Female Dj, DJ Switch who went live during the shooting of protesters at Lekki toll gate, has finally broken silence following the incident.
In a new video, DJ Switch gave a detailed account of what happened that night, and the biggest mistake she made.
“I just want to clear a few things that I’ve been seeing online. To our leaders, I urge you please do not minimize the suffering of families. Do not insult the grief of Nigerians, do not insult the intelligence of Nigerians. Do not insult the pain that families are facing. People were falling left and right.
Yes there were soldiers there. Another part that people are not really talking about. The police also came, the SARS people we’re talking about also came minutes after the soldiers left. They were tear gassing. It’s like cotonou pepper. Our coconut head generation. They will run and they will come back.
They switched off the lights and it was pitch black. While the soldiers were running around and picking their shells, we were running around and picking their shelves too. The police and SARS were also there, aiming and shooting. Who takes life bullets to a protest? Who does that?”
Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has criticized President Buhari’s speech following the #EndSARS protests and military shooting Lekki toll gate.
According to Falana, Buhari’s speech to Nigerians contained avoidable gaps, like where he accused the international community of jumping into hasty conclusions over the shooting of unarmed peaceful protesters by soldiers at the Lekki tollgate.
Speaking to Punch he said, “The presidential speech contained some avoidable lacunae. For instance, the President accused the international community of jumping into hasty conclusions with respect to the Lekki shootings.
“My worry is that the President would be embarrassed at the end of legal inquiry into the military invasion of the Lekki toll gate as the number of the unarmed protesters that were mowed down and the circumstances of the barbaric attack by the soldiers from a particular military barrack in Victoria Island would be exposed.
“It was good that the President consoled the families of the police personnel who unfortunately lost their lives in the course of duty. Similar presidential condolences ought to have been extended to the families of the unarmed protesters who were brutally murdered in Ogbomoso, Ibadan, Benin, Lagos etc. I want to believe that the President was not informed that unarmed protesters were slain in the premeditated attacks by police and military personnel.
“However, the President reiterated the point that the voice of the protesters had been heard loud and clear and that the Federal Government is committed to addressing the outstanding demands. Specifically, the President announced that the emoluments of police officers would be reviewed upwards. That is a concession of one of the key demands of the protesters.”
A young Nigerian man known as Shadrach Dare, has revealed that he became both a doctor and a nurse due to an interesting turn of events.
In a post he shared on Facebook handle, Shadrach indicated that his journey to becoming both started with “a confusion”.
According to the gentleman who was born and bred in Ghana, he got admission to both University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in 2007.
Shedrach revealed that University of Ghana offered Biological Sciences while University of Cape Coast gave him a course in Nursing.
In his words;
“So I ‘settled’ for Nursing at UCC. But in Nursing School I made a resolution: to be the best nurse possible.”
Subsequently, he graduated top of his class and won a Commonwealth Scholarship to pursue a Master of Public Health at Glasgow after his national service.
Right after the master’s degree, the young man who graduated top of his class again won another Commonwealth Scholarship for a PhD Public Health and graduated at age 28.
“Today I am a Nurse and a Doctor of Public Health. I did not have to choose to be a nurse or doctor. I became both.”
A Nigerian man, Sojarex who appears to be tired of the responsibilities being shouldered by the head of a household has revealed how he intends to address the challenges.
Sojarex took social media to reveal that he would be stepping down as the head of his house due to increased family problems, adding that his wife would take over from him.
His Instagram post read: “Due to the increasing rate of family problems in my house at the moment, I am stepping down as the head of my house.
My wife will take over from here. Thank u and God bless you all”
Some Nigerians found it hilarious while others thought it was an insensitive move.
Read reactions from the comment section;
Iphy_lin: You’re a case.
Obyscado: Oya step down. Men has failed us a leaders.
Symply_youdee; More strength to her. A little humour to brighten the mood.
Precious_nina44; How does this sound to u now.. mtchewww.
Blue_diamond247: There’s time for everything abeg not funny.
