News

Lekki shooting: South-West ministers seek probe into military role

Published

3 years ago

November 5, 2020

Ministers from the South-West have requested a thorough investigation into the recent shooting incident at Lekki tollgate, Lagos, particularly the role of the military.

This was part of recommendations in their report presented at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday after visiting to the plaza for on-the-spot assessment.

The ministers were directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to relocate to their home states to douse the tension generated by the #EndSARS protests and aftermath crisis.

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, spoke on the South-West recommendations in an interview with journalists after the FEC meeting in Abuja.

Apart from Fashola, other South-West ministers in the team are Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Sunday Dare (Oyo), Olamilekan Adegbite (Ogun), Olorunnibe Mamora (Lagos) and Tayo Alasodura (Ondo).

Armed soldiers had invaded the protest ground at Lekki tollgate to forcefully disperse the protesters.

The incident sparked outrage within and outside the country.

Fashola said, “We urged that the Federal Government to undertake a thorough investigation into what happened in the Lekki Toll Plaza, particularly the role of the military and ensure that the outcome is made public with a view to achieving closure on the matter.”

They also recommended that the FG should assist in the restoration of Lagos and others affected by the post-#EndSARS protest crisis.

Fashola said, “The highlight of the brief was to make recommendations to the Federal Government to support Lagos State to restore damaged facilities especially those related to the maintenance of law and order and the administration of justice such as police, court buildings and forensic laboratory.

“To also consider supporting the Lagos High Court judges either with the provision of some office accommodation as a temporary relocation when that request is made. Of course, it was hinted during the visit. To also urge the Federal Government to consider short to medium-term support to small and medium businesses who were affected by the looting and arson which took place in Lagos and other parts of the country; to see if something can be done through the Central Bank Intervention Mechanism under the COVID-19 funding or any other related funding mechanism.

“And to also ensure that whatever is approved should also involved the National Economic Council, the platform on which state governors meet, so that other states across the country who were also affected, businesses were damaged can benefit in addition to Lagos residents who may so be supported.”

The ministers urged the government to re-mobilise critical organs and agencies such as National Orientation Agency and formal educational institutions to focus on ethical re-orientation, inculcation of family values into the school curriculum.

They called for a focus on etiquette, local reasoning, critical thinking, solution seeking, empathy, self respect, civic duty and human rights.

Related Topics:Featured lekki ministers South west

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Just in: CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele suspended

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2023

Trends Admin

Just in: CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele suspended

President Bola Tinubu has suspended Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The announcement came on Friday from the office of the secretary to the government of the federation.

Willie Bassey, director of information at the SGF office, in a statement said the suspension was with immediate effect.

The press release

The statement read, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, CFR, from office with immediate effect.

“This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.

“Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.”

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We don’t envy Tinubu, says Sultan during monarchs visit to State House

Published

5 hours ago

June 9, 2023

Trends Admin

We don’t envy Tinubu, says Sultan during monarchs visit to State House

Traditional on Friday paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at State House conference centre, Abuja.

They were led by Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad, who said the visit was customary by the monarchs whenever there is a change in leadership of the country.

According to the Sultan, the monarchs do not envy Tinubu at this time, with the numerous challenges facing the country.
He, however, expressed confidence that with the combination of himself and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, they would deliver.

“We thank God for the smooth way the elections took place. Many negative people thought this country will collapse but we are still here,” he said.

“We are here for you, for our people and our country. If you don’t reach out to us, we will reach out to you.
“We wish you the most successful tenure in good health.”

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who also spoke at the meeting, urged President Tinubu to make use of traditional rulers to tackle the issue of insecurity in the country.

The monarch said Tinubu should not underestimate what traditional rulers could do, given their closeness to the people.

“There are areas we will like to work with you, one of which is security. It is time to use us the more, we are not saying we are idle…but to make your work easier, use us,” he said.

“The foundation of this country today are the traditional rulers. We are here to pledge our loyalty and support. We want to work with you to ensure you leave a legacy.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the meeting along with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Other monarchs present are Emir of Kano, Obi of Onitsha, Tor Tiv, Etsu Nupe, Deji of Akure, Shehu of Borno, Elegushi of Ikate, Jaja of Opobo, Lamido of Adamawa, Emir of Zauzzau, Gbong Gwom Jos, Attah Igala, Alake of Egbaland, Shehu of Borno, a representative of the Oba of Benin.