[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Presidency has said the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has approved the five-point demand of Nigerians, who have been protesting across the country since last week.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday signed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser of Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
According to him, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, convened a meeting with stakeholders, where he agreed to meet demands, which include halting use of force against protesters and unconditional release of arrested citizens.
A communiqué signed by the IG of Police, Mohammed Adamu and Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, Esq, read in part: “Following the dissolution of SARS, the Forum calls for the following immediate steps to be taken in restoring public confidence and trust in the Police: An order by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to all State Commands to halt the use of force against protesters; Unconditional release of arrested protesters and citizens; Open communication and outreach to citizens to establish trust and confidence and a roadmap for the implementation of the White Paper of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the SARS.”
It added that: “The Forum recommends the psychological evaluation, training and retraining of disbanded SARS officials prior to re-deployment.”
Those who attended the meeting are: Dr Kole Shettima – MAC Arthur Foundation; Innocent Chukwuma – Ford Foundation; Jude Ilo – of OSIWA; Chris Ngwodo, SSA to President Research & Policy; Dr Fatima Waziri – Rule of Law Adviser OVP; Segun Awosanya (segalinks) – End Sars Movement; Yemi Adamolekun – Enough is Enough; Clément Nwankwo- PLAC; Rafsanjani – CISLAC; Kemi Okonyedo – PWAN; YZ – CITAD; Folarin Falana Falz; Prof Deji Adekunle – NIALS and Abdulrahman Yakubu – NHRC Secretariat.
Others are: Hilary Ogbonna- NHRC secretariat; Halilu Adamu – NHRC Secretariat; Ben Aguh – NHRC secretariat; Dr Uju Agomuoh – PRAWA and Onyinye Ndubuisi – UNDP.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is just as natural that the strong depowers the weak, the same way a superior argument or position needs no rejoinder. That is what I have seen in the compilations of historical facts that my ‘learned friend’, Philip Elueme has thrilled us with, for the sole reason of putting straight and to debunk some of the infantile but still calumnious fallacies being transmitted by the desperate camp of the Senator Nwaoboshi critics, under the guidance of the “Emperor” himself.
They are not talking or writing as usual because they know in all honesty that Elueme speaks from the position of an eye witness or rather a partaker in the times and issues he has raised; and he is willing to back them up with documented evidences.
That is not my story and so I will not end it there. In fact, I do not have a story to tell, but I would rather extract a part of Elueme’s story to further amplify the wicked and unscrupulous gang-up to diminish the role and significance of the Nwaoboshi Factor in the turnaround of the Anioma political fortunes, occasioned by the combined efforts of some well meaning men of Anioma extraction with Senator Nwaoboshi in the frontline: An effort that resulted in the eventual win of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in the gubernatorial elections held in 2015.
The Elueme post reads thus in part:
“And to crown it all when then Governor Uduaghan started his *’makosa dance’* to take the governorship to *Core area delta, during HIE Esenwesie mothers burial, a *’jittery Ekwueme’* was brought by Chief Awuzia of Ogwashi into the Igbuzo residence of SPON on *’all fours pleading with SPON to help lead the battle to liberate Anioma, to make him Ekwueme governor, yes Chief Awuzia is alive, Ekwueme was on all fours in his very low voice,’*
*”Biko Omogwu, Oracle turned Miracle, our political warrior – you must lead this battle, you are the only one that can give Anioma victory as the father of Equity” *Yes at the Oboshi, Igbuzo residence of SPON – Ekwueme sneaked in with Chief Awuzia on all fours pleading…”
What caught my attention in that post, and that is the premise of this write-up is the reality that “Ekwueme sneaked in with Chief Anwuzia on all fours pleading…” While I do not see any issue with someone prostrating (horizontally) to seek help, I have trouble figuring the present posturing of this same man, now Governor, to have declared (through his proxies) that Senator Nwaoboshi is good riddance. Did Ekwueme really prostrate before Senator Nwaoboshi asking him to “come over to Macedonia and help us”? If it is so, (Elueme has challenged them to the truth) how has Nwaoboshi become so easily inconsequential if not for the grandstanding of a puffed-up ruler who suddenly realizes the sheer size of his power and strength? My opinion.
But Elueme’s story is incontrovertible and so they have remained quieted in total submission to the superiority of Senator Nwaoboshi.
Beyond the Anioma Agenda and the 2015 struggle, Nwaoboshi has shown an undying and responsible strength for fairness and equity. Yes! He led a peaceful and focused PDP in Delta State through superlative performances in general elections for two terms; he managed with firmness the miscellany that is a cultural presence in the mix that is Delta State to the delight of all stakeholders and left a PDP Delta State that was strong and flourishing. What else can a man bequeath his people?
