Movement For Credible Elections (MCE), Leaders of Civil Society Demand Urgent Adjustment of 2027 Election Timelines by 90 Days, in Memo to INEC Chairman

MCE, Bugaje, Ezekwesili, Isuwa Dogo, Okunniyi, Leaders of Civil Society Demand Urgent Adjustment of 2027 Election Timelines by 90 Days, in Memo to INEC Chairman

…… To Meet with INEC Chairman Soon over 2027 Elections 

Abuja, May 6, 2026 — A prominent civil society coalition, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has formally petitioned the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging an urgent adjustment of the timelines for the 2027 general elections to safeguard fairness, inclusivity, and the credibility of the electoral process.

In a detailed letter dated May 4, 2026, and submitted at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the coalition of civil society leaders and groups —working in collaboration with the Good Governance Group (GGG)—called for a 90-day extension for the submission of party membership registers and the conduct of pre-primary processes; arguing that recent legal uncertainties affecting several political parties have created an uneven playing field that could undermine the legitimacy and outcomes of the elections if not addressed urgently.

Describing itself as a “Pan Nigerian, multi-stakeholders, citizens-led coalition,” MCE said it was compelled to act in the interest of democratic stability of the country. “We…wish to draw your attention to the urgent need for equitable adjustment of the timelines for the 2027 elections in line with your constitutional mandate towards safeguarding the integrity of 2027 General elections,” the letter stated.

The coalition emphasized that the issue goes beyond administrative scheduling, framing it as a constitutional and democratic imperative. “Nigeria’s electoral process is not governed by timelines alone but by the overarching constitutional obligation of ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all political actors,” the letter read.

Legal and Constitutional Grounds

MCE anchored its argument on provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and electoral laws, particularly referencing Section 77(2), which mandates political parties to maintain and submit membership registers. According to the movement, this requirement presupposes that parties operate within stable and legally coherent structures—conditions it claims are currently absent in some cases.

The letter pointed to “recent judicial developments, culminating in definitive pronouncements by the Supreme Court on internal party leadership disputes,” which it said have thrown several parties into prolonged legal uncertainty. Among the Political Parties listed are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP).

“These circumstances may materially impair their ability to lawfully organize congresses, update membership registers, and prepare for credible primaries, in line with the guidelines ” of INEC” the coalition warned.

It further alleged that INEC’s current regulatory posture has “contributed to their state of limbo within opposition political parties, thereby creating an uneven operational landscape for the affected parties.”

Call for Flexibility and Fairness

Invoking principles of justice and fairness, the coalition stressed that rigid adherence to timelines in the face of exceptional circumstances could violate democratic fairness 

“In law, it is a settled principle that fairness must underpin all procedural frameworks,” the letter noted, adding that “where strict adherence to timelines undermines fairness, such timelines must yield to equity.”

The group also highlighted INEC’s constitutional powers under Section 153 and the Third Schedule, arguing that the Commission is “not merely an administrative body enforcing deadlines but a constitutional guardian vested with regulatory discretion for the electoral justness”

This discretion, MCE argued, should be exercised in the current context to prevent disenfranchisement and ensure equal opportunity for parties “The rigid enforcement of timelines under such conditions risks violating the principle of equal opportunity and may inadvertently disenfranchise party members from meaningful participation in internal democracy,” it stated.

Proposal for 90-Day Extension of Election Timelines:

Central to the letter is the demand for a 90-day extension of the 2027 Election Timelines, which the coalition described as both necessary and justified within the electoral law, 2026

“Such an extension is justified on multiple grounds. It restores parity among political parties…enhances the credibility of the electoral process…[and] protects the constitutional rights of party members to participate meaningfully in democratic processes,” the letter argued.

The group added that the move would also “reinforce public confidence in INEC as a neutral and fair arbiter.”

Warning on Public Perception and Legal Risks

The coalition cautioned that public perception of INEC’s neutrality is already under scrutiny and warned that failure to act could deepen distrust.