Fortunesexymanda: Neva o. continue the work u have started.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu has suggested that the Lekki Toll Gate be brought down permanently
According to her, Lekki toll gate , should be permanently brought down and be replaced with a statue of the #EndSARS protesters victims, who lost their lives on Tuesday, October 20.Dr.
Betta Edu, opined that the names of victims should be written in bold letters so that they wouldn’t be forgotten in history because they died for a better Nigeria.
She wrote in a tweet: “Bring down Lekki Toll Gate permanently, build a stature for everyone killed that night! Write their names in bold letters… let us forever remember our heroes who died for a better Nigeria. we will never forget #20:10:2020 #SARMUSTENDNOW #EndBadGoveranceInNigeria
American superstar rapper, Meek Mill has reacted to the state of things in Nigeria especially the widespread #EndSARS protest.
Meek in a tweet he shared, revealed that he stayed up all night watching videos from Nigeria. He added that what Nigerians are going through is 100 worst than what Americans go through with the system.
The rapper went on to state that his support is with the people of the West-African nation.
Meek Mill tweeted;
#ENDSARS I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT WATCHING CRAZY VIDEOS from #Nigeria IT LOOKS 100 worst than what americans go thru with the system! Support our people!
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel has announced a 15-hour curfew after violence erupted over the alleged shooting of an EndSARS protester by a personnel of the Nigerian Correction Service on Thursday evening, October 22.
The Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, stated that the curfew was expected to last till midday on Friday.
“Due to the violent manifestations of some persons masquerading as #EndSARS protesters trying to create chaos this evening, in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Udom Emmanuel has declared a curfew effective 9 pm, Thursday, 22nd October,2020 till midday tomorrow, Friday, 23rd October, 2020,” Ememobong said in a statement.
“This action is taken to protect lives and property of citizens and the restoration of Law and Order in our state. Within the period of this curfew, there will be an absolute cessation of movement, except for essential service providers, who must show a valid means of identification. We urge all law abiding citizens to stay at home during the period of this curfew.” he added.
The protesters numbering hundreds had on Thursday, marched around major streets in Uyo while blocking the popular Ibom plaza. Motorists approaching the plaza had to take alternative routes within the city.
It was gathered that trouble started when the protesters attempted to prevent a prison van from passing through the plaza.
According to eyewitness report by BusinessDay, the deceased jumped into the moving van and the warden allegedly pulled the trigger in defence. The victim was rushed to a hospital by the protesters but he died on the way.
To show their displeasure, they took the corpse to Akwa Ibom State Government House but they were repelled by security forces.
The protesters went back, regrouped and set some houses ablaze including Anchor insurance House where the incident happened. It was further learnt that the some parts of Access bank building located along Barracks road was set on fire.
Some hoodlums were said to have used the opportunity to unleash mayhem and escalate the crisis to other areas. Motorists and pedestrians were stranded as many roads were blocked and wild fire set on them.
Along the barracks road where the Governor’s office is located, the protesters started hauling stones and attacking government vehicles and private businesses.
“It was generally peaceful before the protester was shot, there has been reinforcement involving soldiers and the police,” a source told BusinessDay
Nigerian rapper, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz has revealed that he’s not he’s not afraid of loosing his life, amidst #EndSARS crisis in the country.
In a recent interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, the rapper who had been at the forefront in the fight against police brutality and extrajudicial killings, highlighted several other problems that the country is facing.
In his words,
I am not afraid for my life because where we are right now, I feel like I can easily die by anything else anyway.
We have a non-existent healthcare system, for example. We have a seriously high level of poverty; there is unemployment.
We are in a critical state because of the level of corruption and mismanagement of funds that we continue to see on a daily basis.
I can have an accident on my way to work and die because the state of healthcare is nothing to write home about. People have to travel abroad to have proper healthcare.
We keep on saying that every single Nigerian is one sickness away from passing away. “So what kind of life am I living any way? Why should I be afraid of dying? I am going to die anyway, so what is the point?
According to him, the major issue surrounding the disbandment of the infamous unit of the Nigerian Police Force, is that same claims has been made continuously over the years, without any visible changes.
