywhere of your choice in LAGOS, says the Court

 







On Wednesday, the suit against OBIdient's rally in Lagos coming up on the 1st of October, 2022, came up for hearing .


 The court objected to the applicant's application to stop the OBIdient's rally coming up on Saturday, the 1st October 2022. The court ruled that we can hold our procession anywhere in the state, and we can march from Lekki pass through the the Lekki Toll gate and to any destination of our choice. 

It is a resounding victory. Our legal team was ably led by Alex Ejiseme SAN standing at my left. On white native, is Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour the Labour Party's governorship aspirant in Lagos State. 

The matter was adjourned to 4th of November to hear the substantive suit. 

Here is the photograph of our Legal team in court today. 


Dear, OBIdients go out and march, victory is ours!


#peterobi4president2023

 







On Wednesday, the suit against OBIdient's rally in Lagos coming up on the 1st of October, 2022, came up for hearing .


 The court objected to the applicant's application to stop the OBIdient's rally coming up on Saturday, the 1st October 2022. The court ruled that we can hold our procession anywhere in the state, and we can march from Lekki pass through the the Lekki Toll gate and to any destination of our choice. 

It is a resounding victory. Our legal team was ably led by Alex Ejiseme SAN standing at my left. On white native, is Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour the Labour Party's governorship aspirant in Lagos State. 

The matter was adjourned to 4th of November to hear the substantive suit. 

Here is the photograph of our Legal team in court today. 


Dear, OBIdients go out and march, victory is ours!


#peterobi4president2023

LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE OF THE STATE'S DPP AND MINISTRY OF JUSTICE - Oyo TIB calls for immediate redress and justice!

LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE OF THE STATE'S DPP AND MINISTRY OF JUSTICE - Oyo TIB calls for immediate redress and justice!

 TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT - OYO STATE


ON THE LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE OF THE STATE'S DPP AND MINISTRY OF JUSTICE


TIB calls for immediate redress and justice!


The Oyo state TIB has observed keenly, the lackadaisical nature of the Oyo state's department of state prosecution (DPP) in handling cases involving the common masses. 


It is much worse to know that most of these attitudes have costed enormous number of victims and their families both psychological and material losses. 


We have it on authority how cases in the state suffer little or no attention, and transfers from one office, hand or court to the other without any meaningful result. Worth mentioning among series of such cases, is the embattled case of the #FreeOyo11 #EndSARS protesters arrested since over a year now by the Seyi Makinde government on unproven grounds. These individuals, with one of them dying in the cause, have suffered detention in the worst of the Oyo state prisons without any diligent prosecution. 


We condemn this ineffective discharge of duties by both the DPP and ministry of justice of the state. We can see that the idea of getting justice in court of law, largely controlled by the ruling class, is not always guaranteed for an average man. In most cases, such justice, if eventually served, would have suffered much delay, which in itself can be regarded as another form of injustice. Justice delayed, they say, is justice denied. 


For us, the struggle to take back sanity into the Nigerian system and all her sectors remains undaunted for us. We encourage the public to continue to  lend their voices for diligent and transparent investigations into the issues surrounding the detention of #FreeOyo11 who have been facing torture already while the police sleeps. 


In 21st century, we are it is unethical for Police alone to investigate and prosecute suspect without presence of ministry's of justice representative in process of interrogation and statement writing, but reverse is the case in our Ministry of Justice because their official has neglected thier official duties on "Sebi, The Police are helping Us" and it empower the interrogator's (Police) to force and torture suspect while taking their statement without the presence legal luminary who will stand to protect the suspects right to Freedom of speech as established in 1999 constitution et al, these act has terminate/caught short lives of innocent citizens which also has landed many citizens in prison for crime they have no knowledge of.


We can also see that since over a year too, Oyo state has refused to  publish reports of the judicial panel on #EndSARS. This cannot be disconnected from possible cover ups by the state on the events, that is, killings and brutalization of citizens that happened at Ojoo. We believe that the truth cannot be covered no matter how long, because this truth is already with the masses.


Lastly, we condemn in strong terms this lackadaisical attitude of the state and its actors on the question of justice and we use this medium to demand immediate actions on the aforementioned issues.


Viva Aluta!


Signed:

Com. Emiola Solomon

State Coordinator

 TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT - OYO STATE


ON THE LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE OF THE STATE'S DPP AND MINISTRY OF JUSTICE


TIB calls for immediate redress and justice!


The Oyo state TIB has observed keenly, the lackadaisical nature of the Oyo state's department of state prosecution (DPP) in handling cases involving the common masses. 


It is much worse to know that most of these attitudes have costed enormous number of victims and their families both psychological and material losses. 


We have it on authority how cases in the state suffer little or no attention, and transfers from one office, hand or court to the other without any meaningful result. Worth mentioning among series of such cases, is the embattled case of the #FreeOyo11 #EndSARS protesters arrested since over a year now by the Seyi Makinde government on unproven grounds. These individuals, with one of them dying in the cause, have suffered detention in the worst of the Oyo state prisons without any diligent prosecution. 


We condemn this ineffective discharge of duties by both the DPP and ministry of justice of the state. We can see that the idea of getting justice in court of law, largely controlled by the ruling class, is not always guaranteed for an average man. In most cases, such justice, if eventually served, would have suffered much delay, which in itself can be regarded as another form of injustice. Justice delayed, they say, is justice denied. 


For us, the struggle to take back sanity into the Nigerian system and all her sectors remains undaunted for us. We encourage the public to continue to  lend their voices for diligent and transparent investigations into the issues surrounding the detention of #FreeOyo11 who have been facing torture already while the police sleeps. 