“We must also candidly note that public perception of the Commission’s neutrality is under increasing scrutiny. In electoral governance, perception is inseparable from legitimacy,” the letter stated.

It further warned that refusing to adjust the timelines could lead to “serious legal and ethical concerns,” including “entrenching structural disadvantages, inviting avoidable litigation, and potentially undermining the integrity of the electoral process itself.”

A Test of INEC’s Commitment

In a strongly worded conclusion, MCE framed the issue as a test of INEC’s commitment to justice and democratic principles.

“Mr Chairman, the issue before the Commission is not whether it possesses the authority to act, but whether it will exercise that authority in a manner that advances justice,” the coalition declared.

“A 90-day extension is not a concession; it is a necessary recalibration to restore balance and uphold the principles upon which our democracy is founded.”

The letter was signed by prominent leaders of the Nigerian Civil Society, including Prof. Usman Bugaje (Chairman), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili (Co-Chairperson), Dr. Isuwa Dogo (for GGG), and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi, Head of the National Secretariat of the MCE 

Awaiting INEC’s Response

As of press time, the Independent National Electoral Commission had not issued an official response to the letter. However, political observers say the request places the Commission at a critical crossroads as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

The coming days are expected to reveal whether INEC will heed the call for flexibility or maintain its current electoral timetable, a decision that could significantly shape the credibility, inclusiveness and acceptability of Nigeria’s next general elections.

Signed 

Olawale Okunniyi 

(Veteran Che)

08033993867

Head of National Secretariat,

Movement for Credible Elections, MCE

PRESS STATEMENT: 2027 ELECTIONS — MCE, LEADERS OF CIVIL SOCIETY DEMAND AMUPITAN, INEC CHAIRMAN TO STEP ASIDE OVER PARTISANSHIP

 

Sunday, 19th April, 2026

……. AMUPITAN HAS LOST CREDIBILITY TO CONDUCT 2027 ELECTIONS 

Amupitan

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) is compelled, in the overriding public interest, particularly in defense of Nigeria’s electoral integrity, to issue this statement as touching the deepening crisis of confidence surrounding the office of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presently occupied by Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

This intervention is anchored on the immutable doctrine of equity which holds that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. At this crucial period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, it is evident that the hands presiding over INEC are, at best, under grave distrust and, at worst, compromised to elicit the credibility required for the conduct of the 2027 elections.

I. A Crisis of Credibility and the Burden of Proof of Recent developments on the emergence of digital footprints linking the INEC Chairman to partisan expressions sympathetic to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have triggered a legitimacy crisis of fundamental proportions. While Professor Amupitan has issued categorical denials, such denials—within the context of modern digital forensics—do not extinguish suspicion; rather, they activate a higher threshold for verification. 

In this digital age, denial is not a defence—it is an invitation to forensic scrutiny. The public domain is already saturated with analytical trails allegedly connecting the disputed account to identifiable personal and financial markers. These include potential linkages to verified communication channels and regulated financial platforms subject to stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. 

II. Forensic Trap and Legal Crisis:

The MCE notes with concern that the current posture of the INEC Chairman risks escalating a reputational crisis into a full-blown legal distractions for the 2027 elections 

1. Banking and identity verification systems, particularly those governed by BVN and NIN protocols, provide traceable ownership structures that are legally discoverable under subpoena.

2. Digital platform operators maintain device-level access logs, including IMEI-linked login histories, which are admissible in judicial proceedings.

3. Any escalation of this matter into sworn testimony raises the spectre of legal crisis bordering on perjury, with severe professional and constitutional consequences.

4. The attempt to reframe legitimate public inquiry as cybercrime—accompanied by threats of arrest—constitutes a dangerous misuse of state apparatus by giving false information to law enforcement authorities under Nigerian law.

III. INEC’s Institutional Conduct and the Pattern of Bias:

Beyond the immediate controversy, the MCE is alarmed by a growing pattern of actions and decisions by INEC that have been widely interpreted as detrimental to opposition political participation in Nigeria. These include administrative inconsistencies, selective enforcement of electoral regulations, and operational conduct that cumulatively erode the level playing field required in a multi party democracy.