Nwaoboshi ranks in the mold of a generalissimo; he has never been known to run from ‘trouble’, yet he is a stickler for the rule of law. His detractors must know this – Senator Nwaoboshi’s mystery is beyond the material. He is endowed with uncommon sanity that is foundationally esoteric and impregnable; and that is why I urge and encourage all those that that now acclaim themselves champions and leaders of Anioma and in particular, Oshimili North, to, in humble repentance, seek peace with the Oracle of Delta politics, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi.
Will it hurt to see them prostrate once again. No! not at all.
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]r Rotimi Akeredolu has been re-elected as Governor of Ondo State on the back of a campaign in which he promised to provide composed and focused leadership marked by economic growth and improved security for people in the state.
The incumbent governor, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, swept to victory by winning 15 of the 18 local governments.
Governor Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress got 292,830 votes, while Mr Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party and Mr Agboola Ajayi of the Zenith Labour Party came second and third in the election with 195,791 and 69,127 votes, respectively.
“Having satisfied the requirement of the law and scored the highest number of votes, I hereby declare Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu of the APC as the winner, and he is hereby returned elected,” Chief Returning Officer for the election, Professor Olayinka said.
Professor Olayinka, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, announced the winner on Sunday at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Akure, which doubles as the final collation centre.
It is the second time the governor is defeating the PDP candidate. In 2016, Akeredolu, with Ajayi as his running mate, defeated Jegede to win his first term as governor. Ajayi fell out with Akeredolu and chose to go against his boss this time around.
Residents of the state came out on Saturday, across 3,009 polling units of 203 electoral wards/ registration areas in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state, to choose their leader for the next four years.
The poll, the second major election to be conducted since the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, was preceded by a dramatic campaign featuring 17 political parties and their candidates, all racing for the top political office in the south-western state.
Up to 11 contenders pulled out of the race in favour of other candidates just in the final days of the campaign with the trio of Akeredolu, Jegede and Ajayi emerging as the leading contenders.
Ajayi’s conflict with Governor Akeredolu was one of the intriguing issues that provided drama in the months preceding the election in the state.
After surviving an attempt by the State Assembly to impeach him, the deputy governor dumped the APC for the PDP. But after failing to secure the PDP’s governorship ticket, he joined the ZLP – the platform on which he contested.
Governor Akeredolu’s first tenure as governor will expire on February 23, 2021, with victory in the bag, he is on course to govern the state for another four years.
In the coming hours and days, it is expected that the opposition parties that fielded candidates in the poll will make their position on the outcome known.
Under the Nigerian Constitution, the outcome of a governorship election can be contested at the Election Petitions Tribunal and should aggrieved parties be dissatisfied, they can proceed to the Court of Appeal.
Any party who is still not satisfied with the decision of the appellate court is at liberty to approach the Supreme Court, which has the final say.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he people of Anambra State, the so the eastern part of Nigeria has yesterday rocked the street of Awka, the capital territory of the state with heavy protest of EndSARS campaign. The protest which was staged at the state capital comprises mostly youth with hand bills of different inscriptions calling on the federal government to end SARS.
EndSARS movement started few weeks ago after what is termed to be brutally by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS) on some Nigerian youths recently. The protests has been staged in many state of the nation with Edo, Lagos, Abuja and Ogun State to be among the state to have participated in the on going movement across the nation.
The Anambra citizen joined the campaign yesterday as the staged their first ever protest against the SARS brutally and harsh treatment on the citizen, the inscription on their hand Bills which draw the attention of the people mostly is “Awkuzu SARS Are Assassins” the write up and display has got many Nigerians asking why it is specified to Awkuzu SARS.
In the peaceful protest that contained not less than 200 protesters, people had air their views about SARS activites in th a nation as all were crying with one voice “End SARS now”.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has announced the dissolution of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS). He made the announcement around 1.30 pm at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He said the police unit is dissolved across all formations, the 36 state commands, and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said officers and men currently serving in the unit are to be redeployed with immediate effect.
He said new policing arrangements to address the offences of armed robbery and other violent crimes will be presented in due course.
Ogbueshi(Comrade)Obodo Okediachi President, Asaba Community Youths Association
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]gbueshi (Comrade)Obodo Okediachi, The present Chairman ,Asaba Community Youths Association(ACYA) is someone who looks up for direction even as he continues to soar higher by the special grace of God. A compassionate leader who has consistently for years continues to make people happy. He is Humble, jovial, loving, generous, easy going, accommodating etc. He is a man that allows people to express their views on any given issue before coming up with his decision even as a boss or leader.
