| Source | Date | Title | Summary of Report | Subject/Category | Weblink/Page No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | FG Insists on the Need To Regulate Social Media | Despite public outcry, the Federal Government on Tuesday, October 27, launched a fresh campaign to regulate social media, especially in the wake of the #EndSARS protests that were largely driven by digital campaigns. Leading the charge is Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, who stated that the Federal Government feels compelled to regulate social media to curb the spread of fake news. The Minister spoke in Abuja while responding to questions when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to defend the 2021 budget proposal. According to him, the biggest challenge facing the country is fake news and misinformation. He warned that the next war that will be fought in the country and across the globe may be on social media. Mohammed cited the recent #EndSARS protests, saying that: ”They mobilised using the social media. The war today revolves around two things. Smart phones and data and these young men don’t even watch television or listen to the radio or read newspapers. We are sitting on a time bomb on this issue of fake news. Unfortunately, we have no national policy on social media, and we need one." The minister, however, explained that the Federal Government was not seeking to shut down social media because it has come to stay. He added that the country should have a social media policy that regulates social media and check fake news and misinformation. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun, stated thus: "Social media has come to stay. What the government should do is to look for technology that will work together with what is in the space. We are not asking the government to stop social media. The most important thing is that government should go and look for the technology to regulate so that you can equally be working within the space.” | Federal Government, Social Media | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/28/fg-insists-on-regulating-social-media/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | Senate Panel Suspends Budget Session over Attacks | The Senate Committee on Interior on Tuesday, October 27, suspended its budget defence session for agencies under its purview, following attacks from #EndSARS and COVID-19 palliatives protesters. The committee Chairman, Senator Kashim Shetima, acknowledged that most of the paramilitary organisations were victims, as their offices were either vandalised or burnt by the assailants. Since the agencies have submitted their votes, he stated that there was no compelling issue to hold them back with regard to the budget. | Ministry of Interior, Budget Defence | https://guardian.ng/news/senate-panel-suspends-budget-session-over-attacks/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | More Governors Constitute Panels to Address #EndSARS Concerns | More judicial commissions of inquiry into allegations of police abuses are springing up in various States of the Federation. Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Tuesday, October 27 inaugurated a panel comprised of representatives from civil society, professional groups, youths, religious groups, and women groups. In Enugu State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi constituted a nine-member Administrative Panel of Inquiry to look into the recent loss of lives and/or grievous bodily injuries to private citizens and security personnel, resulting from the hijack by miscreants of the otherwise peaceful #EndSARS protests. Mukhtar Gidado, Media aide to Bauchi State Governor, stated that the 17-man panel inaugurated by the State government would work to prevent the recurring highhandedness and brutality by the police. | Judicial Commissions of Inquiry, #EndSARS Protests | https://guardian.ng/news/wike-ugwuanyi-mohammed-constitute-endsars-panels/ |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | #EndSARS: NHRC Condemns Killing of Police Officers, Others | The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Tuesday, October 27, strongly condemned the alleged killing of Police Officers across the country. A statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Barr. Tony Ojukwu, condemned the attacks and killings of security personnel across the country, stating that “Such heinous crime has no place in modern history and therefore should be eschewed to allow peace and orderliness to reign in the country”. Ojukwu who stated this in Abuja while reacting to the alleged “civil attacks on police personnel and wanton destruction of properties at some police stations in some States of the Federation”, stressed that “two wrongs cannot make a right and that any aggrieved persons who have an opportunity to take their complaints and petitions to the Independent Investigative Panel set up by the Commission to hear Complaints of allegations of human rights violations by SARS should do so without further delay”. The NHRC boss who encouraged Nigerians to report cases of human rights abuses to the agency, disclosed that some of such cases across the country were already receiving attention. According to him,“The Commission is currently receiving such petitions for onward investigations and subsequent recommendations to the appropriate government agencies for compensations or prosecution of offenders in accordance with the law”. He added that, “The establishment of inquiries by the State governments across the 36 States is a welcome development to complement the efforts of the Federal Government that already established the Independent Investigative Panel midwifed by the NHRC.” | National Human Rights Commission | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/endsars-nhrc-condemns-killing-of-police-officers-others/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | Lagos Panel Of Inquiry Begins Sitting, Summons Police Commissioner | The Lagos panel of inquiry and restitution for victims of the disbanded Police Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) on Tuesday, October 27, held its first sitting. Two youths, who have been at the forefront of the fight against police brutality, Rinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodunmi were also sworn into the panel as representatives of the youths. The duo emerged youth representatives following online voting by youths. This is even as the panel summoned the Commissioner for Police, Hakeem Odumosu to appear within seven days in respect of the case of one Mr. Ndukwe Ekekwe who appeared before the panel on a wheelchair. The panel of inquiry and restitution which was set up to investigate cases of brutality and human rights violations committed by operatives of the dissolvedF SARS in Lagos State is to sit from 10am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for six months at the Lagos Court of Arbitration, Remi Oluwode street, Lekki Phase 1. The panel listed four cases for its first proceeding on Tuesday, including cases between Okoliagu Abunike Vs Federal FSARS; Mr. Ndukwe Ekekwe Vs FSARS; Mr. Olukoya Ogungbeje Vs FSARS and case between Mr. Basil Chetal Ejiagwa Vs FSARS. The panel chairperson, Justice Doris Okuwobi, however, stood down Ekekwe’s petition, saying the petition against one Hamza Haruna of the now disbanded FSARS could not go on because of the absence of the Police Commissioner. | The Lagos panel of inquiry, #EndSARS | https://dailytrust.com/lagos-panel-of-inquiry-begins-sitting-summons-police-commissioner |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | We’re Preparing Timetable for National Convention, Says APC | The National Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that it has intensified efforts to prepare a timetable for the party's national convention. APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yekini Nabena, told journalists that the committee, whose tenure lapses in December is also working hard to ensure that the party goes into the convention as a united force. The ruling party during the emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on June 25, had dissolved the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) following protracted leadership crisis, and set up a caretaker/ Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee to manage the affairs of the party in the interim. The 13-member caretaker committee, headed by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, was given six months by the NEC, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, to complete its assignment. Within the six months, the committee was mandated to organise a national convention for new leaders to emerge. It was also mandated to reconcile aggrieved members of the party. But due to the perceived inaction of the caretaker committee, a group, Concerned APC members, recently gave the leadership of the party a 14-day ultimatum to release the timetable for the convention or risk mass protest. However, Nabena assured party members that the committee is already putting together a convention timetable, and would make it available when it is ready. | APC, National Convention | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/27/were-preparing-timetable-for-national-convention-says-apc/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | FG gets Committee to Address #EndSARS Protests Fallout | The National Executive Council (NEC) has inaugurated a committee to address issues arising from the nationwide #EndSARS protests at the Federal and State levels. NEC took the decision on Monday, October 26, after an extensive deliberation at an emergency meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja. The committee will engage the youths, representatives of civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders on employment, social safety programmes, and national unity, among other issues of concern. Governors representing the six geo-political zones are members of the committee chaired by the Vice President. They include governors of Sokoto, Borno, Niger, Ondo, Ebonyi, and Delta States. Governors, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Inspector General of Police (IGP), representatives from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) were at the meeting. The committee, which is to commence work immediately, will develop a comprehensive framework under the that will coordinate actions to be taken by both the Federal and State governments to examine the fundamental issues underlining the protests and arrive at effective solutions, including how to enhance Nigeria’s national security. While supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to a complete overhaul of the nation’s security services, the NEC also commended the police and security agencies for their handling of the disturbances in some States of the Federation, while restating its unequivocal belief that most Nigerian security personnel are law-abiding and capable of restoring law and order in the country. | National Executive Council, #EndSARS Protests | https://guardian.ng/news/fg-gets-committee-to-address-endsars-protests-fall-out/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | Bayelsa Bye-Election: 62 Deregistered Parties Threaten To Sue INEC | A total of 62 deregistered political parties have resolved to sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for excluding them from the forthcoming Bayelsa State senatorial bye-elections. They stated that their action is premised on INEC’s disregard to the Appeal Court judgement which held that the electoral umpire did not follow due process in exercising its powers to deresgister political parties under Section 225(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The 62 parties are among the 74 that were deregistered after the 2019 general elections. Speaking after a meeting with the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Cyril Omorogbe, at the commission’s headquarters in Yenagoa on Monday, October 26, the leader of the affected political parties and chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Bayelsa State, David Amabebe, stated that the political parties have resolved to go to court. Making reference to court decisions regarding the deregistration of parties by INEC, Amabebe stated that, "We have approached INEC to know why they have refused to involve us in the processes of the Bayelsa senatorial bye-elections and they have given us their reasons. And from all indications, they are taking the matter as if it is a personal matter. So, as responsible and peace-loving organisations, we have decided to take further legal measures against INEC because we cannot fold our arms and watch them deprive us of our right to associate for our political aspirations.” | Bayelsa State, Bye-Elections, INEC, Deregistered Political Parties | https://dailytrust.com/bayelsa-by-election-62-deregistered-parties-threaten-to-sue-inec |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | Military alleges Destabilisation Plot, Vows To Take Decisive Action | The military has warned that some unpatriotic elements are planning to destabilise the country in the guise of agitations, maintaining its readiness to quell any threat to Nigeria’s corporate existence. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, disclosed this during a meeting with his Principal Staff Officers (PSOs), General Officers Commanding (GOCs), and Field Commanders on Monday, October 26 at the Army Headquarters Conference Room in Abuja. At a post-event press briefing, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, urged officers to remain focused and undeterred. According to him, since the #EndSARS protests began, some unscrupulous individuals and groups have been determined to destabilise the country by all means. “These individuals, groups, and other undesirable elements have hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protests, resulting in widespread violence, acts of wanton destruction, and looting of public and private properties in many parts of the country. These acts led to the imposition of curfew in several States of the Federation.” He added that the agitators were falsely accusing the Army of unprofessional conduct. Claiming that no less than 10 AK-47 rifles had been lost to miscreants in the past two weeks across the Federation, the COAS charged soldiers not to be afraid of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for discharging their legitimate duties creditably. Buratai directed commanders to warn their troops on internal security or those on guard duties outside the barracks to “be at maximum alert at all times and to deal decisively with any attack on their duty locations.” | Nigerian Army, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai | https://guardian.ng/news/military-alleges-destabilisation-plot-vows-decisive-action/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | ICPC to Probe Looted Palliatives | The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) stated that it is set to commence the investigation of the sources of looted items. This was contained in a press statement obtained from the website of the organisation on Tuesday, October 27. The statement was titled, ‘Palliatives looting: ICPC to investigate sources of looted items’. ICPC stated that the probe was necessitated by the looting spree that ensued as a result of the protests across the country. Nigerians had called on the ICPC to investigate and uncover the rationale behind the storage of palliative materials meant for the masses in warehouses across the country. The anti-corruption agency also stated that agencies and ministries responsible for the distribution of COVID-19 palliative relief materials would be probed. It assured Nigerians that the outcome of its findings would be made public. The statement read, “It should be recalled that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission had earlier in the year taken proactive measures to prevent corruption in the administration of the COVID-19 funds by setting up a monitoring team that was charged with the responsibility of preventing possible abuse. In addition to the above, the Commission drew up ‘Guidelines for PTF Management of COVID-19 Relief Funds’ and issued an advisory on the management of the COVID-19 relief funds. The scope of the monitoring activities of ICPC did not cover CACOVID funds which were donated by individuals and private sector organizations as palliatives, but only the Federal Government funds used to procure relief materials and other palliatives. In view of the recent looting spree, ICPC will investigate the sources of goods looted from palliatives warehouses, the National Emergency Management Agency and private houses to unravel whether or not the properties looted were personally acquired, the government procured, CACOVID donated, or are empowerment materials which are part of the constituency projects initiative of the Federal Government. ICPC will also scale up the monitoring of Ministries, Departments and Agencies charged with the acquisition and distribution of COVID-19 palliative relief materials and make public its findings in due course.” | ICPC, COVID-19 Palliatives | https://punchng.com/icpc-to-probe-looted-palliatives/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 26, 2020 | We are Ready for Saturday's Council Polls - AKISIEC | The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has reiterated its readiness to conduct credible Local Government elections in the State on Saturday, 31st October. The Commission, which urged eligible voters to come out and vote and refuse to sell their conscience through vote trading, stated that eight political parties are billed to participate in the election. AKISIEC Chairman, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, who disclosed that the Commission did not disqualify any political party, nor did any party withdraw from the election, stated that some political parties disqualified themselves by not providing their running mates according to the law, within the stipulated time. Ikoiwak, who spoke with journalists, stressed that there would be no issue of “he who pays the piper, dictates the tune.” According to him, the expectation of the Commission is to conduct free and fair elections. | Akwa Ibom State, AKISIEC, Local Government elections | https://guardian.ng/news/were-ready-for-council-polls-saturday-says-akisiec/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 26, 2020 | Anambra State Government Postpones 2021 Budget Presentation Indefinitely | Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano has indefinitely postponed the 2021 budget presentation following the #EndSARS protests and unrest across the country. According to reports, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Uche Okafor, who conveyed the governor’s message at plenary in Awka, stated that a new date would be communicated to the House for the budget presentation. Okafor stated that the Assembly was in full and total support of the #EndSARS protests in the country. He, however, appealed to the youth to be peaceful in their #EndSARS and 'end bad governance' protests across the country. The Speaker, who criticised the manner and dimension that some hoodlums tried to hijack the protests that eventually resulted in killings and destruction of property, stated thus: “I urge our youth to remain peaceful and calm, as violence cannot solve any problem, but rather, it will cause setbacks.” | Anambra State, 2021 Budget Presentation | https://guardian.ng/news/anambra-state-govt-postpones-2021-budget-presentation-indefinitely/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 26, 2020 | Lekki Tollgate Shooting: Tinubu Urges Government to Donate Tollgate Revenue to Victims | Mr Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, has proposed that revenue from the Lekki tollgate in Lagos State, be donated to confirmed victims of the shooting that occurred during the #EndSARS protest. According to him, other identifiable victims of police brutality in the State should also benefit from the proceeds. Tinubu in a statement on Monday, 26th October, also absolved himself from allegations of ordering the deployment of soldiers against peaceful protesters at Lekki toll plaza on 20th October, 2020. He stated thus: “I propose to government that the tollgate be left closed for an indefinite period. If it is reopened, revenues should be donated to the confirmed victims of the Lekki attack, as well as to other identifiable victims of police brutality in Lagos. Let government use the money to compensate and take care of those who have lost life or limb in the struggle for all citizens to go about the quiet, peaceful enjoyment of life without fear of undue harassment at this or that checkpoint.’’ On the allegations that he owned the Lekki toll gate concession, Tinubu refuted the claims, stating that the toll gate was a public asset of which he had no business interest in. On his involvement in the killings, he stated: “I did not order this or any assault against anybody neither do I have any prior knowledge about this sad event. Still, I stand strongly behind the people of Nigeria and affirm their right to protest peacefully.” The APC leader condemned the use of force on peaceful protesters, stating that, "The use of strong force against any peaceful protesters is indefensible." | Lekki Tollgate Shooting, Bola Tinubu | https://guardian.ng/news/lekki-tollgate-shooting-tinubu-urges-government-to-donate-revenue-to-victims/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 26, 2020 | Looting Continues Nationwide | Looting of items meant for COVID-19 palliatives, which began few days ago, continued in warehouses across the country, spreading to the nation’s seat of power, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau and Kogi States had their fair share of the plundering, as warehouses and private shops were attacked. Protests against police brutality and bad governance have, in the last two weeks, rocked major cities in States and the FCT, with thugs hijacking the protests and looting items from public and private establishments. Many, including the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Oodua Youth Parliament, among others, warned of immediate and far-reaching impacts of the attacks on the economy. In Abuja, looting took place despite presence of security agents, who fired teargas at the invaders. Women, youths and children in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) carted away bags of corn, LPG gas cylinders, bags of rice, gallons of vegetable oil, vehicle batteries, millet, roofing zinc, cement, among other valuables worth millions of naira. The attack on warehouses began in early hours of Sunday, 25th October and continued until 11:30am, as desperate youths and women defied police teargas and emptied the storerooms. | COVID-19 Palliatives | https://guardian.ng/news/looting-continues-nationwide/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 26, 2020 | SDP Asks Protesters To Give Room For Dialogue | Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Supo Shonibare on Sunday, 25th October, appealed to #EndSARS protesters to sheathe their swords and give room for dialogue. In a chat with Daily Trust, he stated that the protesters had “conducted themselves in an orderly, responsible manner,” saying it is time "to sheathe their only weapon on display- which were placards and the fundamental right to protest, to allow for dialogue and a thorough Investigative Panel report on the action of the security forces all over the country.” Shonibare condemned the shooting of protesters at Lekki tollgate last Tuesday, 20th October. He stated that the protest was a reaction to “selfish successive rulership and abuse of office and subjugation of the essence of protecting and respecting the fundamental rights of citizens to life and property which has been neglected by successive governments. He added that, “Our rulers have developed thick skin and begun to feel cushioned from the fallout of failed government policies, once they are able to amass massive wealth and use part to purchase votes at election; and even when that fails, then outright rigging of results, thereby negating the covenant of a democratic culture.” | #EndSARS Protests, SDP | https://dailytrust.com/sdp-asks-protesters-to-give-room-for-dialogue |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, October 26, 2020 | Police go after Looters, 483 Arrested in Lagos, Plateau, Anambra, Other States | The police on Sunday, 25th October, ordered their officers and men to go after those who were looting private and government establishments under the guise of #EndSARS protests. Police commands in Akwa Ibom, Osun, Plateau, Kano and Anambra States in separate interviews with stated thatthey had stepped up efforts to arrest suspected looters. Already, no fewer than 483 suspected looters have been arrested in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Osun, Anambra, Kano and Plateau states. Peaceful protests by youths calling for the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force turned violent on Tuesday, 20th October, when soldiers shot peaceful protesters in Lekki, Lagos. Policemen and thugs also attacked protesters across the country. Police stations, government buildings and vehicles have been vandalised by thugs. Since last Thursday, looters, have been attacking stores where COVID-19 palliatives were kept, as well as residents of politicians in Oyo, Plateau and Akwa Ibom States. However, on Sunday, the police stated they had begun clampdown on the looters. No fewer than 40 persons have been arrested in connection with the looting at the Sabon Gari area of the Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State. In Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, sstated that the command had arrested 10 suspected looters and recovered stolen goods estimated at several millions of naira, following Thursday’s looting of private and government establishments in the State. In Osun State, over 80 suspects have been arrested, while 118 suspects have been arrested in Plateau State. | Police, Looters | https://punchng.com/police-go-after-looters-483-arrested-in-lagos-plateau-anambra-others/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, October 22, 2020 | Buhari Holds National Security Meeting amid #EndSARS Protests Violence | Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is holding a National Security Council meeting in the State House, Abuja today, Thursday, October 22. According to a presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmed, the Vice President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, Defence Minister, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and other heads of the security agencies are all in attendance. This is coming days after pockets of violence have erupted from peaceful protests against police brutality in the country. | President Muhammadu Buhari, National Security Meeting | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-holds-national-security-meeting-amid-endsars-protests-violence/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, October 22, 2020 | INEC Summons RECs, Deliberates on October 31 Bye-Elections | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has summoned the 37 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to a meeting in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, to evaluate the security situation in the States and constituencies where bye-elections have been scheduled for October 31. The commission stated that the outcome of the deliberations would be communicated to the public immediately after the meeting. INEC National Commissioner and Chairman (Information and Voter Education Committee), Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, titled, ‘Bye-elections scheduled for October 31 2020.’ | INEC, Bye-Elections | https://punchng.com/inec-summons-recs-deliberates-on-october-31-bye-elections/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, October 22, 2020 | #EndSARS: Buhari’s Silence No Longer Golden - Secondus | The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, on Thursday, October 22, stated that the continued silence of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, in the face of the killings of innocent citizens and the ensuing violence was no longer golden. Secondus stated this during a media briefing at the National Headquarters of the PDP. He stated that it is sad that the President who has the responsibility of providing leadership in times of crisis has exhibited a lack of capacity. According to Secondus, Nigerians, more than ever before, wants to hear the President speak to them. The National Assembly leadership had also urged the President to address the nation amidst the growing unrest. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Uche Secondus, PDP | https://punchng.com/endsars-buharis-silence-no-longer-golden-says-secondus/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 22, 2020 | IPAC Rejects Bauchi LG Polls, Calls For Fresh Election | The Bauchi State chapter of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for the cancellation of the just concluded local government elections in the State over alleged false declaration of winners by the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC). State Chairman of IPAC, Alhaji Usman Isa, flanked by representatives of other political parties, stated this while addressing newsmen in Bauchi. The political parties also called for the sack of the Chairman and Commissioners of the electoral body. BASIEC had on Sunday, October 18, declared the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winners of 20 chairmanship and 323 councillorship seats from the elections held on Saturday, October 17 in the State. The political parties stated that all the chairmanship and councillorship seats should be declared vacant and caretaker committees appointed to supervise the councils until fresh elections are conducted. IPAC also asked that the official fees paid to the commission by the candidates, including campaign expenditures, should be refunded to the parties and candidates. According to the IPAC Chairman, “The purported local governments’ election of October 17, 2020, in Bauchi State, is an irony of democracy as the local government chairmen and councillors who were sworn in were selected and appointed by the minority rulers. This, in our view, if allowed to continue unabated, will sacrifice our democracy and pave the way for anarchy.” | Bauchi Council Polls, PDP, IPAC | https://dailytrust.com/ipac-rejects-bauchi-lgs-poll-calls-for-fresh-election |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, October 22, 2020 | Edo Reps Tackle Obaseki, Demand 14 Assembly Members’ Inauguration | Members of the House of Representatives from Edo State, have criticised Governor Godwin Obaseki’s role in the continued delay in inaugurating 14 members of the State House of Assembly. The Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Peter Akpatason, along with other All Progressives Congress (APC) members from the State, hosted principal officers of the Edo State House of Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, October 20. The visiting lawmakers included Marcus Onobun (Speaker), Roland Asoro (Deputy Speaker), Henry Okhuarobo (Majority Leader), Emma Okoduwa (Chief Whip), Sunny Ojiezele (Deputy Leader), Ephraim Aluebhosele (Deputy Whip) and Frank Okiye (former Speaker). Hon. Akpatason stated thus: “I want to urge, on behalf of the caucus, that as you go back home, please embark on the process of bringing yourselves together. You have 14 of you who are yet to be inaugurated and the Assembly is incomplete because you are a chunk of representatives. So, you have to ensure that you do your best and everything possible to bring it to the attention of the Government of Edo State, that it is important that those people are inaugurated, so that you can have a full house that can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.” | Edo State House of Assembly, Governor Obaseki, Inauguration | https://punchng.com/edo-reps-tackle-obaseki-demand-14-assembly-members-inauguration/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 20, 2020 | End of Insecurity is Near, says Buratai | Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has stated that the end of insecurity in the country, particularly in the North East, is near, as the country gets more military personnel. Speaking in Bauchi State on Monday, 19th October, at the graduation of another set of personnel in the School of Armoured Corps, the COAS charged the graduates, stating that, “When you’re deployed to the field, you must be decisive. We must deal with them. When you combine fire power, mobility and shock action, the adversary has no option than to be hurt and be dealt with, urgently. We must give them shock and hurt.” Buratai commended Operation Lafiya Dole for its “tremendous efforts to combat terrorism in the North East.” | Insecurity, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai | https://guardian.ng/news/end-of-insecurity-is-near-says-buratai/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 20, 2020 | #ENDSARS: Expect Spikes in COVID-19 Infections – PTF to Nigerians | The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has predicted a spike in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak in the country in the next two weeks. Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, made this known on Monday, 19th October in Abuja at the joint national briefing of the task force. Mustapha stated that the prediction was due to the total disregard for the preventive measures against the virus exhibited by thousands of Nigerians protesting in the ongoing #Endsars campaign across various cities in the country. According to Mustapha, “Any mass gathering that does not adhere to the non-pharmaceutical interventions that have been put in place, which include wearing of masks, social distancing, keeping personal hygiene and avoiding mass gatherings, they become super spreader events, whether you like it or not. So I can say with a definitive voice that two weeks from today, get everybody that congregated in those places, not only at the Lekki toll plaza, but also the Unity Fountain in Abuja and several other places, we would definitely be contending with an increase in infections, two weeks from now, and that’s why we must be extremely careful when we congregate.” | Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 | https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/endsars-expect-spikes-in-covid-19-infections-ptf-to-nigerians/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 20, 2020 | Fayemi Inaugurates Amotekun | Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi on Monday, 19th October, inaugurated the Ekiti State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps. According to him, it is not meant to replace or discredit the conventional security agencies, but to collaborate with and strengthen their operations. The governor explained that the establishment of the security outfit was aimed at addressing the security challenges facing the State and South West region. Fayemi, who stated this at the event featuring the passing out parade of the recruited personnel of the outfit at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, noted that fighting crime required input and collaboration of every citizen. He also added that the agency would safeguard the human rights of the citizens of the State, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, adding that all citizens are expected to go about their normal business without any fear of intimidation. According to him, “The precarious security situation we are contending with nationwide has created a palpable fear in the minds of our people. The current challenges of proliferation of small arms and light weapons, kidnapping, assassination, cattle rustling, ritual killing, armed robbery, cultism and youth restiveness are daunting but surmountable. Amotekun is not a substitute for any of the existing security agencies. Amotekun is here to strengthen our general security.” The governor, who explained that the impact of COVID-19 had delayed the launch, called for vigilance. While congratulating officials of the corps, the governor enjoined them to shun any act that could tarnish or rubbish the image and purpose of the outfit. Earlier, the Corps Commander, Brig-Gen. Joe Akomolafe (rtd), declared that the State was no longer safe for criminals. | Amotekun | https://guardian.ng/news/fayemi-inaugurates-amotekun/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, October 20, 2020 | #EndSARS: Lagos Declares 24-Hour Curfew | Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the State effective from 4pm on Tuesday, 20th October 2020. The governor made this known in a statement while lamenting that the protests against police brutality and extrajudicial killings had morphed into violence. He stated thus: “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. I, therefore, hereby impose a 24-hour curfew on all parts of the State as from 4pm today, 20th October, 2020. Nobody, except essential service providers and first responders must be found on the streets.” The #EndSARS protests rocking the country have continued for almost two weeks with youths calling for a lasting reform of the Nigeria Police Force. | Lagos State, 24-Hour Curfew | https://punchng.com/breaking-endsars-lagos-declares-24-hour-curfew/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Tuesday, October 20, 2020 | #EndSARS: Edo Declares 24-Hour Curfew | The Edo State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the State until further notice. The curfew is to take effect from 4pm on Monday, 19th October 2020. suspected hoodlums had broken into the Benin Prison popularly called White House on Monday, 19th October and freed several inmates in one of the cells. Apart from the jailbreak, there were reports of vandalism and attacks on residents in the State. The government, in a press statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, on Monday, described the development as disturbing. The statement was titled, ‘Edo Government declares 24-hour Curfew’. It read in part: “This decision has become necessary because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of #ENDSARS protesters. While the government of Edo State respects the rights of its citizens to undertake legitimate protests, it cannot sit idly when hoodlums have taken laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the State." | Edo State, 24-hour Curfew | https://punchng.com/breaking-endsars-edo-declares-24-hour-curfew/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 19, 2020 | PDP Clears All Seats In Bauchi Council Polls | The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State has won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in the council polls in the State conducted on Saturday, 16th October 2020. Chairman of the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC), Alhaji Dahiru Tata, announced this on Sunday, 17th October 2020, in Bauchi, while issuing Certificates of Return to the newly elected chairmen. According to him, “The election has been largely successful and peaceful and PDP won all the 20 local government chairmanship and the 323 councillorship posts in the State." Meanwhile, there are four cases pending before the Federal High Court, Bauchi, bordering on alleged exclusion of some political parties from participating in the Council polls. | Bauchi Council Polls | https://dailytrust.com/pdp-clears-all-seats-in-bauchi-council-polls |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, October 19, 2020 | Bye-Election: Fresh Crisis Rocks Zamfara APC | A fresh crisis has engulfed the Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) barely two weeks to the bye-election into the vacant Bakura Constituency seat in the State House of Assembly. A faction of the APC loyal to the immediate past governor of the State, Abdulaziz Yari, named Bello Gamji as its candidate for the contest, a move which has since been opposed by party members loyal to Senator Kabiru Marafa. Addressing journalists in Gusau on Sunday, 18th October 2020, the Publicity Secretary of the Marafa-led faction, Alhaji Bello Bakyasuwa, while faulting the decision by the Yari-led faction to field a candidate, stated that, “Zamfara State APC is still in court; as such, it has no constitutional rights to present a candidate to contest the election.” Bakyasuwa rejected claims by the Yari-led faction that the Court of Appeal in Sokoto had set aside an earlier judgment given by the Zamfara State High Court. He stated that “The court has only set aside the Zamfara State High Court judgment but did not give the mantle of leadership of the party to any faction.” | Zamfara State, APC | https://punchng.com/bye-election-fresh-crisis-rocks-zamfara-apc/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Monday, October 19, 2020 | Senate, House Call For End To #EndSARS Protests After Meeting With Buhari | Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Speaker of the House of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila have appealed to youths to end the #EndSARS protests across the country. They both met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, 17th October 2020. They stated thar the government had heard the demands of the protesters and was working to “address all of them”. On Friday, 16th October 2020, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo apologised to the protesters marching against many brutal and extortionist activities by the operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) across the country. The Vice President in a statement, he disclosed that the government was undertaking comprehensive measures that would revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training. Osinbajo also assured that none of the former members of the disbanded SARS would feature in any police tactical units. He explained that the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting which he chaired, resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry to ensure speedy dispensation of justice, noting that only State governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their States. | #EndSARS Protests, Ahmad Lawan, Femi Gbajabiamila | https://dailytrust.com/senate-house-calls-for-end-to-endsars-protests-after-meeting-with-buhari |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 19, 2020 | Exercise ‘Crocodile Smile’ Not Targeted at #EndSARS Protest, says Army | Nigerian Army has stated that its ‘Crocodile Smile’ exercise is not targetted at persons protesting against police brutality in different parts of the country.This exercise is scheduled to commence from the 20th of October to the 31st of December 2020. According to the Army spokesman, Sagir Musa, the exercise "has no relationship with any lawful protest under any guise whatsoever”. He added that, “For the records, Exercise CROCODILE SMILE is a yearly exercise in the Nigerian Army Calendar/Forecast of Events which traditionally holds from October to December of each year.” Nigerians protesting against brutality, extortion, harassment and extrajudicial killings by police personnel, and calling for a reform of the Nigeria Police have consistently marched in different States to register their agitation for close to two weeks. Many groups condemned the timing of the military exercise and believed it will lead to the violation of citizens’ right to peaceful protest. Yoruba, Niger Delta and Igbo groups have stated that the deployment of troops to stop #ENDSARS would be treasonable, and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to desist from such moves. | Nigerian Army, #EndSARS Protests, Operation Crocodile Smile | https://guardian.ng/news/excercise-crocodile-smile-not-targetted-at-endsars-protest-says-army/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Monday, October 19, 2020 | Police Commence Training for SWAT Personnel | The Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has stated that training for the new police tactical team, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police will commence on Monday, 19th October 2020. The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, 18th October 2020 in Abuja. Adamu stated that the new team would operate within very high professional and ethical standards, rule of law and dictates of best international policing practices. He stated that the training for SWAT personnel was being organised in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Development Partners. The police boss stated that the training would hold at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training School, Ila Oragun, Osun and the PMF Training School, Ende Hills, Nasarawa State. According to him, no personnel of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will be a member of the new tactical team. According to the statement, “The officers selected for the training are young, smart and energetic officers who have acquired not less than seven years working experience with clean service records. No pending disciplinary matters, no record of violation of rights of citizens or misuse of firearms and are physically fit to withstand the rigour of SWAT Training and Operations. The selected officers shall be subjected to physical fitness test, medical and toxicology screening and those found to be unsuitable shall be discharged.” | Nigeria Police, SWAT, Training | https://guardian.ng/news/police-commence-training-for-swats-personnel/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 15, 2020 | APC Expels Only Female Lawmaker in Ondo Assembly | The All Progressives Congress (APC), has expelled a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Tomomewo Favour. The expulsion of the lawmaker came barely four days after the October 10 governorship election in the State, which was won by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, also of the APC. Tomomewo, representing Ilaje State Constituency II on the platform of the APC, is the only female lawmaker in the State Assembly. She was expelled from the party by the exco of her ward – Mahin Ward IV, for alleged anti-party activities before and during the just concluded Ondo State governorship election. According to a letter signed by the Ward Chairman, Mr. Olamigoke Ajimuda and Ward Secretary, Mr. Omowole Taid, the lawmaker was specifically accused of working against the interest of the party in various polling units during the election. The lawmaker was also accused of directly mobilising for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the APC, which sponsored her to the State House of Assembly. She was also accused of exclusively funding members and activities of the ZLP against the interest of the APC before and during the election. Tomomewo was one of the lawmakers that refused to sign the notice of removal of the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, who contested the governorship election against Akeredolu on the platform of the ZLP. | APC, Ondo Assembly Lawmaker | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/15/apc-expels-only-female-lawmaker-in-ondo-assembly/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 15, 2020 | No More Unnecessary, Destructive Interference in State Chapters, Says APC | The Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has stated that his committee has created a level-playing ground for all party members, and has allowed the State chapters to run affairs of the party in their domain without unnecessary and destructive interference. This, he said, has ushered in a much-needed regime of internal democracy within the party, as was obvious in the handling of the various primary elections that were coordinated in the last few months by the caretaker committee. Buni has also told the State chairmen of the ruling party that his committee is already strategising on the national membership registration exercise and urged them to commence the procedure for full sensitisation and the needed awareness for a successful membership registration exercise in their various States. The Yobe State governor disclosed these on Wednesday, October 14 during a meeting with the State Chairmen of the party at the party's National Secretariat in Abuja. He stressed that having taken over the management of the party’s affairs in the circumstances familiar to all party members a few months ago, the committee has taken and implemented a number of open-door policies to revamp and improve the lots of the party both internally and with respect to the party’s integrity and acceptance nationally. Buni added that this has led to a number of positive results, which include the resolution of several internal disputes in several State chapters of the party. | APC, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/15/no-more-destructive-interference-in-state-chapters-says-apc/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 15, 2020 | Plateau By-Election: APC, PDP Bicker Over INEC Ad Hoc Staff Recruitment | The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are bickering over the recruitment of INEC ad hoc staff for the October 31 bye-election for Plateau South senatorial district. PDP through its Plateau State Publicity Secretary, John Akans, had accused APC of conniving with the electoral umpire in the State to recruit its supporters to manipulate the bye-election in its favour. However, the state Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Bashir Musan Sati, faulted the allegations, describing them as baseless and as “PDP’s chains of lies.” He also ststaed thus: “Should the factionalised PDP, in its bewildering status forget, we soberly remind it that INEC is the only lawful statutory agency of government that is saddled with the onerous responsibility of recruiting ad hoc staff.” | Plateau South Senatorial District Election, APC, PDP | a href="https://dailytrust.com/plateau-by-election-apc-pdp-bicker-over-inec-ad-hoc-staff-recruitment">https://dailytrust.com/plateau-by-election-apc-pdp-bicker-over-inec-ad-hoc-staff-recruitment |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 15, 2020 | FCT Minister Bans Protests Amidst Concerns For Flouting COVID-19 Protocols | The Minister of the FEderal Capital TErritory (FCT), Muhammad Musa Bello has banned all street demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory, accusing the #EndSARS protesters of violating COVID-19 safety guidelines put in place to protect the lives of all citizens. The Minister who chaired the FCT Security Committee meeting which held on Tuesday October 13, 2020, to review the security situation in the territory with a view to addressing identified challenges, stated that, “These violations endanger the lives of not just the demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns. For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature checks, the use of facial coverings, amongst others. Clearly all these guidelines were flouted by the protesters.” According to a statement by Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, the committee therefore directed that due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions would not be allowed anywhere within the FCT. | #EndSARS Protests, FCT Minister, COVID-19 Safety Guidelines | https://dailytrust.com/fct-minister-bans-protests-amidst-concerns-for-flouting-covid-19-protocols |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, October 15, 2020 | Edo Assembly Recalls Ex-Speaker, Converts Impeachment to Resignation | The Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday, October 14, converted the impeachment of former Speaker, Frank Okiye, to resignation. A motion to that effect was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Henry Okhuarobo, and seconded by the member representing Esan North East State Constituency II, Hon. Emmanuel Okoduwa, who had been appointed the Chief Whip of the House. Okiye joined the lawmakers during the plenary session. Okhuarobo stated that the need to reverse the Speaker’s impeachment followed appeals from their constituents. Consequently, the motion, which received the overwhelming support of the members, was adopted by the House. The new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, told journalists shortly after the plenary session that there was no rift between the House and the executive arm of government, while the former Speaker stated that he was pleased that the House reversed its decision on him. | Edo Assembly | https://punchng.com/edo-assembly-recalls-ex-speaker-converts-impeachment-to-resignation/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Akeredolu Receives Certificate of Return | The Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and the Deputy Governor-elect, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa received Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). on Tuesday, October 13. The Ondo State governor received the certificate from the Ondo State INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, at the office of the commission in Akure, the State capital. The governor commended INEC for the successful conduct of the Ondo State governorship election. The governor, who commended the efforts of security agents for ensuring that the election went smoothly, dedicated his victory and the certificates to God and the people of the State. In a related development, Akeredolu also told his estranged deputy, Ajayi, to resign from his position if he has any honour. The deputy governor had defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and contested the just-concluded September 10 governorship election in the State on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) against Akeredolu, who was the APC standard-bearer. | Ondo State Governorship election, Rotimi Akeredolu | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/14/akeredolu-receives-certificate-of-return/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Election Tribunal Receives Five Petitions against Obaseki | The Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benin City, the Edo State capital, has received petitions from five political parties and their candidates, challenging the declaration of Governor Godwin Obaseki as the rightful winner of the September 19 poll. The Secretary of the tribunal, Mr. Sunday Martins, confirmed this to journalists in Benin City. Martins said that the 21-day window period for the submission of petitions ended on Saturday, October 10. He, however, stated that efforts to personally serve the court notice on Obaseki have been unsuccessful. The political parties who have filed petitions include the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Action Democratic Party (ADP). All the petitions joined Obaseki, the Peoples Democratic Party and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as defendants. | Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/14/election-tribunal-receives-five-petitions-against-obaseki/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Buhari Sends Proceeds of Crime Bill to Senate | President Muhammadu Buhari has sent an executive bill that would among others, ensure the management of the funds and property confiscated from criminals. The proposed legislation also sought to address the problem of lack of transparency and accountability associated with the management of recovered funds by anti-corruption agencies in the country. Buhari in a letter to the Senate on Tuesday, October 13, explained that the decision to transmit the bill to the National Assembly for consideration was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The letter, dated October 6, 2020, and read during plenary by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, stated that the bill was critical in sustaining the fight against corruption, money laundering and illicit movement of stolen funds through the banking system and across Nigerian borders. | Proceeds of Crime Bil, President Muhammadu Buhari | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/14/buhari-sends-proceeds-of-crime-bill-to-senate/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Abaribe, Lawan, Others Disagree on Buhari’s Appropriation Proposals | 2021 Appropriation Bill, National Assembly | https://guardian.ng/news/abaribe-lawan-others-disagree-on-buharis-appropriation-proposals/ | https://guardian.ng/news/abaribe-lawan-others-disagree-on-buharis-appropriation-proposals/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Sanwo-Olu Meets Buhari, IGP, Sets up N200m Trust Fund for Victims | Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday, October 13 met with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, in Abuja for an executive briefing. Sanwo-Olu, who travelled to Abuja shortly after addressing protesters at Alausa in Lagos, during the meeting, presented the demands of Lagos youths for reforms that would bring about positive change and a new orientation among police officers. Also, Lagos State government activated the process of getting justice for the victims of brutality and extra-judicial actions by SARS operatives. The governor disclosed that his administration has earmarked N200 million as compensation for families of victims of the protests. Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos would be setting up a panel of enquiry comprising youth leaders appointed by EndSARS protesters, members of the public, government officials and security agencies to look into the allegations of human rights abuses against SARS operatives in the State. | Governor Sanwo-Olu, Trust Fund for Police brutality Victims | https://guardian.ng/news/sanwo-olu-meets-buhari-igp-sets-up-n200m-trust-fund-for-victims/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | Senate Minority Caucus Rejects Lauretta Onochie’s Nomination As INEC Commissioner | The Senate Minority Caucus has kicked against the nomination of Lauretta Onochie as National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing her as a card-carrying party member. Onochie is the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on social media. Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe in a short statement sent to our reporter, stated that by nominating his aide, President Buhari has “willfully gone against the constitution”. “Item F, paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) forbids a card carrying member of a political party to be a member of INEC. The Minority Caucus of the Senate is against this nomination and calls on Mr President to withdraw it.” Buhari had written the Senate seeking the confirmation of Onochie and three others as INEC appointees. Other nominees are: Prof. Muhammad Sani Kallah (National Electoral Commissioner), Katsina; Prof. Kunle Cornelius Ajayi (National Electoral Commissioner), Ekiti; and Saidu Babura Ahmad (Resident Electoral Commissioner), Jigawa. Buhari’s letter, dated 12th October, 2020, was read at the plenary on Tuesday, 13th October. | INEC National Commissioners, Nomination, Senate Minority Caucus | https://dailytrust.com/senate-minority-caucus-rejects-lauretta-onochies-nomination-as-inec-commissioner |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | National Assembly to Provide Compensation for SARS’ Victims in 2021 Budget, Says Gbajabiamila | The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has stated that the National Assembly will make provision for compensation for families of those killed by the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The Speaker disclosed this at plenary on Tuesday, October 13, while assuring that the legislative arm is on the same page with Nigerians in their call for reformation of the police. He reiterated that the House would be introducing new legislation as part of efforts to reform the Police Force. According to Gbajabiamila, “We will get those whose lives were lost and during this budget process, adequate provision will be made for compensation.” The House also observed a minute silence for those that lost their lives. | House of Representatives, SARS | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/13/nassembly-to-provide-compensation-for-sars-victims-in-2021-budget-says-gbajabiamila/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | SARS: Training of New Police Unit Begins Next Week, Says IG | The Inspector General of Police (IG), IGP Mohammed Adamu, has revealed that the training of a new police unit that will take over from the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will commence next week. Adamu spoke on Monday, October 12 when popular musician, David Adeleke aka Davido, visited him in office over the ongoing #ENDSARS protests. He stated that with SARS being disbanded, there was need to get a new structure to carry out the duties the defunct police unit was carrying out, which is fighting violent crimes. He explained that the new outfit would be intelligence-driven, properly trained and only act on special occasions that require their attention. He added that the unit would be made up of fresh personnel with a fresh orientation and not officers from the scrapped unit. According to IGP Adamu, opportunities would be created for members of the public to participate in and make inputs to the formation of the new unit. He stated that this was the first time they have decisively taken to dissolve SARS, and called for calm as they continue to resolve all the issues. He said that in the proces of forming the new unit, corrections would be taken from the experience of SARS. He stated thus, “We just disbanded yesterday, so protesters should calm down and give us time to fix the problem. The general public will be part of the process of getting a new outfit. The IGP promised to investigate all cases of brutality and bring perpetrators to book. He said the issue of compensation to the families of those affected by SARS’ would be addressed when investigations are concluded. | SARS, Inspector General of Police | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/13/sars-training-of-new-police-unit-begins-next-week-says-ig/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | Buhari Nominates Aide, 3 Others as INEC Commissioners | President Muhammadu Buhari has nominated his Special Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Anochie (Delta), and three others as National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The three other nominees whose names were contained in a letter sent by President Buhari to the Senate for approval were Prof. Mohammed Sani (Katsina); Prof. Kunle Ajayi (Ekiti) and Seidu Ahmed (Jigawa). The President in the letter read at Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 13 by the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, stated that he was appointing the four National INEC Commissioners in line with paragraph 14 of part 1(F)of the first schedule of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended). | President Buhari, INEC National Commissioners, Nomination | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/13/buhari-nominates-aide-3-others-as-inec-commissioners/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | Kano To Hold Council Polls January 2021 | Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) on Monday, October 12 announced plans to conduct local government elections on January 16th 2021. While unveiling the approved itinerary for the January 2021 slated local government polls, KANCIEC Executive Chairman, Professor Garba Ibrahim Sheka, revealed that the commission has begun preparations for processes that will ensure a hitch-free exercise. He added that the tenure of the current elected local government officials will expire on the 11th of February 2021 and that it is the hope of the commission in compliance with federal government directives to ensure a handing over process that entails a hand over from the current elected leadership to another and avoid caretaker appointments. Professor Sheka stated that, “We have just concluded a meeting with the leadership of the political parties and we have agreed with the political parties that the next local government elections will hold on the 16th of January 2021 as the tenure of the current leadership of the councils expires on 11th February 2021.” Professor Sheka also gave the assurance that there will be no caretaker committees for the local governments as the commission has commenced preparation 96 days ahead of the slated period, adding that a comprehensive detailed timetable has been provided to guide the political parties for effective participation in the elections. | Kano State, Local Government Elections | https://dailytrust.com/kano-to-hold-council-polls-january-2021 |
| DailyTrust Online | Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | Abdulsalami Panel Tasks Akeredolu On Good Governance, Lauds INEC, Others | The National Peace Committee (NPC) has urged re-elected Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, to repay the people of the State with all the ingredients of good governance, justice and equity. Chairman of the committee and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), stated this on Monday, October 12 in Abuja in a statement, which read in part: “Through the expression of your exemplary sacrifice, decorum and courage, you played your part in deepening the culture of peaceful elections in Nigeria. You have once again shown Nigerians that your votes count irrespective of the earlier fears, uncertainty, tensions and anxiety that preceded the election. Nigerians appreciate your conduct and display of patriotism, which is worthy of emulation." | National Peace Committee, Ondo State Governorship Election | https://dailytrust.com/abdulsalami-panel-tasks-akeredolu-on-good-governance-lauds-inec-others |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | INEC’s Conduct of Ondo Guber Poll, Improvement on Edo Poll | Pro-Democracy think tank, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), has rated INEC’s conduct of the October 10, 2020 Ondo State Governorship Election as an improvement on what was achieved in Edo State. CDD handed down its verdict in Abuja at the presentation of its final observation report on the key processes and outcome of the election. Presenting the centre’s report, Head, CDD Election Analysis Centre, Professor Adele Jinadu and Director, Idayat Hassan, called for tougher action to deal with vote-buying, violence and fake news, which they noted combined to undermine the sanctity of the process. CDD warned that notwithstanding INEC’s steady efforts to improve logistics and management of elections, there remained dark clouds, which would continue to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. CDD therefore recommended that the only way to avert a relapse back to the era of flawed elections is to implement a raft of reforms in the electoral process. | Ondo State Governorship Election, CDD | https://guardian.ng/politics/inecs-conduct-of-ondo-guber-poll-improvement-on-edo-poll-says-centre-for-development-and-development/ |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, October 12, 2020 | IGP Disbands SARS, Pledges Advanced Police Reforms | After days of persistent protests by youths nationwide against the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Sunday, October 11, 2020 disbanded the unit. Announcing the disbandment, the Police boss assured Nigerians of a determination to accelerate reforms of the Police system, saying “I assure the nation of our firm determination to advance our police reform agenda, with a view to bequeathing to our beloved nation, a police institution and system that are not only accountable to the citizens, but professional in all components of its service delivery. I call on all citizens to partner with us in our drive for a peaceful and secure internal security order.” Prior to the announcement of the ban by the police chief, #EndSARS protesters had clashed with the police in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with the police dispersing them with tear gas. The protesters had in the last four days protested at Force headquarters, insisting on getting the IGP to address and assure them of the scrapping of the special police unit. | SARS, Inspector General of Police | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/igp-disbands-sars-pledges-advanced-police-reforms/ |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, October 12, 2020 | Ondo Election: I’ll Not Betray People’s Trust, says Akeredolu, as He is Re-elected for a Second Term | On Sunday, October 11, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State was re-elected as governor of the State. With 292,830 majority votes, securing outright victory in 15 of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, and scoring 25 per cent of the votes in all LGAs, the Returning Officer for the Ondo 2020 Governorship election and Vice Chancellor of the University of lbadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, returned Akeredolu as the winner of the poll. The governor, who contested on the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated his rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede with 97,039 votes. Jegede polled 195,791 votes in the election. Akeredolu’s estranged deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, who contested on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) came a distant third with 69,127 votes. Supporters of Akeredolu savoured what they deemed a well-deserved and sweet victory as the governor’s vote tally is more than the other 16 candidates put together. Collectively, the 16 candidates got 279,915 of the 572,745 valid votes. Apart from Akeredolu, Jegede and Ajayi, the remaining 14 candidates scored less than 3,500 votes each. | Ondo State governorship election | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/ondo-election-ill-not-betray-peoples-trust-says-akeredolu-as-he-beats-jegede-with-97039-votes/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, October 12, 2020 | FG, Labour Resume Electricity, Petrol Price Hike Talks | The Federal Government and Organised Labour met on Sunday, October 11 to resume negotiations on the increase in electricity tariffs and petrol pump price. The two parties had met on September 28 where the price hikes were discussed and consensus reached, leading to the inauguration of a seven-man Technical Sub-committee to review the increase in electricity tariffs. The committee which was given two weeks to deliberate was expected to present its report at the Sunday meeting. | Federal Government, Labour | https://punchng.com/fg-labour-resume-electricity-petrol-price-hikess-talks/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, October 12, 2020 | IPAC Faults Cost of Abia LG Poll Nomination Forms | Ahead of the December 18 2020 Abia State Local Government election, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), on Sunday, October 11 raised alarm over the cost of nomination forms introduced by the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC). The state election management body had announced a fee of five hundred thousand (N500,000) for the chairmanship position while those aspiring for councillororship positions are expected to pay one hundred thousand (N100,000) naira. Abia State Chairman of IPAC, Chief Ceekay Igara pleaded with the State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, to consider a downward review of the cost. He made the plea, during a courtesy visit to the governor, at Government House, Umuahia. Igara stated thus: “We are complaining that the economy is bad. Too many people are eager to contest but they said they cannot afford Five hundred thousand Naira. Five hundred thousand is quite on the high side and that is why it has been difficult for us to get the required people to contest. He also called for a shift in the date of the Local Government election to March 2021 to enable aspirants meet up with requirements outlined by ABSIEC. | Abia State Local Government election, Inter Party Advisory Council | https://punchng.com/ipac-faults-cost-of-abia-lg-poll-nomination-forms/ |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, October 12, 2020 | Reps Insist on Constitution Amendment Despite SARS Dissolution | The House of Representatives has stated that it will continue with its earlier plan to amend relevant parts of the Constitution to reform the Nigeria Police Force, despite the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu. Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday, October 11 commended the President, Muhammadu Buhari, for listening to the call by Nigerians “across the length and breadth of the country” to disband SARS. Gbajabiamila made this known in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, titled ‘Gbajabiamila commends Buhari, IGP for dissolving SARS, House will go on with Police Reforms.’ He stated that the dissolution of SARS was a necessary response by the government to the outcry arising from “multiple documented excesses” of SARS across the country. “The Speaker wishes to assure all Nigerians that the dissolution of SARS will not preclude the ongoing efforts by the House of Representatives to effect reforms of the police through legislation. There is still a pressing need to have an independent system for monitoring police actions and holding police officers to proper account for failures to follow the law and the police code. The House will continue its work to legislate lasting solutions to the problems of policing in Nigeria,” the statement read in part. | House of Representatives, SARS | https://punchng.com/reps-insist-on-constitution-amendment-despite-sars-dissolution/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Thursday, October 8, 2020 | Ondo Election Will Be Free, Fair, Credible, Buhari Assures Nigerians | President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, October 7 gave assurances that next Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State would be free, fair and credible. Buhari spoke virtually at the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship election campaign held at the Akure Township Stadium in Ondo State. He promised that security agents will perform their duties creditably to forestall the breakdown of law and order by unscrupulous elements. Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the State, Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) National Caretaker of Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Chairman, APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship election and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and several leaders of the party used the opportunity to rally support for the re-election of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. | Ondo State governorship election, President Buhari | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/08/ondo-election-will-be-free-fair-credible-buhari-assures-nigerians/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, October 8, 2020 | PWDs Demand Sign Language, Interpreters at Polling Units | The Executive Director of Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), David Anyaele, has called for inclusion of persons with disabilities in Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State. He made the demand in Abuja at a public presentation on the 2020 Ondo State with the theme: ‘An Assessment of INEC’s Preparation for Persons with Disabilities.’ Anyaele also urged INEC to encourage hearing impaired (deaf) voters to come with personal sign language interpreters to the polling unit to minimise communication gap. He asked INEC to ensure strict compliance with health protocols, including the re-design of the polling unit layout, and take adequate measures to ensure that polling stations are accessible for physically-impaired voters. He explained: “INEC should make prioritisation of PWDs’ access to voting mandatory, not advisory. Section 56(2) of the INEC Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2010 states that ‘The commission may take reasonable steps to ensure that voters with disabilities are assisted at the polling stations by the provision of suitable means of communication such as Braille, large embossed print or electronic devices or sign language interpretation, or off-site voting in appropriate cases'. Make election materials available and accessible, as well as the facilities for all PWDs. This includes Form EC40H, polling units, and assistive resources such as sign language interpreters, signage posters, tactile ballot jackets, magnifying lenses, and disability friendly polling stations.’ Anyaele further urged the electoral umpire to: “Train INEC ad-hoc officials adequately to understand and respond to PWDs’ needs. Sensitise the public on the needs and challenges of PWDs to reverse negative public perceptions and attitudes towards them. Collaborate with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to fully implement health and safety protocols during voting and result collation." | Ondo State governorship election, Persons with Disabilities | https://guardian.ng/politics/pwds-demand-sign-language-interpreters-at-polling-units/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Thursday, October 8, 2020 | Buhari Presents N13.08 Trillion for 2021 Budget | Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday October 8, presented a record 13 trillion-naira budget for 2021 to members of the National Assembly. The spending plan is about 21% rise from the revised 2020 spending plan of 10.8 trillion naira. The budget assumes crude production of 1.86 million barrels a day and an oil price of $40 per barrel with the exchange rate at N379 to $1. “Based on the foregoing fiscal assumptions and parameters, total federally distributable revenue is estimated at N8.433 trillion in 2021. Total revenue available to fund the 2021 Federal Budget is estimated at N7.886 trillion,” President Buhari stated. He added that, “This includes Grants and Aid of N354.85 billion, as well as the revenues of 60 government-owned Enterprises. According to him, oil revenue is projected at N2.01 trillion and non-oil revenue is estimated at N1.49 trillion. As you will observe, the format of the 2021 Appropriation Bill has been modified to include budgeted revenues, no matter how small, for each MDA, to focus on internal revenue generation. Accordingly, I implore you to pay as much attention to the revenue side as you do to the expenditure side.” He stated that N3.12trillion had been earmarked for debt servicing in 2021 as against N2.1trillion in 2020. The National Assembly gets N128 billion in the 2021 budget, while N380.21 billion was proposed for the health ministry. N3.8 trillion has been allocated to all ministries, departments and agencies for the execution of capital projects. | 2021 Budget, President Muhammadu Buhari, National Assembly | https://guardian.ng/news/buhari-presents-n13-08-trillion-for-2021-budget/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Thursday, October 8, 2020 | 2 PDP Reps Defect To APC | Two members of the House of Representatives, Ephraim Nwuzi (PDP, Rivers) and David Abel (PDP, Taraba), defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, October 7. Notice of the defections was announced by the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila on the floor of the House during plenary. The defections were contained in two separate letters addressed to the House. While Nwuzi was present when the letters were read on the floor, Abel was not at the chambers. Nwuzi is representing Etche/Emuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State while Abel is representing Gashaka/Kurmi/Sardauna Federal Constituency of Taraba State. | House of Representatives, PDP, APC | https://dailytrust.com/two-pdp-house-of-representatives-members-defect-to-apc |
| Punch Newspaper | Thursday, October 8, 2020 | PDP Chairman, Others Decamp to APC in Osun | Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 1, Ife-East-Central Local Council Development Area of Osun State, Kehinde Ajisafe, has defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). Ajisafe decamped from the party alongside 36 other members of the opposition party. A statement by Kola Olabisi, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, obtained on Wednesday, explained that the defection took place during a meeting of the ‘4 + 4 = Oyetola’ group at St. Stephen’s B Primary School, Modakeke in Osun State. | Osun State, PDP, APC | https://punchng.com/pdp-chairman-others-decamp-to-apc-in-osun/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, October 7, 2020 | INEC Urges Participants in Ondo Guber Election to Respect Peace Accord | Ahead of the Ondo State governorship election coming up on Saturday, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, has called on all political parties and candidates to respect, support, promote and commit to peaceful elections as signed in the Peace Cord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC) headed by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar (rtd). Speaking during the signing of the Peace Accord ceremony held in Akure on Tuesday, October 6, which had in attendance the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah and others, Yakubu observed that though the election is generating its own tensions, “the charged atmosphere demands that political parties and candidates should affirm, respect, support, promote and commit to peaceful elections, which I understand, are the five cardinal pillars on which the Peace Accord rests.” He further noted that without peace, the deployment plans, new innovations in result management, and the safety of personnel, security of materials and, above all, the credibility of elections would be undermined. According to him; “Even worse, public health will be jeopardised as observance of safety protocols in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic will be impossible to achieve in an atmosphere of disruption, violence and disorder. It is therefore important for everyone to maintain the peace.” He disclosed that respected statesmen, including traditional rulers as well as religious and business leaders were working in a voluntary and non-partisan way to promote peaceful elections for the consolidation of the nation’s democracy in particular and for peace in Nigeria in general. He added that the intervention of the NPC no doubt contributed in no small way to the peaceful conduct of the election whose outcome has been adjudged as credible.” | Ondo State governorship election, Peace Accord | https://guardian.ng/politics/inec-urges-participants-in-ondo-guber-election-to-respect-peace-accord/ |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 7, 2020 | 7 Edo Lawmakers Defect From APC | Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, Frank Okiye and six other State lawmakers on Tuesday, October 6, formally decamped from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the People Democratic Party (PDP). Other lawmakers who decamped to the PDP at plenary alongside the speaker are Roland Asoro, Ephraim Aluebhosele, Sunday Ojiezele, Henry Okhuarobor, Emma Okoduwa and Marcus Onobun. Okiye, who announced the receipt of the letters from the six members including himself to decamp to the ruling party in the State, attributed their action to the desire to identify with Governor Godwin Obaseki. According to him, the division and factions in the APC contributed to their joining the PDP so that they can perform their duties effectively as representatives of their Constituencies. However, Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje, Hon. Yekini Idiaye and Hon. Nosa Okunbor, still remain members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). | Edo state House of Assembly, APC, PDP | https://dailytrust.com/edo-speaker-6-others-member-formally-dumped-apc |
| DailyTrust Online | Wednesday, October 7, 2020 | U.S. Calls For Transparent Poll In Ondo | The United States of America has urged all stakeholders to continue to work toward a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election in Ondo State. The election is slated for this Saturday, October 10, 2020. The US Embassy, in a statement, enjoined all participants in the democratic process, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and the security services, to take concrete steps to ensure a peaceful election that reflects the will of the people of Ondo. Part of the statemnet read thus: “The United States remains committed to the U.S.-Nigeria partnership as we work together to achieve our mutual goals of peace and prosperity for the citizens of both our countries.” | Ondo State governorship election, United States | https://dailytrust.com/u-s-calls-for-transparent-poll-in-ondo |
| ThisDayLive Online | Wednesday, October 7, 2020 | Northern Elders Join Clamour for Restructuring, Say Nigeria Is Failing | Despite the claim by the presidency that those calling for restructuring are threatening the corporate existence of the country, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has thrown its weight behind other regional socio-political groups and prominent Nigerians calling for restructuring, following what it described as the failure of the country. NEF on Tuesday, October 6 joined these regional groups and advised Nigerians not to be tired of demanding the restructuring of the country. The forum argued that the Nigerian State has failed in the management of security, insisting on the need to revisit the way the country is structured, to provide security for citizens. Speaking on a live television programme in Lagos, NEF spokesperson, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, insisted that the country must be restructured to address fundamental issues that ought to have been addressed since Nigeria gained independence. He underscored the government's failure to deliver on its two basic duties of catering to citizens' security and welfare. Baba-Ahmed stressed that the Nigerian Constitution must be revised to “deal with issues that divide Nigerians rather than unite them.” There have been renewed agitations for the country to be restructured to avoid its break-up, with the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, joining the fray at the weekend. Adeboye spoke at a symposium alongside the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke; and a former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili. The respected cleric had warned that it was either the country restructured as soon as possible or it broke up. However, the presidency in two separate statements stated that Buhari would not be pressured to make any decision that would not be in the interest of the nation, describing the calls as “recurring threats to the corporate existence of the country." | Northern Elders' Forum, Restructuring | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/07/northern-elders-join-clamour-for-restructuring-say-nigeria-failing/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Wednesday, October 7, 2020 | Sleaze Allegations Rock Ondo Guber Campaigns | Three days to the governorship election in Ondo State, the incumbent governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and his estranged deputy, Agboola Ajayi, have resorted to a game of blame and wits to win the forthcoming election. The campaigns have degenerated to dirty fighting and mudslinging between the number one and two citizens of the State. Now, topmost secrets of government are being spilled. There have been speculations and insinuations about how public funds have been spent in the past three and half years of Akeredolu’s administration. A few months ago, the discovery of N4.3 billion in a secret account shook the State to its foundation, as accusing fingers were pointed at the governor and his son, Babajide, who was alleged to have received N430 million as consultancy fee. Also, allegations that the governor’s family, especially the first lady, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and her son, Babajide, have overbearing influence on government’s business had spiralled to serious litigation. Miffed by the audacity of the deputy governor to stand in the way of his second term bid, Akeredolu, who publicly described Ajayi as “inexperienced,” disclosed that he had been so generous to him to the extent of making him the most highly paid deputy governor in the country. Most observers give Akeredolu credit for tolerating Ajayi to complete his tenure as his deputy. However, this did not come with the absence of attempts to impeach Ajayi since he ditched the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and then the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Akeredolu however, dared anyone to provide evidence of sleaze against him and his family members, threatening that he would seek redress in court over attempts to malign his reputation. Ajayi flayed his boss for denigrating him politically, alleging that the governor is desperate and boxed politically to a corner, which has made him "lose decorum." Amongst others, Ajayi specifically accused Akeredolu of relegating governance to family matter. He disclosed that the wife of the governor has been cashing on her pet programmes as conduit pipes to siphon Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) fund. | Ondo State governorship election, Rotimi Akeredolu, Agboola Ajayi | https://guardian.ng/politics/sleaze-allegations-rock-ondo-guber-campaigns/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | Ondo Election: IG to Deploy 33,783 Policemen | Ahead of the October 10 governorship election in Ondo State, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, on Monday, October 5 announced the deployment of 33,783 personnel for the purposes of election security duty. Adamu has also reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, especially as it concerns the activities of the Federal Anti-robbery Squad (FSARS) and other special tactical units of the force. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure ahead of the election, Adamu, stated that the deployment would comprise 30,933 conventional police personnel and 2,850 special police units. He added that the police deployment would be complemented by an additional 3,500 manpower that will be drawn from other security agencies. According to IGP Adamu, the personnel would be deployed to secure the 3,009 polling units in 203 Wards spread over the 18 Local Government Areas of the State. He stated that the security agents would provide protection for the personnel and assets of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the electorate, and the residents of Ondo State in general before, during and after the elections. He maintained that “political actors and law-abiding electorate that are desirous of a peaceful election in Ondo State can rest assured of optimal security as they exercise their electoral rights”. | Ondo State Governorship Election, Police | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/06/ondo-election-ig-to-deploy-33783-policemen/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | Abdulsalami Committee Sues for Peaceful Poll | The National Peace Committee (NPC) led by a former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair, credible and peaceful governorship poll in Ondo State. The electoral body has however, reassured the people of Ondo State that their votes will count in Saturday’s election. The NPC, in a statement signed by Gen. Abubakar called on every stakeholder in the October 10, 2020 election to live up to the principles of impartiality, neutrality and statesmanship. The Peace Committee particularly urged the candidates, the security agencies, the INEC, civil society groups, traditional rulers and the citizens of Ondo State to support the peace process in the State. The NPC recalled its role in the 2015 and 2019 elections, including the just-concluded Edo State Governorship Election, urging electoral stakeholders in the State to support the committee in ensuring a peaceful election. | Ondo State governorship election, National Peace Committee (NPC) | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/06/abdulsalami-committee-sues-for-peaceful-poll/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | Ize-Iyamu Forecloses Challenging Obaseki’s Victory at Tribunal | The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19 Edo State governorship election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has disclosed that he would not challenge the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the election petition tribunal but would continue to pursue the two pre-election cases he had filed to challenge the eligibility of Obaseki to contest the election. He added that his decision to continue with the cases followed the decision of the PDP and its candidate to continue to pursue several pre-election suits in various courts against him and the APC. Ize-Iyamu in a statement issued on Monday, October 5 stated that even though the governorship election in the State was characterised by malpractices, he decided not to challenge the outcome because of the pronouncement by the leadership of the party and highly-placed individuals endorsing the election. He, however, stressed that contrary to what he described as orchestrated media reports, the election was neither free nor fair. He alleged that there were several episodes of violence, voter intimidation and falsification of results. He stated thus: “These malpractices could easily form the basis to challenge the election results. We have, however, decided not to commence an election petition. This is to avoid further tension in the State. On our part, we had filed two pre-election cases against the PDP and its flag bearer, challenging their eligibility to contest the election. These are all lawful and integral parts of the electoral process in any democracy, which we must all respect and acknowledge as genuine democrats. The outcome of these pending cases has a direct effect on the election. Consequently, we have decided to continue with our pre-election cases in full exercise of our legal rights, just as our opponents have considered it their prerogative to also continue with their pre-election cases against us.” | Edo State governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, APC | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/06/ize-iyamu-forecloses-challenging-obasekis-victory-at-tribunal/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | Be Patient, Seek Reform of Legislations, Buhari Tells Aggrieved Nigerians | President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to Nigerians to be patient and seek reform of some laws of the land which they have misgivings about, in line with democratic practices. This is coming as the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has frowned at those describing the National Assembly as a rubber stamp, stating that if such label is the price the lawmakers will pay for working harmoniously with the executive to ensure good governance, then it is acceptable. Buhari made the appeal on Monay, October 5 in Abuja at the two-day joint executive-legislative retreat designed to promote harmonious working relationship between the two arms of government. The new Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020 signed into law by the President in August had generated negative comments from various quarters, including religious leaders. Apart from CAMA 2020, the controversy generated by the controversial National Water Resources Bill also forced the House of Representatives to withdraw it for representation to the lawmakers. However, Buhari reminded the citizens that the process of law-making and governance are dynamic, promising that his administration would continue to promote and ensure justice, peace, and progress in the country. He stated thus: “Let me also remind our fellow patriots, countrymen, and women that the process of law-making and governance are dynamic and ever-evolving. I will seek their indulgence to be patient with any legislation or law which they have certain misgivings about and engage the process for reviewing such law in line with democratic practices. Our interest is the sincere promotion of our collective will and aspirations to build a nation where justice, peace, and progress are the norms.’’ Speaking on the executive/legislative partnership, Buhari stressed the need for more effective collaboration between the two arms of government to share ideas and build consensus on critical governance and policy issues. | President Muhammadu Buhari, Executive, Legislature | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/06/be-patient-seek-reform-of-legislations-buhari-tells-aggrieved-nigerians/ |
| ThisDayLive Online | Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | Buhari to Present N13.09tn 2021 Appropriation Bill to NASS On Thursday | President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to present the 2021 N13.09 trillion Appropriation Bill to the joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, October 7, for necessary approval. THISDAY gathered that the Executive has written formally to the Legislature about the desire of the President to present the 2021 federal budget estimates approved last Wednesday, September 30 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). THISDAY further learnt that the budget estimates will be formally laid by President Buhari at the House of Representatives chamber by 11a.m with President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who also doubles as Chairman of the National Assembly, presiding. Lawan, had upon resumption of Senate plenary after a two-month annual vacation last Tuesday, September 29, hinted that the Executive arm of government will this week present the 2021 budget estimates to the National Assembly. He stated that the budget proposal will be subjected to scrutiny by relevant committees of the upper legislative chamber in October during which heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) will be expected to defend their estimates. According to him, the Appropriation Bill is expected to be passed in the early week of December “so that it can be transmitted to the President for his assent before the end of 2020”. | 2021 Appropriation Bill | https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/06/buhari-to-present-n13-09tn-2021-appropriation-bill-to-nassembly-thursday/ |
| The Guardian Newspaper | Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | INEC identifies 16 Areas Of Improvement As Materials Arrive Ondo | Ahead of the Ondo State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, October 5 stated that it had identified 16 areas of improvement after reviewing the last governorship election in Edo State. Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who stated this at a stakeholder meeting in Akure, said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had concluded plans to deliver all sensitive materials for the election to its Akure branch. According to him, areas of improvemnet identified include logistics, prompt response to Smart Card Reader glitches on election day, the menace of vote-buying, compliance with COVID-19 protocols, among others. Yakubu specifically stated that there had been intense engagement with security agencies in dealing with the menace of vote-buying. He also disclosed that the commission in response to the fire incident last month in which all Smart Card Readers in Ondo State were lost, had moved enough replacements from its Oyo State office and configured them for the October 10 poll. With regard to logistics, he stated thus: “We have engaged with land and maritime transport owners for forward and reverse logistics to and from land and riverine locations. We have engaged an additional 104 Registration Area Technical Support (RATECHS) staff to respond rapidly to issues with Card Readers on Election Day. We had useful discussions with the security agencies and anti-corruption agencies on how to deal with vote-buying during elections. Working with health authorities, we will continue to enforce safety measures at polling units, including the compulsory wearing of face masks and the provision of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand sanitizers and infra-red thermometers at polling locations and collation centres.” Yakubu further noted that to ensure a transparent electoral process, the Z-Pad technology used for the Edo State election would also be deployed for the Ondo State governorship election, adding that the deployment of Smart Card Readers for voter verification and authentication was compulsory. While assuring the Ondo people that their votes would count, the INEC Chairman warned politicians against violence. | Ondo State governorship election, INEC | https://guardian.ng/politics/inec-identifies-16-areas-of-improvement-as-materials-arrive-ondo/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, October 5, 2020 | Ondo Election: APC, PDP Supporters Clash Again | Residents of Oba Nla, Oba Adesida road, Arakale, and Oja Oba areas of Akure, the Ondo State capital were thrown into confusion following a clash that ensued between the youths suspected to be supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, October 4. Residents and passers-by of the area had to run to safety while vehicular movement was halted during the clash. According to an eyewitness, many people were injured in the clash. It was gathered that the clash started late Saturday evening at Obanla Junction, Oba Adesida Road when one of the supporters of APC was allegedly beaten by that of PDP, leading to an alleged reprisal attack on Sunday morning by APC supporters. It occurred a few meters away from ‘A’ Division Police Station, Akure. | Ondo State governorship election, APC, PDP | https://punchng.com/ondo-election-apc-pdp-supporters-clash-again/ |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, October 5, 2020 | Restructuring: Buhari Will Not Succumb To Threats ― Presidency | The Presidency has reacted to calls by some individuals and socio-ethnic groups for the immediate restructuring of Nigeria, stating that the Buhari administration will not succumb to threats and undue pressure over the matter. Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 5, when he responded to the renewed agitation in some quarters for the restructuring of the country. The presidential aide, however, dismissed the recurring threats as unpatriotic outbursts, saying the Buhari administration would not take any decision against the interest of 200 million Nigerians. The statement read in part: ”The Presidency responds to the recurring threats to the corporate existence of the country with factions giving specific timelines for the President to do one thing or another or else, in their language, 'the nation will break up'.” According to news reports, the leadership of some socio-cultural groups, including Ohaneze Ndigbo and Afenifere, as well as Niger Delta agitators, governors and clerics have reiterated the call for restructuring Nigeria. According to them, the country needs a home-grown constitution that will usher in new political and economic arrangements based on regional structures. | Restructuring, Presidency | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/restructuring-buhari-will-not-succumb-to-threats-―-presidency/ |
| Vanguard Newspaper | Monday, October 5, 2020 | Ondo: PDP Tasks Buhari on Impartiality, Fairness | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, October 5 urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to bow to pressure to intervene in the October 10 Ondo governorship election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu. The party made the plea at its national secretariat, Abuja in a press conference addressed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan. Part of the party's statment read thus: “Our campaign calls on President Muhammadu Buhari not to succumb to pressure by Governor Akeredolu and the APC to renege in his resolve not to interfere in elections, as amply witnessed in the September 19 Edo election. We invite Mr. President to note the applause and commendations coming to him from all parts of our nation and the global community over the non-interference of his Presidency in the conduct of a free, fair and credible election in Edo State, a development that allowed the will of the people to prevail. Mr President must not allow Governor Akeredolu, who had been justly rejected by his people for non-performance and who has declared his citizens as his 'enemies for life', to detract from his desire in this regard. Our campaign, therefore, urges President Buhari to adopt the same Edo stance to ensure a free, fair and credible election in Ondo, without regard to partisan consideration, so that he can leave a legacy of electoral uprightness for which posterity and history can be kind to him.” The PDP also called on the President to direct the Police and the Department of State Services to ensure a peaceful environment that will guarantee a peaceful election in the State. | Ondo State governorship election, PDP, President Muhammadu Buhari | https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/10/ondo-pdp-tasks-buhari-on-impartiality-fairness/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, October 5, 2020 | Ondo Poll: Military Deploys 300 Personnel, Gunboats | Less than a week to the October 10 governorship election in Ondo State, the military has stated that it will deploy between 200 and 300 soldiers to the coastal areas of the State to ensure a peaceful election in the riverine communities. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had identified the riverine areas as black spots, saying it had enlisted the help of the Navy and Military Police to flush out threats to the peaceful conduct of the exercise, especially in the creeks and other black spots in the State. Officers and men of the Nigerian Navy and the Army had, on Thursday, October 1, carried out an exercise tagged ‘Show of Force’ on waterways in the Ilaje and Ese Odo Local Government Areas of the State. The Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Akure, Brig-Gen Zakari Abubakar stated that the aim of the exercise was to signal a warning to hoodlums on the waterways that the security agencies were combat-ready to ensure that the election was violence-free. Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the brigade, Captain Ayo Omojokun, on Friday, October 2 stated thus: “We are deploying between 200 and 300 men to the coastal areas for the election.” The Information Officer of the Nigeria Navy Forward Operating Base, Igbokoda, Lieutenant Attah Sule, also stated that, “60 men will be deployed for the election with six gunboats and five speedboats.” In a related development, the Federal Road Safety Corps disclosed that it has deployed 1,500 personnel for the election. The Corps' Public Education Officer, ACM Bisi Kazeem, in a statement on Saturday, October 3, stated that the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, also approved that 30 vehicles, including tow trucks, ambulances and other operational vehicles, be deployed for the exercise. | Ondo State governorship election, Logistics, Military deployment | https://punchng.com/ondo-poll-military-deploys-300-personnel-gunboats/ |
| Punch Newspaper | Monday, October 5, 2020 | Ajayi Boycotts Ondo Debate as Akeredolu, Jegede Persuade Voters | The candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the Ondo State governorship election, Agboola Ajayi, was absent at a governorship debate held on Sunday, October 4 in Akure, the State capital. The debate, themed, ‘2020 Ondo Governorship Election: Face the Voters’ was organised by media organisations, labour unions, civil society groups, religious bodies and other critical stakeholders in the State. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 17 political parties fielded candidates for the election. However, analysts have opined that the poll would be a three-horse race amongst ZLP, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The moderator of the debate, Akinwumi Abodunde stated that four political parties were invited for the debate but while the APC candidate and incumbent Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, PDP’s Eyitayo Jegede and Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) Peter Fasua were present at the debate, Ajayi was absent. The moderator grilled the three governorship candidates on leadership, economy, agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, election security and insecurity. | Ondo State governorship election, Governorship Debate | https://punchng.com/again-ajayi-boycotts-ondo-debate-as-akeredolu-jegede-beg-voters/ |