News
#OccupyLekki: Police arrest 30 as more protesters storm tollgate
Over 30 people have been arrested in connection with Saturday protest in Lekki tollgate as more youths stormed the arena to express their dissatisfaction with the ruling of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Enquiry on the reopening of the tollgate.
Soldiers were accused of firing live ammunition at #EndSARS protesters on October 20, 2020, at the Lekki toll plaza.
A popular comedian, Mr Macaroni (Debo Adebayo) was among the first set of protesters the police picked up in the morning as some #OccupyLekki protesters ignored the warnings of the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and the police that they would stop the protest.
The second set of protesters, led by an activist, Dabira, got arrested after arriving at the venue.
Though some of them were said to have initially resisted the arrest, the security operatives overpowered them.
Some of the protesters were beaten and their phones seized by the police.
Before her arrest, Dabira urged Nigerians to “stand up” for the country, adding that arresting protesters was “wrong”.
Meanwhile, some rights activists and organisations have condemned the arrest, describing the action as anti-democratic.
One of them, Amnesty International Nigeria, tweeted, “Today Amnesty International received reports of the arrest of some protesters #EndSARS at the #Lekkitollgate #Lagos. We are calling on all Nigerian authorities to demonstrate the commitment to protecting the right to peaceful protest.”
The police had earlier warned youths who planned to protest at the Lekki tollgate on Saturday (today) to shelve the idea and vowed to stop it.
But the young Nigerians, under the aegis of #EndSARS Season 2 and #OccupyLekkiTollgate, vowed to defy the government’s order.
Another group, #DefendLagos, which threatened to hold a counter protest, withdrew from the protest, noting that it was in accordance with the government’s directives that no protest should hold.
The #EndSARS Season 2 and #OccupyLekkiTollgate said their action was informed by the decision of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry allowing the Lekki Concession Company to reopen the Lekki tollgate.
Four out of the nine members of the panel faulted the report of the forensic experts hired to comb the scene for evidence.
The four members who faulted the forensic report also rejected the application by the LCC, operator of the Lekki tollgate, to take possession of the facility, which had been closed since the probe of the shootings started.
The four members who rejected the forensic report are the two representatives of the civil society – Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) and Ms. Patience Udoh; as well as the two youth representatives on the panel – Rinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodunmi.
But the Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Doris Okuwobi, and four other members of the panel acceded to the LCC’s request to repossess the tollgate.
The chairman was backed by Segun Awosanya (popularly known as Segalink), Oluwatoyin Odusanya (Director, Citizens Rights), DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.) (representing the police) and Lucas Koyejo (from the National Human Rights Commission).
News
I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said he is alive, hale and hearty.
He stated this in reaction to rumours of his death being reportedly spread on some social media platforms.
He spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, during the inauguration of the Old-Garage/Oke-Fia Road reconstructed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Obasanjo said those who wanted him dead were spreading the rumour of his death on the social media.
He said, “I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it on the social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I’m alive.
“Those that want me dead, that is their wish, but God still keeps me alive.”
Obasanjo praised Adeleke for his performance in Osun and charged the governor to keep up the work.
Governor Adeleke assured the people of the state that his administration would complete all the ongoing projects.
“My dear people of Osun State, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometres of roads across the state.
“Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while work is progressing at the Ile Ife Flyover and Ilesa dualisation.”
News
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
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