[dropcap]D[/dropcap]r. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, the current Publicity Secretary of the Della PDP is a complete oddball for the position he occupies and this opinion is beyond partisanship. To qualify for an assignment, one assumes that the candidate should, besides academic credentials, have understanding of the principles and indeed, the ethics of the practice for which he is nominated.
Dr, Osuoza;s penchant for vulgar language evidently betrays his lack of knowledge and understanding of his job.
I have written in the past, to alert on the lack of skill of the PDP spokesman. His 12th August 2021 Press Statement on behalf of the Delta PDP, titled “RETIREES: Delta PDP Lampoons APC’s Ignorance, Idiocy Over Pension Scheme Modalities” is a crass extravagance of a man bereft of discerning dialogue.
My worry stems from the knowledge that a Press Release is an official statement to the media from either an individual or an organization. I assume that Dr. Osuoza was speaking for the Delta PDP and that makes his statements the official position of the party. Publicity is defined as “advertising or other activity designed to rouse public interest in something”. Are we to accept that the singular intention of Delta PDP in this Press Statement is to reveal the “Idiocy and bellyache” of the APC? The central part and indeed, the essence of a Press Statement, is to present for consideration, the values of a “subject matter” and to persuade the public(s) for further study. This is repeatedly lacking in Osuoza’s attempts on communicating the PDP in Delta State.
I therefore submit that Dr. Osuoza needs much more than an induction on Public Relations practice. Frankly, he needs to step out of his office, wander to nearby Ogwashi Uku Polytechnic and maybe he can find an HND student of Mass Communication that can teach him the fundamentals of communication which in my sincere opinion he has not been privileged to learn. Only if he is willing to learn though!
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] very insidious propaganda has evidently been launched on the people of Oshimili North Local Government Area, determinedly to obfuscate the despicable past of the self-acclaimed “Onwa” of Ibusa and supposedly intended to shape him as an iconic figure in his
delusion to snatch power as the political principal in Oshimili North.
I am vexed to say that it so appears that the inventers of this distortion view the people of Oshimili North and indeed Aniomas as toddlers whose thoroughness and anxieties disappear over a few pieces of candies. No! Nothing can be farther from the truth. The
story of Barr. Fred Ajudua is as fresh as ever and indeed it reverberates in a stupendous ignominious sense.
Barr. Fred Ajudua came into limelight in notoriety, exponentially thriving in what is known as Advanced Fee Fraud, aka (419) He was in the ranking of the Colombian drug lord, Escobar and his audacity was as good as his indignity. How can we forget the awful ‘mentoring’ program of Barr. Fred: he recruited a followership of decadent youths who were initiated into his ‘cult’ of swindlers, with him as the chief priest, eventually heralding an era of indolent and slothful generation of the get-rich-quick. In sane climes, the likes of Chief (Barr) Fred Chijindu Ajudua should not talk and be taken seriously.
Now, let us look at a possibly repented Fred Ajudua.
That Fred might have repented of his sins may not be impossible. What is intolerable for me is a misconception that he can freely
and loosely make smears on the person of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi – a towering figure whose political ascendency and pre-
eminence can be justifiably attributed to hard work, doggedness and intuitiveness. Senator Barr. Nwaoboshi is today and by God’s
grace, a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What we celebrate today in the man, Barr Peter Nwaoboshi is as a
result of long service to humanity. A man who rose from the shop-floor of political tutelage and progressively on to becoming the
Oracle of political divination in Delta State and now at the national level.
Fred should know better than to attempt to compare Apples with ‘Udala’.
The loafers around him, mostly fallen Nwaoboshi loyalists who also are retirees of the Fred Ajudua ‘school of thievery’ in their
misfortune, have joined in the praise-singing and now hail Barr Fred “the philanthropist that painted his community in red.” I am
totally amused by the dubbing of Barr. Fred as a philanthropist. The only acceptable definition of the word philanthropy is that
which implies humanitarianism. How do you give what you never owned and call it philanthropy. Of a fact, he painted the
community with the blood of his victims. Yes, the blood of the numerous sufferers who lost their life savings and inheritances to his
devious antics, resulting in some committing suicide.
How do we begin to celebrate evil and depravity?
I dare to say that nothing good in the real sense can come from a Fred Ajudua and I say no to that posturing. Certainly, Vagrants
and charlatans have in the past rIsen to power. Yes! But not anymore.
Fred will need to first make restitution on everything and every kobo he has taken cunningly from people and only then can he
begin to speak in absoluteness. On this, I stand.
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]rs Isioma Ann Abiagom indeed is a true definition of a VIRTUOUS WOMAN. Today being her birthday, the whole world celebrate a woman who is a perfect example of beauty and God fearing person.She’s the pillar who makes my family so strong,love so true, joy so real, faith so firm and fear so ordinary.She is the embodiment of cerebral articulation,the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul humanity, the mirror of beauty , the amazon. Indeed, some women are born, some achieve leadership, some have leadership thrust upon them, while only very few have all three embedded in them.
Isioma Ann Abiagom is one of those very few good woman; a true woman,a woman of valour,the bringer of rain. In the gallery of great leaders and great women, she is without doubt, a rare masterpiece.
Isioma Ann Abiagom will celebrate her birthday today and to put the epochal celebration in proper perspective, she attained the midpoint of life at the exciting peak and the proper prime of her mercurial powers where, poised like the bronzed champion, glowing flamboyantly in the golden flame of her decade, prepares herself to capture and conquer arguably, the one ultimate laurel for which her superlative gifts and brilliance clamour to be manifestly celebrated with maximum educational aplomb woven into the matrix of an intrepid homogeneous ubiquity.
A true Wife,friend,sister,elegant,beautiful and unblemished in the magisterial lithe and athleticism of folkloric Queen and heroine, soft-spoken, with clear, unfettered, excellent diction and oratory, her brilliant smile like sparkling sun radiating from crystal clear eyes. Isioma Ann Abiagom is down to earth and corporate-smart, from the various experiences of home-bred grooming, ivy league sojourns in first class royal family and the inspirational influence and unparalleled, unquantifiable tutelage from a respected royal father.
A woman of immense mettle and a completely detribalized human being with a profound depth of character, whose humility, devoid of discrimination, embraces all and sundry, she soars like an eagle and exudes reverence and integrity. A pragmatic woman full of benevolence, she gives hope to the hopeless,and welfare and succor to the poor and needy. To everyone who crosses her path, she is a light.she is a friend to all, a role model to the young, a helper to many and a visionary woman bubbling with the ideals of entrenching a united, peaceful, harmonious vision for her community and the world. Honest, transparent, Dependable, uncomplicated and full of wisdom, Isioma Ann Abiagom can change you effortlessly, with her soft spoken words.
Isy,though even the sun will one day run out of fuel,my love for you shall last forever. I thank God each and every day for giving me a Friend like you. On your birthday, I want to thank you for being the best wife,sister, friend anyone could ever hope for.You are such a great role model for every woman in the world because you are so loving, caring, protective, and supportive.
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State has never in history been so besmirched. The Peoples Democratic Party once again has proven to be the proverbial leopard the can never change its spots. The supposed suspension of Senator (Barr) Peter Nwaoboshi from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Delta State Chapter of the PDP for a period of one (1) month, now trending online-media outlets today Wednesday, 23, 2021 is an indication of the tattering of the already drowning ‘ship’, the PDP.
In the Press Release issued by the State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, the SWC, stated that “the action has become necessary against the backdrop of the recent romance with the opposition Party, verbal recklessness, and unprovoked utterances…particularly against the person of His Excellency, Senator D. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State…”
There is the possibility that Senator Nwaoboshi is yet to be informed officially by the State Secretariat of this contemptible action of the PDP under the guidance of His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, but it is important to state that the suspension, by the constitution of the PDP is inconsequential, nevertheless a nullity divinely ordained by the Almighty to expose the weak, anti-democratic leadership of the PDP and it would become the ultimate shackle for the defeat of the PDP in Delta State.
With no prejudice to the Senator’s disposition to his continuous membership of the PDP, it is sad to note that the self-imposition of His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as the Field Marshall, and his shenanigans’ exertion at pleasing himself only in the manner of medieval Kings, is the reason the PDP is now deep in the mud.
Back to the suspension tale and for the benefit of those who do not know, the PDP 2017 Constitution, As Amended, chapter 10, articles 5(7) and 99 stipulates that: “Notwithstanding any other provisions relating to discipline, no executive committee shall entertain any question of discipline as may relate to a member of the National Executive committee, Deputy Governor or members of the National Assembly…”
While it might be hasty to speak for the Senator at this stage, it is evident and the body of the said Press Release has further confirmed our position regarding the state of the PDP in Delta state – the deep-rooted fact that the PDP in Delta State has become a contrivance in the hands of the Governor for chastisement and bullying – A typecast despotism and tyranny.
The unrestrained manner of the ‘agents’ of the executive in other recent suspensions and or harassments of the political associates of Senator Nwaoboshi and indeed all perceived opposition within the party, resonates the brutish approach to leadership that has now consumed the PDP in Delta State.
What is the motive behind this evil subjugation?
Ambition! Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the current Governor of Delta State will be leaving office in 2023. He has an ambition to be the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by 2023. He also desires to be the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and worst case scenario, he goes back to the Senate.
SPON MEDIA asserts that this ‘tumbo-tumbo’ possibilities is solely designed for the Governor to discount every other anticipation, hence the ruthless ‘jihad’ unleashed on influential Nwaoboshi, a likely clog on his hellish ambition.
How on earth can one man arrogate and appropriate so much to himself in the character of a god?
SPON MEDIA shall continue to watch the Emperor Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and his overly ambition. No doubt, the end expectedly will humble him. “Ndi ibenyi si na nmadu ada eji ukwunabi agba nkuni”, meaning that you do not kick with your two legs at once.
It is no more news that a few unworthy bootlickers have been trooping in the State House to encourage His Excellency to ensure the downing of the political strongman, Senator Nwaoboshi. What is appalling is that these toadies who have become the mouth-pieces of His Excellency are known notorious racketeers and fraudsters whose bequeath to Delta state is the infamous heralding of an era of indolent and slothful generation of the get-rich-quick, superintended by a self-professed ‘angel of light’ who now in his folly hopes to become the replacement in the ensuing political ‘banishment’ of Senator Nwaoboshi. Obtuse!
It is not “Showtime” yet, and so we will lie low presently.
[dropcap]B[/dropcap]ack in January 19, 2013, villagers in Amansea, Awka, Anambra state woke up to find the bodies of over 35 people floating on Ezu River, with no idea who killed them.
This is a line from one of the many stories on the victimisation, wanton killing and extortion by the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) unit shared on social media in the month of October. As Nigerians recounted their ordeal with this dreaded unit of the Nigerian Police Force, one name kept recurring, James Nwafor of SARS, Azukwu.
The SARS in Awkuzu, a town in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state, once headed by James Nwafor has been described as the country’s most dreaded SARS unit. Nwafor is alleged to have orchestrated several extrajudicial killings while he headed the Awkuzu SARS.
“I Have Killed Your Brother And There Is Nothing You Can Do”
A Facebook user Kween Obianuju Emmanuels, described Nwafor as a bloodthirsty murderer while narrating her family’s ordeal with him.
She said her family’s path collided with Nwafor in November 2012, when her brother was arrested by the police who initially denied that he was in their custody. During the traumatic experience, her father had to swim through the Oji River at the boundary of Enugu and Anambra State, hoping to find her brother’s dead body.
She wrote: “My family went to the police station at Ajali and they said SARS Awkuzu had taken the arrested boys. So my parents went to Awkuzu. This man blatantly denied ever making any arrest and assured my dad that the boy wasn’t in their custody but as fate may have it, as my parents were leaving the station, they saw my brother and other boys handcuffed together and being led in. My mum screamed and pointed at him, telling this man that that was her son. He ordered that my parents be pushed out that day. The next day, my parents went back and this man told them point-blank that he had killed my brother and that there’s nothing that can be done about it. My mum collapsed immediately and had to be taken to the hospital.
“However, lots of people including some SARS officers said that he was bluffing and wanted us to bring money. So we brought money, yet he refused to budge, we sold lands and took money in bags yet he didn’t budge. We went to the then commissioner of police, Anambra state, Mr Bala Nasarawa.
“He called Mr. Nwafor who claimed they had a shootout with armed robbers and said it was likely my brother was one of them. My parents explained that they saw the boy at the station and then James, again, denied ever arresting the boy. Then Mr Bala Nasarawa looked my parents in the eye and told them that there’s nothing he could do since Mr James had denied ever arresting or detaining the boy.
“So we went to Human Rights. Of course they took the money and promised heaven and earth and yet, nothing happened, we didn’t get my brother. People who made it out of the station as at early 2013 said my brother was still there. They came to my father and told him to make more offers and he did but it did not yield any result.
“Mr James Nwafor was the OC of SARS Awkuzu during the period when over 40 dead bodies from SARS Awkuzu were thrown into the Oji River at the boundary of Enugu and Anambra State. This issue made my father swim in the river to see if he can identify my brother, he didn’t find his body amongst those that were dumped there. During his time at SARS Awkuzu, the station was known as an abattoir for human and it was well known that Human parts can be bought at any point there.”
“They Shot 17 People In One Night”
Anmabra based business man, Bonaventure Chokwebundu Mokwe said he came in contact with Azukwu SARS on August 1st 2013, when his Upper Class hotel was demolished. Mokwe said he witnessed many killing during his time behind bars and alleged that Nwafor could be bought to do a particular job, death inclusive, if the price is right.
He was arrested by the police men after they searched the hotel and found a bag with two human skulls with sand all over them and two rusted and unserviceable AK47 guns.
Mokwe noted that Nwafor’s deputy, Sunday Okpe who inspected the exhibits admitted that it seemed he was innocent of the charges levelled against him but this did not deter James Nwafor who was determined to keep him in custody and kill him.
He shared;”Okpe’s observation did not stop James Nwafor. Not long after that, one of the officers came back with an already written statement and I was asked to sign. I refused and insisted that I was quite capable of writing my own statement.
“My torture commenced immediately. I was overpowered and my shirt was removed from me. They then wrapped my neck with the shirt and then followed it will a green rope and they started pulling from both ends till I passed out. They appended my thumbprint on the prepared statement that substantiated the allegations against me.”
He was detained in Cell 5, regarded as the ‘Death Chamber’ because the cell was reserved for those James Nwafor wanted to kill and that was where he witnessed the gruesome and uncensored murder of inmates that went on in Azukwu SARS.
He continued; “The shock of my life happened on the second or the third day of being in the cell 5. There was this young boy between ages 19 and 22, a second year Engineering student. When we spoke, he said he had been arrested because his supremely rich uncle, based in Lagos wanted to annex his late father’s portion of family land. His resistance against the uncle landed him at SARS as a kidnapper and armed robber.
“That night, the door opened and names were called out. 17 people including the young guy were called. It did not take more than 15 minutes for gunshots to fill the air. The 17 young men were killed. I lost it that night. My system just shut down.
“I witnessed some of the tortures and I became aware of some their cases along with what really happened in the place. I witnessed an incident when a young trading apprentice was arrested by SARS on behalf of the master over a missing N250, 000. He broke his spinal cord and died when he was subjected to what they call HANGING TORTURE. He was written off as an armed robber. Z
“I witnessed an incident which they call verification exercise. All the inmates will be brought out in the open yard and seated on the ground. When your name is called, you will stand up and answer some questions. There is this boy that was called up and James Nwafor asked him; Are you from Ogidi ? Before the boy could finish saying no, Nwafor shot him with the silver coloured pistol he always carried. The boy bled to death right there.
“I also witnessed the practice of shifting inmates in the middle of the night to Nneni for the purposes of dodging official inspection of the place. Nneni SARS annex is another abattoir. Starvation of inmates and outright shooting is the rule there. If the government undertakes the excavation of the perimeter of the Nneni anex, The Ezu River will be a joke compared to what will be discovered.
“I saw other killings at the very place. Every morning, the inmates of CELL 1 will be called to carry a dead body or two behind the torture hall. Any individual that has been detained by SARS for an extended period of time will tell you exactly that.
“Nwafor does not release proven kidnappers or armed robbers, he kills them but with a negotiated huge amount of money, James will at most, charge the person to court. Outright release of the person is off as far as I know. What I also know is that, he can be bought to do a particular job, death inclusive, if the price is right.”
More Pain And Agony
For Onyinye Maureen, It has been pain and agony for her family since 2014 when SARS Awkuzu took my brother.
She wrote; “This same man took my brother and told me he had killed my brother. My Mum died of heart attack and stroke from the pain of the inhumane treatment and pain of what this man did to my brother. “
Another Facebook user, Gwen Florida recounted how they were made to pay N3 million to secure the release of her brother from the dreaded unit. “It feels like yesterday. His hands and legs were tied and suspended in the air. He was not allowed to eat. We paid over three million naira to bail him out. He came out looking like a skeleton. Someone who was really big, His eyes had become white, no blood in his veins and he couldn’t move three steps without falling down. Same day, I saw them exchange an Okada man for a rich man son who murdered a secondary school girl.”
Petitions To Investigate, Sack James Nwafor
A report released by the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law on July 2017, accused the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of Anambra State Police Command of being responsible for the 35 corpses discovered in the Ezu River, Amansea.
The report which was signed by the Chairman of Board of Trustees of the group, Emeka Umeagbalasi, and addressed to several authorities, including then acting President Yemi Osinbajo and Amnesty International among others, condemned the use of force, torture and other unapproved ways to extract information from suspects.
Although the discovery led to creation of a panel of enquiry by the federal government, Nwafor was never prosecuted.
Amnesty International’s had also previously written reports on the atrocities committed by Nwafor. In 2014. Amnesty captioned the report, “WELCOME TO HELLFIRE ”, and that of 2016 was captioned “ YOU HAVE SIGNED YOUR DEATH WARRANT. One of the captions used by Amnesty was reportedly an inscription on one of the death cells at SARS Awkuzu while the other was culled from the testimony of one of the many victims of human rights violations in the hands of James Nwafor and his men. These reports contained gory details of many human rights violations by officals of SARS under James Nwafor.
Apart from the efforts made by Amnesty International at exposing the unlawful breaches and infractions committed by James Nwafor, many other local human rights organisations like Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), International Human Rights and Equity Defense Foundation (I-REF), Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (INTERSOCIETY), among others, have on many occasions in the past written several petitions against the activities of SARS, Awkuzu under James Nwafor regarding human rights atrocities.
Nwafor who retired from the Nigeria Police in 2018 was apppointed by Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State as a Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters. As the ENDSARS protests demanding an end to police brutality and extra-judicial killing gained momentum, he was sacked but he has yet to be prosecuted and arrested for the alleged atrocities
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]ublishers in Delta State under the aegis of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN have said that the EndSARS protest would not have taken place had the political class done their bidding of good governance.
In a release signed by Mr Jude Obiemeyego and Mercy Akuba, Chairman and Secretary respectively, they accused the politicians of being egocentric and see political office as ‘me, myself and my family’ forgetting that they were voted into office to serve the masses. They accused the politicians of living a luxury life and with impunity. “There are lots of infrastructural decay with prices of commodities above the roof. The youths roam the streets in search of jobs that are not there.” “If they have fixed the roads, created employment, reduced insecurity, electricity tariff and fixed the rots in our educational sector,” there wouldn’t have been need for protest.
The association also lamented the gruesome murder of innocent youths at Lekki toll gate by soldiers. “How can a rational mind carry arms against people staging a peaceful protest. It was the height of rascality.”
They call on the government at the centre to setup an investigating panel to look into the killings and destruction of properties and bring the culprits to book.
The association sympathized with the affected families who lost their beloved ones in the cause of the on-going protest across the country. The association also frowned at the attack on media houses, pressmen and security personnel, noting that media houses, pressmen and security officers are carrying out their official duties of information, securing lives and properties, and should be encouraged instead of attacking them.
We appeal to the youth leaders, traditional and religious leaders, parents and guardians to preach peace for the growth and development of the country.
They also ask the government to look into the demands of the youths especially slicing the salaries and allowances of National Assembly.
His Eminence, High Chief Celestine Okafor, Ikwele of Ibusa
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]buzor Youth Council have been commended for their immediate suspension of all nationwide #ENDSARS protests in the Ibuzor community as a mark of respect for the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for his genuine interest in addressing the issue of police brutality in the state and for his youth friendly disposition.
The Ikwele of Ibusa, His Eminence, High Chief Celestine Okafor, made the call in Ibusa on Thursday, while addressing the Grassroots Publishers online.
High Chief Okafor, who acknowledged the right of the youth to protest against police brutality, oppression, intimidation and bad leadership, noted that they had duly registered their protest in a very peaceful manner and their demands, being attended to by government.
The Ikwele of Ibusa stated that the protest had reached the stage where it was being hijacked by miscreants, making it prone to loss of lives and property, which should be avoided at all cost.
He thanked the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for his commitment to quelling the protest in Delta State and for the measures so far taken to douse tension, particularly the constitution of a Panel of Inquiry to investigate alleged cases of police brutality and extra – judicial killings in the state, as well as the setting up of a Fund to pay compensation and other reliefs to victims of police brutality.
The Ikwele of Ibusa added that the imposition ofl curfew by government was a sure way to stem the tide of protests, describing the move as commendable.
High Chief Okafor urged the youths to suspend all #ENDSARS protests in Ibusa. Commended the President General of the Ibuzor Youth Council, Comrade Ifeanyi Asiodu and his Executives for the immediate suspension of all #ENDSARS protests in Ibusa and the maturity of the Youths Council in handling the situation.
The Ikwele of Ibusa also thanked the people of Ibusa for their peaceful disposition and urged them to exercise restraint in the current situation ravaging the country.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the 48 – hour curfew imposed by the Delta State Governnent to contain the #ENDSARS protest, which has degenerated to burning of public facilities fully takes effect today, the streets of Asaba are virtually empty and calm, with fierce looking security personnel manning strategic locations in the capital city
Our reporter, who went round the town to monitor enforcement, confirmed that military personnel were at Koka junction, Summit junction, Inter – Bau roundabout, among other places known to have been rallying points for the rampaging youths.
The streets were empty and there was no gathering of any sort anywhere as residents stayed in their homes in compliance with the curfew.
All markets, shopping malls, supermarkets, pharmacies and other business outlets were closed to customers, while all banks’ ATMs were blank, having been switched off, thereby boosting business for the few POS operators that opened shops.
Petrol filling stations in the capital city did not open for business at the time of filing this report, and it was not clear whether the situation would improve as the day progresses.
Some respondents who spoke to gallantreporters commended the state government for imposing the curfew, saying it had helped to restore normalcy to the hitherto tension soaked state capital.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have appealed to youths to stop the ongoing protests against the scrapped Special Anti-Robbery Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
They said the government was working hard to meet all their demands.
The two leaders of the National Assembly made the appeal after a meeting they had with the President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Sunday.
The Grassroots Publishers online had earlier reported that the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the now-disbanded police unit approved the five-point demands put forward by the youths protesting against the brutality and extrajudicial killings by ex-SARS operatives.
Although the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu announced a replacement, the protesters want the police authorities to carry out psychological evaluation and re-training of all disbanded SARS officers before they are redeployed.
They demand the release of all arrested protesters, justice for all deceased victims of police brutality and appropriate compensation for their families. They also want increased salaries for police officers as well as the establishment of an independent body to oversee the investigation and prosecution of all reports of police misconduct.
The government and some business leaders had tried to persuade the youths to leave the streets but the protesters have insisted that until the government implements their demands, the demonstrations would continue.
Major highways across the country have been blocked thereby grounding economic activities.
SARS officers allegedly accused of killing innocent victims
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]any Nigerians have taken to social media to recall the countless victims brutalised by officers of the disbanded rogue police unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). There are also images of police officers who allegedly killed people they arrested.
The protesters across Lagos held a candle night for all the victims as they demanded that all the officers who are alleged to have had a hand in their death and brutality should be brought to book. the candle night was attended by an unprecendented crowd of protesters.
On Saturday, many online protesters were posting pictures of officers that they alleged hand a hand in the death of one victim or the other with the hashtag #ArrestKillerOfficers .
“Dear @ekitistategov , Have you #ArrestKillerOfficers that killed two of my brothers in Ekiti when the wife of @kfayemi visited FuOye. We need answers as we would be taking the PROTEST to the Governor office till we get answers and justice,” tweeted Tosin Olugbenga, a software blockchain engineer.
This is coming after the Presidential panel set up to recommend reforms for SARS submitted its report to the Police Service Commission (PSC). In the report, the panel recommended the dismissal of 37 former SARS officers and the prosecution of 24 others for professional misconduct.
“Some families will never see their sons and Daughters again, A single Police officer had killed over 100 people and drowned their bodies and you’re there not still bothered about this protest,” a protester named @EbireFameMusik tweeted.
One officer whose name kept showing up in several tweets is an Assistant Supritendent of Police (ASP) called James Nwafor. The officer who was a former member of the dreaded SARS unit allegedly was complicit in the deaths of many detainees of the squad in Anambra. He was later recruited as the Chief Security Officer to Governor Willie Obiano.
“Governor Obiano rewarded a mass murderer & made him SSA to his government. ASP James Nwafor has been the monster behind the disappearances and the extra-judicial killings in Akwuzu SARS. We demand he’s brought to justice. Justice for Chijioke Adams and many others,” tweeted Victor Ejikeme.
Nwafor was said to be so notorious that he named himself ‘Obata Obie’ and he reportedly took it literally to the extent that once he steps into a situation, life ends.
The officer was later sacked on Saturday by Governor Obiano who also promised to have him prosecuted.
The question on many protesters lips is “When will these men pay for what they have done?”
We wish to inform the general public to beware of impostors who use the name of grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network to solicit for interviews, adverts or award presentation to always confirm the authenticity of such transaction through the following numbers:
09029375906 | 08149835420
As this body will not be held LIABLE for any unauthorized transaction with anyone. BE WARNED!
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]r. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, the current Publicity Secretary of the Della PDP is a complete oddball for the position he occupies and this opinion is beyond partisanship. To qualify for an assignment, one assumes that the candidate should, besides academic credentials, have understanding of the principles and indeed, the ethics of the practice for which he is nominated.
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]ublishers in Delta State under the aegis of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, ACNPN have said that the EndSARS protest would not have taken place had the political class done their bidding of good governance.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the 48 – hour curfew imposed by the Delta State Governnent to contain the #ENDSARS protest, which has degenerated to burning of public facilities fully takes effect today, the streets of Asaba are virtually empty and calm, with fierce looking security personnel manning strategic locations in the capital city
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, have appealed to youths to stop the ongoing protests against the scrapped Special Anti-Robbery Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
