Petrol tanker catches fire near Ogun Governor’s Office

Daud Olatunji, Abeokuta

A truck loaded with about 50,000 litres of petroleum was gutted by fire in front of Ogun State Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The incident happened on Saturday.

Our correspondent gathered that the tanker was coming from Ijora, Lagos State, en route to Adatan, in Abeokuta metropolis.

The driver, who identified himself as Nurudeen Yusuf, told newsmen that he, alongside his two motorboys, discovered a spark from the engine, which resulted in the fire outbreak.

The leader of the Federal Fire Service at the scene, Sodiq Atanda, said it took the timely intervention of his men to put out the fire.

Atanda said, “If not for the proximity of our station and the timely intervention of our men, this situation would have been worse.”

He, however, lamented that the truck did not have a fire extinguisher.

Group threatens nationwide protest over APC national convention

A pressure group, the Concerned APC Members, has vowed to embark on nationwide protest on Monday if the Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee (CENCPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) fails to roll out time table for the December National Convention of the party.

The group, on October 12, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Caretaker Committee to announce time table for the convention in line with directive of the 25th June emergency National Executive Committee meeting.

But Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, dismissed the threat of the group, accusing it of being insincere despite efforts by the party leadership to listen to their complaints.

But leader of the group, Alhaji Abdullahi Dauda, told The Nation the ultimatum was extended by one week following assurances by Nabena the time table was ready.

The Nation reports the 25th June emergency NEC meeting inaugurated the Governor Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee with a mandate to reconcile all aggrieved members and conduct a national convention for emergence of a new National Working Committee (NEC) to replace the Adams Oshiomole led dissolved Committee.

Four months into the tenure of the Caretaker Committee, the Concerned APC group accused the CENCPC of scheming for tenure elongation following its refusal to announce a time table for the convention.

The group then imposed a 14-day ultimatum on the party leadership on 12th October which lapsed on Monday, the 26th of October.

According to Dauda, a chieftain of the party from Bauchi, “it is true we gave 14 days ultimatum and at its expiration the leadership of the party through the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena in a newspaper report (The Nation) on the 27th October apologised and said that the time table for the conduct of the national convention was ready.

“As loyal party members, based on the words of the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, we agreed to give the party leadership one week to enable us study the time table. We gave this extension because we have confidence in the integrity of the party leadership.

“But if by the end of the one week extension, which is Monday 3rd of November, we shall have no alternative than to go on our protest by Monday.

“We have moblised our people across the country. We have been patriotic enough by extending the ultimatum. The Caretaker Committee should be held responsible for the protest.”

When told the Forum of APC state chairmen recently passed a vote on confidence on the Committee with a promise to extend the 6 months tenure of the Buni led Committee, Dauda said: “These chairmen have to such powers. It was President Muhammadu Buhari through the NEC that appointed the Caretaker Committee and that is the only organ that can say otherwise.”

Reacting to Monday’s protest threat, Nabena denied statin the time table was ready, insisting that he never had such discussion with anybody.

“This group is not sincere. I never told anybody of any time table, all I said was that any aggrieved member should come forward with their grievances. The Governor Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee in keeping with its mandate is prepared to attend to any aggrieved members.

“This people refused to show up. How can’t we be dealing with faceless people? Let them come to the party secretariat and we shall discuss with them. We cannot be discussing party matters and be issuing ultimatum on the pages of newspapers.”

FG Set To Reduce Data Cost From N1,000 To N390 Per Gigabyte.(See Details)

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced plans to cut down the cost of purchasing internet data in the country.

According to Umar Danbatta the Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the Nigeria Communication Commission, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy is planning to reduce the cost of data from N1,000 to N390 per gigabyte.

To achieve subsidized data cost, according to Mr Dambatta, the country must provide pervasive broadband data infrastructure.

See part of his statement below:

“Actually the cost has come down to N1,000/gigabyte of data, but the government is saying that we should be targeting N390 in the next 3 to 5 years.

“We need pervasive broadband data infrastructure because at the landing point in Lagos, where we have all the submarine cables. You know, that is why we have them. There is the main cable, 133, West African Sea Cable (WASC). And there is the other one which Glo company is trying to deploy.