Watch video below,
.@falzthebahdguy is part of Nigeria's #EndSars protests. Is he afraid for his life? He says no. "We have a seriously high level of poverty, there’s unemployment. We’re in a critical state because of how much corruption… we continue to see… What kind of life am I living anyway?” pic.twitter.com/39AQclG3rk
Popular Nigerian singer, Burna Boy has reacted to the shooting of peaceful protesters by the Nigeria military at the Lekki tollgate on Tuesday, October 20th.
According to the self acclaimed African giant, the sad incident has continued to traumatize him and has not been able to sleep.
The Ye crooner, in the early hours of Friday, took to Twitter to recount how he feels since the incident happened.
He tweeted,
“I HAVE NOT SLEPT since 20/10/2020. I close my eyes and all I see is Lekki toll gate. I’ve seen a lot of Violence and death in my Life but this is the one that has Traumatized me.”
However, the Nigerian army has strongly debunked claims that it opened fire on #Endsars protester in the Lekki-Ikoyi area of Lagos state.
No fewer than 50 people were allegedly shot at and injured during the peaceful protest in Lekki on Tuesday evening by fully dressed military men.
However, in a Twitter post via the military’s official page, the Nigerian Army denied deploying their men to the location or having anything to do with the said shootings.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has postponed all bye-elections in 11 states in the country.
INEC spokesman, Festus Okoye who made the announcement said the 15 bye-elections was postponed due to the ongoing crisis in Nigeria, to ensure the safety of voters, election officials and other stakeholders.
The elections for six senatorial districts and nine state constituencies, were scheduled to hold on, October 31st.
In his words,
This decision is in compliance with Section 26 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which gives the Commission the power to postpone an election if there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date, or that it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies.
The Commission will continue to monitor the situation in all the States and Constituencies, consult with relevant Stakeholders and meet again in two weeks to review the situation and decide on a feasible date for the elections.
The Commission appeals for calm and understanding of the stakeholders and voters in the States where elections were scheduled. The safety of the voters, election officials and other stakeholders is paramount to the Commission in conducting elections.
Popular Nigerian singer and DMW Boss, David Adeleke, otherwise known as Davido, is seemingly overwhelmed with everything that has been going on in the country and he disclosed that he is so ”hurt for our generation”.
He was however of the sentiment that ”it’s not finished” and he advised Nigerians to get their PVC.
He took to Twitter to write ;
I’m so hurt for our generation
EVERYBODY get your PVC READY
#ItIsNotFinished
On Thursday Night, Davido reacted to the speech that was given by President Buhari since the #ENDSAS campaign was hijacked by hoodlums by saying ;
On Thursday night, 22nd October, 2020, the Nigerian Head of States, President Muhammadu Buhari, at 19:00hrs addressed the nation following the unrest and chaos that was looming in the country as a result of hoodlums hijacking the EndSARS peaceful protests by Nigerian youths. Read Full Text here
Quite a large number of Nigerian youths were not pleased with his address as he didn’t mention the dreadful incident that occurred on Tuesday night, 22nd October 2020, where innocent protesters faced open fire by some men of the Nigerian military.
Following Buhari’s speech, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu took to his social media pages to also address Lagosians, as he mourned the lives lost and reiterated on the government’s plans to reform the Police.
He wrote in part,
We are working to stabilise things across the state as we look to rebuild. The state team is working with the hospitals and emergency services to verify the details of everyone involved in incidents across the state.
I understand that tempers are high but we are beginning to get a clearer picture of what led us to this point, and I want to ask us to be circumspect to avoid further losses and triggering other sentiments. Do not encourage conflict through parody and innocent but inciteful words.
On our work to end police brutality, our panel is ready to begin work. We want to find justice and provide compensation for victims to the best of our abilities.
In the comment section of his post, one of his followers then asked if he could help summarize what President Buhari had earlier said in his speech and much to the surprise of many, the governor stated blatantly that “he can’t”.
This has got many to wonder if possibly, the governor himself was not as pleased with many others with the President’s speech or if maybe, he just “can’t”.
