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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says engagement with the Nigerian youths has to be transparent and honest in order to build a progressive society and nation.

Osinbajo’s Spokesman, Laolu Akande, In A Statement In Abuja, Said The Vice President Received At The Presidential Villa, The Executive Committee Of The Young Parliamentarians Forum, Led By Its Chairman, Simon Elisha, On Tuesday.

The Vice President said that the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) were not done on the basis of sharing slots between public officials or political chieftains, but in a manner whereby Nigerians who knew no one could benefit and did benefit.

“The first problem was everybody wanted a slot. I resisted it. Why? If I do that, we will destroy the programmes because majority of Nigerians don’t know people who will take the slots.

“It was not that one was being purist, but if young people can’t get the benefit except they know someone then we have failed the young people.

“One day, the President called me that he was listening to BBC Hausa Service and he heard two young men-beneficiaries of N-Power – saying they didn’t know anybody but were being paid the N30, 000 monthly stipends.

“The President said that is what shows we are making a difference; and everywhere we went during the 2019 campaigns, we had these young people organising themselves coming out supporting us.

“If people know they count, then they can trust us and they won’t destroy because they have a stake.

Otherwise, people will never trust us,” he submitted, insisting that “political leaders must make sacrifices in order to win the trust of the people.”

He acknowledged that there were indeed important issues to be addressed.

Osinbajo said the youths were not just a demography but in the majority.

“What we need to do for that vast majority is what we must do for our country. We must find a way so they are represented as effectively as possible,” he said.

He welcomed the support of the House of Representatives members for the newly formed National Economic Council (NEC) committee set up yesterday to interface with youths, and other stakeholders on issues of employment, social safety-nets and national unity.

Elisha commended the Vice President’s sincere interaction with the youths over the years and especially in the wake of the #EndSARS protests across the country and called for improved interaction between youths and leaders at all levels.

In his contribution, Luke Onofiok, from Akwa Ibom State lauded the courage exhibited by the Vice President in honestly addressing issues in the wake of the nationwide protests.

“We appreciate the messages you sent to the youth during the protests. It doused tensions. You did the job of John the Baptist for the President ahead of his speech to the nation,” he said.

Other members of the forum at the meeting included Hafiz Kawu, Tarauni Federal Constituency, Kano State, Kabiru Tukura, Zuru/Fakai/Sakaba/D/Wasagu Federal Constituency, Kebbi State and Saidu Abdullahi, Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, Niger.

Also in the meeting were Taiwo Oluga, Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency, Osun State and Shina Abiola-Peller, Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Oyo State

Elisha represents Kaltungo/Shongom Federal Constituency in Gombe State while Onofiak is from Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom.

Former Nigerian international, Taribo West, has announced his preparedness to lead a protest against Nigerian football authorities.

The former Super Eagles player turn pastor said it’s time for persons with integrity to helm the affairs of Nigeria’s football.

His comments is coming on the heels of #EndSARS protests, which calls for end to police brutality and reforms in the police sector.

The former Inter Milan defender believes such reforms should affect the Nigeria Football Federation, and he’s ready to lead a protest to see that happen.

West who believes corrupt officials run Nigeria’s football, said he is going to ensure such people are booted out.

“We are going to protest against those that have hijacked our football system,” Taribo said.

“Everything happening #EndSARS in the Nigerian system must also affect the football house. ‘People with integrity must run the football house because money that has been siphoned, embezzled & mismanaged can’t be quantified.

“Work of God is in my spirit, but football is in my blood. I’ll lead a protest against the mismanagement of funds in Nigerian football,” the Atlanta Olympic gold medalist added.

The Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM), Osun State chapter has criticized the government’s plan of a house-to-house search for looted items.

Security agents will begin the operation across the state on Thursday.

In a statement on Wednesday, DSM Coordinator, Alfred Adegoke and Secretary, Kola Ibrahim, said the raid would be an infringement of citizens’ rights.

Condemning the loot and destruction of public and private properties, they maintained that house search was a repressive measure.