“This, combined, have data capacity of 40 terabyte. This data capacity is at the landing point in Lagos. That is from the coast, where there is ocean. Until and unless you move this massive 40 terabyte data capacity into the hinterland because the undersea cables are terminating in Lagos.

“Hinterland consists virtually all the major cities of the country and the 774 Local Governments of Nigeria. Through this way you will be meeting demands for data with appropriate or commensurate supply of data. This is how it will enable Nigerians to pay less data tariff.

“But this massive capacity of data at landing cost can’t move itself. There is the need to build fibre cables that can carry this capacity to the hinterland.

“We are indeed pursuing the plan. There is infrastructure and company licensing framework that could give the companies the ability to afford to sell the data to the retail agents, who will sell the data to the citizens,” he explained.

The EVC however said Nigeria is among the countries with lowest data cost in the whole Africa.

“Following observation of the ranking, which was carried out by reputable global organizations, the commission had found out that Nigeria stands in 4th position among the countries with lowest data tariff on the continent,”

“It is true that Nigerians are yearning for low data prices. Nigeria has one of the lowest data tariff in Africa. When we observed the rankings by global reputable organizations, we discovered that in the rankings of data services and cost, we are like number 4.

“Virtually all the African countries were listed in the ranking. Our data price is $2 and a few cents.

“In South Africa, despite their economic development, they sell data higher than Nigeria. To be honest with you, South Africa is not even among the lowest. Cost of data services doesn’t need to come down,”Mr Danbatta stated.

#EndSARS: We must regulate social media before it destroys us –FG

The Federal Government has warned that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder if the issue of fake news is not urgently addressed, insisting on the regulation of social media in the country.

The House of Representatives has, however, warned against clamping down on free speech and press freedom.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values were sharply divided on the matter on Tuesday.

Mohammed had appeared before the committee to defend the 2021 budget proposed by his ministry.

The minister, while responding to questions from members of the committee, noted that the next war to be fought in the country and across the world might be fought the social media, making reference to the ongoing #EndSARS protests.

Mohammed stated that the government was not seeking to shut down social media space in the country because “the social media has come to stay.”

He, however, stressed the need to have a policy that regulates social media and check fake news and misinformation.

He said, “The biggest challenge facing Nigeria today is fake news and misinformation. Based on that, we dedicated an entire National Council on Information’s meeting to that issue, after which we launched a national campaign against fake news in July 2018.

“We said, then, that the next war will be fought without a shot being fired, but with the use of fake news. We didn’t stop there. We went on a tour of all media houses to solicit their support in the fight against fake news. We launched the campaign to regulate social media, which was bitterly contested by the stakeholders. We kept saying that if we don’t regulate social media, it will destroy us. Social media and fake news will not destroy Nigeria.

“The recent #EndSARS war was fought on social media. They mobilised using the social media. The war today revolves around two things. Smartphone and data and these young men don’t even watch television or listen to radio or read newspapers. You will be shocked that when you start arguing with your children, they will be quoting the social media. So, we need a social media policy in Nigeria and we need to empower the various agencies and we need technology to be able to regulate the social media.”

Members of the committee, however, cautioned the minister.

A member, Emmanuel Oghene, warned against any attempt to shut down the social media in the country, saying the action will be counter-productive and would make the youths to believe that there is an attempt to truncate democracy in the country.

Oghene stated that it will be wrong to always look at the negative sides of the social media at all times without mentioning the good side.

‘Dami Duro is My Favourite Song Of All Time’- Davido Says As He Reveals Other Secrets About Himself

Davido has said his 2011 smash hit, Dami Duro is his best song of all time during a recent interview with Beat 99. 9 FM.

The singer was put on the spot and asked series of questions which he had to answer within 60 seconds, dubbed ’60 seconds with the Beat’. Davido was asked questions like when was the last time he had sex, his favourite celebrity crush, what he would be doing if he wasn’t a musician, and other interesting questions all in one minute.