In 21st century, we are it is unethical for Police alone to investigate and prosecute suspect without presence of ministry's of justice representative in process of interrogation and statement writing, but reverse is the case in our Ministry of Justice because their official has neglected thier official duties on "Sebi, The Police are helping Us" and it empower the interrogator's (Police) to force and torture suspect while taking their statement without the presence legal luminary who will stand to protect the suspects right to Freedom of speech as established in 1999 constitution et al, these act has terminate/caught short lives of innocent citizens which also has landed many citizens in prison for crime they have no knowledge of.


We can also see that since over a year too, Oyo state has refused to  publish reports of the judicial panel on #EndSARS. This cannot be disconnected from possible cover ups by the state on the events, that is, killings and brutalization of citizens that happened at Ojoo. We believe that the truth cannot be covered no matter how long, because this truth is already with the masses.


Lastly, we condemn in strong terms this lackadaisical attitude of the state and its actors on the question of justice and we use this medium to demand immediate actions on the aforementioned issues.


Viva Aluta!


Signed:

Com. Emiola Solomon

State Coordinator

WARNING: DISTURBING IMAGRS OF POLICE BRUTALITY AGAINST #NORTHISBLEEDIN PROTESTERS (Video)

WARNING: DISTURBING IMAGRS OF POLICE BRUTALITY AGAINST #NORTHISBLEEDIN PROTESTERS (Video)

On Thursday the Nigerian Police unlawfully arrested five peaceful protesters in Abuja during a protest seeking protection for beleaguered Nigerians particularly in the northern parts. 


Upon arrest, these citizens were subjected to the worst form of brutality by policemen deployed to quell the protest. 


Today, two Magistrates have refused to take their case but we got a chance to see the unchanging face of police brutality. These videos were taken in court today.

THE IMAGES ARE DISTURBING!




On Thursday the Nigerian Police unlawfully arrested five peaceful protesters in Abuja during a protest seeking protection for beleaguered Nigerians particularly in the northern parts. 


Upon arrest, these citizens were subjected to the worst form of brutality by policemen deployed to quell the protest. 


Today, two Magistrates have refused to take their case but we got a chance to see the unchanging face of police brutality. These videos were taken in court today.

THE IMAGES ARE DISTURBING!




PRESS STATEMENT: THE AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) FROWNS AT THE CONTINUOUS ATTEMPTS ON THE LIFE OF MR OMOYELE SOWORE

PRESS STATEMENT: THE AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) FROWNS AT THE CONTINUOUS ATTEMPTS ON THE LIFE OF MR OMOYELE SOWORE

*THE AAC WILL NOT ACCEPT ATTACKS ON OMOYELE SOWORE AND OTHER PRO-DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGNERS, AS THE NEW NORMAL.*


*WE CALL ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STOP PERSECUTING HIM AND STOP THIS OBVIOUS DANCE OF SHAME*




In the list of the new lows that the despicable Buhari-regime has sunk Nigeria into, is the mobilization of thugs through its militia arm, the State Security Service (SSS) and other security agencies to attack pro-democracy campaigner, the Chairman of the African Action Congress, Mr Omoyele Sowore. 


It has become trite to see thugs operating violently yet freely in broad daylight, at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, specifically when Sowore alongside other Nigerians comes to solidarize with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigneous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the trial by the Federal Government. 


It is also not news that these thugs enjoy state protection, as it has been the case everytime he’s been attacked. The last time being October 21, 2021, these thugs attacked Sowore but were apprehended and handed over to the Police by courageous journalists who were locked out of the Court by “official thugs”- the DSS. This happened while all heavily armed security agents looked the other way. 

These thugs were then released almost immediately and we can not ascertain if at all they were taken to the Federal Secretariat Police station before being released. 


The case wasn’t different today December 2, 2021 as the thugs came prepared to kill. The window of Mr Sowore’s car was smashed in a bid to get hold of him and while he was driven away, other things that could cause harm were thrown at his car. Members of our party in his company were also not spared by these thugs. 


We condemn in the strongest terms these attacks on the Chairman of our party, Mr Sowore and we call on the Buhari regime to stop this show of shame it is serving the international community. 


While the Buhari regime seeks to normalize fascism, hardship and human rights violation, the AAC through all revolutionary means will not fold its arms on this issue. We refuse to accept as a new normal these brazen attacks on individuals and corporate entities who hold dissenting opinions against the Buhari regime.  


The AAC will not watch this slide or wait for another “Government magic” (killing and later denial of killing) to happen to our peace-loving Chairman, as it is now the case of several massacres in the country. 


Conclusively, we call on the Buhari regime to pick itself from the dust and accept defeat honourably. It must stop forthwith the persecution of Omoyele Sowore as it is glaring the regime has no case against him. 



Signed: 

National Publicity Secretary 

Femi Adeyeye 

2/12/2021

*THE AAC WILL NOT ACCEPT ATTACKS ON OMOYELE SOWORE AND OTHER PRO-DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGNERS, AS THE NEW NORMAL.*


*WE CALL ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STOP PERSECUTING HIM AND STOP THIS OBVIOUS DANCE OF SHAME*




In the list of the new lows that the despicable Buhari-regime has sunk Nigeria into, is the mobilization of thugs through its militia arm, the State Security Service (SSS) and other security agencies to attack pro-democracy campaigner, the Chairman of the African Action Congress, Mr Omoyele Sowore. 


It has become trite to see thugs operating violently yet freely in broad daylight, at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, specifically when Sowore alongside other Nigerians comes to solidarize with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigneous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the trial by the Federal Government. 


