Month: October 2020

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Plateau State Government Denies Hoarding Palliatives

Following the vandalization and looting of palliatives from some warehouses in Jos and Bukuru on 24th October 2020, it has become expedient for the Plateau State Government to condemn the action and further make some clarifications about the items to clear the erroneous impression that they were being hoarded.

The items at the warehouses were delivered to the state by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Social Development and Disaster Management for distribution to beneficiaries in Plateau State.

The public may recall that the Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk was in Jos together with the Minister of Women Affairs Dame Paullen Tallen on the 16th October 2020 to deliver the items and had indeed brought in the personnel of the Ministry to carry out the distribution in conjunction with State officials. However as they were preparing to begin the process, the #ENDSARS protests began which put the process on hold.

Unfortunately while the team from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Social Development and Disaster Management alongside the state representatives were waiting for the coast to clear to commence the distribution, the stores were breached and the items carted away.

The Plateau State Government therefore wishes to state categorically that it did not hoard any palliatives meant for the citizens of the State at any time. All the palliatives purchased by the State and those donated by private individuals were distributed equitably by the State Palliative Committee headed by His Excellency Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Governor of Plateau State.

With this explanation, it would be wrong and mischievous for anyone to suggest that the State Government was hoarding food items meant for indigent citizens. The Rescue Administration of Governor Simon Lalong will never tolerate that.

Government wishes to once again appeal to the citizens particularly the youths to continue to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any action that could cause the breakdown of law and order.

The Government wishes to remind citizens that directive for the ban on protests and procession is still in force and security agencies still have the mandate to arrest and prosecute those who violate the order.

Lets always Think and Act Plateau!

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BREAKING: Plateau Govt Re-installs 24 hours Curfew in Jos North/South, Starting 4pm Today 24th October

Fellow citizens of Plateau State, you will recall that I announced a 24-hour curfew in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas on 20th October 2020 in response to the disturbances that arose when hoodlums hijacked the ENDSARS protests leading to the destruction of lives and properties.

After an assessment of the situation, the curfew was relaxed from the hours of 6am to 8pm from yesterday 23rd October 2020.
However today, some hoodlums broke into the warehouses where palliatives delivered to the State by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development last week were stored awaiting distribution and carted them away.

This looting has spread to other facilities and is gradually degenerating thereby threatening the peace and security of the State.
To avoid further escalation, I hereby direct the immediate reinstatement of the 24-hour curfew earlier relaxed from 4pm today 24th October 2020 in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Areas till further notice.

By this, security agencies are directed to enforce the curfew and ensure that all violators are arrested and prosecuted.
I call on all citizens and stakeholders to continue to cooperate with Government in ensuring the peace and progress of Plateau State.

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US officials visit Osinbajo, implores prosecution of those responsible for Lekki killings

A senior official of the United States Government, Counselor T. Ulrich Brechbühl, on Thursday, October 22, met with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at the State House, Abuja over the current situation in the country.

This meeting with Osinbajo also had Assistant Secretary Robert Destro and Assistant Secretary Denise Natali, in attendance.

It was held to raise U.S. concerns about the ongoing violence, human rights, religious freedom, and trafficking in persons.

According to a statement by the spokesman of the US mission in Nigeria, Morgan Ortagus, the delegation wanted to hear from senior Nigerian Government officials how the issues are being addressed.

Counselor Brechbühl, while expressing the U.S. condemnation of the use of excessive force by military forces who fired at unarmed demonstrators in Lagos, expressed condolences to the victims of the shootings, urging the Nigerian government to abide by its commitment to hold those responsible accountable under the law.

Both Vice President Osinbajo and Counselor Brechbühl agreed that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has again appealed to #EndSARS protesters to resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating the nation’s nascent democracy.

The president made the appeal in a national broadcast on Thursday, October 22.

He enjoined the protesters to take advantage of the various initiatives of his administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful.

According to Buhari, doing otherwise will amount to undermining national security as well as law and order.

He said under no circumstances would this be tolerated.

“I, therefore, call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage the government in finding solutions.

”Your voice has been heard loud 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,” he said.

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#EndSARS: Northern Govs condemn political hijackers bent on tarnishing Buhari’s administration

The Northern States Governors’ Forum has expressed concern that the ongoing #EndSARS protests have been taken over by hooligans, ethnoreligious bigots, and political marauders bent on destroying the country.

A communique signed by its Chairman and Governor of Plateau, Mr Simon Lalong, said Nigerians must unite against the “diabolical influencers”, and ensure peaceful coexistence in the country amidst the #EndSARS protests.

The communique was issued after the Forum’s meeting in Kaduna on Thursday, October 22, to review the current security challenges in the country.