It should be recalled that the governor had earlier mentioned that he’d tried to contact the President hours before his address but he couldn’t.
Popular Nigerian Male-Barbie, Idris ‘Bobrisky’ Okuneye, recently took to his social media page to narrate how his name saved his car from being vandalized by hoodlums.
The male-barbie said he’d sent his driver on an errand and the driver had an encounter with hoodlums who might have destroyed his car but he revealed who sent him on the errand, the hoodlums let him go saying that nothing must happen to the car.
According to Bobrisky, he sent his driver back there to give the guys N100k. He then continued by saying that the point of his story was for people to help those around their house, offices and more.
He also said such gesture is good because when anything happens, these people can stand for the person.
American photo and video sharing social networking service, Instagram has apologized to Nigerians for incorrectly flagging down posts in support of #EndSARS as “false information.”
During the week, several Instagram users took to their respective accounts to react in anger after their posts aimed at spreading awareness about the #EndSARS campaign were flagged down as “false information.”
In a statement released via their Twitter page, the ‘facebook-owned’ social media platform admitted that they incorrectly flagged down posts in support of #EndSARS and apologised to Nigerians for the error.
The statement read:
“Yesterday our systems were incorrectly flagging content in support of #EndSARS, and marking posts as false. We are deeply sorry for this. The issue has now been resolved, and we apologize for letting our community down in such a time of need.”
Yesterday our systems were incorrectly flagging content in support of #EndSARS, and marking posts as false. We are deeply sorry for this. The issue has now been resolved, and we apologize for letting our community down in such a time of need.
Popular Nigerian Instagram skit maker, OluwaDolarz has announced the birth of his first child on his Instagram page.
The comedian welcomed his child on Thursday, 22nd of October, 2020. Taking to his IG page to share the good news, the popular skit maker stated that it’s because of his child he’s been an active #EndSARS protester cause he wants a better Nigeria for his child.
He wrote,
A reason I have been on the protest ground for a better ??
Welcome home (22/10/2020)
His colleague, Cute Abiola however, gave us the memo on who the mother of his child is as he congratulated him on his IG page. Cute Abiola shared the photo of IG influencer, Adegoke Ifeoluwa (IfeLuv), —who’s appeared in so many skits alongside OluwaDolarz— rocking a baby bump and congratulated her.
Congratulations oremi @oluwadolarz . I am so happy ❤️❤️ . @ife_luv12 big congratulations to u Cute Abiola wrote. Checkout the photo he shared below,
Popular singer, Paul Okoye gave an epic reaction in the aftermath of President Buhari’s address to Nigerians following the issues the country has been facing for some days now.
Reacting to the speech, the singer simply fell on the floor wailing.
It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs.
I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.
The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.
As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.
On approving the termination of SARS I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.
Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.
The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a peace-maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.
All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary.
Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.
The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens, is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.
On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the well being and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society. These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:
a. paying 3-months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small- and medium- enterprises
b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission
c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans
d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders
These are in addition to many other initiatives such as:
a. Farmermoni,
b. Tradermoni,
c. Marketmoni,
d. N-Power,
e. N-Tech and
f. N-Agro.
No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.
With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force.
The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.
In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.
Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.
We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.
We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens, are protected.
But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.
To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position…… or rushing to judgement and making hasty pronouncements.
In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.
I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions.
Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.
And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect.
I would like to thank those State Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint.
I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.
This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.
Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Singer, Tiwa Savage has replied Beyonce‘s mom after she slammed her for calling out her daughter to lend her voice to #EndSARS campaign.
Recall Beyonce’s mom, Tina Knowles slammed Tiwa Savage after she called on the popstar to use her platform to condemn police brutality in Nigeria.
Tiwa in an Instagram Live session reminded Beyonce of how her “Black is King” album was celebrated in Nigeria and how a Nigerian [Wizkid] also made the album sell in world’s most populous black nation.
Tina Knowles then descended on Tiwa Savage, informing her that her daughter, Beyonce, is not her [Tiwa’s] political leader.
