Human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), on Saturday, described the reported killing of a teenage trader by bullets reportedly fired by a security agent dispersing Yoruba Nation demonstrators in the Ojota area of Lagos as a case of premeditated murder.
Falana also called on the Lagos State Government to conduct a coroner’s inquest into the murder of the girl.
The senior lawyer said, “The police violated Section 83 (4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020 which has imposed a legal obligation on the police to provide adequate security for citizens who embark on peaceful rallies and protests. Since the police had illegally dispersed the peaceful rally with cannisters of teargas, the shooting of the 14-year-old trader by the police was premeditated murder.
“The denial of the cold murder of the trader by the police is a diversionary ploy to shield the actual culprit from prosecution. In view of the hasty denial of the police in the dastardly act, we call on the Lagos State Government to ensure that a coroner’s inquest is conducted into the reckless killing of the teenager.”
The residence of Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, better known as Sunday Igboho, in the Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo State, has been attacked, his spokesman, Olayemi Koiki has said.
Koiki, who said the house was attacked around 1am on Thursday, also alleged the identities of the attackers to be soldiers.
“I can confirm that those who came are definitely Nigerian soldiers. There are more than 100 soldiers that came but he (Sunday Igboho) is currently safe,” Koiki said.
The reported attack is coming hours to a planned rally for the secession of ‘Yoruba Nation’ in Lagos State. Igboho has been going across the South-West geopolitical zone to crusade his secessionist campaign, citing injustice meted on the people of the region as well as worsening insecurity.
Thursday attack is one of the many reported attacks on Igboho and his Ibadan residence since January 2021 when he issued a seven-day ultimatum to killer herders in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that his one of his houses in Ibadan was burnt by unidentified persons.
…we are making progress in dealing with insecurity ~Gov
… ‘govt’ll continue to collaborate with federal establishments’
Members of the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Oyo State, on Monday, passed a vote of confidence in Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, praising him for the unprecedented achievements of the government in the last two years. They equally commended the efforts of the government in tackling the wave of insecurity in the state. The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Kola Balogun, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues during a courtesy call to the governor in his office, said that the visit was meant to congratulate the governor on his tremendous achievements in the last two years in the state. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the senator as saying: “Your Excellency, on behalf of my colleagues from the National Assembly, we have come to officially pay this courtesy call, and to use the occasion to congratulate you on your tremendous achievements in the last two years as the governor of this pacesetter state.” He explained that the present administration in Oyo State has moved the state forward in terms of performance ranking and surpassed the past administration in terms of regular payment of the salaries of the civil servants, teachers, pensioners as and when due; provision of instructional materials to schools and other infrastructural development in the state. “I have the mandate of my colleagues and brothers to let you know that we are aware of what you have been doing and to congratulate you for it. We know that before you came into office, in this state, pensioners and teachers were not being paid as and when due. Instructional materials were not given to schools. “So, with these efforts, you have been able to move Oyo State in terms of performance ranking, because we know that, going by the record, the last administration, in WAEC, was 26 or 28. That has improved a lot. “This is because of your commitment and passion for developing the education system in Oyo State. After all, education is the foundational bedrock of human development. So, we commend your efforts in that regard,” Balogun said. He added that the governor has been able to bridge the trust deficit between the people and the government, adding that Oyo State has turned to a sort of London where everywhere is lit, particularly the capital city. Balogun assured the governor that the people of Oyo State will continue to support his administration and that those of them at the National Assembly will equally continue to make the government proud by complementing the efforts of the state government. In his response, Governor Makinde explained that his administration is making progress everyday in dealing with insecurity in the state, saying that all hands must be on deck to secure lives and properties in the state. He maintained that his administration would continue to collaborate with the federal establishment to find a lasting solution to the insecurity in the state, urging the federal lawmakers not to be far away from their constituencies, adding that he is looking forward to interacting with the Oyo State Caucus of the National Assembly. He said: “I want to thank you, distinguished senator, and honorable members of the House of Representatives, for this visit. Next time, come with your APC colleagues so that we can share our thoughts also with them. We can share some of the things we are doing with them so that we can reduce the amount of misinformation going on. “Yes, you all belong to the PDP but