It is also not news that these thugs enjoy state protection, as it has been the case everytime he’s been attacked. The last time being October 21, 2021, these thugs attacked Sowore but were apprehended and handed over to the Police by courageous journalists who were locked out of the Court by “official thugs”- the DSS. This happened while all heavily armed security agents looked the other way. 

These thugs were then released almost immediately and we can not ascertain if at all they were taken to the Federal Secretariat Police station before being released. 


The case wasn’t different today December 2, 2021 as the thugs came prepared to kill. The window of Mr Sowore’s car was smashed in a bid to get hold of him and while he was driven away, other things that could cause harm were thrown at his car. Members of our party in his company were also not spared by these thugs. 


We condemn in the strongest terms these attacks on the Chairman of our party, Mr Sowore and we call on the Buhari regime to stop this show of shame it is serving the international community. 


While the Buhari regime seeks to normalize fascism, hardship and human rights violation, the AAC through all revolutionary means will not fold its arms on this issue. We refuse to accept as a new normal these brazen attacks on individuals and corporate entities who hold dissenting opinions against the Buhari regime.  


The AAC will not watch this slide or wait for another “Government magic” (killing and later denial of killing) to happen to our peace-loving Chairman, as it is now the case of several massacres in the country. 


Conclusively, we call on the Buhari regime to pick itself from the dust and accept defeat honourably. It must stop forthwith the persecution of Omoyele Sowore as it is glaring the regime has no case against him. 



Signed: 

National Publicity Secretary 

Femi Adeyeye 

2/12/2021

ENDSARS PANEL NOT ILLEGAL - A REPLY TO FESTUS KEYAMO

ENDSARS PANEL NOT ILLEGAL - A REPLY TO FESTUS KEYAMO


1 . On Sunday, Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victim of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters was “illegal and a waste of time” on the ground that the Lagos State government lacks the power to probe the conduct of police and military officers.


2. With due respect, the position of the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is grossly misconceived, suspiciously misleading and does not reflect the true position of the law. The Lagos EndSARS panel was constituted within the ambits of law and its investigative powers are neither overreaching nor beyond the scope of the 1999 Constitution.


3. First, Section 1 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law, Cap T7, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, confers power on the Governor of Lagos State to constitute the judicial panel to investigate “any matter in respect of which in the opinion an inquiry would be for the public welfare”. Instructively, it is settled law that the Federal Government lacks the power and authority to constitute judicial panels or any tribunal whatsoever for state governments. With a clear understanding that the Federal Government lacks the constitutional vires to constitute tribunal for states, the National Economic Council, NEC, last year directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality or related extrajudicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) and other police units.


4. In the popular case of Fawehinmi v. Babangida (2003) 3 NWLR (Pt.808) 604, the Supreme Court succinctly held that: "The National Assembly cannot enact a general Law for the establishment of tribunals of inquiry for, and applicable in, the Federation of Nigeria. The power to enact such a Law has become a residual matter for the States in respect of which the Houses of Assembly can legislate for their respective States by virtue of Section 4(7)(a) of the 1999 Constitution. Although the Tribunals of Inquiry Act is an "existing law," its application is limited and has no general application". Flowing from the decision of Supreme Court, it is clear like crystal that the Federal Government of Nigeria can only set up Tribunal for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and not for States of the federation.


5. It is not in doubt that matters relating to the police and other security agencies established by law are on the exclusive legislative list. It is equally not a subject of controversy that Section 21 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law of Lagos State empowers the Governor to exercise his powers under the Law in respect of matters within the legislative competence of the state. My only question is whether issues of human rights are within the legislative competence of state governments and whether the panels so constituted can look into the atrocities and human rights violations committed  by the police and other security agencies?


6. In AG Abia State v. AG Federation (2006) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1005) 265, the Supreme Court clarified that matters not included in the exclusive and concurrent lists are residual and are meant for the State, not the Federal, to legislate upon. Human rights related matters are neither on the exclusive or concurrent lists, therefore, they are within the legislative competence of Lagos state. Thus, the Lagos State government can validly make laws in respect of human rights and constitute panels to investigate cases of human rights violations recorded within the state. 


7. While the Lagos State Government cannot make laws to control, discipline or regulate security officers of the Federal Government, it has the constitutional powers to set up panels to investigate human rights abuses and in any case where the conducts of federal officers like the police and army come under checks or scrutiny, the panels so constituted have the powers in law and equity to investigate them and make valid recommendations. There is a fundamental difference between the Lagos State government legislating over matters on officers of the Federal Government and a case where officers of the Federal Government who committed heinous crimes against humanity in Lagos State become subject of a Panel of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government. Those that perpetrated the massacre cannot use the law as a shield from being answerable for their crimes.


8. Meanwhile, it is a rude shock that the learned silk just discovered his alleged “illegality” of the Panel over a year since it was constituted up till the point that it submitted its reports. This sudden attack on the legal validity of the panel is strange and quite suspicious. One wonders if the Honourable Minister would have maintained the same position if the Panel reports and recommendations absolved the Federal Government of any wrongdoing. I daresay that the opinion of the Honourable Minister is calculated to discredit the valid reports of the panel. Too late! The truth is in the open and no attempt to thwart the genuine efforts of the EndSARS panel will succeed.


9. I find it self-immolating that the same Federal Government that directed that the panel be set up and submitted itself to its jurisdiction is coming forward to challenge the constitutionality of the panel. It shows a great level of dissimulation and double-standard. Why is the Federal Government blowing hot and cold? Why is the Federal Government approbating and reprobating? It is illegal and immoral for the Federal Government to submit to the jurisdiction of the Panel and later retract when the verdict is “unfavorable”.