When it was brought to her knowledge how Beyonce’s mom backlashed her, Tiwa simply wrote, “we all have mothers oh”.
Hoodlums have reportedly razed down the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu’s campaign office in Akure, the state capital on Thursday, October 22.
Confirming the incident, @OndoAPC via their Twitter account said the attack was perpetrated by sponsored hoodlums hiding under the guise of the #EndSARS protest.
Their tweet reads,
BREAKING: The Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa Campaign Office beside Akure South LGA in Akure burnt down by arsonists.
It is unfortunate that some sponsored hoodlums have hidden behind the legitimate #EndSARS protest to perpetrate this political vendetta.
BREAKING: The Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa Campaign Office beside Akure South LGA in Akure burnt down by arsonists.
It is unfortunate that some sponsored hoodlums have hidden behind the legitimate #EndSARS protest to perpetrate this political vendetta. pic.twitter.com/1Qzlr6JD1R
There has been several reports of hoodlums destroying and looting properties in several parts of the country.
In a related news, Nigerian fashion designer, Yomi Makun popularly known by his brand name Yomi Casual, took to social media to lament, after his store was vandalized and looted by suspected hoodlums.
Earlier today, the fashion designer who shared a heartbreaking video of his vandalized store, urged residents of the Surulere area of Lagos state to stay safe.
The brother to popular comedian, Ayo Makun pointed out the need to educate the hoodlums that the fight is not against innocent citizens, but a fight to ensure the betterment of Nigeria for the benefit of all.
He wrote,
Woke up to this and the first thing that came to my mind is “It’s already too late to educate the hoodlums that this fight is for all of us and not at each other.
If you are in surulere please stay safe , surulere stores are being looted by hoodlums.. Safety first.
The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disclosed that the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state, might be eased by tomorrow, Friday, October 23rd
According to Sanwo-Olu, easing of the curfew was necessary for residents of the state to restock food supplies and other basic commodities.
In his words,
On lifting the curfew, it is something we are monitoring on an hourly basis.
Once we see that there is normalcy around the state, it is a pronouncement that we can make as early as tomorrow to ease the lockdown so that people can have the means to stock up and to buy food.
So, we are actually looking and monitoring what events will look like today.
Once we see the streets are cleared up and all the agitation and high nerves have gone down, we might slow down the curfew by tomorrow (Friday) or next tomorrow (Saturday) at the latest”.
Earlier today, videos made rounds on social media showing the moment residents invaded a warehouse in Lagos and looted the stored COVID-19 relief items by the government. ICYMI
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry Of Agriculture, Lagos State then reacted to the development stating that the palliatives were not meant for Lagos alone, as it also belongs to a private company and other states.
According to him, the materials were supposed to have been re-packaged and distributed but they had to stop because of the ongoing #EndSARS protest.
However, one of the people who had her hands on the looted item, showed the stated of one of the package. Asking why the items weren’t delivered in good time, she shared the image of “Garri” that seems to have started getting expired.
She wrote alongside the photo,
I opened one of the palliative packs and this is what the garri has turned to. Why didn’t people get the palliatives in good time? Who gave the order that they be stored in a warehouse? Why this wickedness?!?
#NIGERIAPREVAILS
#EndBadGoveranceInNigeria
I opened one of the palliative packs and this is what the garri has turned to. Why didn't people get the palliatives in good time? Who gave the order that they be stored in a warehouse? Why this wickedness?!?#NIGERIAPREVAILS#EndBadGoveranceInNigeriapic.twitter.com/kW4pnrgkEL
– Don’t test me, I’m still a dictator – People died, e pain me. – Social Media Bill, brb – Apply for Marketmoni – Increase police/teacher salary – Abroad people, mind your business – Youths, if dem born una well, protest again
Children were filmed having a field day in the Oba of Lagos‘ swimming pool after suspected hoodlums vandalized the palace.
The Palace was raided on Wednesday, October 21 and the thugs carted away with some of his personal belongings and staff of office.
In the video making rounds on social media, children were seen swimming inside the pool and having fun.
Watch the video below,
See some of the reactions from Twitter users,
@hey_chimmy wrote,
“They have turned the Oba of Lagos palace to a recreation centre. People are now swimming in his pool. Next na to go open his fridge bring out all the beer, buy suya and play better Gbedu. These boys dey ball #EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria #LekkiMassacre”
@GbengaMA wrote,
“E shock me…Grinning face with smiling eyes Oba of Lagos swimming turn to Airport Hotel swimming Pool. If police come nko??”
@Alabi2H wrote,
“Help me tell Oba of Lagos wey wan throw people inside Lagoon because of election say Lagos Island Children don dey baff inside him swimming pool”
@kiddwayakidney wrote,
“Swimming pool turned into water parks
They’ve rendered the palace of Oba of Lagos useless.
Let the poor masses enjoy a little abeg.”
The Akinshemoyin ruling house of Lagos Island, has forewarned suspected hoodlums who hauled the
Lagos monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, staff of office to return it or face dire consequences.
The ruling house stated that they support the initial peaceful protest against police brutality and extrajudicial killings, and also condemned the ironic turn of events.
The Akinshemoyins in a statement jointly signed by Prince Salami-Abisako and Prince Adeyemi Sarumi, gave the hoodlums who carted away with the staff of office 24 hours ultimatum or face the consequence.
The statement reads,
Though we are in total support of the peaceful protest of the Nigerian youths tagged: #EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutality, we, Lagosians condemn with all sense of responsibility the gruesome murder of Nigerians, the hijack of the peaceful protest by hoodlums, destruction of public infrastructural facilities and property across the nation.
We also condemn the looting of our traditional and ancestral heritage as it relates to the Oba of Lagos Palace; especially the carting away of the staff of office. We will not allow miscreants to destroy our Lagos ‘Onilu Onije Otu’.
The acts of these elements are sacrilegious, taboo and abomination to the Yoruba race. These nefarious misfits’ conducts could lead to mayhem in the land if not timely checked and tranquility restored.
We hereby call on the paramount Apena of Oshugbo, Opa, Akala and other traditional heads and custodians to immediately secure the Oba’s palace from further attack(s) in order to save the face of our traditional stool.
The royal house, however called for the return of the stolen staff of authority to be deposited at the Apena of Lagos within 24 hours or the deviants will face the consequences of their action. A word is enough for the wise.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry Of Agriculture, Lagos State has reacted to the discovered COVID-19 palliative warehouse.
It can be recalled that a mission by hoodlums aimed at looting the warehouse led to the discovery of COVID-19 palliative meant for indigents. Angry Nigerians, thereafter stormed the 600ft by 600ft warehouse to carry the relief materials, leaving nothing behind.
The Lagos State Government was heavily criticized for hoarding the food items, while citizens lacked food during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Speaking on the issue, the Permanent Secretary condemned the looters and stated that the palliatives were not meant for Lagos alone, as it also belongs to a private company and other states.
According to him, the materials were supposed to have been re-packaged and distributed but they had to stop because of the ongoing #EndSARS protest.
In his words;
Do you know that those items also belong to BUA group of companies and Some other states? Lagos State has been distributing its own. It was less than a month that those palliatives were officially handed to Lagos. We had to start doing rebagging and that took us some time. We have given to religious bodies, transporters, artisans, physically challenged people and so on.
Even the community that is looting now were given. And what they have looted belongs to other groups. So people saying we are heartless are really uninformed. It is because of #Endsars that we were told to stop. We do not have to make noise when we distribute because of chaos. It is so sad.”
The Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor also reacted on Twitter.
He wrote,
“This is falsehood. This is inciting. The Gov didn’t lock the food packs in. They’re in warehouse for distribution. Stop inciting Nigerians. Gov. @jidesanwoolu used his personal and State resources to get food palliative for vulnerable Lagosians even b4 Ca-COVID. Promote peace.”
It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs.
I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.
The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.
As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.
On approving the termination of SARS I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.
Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.
The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a peace-maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.
All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary.
Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.
The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens, is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.