When he was aksed which song is his favourite of all time, he confidently mentioned Dami Duro, a song that topped charts in Nigeria and Africa. Watch the video for excerpts.

BREAKING: Okonjo-Iweala elected WTO DG

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s nominee for the office of the director-general of the World Trade Organisation, has emerged winner of the highly competitive race.

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TheCable can report that Okonjo-Iweala was chosen as the final candidate for the much-coveted role. She polled 104 votes from 164 member countries to defeat how South Korea’s trade minister at the final stage of the race.

She has broken many records, including becoming the first African to occupy win that office at the WTO.

 

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The official announcement is expected to be made by the WTO at 3pm Nigerian time.

More to follow…

Buhari On Life Support In London Hospital – Fayose

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, ‎on Wednesday claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari is suffering from voice impairment and has been on life support in a West-End London Hospital since June 6.

He also dismissed a purported audio message of the president greeting people for the just celebrated Eid-el-Fitri in Hausa language as “absolute lies.”

“No doubt, the audio message was only a damage-control strategy aimed at further deceiving Nigerians,” he said.

Addressing journalists in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, the governor noted that there had been no official statement on the health status and whereabout of the president since he travelled abroad for treatment 53 days ago.

Fayose, who issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the presidency to discountenance his claims, threatened to reveal further details on the hospital if there was no official statement from the government.

“Today, it makes 53 days since our president left Nigeria to attend to his health challenges abroad. No official information as to his whereabouts and his state of health.

“Like every other Nigerians, I do not wish the president dead, I have therefore maintained dignified silence since we were told that the president embarked on his second medical trip abroad this year.

“However, the recorded audio message which was released by the Presidency as the president’s Ramadan message to Nigerians necessitated my setting the records straight today.

“The audio message does not represent the truth as our President does not only have voice impairment, he has been on life-support since June 6, 2017, at a West-End, London Hospital.”

The governor revealed that the First Lady, Aisha, was not allowed to see her husband during her last visit to the United Kingdom if only she would be courageous enough to admit.

He said, “Only three Nigerians who are of the president’s cabal are allowed access to the president. I will keep their identities for now.

“Anyone with contrary claim should produce the president to Nigerians within the next 48 hours. I want to say emphatically that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has not spoken to the president in the last one month. I expect him to prove me wrong.”

Nigerian Army claims Lagos govt invited soldiers to enforce curfew, denies shooting #EndSARS protesters

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lagos, said on Tuesday its troops were invited by the state government to enforce the curfew imposed on the state.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Maj. Osoba Olaniyi, who disclosed this in a statement, said the troops were requested to restore law and order 24 hours after the curfew was declared.

Olaniyi insisted that the soldiers did not shoot at the #EndSARS protesters , adding that the personnel acted within “the confines of the Rules of Engagement for Internal Security operations.”

Armed soldiers had on October 20 reportedly opened fire on #EndSARS protesters in the Lekki area of the state.

The attack on the harmless protesters sparked angry response within and outside the country with many asking the Federal Government to order a comprehensive probe of the incident.

The army spokesman said: “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilian protesters were massacred by soldiers at Lekki toll plaza.

“This allegation is untrue, unfounded and aimed at causing anarchy in the country. At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any civilian.

“From the onset of the #EndSARS protest, there was no time personnel of 81 Division Nigerian Army , Lagos, were involved.

“However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the Lagos State government after a 24 hours curfew was imposed.

“This was as a result of the violence which led to several police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police custody released and weapons carted away.

“The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at this point that Lagos State government requested for the military to intervene in order to restore normalcy.

“The intervention of the military followed all laid down procedures for internal security operations and all the soldiers involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement for Internal Security operations.”

“Killing You Is Calling For Another War In Nigeria.” Reactions As Aisha Yesufu Reveals They Are Calling For Her Death

Aisha Yesufu, the Nigerian brave activist has cried out over the call to get her arrested and possibly kill her too…

Recall that the popular Activist from the Northern part of Nigeria was tirelessly leading in #EndSARS protests in some parts of 

Mrs. Aisha has vowed never to give up on the fight as she keeps updating her followers of every latest happenings.