10. In the light of the foregoing, I call on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the views of Mr. Keyamo as it is grossly misleading, made in bad faith and calculated to distract the incontrovertible fact that Nigeria is currently ruled by merchants of death. 


FESTUS OGUN, ESQ.

29 November, 2021

[email protected]


1 . On Sunday, Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, said the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victim of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters was “illegal and a waste of time” on the ground that the Lagos State government lacks the power to probe the conduct of police and military officers.


2. With due respect, the position of the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is grossly misconceived, suspiciously misleading and does not reflect the true position of the law. The Lagos EndSARS panel was constituted within the ambits of law and its investigative powers are neither overreaching nor beyond the scope of the 1999 Constitution.


3. First, Section 1 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law, Cap T7, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, confers power on the Governor of Lagos State to constitute the judicial panel to investigate “any matter in respect of which in the opinion an inquiry would be for the public welfare”. Instructively, it is settled law that the Federal Government lacks the power and authority to constitute judicial panels or any tribunal whatsoever for state governments. With a clear understanding that the Federal Government lacks the constitutional vires to constitute tribunal for states, the National Economic Council, NEC, last year directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality or related extrajudicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) and other police units.


4. In the popular case of Fawehinmi v. Babangida (2003) 3 NWLR (Pt.808) 604, the Supreme Court succinctly held that: "The National Assembly cannot enact a general Law for the establishment of tribunals of inquiry for, and applicable in, the Federation of Nigeria. The power to enact such a Law has become a residual matter for the States in respect of which the Houses of Assembly can legislate for their respective States by virtue of Section 4(7)(a) of the 1999 Constitution. Although the Tribunals of Inquiry Act is an "existing law," its application is limited and has no general application". Flowing from the decision of Supreme Court, it is clear like crystal that the Federal Government of Nigeria can only set up Tribunal for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and not for States of the federation.


5. It is not in doubt that matters relating to the police and other security agencies established by law are on the exclusive legislative list. It is equally not a subject of controversy that Section 21 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law of Lagos State empowers the Governor to exercise his powers under the Law in respect of matters within the legislative competence of the state. My only question is whether issues of human rights are within the legislative competence of state governments and whether the panels so constituted can look into the atrocities and human rights violations committed  by the police and other security agencies?


6. In AG Abia State v. AG Federation (2006) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1005) 265, the Supreme Court clarified that matters not included in the exclusive and concurrent lists are residual and are meant for the State, not the Federal, to legislate upon. Human rights related matters are neither on the exclusive or concurrent lists, therefore, they are within the legislative competence of Lagos state. Thus, the Lagos State government can validly make laws in respect of human rights and constitute panels to investigate cases of human rights violations recorded within the state. 


7. While the Lagos State Government cannot make laws to control, discipline or regulate security officers of the Federal Government, it has the constitutional powers to set up panels to investigate human rights abuses and in any case where the conducts of federal officers like the police and army come under checks or scrutiny, the panels so constituted have the powers in law and equity to investigate them and make valid recommendations. There is a fundamental difference between the Lagos State government legislating over matters on officers of the Federal Government and a case where officers of the Federal Government who committed heinous crimes against humanity in Lagos State become subject of a Panel of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government. Those that perpetrated the massacre cannot use the law as a shield from being answerable for their crimes.


8. Meanwhile, it is a rude shock that the learned silk just discovered his alleged “illegality” of the Panel over a year since it was constituted up till the point that it submitted its reports. This sudden attack on the legal validity of the panel is strange and quite suspicious. One wonders if the Honourable Minister would have maintained the same position if the Panel reports and recommendations absolved the Federal Government of any wrongdoing. I daresay that the opinion of the Honourable Minister is calculated to discredit the valid reports of the panel. Too late! The truth is in the open and no attempt to thwart the genuine efforts of the EndSARS panel will succeed.


9. I find it self-immolating that the same Federal Government that directed that the panel be set up and submitted itself to its jurisdiction is coming forward to challenge the constitutionality of the panel. It shows a great level of dissimulation and double-standard. Why is the Federal Government blowing hot and cold? Why is the Federal Government approbating and reprobating? It is illegal and immoral for the Federal Government to submit to the jurisdiction of the Panel and later retract when the verdict is “unfavorable”.


10. In the light of the foregoing, I call on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the views of Mr. Keyamo as it is grossly misleading, made in bad faith and calculated to distract the incontrovertible fact that Nigeria is currently ruled by merchants of death. 


FESTUS OGUN, ESQ.

29 November, 2021

[email protected]

Lagos #EndSARS panel report says "LEKKI TOLL GATE MASSACRE HAPPENED "

Lagos #EndSARS panel report says "LEKKI TOLL GATE MASSACRE HAPPENED "

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.









#Ogoni9: Exoneration Ken Saro-Wiwa, 8 Others, not Pardon - Civil Society Groups tell FG

#Ogoni9: Exoneration Ken Saro-Wiwa, 8 Others, not Pardon - Civil Society Groups tell FG

Ogoni’s have over the past 2 decades consistently demanded that an admission that the quasi-judicial process which resulted in the conviction of the Ogoni 9 was a mockery of justice orchestrated by the military government with the active collaboration of Shell to quell community demands for resource and ecological justice.




It is important to note that no civil society organization in Nigeria has asked for a presidential ‘pardon’ for Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, who were unjustly murdered by the Sani Abacha dictatorship.