DSM referred to images of soldiers and policemen assaulting citizens while enforcing curfew, especially in Osogbo and Ilesa.

“This again justifies the cries of Nigerians in the #EndSARS struggle for a total reform of security agencies.

If anybody is found to have flouted the law, there are laid down rules for prosecution rather than dehumanizing them. The government imposed a 24-hour curfew without addressing the question of how people will survive.

“This is similar to how the government handled the COVID-19 lockdown. They locked down the state for weeks without any provision for citizens’ survival, even when the government had palliatives.

Even if the government was to impose a curfew, such should have been done without resorting to a sudden 24-hour curfew.

“The attempt to criminalise the people of the state through a house-to-house search for looted goods is misplaced.

We make bold to say that the state government is culpable in the degeneration of the #EndSARS protest and the subsequent mass looting. Those who hijacked and attacked peaceful #EndSARS protesters are political thugs.

“We hold that the planned house-to-house search is unwarranted, and an infringement on the rights of the citizens.

We call on all people of the state, especially the labour movement and communities, to reject this ill-motivated plan.

While not supporting looting and arson, we call on the government to stop its anti-poor policies”, the statement added.

The Nigerian Correctional Service has said it will publish the names and pictures of over 1,500 inmates who escaped after hoodlums broke into custodial facilities in Edo and Ondo States.

Recall that inmates escaped from Benin and Oko prisons, Edo State, and in Okitipupa prison, Ondo State, on Monday and Thursday, respectively.

Speaking on Friday, October 25, the NCoS spokesman, DCC, Austin Njoku, said 1,993 inmates broke out of the two prisons in Edo, while 58 reportedly escaped from the Ondo correctional facility.

He said the service was equally mobilising various security and intelligence resources to recapture the fleeing inmates.

“We are mobilising the people and the press for information because to inject the number of such people into the society is a problem. Imagine over 1,000 criminals injected into society?

We are mobilising the intelligence agencies, the police and the DSS (Department of State Services). We are publishing their names and pictures very soon,” he said.

Sanai (SOB) Agunbiade, Majority leader in the Lagos State House of Assembly has said that he was deciding to share the palliatives stolen from his home in Ikorodu on Friday, October 23.

An unknown group of hoodlums attacked his apartment and carted away food items and other stuff they came across.

According to Agunbiade, he was tipped off about a possible attack but didn’t pay much attention to it.

He added that he had the palliatives together with other items from well-meaning Nigerians and had intended to share them to members of his constituency today October 25.

His statement reads:

Zahra Buhari-Indimi, one of the daughters of President Muhammadu Buhari, has said that the discovery of food items and other COVID-19 palliatives in several warehouses across the country is evidence that her father is not the problem of the country.

The President’s daughter stated this in an Instagram post on Sunday.

She wrote,

“Now that people confirmed that Buhari distributed enough palliatives nationwide, it is clear Buhari is not our problem.”

Youths in the country have been attacking warehouses where COVID-19 COVID-19 palliatives are stored in several states.

Warehouses in Lagos, Plateau, Osun, and Kwara, Ekiti, Cross River, and few other states have been attacked and looted dry in the wake of the End SARS protests.

Cartons of noodles, sacks of garri, and bags of rice, tomato pastes, and many other food items, some of which had gone bad due to poor and prolonged storage were found in the warehouses.

The food items were palliatives donated by the private sector-led Coalition Against COVID-19 to cushion the effects of the pandemic lockdown.

Some were found and looted from private homes of politicians in some instances

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has imposed a curfew in Adamawa State following the looting of warehouses by hoodlums.

Some hoodlums had earlier on Sunday morning broken into a federal warehouse in Kwarnawaya, a community in Yola South Local Government Area, and then a state central store in Bakin Kogi, a community in the heart of Jimeta, Yola North LGA.

The youths in both instances made away with all the content of the warehouses.

Responding to the incidents, Governor Fintiri commended the people of the state for having restrained from violence since the End SARS violence started across the country, but said the government had now been forced to act to check the new trend.