The governors called on Nigerians “to resist these enemies of the nation by supporting Mr. President, the Federal Government, and democracy at large”.

“Forum also appeal to all citizens to restrain themselves from the unwarranted disposition of sentiments, harassment, and intimidation of other citizens resident in their home states.

“Also, the forum notes that all these are antics of the enemies of the country who are violently pushing for regime change outside the ballot box.

“Forum resolve to further intensify strategic engagements among different levels of stakeholders in our respective states.”

The forum urged all Nigerians to see themselves as equal citizens of the country, as the unity of Nigeria cannot be compromised.

The northern governors expressed worry and concern on why the #EndSARS protests have persisted in spite of the magnanimity of government and efforts being made at federal and state levels to put an end to the protest.

They condemned the incessant destruction of lives and properties and commiserated with the victims.

“Forum also notes the heavy presence of external influencers both locally and internationally and call on all citizens particularly community leaders and youth groups to be very vigilant and report the presence of such people to security agencies.”

The governors called for comprehensive and robust reforms in the Police Force to supports various initiatives put in place by the Federal Government.

They pledged to fast track such reforms in their respective states.

It called for a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate all levels of destruction and killings during the EndSARS protest.

The Northern governors urged greater synergy between states and the federal government in strengthening the unity, oneness, and overall development of the country.

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INEC postponed Senatorial, State House of Assembly bye-elections

Senatorial and State House of Assembly bye-elections slated to hold on October 31 in 11 states have been postponed by INEC.

The bye-elections scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 31, in 11 states have been postponed, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Festus Okoye, the national commission and chairman, information and voter education committee made this known in a statement shared on INEC’s official Twitter account on Thursday, October 22.

According to Okoye, the commission took the decision following an emergency meeting with 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to review preparations following the current security situation in some parts of Nigeria.

INEC postpones bye-elections in 11 states. Photo credit: TheCable Source: UGC However, following the current security situation in parts of the country INEC decided to postpone the bye-elections in the 6 senatorial districts and 9 state constituencies.

The commission’s decision is in compliance with Section 26 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which gives INEC 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.

This was disclosed in a statement by the state publicity secretary Seye Oladejo. Oladejo urged the public to wait for the outcome of the primaries. Following the unfortunate demise of Senator Sikiru Bayo Osinowo and Hon. Tunde Braimoh the two seats became vacant.

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Full Speech by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari On The EndSars Protests

ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE ENDSARS PROTESTS, 22ND OCTOBER, 2020

Fellow Nigerians,

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.

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
  11. 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 three 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; and
d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders.

  1. 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.
  2. No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.
  6. We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.
  7. We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected.
  8. 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.
  9. 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 judgment and making hasty pronouncements.
  10. 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.
  11. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.
  12. 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.
  13. 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. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.

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Plateau state Government relaxes Curfew

Following resolutions reached at a high level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, one of which is the need for stakeholders to immediately engage their communities across the state in a systematic Peace dialogues aimed at de-escalating tension, the Government has decided to relax the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North and South Local Government Areas from 6am to 8pm as from Friday October 23, 2020 until further notice.

This decision was reached after painstaking deliberations with critical stakeholders and careful assessment of the security situation that led to the skirmishes in some parts of the affected local government areas, last Tuesday.
Please note that the government is not unmindful of citizens’ Constitutional Rights to hold lawful assembly or stage peaceful protests as long as these are carried out within the extant laws of Nigeria. As a Government, we also appreciate the fact that these are the variables that further deepen our democracy.

However, as a deliberate approach to prevent a repeat of last Tuesday’s ugly incident where precious human lives and property were lost, the Government has for now also resolved to ban forthwith any processions and protests under whatever guise in order to safeguard the lives all citizens of the state. This is to enable the Government isolate and deal with those who are bent on disrupting the peace of the State.

By this notice, we urge all law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation as government has put all necessary measures in place to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the state.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Plateau State government has already set machinery in motion to address the demands raised by the protesters. In this light, government has constituted a Committee headed by a retired High Court Judge, Justice Philomena Lot which has since swung into action and ready to receive petitions from those who have cases.
We sue for understanding and patience from all and sundry as government takes decisive steps to address the demands of the protesters in the coming weeks.

We therefore call on all citizens to avoid any action that is inimical to the overall development of the state especially those that threaten the peace and unity of our people.
Signed.
Prof. Danladi A. Atu
Secretary to the Government of the State
22.10.2020

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Ice Prince urges Nigerian women to protest naked

Popular Nigerian rapper, Ice Prince has reacted to the devastating massacre that happened on Tuesday, October 20.

According to the rapper, Nigerian women should take to the streets to protest naked.

Ice Prince’s statement is coming in the wake of the reported shooting of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate and other places in Lagos.

Men of the Nigerian Army reportedly opened fire on protesters following the declaration of 24hours curfew by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

However, the Army has denied the presence of its soldiers at the scene of the incident.

Reacting, Ice Prince on Twitter wrote;

”I urge mothers, grandmothers, women to come out for us ASAP. Please, I suggest ‘naked’ because that has always worked throughout history.”

1st News had reported that the #EndSARS protesters were attacked by soldiers; who fired live ammunition at them after the Closed Circuit Television Cameras in the vicinity were reportedly removed, and lights were turned off.

An eyewitness told journalists that the protesters were sitting on the floor when the soldiers arrived in the area. He disclosed that the soldiers started shooting sporadically.

The incident caused pandemonium in the area as some #EndSARS protesters scampered to safety.

Further, video footage have emerged of protesters trying to attend to the injured with crude objects; as ambulances were initially prevented from coming through by the military. However, they were later let through as several injured youths were ferried to the hospital.

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#EndSARS: Anxiety as IGP allegedly orders withdrawal of policemen from VIPs

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has allegedly ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to influential Nigerians and other Very Important Personalities (VIPs) in the country in the wake of the #EndSARS protest which has degenerated into a near breakdown of law and order.

The development comes in the wake of the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki tollgate on Tuesday, October 20.

Equally important, 1st News gathered that the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs came via a signal from the IGP. The signal was issued on Wednesday, October 21. Specifically, the directive was issued to zonal police commands across Nigeria. The directive is expected to take immediate effect.

Meanwhile, all withdrawn police officers are expected to report to their respective commands.

Further findings by 4wardwego indicate that only police officers attached to Government houses; as well as the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives are exempted from the directive.

The IGP has also warned that commanders who flout the directive will face swift sanctions. He added that any police personnel found guarding any VIP with or without firearms will be deemed to have been deployed by his commander; noting that the commander found culpable will face the consequences.

The development has caused concerns in certain quarters; especially in view of the violent turn that the #EndSARS protests have taken. The withdrawal of the police protection, it is believed, will further leave a number of influential Nigerians vulnerable and open to the wave of violence and pillaging that has been witnessed in recent days.

Before the shooting of unarmed protesters in Lekki on Tuesday, there were indications that the #EndSARS agitations had been hijacked by miscreants, many of whom had embarked on violence and looting of properties.

Consequently, a number of state governments had declared 24-hour curfew in order to stem the violence.

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Oriental Hotel condemns attack on facilities, denies Tinubu ownership

The Western Metal Products Company (WEMPCO) Group, owners of Lagos Oriental Hotel, on Wednesday condemned attacks on its facilities during the violence that accompanied #EndSARS protest in the Lekki area of Lagos.

Mr Taiwo Alli, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, WEMPCO Group, in a statement in Lagos; said the firm formally acknowledged there was an attack on its property by hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful protest.

Alli said that the facilities were attacked when hoodlums armed with guns, knives and bottles, forcefully gained entrance; assaulted some of its security personnel and damaged property.

“Unidentified individuals, whose motives remain unknown to us, have gone to town with a rather unfortunate narrative; claiming that the Lagos Oriental Hotel is the investment of politicians, thereby exposing it to unwarranted attacks.

“Lagos Oriental Hotel is owned by the WEMPCO Group with 99% shareholding. The WEMPCO Group of Companies was founded by businessman and entrepreneur, Mr K. F. Tung over fifty (50) years ago.

“The Lagos Oriental Hotel is a flagship in the Nigerian hospitality business. But it’s not a flagship of the WEMPCO Group. It is an investment made by the group in 2008, but not part of their core manufacturing business.

“At present, WEMPCO Group provides jobs for over 25,000 young Nigerians, affording them the opportunity to earn a living and gain useful experience. It is, therefore, unfortunate the attempt to disrupt our business and tarnish our image, painstakingly built over the years,” he said.

Alli quoted the Managing Director, Mr Lawrence Tung, as saying that like other responsible businesses operating in Nigeria; Lagos Oriental Hotel was hopeful there would be an end to cases of injustice identified in the country.

“It is, however, important to protect our businesses from unwarranted attacks by individuals who may not be aware of the facts around our existence.

“We are fully cooperating with the authorities in their investigations into the remote and immediate causes of the incident that occurred on 20th, October 2020.

“We assure our numerous clients and partners that we are working to ensure that normalcy returns to the hotel,” Tung was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the #EndSARS protest in Lagos took another dimension on Tuesday evening; when soldiers allegedly shot protesters defying curfew at Lekki Toll Gate. The development escalated into violence in Lagos. Further, it led to massive destruction of public and private facilities and vehicles.