On the 22nd of October 2021, a select group of Ogoni leaders attended a parley at State House with President Muhammadu Buhari. Among other issues, the President stated that the ‘federal government will consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga’. 


“The President made this commitment to ‘consider’ a pardon immediately after he declared that “the unfortunate incidents of the early 1990s leading to the loss of lives of distinguished sons of Ogoni land and the collateral judicial processes are indelible in our memories”

What we the civil society groups are demanding is the complete exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 8. It is also important to note that the President’s suggestion of granting a ‘pardon’ is tantamount to saying that the Ogoni  9 were guilty and rightly executed. We deem the proposal to ‘consider’ a pardon for Ken Saro-Wiwa and his comrades insensitive and offensive to their memory and that of other victims of environmental injustice. We also consider it a denial of the need to bring closure to the thousands of Ogonis who were victims of government-driven repression characterized by murders, rape, torture and forced exile. 

The President also used the opportunity of the parley to state that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Ltd (NPDC), had been granted license to re-open and operate OML11. It is pertinent to recollect that in 1993, Shell was forced to abandon its OML 11 operations located in Ogoni and pull out of the area. This was the direct outcome of passionate but peaceful campaigns by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) led by Ken Saro-Wiwa. MOSOP had called the attention of the world to the poverty, neglect and environmental destruction which decades of oil exploitation had bequeathed on the Ogoni people.  MOSOP had also demanded fairer benefits to the Ogoni people from oil wealth, as well as remediation and compensation for the ecological damage caused by the reckless activities of oil companies.  These have still not been addressed. 

The report of UNEP indicated massive soil and water contamination in Ogoniland, which has significantly compromised sources of livelihood and was slowly poisoning the inhabitants. It was only about 3 years ago, that the government began actual clean-up with the agency called HYPREP. It is therefore shocking that while the clean-up is ongoing, the government is prioritizing restarting of oil extraction in the same area being cleaned up, with all its polluting impacts. 


Civil Society groups maintain that  is important to reiterate that proposing an unnecessary ‘pardon’ for the Ogoni nine, seemingly in exchange for support to reopen OML 11, is in bad faith and capable to breeding conflict. If the President is interested in reversing the injustice which the murder of the Ogoni 9 represents, the appropriate action is to exonerate the Ogoni martyrs and apologize to the Ogoni people. Apologize for the destruction of their environment, the killing of their people, the loss of their livelihoods, the destruction of their villages, the forced exile of their people and the murder of their leaders 

It is also pertinent to observe that the move to resume the extraction of oil in Ogoniland, happening against the backdrop of the contentious clean-up of polluted sites in Ogoni, raises fears and fuels cynicism. It is worrying that the government would think of resuming oil extraction in Ogoniland when the pollution of the last decades is yet to be cleaned, decrepit installations are yet to be decommissioned and the many recommendations of UNEP are yet to be fully complied with.

The ecological disaster in Ogoniland provides a cue for the government to take actions towards the clean-up of the entire Niger Delta .We advice the President to institute strategies for a region wide clean-up of decades of environmental pollution by setting aside $100 billion dollars as takeoff fund for clean-up.


Endorsed By:

1. Rivers state  Civil society Organizations

2. Take it Back Movement 

3. Ogoni Solidarity Forum

4. We the People 

5. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria

6. Health of Mother Earth Foundation

7. Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI)

8. Peace Point Development Foundation, Nigeria

9. Policy Alert, Nigeria

10. Kabetkache Women Resource Development Centre, Nigeria

11. People Advancement Centre, Nigeria

12. Lekeh  Development Foundation, Nigeria

13. SWAYA, Nigeria

14. Rights Advocacy and Development Center (RADEC)

15. Community Development Advocacy foundation (CODAF)

16. Oilwatch  Africa

Ogoni’s have over the past 2 decades consistently demanded that an admission that the quasi-judicial process which resulted in the conviction of the Ogoni 9 was a mockery of justice orchestrated by the military government with the active collaboration of Shell to quell community demands for resource and ecological justice.




It is important to note that no civil society organization in Nigeria has asked for a presidential ‘pardon’ for Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, who were unjustly murdered by the Sani Abacha dictatorship.


On the 22nd of October 2021, a select group of Ogoni leaders attended a parley at State House with President Muhammadu Buhari. Among other issues, the President stated that the ‘federal government will consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga’. 


“The President made this commitment to ‘consider’ a pardon immediately after he declared that “the unfortunate incidents of the early 1990s leading to the loss of lives of distinguished sons of Ogoni land and the collateral judicial processes are indelible in our memories”

What we the civil society groups are demanding is the complete exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 8. It is also important to note that the President’s suggestion of granting a ‘pardon’ is tantamount to saying that the Ogoni  9 were guilty and rightly executed. We deem the proposal to ‘consider’ a pardon for Ken Saro-Wiwa and his comrades insensitive and offensive to their memory and that of other victims of environmental injustice. We also consider it a denial of the need to bring closure to the thousands of Ogonis who were victims of government-driven repression characterized by murders, rape, torture and forced exile. 

The President also used the opportunity of the parley to state that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Ltd (NPDC), had been granted license to re-open and operate OML11. It is pertinent to recollect that in 1993, Shell was forced to abandon its OML 11 operations located in Ogoni and pull out of the area. This was the direct outcome of passionate but peaceful campaigns by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) led by Ken Saro-Wiwa. MOSOP had called the attention of the world to the poverty, neglect and environmental destruction which decades of oil exploitation had bequeathed on the Ogoni people.  MOSOP had also demanded fairer benefits to the Ogoni people from oil wealth, as well as remediation and compensation for the ecological damage caused by the reckless activities of oil companies.  These have still not been addressed. 

The report of UNEP indicated massive soil and water contamination in Ogoniland, which has significantly compromised sources of livelihood and was slowly poisoning the inhabitants. It was only about 3 years ago, that the government began actual clean-up with the agency called HYPREP. It is therefore shocking that while the clean-up is ongoing, the government is prioritizing restarting of oil extraction in the same area being cleaned up, with all its polluting impacts. 


Civil Society groups maintain that  is important to reiterate that proposing an unnecessary ‘pardon’ for the Ogoni nine, seemingly in exchange for support to reopen OML 11, is in bad faith and capable to breeding conflict. If the President is interested in reversing the injustice which the murder of the Ogoni 9 represents, the appropriate action is to exonerate the Ogoni martyrs and apologize to the Ogoni people. Apologize for the destruction of their environment, the killing of their people, the loss of their livelihoods, the destruction of their villages, the forced exile of their people and the murder of their leaders 

It is also pertinent to observe that the move to resume the extraction of oil in Ogoniland, happening against the backdrop of the contentious clean-up of polluted sites in Ogoni, raises fears and fuels cynicism. It is worrying that the government would think of resuming oil extraction in Ogoniland when the pollution of the last decades is yet to be cleaned, decrepit installations are yet to be decommissioned and the many recommendations of UNEP are yet to be fully complied with.

The ecological disaster in Ogoniland provides a cue for the government to take actions towards the clean-up of the entire Niger Delta .We advice the President to institute strategies for a region wide clean-up of decades of environmental pollution by setting aside $100 billion dollars as takeoff fund for clean-up.


Endorsed By:

1. Rivers state  Civil society Organizations

2. Take it Back Movement 

3. Ogoni Solidarity Forum

4. We the People 

5. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria

6. Health of Mother Earth Foundation

7. Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI)

8. Peace Point Development Foundation, Nigeria

9. Policy Alert, Nigeria

10. Kabetkache Women Resource Development Centre, Nigeria

11. People Advancement Centre, Nigeria

12. Lekeh  Development Foundation, Nigeria

13. SWAYA, Nigeria

14. Rights Advocacy and Development Center (RADEC)

15. Community Development Advocacy foundation (CODAF)

16. Oilwatch  Africa

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: We Will Win - A Poem by Ola Olawale

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: We Will Win - A Poem by Ola Olawale

 Day 7 Tributes



We Will Win


Pain before gain

Gain after pain

Work before Rest

Rest after work

Battle before victory

Victoria after battle

We mustn't relent

We Will Win


History will absolve Us

Standing here could be odd

It is not a place for everyone

It is a place for the selfless

A place of love and humanity

Not of gold and greed

Enduring but rewarding

We will win


Wake up the wretched of the earth

Rise the people of the world

Sitting is harmful

Rise and take your birthplace

Freedom won't come cheap

It must and will be fought for

It is a war

And We will Win


Our victory is certain

If we fight

Our freedom is certain

If we dare to struggle

We must not be discouraged

We must remain undefeatable

History is on our side

We will Win


We will win

Let unite and fight

We will win

Let all say no to injustice

We will win

Let raise our voice against inequality

We will win

The People United can never be defeated




 Day 7 Tributes



We Will Win


Pain before gain

Gain after pain

Work before Rest

Rest after work

Battle before victory

Victoria after battle

We mustn't relent

We Will Win


History will absolve Us

Standing here could be odd

It is not a place for everyone

It is a place for the selfless

A place of love and humanity

Not of gold and greed

Enduring but rewarding

We will win


Wake up the wretched of the earth

Rise the people of the world

Sitting is harmful

Rise and take your birthplace

Freedom won't come cheap

It must and will be fought for

It is a war

And We will Win


Our victory is certain

If we fight

Our freedom is certain

If we dare to struggle

We must not be discouraged

We must remain undefeatable

History is on our side

We will Win


We will win

Let unite and fight

We will win

Let all say no to injustice

We will win

Let raise our voice against inequality

We will win

The People United can never be defeated




#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: Together - A Poem by Ola Olawale

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: Together - A Poem by Ola Olawale

 Day 6 tributes


Together


This is our fight

And together we must

If you like stay on the fence

It is still your fight

If you like Japa(Seek Green Pasture)

It is still your fight

This fight is invisible


Our enemies are our brothers

Among them, we wine and dine

Clothed in our color of skin

but our interests differ

Unlike the era of Zik and the Pilot

The color was obvious

Just like the enemy


We the wretched of the earth

Must unite in our purpose

Fight hand in hand

And defeat our common enemies

We must defeat the division among us

And strengthen our commonplace

Humanity must be our drive


Among our enemies

There are no race or color

They are united beyond

The place of worship Or what we call God

Their goal is one "To Exploit"

In whatever form

And that is constant


We must unite

We must fight

We must defeat them

We must rise to power

Then we will rebuild and consolidate

This is not a child play

It is a war to win or keep agonizing


If we fight, we may win

If we stay on the fence

Then we have lost

History is on our side

Together we will win

Together we will sing

Song of victory

letter to the wretched of the earth





 Day 6 tributes


Together


This is our fight

And together we must

If you like stay on the fence

It is still your fight

If you like Japa(Seek Green Pasture)