“Fellow citizens, it has become necessary to address you this afternoon following the activities of some misguided elements who have broken into warehouses owned by the State Government and carted away COVID-19 palliatives,”

The governor said in his statewide broadcast.

He added,

“While this Government respects the rights of the citizens to seek redress, it is not blind to the fact that there is a civilized and responsible way of channelling genuine grievances.”

The governor who mentioned four instances when his government distributed palliative items to the people since the COVID-19 pandemic started, announced that the government was to again start the process of distributing available items on Monday, October 26.

On the decision to impose curfew beginning 3pm on Sunday, the governor said,

“Fellow citizens we cannot allow hoodlums and misguided elements operate unchallenged when we are already battling with the challenges of Insurgency, Kidnapping, Cattle Rustling, Banditry and Farmer/Herder clashes.

“Furthermore, reports of people dying in the stampede have been received and we cannot afford to allow anyone to lose his or her life.

“We must also avoid a scenario where the security agents will be blamed if any person loses his/her life while being prevented from looting and destroying Government property.

“In view of the above, I have declared and imposed an indefinite dawn to dusk curfew throughout the State beginning from 3 o’clock Sunday the 25th of October 2020.”

Despite the 24 hours curfew imposed by the State government still Edolite blocked the Ugbowo Lagos road.

They have succeeded in chasing away police officers deployed to the place. Uniben main gate to be precise

While in Satan market in Sapele road, Benin city. Some hoodlums are engaging police soldiers in a gun duel.

A woman has just been shot dead.

The Lagos State Public Relations Officer has announced a ban on protest in the state.

Following the announcement of the emergency curfew enforced on the citizens due to the chaos in the state.

Peaceful Protest has now been banned with immediate effect.

President Muhammadu Buhari has been asked to show responsibility by addressing Nigerians over recent protests.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to address Nigerians especially youths protesting against police brutality.

The Senate made the call on Tuesday asking Buhari to address the nation on the current nationwide protests by youths against police brutality and bad governance.

The Senate also directed the police to offer protection to the #EndSARS protesters to prevent hoodlums from hijacking their genuine action.

The Senate decision was sequel to a point of order by Senator Biodun Olujimi, titled, “#EndSARS: The need for a comprehensive reform”

The federal lawmakers urged the protesters to stop their agitation on the streets while the Federal Government address their demands.

They also urged Buhari to immediately set up a judicial panel of enquiry made up of eminent Nigerians that would be respected by the youths to identify the notorious SARS operatives and ensure their arrest and prosecution

Details later….

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate deployment of anti-riot police unit to protect lives and property of Nigerians nationwide.

In a statement released by the spokesperson of the state police command, Frank Mba on Tuesday October 20, the police boss directed all state Commissioners of Police to identify and isolate law-breakers from peaceful protesters, immediately arrest and diligently prosecute such perpetrators of violence in their respective Commands.

He also called on residents in Edo state to come forward with useful information that can help in the re-arrest of the prisoners that escaped during the jailbreaks in the state on Monday, October 19.

The statement reads:-

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered immediate nationwide deployment of anti-riot police unit – the Police Mobile Force (PMF) – to protect lives and property of all Nigerians and secure critical national infrastructure across the country.

The IGP has also ordered massive deployment of Police operatives to strengthen security around Correctional facilities nationwide. The orders are coming on the heels of increasing attacks including acts of arson and malicious damage to public and private facilities as recorded in some States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Consequently, the Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the FCT are to identify and isolate law-breakers from peaceful protesters; immediately arrest and diligently prosecute such perpetrators of violence in their respective Commands. The IGP notes that twelve (12) suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks and arson on Police Stations in Benin, Edo State. Five (5) AK47 rifles earlier stolen from vandalized Police Stations have also been recovered.