Yesterday a video that went viral on various social media platforms, Which was shared  by herself, showed the moment a group of people made a short clip describing her as an enemy to Islam and a supporter of LGBTQ, and even made a threat to her life.

Aisha Yesufu  then proceeded to post various photos  of how she has stood against bad governance in this administration and even the previous one. She still could not figure out why her fellow Muslim family meant by saying she’s one-sided

See the post below.

See the post below.

“As a little girl less than 10 years of age, I came to the conclusion that: the worst thing anyone can do to me is to kill me and that it is not the worst thing since I am going to die anyway. 

At 46, you think I am going to be afraid to die? Try again! WE DIE HERE! #ENDSARS JOOR!”

See how fans reacted.

@abdulrahaman “Oh actually hoping to do the dirty job through the third party as they did with sponsored thugs against #EndSARS

I wish they could direct this anger to those who impoverish them for ages.

They still don’t know where the problem lies.”

@Gbega “These people are nothing but Evil, they can do and undo, just be careful wherever you might be ending, But if anything happens to you Nigeria is a problem our leaders are in problem.”

@miiti “Indeed they have heard your voice. The impact has been giving them sleepless nights and this is only the beginning. We must take back Nigeria come 2023!!”

@Edma “@AishaYesufu this is why I fear for you. Sometimes I ask how do u get the strength. How? Being a Muslim and fighting for a better Nigeria as a woman. How do u do it? Cos 1st they will say ure an infidel or siding with infidels. 2nd they will ure a woman.”

@lindaland “what u wished she was but she is not will not,why? She knows who she is. a woman who walked fearlessly amidst gunshots and tear gas, I understand allot wish their wives had her kind of courage and all they can do is resolve to wail.”

I know we have wronged you, please forgive us-Senator Florence Ita-Giwa goes on her knees to beg protesting residents in Cross Rivers state (video)

Senator Florence Ita-Giwa has appealed to Nigerians, particularly residents of Cross Rivers state, to stop with the wanton destruction of properties and looting of items across the country.

On Saturday, October 24, angry youths in Cross Rivers state destroyed the homes of former senate leader, Ndoma Egba as well as the home of Senator Bassey Gershom.

In a video shared online, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa who represented Cross River South Senatorial District in the Senate, went on her knees to appeal to residents of the state to stop the destruction and looting of properties.

She spoke in her native language. Twitter user, @__gershom, who shared the video, translated what she said as

“I know we have wronged you. The generation of today has suffered. The big people have wronged you. Nigerian politics has failed you. But please forgive us. Forgive the big people. Forgive the politicians”

This Picture Of Algeria Protest Will Make You Think Nigerians Are Not Doing Enough

This Picture Of Algeria Protest Will Make You Think Nigerians Are Not Doing Enough

Nigerian youths started a protest against police brutality few days ago. Fortunately, they were later supported by celebrities, politicians, Twitter CEO amongst the others even though they probably haven’t heard the answers they wanted from the Government.

Unbelievably, the protest received recognitions around the world even beyond the thinking of the protesters. No doubt, Nigeria has a massive records of the victims of police brutality and harrassment.

Protest happens in most countries, and it happens because the protesters probably wants a change in the aspect they are not satisfied with. Like Nigerian youths, Algerians also protested to fight for their rights, and If Algeria protest is to be compared with Nigeria protest, one will think Nigerians are not doing enough, see the picture of Algeria protest below, and kindly compare it to Nigeria protest.

What do you think? Do you believe Nigerians are not really doing enough? Kindly share your thoughts below in the comments section.

BREAKING: United Nations Directs FG To Immediately Drop Charges Against Sowore, Pay Him Compensation

The Nigerian Government has been directed to immediately and unconditionally drop all charges against activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore.

12088 READ:

In addition, it must accord the #RevolutionNow convener compensation and "other reparations, in accordance with international law."

The directive was given by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

The group, which investigates cases of arbitrary deprivation of liberty, noted that Mr. Sowore’s prolonged incarceration by Nigerian authorities runs contrary to international legal instruments guiding civil and political rights.