On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the well being and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society. These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:
a. paying 3-months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small- and medium- enterprises
b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission
c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans
d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders
These are in addition to many other initiatives such as:
a. Farmermoni,
b. Tradermoni,
c. Marketmoni,
d. N-Power,
e. N-Tech and
f. N-Agro.
No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.
With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force.
The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.
In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.
Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.
We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.
We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens, are protected.
But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.
To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position…… or rushing to judgement and making hasty pronouncements.
In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.
I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions.
Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.
And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect.
I would like to thank those State Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint.
I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.
This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.
Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Former Governor of Lagos state and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commented on the Lekki toll gate shooting that left many dead and several others injured.
The Lagos politician who was interviewed via telephone by a Channels TV reporter, Olu Philips, shared his shock over the shooting and also revealed that he is ready to complain to the highest authorities.
Contrary to people’s predictions, Tinubu however denied ordering the shooting and also stated that he can only control his security guard. He again reiterated that he will never be part of any group that uses live ammunition against protesters.
Insisting that he has always been an activist, the APC Chieftain expressed sympathy for the victims of the incident and advised the federal government to “fish out whoever gave the order (for the shooting) and put them on trial”.
He then recalled how he was falsely accused of being behind #EndSARS protests. Tinubu who noted that he doesn’t believe that Buhari ordered the shooting, appealed for calm over the incident. He also denied having a stake in the Lekki toll gate or suffering a loss due to the continous blockage of the area by #EndSARS protesters.
He said,
“It is early hours of the morning, there’s no way I can talk to the authorities or wake them up now. I have tried to reach the NSA, I have tried to reach the head of the army.
“You don’t call the president at this hour, but I strongly condemn the act. There are other means of settling or dispersing protest. Why would they use live bullets? There are rubber bullets.
“I am not even sure yet they are Nigerian army, I am not sure how well the uniforms of the army are controlled. But that is not as critical as the bloodshed that has occurred.
“We have lost our sleep, we have lost our peace of mind, (and) we just have to deal with it.”
The Edo State Police Command on Thursday, October 22, paraded some suspected hoodlums who burgled Omoregie Rice Warehouse located at Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City.
According to the statement issued by the Command, upon receiving intelligence report on the incident, operatives swung into action and arrested the following persons:
1. Favour Etimumore, ‘f’ age 19yrs
2. Chinyere Uyi, ‘f’ age 35yrs
3. Desmond Uguagbe, ‘m’ age 24yrs
4. Daniel Duruji ‘m’ 22yrs
5. Iyoha Godstime, ‘m’ 14yrs
6. Godstime Omosuzi, ‘m’ 15yrs
7, Nelly Monday ‘f’ 19yrs
8. Philip Ewere ‘m’ 63yrs and
9. Osas Guobadia ‘m’ 30yrs
The Command said that investigation is ongoing to ascertain the number of bags of rice that was carted away.
The President, Muhammadu Buhari, will address the security situation in the country by 7pm.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement titled, ‘President Buhari addresses the nation.’
The statement read, “Following detailed briefing by security chiefs on the current situation in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari will make a national broadcast Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 7pm.
“Television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and Radio Nigeria respectively for the broadcast.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said he is yet to speak with President Muhammadu Buhari over the gunshot incident which occurred at the Lekki tollgate on Tuesday, October 20.
The governor was on Arise TV on Thursday morning, October 22, where he talked about the shootings. When asked if he has spoken to President Buhari since the incident, Sanwo-Olu said,
“I made phone calls to the President. I made calls to want to speak with the President twice yesterday. First time he hadn’t come to the office and the second time, he was at the FEC meeting so I haven’t spoken to him directly but I actually did call to want to speak with him but like I said he was at FEC meeting and properly had his briefing.
So he was actually the one that asked the Chief of Defence Staff to call me and I think it was when he got my message because when the Chief of Defence Staff called me, he said to me it was the President that asked him to call.
So I haven’t spoken to him directly. Maybe sometime later today that might happen. I don’t have a report to say this was what he said because we haven’t spoken”
