Again, NECO Postpones Exams [LEADERSHIP]
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has again postponed all its Senior Secondary schools Certificate Examination scheduled for this week.
The council in a statement
by its Head of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani yesterday said the council is constrained by circumstances beyond its control.
NECO said it has rescheduled the papers meant for Thursday 22 October 2020, Friday 23 October 2020 and Saturday 24 October 2020.”
“The affected papers are now scheduled for 17th, 18th and 19th November 2020. The examination timetable for these papers will be made available subsequently. “
“These changes were due to the security challenges, which led to the imposition of curfew and closure of schools by some state governments, in order to safeguard lives and properties,” the statement added.
Explore Capital Market To Fund 2021 Budget, Operators Tell FG [LEADERSHIP]
Operators have implored the federal government to utilise the Capital Market in funding the 2021 budget.
The proposed budget of N13.08 trillion for the 2021 fiscal year tagged ‘Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience’ was pre- sented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on October 8, 2020.
The 2021 budget, which represents an increase of 27 per cent from the approved N10.3 trillion budget for 2020, is expected to accelerate the pace of economic recovery, promote economic diversification, enhance competitiveness and ensure social inclusion.
Federal and state governments
had on several occasions raised capital through the market to fund development projects.
Recently, the federal government raised N200billion through its Sukuk I and II to fund over 26 roads across the
six geopolitical zones in the country.
Nigeria, the largest country in Africa by population, is battling with myriad of economic challenges.
Its ability to realise optimal economic potentials is constrained by structural issues, including inadequate
infrastructure, limited foreign exchange capacity, trade barriers, growing unem- ployment, investor apathy, spiraling in- flation and other macroeconomic vagaries.
Government’s penchant for borrowing to finance budget deficit has consistent- ly drawn the ire of economic experts who often express concerns on the implicati- ons of debt burden on the nation’s mo- netary policy.
Recently, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said government was seeking alternative avenues for money, which will attract indigenous and foreign finance and investment experts, top level government functionaries, capital market regulators, investors and other members of the capi- tal market ecosystem.
Speaking on the forth coming 2020 annual conference of Stockbrokers, with the theme, ‘Navigating through the Storms- Reenergizing the Economy through the Capital Market’, the president of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Olatunde Amolegbe, said, “The significance of this year’s theme is better appreciated against the back- drop of the current situation where by the federal government is in dire need of fund to finance the economy. The key messages to the government and companies in Nigeria are that of hope and renewal by taking advantage of opportunities to source long term fund through the capital market.
“The federal government should access medium and long-term fund from the market to finance budget deficit and build infrastructure among others. Companies should also explore the market to shore up working capital, invest in Information and grow business, enhance profitability and boost return on investment (ROI).”
Corroborating him, the registrar and chief executive of CIS, Mr Adedeji Ajadi, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had necessitated the need for comprehensive turnaround of Nigeria’s economy.
“We are sending a poser to the government: With the challenges of COVID-19, a looming recession and other economic issues in Nigeria, how do we turn our economy around? We are suggesting that, if well- explored, the capital market can be a major catalyst to drive the desired growth, and take us through the ‘storm,” he stressed.
Also, managing director of High- cap Securities, David Adonri, said the capital market is where fund users (government and corporate enterprises) source long- term (capital) funds, saying that it is an important mechanism for sharing the wealth of society.
According to Adonri, from the capital formation perspective, the capital market had been instrumental to the economic development of Nigeria, adding that it facilitates economic growth and mobilises savings from numerous economic units such as government, individuals and insti-
tutional investors for users like governments and private enterprises.
On his part, managing director of Sofunix Communications and Investment Limited, Mr Sola Oni said, “Government should begin to look inward, especially the capital market. The market has absorptive capacity to generate huge amount of fund with multipli- er effect of deepening the market. The time is now.”
163 Edo Jailbreak Escapees Recaptured [LEADERSHIP]
163 out of the 1,993 inmates who escaped from prison during a jailbreak occasioned by the #EndSARS protest in Edo State have been rearrested.
This is just as the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, has given a two-day ultimatum to the remaining 1,818 inmates still at large to return to the facilities or face the full wrath of the law.
Obaseki who spoke in Benin City, the Edo State capital, after embarking on an on-the-spot assessment of the facilities said the state government would not relent until the prisoners are recaptured and returned to the two prisons centres in the state.