It is still your fight

This fight is invisible


Our enemies are our brothers

Among them, we wine and dine

Clothed in our color of skin

but our interests differ

Unlike the era of Zik and the Pilot

The color was obvious

Just like the enemy


We the wretched of the earth

Must unite in our purpose

Fight hand in hand

And defeat our common enemies

We must defeat the division among us

And strengthen our commonplace

Humanity must be our drive


Among our enemies

There are no race or color

They are united beyond

The place of worship Or what we call God

Their goal is one "To Exploit"

In whatever form

And that is constant


We must unite

We must fight

We must defeat them

We must rise to power

Then we will rebuild and consolidate

This is not a child play

It is a war to win or keep agonizing


If we fight, we may win

If we stay on the fence

Then we have lost

History is on our side

Together we will win

Together we will sing

Song of victory

letter to the wretched of the earth





#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: Hoodlum - A Peom by Ola Olawale

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: Hoodlum - A Peom by Ola Olawale

 Day 5 tributes


Hoodlum


No one is born Hoodlum

It is the creation of the state

No one is born a destitute

It is the creation of the state

Where is our commonwealth?

It is in the hands of the greedy few

In nature, there is abundance for all


For the greed, it is never enough

Their quest for more has no limit

Hundred heads for the work

One hand for the profit

A drop for hundred mouths

Shower for a few mouths

In between hoodlums are the birth


The race for survival begins

Every man for himself

Communal Love lost

Fish feeds on fish

Brotherhood


 lost its Place

Make it or die trying

Beat them or join them


That is the song

Song of sorrow

The State and all of us

Must rise to our communal duty

that every child is ours

and must be cared for

for everyone to have a night rest


Tell the state to educate them

and not to keep them as political tools

They deserve to have a name

like me and you

Any child can be a hoodlum

Any hoodlum can be a child

It is just a matter of privilege




 Day 5 tributes


Hoodlum


No one is born Hoodlum

It is the creation of the state

No one is born a destitute

It is the creation of the state

Where is our commonwealth?

It is in the hands of the greedy few

In nature, there is abundance for all


For the greed, it is never enough

Their quest for more has no limit

Hundred heads for the work

One hand for the profit

A drop for hundred mouths

Shower for a few mouths

In between hoodlums are the birth


The race for survival begins

Every man for himself

Communal Love lost

Fish feeds on fish

Brotherhood


 lost its Place

Make it or die trying

Beat them or join them


That is the song

Song of sorrow

The State and all of us

Must rise to our communal duty

that every child is ours

and must be cared for

for everyone to have a night rest


Tell the state to educate them

and not to keep them as political tools

They deserve to have a name

like me and you

Any child can be a hoodlum

Any hoodlum can be a child

It is just a matter of privilege




ENDSARSMEMORIAL: ILLEGAL ARREST BRUTALIZATION OF DAILY POST REPORTER; CLAMP-DOWN AND AND DISPERSION OF PEACEFUL PROTEST BY NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE-AN ABUSE OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TAKEN TOO FAR

ENDSARSMEMORIAL: ILLEGAL ARREST BRUTALIZATION OF DAILY POST REPORTER; CLAMP-DOWN AND AND DISPERSION OF PEACEFUL PROTEST BY NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE-AN ABUSE OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TAKEN TOO FAR

(Being a Press Statement of the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, Osun State)


Yesterday, members of the Endsars movement, mainly youths took to the street in Osun state and across the world to commemorate one year anniversary of the biggest mass protest in the history of Nigeria. It was on record that these protesters were exercising their rights in accordance with the law. Members of the press were also present to cover the event within the dictates of their profession. 



The protests which started at about 11 am from Ita-olookan in Osogbo,was bid to end at Oke-fia. We want to put it on record that the men of the Nigerian police attacked protesters and reporters with the aim of arresting them and in the process arrested Daily post reporter in the state,Mr Sikiru Obarayese at about 100 meters away from Oke-fia where the protest is bid to be ended . He was arrested on the instruction of The DPO of Dugbe police station who quickly started a process of his arraignment until he was forced to stop after pressures from his colleagues through the commissioner of police. It is also on record that he was stripped naked brutalised and tortured by police men, about 12 of them at Dugbe police division.


Similarly, We want to put it on record that the police and DSSS men has been chasing organizers of the Endsarsmemorial since about 3 days before the protest. This is evident in the way the Commissioner of police has been calling and threatening to arrest one of our the organizers; Olushayo babawale ogunleye. 


Also, efforts were made by the police to stop the press parley that was bid to be held at NUJ correspondence and when the venue was changed,the police and DSSS made further attempts to stampede the press parley. If was further observed that protest organizers was been trailed by some unknown men on a motorcycle around Ogo-oluwa the new venue for the press parley. Worthy of Observation is also that Combined forces of Police and DSSS took charge of the convergence point of the protest, harrasing protesters on arrival.


Based on the foregoing, It is pertinent to state that Protest is a universally recognized fundamental right of citizens and it would never be given up to any security and government agents based on any threat. We hereby wants to equivocally state that the Nigerian police has become a puppet of the ruling class for too long and this should stop. We want to state that the primary function of the police is security of life and property, thus it is our expectation that the police should protect protesters at all time. Hence we demand that;


1 The DPO of Dupe police division and all the twelve officers involved should be investigated and prosecuted for the illegall arrest and torture of Mr Sikiru Obarayese, the Daily Post reporter.


2 The commissioner of police should unravel the unknown men who have been trailing Olushayo babawale ogunleye, One of the organizers of Endsarsmemorial. We maintain that if anything happens to him, the CP would be held responsible.


3 The Nigerian police force should investigate and made public the killers of ALIMI AHMED and MUTIU LAWAL FRESH murdered in cold blood during the univited and provocative visit of Governor Gboyega Oyetola to the barricades at the #EndSARS protests last year October.