Ogbueshi(Comrade) Obodo Okediachi is the newly installed President of Asaba Community Youths Association(ACYA); the umbrella body of all youths organisations in Asaba. In this exclusive interview with Grassroots Publishers online, Okediachi inspired with a vision to create a platform where young people in Asaba will be deliberately empowered with the skills, drive and character required to be a transformational leader.
Excerpts:
Comrade, Recently you were installed as the new President of Asaba Community Youths Association(ACYA) by HRM Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, How do you feel Sir?
To the glory of God,I feel very happy and grateful to Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien,CFR,JP, the Asagba of Asaba and his entire Palace Chiefs, Asaba Youths and the entire Asaba people for opportunity given to me to serve them. After our inauguration we are now One people, one vision, Great Youths and we have come together as one big family for the progress of Asaba youths.
The Youths body has always been a target for politicians who use it for their political interest. What are you doing to make the I ACYA the authentic voice for Asaba Youths?
Everywhere in the world, youths constituencies are a major political target for numerous reasons. Politicians will continue to romance youth organizations, associations and so on but the challenge is how do we participate in politics? What role do we play in the game of politics? What do politicians perceive of youths when politics is discussed?
CHAIRMAN OF ACYC, OGBUESHI OKEDIACHI, (WITH MICROPHONE) SPEAKING AFTER INAUGURATION
The participation of youths in politics has outgrown using them as political thugs, ballot snatchers, and mere campaign crowds. The fact remains that any country desirous of a prosperous future would take youths engagement beyond political machinations. The Asaba Community Youths Association under my watch would be more concerned about youths participation in governance which is in synchronization with youths participation in politics.
We hope to see more youths elected and appointed into offices rather than fighting one another in the name of politics. To lead the apex youth body in Asaba is a tasking responsibility but with God Almighty, this administration shall succeed beyond expectation. I had the grace to have risen through the rank and file of youths activism, from being a traditional youths leader to ethnic youths leader, now the Asaba Community Youths President.
With the experiences gathered over time and the support from the council, we would have a council that represents the interest of all. This leadership under my watch will facilitate scholarship awards for our students, create employment opportunities for youths across the villages in Asaba, produced quality representation to Asaba youths in regional and international fronts, among others.
Youths unemployment is seen as one of the reasons for the rising crime rate in Asaba and Delta State. Is the council in talks with the government and relevant stakeholders on ways of mitigating unemployment in the land?
The cardinal point of my administration is to fight insecurity and make sure peace reign supreme in Asaba. Youths employment is a major focus of my administration. It’s a serious matter and my leadership is looking at it as a top priority. It aches my heart to see talents roaming about the streets without proper utilization. Asaba is endowed with youths that are broad-minded, skillful and multi-talented; unfortunately, they are underutilized. The majority of Asaba youths believe in seeking greener pasture outside, due to unemployment or underemployment. We cannot continue like this considering the vast material and mineral resources this Delta is endowed with because, Asaba capital territory of Delta State . The adage “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop” best describes the high rate of criminal activities in the country and it is so sad that the youths form the bulk of criminal elements we have in the country today.
The council under my watch will partner with relevant stakeholders to reduce the unemployment rate in the society. Additionally, leadership workshops and entrepreneurial training would be organized across the town while sponsorship programs will be facilitated for youths (Skill Acquisition) entrepreneurs and so on. The council under my watch must reduce crime in Asaba, because no investor will like to put his or her money if the environment is not safe , so we want to create peaceful environment that will attract Investors and visitor to our community.
Ogbueshi Obodo Okediachi,
Presently , we have commence serious campaign against cultism , kidnapping and other crimes in Asaba ,telling the youths the implication of committing crime or killing because if anybody kills under the name of any cult group , we will go for the person and not the group, so whatever group you belong we are not interested but will be interested in the perpetrator of the crime (killer) and he must face the law.
Asaba is no longer a safe heaven for crime perpetrator because our vigilant group is very proactive now because they are well equipped and the sons and daughters of Asaba are giving them maximum support. So we advise the evil doers to relocate from Asaba for their safety.
Comrade, Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR, JP, the Asagba of Asaba inaugurated you and Exco officers in his Palace on Saturday 2nd October,2020. Can you throw more light on how this came about?
Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, CFR, JP, the Asagba of Asaba is our Royal father and the pillar of this Youths body, He has changed the traditional face of Asaba and he has brought a lot of developments to the community. Infact, Obi Prof.Joseph Chike Edozien is the arrowhead of Asaba , he represents the community both at the local, state and federal levels. We are very grateful for his reign as our king because he has bought alot of development to Asaba.