Oko minimum prison and Sapele road correctional centre were invaded and prisoners set free by the hoodlums following Monday’s attack.
The governor was accompanied on a guided tour of the correctional centres by his deputy, Phi- lip Shaibu; representatives of the Inspector General of Police, AIG Johnson Okoye; Controller of Correctional Centre, Edo State, Babayo Maisanda, deputy Controller of the state Correctional Centre, Mr West Amayo and the manager, Mr Egbobawaye Andrew.
Condemning the invasion Obaseki said, “This is not in the spirit of the EndSARS protest. This is share criminality, the prote- sters were focusing on reform of our policing system in the country and not to destroy prisons and release inmates.
You can tell that there are criminal intention behind this act than the #EndS- ARS protest in Edo which was hijacked by criminals and they used the opportunity to come and release their colleagues.
“We condemn the act whole- heartedly and we expect that even the #EndSARS organizers would join us in condemning this dastardly act.
Government cannot sit down and allow a breakdown of law and order in our society.
“Having seen the level of destruction that has taken place, we have to move swiftly into action.
It is unfortunate, the Inspector General of Police understanding the gravity of what happened in Edo asked the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Celestine Okoye to come to Benin to assist in putting the situation under control.
“We are fortunate that the Commander-in-chief has also allowed the military to come and support the police in stabilizing the situation in Edo. I want to reiterate that our government supports that individuals and citizens in the society should have
their rights legitimately. We have failed.
nothing against the EndSARS Maisanda also added that spector General of Police,
“We know some of the inmates have been released. We are using this opportunity to call on all inmates in our correctional facilities who have escaped to come back on their own before the close of business on Friday this week.
“However, for those who don’t report back after Friday night we have their records and biometrics we would go after them and by this time when they come back the appropriate action will be meted against them”.
#EndSARS killings: Buhari under fire, hoodlums on the rampage, burn buildings, vehicles [PUNCH]
Tuesday’s killing of peaceful #EndSARS protesters across the country generated strong condemnation by eminent Nigerians and international bodies on Wednesday.
Protests by youths demanding the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police, which began on October 8, assumed a violent dimension last week when hoodlums and security agents started attacking protesters.
On Tuesday, the violence escalated when soldiers and policemen, as well as hoodlums, killed no fewer than 43 protesters. Six policemen also lost their lives in the crisis.
Those, who commented on the killings, berated the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for deploying armed security agents against unarmed protesters.
Demand soldiers’ withdrawal, Soyinka advises govs, says army must apologise
Condemning the killings, an elder statesman, Prof. Wole Soyinka, called on governors in states where there were protests to immediately demand the withdrawal of soldiers deployed by the Federal Government.
The playwright made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday from his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The statement was titled, ‘DÉJÀ VU – In tragic vein.’
The Nobel laureate said, “To the affected governors all over the nation, there is one immediate step to take: demand the withdrawal of those soldiers. Convoke town hall meetings as a matter of urgency. 24-hour curfews are not the solution. Take over the security of your people with whatever resources you can rummage. Substitute community self-policing based on local councils, to curb hooligan infiltration and extortionist and destructive opportunism. We commiserate with the bereaved and urge state governments to compensate material losses, wherever.”
He also said the army must apologise, not merely to the nation but to the global community – “the facts are indisputable – you, the military, opened fire on unarmed civilians. There has to be structured restitution and assurance that such aberrations will not again be recorded.”
Act now before it’s too late, Obasanjo’s tells Buhari
On his part, former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote an open letter to the President on the killings, urging him to act fast before it was too late.
Obasanjo accused Buhari and the military of not exhausting all options before they used force against the protesters.
He said, “Great harm has been done, but it can be stopped before it completely spirals out of control.”
The former president, in the letter, titled ‘statement on violence against protesters in Nigeria: An appeal for calm,’ he personally, signed, urged Buhari to withdraw soldiers from streets and engage protesters in dialogues.
While blaming the President for the murder of the protesters at Lekki and other parts of the country, Obasanjo said the shooting of unarmed protesters had never been effective in suppressing public anger.
He also said, “Most of the demands of the protesting youth, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State swiftly took to the President, are not unreasonable and can be met without anyone’s political interest or ambition being threatened.”
Obasanjo also advised the youth to eschew violence , advising them to give peace a chance and stop destruction of public property and targeting individuals.
NBA to institute local and international actions against FG
The Nigerian Bar Association condemned the killings and said it had begun local and international actions against the Federal Government.
The NBA President, Mr Olumide Akpata, asked the Nigerian Army to immediately identify the soldiers who carried out the attack and dismiss them from service.
He said suits would be initiated by the NBA on behalf of the families of the victims, “for abuse of power, disregard of rules of engagement and the infringement of the fundamental rights (including right to life) of the affected citizens”.
Akpata said these in a statement titled, ‘Nigerian Bar Association condemns the killing of peaceful #EndSARS protesters in Lagos by the Nigerian military.’
FEC: Buhari, ministers keep mum on Lekki killings [PUNCH]
THE President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday presided over the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council from the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Despite that the meeting held a few hours after soldiers opened fire on protesting youths in Lekki, Lagos State, and at a time there were reports of continued killing in some parts of the state, the council kept mum on the issue.
None of the ministers who briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting mentioned anything relating to the incident that had turned international attention on the country.
Those who spoke to journalists after the meeting are the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; and the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Mahmood.
Ehanire said his ministry presented a memorandum to the council on a bill to establish a Council for Traditional, Alternative and Complementary Medicine Practice in Nigeria.
He said the memorandum sought to take traditional and complementary medicine out of obscurity and institutionalise it as has been done in other countries, particularly China and India.
Ehanire said, “The outbreak of COVID-19 has renewed the call for home-grown solutions to all these public health diseases and to find the value in our traditional medicine.
“This is an opportunity with which traditional medicine practice can not only be upscaled but also be regulated because there are also areas of malpractice that should be checked.
“It will also provide for the possibility of training, setting up institutions and also being able to research further, working with the Institute of Pharmaceutical Research of Nigeria to dig out the values that are in our traditional medicines, where they can be used and be used for research.”
Adebayo, on his part, said the council ratified Nigeria’s membership of the International Coffee Organisation.
He said the country had been having an observer status in the organisation since 2008 when it signed the agreement and had been missing out on benefits accrued to members.
This, he said, was because the agreement had not been ratified.
Buhari must address Nigerians, Senate spokesperson, Ndume insist [PUNCH]
THE Spokesperson for the Senate, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, have asked the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to comply with the National Assembly’s resolutions on the ongoing nationwide protests against police brutality and bad governance.
Part of the resolutions of the federal lawmakers included an appeal to Buhari to address the nation immediately on the issue.
Basiru and Ndume lamented the current situation in the country, especially the killing of innocent protesters by soldiers.
Ndume said, “I have monitored with shock and personal indignation, the turnout of events on the #EndSARS protest with evidence of obvious descent of the country, particularly in the South-West of Nigeria, after the reckless and disturbing incident at Lekki Tollgate on Tuesday evening.
“As a student, who was involved in several protests, I see no reason for the display of outright recklessness by shooting into unarmed protesters by whoever; governmental or otherwise.
“As an elected representative of the people of Osun Central in the Senate, I deprecate the clear lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Executive to the lingering anarchy and destruction of lives and property.
“At the sitting of the Senate on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, it was resolved that the President should address the nation, not knowing that the evening of that day will bring about more sinister dimensions to the already deteriorated situation.”
Ndume also insisted that Buhari must address the nation immediately in order to reduce the tension.
He said, “Mr President should talk to Nigerians. The Senate has passed a resolution, even though it is advisory, I think it is worth giving the necessary consideration. The parents of the protesting youths should also calm down their children.
“Those who are protesting now should know that government has accepted their demands. They should be organised under a leadership, which will now follow up on the five-point demand, which the government is already considering.
“Any unconnected process without leadership would always end up in chaos,” he added.
Missing 19-year-old girl found dead in Badagry [PUNCH]
A 19-year-old girl, Shalewa Adebowale, who was declared missing on October 11, has been found dead.
The victim went missing while on her way home from her cousin’s house in the Igando area of the state.
The victim’s sister, Feyikemi, who insisted that Shalewa was a student of the Lagos State Polytechnic, told our correspondent that she went to sit the entrance examination of the Lagos School of Nursing, Igando, as she wanted to cross over to the institution.
Feyikemi said that her sister called to tell the family that she finished taking her papers later than she expected and would spend the night at her cousin’s place.
The deceased’s mother, Mrs Adebowale, confirmed to our correspondent on Tuesday that Shalewa had passed away and her body was found at the back of a school in Badagry.
“Shalewa did not make it. Her body was found at the back of a school in Badagry,” she said.
When PUNCH Metro contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, he asked the family to report the discovery to the police in the area so that they could carry out an investigation.
“The family of the victim should let the police in the area be involved so that they can continue investigation. I am sure the DPO of that area will be under pressure, because of the ongoing crises in the state. But let them endeavour to involve the police,” Adejobi stated.
#EndSARS: Hoodlums set Road Safety office, garden ablaze in Asaba [SUN]
The #EndSARS protest is taking a new dimension in Asaba, Delta State capital as hoodlums appear to have hijacked the hitherto peaceful exercise.
This followed the razing of the operational office of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) along the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha expressway, as well as the beautification garden at the nearby Koka junction.
Suspected hoodlums were said to have stormed the FRSC operational office on Wednesday night and set it ablaze.
A Road Safety Officer who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, said “our operational office has been completely razed down.”
Also, the beautification Garden at Koka junction, Asaba, has been set ablaze by suspected hoodlums.
Fury, fire, deaths as protesters go on rampage [SUN]
The shooting of protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos, by suspected soldiers on Tuesday night, yesterday, sparked a rash of violent protest, arson and killings across the nation even as it has elicited global condemnations.
In Lagos, angry youths visited their anger on the home of mother of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Surulere, the new Oyingbo Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) terminus in Oyingbo, the NPA office, several police stations and set them ablaze.
The miscreants defied the 24-hour curfew imposed by Lagos government as the went on the rampage.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had on Tuesday imposed a curfew following violent attacks on some police stations in Orile-Iganmu and other areas in Lagos.
A large number of new BRT buses parked in the terminus situated behind railway line in Oyingbo, waiting for roll out were torched. Some establishments linked to the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, including TV-Continental at the old Tollgate, Ikosi-Ketu, the Nation Newspaper in Mushin and Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island were target by the hoodlums who also besieged his Bourdillion residence in Ikoyi.
The Lekki Toll Plaza, several police stations, three local government councils, bus terminals, Lagos City Mall and branches of at least four commercial banks were either looted or burnt in the orgy of violence.
Police Brutality: Buhari welcomes establishment of Judicial Panel of Inquiry by 13 States [SUN]
Hours after soldiers opened fire on EndSARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate, President Muhammadu Buhari, has again appealed to Nigerians to show understanding with his administration and remain calm, assuring that police reforms will be implemented.
This is as he welcomed the establishment of the Judicial Panels of Inquiry by 13 states to probe cases of police brutality and bring justice for victims across the country.
The president, who made his feelings known in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja, yesterday, said the establishment of the panel was in line with the resolution of the National Economic Council (NEC).
The NEC, under the chairmanship of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, at its meeting on Oct. 15, 2020 resolved to establish State-level Judicial Panels of Inquiry, to investigate allegations of police brutality and ensure that all erring personnel are brought to justice.
States that have set up the panels so far are: Lagos, Kaduna, Delta, Ekiti, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Plateau, Edo, Nasarawa, Ondo and Akwa Ibom.
Buhari lauded the promptness of these necessary subnational actions, and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the State Governments to ensure that justice is achieved for all victims of police brutality in Nigeria.
The statement said prior to that, the president had in June 2019 signed a Bill establishing the Police Trust Fund, to mobilise additional funding for the welfare and equipping of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Accrual of funding into the Fund, as specified in its enabling Act, has commenced.’’
It also recalled that the president had in 2018 approved an increase in police salaries.
The police personnel budget has risen from N288 billion in the 2018 Budget to N417 billion in the proposed 2021 budget, an increase of 45 per cent.
While inaugurating the Nigerian Police Pension Fund Limited building on October 20, he also reiterated continuous support for both serving and retired police personnel.
The president has equally approved the rollout and funding of a new Community Policing Initiative, as part of a larger programme of police reform in Nigeria, aimed at rewriting the rules of engagement between the Force and citizens.
Armed men invade The Nation, set office ablaze [THE NATION]
Armed men on Wednesday set headquarters of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation ablaze after a commando-like invasion.
A statement by the management signed by Editor, The Nation Mr Adeniyi Adesina, said the invaders “kicked their way into the premises after scaring away security men on duty, brandishing their sophisticated guns.
“They poured petrol on the frontage of the building and set fire to it.
“Some of the vehicles parked within the premises were set ablaze, others vandalised.”
It added: “Many boys came thereafter and swooped on the office, looting everything they could lay their hands on.
“These include desktop computers, laptops, air conditioners and other office equipment.
“At the time of the attack, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Mr. Victor Ifijeh, was among those trapped within the office while the fire raged on.
“They were evacuated when men of Operation Mesa security outfit arrived.
“Their arrival ended the free rein of the invaders.
“It was obviously a targeted attack on the free press.
“The Nation had been listed on Twitter and other social media platforms by sympathisers of the ongoing destructive activities, as a target of attack.
“The Nation has robustly reported the protests fairly, giving voice to the agitation of youths for a better Nigeria.
“The Management is at a loss as to why the company should be a target of such unwarranted attack.”
Killings, arson, violence trail #EndSARS protests [THE NATION]
SCORES of people were killed on Tuesday as the violence triggered by the hijack of #EndSARS protests expanded across the country.
Governors took drastic actions to end the violence, arson and killings.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), and Simeon Lalong (Plateau) imposed curfew on their states.
Many policemen were killed and police stations set ablaze. Other public offices were either set on fire or invaded by hoodlums disguising as protesters.
A private hospital was burnt in Lagos because the hoodlums accused its officials of refusing to admit an injured for treatment.
Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu deployed riot policemen across the country to protect police facilities being attacked and destroyed.
In Lekki, Lagos, last night, security agents dispersed the protesters at the tollgate by force. They fired shots.
Bonfires were seen in social media posts as the protesters, who did not leave the place after the curfew declared by Governor Sanwo-Olu took effect, scampered into safety.
The aftermath of the situation was hazy.
The Lagos State Government ordered an investigation into the Lekki incident.
A statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, said the government will do everything within its power to ensure that the lives of all Lagosians are protected at all times.
The statement added: “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised the security agents not to arrest anyone on account of the curfew, which he urges residents to observe for the peaceful atmosphere we all cherish.
”He advises Lagosians to remain calm and not allow criminals, who have hijacked the noble protest of our gallant youths, to succeed in their evil plan of turning our dear State upside down.”
Amnesty Internation also said it will probe the incident.
The figure of those killed at different locations was put at 33, including policemen.
Seven people were feared killed in Lagos; 10 in Abuja; eight in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, two each in Kano, Ekiti and Edo states; and one in Ogun State.
The Oyo Police Command said it lost two men; the Lagos command said it was still compiling the number of casualties.
A policeman was feared dead in Aba, the commercial city of Abia State.
At least, seven police stations, a council secretariat and a hospital in Lagos, were torched.
No fewer than 20 vehicles were burnt in Lagos; another 20 in Kano; 10 in Ibadan and six in Plateau.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police said seven persons were killed in Apo, Abuja on Monday, when thugs disrupted the #ENDSARS protest.
Police Public Relations Officer, Yusuf Mariam, said seven people have been confirmed dead of as yesterday, and that calm had been restored in the area.
No fewer than three persons were feared killed and others injured in Dutse Alhaji area yesterday as thugs continued to unleash mayhem in the FCT.
The Dutse Makaranta Police Station was set ablaze by suspected hoodlums.
Also torched were a church and a filling station; many vehicles and shops in the area were vandalised.
The thugs, some of which were seen brought in an unmarked SUV and a police van, attacked protesters in various locations randomly.
The FCT Police Command refuted reports that policemen shot at five protesters in Abuja.
The Command said, on the contrary, they succeeded in restoring calm at Dutse-Alhaji.
Policemen killed in Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command said two policemen were killed by criminals who hijacked the #EndSARS protest at Ojoo, Ibadan.
It said the hoodlums set Ojoo Police Station ablaze at about 1:00 pm. Other officers are still missing.
Police spokesman Olugbenga Fadeyi, said: “Due to the attacks, some of the Police AK 47 rifles are still missing.”
In Ojoo area of Ibadan, eight persons were feared dead as the #EndSARS protest turned bloody.
Lagos, Ekiti, Abia, Plateau, Osun, Imo, Ondo impose curfew [THE NATION]
Seven states on Tuesday imposed a curfew to arrest escalating violence and killings as hoodlums hijacked the #EndSARS protests.
Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Abia, Plateau, Osun and Imo states announced curfews; others set up probe panels as directed by the National Economic Council (NEC).
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu imposed a 24-hour curfew, with effect from 4 pm. This was later adjusted to 9pm
He said: “I have watched with shock how what began as a peaceful #EndSARS protest has degenerated into a monster that is threatening the well-being of our society.
“Lives and limbs have been lost as criminals and miscreants are now hiding under the umbrella of these protests to unleash mayhem on our State.
“As a government that is alive to its responsibility and has shown a commitment to the movement #ENDSARS, we will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state.”
Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi imposed a 24-hour curfew, with effect from 10 pm last night.
“Government cannot afford to watch a deliberate enthronement of anarchy by some bad elements who have hijacked the protest for some clandestine reasons,” Secretary to the State Government Mr Biodun Oyebanji said.
The Abia State government imposed a 24-hour curfew and placed N1million reward for each authentic video evidence on brutality, extrajudicial killings by security agents in the state.
“To ensure the continued security of lives and property of law-abiding citizens, the governor has also directed the imposition of a 24-hour curfew on Aba and Umuahia from 6 pm today (yesterday) till further notice,” the state said.
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong announced a 24-hour curfew in Jos North and South with effect from 8 pm on Tuesday.
At least, 10 vehicles were burnt; two churches were torched and shops looted by the hoodlums who hijacked the protest in Jos.
Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola imposed a 24-hour curfew from 11.59 pm.
He noted the “unfortunate dangerous dimension the #EndSARS protests have assumed across the country, particularly in the Southwest states”.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma declared a 24-hour curfew, following an alleged plan by hoodlums to turn the #EndSARS protest into violence.
He said in a broadcast that the curfew would begin at midnight.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, promised to set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate the brutality and human rights abuses of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.
Wike, who spoke in a state-wide broadcast, said the state initially declined to set up another panel but reconsidered because of new facts and evidence on the ground.
Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu asked pupils to remain at home until further notice.
The governor also inaugurated a Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the activities of SARS and imposed curfew.
Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi warned #EndSARS protesters against barricading roads in the state as they risked facing the newly constituted judicial panel of inquiry.
He spoke while inaugurating the eight-member judicial panel of inquiry into cases of police brutality, human rights violations and related cases of extra-judicial killings.
Kwara and Adamawa states also inaugurated similar judicial panels.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced the deployment of men of the Operation Burst to various hotspots in Ibadan to restore normalcy.
“The members of the team will continue to protect genuine protesters and their right to protest, but we cannot allow persons with ulterior motives to hijack the protest,” he said in a broadcast.
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki last night met with security chiefs. He warned violators of his indefinite curfew across the 18 local government areas of the state to desist forthwith or face dire consequences.
Senate okays chairman, DG of PenCom, others [THE NATION]
THE Senate on Tuesday confirmed President Muhammadu Buhari’s nominees for appointment as Chairman, Director General and Commissioners of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
Those confirmed are: Dr. Oyindasola Oluremi Oni (Kwara – Northcentral) Chairman; Aisha Dahir-Umar (Adamawa – Northeast) Director-General; Clement Oyedele Akintola (Commissioner, Ondo – Southwest); Ayim C. Nyerere (Commissioner, Abia – Southeast) and Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate (Commissioner, Delta – Southsouth).
The confirmations followed the presentation and consideration of the report of Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters at plenary.
The report was presented by Vice Chairman of the committee, Barinada Mpigi.
Presenting the report, Mpigi said the committee screened and found the nominees worthy of the appointments.
He said the committee recommended that the nominee from Katsina State, Hanna Musa Musawa, should be stood down because she had nor presented her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to the committee.
Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) opposed the report before the confirmation of the nominees.
The senator urged the Senate to re-visit the screening of the nominees.
He noted that the nominee for the position of Director General of PenCom should have been picked from the Southeast, following the non-completion of the tenure of the former DG who was from the region.
Senators, like Ali Ndume (Borno South) and Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Adamawa Central) argued that it was within the prerogative of the President to appoint people into positions based on existing laws.
The lawmakers approved the appointment of the nominees for PenCom board when it was put to voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
Following an affirmative voice vote, Senate confirmed the following PenCom nominees:
The Senate stood down Musawa’s nomination until she presents her NYSC certificate.