4 The Nigerian police force should publicly apologize for attacking, arresting and dehumanizing Mr Sikiru Obarayese.


We want to state clearly that Protests, such as was held yesterday would never be stopped in a democracy, therefore police and other security agency should stop brutalisation of protesters and rather protect them at all time.


Samson Tola

Owolabi  Opeyemi


TIB Ag Coordinator and Secretary.

(Being a Press Statement of the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, Osun State)


Yesterday, members of the Endsars movement, mainly youths took to the street in Osun state and across the world to commemorate one year anniversary of the biggest mass protest in the history of Nigeria. It was on record that these protesters were exercising their rights in accordance with the law. Members of the press were also present to cover the event within the dictates of their profession. 



The protests which started at about 11 am from Ita-olookan in Osogbo,was bid to end at Oke-fia. We want to put it on record that the men of the Nigerian police attacked protesters and reporters with the aim of arresting them and in the process arrested Daily post reporter in the state,Mr Sikiru Obarayese at about 100 meters away from Oke-fia where the protest is bid to be ended . He was arrested on the instruction of The DPO of Dugbe police station who quickly started a process of his arraignment until he was forced to stop after pressures from his colleagues through the commissioner of police. It is also on record that he was stripped naked brutalised and tortured by police men, about 12 of them at Dugbe police division.


Similarly, We want to put it on record that the police and DSSS men has been chasing organizers of the Endsarsmemorial since about 3 days before the protest. This is evident in the way the Commissioner of police has been calling and threatening to arrest one of our the organizers; Olushayo babawale ogunleye. 


Also, efforts were made by the police to stop the press parley that was bid to be held at NUJ correspondence and when the venue was changed,the police and DSSS made further attempts to stampede the press parley. If was further observed that protest organizers was been trailed by some unknown men on a motorcycle around Ogo-oluwa the new venue for the press parley. Worthy of Observation is also that Combined forces of Police and DSSS took charge of the convergence point of the protest, harrasing protesters on arrival.


Based on the foregoing, It is pertinent to state that Protest is a universally recognized fundamental right of citizens and it would never be given up to any security and government agents based on any threat. We hereby wants to equivocally state that the Nigerian police has become a puppet of the ruling class for too long and this should stop. We want to state that the primary function of the police is security of life and property, thus it is our expectation that the police should protect protesters at all time. Hence we demand that;


1 The DPO of Dupe police division and all the twelve officers involved should be investigated and prosecuted for the illegall arrest and torture of Mr Sikiru Obarayese, the Daily Post reporter.


2 The commissioner of police should unravel the unknown men who have been trailing Olushayo babawale ogunleye, One of the organizers of Endsarsmemorial. We maintain that if anything happens to him, the CP would be held responsible.


3 The Nigerian police force should investigate and made public the killers of ALIMI AHMED and MUTIU LAWAL FRESH murdered in cold blood during the univited and provocative visit of Governor Gboyega Oyetola to the barricades at the #EndSARS protests last year October.


4 The Nigerian police force should publicly apologize for attacking, arresting and dehumanizing Mr Sikiru Obarayese.


We want to state clearly that Protests, such as was held yesterday would never be stopped in a democracy, therefore police and other security agency should stop brutalisation of protesters and rather protect them at all time.


Samson Tola

Owolabi  Opeyemi


TIB Ag Coordinator and Secretary.

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: Police distrupt peaceful protesters in Osogbo, numbers of those arrested yet to be confirmed

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: Police distrupt peaceful protesters in Osogbo, numbers of those arrested yet to be confirmed

A profile picture







The peaceful protesters matching in Commemoration of those killed last year in Osogbo and else where across the country where forcefully dispersed by the Osun State command of the Nigeria police.


The Osun State Police Command had on Tuesday issued a threatening and warning statement that it was not going to allowed any gathering in remembrance of those courageous youths that were killed by the state for demanding an end to police brutality and requesting for good governance.

 


A reporter of Daily Trust has been confirmed to have been arrested during the distruption of the protesters. DAILLY Post Reporter, Sikiru Obarayese was arrested in Osogbo on Wednesday as police dispersed protesters marking a year memorial anniversary of #EndSAR


 If any other, the number of person(s) arrested during the distruption of the remembrance procession in Osogbo, the Osun State capital has not been assertained.


Protest in Nigeria is a fundamental and constitutional right but curtailed and tyrannically abrogated under the lawless Major General Muhammadu Buhari led Federal regime.



Photos, prior the distruption by the men of the Nigeria police:










































A profile picture







The peaceful protesters matching in Commemoration of those killed last year in Osogbo and else where across the country where forcefully dispersed by the Osun State command of the Nigeria police.


The Osun State Police Command had on Tuesday issued a threatening and warning statement that it was not going to allowed any gathering in remembrance of those courageous youths that were killed by the state for demanding an end to police brutality and requesting for good governance.

 


A reporter of Daily Trust has been confirmed to have been arrested during the distruption of the protesters. DAILLY Post Reporter, Sikiru Obarayese was arrested in Osogbo on Wednesday as police dispersed protesters marking a year memorial anniversary of #EndSAR


 If any other, the number of person(s) arrested during the distruption of the remembrance procession in Osogbo, the Osun State capital has not been assertained.


Protest in Nigeria is a fundamental and constitutional right but curtailed and tyrannically abrogated under the lawless Major General Muhammadu Buhari led Federal regime.



Photos, prior the distruption by the men of the Nigeria police:










































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