I always say that players will come and go but our state will remain. “I especially want to thank you because it is not about party affiliation. But in terms of providing that bridge between the state government and the federal establishment, you have done very well. It is only PDP senators and House of Representatives members that I know are doing things to bridge that gap. “You have the interest of our people at heart and I want to commend you and urge you to continue in that direction. For me, we will continue to provide the environment for our state to thrive. We will continue to cooperate and collaborate with the federal establishments. “The issue that I know is a little bit touching is on security. I said last week that, even if you want to rule Oyo State in 2023, you don’t destroy the state you want to rule. It is very similar to somebody wanting to draw water from a well to drink and decided to, first of all, pollute the well. By the time you draw out the water, you are going to be drinking polluted water. “So, we should not destroy our state.” Governor Makinde, who maintained that his government has been doing a lot to attract investments into the state, said: “We are doing a lot to attract investments into our state, expand our economy and we know that investments are cowards as they will only go to where they feel secure. “So, if you are going out there to say our state is not secure; if you are telling the truth, we don’t have any problem with that. But when you go out there to blatantly peddle lies or you even go to the extent of doctoring videos to show the world that your state is not secure, you are damaging the state. Say things as they are, come to us to ask questions if things are not clear. “We are dealing with the issue of insecurity in Oyo State and we are making progress. I can say that with all sense of seriousness and responsibility. And I want to plead with you, I may go out and take responsibility for the security situation in the state but the truth is we all have to take collective responsibility. “We all have to play our own part – distinguished senator and honorable members, traditional rulers, the Mogajis, local vigilantes, voluntary policing sector, town unions and the rest – must play our part to secure our state. We don’t want to keep passing the buck and that is why I always claim responsibility. It is not because I am super-human but because I don’t want buck-passing. I want to be held accountable. “We have to share the responsibility and that is the only time that we can beat our chest that the issue of insecurity in the state will be a thing of the past. “When we came in, we strengthened all the things we met on the ground. We bought patrol vehicles for the SRS, Operation Burst, and others. There is no federal security agency that operates in the state that we have not done one thing or the other for them to be more effective. “So, we are ready to cooperate with the federal agencies. And as you are there in Abuja as our representatives, please do more with the federal establishments. “We may be in opposition to the party in power at the federal level but we are not out to politicise the issue of insecurity. “We are ready to find a lasting solution to this problem. So, we are partners in progress.” The governor, who stated that Nigerians are already waiting for the PDP to retake power at the centre, appreciated the lawmakers including Senator Balogun; House of Representatives members representing Ibadan North-East/South- East, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin; Ibarapa East/Ido, Hon. Adewale Oluyemi Taiwo; Ibadan North-West/South-West, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide.
The baby of the teenager arrested during the EndSARS protest in Akure was christened on Wednesday, with the wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi, offering the baby scholarship to secondary school level.
Apart from the scholarship, Olori Ogunwusi also presented the new baby and the mother food items, toiletries and baby items, with a promise to visit the family from time to time.
According to her, she was touched by the plight of the baby and the mother and decided to come personally to witness the christening of the baby and give support to them
She assured that many groups who have shown interest to support the baby and the mother will soon visit the family, urging all women not to lose hope in every situation they find themselves in.
She said “when I got the news of her release on bail, I was elated and I was moved to tears and touched that she gave birth in the prison custody.
“This baby must be special and I want to assure the mother and the baby and the entire family that I will stay with the family. Kemisola should take me as her mother, sister and friend.”
The venue of the christening, Vera Christian Assembly in Ayedun area of Akure was witnessed by many, and the church was full to the brim despite the heavy downpour.
Some of the names of the boy include Eriponmile, Elijah, Okikianu, Oluwanifemi son of Temitope.
It will be recalled that the Ondo State High Court sitting in Olokuta Medium Prison in Akure, on Tuesday, granted bail to Kemisola Ogunniyi after spending eight months in prison custody.
Kemisola was granted bail in the sum of N10 million and a surety in like sum by Justice Omolara Adejumo who presided over the case.
She was charged for arson, conspiracy, riotous assembly, stealing and malicious damage.
The young girl gave birth to a baby boy in prison custody last Wednesday, while the state government expressed its readiness to secure her bail.
Following the removal of three principal officers from office by the Departmental Representatives Council of Nigerian Association of Science Students, Obafemi Awolowo University, the Council announces the date for Bye-Election.
You will recall that the President, General Secretary and Financial Secretary of the Association were impeached at the last Parliamentary sitting of the house following the report of misappropriation of funds, embezzlement and office misconduct by the three offices.
According to the release made available to our reporter by the House signed by the Speaker, DSP and Clerk, it reads “This is to notify members of the Nigerian Association of Science Students OAU that the following individuals have been removed from offices previously occupied by them having been found guilty of fraud, forgery, mismanagement of funds, gross misconduct and other offenses punishable by the DRC Adewale Olaiya Martins ( Coded )- Office of the President Odeyemi Temitayo ( Tee smart) – Office of the Financial secretary Hassan Joshua ( Chicago Pr )- Office of the General Secretary”
The house, in accordance to the Constituion directed the Vice President to resume position as the President of the Union. “Due to this, the Vice president in person of Adedire Ikeade Oyinkansola ( Miss Tonia) automatically assumes the post of President according to the sacrosanct constitution Article (IV) Section 4 subsection(II)b ‘The Vice President shall automatically assume the post of the President in the event of a removal or resignation of the elected NASS president’.”
“A bye- election has been scheduled to hold at the next DRC sitting on: Saturday 26th of June 2021 Time: 3:00pm Venue: PY(239) White House For the following offices:
As today commemorates the day the great hero of our democratic struggle, Chief MKO Abiola lost his life in the battle for the survival of entrenchment of tenets and principles of democracy, it is high time we told ourselves the bitter truth if truly, happenings around us truly reflect the commemoration.
June 12 will always be an unforgettable memory in Nigeria as it was a great loss to all. Chief M.K.O. Abiola, a great philanthropist contested under Social Democratic Party (SDP) along with his opponent Bashir Tofa under National Republican Convention (NRC) in June 12th 1993 elections that witnessed large turn-out of Nigerians who voted for their choice devoid of ethnicity and religious bigotry but the elections that were observed to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria were annulled by the then Military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida based on his own selfish interest being the pest that denied Nigerians from enjoying the ripe kolanut as a result of the nullification.
As the saying, past is gone; today is the present while we envisage tommorow. Nigeria has set today aside to commemorate democracy while envisaging a better tommorow, but what should perturb sensible minds is the question of rationale behind the declaration when all currently being witnessed in our system today negates the principles and tenets of democracy the late sage fought for while he was envisaging a future where generations after him would not be caged by tyranny.
Recently, the media space was awashed by wanton killings of citizens, and continuous stifling of voices of perceived enemies of the government of the day.
The stifling and gaging of media as a fourth realm of democracy could only be seen as an insult to our sensibilities seeing the same government known for serial clamping down on freedom of expression commemorating the day.
Is it not nonsensical for a government whose pilots are paranoid and could go at any length to stifle the voices of the people to declare today in commemoration of democracy day? The answer is not far-fetched, I am perplexed as you do.
A country where protests have been criminalized cannot be said to be operating on democratic norms; it is an eyesore seeing security operatives showing their gallantry and display of force on armless protesters while the killer herdsmen, bandits and kidnappers continue to unleash terror on innocent Nigerians.
I am baffled and utterly bewildered that today that should have been a day of sober reflection on where we were coming from, where we are going to as a nation could be a day the citizens would be in palpable fear and tension owing to the failure of government at all levels.
The demonstration of crazy by those who take delight in feeding fat on our common wealth by throwing millions of Nigeria into abject poverty questions the rationality of sensible minds on the commemoration of today as democracy day.
Country people, it saddens one’s heart that the democracy fought for by our heroes past can no longer be proud of in real practical sense but only to be used as a weapon of oppression in the theoretical books of our present crop of leaders.
We must as a nation have sober reflection and ask ourselves the bitter truth as Nigeria tethers on the brink of total collapse if drastic measures are not taken to redirect the pilots of the boat from demonstration of crazy while all signals pointing towards its capzise.
Ismael Taiwo, a Public Affairs Analyst Writes from Ibadan. taheewo2004@gmail.com
The recent insecurity in the State is unfortunate, uncalled for and inhumane, I want to state unapologetically that while more attention has been given, especially in recent times, to the security challenges facing our State, those challenges are fleeting and will not define the success of his Excellency. Though, his actions are towards quenching the fire that burn us which was a result of a failed central administration.
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In view of this, I wish to commend Mr Governor on his swift response to security issues and at this same not to be overwhelm with praises as we still have a long way to go, and all eyes is on the “super star”.
Within two years of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the State has witnessed high level of transformation, from infrastructure to human development, Welfare of the people, beautification of the environment among others. While some will argue that it’s too early to assess the performance of this Government, I make bold to say while this administration might not be there yet, it’s important to evaluate their current performance to determine what the future hold.
In truth, one wonder how Governor Oluseyi Makinde is able to perform wonder in the State Internally Generated Revenue with 42% increase in the last one year at a time the Country witnessed the highest economic lockdown in recent time, without putting much burden on tax payers. I wish to commend the governor on this, and do hope that the fund won’t be embezzled by its official. There’s no doubt, that judicious use of the fund will contribute to the development of the State, and expand its economy.
The administration also takes pride in celebrating its achievements in agriculture with obvious evidence. This obviously in the construction of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub at Fasola, Oyo West Local Government Area that will be ready for Commissioning in a year’s time. Proper funding of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Ageny (OYSADA) for the youths in the State. Construction of Apete to Akufo road. Upgrade of Akufo farm settlement to Agricultural estate, among others. It’s important to note, that this heavy investment in agriculture by his Excellency is also accompany with Infrastructure to aid direct flow of farm produce to the cities.
In Education, despite the success recorded by this administration, which is also evident in the abolition of fee level by secondary school students, subvention to State Owned Institutions, 25% reduction in Lautech school fee, construction of model schools across the State, among others, despite all these, the Government has refused to honour the agreement with the students body in the payment of Scholarship and Bursary, it’s important to note that the students constituency, where I belong contributed immensely to the victory of H.E in 2019, and we will continue to talk until the agreement is honoured.
I’m aware of the several meetings with students representatives, while the agreement is yet to be fulfilled, either intentional or unintentional we hope that next year during the 3rd year anniversary, we would have a course to appreciate the Governor in fulfilment of this agreement.
I have also read in different quarters that the administration is playing politics with it that it’s been delayed intentionally towards 2023 election, I want to belthe ieve this is a rumor and not the thinking rumour Excellency. Oyo Students deserves the dividend of your good governance without prejudice to 2023 Election.
Furthermore, I commend his Excellency on the job well done on the rebuild of Akesan market. I will request at this juncture, that we need more modern market, and we have to wait until one burns before converting it to a modern market.
It might also Interest you to know that the Spare Parts market in Ibadan North Local Government need a relocation, the people might resist it at first, but it has been said that a good leader take his followers to where they ought to be not where they want to be. It’s on this note that I request you meet with the market heads and see how we can relocate the spare parts dealers, the place is congested and we should not wait till any bad thing happen before we do what is right. For a start, 30% of them can be moved.
Lastly, I wish your Excellency success in the remaining of your 2years, I do hope that you will be able to sustain your good work as the people decide come 2023.
Ajani ‘Kayode writes from Ibadan. ajanikayode2@gmail.com.
It’s important we remind ourselves of the significance of June 12 and June 24 in the history of Nigeria.
Just as the Nigeria government over the years delibrately neglected the events that led to the civil war and the realities of the war, the same way they have deliberately neglected the events and reality of Pre and Post June 12, 1993.
Kashimawo Moshood Abiola came with a slogan of Hope, true development and Inclusive Government which made him accepted throughout the Northern and Southern region, unfortunately, the beginning of a new Nigeria was cut short by the Military administration of Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda through the annulment of the generally accepted election on June 24, 1993, citing frivolous excuses.
At IPYF we believe that the Unity of Nigeria will continue to the threaten by Individuals or region who feel that they are excluded from the running/resources allocation of the Nation, unless this is addressed through a new Constitution that will address all technicalities in our Election, as it regards to regional population, protect the interest of Minority groups and serve the interest of all Nigeria.
Furthermore, the National Coordinator, Dr. Tunmise Adeagbo while describe the ongoing Constitutional Amendment as nothing but painting a house which need total reconstruction.
“To ensure that we continue to live as a people, issues regarding the annulment of June 12 needs to be addressed beyond declaring the day as Democracy day, likewise other issues that threatens our existence. The ongoing Amendment to the 1999 Constitution is a waste of resources, the Constitution from the beginning is a product of the Military, it’s not people’s centered, the phrase that some part of the Constitution are only implementable when practicable and cannot be enforce in the court of law is a fraud. What we need is the people’s Constitution, the one that will be made by the people themselves, address their needs and protect the interest of every one”. he said.
Conclusively, the National Coordinator appeal to the Federal Government to prioritize the security of every citizens beyond ethnic affiliation, criminal elements across ethnics should not have a hiding place and criminal should be treated as criminal, as that is the only way we can foster unity.
Furthermore, as we suggest the need for a new Constitution that will reflect the needs of the Citizens, it’s important the leaders of the country that having a true and genuine National Dialogue with the citizens as this with instill to the people a sense of belonging in the Nigeria Project.
As we mark this year’s Democracy day, we recognize those who lost their souls to the struggle of June 12, and hope that their efforts will not be in vain.
Signed: Aare (Dr) Oluwatunmise Adeagbo MMBS, MHPM, MPH. Ag. National Coordinator, IPYF.
Aare Olanrewaju AbdulWahab Ag. National Secretary, IPYF.
SEN. BUHARI, PROFF. ADEOLU AKANDE others to speak at Oyo Students Legislative Summit
The office of the National senate president of the federation of Oyo State Students FOSSU ably led by the young and vibrant leader, Senator Isaac Ajadi is set to host Oyo Students Legislative summit first of its kind in the history of Oyo State on the 12th of June 2021.
Theme: The role of legislature in the socio-cultural and education development of Oyo state.
Venue: Dr k.1 Nwafor Auditorium, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Apata Ibadan Oyo State.
The event is to be chaired by chief Adebayo Adelabu (Penkelemesi) a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the chief host is the Executive Governor of the state Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Amongst the line up of guests are Senator Abdul’Fatai Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly and Professor Adeolu Akande will be delivering the keynote address.
The discussants of the day would be Comrade Sunday Obanubi, National Coordinator, Youth for New Nigeria (YNN), Barr. Akeem Agbaje, former Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Oyo State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Mubarak Mijinyawa, Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Comrade Sunday Asefon, National President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Oyo State, Hon. Seyi Adisa, Afijio State Constituency, Oyo State House of Assembly and others.
The event is power packed and promises to be a reference point for emancipating the youthful energies of not just Oyo State students but Nigerian students and youths at large and build a lasting education policy for the good of all.
This is to enjoin everyone to key in and be a part of this epoch making events as it will sure set a new record by postulating new legislative innovations for the development of education and related socio cultural values for Oyo State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
On Wednesday 9th of June 2021, the 4 days Youths submit organized by Hon. Olufemi Adeyemi, Youth representing Oyo Central Senatorial District at The Nigerian Youth Parliament, Abuja commences with a Medical Outreach. The programme will feature series of activities including Football Competition, which I ongoing, Vocational training, Spelling Bee Competition for Secondary School students, Panel discussion and a grand finale with Dinner and Award presentation for Individuals who has contributed to the development of the Youths throughout the State.
According to the convener, aside the Medical Outreach which is scheduled to hold at Olomi market other activities from the 10th to 12th June will hold at Ilaji Hotel and Resorts. Dignitaries expected at the event include, the executive Governor of Oyo State, Egnr. Oluseyi Makinde, Senator Teslim Folarin, Hon. Sunday Dare, Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports, Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Seun Fakorede, Hon. Josiah Olufemi, Hon. Kazeem Bolarinwa, among others.
Order of Events include the following. Wednesday 9th of June, 2021 ▪️Medical Outreach – 10A.M
Thursday 10th of June, 2021@Ilaji ▪️ Inter-Secondary School Spelling Bee Competition – 10:00am ▪️ Panel Discussion. – 2:00pm
Friday 11th of June, 2021 ▪️Inter-local Government football competition (Male) Third and the final place . ▪️Volley Ball (female) ▪️ Vocational Training – 3:00pm ▪️Cultural/Kegite Gyration Night – 8:00pm
Saturday 12th of June, 2021 ▪️Grand Final Day and Departure of the participants (No/self Accommodation)- 9:00am-1pm DINNER AND AWARD NIGHT (Strictly Dignitaries) @Favour’s Hall. ▪️Red Carpet- 2pm ▪️Pageant, Award and Dinner Night- 4pm.