The aggregation of these concerns lends credence to a disturbing hypothesis: that Nigeria is being subtly but systematically steered toward a de facto one-party and one man rule in violation of both the letter and spirit of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

IV. International Implications and the Risk of State Liability:

The MCE further warns that this matter transcends domestic jurisdiction. Should aggrieved parties seek redress before regional judicial bodies, including the ECOWAS Court, the Nigerian State may face international embarrassment, adverse rulings, and financial liabilities as global governance and legal monitoring institutions are increasingly intolerant of electoral manipulation and the suppression of digital freedoms. The current trajectory threatens not only the personal legacy of the INEC Chairman but also Nigeria’s standing in the international democratic community.

V. Moral Indictment and Question of Fitness for Office:

The exhumed digital expressions of AMUPITAN—widely interpreted as supportive of the APC during the last electoral cycle—raise fundamental ethical questions. If validated, they constitute prima facie evidence of pre-existing partisan alignment inconsistent with the neutrality required of an electoral umpire, which inevitably leads to a troubling conclusion: that the appointment of Professor Amupitan may have been influenced by partisan considerations, thereby undermining the moral foundation of his office and the 2027 elections 

VI. Demand for Immediate Action

In light of the foregoing, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) hereby demands as follows:

1. That Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan immediately step aside from his position as Chairman of INEC to allow for a truly independent, transparent, and forensic investigation into the allegations.

2. That the Federal Government constitute an impartial panel comprising judicial, digital forensic, and civil society experts to ascertain the truth.

3. That all forms of intimidation, harassment, or threats against citizens raising legitimate concerns be halted forthwith.

4. That INEC recommit itself to institutional neutrality through verifiable reforms that restore public confidence.

VII. Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Democracy

Nigeria stands at a democratic crossroads. The integrity of its electoral management body cannot be compromised without grave consequences for credible elections, national stability and legitimacy of governance.

Professor Amupitan must recognize that this is no longer a personal matter of denial—it is a national question of trust. The only honourable path, consistent with both legal prudence and moral responsibility, is to step aside and submit to the cleansing light of transparent investigation.

History will not be kind to those who, when confronted with questions of integrity, chose concealment over accountability.

Signed:

Comrade James Ezema,

Media Coordinator,

Movement for Credible Elections (MCE)

Abuja, Nigeria

Planned Nationwide Citizens' Mass Protests achieved its Purpose before Commencement

 MEDIA RELEASE 

1st August, 2024

Planned Nationwide Citizens' Mass Protests achieved its Purpose before Commencement 

....... Government must now move Swiftly and Sincerely to Engage Protesters and Implement Emergency Promises Made to Citizens 

....... If Government Acts, Protesters Bound to Review Protest Plan and Time Frame

The Leadership of the organised Civil Society under the umbrella of United Action Front of Civil Society, UAFCS, rising from a major assessment meeting of its Situation Room in the early hours of today, August 1st is compelled to urgently make some interventions on the nationwide citizens' mass protests on hunger in Nigeria following the plea by the lead  Solicitor of the initiators of the Nationwide Citizens' Protest, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN that the plan for the protest should be reviewed since it has already achieved its essential purpose before commencement 

Our profound X-ray of the nationwide protests vis a vis the strong appeal by the lawyer of the organisers and the emergency responses of government to the planned protests at our situation room this morning essentially agrees with the submission of Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN that with the sharp responses to the nationwide citizens' protests by various levels of government nationwide coupled with the numerous promises and panicky steps taken by government at all levels as well government frantic appeals to citizens for time and restraint, the protest in our sincere view has already achieved fifty percent of its purpose.

However, the concern of most leaders of the organised Civil Society is the long-standing history of government treachery and unreliability as touching its promises to citizens and peoples of Nigeria. This trust deficit between government and citizens in Nigeria is self inflicted by government officials notorious for abandoning and ditching promises and commitments made to the people without scruples or batting an eye lid, which is why the organisers of this protest would like to stay out on the streets of Nigeria until government yields to their demands and starts implementing them

Therefore, in the light of this grave concern about the reputation of government that we call on the Federal Government and Government at all other levels of Nigeria that if they are indeed serious and sincere about their various promises and pleas towards averting the Citizens' Action, to immediately identify, invite and engage leaders and organisers of the nationwide mass protests to negotiate citizens demands and the implementation of agreements reached during the negotiations so as to enable Protesters reduce the days of the nationwide protests as requested by Mr Ebun Adegboruwa SAN.

For us, the ball is purely in the court of government to expend more time and energies in engaging and interfacing with the initiators and leaders of the protests rather than those being recruited to oppose it. We hope that government, just as the Inspector General of Police did two days ago, will immediately take up the brace to engage Protesters and negotiate the country out of the brewing national crisis rather than recruiting pro government, anti protest forces to make the citizens peaceful protests violent and riotous.

Signed 

Olawale Okunniyi 

(Veteran Che)

08033993867

Head, Coordinating Secretariat,

United Action Front of Civil Society 

NB: Once again, for help and support during the nationwide protests, citizens are enjoined to contact Protest Monitors at the situation room of the organised Civil Society via the WhatsApp of the following hotlines: +23481-884-51511, +234 814 286 4904,+234 703 504 6101, +234 803 582 3617. Please note that the above hotlines are for whatsApp messages Only.

AHQ DCMA SENSITIZES TROOPS OF 23 BRIGADE ON PROPER CONDUCT OF THE NIGERIAN SOLDIER WITHIN THE LARGER SOCIETY (+ photos)

*CCMA assures troops of Nigerian Army support in the conduct of their legitimate duties

Army Headquarters (AHQ) Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) has sensitized troops of 23 Brigade (Bde) on the proper conduct of the Nigerian soldier within a larger society.  The sensitization workshop  took place today Thursday 7 March 2024 at the 23 Brigade Officer's Mess, Gibson Jalo Cantonment Yola, Adamawa State. 

The Special Guest of Honor, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA) Major General Nosakhare Ugbo who was represented by the Director, Civil-Military Affairs Brigadier General Paul Koughna says the workshop is one of the training programmes and activities organized by the Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lt Gen TA Lagbaja in line with his (COAS) Command Philosophy which is to "transform the Nigerian Army to a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated Force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment" 

The CCMA says the training is coming up when Nigerian Army personnel are deployed in all the states of the federation to curtail insecurity bedevilling the nation. He therefore urge troops to continue to conduct themselves in a professional manner assuring them that the Nigerian Army is fully behind them in conduct of their legitimate duties. He added that the workshop will give them the full understanding of what is expected of them in dealing with civilians as well as their rights as soldiers. 

He stresses that the Nigerian Army is a professional force created to defend the territory integrity of the nation. He therefore urge troops to shun any action capable of bringing the army to disrepute. 

Earlier in his welcome address, The Commander 23 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Paul Zawaya says the workshop is timely as the Brigade has continued to place high value on training of its personnel and has ensured that troops are kept abreast and informed on how to discharge their duties in line with global best practices. He added that the workshop will inculcate in the troops, the requisite mentality required to perform with high level of professionalism while on military operations. 

The Brigade commander therefore commended the AHQ DCMA for striving hard to maintain and improve the civil military relationship earlier existing. He urged participants to put to good use the knowledge garnered from the workshop.

The sensitization workshop witnessed well packaged and well delivered lectures, free Cataracts' Surgery Medical Outreach for patients from within and outside the Cantonment, Question and Answer session. The occasion was climaxed by the presentation of mementoes and group photograph.

ADEBAYO SAMUEL ADEWUMI

Lieutenant

Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations

HQ 23 Brigade

7 March 2024AHQ DCMA SENSITIZES TROOPS OF 23 BRIGADE ON PROPER CONDUCT OF THE NIGERIAN SOLDIER WITHIN THE LARGER SOCIETY... CCMA assures troops of Nigerian Army support in the conduct of their legitimate duties

Army Headquarters (AHQ) Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) has sensitized troops of 23 Brigade (Bde) on the proper conduct of the Nigerian soldier within a larger society.  The sensitization workshop  took place today Thursday 7 March 2024 at the 23 Brigade Officer's Mess, Gibson Jalo Cantonment Yola, Adamawa State. 

The Special Guest of Honor, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA) Major General Nosakhare Ugbo who was represented by the Director, Civil-Military Affairs Brigadier General Paul Koughna says the workshop is one of the training programmes and activities organized by the Chief of Army Staff(COAS), Lt Gen TA Lagbaja in line with his (COAS) Command Philosophy which is to "transform the Nigerian Army to a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated Force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment" 

The CCMA says the training is coming up when Nigerian Army personnel are deployed in all the states of the federation to curtail insecurity bedevilling the nation. He therefore urge troops to continue to conduct themselves in a professional manner assuring them that the Nigerian Army is fully behind them in conduct of their legitimate duties. He added that the workshop will give them the full understanding of what is expected of them in dealing with civilians as well as their rights as soldiers. 

He stresses that the Nigerian Army is a professional force created to defend the territory integrity of the nation. He therefore urge troops to shun any action capable of bringing the army to disrepute. 

Earlier in his welcome address, The Commander 23 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Paul Zawaya says the workshop is timely as the Brigade has continued to place high value on training of its personnel and has ensured that troops are kept abreast and informed on how to discharge their duties in line with global best practices. He added that the workshop will inculcate in the troops, the requisite mentality required to perform with high level of professionalism while on military operations. 

The Brigade commander therefore commended the AHQ DCMA for striving hard to maintain and improve the civil military relationship earlier existing. He urged participants to put to good use the knowledge garnered from the workshop.

The sensitization workshop witnessed well packaged and well delivered lectures, free Cataracts' Surgery Medical Outreach for patients from within and outside the Cantonment, Question and Answer session. The occasion was climaxed by the presentation of mementoes and group photograph.

ADEBAYO SAMUEL ADEWUMI

Lieutenant

Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations

HQ 23 Brigade

7 March 2024

Photos:

TURN THE PAGE - A Poem By 'Dele Abiola

I dare you turn the pages of the age

I dare you tell us who is your sage

A saint sage who has never defrauded us

Look around southern-northern Poles of our coast

Show us who is for us

Show us who's for the wretched masses

Among them in this land of unease, 

Is there voice for the voiceless again?

The one who is not supporting Bandits

A stark religion bigotry

Full of rhetoric lies and covert evils

Talk more do little their watch word 

The generation of kill the best spare the worst

Criminals in corridors of power

Roaming round for insatiable greed

Accumulating from home to strange shores

They are not our nationalists

Who nationalizing everything in Sights for their foreign keep

From the pages of our history and moments

Who is your sage?

Good foundation and visions

Long lost to lust and power struggle

I dare you new era of nationalism must arrived

I dare you to arise and join

Or leave no hope for present and future

Here I firmly stand for a generational leadership change!

©Dele Abiola

Comrade Dele Abiola
Feeding a baby

#Ogoni9: Exoneration Ken Saro-Wiwa, 8 Others, not Pardon - Civil Society Groups tell FG

Ogoni’s have over the past 2 decades consistently demanded that an admission that the quasi-judicial process which resulted in the conviction of the Ogoni 9 was a mockery of justice orchestrated by the military government with the active collaboration of Shell to quell community demands for resource and ecological justice.

It is important to note that no civil society organization in Nigeria has asked for a presidential ‘pardon’ for Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, who were unjustly murdered by the Sani Abacha dictatorship.

On the 22nd of October 2021, a select group of Ogoni leaders attended a parley at State House with President Muhammadu Buhari. Among other issues, the President stated that the ‘federal government will consider the request for the grant of pardon to finally close the Ogoni saga’. 

“The President made this commitment to ‘consider’ a pardon immediately after he declared that “the unfortunate incidents of the early 1990s leading to the loss of lives of distinguished sons of Ogoni land and the collateral judicial processes are indelible in our memories”

What we the civil society groups are demanding is the complete exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 8. It is also important to note that the President’s suggestion of granting a ‘pardon’ is tantamount to saying that the Ogoni  9 were guilty and rightly executed. We deem the proposal to ‘consider’ a pardon for Ken Saro-Wiwa and his comrades insensitive and offensive to their memory and that of other victims of environmental injustice. We also consider it a denial of the need to bring closure to the thousands of Ogonis who were victims of government-driven repression characterized by murders, rape, torture and forced exile. 

The President also used the opportunity of the parley to state that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Ltd (NPDC), had been granted license to re-open and operate OML11. It is pertinent to recollect that in 1993, Shell was forced to abandon its OML 11 operations located in Ogoni and pull out of the area. This was the direct outcome of passionate but peaceful campaigns by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) led by Ken Saro-Wiwa. MOSOP had called the attention of the world to the poverty, neglect and environmental destruction which decades of oil exploitation had bequeathed on the Ogoni people.  MOSOP had also demanded fairer benefits to the Ogoni people from oil wealth, as well as remediation and compensation for the ecological damage caused by the reckless activities of oil companies.  These have still not been addressed. 

The report of UNEP indicated massive soil and water contamination in Ogoniland, which has significantly compromised sources of livelihood and was slowly poisoning the inhabitants. It was only about 3 years ago, that the government began actual clean-up with the agency called HYPREP. It is therefore shocking that while the clean-up is ongoing, the government is prioritizing restarting of oil extraction in the same area being cleaned up, with all its polluting impacts. 

Civil Society groups maintain that  is important to reiterate that proposing an unnecessary ‘pardon’ for the Ogoni nine, seemingly in exchange for support to reopen OML 11, is in bad faith and capable to breeding conflict. If the President is interested in reversing the injustice which the murder of the Ogoni 9 represents, the appropriate action is to exonerate the Ogoni martyrs and apologize to the Ogoni people. Apologize for the destruction of their environment, the killing of their people, the loss of their livelihoods, the destruction of their villages, the forced exile of their people and the murder of their leaders 

It is also pertinent to observe that the move to resume the extraction of oil in Ogoniland, happening against the backdrop of the contentious clean-up of polluted sites in Ogoni, raises fears and fuels cynicism. It is worrying that the government would think of resuming oil extraction in Ogoniland when the pollution of the last decades is yet to be cleaned, decrepit installations are yet to be decommissioned and the many recommendations of UNEP are yet to be fully complied with.

The ecological disaster in Ogoniland provides a cue for the government to take actions towards the clean-up of the entire Niger Delta .We advice the President to institute strategies for a region wide clean-up of decades of environmental pollution by setting aside $100 billion dollars as takeoff fund for clean-up.

Endorsed By:

1. Rivers state  Civil society Organizations

2. Take it Back Movement 

3. Ogoni Solidarity Forum

4. We the People 

5. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria

6. Health of Mother Earth Foundation

7. Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI)

8. Peace Point Development Foundation, Nigeria

9. Policy Alert, Nigeria

10. Kabetkache Women Resource Development Centre, Nigeria

11. People Advancement Centre, Nigeria

12. Lekeh  Development Foundation, Nigeria

13. SWAYA, Nigeria

14. Rights Advocacy and Development Center (RADEC)

15. Community Development Advocacy foundation (CODAF)

16. Oilwatch  Africa

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: We Will Win - A Poem by Ola Olawale

 Day 7 Tributes

We Will Win

Pain before gain

Gain after pain

Work before Rest

Rest after work

Battle before victory

Victoria after battle

We mustn't relent

We Will Win

History will absolve Us

Standing here could be odd

It is not a place for everyone

It is a place for the selfless

A place of love and humanity

Not of gold and greed

Enduring but rewarding

We will win

Wake up the wretched of the earth

Rise the people of the world

Sitting is harmful

Rise and take your birthplace

Freedom won't come cheap

It must and will be fought for

It is a war

And We will Win

Our victory is certain

If we fight

Our freedom is certain

If we dare to struggle

We must not be discouraged

We must remain undefeatable

History is on our side

We will Win

We will win

Let unite and fight

We will win

Let all say no to injustice

We will win

Let raise our voice against inequality

We will win

The People United can never be defeated

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: Together - A Poem by Ola Olawale

 Day 6 tributes

Together

This is our fight

And together we must

If you like stay on the fence

It is still your fight

If you like Japa(Seek Green Pasture)

It is still your fight

This fight is invisible

Our enemies are our brothers

Among them, we wine and dine

Clothed in our color of skin

but our interests differ

Unlike the era of Zik and the Pilot

The color was obvious

Just like the enemy

We the wretched of the earth

Must unite in our purpose

Fight hand in hand

And defeat our common enemies

We must defeat the division among us

And strengthen our commonplace

Humanity must be our drive

Among our enemies

There are no race or color

They are united beyond

The place of worship Or what we call God

Their goal is one "To Exploit"

In whatever form

And that is constant

We must unite

We must fight

We must defeat them

We must rise to power

Then we will rebuild and consolidate

This is not a child play

It is a war to win or keep agonizing

If we fight, we may win

If we stay on the fence

Then we have lost

History is on our side

Together we will win

Together we will sing

Song of victory

letter to the wretched of the earth

PRESS RELEASE: UBER DRIVER ASSAULTED DURING ENDSARS MEMORIAL PROTEST DEMANDS N500M COMPENSATION FOR VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHTS, SEIZURE AND DESTRUCTION OF HIS VEHICLE AND PROSECUTION OF CULPRITS

We have written to the Lagos State Government through the Attorney General of Lagos State to demand payment of

the sum of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) as compensation to Mr. Adedotun Clement for the gross violation of his fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty and property and for the deprivation of his source of livelihood and the destruction of his vehicle.

Adedotun Clement is the innocent Uber driver that was assaulted by some officers of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and Nigeria Police Force during the first anniversary of the #EndSARS protest at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.

In addition to payment of monetary compensation, we also demanded that disciplinary measures be taken against the culprits who assaulted Adedotun, and that they should be prosecuted in court in line with the Anti-Torture Act and the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

Also, we are equally demanding a written apology from the state government.

It should be noted that the vehicle of Mr. Adedotun has been returned but in a bad condition. The agents of the state government broke and damaged the front windscreen of his Toyota Corolla. The vehicle was in good condition before it was towed away on Wednesday, 20th October, 2021. But upon reaching where the vehicle was taken to on Friday, 22nd October, 2021, Adedotun saw the destruction done to his vehicle by agents of the state government.

The implication is that he cannot use the vehicle to earn a living until it is repaired.

My attention has been drawn to the public statement by the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA) wherein it is stated that two officers of the agency were subjected to orderly room trial, found guilty of assault and general unruly behaviour and suspended for two months.

While we commend the Lagos State Government for admitting that the conduct of its agents was criminal and unprofessional, we find the two months suspension meted on the two officers grossly insufficient and unacceptable. It is not a deterrence. The officers should be dismissed and diligently prosecuted in a court of law to serve as a deterrence to others.

Finally, we are expecting the Lagos State Government to respond to our modest demands within 48 hours or we will have no other option but to commence legal proceedings to seek redress for Adedotun.

INIBEHE EFFIONG, ESQ.

Principal Counsel.

ENDSARSMEMORIAL: ILLEGAL ARREST BRUTALIZATION OF DAILY POST REPORTER; CLAMP-DOWN AND AND DISPERSION OF PEACEFUL PROTEST BY NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE-AN ABUSE OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TAKEN TOO FAR

(Being a Press Statement of the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, Osun State)

Yesterday, members of the Endsars movement, mainly youths took to the street in Osun state and across the world to commemorate one year anniversary of the biggest mass protest in the history of Nigeria. It was on record that these protesters were exercising their rights in accordance with the law. Members of the press were also present to cover the event within the dictates of their profession. 

The protests which started at about 11 am from Ita-olookan in Osogbo,was bid to end at Oke-fia. We want to put it on record that the men of the Nigerian police attacked protesters and reporters with the aim of arresting them and in the process arrested Daily post reporter in the state,Mr Sikiru Obarayese at about 100 meters away from Oke-fia where the protest is bid to be ended . He was arrested on the instruction of The DPO of Dugbe police station who quickly started a process of his arraignment until he was forced to stop after pressures from his colleagues through the commissioner of police. It is also on record that he was stripped naked brutalised and tortured by police men, about 12 of them at Dugbe police division.

Similarly, We want to put it on record that the police and DSSS men has been chasing organizers of the Endsarsmemorial since about 3 days before the protest. This is evident in the way the Commissioner of police has been calling and threatening to arrest one of our the organizers; Olushayo babawale ogunleye. 

Also, efforts were made by the police to stop the press parley that was bid to be held at NUJ correspondence and when the venue was changed,the police and DSSS made further attempts to stampede the press parley. If was further observed that protest organizers was been trailed by some unknown men on a motorcycle around Ogo-oluwa the new venue for the press parley. Worthy of Observation is also that Combined forces of Police and DSSS took charge of the convergence point of the protest, harrasing protesters on arrival.

Based on the foregoing, It is pertinent to state that Protest is a universally recognized fundamental right of citizens and it would never be given up to any security and government agents based on any threat. We hereby wants to equivocally state that the Nigerian police has become a puppet of the ruling class for too long and this should stop. We want to state that the primary function of the police is security of life and property, thus it is our expectation that the police should protect protesters at all time. Hence we demand that;

1 The DPO of Dupe police division and all the twelve officers involved should be investigated and prosecuted for the illegall arrest and torture of Mr Sikiru Obarayese, the Daily Post reporter.

2 The commissioner of police should unravel the unknown men who have been trailing Olushayo babawale ogunleye, One of the organizers of Endsarsmemorial. We maintain that if anything happens to him, the CP would be held responsible.

3 The Nigerian police force should investigate and made public the killers of ALIMI AHMED and MUTIU LAWAL FRESH murdered in cold blood during the univited and provocative visit of Governor Gboyega Oyetola to the barricades at the #EndSARS protests last year October.

4 The Nigerian police force should publicly apologize for attacking, arresting and dehumanizing Mr Sikiru Obarayese.

We want to state clearly that Protests, such as was held yesterday would never be stopped in a democracy, therefore police and other security agency should stop brutalisation of protesters and rather protect them at all time.

Samson Tola

Owolabi  Opeyemi

TIB Ag Coordinator and Secretary.

#ENDSARSMEMORIAL: Police distrupt peaceful protesters in Osogbo, numbers of those arrested yet to be confirmed

A profile picture

The peaceful protesters matching in Commemoration of those killed last year in Osogbo and else where across the country where forcefully dispersed by the Osun State command of the Nigeria police.

The Osun State Police Command had on Tuesday issued a threatening and warning statement that it was not going to allowed any gathering in remembrance of those courageous youths that were killed by the state for demanding an end to police brutality and requesting for good governance.

 

A reporter of Daily Trust has been confirmed to have been arrested during the distruption of the protesters. DAILLY Post Reporter, Sikiru Obarayese was arrested in Osogbo on Wednesday as police dispersed protesters marking a year memorial anniversary of #EndSAR

 If any other, the number of person(s) arrested during the distruption of the remembrance procession in Osogbo, the Osun State capital has not been assertained.

Protest in Nigeria is a fundamental and constitutional right but curtailed and tyrannically abrogated under the lawless Major General Muhammadu Buhari led Federal regime.

Photos, prior the distruption by the men of the Nigeria police: