Zidinews: October 2020

Saturday 31 October 2020

If you were responsible, you would have safeguarded apps developed by Nigerians - 2Face slams Nigerian government over proposed regulation of social media

Nigerian singer, 2Face has lashed out at the Nigerian government over the proposed regulation of social media.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has advised police officers across the country to protect themselves against attacks.

Juventus striker, Cristiano Ronaldo has finally tested negative for Coronavirus after three positive tests.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has again relaxed the curfew he imposed in Lagos state in the wake of the #EndSARS crisis which led to the destruction of properties.

UK government admits training and supplying equipment to Nigeria’s SARS police unit

The UK government has admitted providing training and equipment to Nigeria's Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), after initially denying any ties.

'Desist from divisive actions that could jeopardize our unity'- President Buhari tells Nigerians

President Buhari has appealed to Nigerians to desist from actions and comments that could jeopardise the unity and progress of the nation.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was slated to be the new Director-General of the World Trade Organization. However there has been an unexpected glitch in the process.

Germany has announced second national lockdowns to curb coronavirus spread.

Protesters loot shopping mall in Philadelphia amid protest against police brutality

Residents were filmed taking advantage of a protest in Philadelphia to loot stores.

Protesters loot shopping mall in Philadelphia amid protest against police brutality (video)

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his entire board of directors resign

Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu and his entire board of directors have resigned following increasing pressure from fans and his public fall-out with the club's striker, Lionel Messi.

Zahra Buhari and other Nigerian youths who said that looting shows that President Buhari is not the problem are misguided - Reno Omokri

Former Presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri has stated that President Buhari's daughter, Zahra and other Nigerian youths who said that "looting has shown that the Nigerian leader is not the problem" are misguided.

Enough is enough! IGP blows hot, asks AIGs, CPs, SPU commanders to immediately restore order nationwide

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Muhammed Adamu, NPM, on Saturday October 24, ordered the immediate mobilization of all police operational assets and resources to bring an end to the wanton violence, killings, looting and destruction of public and private property, and reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters in some parts of the country.

Former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reacted following the Lekki shooting of October 20 that left scores dead and several injured.

The Lagos state government has initiated the prosecution of 229 hoodlums over the destruction and looting of public and private property in different parts of the state.

69 were persons killed in #EndSARS protests - Buhari

President Buhari has reportedly revealed that 69 persons were killed in the #EndSARS protest across the country.

Lagos State Govt condemns looting of Maza Maza warehouse, says distribution of COVID-19 palliatives was halted due to #EndSARS protest

The Lagos State Government has condemned the vandalisation of the warehouse at Mazamaza housing the food palliative packages donated to the government by the Private Sector Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) group.

ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE END SARS PROTESTS, 22ND OCTOBER, 2020

Fellow Nigerians,

It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs.

2. I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

3. On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.

4. The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.

5. As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.

6. On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

7. Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.

8. The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.

9. All these executed in the name of the End SARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.

10. The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.

11. On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

12. Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society. These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:

a. paying three months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small – and medium – enterprises,
b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission,
c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans; and
d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders.

13. These are in addition to many other initiatives such as;
a. Farmermoni,
b. Tradermoni,
c. Marketmoni,
d. N-Power,
e. N-Tech and
f. N-Agro.

14. No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.

15. With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force. The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.

16. In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.

17. Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.

18. We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.

19. We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected.

20. But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.

21. To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.

22. In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.

23. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.

24. I, therefore, call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.

25. And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

26. I would like to thank those state Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint. I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.

27. This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.

Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thursday 22 October 2020

IGP reportedly orders withdrawal of policemen from VIPs amid #EndSARS protests

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has reportedly ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to very important persons (VIP) in Nigeria.

UN Secretary General and his deputy, Amina Mohammed, react to #EndSARS protests

UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and his deputy, Amina Mohammed, a former Nigerian Minister of the Environment, have finally reacted to the #EndSARS protest.

Hillary Clinton, the 67th United States secretary of state and former Democratic Presidential candidate has reacted to the killings recorded amid the #EndSARS protest in Nigeria.

Lagos state government shuts down schools over #ENDSARS protests

The Lagos state government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the state following the ongoing End SARS protest.

Actor Yul Edochie calls for President Buhari's resignation

Actor Yul Edochie has called for the resignation of President Buhari. He made the call via his Twitter handle on Monday afternoon, October 19.

US tech entrepreneur, Jennifer Arcuri has reportedly admitted having an affair with UK prime minister Boris Johnson after allegations that he used his position as London mayor to get the businesswoman favourable treatment.

President Buhari today October 18, met with President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the ongoing #EndSARS protests in all parts of the country.

Entertainment lawyer, Folake Falana, has written a letter to Governor Sanwo Olu demanding a compilation list of dismissed officers in Lagos state amid the ongoing #EndSARS protests.

Pastor Foluke Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday October 18, donated snacks to #EndSARS protesters as her contribution to the movement demanding an end to police brutality and total reform of the Nigerian police.

Bishop David Oyedepo who is the Senior Pastor of the Living Faith Ministries aka Winners Chapel International has endorsed the ongoing #EndSARS protests in the country.

My life and that of other #EndSARS protesters have been threatened by Enugu state government - Phyno

rapper, Phyno has accused the Enugu state government of threatening his life and that of other #EndSARS protesters.

The Catholic archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins has warned President Buhari against deploying soldiers to the #EndSARS protest grounds across the country.

Bulgarian boxer, Kubrat Pulev apologises after being accused of racism over comment he made about Anthony Joshua's skin colour

Kubrat Pulev has been forced to apologised after he was accused of racism over a comment he made about Anthony Joshua ahead of their world heavyweight title bout.