Intense Panic As Hausa, Yoruba Youths Clash At Fagba, Lagos

Citing opinions adopted at its eighty-seventh session held between April 27 – May 1, 2020, the group wrote: “The Working Group requests the Government of Nigeria to take the steps necessary to remedy the situation of Mr Sowore without delay and to bring it into conformity with the relevant international norms, including those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”, the group said in a statement.

“The Working Group considers that taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the appropriate remedy would be to unconditionally release Mr Sowore immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law”, the statement added.

Mr. Sowore was arrested in Lagos on August 3, 2019 and taken into custody by agents of Nigeria’s secret police SSS, for alleged treasonable felony, cyberstalking and money-laundering.

The activist, a presidential candidate of the AAC in the 2019 election, had called for a peaceful revolution to protest against decades of bad governance in Nigeria was detained for 144 days despite different court orders mandating his release.

The SSS claimed that Mr. Sowore’s #RevolutionNow campaign, which was slated for August 5, 2019 – two days before his arrest – threatened public safety and presented a threat of insurrection to the Nigerian government, although it failed to supply any evidence to substantiate the claims before the public or the federal court handling the case.

SCOOPER earlier reported how the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday refused to grant the application by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), seeking the revocation of bail granted to Sowore and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, who turned down the request of the AGF’s counsel, Kayode Alilu, adjourned the matter until December 10 and 11 for continuation of trial, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

When the matter was called at the resumed trial on Wednesday, lawyer to Sowore and Bakare, Marshal Abubakar, who held brief for Femi Falana (SAN), told the court that Sowore, though was in Abuja, he was indisposed as a result of ill health.

Abubakar further hinted that Bakare could not come to court also because of the ongoing protest, which had crippled activities in Osun where he presently resides.

The AGF’s counsel, Kayode Alilu, urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the defendants and also revoke the bail granted them having not been in the court for their trial.

The lawyer argued that there was no evidence of medical report showing that Sowore was ill and that the excuse by Bakare of lockdown in the state where he resides was not tenable.

According to him, they had no reason not to be in court having not been here in the last adjourned date.

Abubakar objected to Alilu’s application, adding that Mr Falana, who he represented, would have loved to be in court but for the crisis in Lagos, which had led to the 24-hour curfew.

He said the same scenario was what happened to Bakare.

The counsel, who informed the court that Sowore had just developed malaria symptoms and could not have gotten a medical report, then told the court that he got a message from the 1st defendant that he was on his way to the court.

Justice Ojukwu asked to be notified when Sowore arrived in court.

Shortly after that period, Sowore, accompanied by some youth, entered the courtroom.

Abubakar shortly afterwards inform the court of his client’s arrival.

Justice Ojukwu then asked parties to appear on the next adjourned date.

Lekki shootings: US reaffirms visa ban policy for anti-democratic forces

The United States Government may impose a visa restriction on persons found culpable in the shooting of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos on Tuesday.

This is just as the judicial panel set up by the Lagos State Government to probe the Lekki killings is set to begin investigation into the incident on Monday.

Soldiers deployed to quell the protests had opened fire on protesters. While the Defence headquarters has denied deploying soldiers in the Lekki Toll Plaza, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu insisted the military carried out the shooting on the peaceful protesters at the toll plaza.

The governor said, “For clarity, it is imperative to explain that no sitting governor controls the rules of engagement of the military. I have, nonetheless, ordered an investigation into the rules of engagement adopted by men of the Nigerian Army that were deployed to the Lekki tollgate last night.”

Although the casualty figure remains a subject of controversy, global rights group, Amnesty International, says 12 persons were killed in the incident.

Saturday PUNCH subsequently sent an email inquiry to the US Foreign Mission to Nigeria on whether those found wanting in the shootings would be banned from visiting the US.

The email enquiry read, “With regard to the shootings at the Lekki toll plaza in Lagos and attack on protesters in various parts of the country, will the United States Government be considering a visa ban on persons found wanting in the last few weeks?”

In its response, the embassy stated, “We stand by Secretary Pompeo’s statement of October 8, 2020: Adherence to these democratic norms and to the rule of law allows all citizens to engage in political dialogue and support their choice of candidates, parties, and platforms.

“We will watch closely the actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process and will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions.”

Earlier, senior officials of the United States Government on Thursday met with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and expressed displeasure over the shootings.

Although the Nigerian Army had denied deploying soldiers to the scene, the US officials demanded that the soldiers behind the shootings be brought to justice.

The spokesperson for the State Department, Morgan Ortagus, said in a statement that the officials were led by the Counsellor of the US State Department, Ulrich Brechbühl.

Others at the meeting include Assistant Secretary Robert Destro and Assistant Secretary Denise Natali.

The officials, according to the statement, raised concerns over the ongoing violence in Nigeria as well as human rights violations and human trafficking.

The statement read in part, “Counsellor T. Ulrich Brechbühl met with Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo today in Abuja, Nigeria as part of a previously scheduled delegation, which included Assistant Secretary Robert Destro and Assistant Secretary Denise Natali, to raise US concerns about ongoing violence in Nigeria, human rights, religious freedom, and trafficking in persons, and to hear from senior Nigerian government officials how they are addressing those issues.

“The counsellor expressed the US condemnation of the use of excessive force by military forces that fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos. He expressed condolences to the victims of these shootings and urged the government of Nigeria to abide by its commitment to hold those responsible accountable under the law.”

According to the statement, Osinbajo as well as the counsellor noted that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles.

“Counsellor Brechbühl and Vice-President Osinbajo emphasised the importance of US and Nigerian collaboration on common goals of improving security cooperation and strengthening economic partnership to foster mutual prosperity,” the statement read.

The Nigerian Army had on Wednesday denied that soldiers were at the toll plaza despite eyewitnesses’ accounts and video evidence showing soldiers shooting.

International Criminal Court Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, had also acknowledged receipts of complaints over the incident.

She tweeted, “My office has been closely following the events around the current protests in Nigeria and the reaction of Nigeria’s law enforcement and security agencies.

“Any loss of life or injury is concerning. We have received information alleging crimes and are keeping a close eye on developments, in case violence escalates and any indications arise on that Rome Statute crimes may have been committed.”

However, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) made no mention of any investigation or arrest during his national broadcast on Thursday

Feminist coalition releases statement to reveal the plan going forward after Buhari's address on the End SARS protests

Feminist Coalition, better known as Feminist Co, has released a statement after Muhammadu Buhari addressed the nation regarding the End SARS protests.

Feminist Co - a group of passionate advocates who helped make the End SARS protests organized by sourcing for funds, coordinating protesters, and providing food, security, medical care, legal support and other services for protesters - revealed the plan going forward.

The group explained that they will no longer be accepting donations for the End SARS protests. They asked everyone to go home and "stay safe" as that's the group's priority.

They also stated that they condemn the recent violence and believe no Nigerian life is worth losing.

They commiserated with people who lost loved ones, adding that the dead should be recognized as heroes.

They then explained how the donations remaining in their account will be used. The money left will be used to provide medical care for the sick, legal aid for the wrongfully detained citizens, and relief for victims of police brutality as well as families of the deceased.

They ended by stating that the group will now go back to doing what it was created for - championing the advancement of the Nigerian woman.

Nigerians have reacted to the statement by asking why they are throwing in the towel so soon. Some thanked them for their service and said it's best to be alive to fight another day.

Below is the full statement and some reactions to it.

Buhari To Address The Nation At 7pm Tonight

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he will be addressing the nation tonight by 7 pm.

The President’s address comes a few hours after he met with the Service Chiefs amid the outrage over the shooting of the #EndSARS protesters by security operatives on Tuesday.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, reads, “Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria respectively for the broadcast”.

Prisoners with potbelly, necklace, fresh pink lips, no uniform – Nigerians react to Edo prison break

Davido and other Nigerians have raised important questions as they react to news about thugs who hijacked #EndSARS protests in Benin City, Edo State and freed inmates from prison.

Recall we earlier reported that thugs hijacked #EndSARS protest in Edo and freed inmates from the White House prison.

Nigerians have now taken to social media to raise important questions about the said jailbreak.

Many questioned the possibility of inmates who have been in prison for years to have jewelries, current Arsenal jersey, fresh pink lips among other evidences.

A Twitter user also observed that the said inmates freed from the prison were not wearing their prison uniforms.

Popular Nigerian singer, Davido particularly laid emphasis on the visible potbelly of some of the supposed e-comvicts.

@IamOkon wrote, “I never go prison before but in movies, prisoners wear uniforms but all the clips I’ve seen of the Benin prison break, the ‘prisoners’ were on jeans, polo shirts, some even had necklace on. I’m not saying it’s planned but na so White House prisoners for Edo State dey ‘chill.’?”

@FrankDonga_ wrote, “Wait.. a whole prison was broken into? No gun battle, no injuries, no officers captured? Freed prisoners wearing jewelry& headphones and granting on-the-spot interviews on their way out?.. please, in which country? I tweet in peace #EndSars #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigera”

See more reactions below;

#EndSARS: Ijebu Ode Protesters Kill And Roast Cow At Protest Ground (Photos)

The #EndSARS protest in Ijebu Ode took a different turn after protesters killed and roasted a cow at protest ground.

The photos were shared on social media.

David Olaiya Shola while sharing the photo wrote:

Ijebu ode protest 😃😃😀

What a peaceful protest”

The incident took place on Sunday. The meat was shared to protesters who were present.

See post below:

While We Fight For #EndSARS In The South, See What The Youths In The North Are Protesting Against

An old adage says it is the person wearing the shoes that knows where the toes are hurting.

It has been an unusual couple of weeks in the country Nigeria with the rise of the youths against institutional oppression. The widespread protests against police brutality which has taken over about 20 states out of the 36 in the country is a phenomenon that has never before been experienced by the ruling elites in Nigeria whereby the youths and masses cry out with one voice "Enough is Enough!".Last week, as the #EndSARS protests were gaining heat nationwide, there were pockets of #ProSARS activists who in a counter call, advocated for the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) not to be disbanded by the government.

These counter-protest however did not go far, with many labelling it as being government sponsored and heralded by only "northerners"

By last week, the hash tags #EndInsecurityInTheNorth , #EndBanditryInTheNorth and #SecuretheNorth were high on social media trends with youths in Kano, Kaduna backing up their online agitation with peaceful protest across the sates mentioned.

Watch video here

Popular cartoonist, Mustapha Bulama, has been very vocal about this through his art:

While the southern states in Nigeria contend with killer-policemen, the northern states have been in a constant battle for their lives going on eight years now.Recall a few years back when we tremble once we hear "Boko Haram has attacked", for those in the north now the list has lengthened because for those who are not killed or captured by Boko Haram, the bandits will rustle and murder;

Those who escape the bandits have the herdsmen to fight with; any who is left behind from the herdsmen attack will be kidnapped and have to sell all their property left from the aforementioned evils to pay ransoms to the kidnappers who sometimes kill their victim or even re-kidnap whoso came to deliver the ransom; and just should by chance any escapes all this, the Governor's convoy can be attacked and over 30 people will die.

Planning for the "future" has become a pipe dream in the Northern region of the nation. In a country where the bulk of its leaders are from a particular geopolitical zone, it would be expected that such zone would benefit from this structure but alas, reverse is the case.

The battle for a "New Nigeria" is double pronged, as much as we fight for an end to police brutality, let us also lend our voice to end insecurity in the north.

The youths are tired of the segregation, bad governance, insecurity, lawlessness, backward thinking and so much more irregularities that the government currently stands for. They say push a man to the wall too hard and he will turn back to fight for freedom. Since the 1980's we have been told that we are the leaders of tomorrow, to the government we say Tomorrow is here and we have come to lead it.

So lend your voice to the struggle, #EndSARS, #EndSWAT, #EndInsecurityInTheNorth , #EndBanditryInTheNorth and #SecuretheNorth for a better country. Let peace and unity reign as is written in our National Anthem.