What is your assessment of the general state of affairs in the Delta?
Delta State is a great state blessed with wonderful people. Irrespective of the situation, Deltans always stand tall. The government has a role to play in making this state a better place for us all and our part. Our amiable Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has performed beyond expectations in spite of paucity of funds occasioned by the economic recession that confronted the country when he came on board on May 29,2015, particularly in job/wealth creation for the youths through the STEO/YAGEP schemes, human capital development, the prevailing peace in the state and infrastructural development as evident in the massive road construction and rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts of the state. “Governor Okowa believes so much in the youths. His consistent effort to build young leaders in Delta State is laudable. Obviously, Okowa has made some positive shifts from the status quo that must be acknowledged”. We shall continue to contribute our quota to the growth of our dear state.
Governor Okowa has done very well in the five years of his administration, he has turned the fortunes of the state around for the better in fulfillment of his campaign promises. Asaba youths wish to use this medium to thank and appeal to Gov.Ifeanyi Okowa because since the creation of Asaba as capital territory , he is the only Delta State elected governor that recognized Asaba as capital, since he assumed office as the executive governor we have witnessed alot of positive developmental change in Asaba and we urge him to continue to give Asaba the face of a capital.
What is your message to the Youths of Asaba?
I want the entire Asaba youths to support us because we have alot of agenda for the progress of our youths , Asaba Youths must ‘forge a bond of peace’ for true development to take place, With the backing of HRM Obi Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, we are working to ensure that Asaba people see tangible results in this new Next Level era.
Thank you very much.
By: Ike Philip Abiagom, Victor Okonkwo & Glory Ogoh
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he closure of Nigerian Universities by the federal government for some months was not just as a result of the effects of globally ravaging Covid-19 pandemic, but the 23th March 2020 industrial dispute declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities which coincided with pandemic effects, hence the closure of universities in Nigeria.
Dr. Austin Sado Chairman Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Port Harcourt chapter in exclusive chat at the ASUU Secretariat Complex at Delta Park Unipot, said that ASUU engaged in strike before federal government announcement of the lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic.
”The schools resumption announcement of the federal government is a policy statement. Because the federal government shut down schools says they closed universities as result of COVID-19, and now they think those institutions are safe to reopen, that has nothing to with the strike of Academic Staff Union of Universities”.
”ASSU did not have powers for the mandate to announce closures or resumption of schools. On the 23rd of March, there was an industrial dispute declared, the Union withdrew its service, and the Union has been on strike since then” he posited.
Dr. Sado maintained that because federal government has remained adamant to the complaints of the Lectures hence they continue with their strike despite the schools resumption announcement by the federal government.
”We are still on strike, even when schools resumption is announced, and students are back in the campus, it does not change anything. We expect that government will create time to engage the Union to discuss the way and means of dealing with the conflict which emanated from that 23rd of March”
On the federal government announcement that there no retreat on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) decision, the ASUU Unipot chapter chairman stressed that IPPIS was a diversion by federal government to portray ASSU in bad light of been against the anti corruption campaign in the country.
”IPPIS has never been a case as far as we are concerned. IPPIS ended in 2013 when there was an agreement that IPPIS in its present state can not function in the Universities. Government brought IPPIS as distraction to confuse Nigerians and to get them belief that ASSU was resisting the fight against corruption. What we did by taken up the mandate to develop alternative software of Universities Transparency and Accountable Solution (UTAS) a patriotic contributions to the development of this country. We have submitted it to government. Its expected that government will certify and begin to use it.
Dr. Austin Sado further averred that apart from UTAS there are other pressing issues that needed to highlighted and settled.
”Even when government begins to use the UTAS it will not ameliorate the consequences of the strike because, we have issues of revitalization funds for the university, the renegotiation of 2009 agreement, the proliferation of universities by state governments. And issues of governance in those universities, the mainstreaming of earn Academic Allowance, the payments of outstanding earn academic allowances of Lecturers in Nigerian Universities. These are all issues government has entered into agreement in a memoranda of action in February 2019 which has set out timeline for its implementation. Government has not kept fate with that document until that happens, nothing will help to change the strike” he affirmed.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]mmediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has accused the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, of masterminding the assault on him at the party’s campaign rally for the Ondo State governorship election in Ondo town on Wednesday.
Fayose was making his way to the podium at the campaign ground when a hoodlum moved towards him and removed his cap.
Reacting yesterday evening through his Media Aide, Lere Olayinka, the former governor said “despite the shameful act” he won’t stop saying the truth concerning the running of the party in the Southwest zone and those who have failed to produce any result in Lagos State since 1999 will be made to retire.
He said he will make formal report of the incidence to the security agencies and the party relevant authorities, noting that it was not something to be handled with levity as security agencies will have to unravel all the thugs brought to the event and their sponsors.
“That’s how late Chief Bola Ige’s cap was removed in Ile Ife, Osun State, then and we all know what happened later.
“So this one will not be ignored and treated as one of those things.
“The masterminds had it all planned and they followed it up by celebrating what they saw as the success of their plot. They even capped it up by circulating the video.
“So it was not an accident, it was planned. But those who planned it only succeeded in advertising their political myopism because popularity of the brand Ayo Fayose, Osokomole cannot be rubbished by such childish act. That they must have seen in the reaction of the people at the rally and I am sure they know that they can’t get such loud ovation even if they spend all the money in this world.
“As for me, I am unperturbed and I must say it clearly that those new comers to the PDP and their old allies, who won’t mind soiling the image of the party to achieve their aims will not be allowed to succeed,” he said.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here was heightened tension on Thursday, in the Otovwodo axis of Ughelli North local government area of Delta State, following the killing of a Police officer during the #ENDSARS protest.
The incident led to other destruction as several windscreens of cars were broken. According to an eyewitnesses at the scene, commuters along the East-West road axis of Otovwodo junction ran for safety after series of gunshots were released in the air.
The protesters had begun their protest from the Otovwodo junction axis of Ughelli and marched through Isoko road to the market road while boycotting the Ughelli ‘A’ division Police station to Ekuigbo and back to Otovwodo junction.
It was gathered that some angry protesters had come face to face with a team of Police operatives at Otovwodo junction where the protest walk was supposed to end and a clash ensued leading to a gun battle between the protesters and the Police.
According to an eye witness, one of the protesters shot at a Police officer, killing him instantly, while others fled the scene.
Delta State Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onowakpoyeya confirmed the development to one of the correspondents. The Police spokesperson said “it is true a Police officer was kilked”, saying however, that situation has been brought under control.
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta state government is facing backlash from the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESTTU) over a compulsory N5000 Covid-19 levy imposed on students in the state.
The students, in a protest, have been directed to boycott the payment of the N5000 Covid-19 levy imposed on them by the government.
In a statement by Godwin Saturday, NADESSTU’s National President, the student’s leadership has described the levy as blatant extortion. He said: “We have consulted with all the critical stakeholders and sister organizations on this Issue and we vehemently say no to this extortion.;
“We want to inform the students that we are prepared to resist the wickedness by all legal means possible and modalities are already in top gear to ensure our students are saved from this extortion.”
“We are by this notice directing all returning students in respective Tertiary Institutions in Delta State not to pay the COVID-19 levy slammed on them by their institutions.
“The National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU) worldwide, we received the news of this development in rude shock and disappointment that the management of these institutions are this insensitive to the plight and situation of Nigerians and students.”
“Due to the long holiday, the house rents of most students have expired, many parents have lost their jobs, other are challenged with salary cut and the economy is biting on low income earners yet institutions still went ahead to slam the students with an unjustifiable Covid-19 levy at resumption.”
“We shall not be responsible for those who have paid when this struggle is eventually won and we will not clamour for any refund if any student flaunts this directive by going ahead with the payment.”
“We also want all SUG Presidents, NADESSTU Presidents and all union leaders and stake holders to take note of this and help drive this message home to their students,” the statement read
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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Presidency has said the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has approved the five-point demand of Nigerians, who have been protesting across the country since last week.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is just as natural that the strong depowers the weak, the same way a superior argument or position needs no rejoinder. That is what I have seen in the compilations of historical facts that my ‘learned friend’, Philip Elueme has thrilled us with, for the sole reason of putting straight and to debunk some of the infantile but still calumnious fallacies being transmitted by the desperate camp of the Senator Nwaoboshi critics, under the guidance of the “Emperor” himself.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he people of Anambra State, the so the eastern part of Nigeria has yesterday rocked the street of Awka, the capital territory of the state with heavy protest of EndSARS campaign. The protest which was staged at the state capital comprises mostly youth with hand bills of different inscriptions calling on the federal government to end SARS.
The Anambra citizen joined the campaign yesterday as the staged their first ever protest against the SARS brutally and harsh treatment on the citizen, the inscription on their hand Bills which draw the attention of the people mostly is “Awkuzu SARS Are Assassins” the write up and display has got many Nigerians asking why it is specified to Awkuzu SARS.
