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Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, has warned that it may get worse if the Federal Government fails to handle the ongoing protest with the urgency and seriousness it deserved.

There are fears in the air that the ongoing protest in major cities in the country may soon become uncontrollable.

And Fani-Kayode, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, noted that despite the killings by armed police personnel and attacks by pro-SARs thugs, the protest is gathering momentum.

“10 people murdered in the last few days during the #EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria protests,” Fani Kayode tweeted.

“Armed thugs sent out to disrupt the protests in Abuja yet the protests are growing.

“If this matter is not handled with the urgency and seriousness it deserves, things will fall apart,” he said.

Recall that following the protest, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, was disbanded days ago.

And the police Inspector-General on Tuesday announced the formation of another unit in place of SARS.

The development has heightened tensions as the youths refused to leave the streets.

Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, Tuesday ordered all the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, personnel to report to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.

The officers are expected to undergo this process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties. Disclosing this in a statement, Frank Mba, the forces PRO, said: “The medical examination will be carried out by the newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit (PCSU), a Unit, which henceforth shall engage in psychological management, re-orientation and training of officers of the Force deployed for tactical operations and other duties. The Unit, which is domiciled with the Force Medical Department and coordinated by the Force Medical Officer, has its membership drawn from amongst psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, Public Relations practitioners, Civil Society and other Human Rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.

Meanwhile, the IGP has set up a new Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team that will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS. Prospective members of this new team will also undergo psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment.

They are to commence training at the different Police tactical training institutions nationwide, next week. While personnel from the Police Commands in the South-East and the South-South will be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College, Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State, those from the Police Commands from the North and the South-West will be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende, Nasarawa State and the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, respectively.

The Senate said Tuesday protests across the country by Nigerians, especially the Youth against the activities and actions the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force have yielded results as that led to President Muhammadu Buhari dissolving the body.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja during plenary, President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan Tuesday who noted that the conduct of the disbanded SARS was uncalled for and totally unacceptable, said that it became very imperative for the body to go against the backdrop that no country would tolerate their overbearing nature and very oppressive in nature.

According to Lawan, members of SARS forgot that they were being funded by government funds and that when the people were pushed to the wall, they had no option than to rise up against the body. Lawan was contributing to a motion titled ”

End SARS protest: the Death of Jimoh Isiaka and the attack on the Palace of Soun of Ogbomosoland: Need to put our security operatives on their toes and sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, All Progressives Congress, APC, Oyo North. Lawan who noted that erring officers would be brought to book, however urged protesters to sheath their swords so that peace would reign, adding, ” the protests have yielded the desired results and those culprits involved in the killings should be brought to book.”

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday observed one minute silence in honor of late Jimoh Isiaka and other Nigerian youths who lost their lives due to the unprofessionalism of some members of the Nigeria Police Force.

Earlier in the presentation of the motion, Senator Buhari who came under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Orders as Amended said that ”

The Senate: Notes with grief the death of J imoh Isiaka and several other promising Nigerian youths whose lives were cut short at their prime during the recent ENDSARS PROTEST which started on 8th October,2020.

Further Notes that the right to peaceful assembly and free expression are fundamental principles of any democracy, and section 40 of Nigerian Constitution (1999) guarantee the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest.

Informed that under Intonational Law, one of the duties of state and its law enforcement agencies is to facilitate the enjoyment of right to peaceful protest, and the 1990 United Nations basic Principles on the use of Force and Firearms by Law enforcement officers provides that, in the disposal of assemblies that are unlawful but non-violent, law enforcement officers shall avoid the use of force or, where that is not practicable, shall restrict such force to the minimum necessary.

“Observes with regret that the protest on ENDSARS snowballed into confrontation between the security operatives and the protesting youths in some part of the country and even turned violent in Ogbomoso, Oyo State for instance, as Nigerian police were alleged to have injured seven protesters and shot dead a young man known as J imoh Isiaka, a constituent of mine, during the protest.

“Also Observes with sadness that as a reaction to the death of J imoh Isiaka, the palace of the paramount ruler of the city The Soun of Ogbomosoland was attacked by the protesters, several properties and vehicles were wantonly destroyed and many palace officials sustained injury. “Notes that the Inspector General of Police has forthwith disbanded the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in response to the calls by many Nigerians.

“Convinced that non-violent protests have been a feature of democracy, with demonstrators calling for a declaration or a cancellation or even expressing their displeasure at a particular decision of government, so while preserving freedom of speech and legitimate protest is of course imperative, attention must be paid to how security operatives handle peaceful; protest with professionalism. Also yesterday, Senate Services Committee, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, All Progressives Congress, APC, Niger East has hailed the Youth for leading the Movement against SARS, even as he commended President Muhammadu Buhari for instructing the Inspector- General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu for disbanding the body. In a statement yesterday, Senator Musa said,

“Throughout 2020 our focus has been on addressing and cushioning the effects of COVID19 – a disease caused by a virus that we cannot see. However, more recently, Nigerians have gathered in their thousands, across all regions as a united force, to combat a virus that they see and fear daily.

“The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) has been the topic of many discussions, particularly with regards to human rights violations and police brutality. We were recently on-lookers as Americans gathered en masse to demand police reform, many of use shared the hashtags and the frustrations, but these same issues are occurring here at home and Nigerians have decided that enough is enough.

“The evidence against SARS is not short of damning, from reports from Amnesty International to videos and witness statements that indicate not just a flagrant abuse of power, but a societal menace that affects everyone. “Despite multiple previous attempts to reform SARS, there is overwhelming evidence to suggest that the unit remains a danger to the people it was created to protect.

I commend the prompt action of President Muhammadu Buhari for the condemnation of the abuse of power and police brutality recently perpetrated by SARS operatives. And the directive to the Inspector General of Police to immediately dissolve the SARS, which already the IGP has issued orders in that direction.

“The first step to change is acknowledgement, Nigerians as a whole have embarked on this cause, and I anticipate an end that will reflect the government’s commitment to protect and secure its citizens. “I join many Nigerians in the sentiment that if change and reform are not effective in SARS – the only viable option is the dissolution.

“I applaud our youth for leading the movement and exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest. I urge you to continue on the path of action taking as this is how nations are built. I commend you for your resilience. I stand as an ally in this movement as a Nigerian first, but also in my capacity as a lawmaker.

“Moving forward, I stand willing to support this cause. Be through providing support for victims and their families or in the Senate where I trust my peers and I will continue to be advocates of continuous reform and development in all aspects, including the Nigerian police force.

“Finally, I join all Nigerians in sending my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones that have been affected by the menace perpetrated by SARS operatives. History will remember those that answered the call. May Allah continue to guide and protect us, and our beloved nation.”

Popular comedian Ayo Makun, known as AY has said that the average Nigerian police needs to be retrained.

The stand-up comedian said this while speaking to journalists at the #EndSARS protest in Lekki.

He called on the government to organize a master class for them as he compared them to the police in other countries.

AY described comparing the Nigerian police to those abroad as derogatory.

He said police abroad regard suspects’ welfare even when under arrest unlike in Nigeria.

Largely, he blamed it on how the government paid the police.

He said the government should improve police take home pay and re-orientate them, “then we are on course for reforming Nigerian police.”

The Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19, has given the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, the go-ahead to reopen orientation camps across the country.

Speaking at their daily media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the PTF National Coordinator, Dr Sani Aliyu, however, said that announcing the date for the reopening remains the responsibility of the NYSC.

“We have had further conversations with the NYSC; we have actually given them a date but the announcement of that date remains the responsibility of the NYSC,” he said.

Mr Aliyu lamented that all the states of the federation had failed to meet the testing target set for them, saying, however, that it was only the Federal Capital Territory that met its target.

According to him, Nigeria set a target of conducting 600,000 tests for the virus.

He said:

“With the reopening of schools, the PTF remains concerned about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on education and eventually our economy.

“As of today, we are approaching about 600,000 Nigerians that have been tested for COVID-19. This might sound like a huge figure but it is actually quite low.

“Our target is for every state to test at least one per cent of its population. Only the FCT has achieved this target.

“Lagos is fast approaching (target), with about 97 per cent achievement. But other states are barely above 25 per cent.

“What it means is that most of us do not actually know our status and this becomes even more important as we continue to relax our restrictions.

“We know that coronavirus spreads silently and it spreads quickly, which is why we must follow safety measures at all times especially in our schools.”

In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, warned against a second wave of the pandemic in Nigeria.

The PTF Chairman said the taskforce would soon unveil the next steps regarding the remaining phase of the eased lockdown.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has set up the Special Weapons and Tactics Team that will replace the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

The prospective members of the new team, who would undergo tactical training next week, will undergo a psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment.

A statement by the Force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, in Abuja on Tuesday, disclosed that the personnel from police commands in the South-East and the South-South will be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College, Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State.

Those from the police commands in the North and the South-West will be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende, Nasarawa State and the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, respectively.

The statement was entitled, ‘IGP orders all defunct SARS personnel to report at the force headquarters for psychological and medical examination’.

It also disclosed that the IGP had ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.

The officers are expected to undergo the process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.

The statement read:-

“The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, today, 13th October 2020, in accordance with section 18 (10) of the Police Act 2020, ordered all personnel of the defunct SARS to report at the Force Headquarters, Abuja for debriefing, psychological and medical examination.

“The officers are expected to undergo this process as a prelude to further training and reorientation before being redeployed into mainstream policing duties.

“The medical examination will be carried out by the newly set-up Police Counselling and Support Unit, a unit, which henceforth, shall engage in psychological management, re-orientation and training of officers of the Force deployed for tactical operations and other duties. “

The unit, which is domiciled with the Force Medical Department and coordinated by the Force Medical Officer, has its membership drawn from psychiatrists, psychologists, medics, pastors and imams, public relations practitioners, civil society and other human rights groups with relevant qualifications and expertise.

While reaffirming his commitment towards the successful and holistic implementation of the police reforms, the IG enjoined members of the public, particularly protesting citizens to “exercise restraint and allow measures being put in place to come to fruition and engender a police force that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry.”

The senator representing Imo West Senatorial District of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, on Saturday, made a strong case for almajiris, saying that they should be seen as human beings and children of all.

Okorocha, a two-term governor of Imo State stated this in an interview with journalists in Bauchi shortly after attending this year’s Maulud celebration of the Tijjaniyya Movement held at the IBB Square in Bauchi metropolis.

According to Okorocha, seeing the almajiris as our children and human beings is the best way to tackle the menace of almajiri in the country, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria.

He also called for the integration of the Arabic system of education with the conventional school system and empowerment of the almajiris.

“I am calling on all and sundry, the rich and government to see what they can do to help the situation and to see how we can fight poverty together, and not blaming the children (almajiris) and making them become guilty of offences they didn’t commit because they did not bring themselves to this world.

“The best way to address the almajiria issue is first of all, the government must accept the fact that these almajiris are our children and once we accept that fact, then we have done 50 per cent of the job.

“Then we have to think about how to combine this school system, the Arabic schools, with conventional schools and empowerment.

“If they reach the age that they should go to farm there must be something they can do because I don’t think that there is anybody created by God that is useless.

It is only when there is no idea that people look useless but there is no useless person in this world,” the former governor said.

He informed that he attended the Maulud celebration, where he was conferred with the titles of Sarkin Yakin Talakawa and Garkwuwan almajairi, on the invitation of revered cleric, Sheik Usman Dahiru Bauchi.

“I am in Bauchi on the invitation of Sheik Usman Dahiru Bauchi, who invited me for this year’s Maulud.

I was given an award as Sarkin Yakin Talakawa by the Tijjaniyya and also the Garkwuwan almajairi (Ambassador of almajiris) and I think it has to do with my passionate appeal that the lives of the almajiris should be made better in this country,” he informed.

Meanwhile, Okorocha has advocated an Igbo presidency in 2023 to give everybody a sense of belonging, saying that he stands for a united Nigeria, which he said is most important to him.

According to him, since other regions have produced the President of Nigeria, it would be good to allow an Igbo man to lead the country to see what it would look like.

“Talking about the Presidency of Igbo extraction is rather to give everyone a sense of belonging but that is not doing the job.

“What I propose is that a Nigerian President who will guarantee the unity of this nation irrespective of religion or tribe, a Nigerian President that will alleviate poverty, a Nigerian President who will make education available and affordable for everybody.

“This is what we should be talking about more importantly. But the issue of Nigerian President of Igbo extraction for me, is more like a competition, the north had produced a President, the Southwest has produced a President and the south-south has produced a President, let us see when the South-East produce a President, what Nigeria will look like.

“I think from that kind of Chelsea, Man U match kind of a thing, when they belong to the same country and they play matches, that’s exactly the way I see it, but it’s only fairness, fairness calls for that,” Okorocha submitted.

He, however, noted that presidency is not about the title but getting the job done, adding that, “if you have a President and yet people are still hungry, people are suffering, of what use is that?”

A former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday said the Nigerian government should provide an enabling environment for the Anti-Special Robbery Squad, SARS, protesters across the country.

Atiku said the Nigerian government should provide a non-toxic environment for youths to protest.

He made the call while declaring his support for the ongoing anti-SARS protest nationwide.

In a series of tweets, the former Vice President, said a new policy that would enthrone the interest of Nigerians should be considered by the government.

Atiku tweeted:

“Nigerians should be provided with a non-toxic environment for #EndSARSProtests. It is their constitutional right and an ingredient of democracy.

“They deserve to be heard and not killed or maimed.

“I stand with you all as you peacefully protest to #EndPoliceBrutality and enthrone a new policing order that underscores interest of the citizens.”

Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries has urged all pastors across Nigeria to have a moment of silence on Sunday for everyone who has unjustly been killed by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.

Suleman said this on Saturday while lending his voice to support the ongoing End SARS campaign around Nigeria.

We recalls that Nigerians across the country have been protesting the illegality and unconstitutional activities of SARS operatives.

In a tweet via his Twitter handle, Suleman wrote:

“Tomorrow morning before preaching, I shall be having a moment of silence for everyone who has unjustly been killed by SARS.

“I advise all pastors to do the same…#EndSars.”

Recall that Suleman had last week explained that SARS was a disgrace to the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, hence should be proscribed.

Can Nigerians bank on this?? Cause it was merely tweeted and I don’t think this can hold water when we’re confronted by the pop (Police).

The Nigeria Police Force official Twitter page took to their Page to announce through the PRO, Frank Mba that the SARS unit of the Police has been dissolved (Ended).

See what the Police want us to know about the decision; But then, after a series of Peaceful protest at every angle of the Nation, should the answer to our mass protest be through a mere tweet?

Well, I won’t advise that we stop this protest until the President himself takes to Live TV and make an announcement that SARS has been dissolved.

Until then, We MOVE!!!

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State following his re-election for a second term and believes the development is an indication of the people’s choice.

Akeredolu was on Sunday declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement on Sunday quoted his principal as saying “the people know the person and party that truly serves them, and have spoken in [a] clear voice and unmistakable terms.”

The Nigerian President noted that Akeredolu’s win coupled with the number of votes he got, “show that one good turn surely deserves another.”

While calling on Akeredolu who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the poll to be humble and magnanimous in victory, he urged him to serve the people, stressing that “when you serve with heart and might, the people respond in like manner, and we can easily get to where we are headed as a country.”

Buhari was equally full of praise for voters in Ondo State for conducting themselves decently, saying the development shows Nigeria is making progress in its electoral process behaviour.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also received praises from the Nigerian leader.

He lauded the electoral body for conducting a free and fair election, just as Buhari commended security agencies for enthroning and maintaining orderliness before, during and after the exercise.

Bukola Saraki, former Senate President, on Friday urged the Federal government to listen to Nigerian youths protesting against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, unit of the Nigeria Police Force.

Saraki urged the government to engage the protesting youths on matters concerning their well being.

In a tweet, the former Senate President expressed hope that his approach would help calm the aggrieved youths.

“The reports of the aggression meted out to young Nigerians protesting the high handedness of rogue units of @PoliceNG are deeply disturbing.

“Leaders of our nation ought to listen to and engage with our youths on matters concerning their wellbeing. I hope this approach changes soon,” Saraki tweeted.

This is coming at a time policemen attacked protesters in Abuja with tear gas.

Also, Saraki’s former aide, Olu Onemola was arrested over his involvement in the protest in Abuja.

Lagos State Governor, Mr @jidesanwoolu has approved the release of 56 inmates from various correctional Centres and granted State pardon to @funkeakindele and her husband, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bello, who are both non-custodial convicts for offences related to the disobedience of COVID-19 lockdown regulations.

A statement signed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said Mr. Sanwo-Olu acted based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, under the powers conferred on the Governor by Section 212 (1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

The 56 released inmates were recommended by the Advisory Council after due examination of their case files and consideration of the length of time served, the gravity of offence, old age and ill-health among other parameters. The Attorney General has also enjoined the beneficiaries to be good citizens and stay away from crime.

The eight-member Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, headed by Dr. Abayomi Finnih was inaugurated Governor Sanwo-Olu in December 2019.

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Friday demanded the proscription of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery and the introduction of a new and well-structured security outfit in its place.

The House also called on the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, to provide protection for the protesters while they express their grievances.

The call was made at an emergency sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to add a voice to the current call across the nation for an end to the widely reported alleged inhuman activities of the body.

Late Thursday, Obasa and some lawmakers had addressed some residents of Lagos who protested to the House of Assembly demanding for an end to F-SARS with some of them alleging that innocent people had become the major victims of the body.

Among the seven-point resolution passed after an extensive deliberation was also that the Senate and the House of Representatives should carry out a probe of the allegations against F-SARS including killing, maiming and dehumanising of Nigerians.

Below is the list of demands made by the House of Assembly:

RESOLUTION ON END SARS PROTEST

The House Resolved as Follows,that:

1. The Commissioner of Police Lagos State should protect End-SARS Protesters in the state and ensure that they are not molested

2. The Commissioner of Police should stop unwarranted molestation of our youths by the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad otherwise known as F-SARS and its counterparts in the State

3. The Senate President and the Speaker of National Assembly should institute public enquiry on the extra judicial activities, killings,maiming and dehumanization of our youths by the Anti- Robbery Squad ; ensure that the victims are duly compensated while erring officers sanctioned appropriately

4. SARS be proscribed and a new security outfit which will be more efficient with clearly spelt out code of conduct and rule of engagements be established while sanction is imposed for misdemeanor

5. Mr President to ensure that culpable officials of SARS receive the punishment as prescribed by the National Assembly

6. Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petitions liaise with the Commissioner of Police and Attorney General of the State to fashion out ways and means to address allegations of ruthlessness and extra judicial killings contained in the petition against SARS in the state.

7. The Governor of Lasgos State Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu engage relevant institutions to protect lives and property in the state such that phones, laptops and other means of communication belonging to youths are not confiscated indiscriminately without warrant.

Popular Nigerian musician, Wizkid is still on the head on the president, Muhammadu Buhari.

After referring to him to as an old man, he has also reacted to a photo of him and the national security adviser of the country.

A tweet by the presidency read:

“President @MBuhari received briefing from National Security Adviser Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd), accompanied by Coordinator Presidential Amnesty Programme Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (Rtd) at the State House, Abuja.”

Upon seeing the tweet, Wizkid wrote;

“You think they had some time to discuss SARS?”

 The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it was not aware the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the Returning Officer for Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo.

The commission said it neither received any letter nor communication from the main opposition party on its rejection of Prof. Eyitope Ogungbenro Ogunbodede, the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

INEC spokesman in Ondo, Babalola Lebile, told The Nation he was hearing the said rejection for the first time.

The PDP on Thursday afternoon said the people of Ondo would not be getting free and fair elections with the present composition of INEC.

Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council, Governor Seyi Makinde, who spoke at a briefing in Akure said Prof. Ogunbodede was a known crony of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and also hails from Owo, hometown of Akeredolu.

Makinde, who insisted that Prof. Ogunbodede would not be a fair party in the proceedings by virtue of his association with Akeredolu, called on INEC to immediately replace him.

 Presidency said President Muhammadu Buhari has been briefed about the grievances of Nigerian on police brutality- Media aide to the president, Bashir Ahmad, said Buhari was notified on Thursday by the police IG Mohammed Adamu- Ahmad assured aggrieved Nigerians that President Buhari will give fresh directives in the interest of the people 

118 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;

Lagos-41
Rivers-19
Osun-17
Nasarawa-13
Kaduna-5
Anambra-5
Edo-3
Ogun-3
Kwara-3
Ondo-3
Katsina-2
Niger-2
Plateau-1
Akwa Ibom-1

59,583 confirmed
51,308 discharged

Highlights

On the 6th of October 2020, 118 new confirmed cases were recorded in Nigeria.

Till date, 59583 cases have been confirmed, 51308 cases have been discharged and 1113 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory

The 118 new cases are reported from 13 states- Lagos (41), Rivers (19), Osun (17), Nasarawa (13), Kaduna (5), Anambra (5), Edo (3), Ogun (3), Ondo (3), Katsina (2), Niger (2), Plateau (1), Akwa Ibom (1)

A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities.