APC backs SARS disbandment, Police reform

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday in Abuja, said it welcomed Federal Governments decision to disband the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) and the reform of the Nigeria Police Force.

The party said this in a statement issued by Mr Yekini Nabena, its Deputy National Publicity Secretary.

It said it viewed the responsive decision as a major and concrete step toward President Muhammadu Buharis affirmed resolve to achieve better policing and necessary reforms.

From the recent #BlackLivesMatter social movement to other global clamours for review of police operations, particularly in regard to citizens they are empowered to protect the need for police reforms in Nigeria is urgent and continuous.

With benefit of experience and public outcry over the operations of the disbanded SARS, the APC is confident that the new policing arrangement promised by the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed will balance the need to effectively combat armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the country, he said.

Nabena expressed optimism that the police reform would also ensure humane, professional and accountable police operations in the country.

He called on Nigerians to take advantage of the Citizens and Strategic Stakeholders Forum formed to regularly interface with police leadership at all levels and advise on its activities as they affected the general public.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there had been pockets of protests by some individuals in some parts of the federation calling for the scraping of SARS over harassment and intimidation by some of its officers.

The Inspector-General of Police, while announcing the disbandment of SARS across the 36 states of the federation, on Oct. 11, said its operatives would be redeployed to other police formations and commands.

The announcement came after days of online and offline protests against the brutality and extra-judicial killings by SARS operatives nationwide.

The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force otherwise known as SARS is hereby dissolved in all the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory, the IGP had said.

Source: NAN News

Judiciary Sports Day

By Emmanuel Afonne

The 2020 Judiciary Games will likely hold on a yet to be determined date in November in Bauchi, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Mr Emeka Ndili, President National Sports Association for Judiciary (NASAJ), disclosed this in an interview with NAN on Sunday.

Ndili said Kogi and Bayelsa States have been placed on standby in case Bauchi State failed to meet up with preparations.

COVID-19 pandemic is ravaging the world and we are trying to marshal out a format for the games; we are planning on non contact games for 2020 depending on what the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 says.

The PTF are yet to approve contact sports; if they lift ban on contact sports, then, we will include them because football is the king of sports, we want to have football.

We hope to have our games this year in late November, tentatively in Bauchi, while Kogi and Bayelsa States are on standby,he said.

According to Ndili, North Central, South East, South South and South West states are participating in the judiciary games, while efforts are ongoing to make North East and North West active.

He noted that the judiciary games had come to stay following the massive supports of a former and current Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The NASAJ president said the support from the judiciary authorities led to the superlative performance of the Supreme Court FC in the Nigeria National League.

We have our own staff members playing for the Supreme Court FC, he said.

NAN reports that Ndili was elected unopposed on Thursday as NASAJ President in an election which saw the withdrawal of other candidates.

Ndah Sunday was elected Vice President as Obasi Ndubuisi clinched the post of the Secretary-General among other six elected officials to run the Association for the next four years. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) headquarters, Abuja

By Edith Nwapi

The National Human Rights Commission has commended the Federal Government for promptly dissolving the Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), an action it said showed the qualify of a listening government.

The Commission spoke in reaction to an announcement on Sunday by the Inspector General of a Police, Mohammed Adamu, dissolving the special squad.

According to a statement by Mr Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, on Sunday in Abuja, the NHRC has been monitoring reports from individual victims and the media with respect to human rights violation of innocent members of the public by SARS operatives as well as other police units across the country.

He said that the Commission is equally aware of the public outcry to scrap SARS so as to put an end to these violations, revealing that the Federal government, by its action, has demonstrated its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights of Nigerians.

The Right to protest is a constitutionally protected right as long as it is carried out responsibly and without resulting in the violation of the rights of any member of the public, including law enforcement personnel.

He said with the dissolution of SARS, as recommended by the Presidential Panel, the stage is now set to implement the other recommendations of the panel.

He added in this regard, the government had requested the Commission to constitute a broad-based implementation committee, inclusive of relevant government agencies and civil society organizations.

According to Ojukwu, this is to ensure the transparent, comprehensive and accountable implementation of the white paper on the presidential panel report.

The Commission assures Nigerians that the federal government is wholly committed to protecting the human rights of all Nigerians in accordance with the 1999 Constitution as amended, Nigerias international human rights obligations and respect for the rule of law.

Nigerians should appreciate the critical role being played by the Nigerian police and Special Anti-Robbery Squad in bursting armed robbery and other heinous crimes in the country even at the risk of their personal safety and some of them have paid the supreme sacrifice too.

However, law enforcement must be carried out bearing in mind constitutional guarantees of human rights, including respect for the life and dignity of the human person and with utmost professionalism, he said.

Consequently, he said, the SARS/police officers tarnishing the image of the government and the police force should be made to be accountable.

Ojukwu pledged that the Commission is committed to working with all stakeholders, state and non-state actors to raise the bar of human rights protection and enforcement in the country.

He urged Nigerians, including the protesters, to be more vigilant, law abiding and give the ongoing process a chance to resolve all the current issues. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sen. Orji Kalu

By Ikenna Uwadileke

Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu has commended the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu for respecting the wishes of Nigerians on the recent call to dissolve the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Orji Kalu Media Office on Sunday in Abuja, the former governor of Abia said that the disbandment of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad was in the right direction.

Adamu said that the operatives would be redeployed to other police formations and commands.

The announcement came after days of protests against brutality and extra-judicial killings by SARS operatives nationwide.

The Inspector General of Polices action has shown his concern for Nigerians especially the youths who have been accused, oppressed and subjected to all forms of abuse and brutality by some reckless members of the SARS, he said.

Kalu said he had in the past written privately to the I-G for a total reform of the SARS , adding that what Nigeria needs is a trusted police force which is guided by the respect and protection of the rights of Nigerian citizens.

According to him Police must ensure that their actions are in accordance with the fundamental principles for the development of a just society.

When people live in fear, they will be skeptical of what is coming next in their lives and that is not right.

Some of the SARS act with impunity.

Many Nigerians have complained about how tensed they feel in check points even when they have their required papers, Kalu said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Akeredolu on the move

Idowu Gabriel

Speaker of the Ekiti House of Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye, has congratulated Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state on his re-election at the poll on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti by his Special Adviser on Media, Tai Oguntayo, the Ekiti Speaker described Akeredolus victory as a deserved one.

Afuye, who also congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that Akeredolus victory is a testimony of his good works in the last three and a half years as governor of the state.

He further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a job well-done.

The Ekiti lawmaker said that the election went without bloodshed and there were no complaints of card reader malfunction during the exercise.

The people of Ondo State also deserve commendation for conducting themselves in an orderly manner before, during and after the election, he said.

Speaking further on the Partys victory in Ondo State, Afuye said; this is a good omen that APC will also win for a consecutive time in Ekiti come 2022, because Gov. Kayode Fayemis achievements will also speak for him.

He, however, advised Akeredolu to keep the flag flying by continuing to provide quality leadership and good governance for the people of Ondo State.

Continued victory for APC in Ondo State after your tenure will be determined by the legacies of excellent works you achieve in your second tenure in office, Afuye said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Foundation calls for collective action on girl-child challenges

By Emmanuel Mogbede

The Racheal Udenna Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation, has called for collective action from well meaning individuals in addressing the challenges of the girl-child.

The foundation said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by Rachael Udenna, its founder, in commemoration of the 2020 International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC).

The challenges of the girl child are enormous but can be effectively addressed if all hands are on deck.

The International Day of the Girl Child brings to the fore the plights of the girl child and we all have a part to play in making sure that these challenges are surmounted in the shortest period of time, she said.

Udenna noted that there were 1.1 billion girls across the world who could grow up to change the world if they were given access to secondary education, proper nutrition and family planning services.

In fact, experts around the world believe secondary education for girls could be the most successful and cost effective investment against climate change.

Researches have also shown that educated girls are less likely to contract HIV and when women are educated, they tend to cater more for the family with their well paid jobs, she said.

She expressed optimism that if all girls attended school for 12 years, the world would be better for it.

She also said that if nations worked towards educating their children irrespective of the sex, the risk of war would be cut down by 50 per cent.

In reality, though, over 130 million girls are out of school worldwide, with the exception to China, one in three girls are married in the developing world before reaching their 18th birthday, she said.

This, Udenna said, meant that 47,700 girls were coerced into underaged marriages on a daily basis.

She noted that at least 500 million women and girls lacked a private place to change their sanitary protection, a fact she said led to reproductive tract infections and fewer girls in school.

She maintained that there was need to change the narrative to ensure a better society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2020 IDGC is: The Future of a Girl Child.

This year is the 25th International Day of the Girl Child since Oct. 11 was first set aside by the United Nations in her Beijing Declaration to recognise girls rights and the unique challenges the girl-child faces.

The day aims to shed light on the reasons the global society should address the challenges, biases, dangers, and injustices young girls deal with all over the world.

The day gives particular focus on parts of the globe where child marriage is widely practiced, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa. (NAN

Source: NAN News

Minister of State FCT, Dr Ramatu Aliyu

By Salisu Sani-Idris

FCT Minister of State Ramatu Aliyu has condemned the abductions of the former Vice Chairman of Kuje Area Council and some councillors by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr Austine Elemue, on Sunday in Abuja, the minister described the incident as unfortunate and heinous.

She regretted that the cases of abductions had become rampant, especially in Kuje area council of the territory.

Aliyu, who assured residents that the FCT administration would take drastic measures to address the menace, appealed to them to remain calm as efforts were being made to rescue the victims.

It is regrettable and unfortunate that we are still having cases of abductions and kidnappings in the FCT.

It is particularly saddening because this is the seat of government. We must do everything possible to put an end to these senseless killings and abductions of residents.

I want to appeal to residents, especially those in the area councils, to remain calm as the FCT administration is working to protect lives and property.

I also want to assure them that the security agencies are on top of the situation, the minister stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that gunmen suspected to be kidnappers stormed Pegi community on Sunday and abducted the former council Vice Chairman, Mohammed Baba, some councillors and political aides. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Chelsea beat Manchester City, Arsenal go top of Womens Super League

England international Fran Kirby made one goal and scored another as champions Chelsea eased to a 3-1 home win over title rivals Manchester City in the Womens Super League on Sunday.

Norways Maren Mjelde put the home side ahead with a penalty in the 36th minute, and Kirby set up striker Sam Kerr with an excellent first-time ball for the second in the 57th minute.

Chloe Kelly pulled one back for City from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute but six minutes later Kirby latched on to a long ball for a breakaway goal that made it 3-1.

The win leaves Chelsea third in the standings with 10 points from four games, while City are fifth on seven points after a disappointing start.

Arsenals 5-0 thrashing of Brighton

Gov. Sanwo-Olu

By Florence Onuegbu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, was a victory for Nigerian youths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dissolution followed nationwide protests against the anti-robbery squad.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Sunday while speaking with journalists on arrival in Lagos from Ondo State where he was Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign team.

He said that the protests, held across the world, showed the beauty of democracy and that people had the right to express their views.

The governor commended the youths for being very peaceful during the protests, and promised that the government meant business about the disbandment of SARS.

The beauty of democracy is that people have the right to protest, to air their views, to speak out when things are not going right and I have identified with them.

This is real democracy being played out. They have the right as our youths, as our citizens to correct and say we do not want this.

Let me commend all of our youths that have come out in Lagos. I have been monitoring on a daily basis and it has been very peaceful. That is what we want, you can actually make your point in a peaceful and orderly manner, Sanwo-Olu said.

He urged the youths not to doubt the governments sincerity, as it was the first time government would be disolving the group.

Sanwo-Olu said that the youths had his full support on their demand, as he would not sit back and allow any residents be maltreated.

He said the statement of government was very clear on the disbandment and there would be measures that would be taken afterward.

The governor said he had spoken with the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) on the way forward.

We thank the FG for listening to the voice of the people via peaceful but powerful protests showing the peoples commitment to protecting each other irrespective of gender or tribe, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Police Service Commission (PSC)

By Monday Ijeh

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of police officers during Saturdays governorship election in Ondo State.

Mr Ikechukwu Ani the Head of Press and Public Relations of the commission disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said a team from the commission that monitored the election visited 12 local government areas in the three senatorial districts of the state, covering 77 polling units.

According to him, the team received 51 telephone calls from its advertised dedicated lines with complaints basically onattempts to induce voters.

He said the election witnessed a reasonable distribution of police men at the various polling units, ranging from three to about 12 depending on the size of the unit.

Ani said the police men were complemented in the polling units by men of the Department of State Services (DSS,) Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

He said the joint task force of Mobile Policemen and the Military were seen at major highways and junctions in the state.

Ani said that a high population of police officers of the rank of inspector were mostly seen at the polling units.

The police officers were civil, polite and respectful and arrived early at the place of assignments.

The commissions team ran into an officer with f/no 454246 at one of the polling units in Okitipupa who politely rejected monetary inducement to the tune of N50,000 to allow thumb printing for voters who failed to turn up for voting.

The commission will investigate further this commendable conduct of the officer and if confirmed to be true, will consider rewarding him as it will equally visit disciplinary measure on those found wanting, he said..

Ani commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police for providing the needed security and ensuring peaceful election in Ondo State. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Chivita Juice brand

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

In preparation for the celebration of World Juice Day on Oct. 17, Nigerias foremost fruit juice brand, Chivita, has called on Nigerians to adopt everyday wellness as a habit.

A statement by Ademola Mafikuyomi, Senior Brand Manager, Chivita, advised Nigerians to always pay close attention to their health and nutrition, and get the right vitamins and minerals to ensure an effective immune system.

Mafikuyomi said A recently-published report by the World Health Organization (WHO) says that adequate fruit and vegetable intake were required to reduce nutritional deficiencies and increase resistance to infectious diseases.

Nigeria has been described as one of the lowest per capital fruit juice consumption nations in the world, consuming two litres of juice per year as compared to average of eight litres by African countries and 20 litres globally.

It is in view of this that Chivita is celebrating the second edition of its World Juice Day on Oct. 17.

The aim is to foster a juice-drinking culture among Nigerians, with a view to adopting a healthier lifestyle and building a healthy nation.

Mafikuyomi said the theme of the 2020 celebration, Fruit Juice: The Smart Secret of Boosting Your Immunity, has become more pertinent, especially now that hygiene and a strong immune system are key to staying healthy.

He added that the celebration, designed as a virtual event, will feature health experts and nutritionists who will provide insight and perspectives into how fruit juice can help strengthen the body.

He invited the general public to participate in the event through Chivitas multiple social media platforms.

The event is a public interest initiative. It was created in partnership with International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association to deepen conversation on fruit juice consumption and enable healthy living for Nigerians, he said.

World Juice Day is an international initiative launched in 2010 by the International Federation of Fruit Juice Producers (IFU).

It was created in response to a proposal of the Turkish Fruit Juice Industry Association. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Kwara United

By Olayinka Owolewa

Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin has given two of its youth team players professional contract ahead of the new season, the Clubs Media Officer, Jimoh Bashir, has confirmed.

The duo, John Emmanuel, a central defender, and AbdulMajeed Sulaiman, a right full back, were part of the team that won silver in the 2019 LMC/LaLiga Under-15 competition, after losing by a lone goal to their Katsina United FC counterparts.

The players, following their performances, were identified by Coach Abdullahi Biffo, who called for their registration, ahead of the commencement of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

According to Bashir, Biffo pledged to give more youth players the opportunity to exhibit their potential, charging them to remain disciplined and learn from the senior players.

John Emmanuel, born August 1, 2005, dazzled in some test matches as a central defender.

Emmanuel joined Kwara United FC youth team from Arsenal Kiddies Academy in 2019.

Abdulmajeed Suleiman, a right full back, was born in 1st December, 2014. He was a former player of Future Stars Football Academy, and teamed up with Kwara United youth team in 2019.

He was part of the gold winning LMC/LaLiga Under-15 Promises team with (ABS FC) in 2017, and silver winning LMC/LaLiga U-15 Promises team with Kwara United FC in 2019. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge fears that football faces big danger if games have to continue being played behind closed doors.

Should the season even have to be abandoned owing to the coronavirus, a number of clubs will not survive, he said.

Germany ended the past season behind closed doors.

But while fans are in theory allowed back in now, the final saying is with health authorities who make decisions based on local infection levels.

While Borussia Dortmund had 11,500 fans twice in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich are not allowed any spectators until at least Oct. 25.

Other clubs have only had small numbers of fans back.

If we dont have fans back in the stadiums soon, I fear that football will suffer big damage, the former Bayern Munich and Germany forward said.

We are really speaking about less income in the region of 100 million euros (118 million dollars).

All over Europe, every club is losing between 50 and up to 200 million euros in a season it has to play without fans. It is easy to see how long a club can bear this.

Rummenigge also fears losing the football fan culture and said they are completely dependent on decisions from political and health authorities.

Looking at the worst case scenario with an abandoned season, Rummenigge fears that the Bundesliga will collapse.

Several Bundesliga clubs wont survive. Several, he said.

I cant imagine the Bundesliga to continue existing in its current form in the future.

Even under the current conditions, there are rumours that some clubs are in fear of insolvency, Rummenigge said. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that the FIFA World Cup and Euro Championship be played every two years instead of four.

He added that while doing this, Europes Nations League should be done away with to make football more attractive.

We must have as few events as possible. A FIFA World Cup and Euro Championship every two years will probably be more suitable for a modern world, Wenger said.

He said in such a scenario, all qualifiers should be played over just one month because that way they would be easier to sell to broadcasters and sponsors.

Wenger suggested that this has been talked about at the ruling body FIFA where he was last year appointed director of global football development.

Personally, I believe this will be a step forward, he said, dismissing suggestions that the image of the big events would suffer by taking place more often.

I always tell people who say this that the image is not linked to the time you wait until you play again but rather to the quality of the competition.

After all, people also watch the UEFA Champions League every year, Wenger said.

FIFA and Europes UEFA have been at odds over new competitions, and Wenger criticised UEFAs Nations League of which the second edition is in the group phase at the moment.

We must get rid of the Nations League and find clearer events which everyone understands.

If you go on the street and ask people what the Nations League is about, you wont find many who can explain it, Wenger said.(dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Police logo

By Kola Adeyemi

The police in Kogi State have rescued two medical doctors, kidnapped by unknown gunmen in different parts of the state on Oct. 6 and 7.

Their rescue was confirmed in a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in the state, DSP William Aya.

Aya said that Dr Ejike Mgbeahurike, who was kidnapped from his private clinic in Ayingba on Oct. 7, was rescued from a bush on Ayingba-Ankpa road in the early hours of Sunday.

He further said that the Safer Highway Patrol team of Ankpa Divisional Police Station rescued the doctor while on routine patrol duty on the Ojogobi/Ogodo axis.

He was rescued to the police station while effort is being intensified to recover his vehicle, the police spokesman said.

He added said that Dr Yahaya Ebiloma, who was kidnapped in Ankpa on Oct. 6, had also regained freedom from his captors.

Aya said that Ebiloma regained his freedom at about 11pm. on Oct. 9, when he was released by his abductors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had, on Oct. 9, cried out over the kidnap of two of its members, appealing to the police and the government to act to secure their release. ( NAN)

Source: NAN News

#ENDSARS protesters

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has called for full investigation into the killing of a youth during the EndSARS protest in Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Saturday.

Dare described the death of Isiaka Jimoh, an Ogbomoso indigene, alongside a few injured youths during the protest as sad and regrettable.

The minister, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr John Joshua-Akanji on Sunday in Abuja, stressed the need to bring to justice, all those responsible for the death of the protesting youth.

The minister, who spoke with Isiakas mother, commiserated with her and the entire family, promising that those responsible would be made to face the full wrath of the law for their despicable action.

He promised to visit the family of the deceased shortly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of the injured students, Oluwadamilare Gbolohunmi, was also said to have received a call from the minister, while receiving treatment at the hospital.

The minister pledged to ensure his safety as well as the payment of his medical bill before being discharged from the hospital.

The past few days have been troubling. The demands of the youth for an end to SARS and police brutality must be taken seriously.

Protests are not, in themselves, unlawful but they must be done in a peaceful manner and not allowed to be hijacked by hoodlums.

Government is committed to a revamp of the system and must be given a chance to do this, the minister said.

Dare said that the Federal Government was working with relevant stakeholders to reform the police, in line with international best practice.

There is a renewed commitment at the highest level of government to institute far-reaching reforms that will see a better era of policing.

Our youths are our greatest resources and we must protect them, and not waste them, Dare said.

He said that plans were underway for further meetings in Abuja during the week as well as consultations with youth groups towards the start of a dialogue process.

NAN reports that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had also condemned the shooting by the police during the protest.

NAN also reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had, on Friday, met with the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, with a pledge to ensure reforms in the police.

Thousands of protesters, mostly youths, across the country have been demanding for an end to police brutality and the scrapping of SARS, owing to alleged brutality of its men. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

IG dissolves SARS, adopts measures to protect Nigerians

By Akeem Abas

Senators Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo Central) and Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo North) have condemned the killing of Isiaq Jimoh during a protest against the operations of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in Ogbomoso on Saturday.

The lawmakers gave the condemnation in their separate statements made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some Nigerians across the country had, in the last few days, been embarking on protests against alleged harassment, extortion and extra-judicial killings of innocent citizens by SARS operatives.

NAN also reports that the EndSARS protest, held on Saturday in Ogbomoso, had turned bloody, leaving Jimoh dead and several others injured.

Folarin, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content, condemned what he called the extrajudicial killing of Jimoh allegedly by a policeman during the protest.

The lawmaker, in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Yekeen Olaniyi, expressed displeasure over what he described as the inhumane actions of the FSARS men.

While commiserating with the family of Jimoh, he called on the Commissioner of Police in the state to unveil the trigger-happy policeman behind the gruesome killing.

The three-term lawmaker said that the matter should be investigated with a view to prosecuting the culprit to serve as deterrent to other officers and men of SARS.

I condemn, in strongest and unmistaken term, the extrajudicial killing of one of our youths in Ogbomoso, in person of Isiaq Jimoh.

This is one death too many in the hands of the operatives of SARS, as the media is replete with reports of similar treatments and murder of other innocent Nigerians in different parts of the country.

Senseless harassment, maiming and killing of unarmed citizens are completely unacceptable. Police officers are to protect Nigerians and make lawful arrests.

I, however, appreciate the determination of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure a comprehensive reform and overhaul of the operations of the police unit.

The IGP must order the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State to unveil the officer who shot dead the young man with a view to prosecuting him.

While I commiserate with the family and friends of the late Jimoh, I pledge to join other stakeholders to seek justice for the victim, he said.

Also, Buhari described the killing of Jimoh during the EndSARS protest in Ogbomoso as shocking and disheartening.

Buhari, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, said that the nations constitution and democracy permitted freedom of speech as well as association.

The lawmaker said that it was undemocratic to assault, maim or kill citizens, while expressing their fundamental human rights.

Democratically, peaceful protests put the government on the right track to deliver the dividends of democracy to the citizens.

The situation is regrettably painful and I am sure the Commissioner Of Police, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant authorities are fully investigating the very unfortunate incident with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

I wish those receiving treatment at the Bowen Teaching Hospital soonest recovery from the various injuries they sustained and also express my deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased, Buhari said.

The lawmaker prayed Allah to grant Jimoh aljanah fridaous and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

UNFPA

By Hadiza Aliyu
As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), the Executive Director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Natalia Kanem, has called for increased attention to the plights of girls.

She made the call in a statement on the official UNFPA twitter handle @UNFPA, on Sunday, to mark the IDGC, which has My Voice, Our Equal Future as the 2020 theme of the celebration.

Kanem, who stressed the need for countries around the globe to protect the future and uphold the rights of girls, added that every girl has the right to speak up and to be heard, now more than ever.

It is time for us to listen today as we celebrate the International Day of the Girl-Child, we have an unprecedented opportunity to uplift the adolescent girl to drive progress in our world.

As we seek to build back better and greener and bluer from the COVID-19 pandemic, we cannot allow a girls dreams and aspirations to be curtailed; her lost potential costs us all.

When we invest in her health and wellbeing, she will transform her world and ours.

Today, on the International Day of the Girl, lets commit to listening to and lifting up girls voices.

She explained that the voices of girls were often silenced in households, in schools and in the public sphere.

She added that for millions of girls around the world, silence is enforced through Female Genital Mutilation, child marriage and other harmful practices.

She said that not only do these practices violate a girls bodily integrity and autonomy, they steal her confidence and ability to make informed choices about her life.

The acts happen in a moment but their consequences last a lifetime, she added.

She explained that the harmful traditional acts had continued to happen even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She noted that a study by UNFPA and partners shows that the pandemic could result in 13 million more child marriages and two million more cases of FGM between now and 2030.

She said: adolescent pregnancy is on the rise. Girls under lockdown and out of school are highly vulnerable.

With the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda as our guide, we need to do better to ensure that girls are not left behind. We cannot allow the current crisis to derail the future of an entire generation.

Lets redouble our efforts toward a gender-equal world, one where every girl has the power to make informed choices about her body and her life, equipped with the right knowledge and skills.

Surrounded by a peaceful home, safe school and a nurturing community, and protected by the law and duty-bearers, she will have the tools to thrive.

The IDGC is an international observance Day aimed at highlighting the needs and problems of girls around the globe.

It is also to recognise girls rights and the unique challenges they face all over the world and promote their empowerment.

It is used to also advocating for the attainment of their basic human rights, like education and bodily autonomy.

Source: NAN News

APC logo

By Alaba-Olusola Oke

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, who participated for the peaceful conduct of the Saturdays governorship election in Ondo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that APC flag-bearer, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, haswon the election in nine out of the 12 local government areas as declared by the INEC.

Mr Eyitayo Jegede, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won three councils.

Comrade Mustapha Saliu, Secretary of the APCs National Campaign Council for Ondo 2020, gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Akure.

Saliu, who was the immediate past National Vice-Chairman of APC, described INEC performance as wonderful and encouraging.

INEC did wonderfully well.

You can see that materials arrived many polling units as early as 7.00 a.m.; even in the riverine area.

I want to sincerely appreciate security agents, especially the Police, Army and Navy.

They are professional in this election.

I saw the commitment they put, even under the rain, they were there to ensure safety, he said.

Saliu noted that the election was peaceful, free, fair and credible.

According to him, there was no intimidation nor financial inducement.

He added that it was one of the best elections in the country.

On alleged financial inducement from his party, Saliu described the allegation as just flimsy excuse coming from a particular political party because of its poor performance in the election.

I think it is irresponsible and petty for any political party to say that.

It is a pity that we have some bad losers that is the problem, he said.

In Edo, he said that APC congratulated the governor who won the election, which is the spirit of sportsmanship. (NAN

Source: NAN News

Dr Mofia Tonjo-Akobo

By Nathan Nwakamma

Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has reemphasised the need for Ijaw people to embrace unity and speak with one voice to actualise their dreams and developmental aspirations.

Diri made the call at the weekend during a funeral service in honour of Nigerias pioneer Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Late Dr Mofia Tonjo-Akobo at Tombia Town in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Yenagoa, by Mr Doubara Atasi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor.

Diri was represented at the event by his Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The governor noted that the current realities in the country called for a more cohesive Ijaw nation where its people must work together to build on the achievements of their forebears.

He said although the Ijaw tribe is the fourth largest ethnic nationality in the country, not much has been achieved because of lack of unity and oneness of purpose in their pursuit for development and progress.

He explained that as riverine people whose survival largely depended on their marine environment, the Ijaws should adopt all necessary measures to oppose the National Water Resources Bill and other forms of oppression.

Acknowledging the contributions of the deceased towards the development of old Rivers State in particular and Nigeria in general, Diri described the late Tonjo-Akobo as a great star who wrote his name on the sands of time.

He decried the glaring absence of any federal government delegation at the former ministers funeral service, describing the development as lack of appreciation and respect for not only the deceased; but for the entire Ijaw people.

For us the Ijaw people, this is the time to live in unity and peace. More often than not, we talk about unity without preaching peace. There is no way we can have peace without unity.

Unity is the foundation on which peace thrives. So, we use this opportunity to call on our brothers in Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Lagos, Bayelsa and beyond to come together.

Ijaw is the fourth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria. But because of disunity among ourselves we have not been able to achieve much as a Nation.

If today M. T. Akobo was to be from one of the major ethnic group, I am sure the federal government would have sent a delegation.

But because he is an Ijaw, he is here lying alone without such honour. He said.

While expressing condolences on behalf of himself, the government and the people of Bayelsa, Diri enjoined the Akobo family, the Tombia community and his friends to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a life worthy of emulation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akobo was a founding member of Izon National Congress (INC) in 1991, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Movement for National Reformation (MNR) and the Union of Niger Delta (UND) among others.

He also served as Rivers Commissioner for Works (1972-1973); Commissioner for Economic Planning and Reconstruction (1973-1974); Commissioner for Finance (1975); Pioneer Minister of Petroleum and Energy (1975 1976); and Minister of Economic Planning and Development (1976-). (NAN)

Source: NAN News