The Inspector-General of Police calls on members of the public to avail the police with useful information that can lead to the re-arrest of the fleeing inmates, unlawfully released from Correctional facilities. Meanwhile, the IGP has advised parents/guardians to prevail on their children/wards to steer-clear of acts of violence and criminality as the Force will henceforth exercise the full powers of the law to prevent any further attempt on lives and property of citizens.

DCP FRANK MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA

Young Nigerians protesting against brutality, bad governance, corruption and insecurity in the country on Saturday blocked all entry points into Abuja.

The demonstrators have occupied the Kubwa and Mararaba highways and rendered all roads within the city centre impassable.

The youth have divided themselves into groups to carry out the protest simultaneously at different locations and this has led to traffic snarls across the city.

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, National President, Yerima Shettima has refuted reports of threatening that the North would go to war over End SARS protest.

The said report, not by us, had claimed Shettima threatened that the North would go to war if President Muhammadu Buhari is removed by Southerners.

Condemning the report, Shettima described such claims as false and malicious, which should be disregarded.

He made the denial through a statement signed by the group’s Legal Adviser, Barr Abubakar liman.

The statement described the group’s National President as a democrat who is not against opposing views.

According to the statement:

“The attention of the AYCF has been drawn to a news by an online platform, in which our National President was purportedly threatening war against the EndSARS protests.

“The online newspapers’ sensational and fictitious news stories said our National President has declared that “North will go to war if Southerners remove Buhari”.

This is a concoction of the publishers’ riotous imagination. We therefore state as follows:-

“Our National President – Alhaji Yerima Shettima has never ever been associated with combative or violent protest to opposing views, for whatever reason

“Our National President has always been a Democrat, following legitimate constitutional processes in his agitations and it is for this reason he has built a record of fearless activism but free of violence.

“The AYFC is a platform of matured citizens who strongly believe in deepening Nigeria’s democracy.

“The false claim of war being attributed to our National President was indeed malicious and we will not take it lying low.

“Just like our National President, we are unapologetic in the promotion of democracy through legal and legitimate means, in line with the nation’s constitution, which supports presentation of grievances with respect to the Rule of Law.”

Fire has gutted the Post Office located at MDS area in Osogbo, Osun State.

The fire incident broke out on Saturday night.

Officials of the Fire Service was said to have visited the scene.

Reason for the fire incidence is unknown as at the time of filling this report.

This development has thrown residents of the state into panic as the post office is located closely to shops.

Watch video below:

Dino Melaye, former Kogi West Senator, has advised the Federal Government to work with protesting Nigerians or face revolution.

Melaye gave the advice while stressing that the government had no constitutional powers to ban protest.

The former lawmaker said the anti-police protest was an indication that Nigerians had woken up from their slumber.

In a tweet, Melaye wrote:

“Government has no power in our extant laws to ban protests.

“So, the Government must realise that the people have woken up from their slumber.

Work with the people or welcome a REVOLUTION. SDM.“

The continued protest against police brutality by aggrieved Nigerian youths has led to the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, unit of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF.

Following the dissolution of SARS, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu had established the Special Weapon and Tactics Team, SWAT.

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ahmed Tinubu has reacted to a news making the rounds that he was among those sponsoring #ENDSARS protesters.

In a statement signed by his spokesman, Tunde Rahman, Tinubu exonerated himself, advising Nigerians to jettison the news.

The statement according to Thecable says:

“There is a need to set the facts and record straight for fear that such a fake story may be taken on its face value by some unwary and gullible persons.

“Asiwaju Tinubu could not have sponsored the #EndSARS protest that has blocked one of the main entries into and out of Lagos and one of the economic arteries of the Lagos State Government.

He could also not have sponsored such a protest where he too has been labeled a target by the organizers.

“Secondly, whereas Asiwaju Tinubu believes in the right of Nigerians to freedom of expression, assembly, and protest where and when necessary, he has always canvassed the need for people to explore peaceful channels to ventilate their views and demands.

“He believes the #EndSARS protesters have made their demands, which the Federal Government is studying.

Like most Nigerians, Asiwaju believes that SARS’ brutality and untoward conduct against innocent youths and other Nigerians have gone on for too long and that security outfit ought to be disbanded as demanded by the protesters.

“Asiwaju Tinubu believes it’s now time for our youths to wait, exercise restraint for dialogue and reform to commence.

It is therefore the height of illogicality to ascribe the sponsorship of the protest to Asiwaju.

The sponsors of this fake news forget that the protest is so widespread and cuts across the country.”

Jane, a physically challenged Nigerian lady is currently feeling the warmth and kindness of Nigerians as she is now only a few thousand naira away from changing her life for the better.

Despite living with just a limb, this did not deter her from joining the ongoing anti-SARS protest. A photo of Jane at the protest walk surfaced online, leaving many people in awe and some, inspired.

Popular influencer and medical practitioner, Aproko Doctor, shared the now-viral photo of the lady and revealed she had been unemployed since 2013 due to her present reality.

He then set up a GoFundMe to raise the sum of N500,000 to get her a prosthetic leg. Much to the pleasure and surprise of many people, the account raised over targeted sum under 1 hour.

Due to the willingness of many to contribute towards helping the young lady, the targeted sum was increased to N1,500,000.

Aproko Doctor explained that the decision was made in order to get Jane the highest quality.

He wrote:-

“We updated the amount needed after deliberations with @Bayo_Ojelabi seeing as she will deserve the highest quality possible. He and his team will not collect a dime for assembling the prostheses. Everything will be done. Free of Charge. God bless you! Let’s keep it coming!”

President Umaro Embalo has expressed appreciation to President Buhari for his support and the fatherly advice he had been receiving from him before and after his inauguration as president of Guinea Bissau.

President Embalo explained that he named a street in Bissau, capital of Guinea Bissau, after President Buhari as a mark of honour and respect he has for the Nigerian leader due to his honesty, discipline and fear of God.

On his part, President Macky Sall of Senegal commended the way and manner Nigeria is supporting the cost of war against insurgency and terrorist activities in all the Lake Chad Basin areas.

The Senegalese leader gave the commendation at the end of a dinner meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday night.

He also lauded Nigeria for supporting the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) toward the restoration of peace and constitutional order in Mali.

He said,

“What I can say on Mali is that I did know that ECOWAS was very involved since the beginning (of the political crisis). Of course Mali is one of our great countries in ECOWAS.

“As you know, Mali is under occupation by terrorists, even Niger Republic, and I want to salute the great action of Nigeria against Boko Haram and how Nigeria is supporting the cost of war even in all the Lake Chad Basin area.

*“Nigeria is also supporting ECOWAS including Mali, Niger and in Burkina Faso where we have a very serious situation.”

Sall reiterated the commitment of the ECOWAS leaders to continue to support the transitional government in Mali to enable it meet the December 2021 deadline of conducting elections in that country.

#EndSARS protesters in Lagos on Friday continued their protests across the city, demanding justice for all victims of police brutality and killings.

While they continue to press for their demands to be met, the protest took another twist as the Muslim youths observed their Jumaat prayers on the road.

Popular comedian, Macaroni took to his Twitter page to share the video of the Muslims praying on the road.

The prayer took place at the House of Assembly Drive, Alausa.

We are all one!! Irrespective of religion or tribe!! We are all one!! There should be no division!! Love must lead!! We are all Nigerian Youths and all we want is a better Nigeria!!! Together we shall overcome!!! 

#EndSARSpic.twitter.com/2XdswjJveo

— DeboMacaroni (@mrmacaronii)

Hoodlums on Friday left few #EndSARS protesters in Benin, the Edo State capital injured and two reportedly dead.

One of the male victims was shot dead while the other was macheted by hoodlums at Ring Road near the palace of the Oba of Benin.

The attackers struck after the protesters gathered at the King’s axis of Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The attackers chased the protesters as they brandished machetes and shot into the air.

They dispersed the protesters after killing two of them.

However, the protesters repelled the attackers and carried on with their peaceful demonstrations until their demands are met.