The AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has replied the @OfficialDSSNG over an official letter him demanding him to delete his tweet on X (Twitter) and @facebook posting against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubuu.
Here is their letter:
Sowore's response to their DG:
September 12, 2025
The Director General,
Department of State Security Services,
National Headquarters,
Yellow House,
Aso Drive, Abuja.
Attention: Uwem Davies, fsi
Dear Director General,
Re: Demand for Retraction of Criminal, False, and Malicious Post Publication
I acknowledge receipt of your letter, which you stealthily dumped with a security guard at the office of my attorneys in Abuja, addressed to Abubakar Marshal. I find your horrendous attempt at holding an unwarranted brief for the President not only insidious but fundamentally defective, flawed in principle, and absolutely unlawful.
The State Security Service was not created as a security institution. The SSS, now self-styled as the DSS, began as the “E” Department (Special Branch), an office established in 1948 and initially located in the Office of the Inspector General of Police. It was later renamed the National Security Organization (NSO), but on June 5, 1986, the Federal Military Government issued Decree No. 19, dissolving the NSO and unbundling it into three entities: the SSS for domestic intelligence, the NIA for external intelligence and counterintelligence, and the DIA for military-related intelligence. While the NIA and DIA largely kept faith with their mandates, the SSS under successive Director Generals has consistently acted bullishly, illegally, and unlawfully—serving as a ready tool of oppression for dictatorial regimes bent on breaking rules and repressing the rights of the Nigerian people.
Thus, it is no surprise that you have once again resumed repressive hostility against me.
In 1993, while I was Student Union President at the University of Lagos, policemen abducted me from the university gate during a peaceful pro-democracy protest. I was taken to your Lagos office after being driven around with my head tucked under a seat. From Awolowo Way in Ikoyi, I was detained unlawfully for weeks at the notorious Inter-Center near Ikoyi Cemetery. It took several days of lecture boycotts to force your hand to release me without charges.
Again, in January and June 1996, during and after my National Youth Service Corps in Yola, Adamawa State, your men detained me and later transferred me to the Nigerian Air Force base, where I was held in hand and leg chains for over a week before release, again without charges. My NYSC discharge certificate has been denied to me to this day because of your unlawful detention.
In August 2019, DSS agents invaded my hotel room, abducted me, and detained me for months over trumped-up allegations of treasonable felony, money laundering, and Cybercrime. It was your first attempt to falsely accuse me of insulting a sitting President.
That failed, as did every other false accusation advanced against me by the Government through the SSS and Police. During that period, you flouted several court judgments. Most disgracefully, your men invaded a Federal High Court presided by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu to abduct me even after bail conditions were met. To this day, you continue to refuse to obey two court judgments ordering the return of my confiscated properties, including several mobile phones and payment of damages.
You and your ilk have dragged me through unscrupulous abuse and gross violations of rights for decades without remorse.
In 2021, during the inglorious Buhari years, your agency propped up a sham group, the Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network, to sue Sahara Reporters and me on behalf of the criminally minded Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). They prayed the court to compel me and others to pay Malami ₦2 billion for alleged “trauma and emotional stress” caused by Sahara Reporters’ publications in July 2020.
In his judgment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu awarded ₦100,000 against the litigants, affirming the argument of our attorney, Marshal Abubakar, that they had no right to sue on Malami’s behalf, just as you have no right to act as proxy for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Defamation, the judge reminded, is a personal tort. The AGF should have gone to court himself if he felt defamed.
It is elementary that only the person defamed can sue. Therefore, your attempt to demand a retraction is an incompetent and unlawful attempt to hold the President's brief.
Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution requires the press to uphold the government's responsibility and accountability to the people. Section 39 guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information without interference. Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides the same.
Even in the UK, sedition and libel laws have been repealed as archaic relics of a bygone era. The UN Human Rights Committee in General Comment No. 34 has declared a free, uncensored media essential to democracy. Courts across Africa, including Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court and the African Court in Issa Konate v. Burkina Faso, have ruled that criminal defamation is unjustifiable in a democracy.
Nigeria’s own Court of Appeal, in Arthur Nwankwo v. State (1985), struck down sedition laws when Nwankwo was convicted for criticizing Governor Jim Nwobodo. The court held that sedition was unconstitutional and inimical to free speech. Justice Adekeye, in IGP v. ANPP, asked how long Nigerians must suffer under colonial-era public order ordinances designed to gag dissent.
Criticism is indispensable in a democracy. Freedom of speech includes the right to say what those in power find uncomfortable. Justice Olatawura reminded us that citizens must defend their hard-won freedom of expression, and that those in public office must not be intolerant of criticism. Where boundaries are crossed, the remedy is civil libel, not unlawful repression.
The DSS’s desire to please the powers that be has always destroyed institutions while building “strong men.” But where are those strong men today, after your service broke laws and trampled rights to protect them?
Rather than vilification, we should be commended for living up to our constitutional responsibility to hold leaders accountable. I am glad you made reference to my constant desire to seek change, the very drive that led me to run for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, even though my commitments and convictions predate partisan political endeavors. It is from that same line of conviction that I have adopted an uncompromising stance, ensuring that this country does not continue down the path of perdition.
You have no business telling me how to criticise the President. But, knowing the nature of your service, it is clear you have not learnt your lessons. Let me state it clearly once again: the determination of the Nigerian people to reclaim their country from thieves in power is unwavering. And it shall be achieved.
Freedom cometh by struggle. Aluta continua, victoria ascerta.
Yours in unwavering service to Nigeria,
Omoyele Sowore
Former Presidential Candidate, African Action Congress (AAC)
www.aacparty.org
The AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has replied the @OfficialDSSNG over an official letter him demanding him to delete his tweet on X (Twitter) and @facebook posting against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubuu.
Here is their letter:
Sowore's response to their DG:
September 12, 2025
The Director General,
Department of State Security Services,
National Headquarters,
Yellow House,
Aso Drive, Abuja.
Attention: Uwem Davies, fsi
Dear Director General,
Re: Demand for Retraction of Criminal, False, and Malicious Post Publication
I acknowledge receipt of your letter, which you stealthily dumped with a security guard at the office of my attorneys in Abuja, addressed to Abubakar Marshal. I find your horrendous attempt at holding an unwarranted brief for the President not only insidious but fundamentally defective, flawed in principle, and absolutely unlawful.
The State Security Service was not created as a security institution. The SSS, now self-styled as the DSS, began as the “E” Department (Special Branch), an office established in 1948 and initially located in the Office of the Inspector General of Police. It was later renamed the National Security Organization (NSO), but on June 5, 1986, the Federal Military Government issued Decree No. 19, dissolving the NSO and unbundling it into three entities: the SSS for domestic intelligence, the NIA for external intelligence and counterintelligence, and the DIA for military-related intelligence. While the NIA and DIA largely kept faith with their mandates, the SSS under successive Director Generals has consistently acted bullishly, illegally, and unlawfully—serving as a ready tool of oppression for dictatorial regimes bent on breaking rules and repressing the rights of the Nigerian people.
Thus, it is no surprise that you have once again resumed repressive hostility against me.
In 1993, while I was Student Union President at the University of Lagos, policemen abducted me from the university gate during a peaceful pro-democracy protest. I was taken to your Lagos office after being driven around with my head tucked under a seat. From Awolowo Way in Ikoyi, I was detained unlawfully for weeks at the notorious Inter-Center near Ikoyi Cemetery. It took several days of lecture boycotts to force your hand to release me without charges.
Again, in January and June 1996, during and after my National Youth Service Corps in Yola, Adamawa State, your men detained me and later transferred me to the Nigerian Air Force base, where I was held in hand and leg chains for over a week before release, again without charges. My NYSC discharge certificate has been denied to me to this day because of your unlawful detention.
In August 2019, DSS agents invaded my hotel room, abducted me, and detained me for months over trumped-up allegations of treasonable felony, money laundering, and Cybercrime. It was your first attempt to falsely accuse me of insulting a sitting President.
That failed, as did every other false accusation advanced against me by the Government through the SSS and Police. During that period, you flouted several court judgments. Most disgracefully, your men invaded a Federal High Court presided by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu to abduct me even after bail conditions were met. To this day, you continue to refuse to obey two court judgments ordering the return of my confiscated properties, including several mobile phones and payment of damages.
You and your ilk have dragged me through unscrupulous abuse and gross violations of rights for decades without remorse.
In 2021, during the inglorious Buhari years, your agency propped up a sham group, the Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network, to sue Sahara Reporters and me on behalf of the criminally minded Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). They prayed the court to compel me and others to pay Malami ₦2 billion for alleged “trauma and emotional stress” caused by Sahara Reporters’ publications in July 2020.
In his judgment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu awarded ₦100,000 against the litigants, affirming the argument of our attorney, Marshal Abubakar, that they had no right to sue on Malami’s behalf, just as you have no right to act as proxy for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Defamation, the judge reminded, is a personal tort. The AGF should have gone to court himself if he felt defamed.
It is elementary that only the person defamed can sue. Therefore, your attempt to demand a retraction is an incompetent and unlawful attempt to hold the President's brief.
Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution requires the press to uphold the government's responsibility and accountability to the people. Section 39 guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information without interference. Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides the same.
Even in the UK, sedition and libel laws have been repealed as archaic relics of a bygone era. The UN Human Rights Committee in General Comment No. 34 has declared a free, uncensored media essential to democracy. Courts across Africa, including Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court and the African Court in Issa Konate v. Burkina Faso, have ruled that criminal defamation is unjustifiable in a democracy.
Nigeria’s own Court of Appeal, in Arthur Nwankwo v. State (1985), struck down sedition laws when Nwankwo was convicted for criticizing Governor Jim Nwobodo. The court held that sedition was unconstitutional and inimical to free speech. Justice Adekeye, in IGP v. ANPP, asked how long Nigerians must suffer under colonial-era public order ordinances designed to gag dissent.
Criticism is indispensable in a democracy. Freedom of speech includes the right to say what those in power find uncomfortable. Justice Olatawura reminded us that citizens must defend their hard-won freedom of expression, and that those in public office must not be intolerant of criticism. Where boundaries are crossed, the remedy is civil libel, not unlawful repression.
The DSS’s desire to please the powers that be has always destroyed institutions while building “strong men.” But where are those strong men today, after your service broke laws and trampled rights to protect them?
Rather than vilification, we should be commended for living up to our constitutional responsibility to hold leaders accountable. I am glad you made reference to my constant desire to seek change, the very drive that led me to run for the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, even though my commitments and convictions predate partisan political endeavors. It is from that same line of conviction that I have adopted an uncompromising stance, ensuring that this country does not continue down the path of perdition.
You have no business telling me how to criticise the President. But, knowing the nature of your service, it is clear you have not learnt your lessons. Let me state it clearly once again: the determination of the Nigerian people to reclaim their country from thieves in power is unwavering. And it shall be achieved.
Freedom cometh by struggle. Aluta continua, victoria ascerta.
Yours in unwavering service to Nigeria,
Omoyele Sowore
Former Presidential Candidate, African Action Congress (AAC)
www.aacparty.org
The youths complained about Politicians’s kids schooling abroad and living lavishly while they suffer back home and the government ignored . They complained about corruption and they ignored . T hey said they can’t keep suffering while Politicians’kids enjoy outside of the country while they pay tax.
After an endless ranting on the social media, the Nepal's government wants to shut them up by banning social media in the country. That was the genesis of the ongoing protests in the country.
Similar to the case of Nigerians, people are suffering and life is getting difficult for the common citizens but the Tinubu lead APC government is not doing anything to easy the suffering of the more than majority. The purchasing power of the people has been drastically reduced as Naira is worthless.
The Opposition political parties have been intentionally crippled and crumbled. Insecurities are on the rise.
Should Nepal's Youths actions motivate Nigeria Youths to rise and challenge this bad governance or keep on praying without action?
What do you think?
The youths complained about Politicians’s kids schooling abroad and living lavishly while they suffer back home and the government ignored . They complained about corruption and they ignored . T hey said they can’t keep suffering while Politicians’kids enjoy outside of the country while they pay tax.
After an endless ranting on the social media, the Nepal's government wants to shut them up by banning social media in the country. That was the genesis of the ongoing protests in the country.
Similar to the case of Nigerians, people are suffering and life is getting difficult for the common citizens but the Tinubu lead APC government is not doing anything to easy the suffering of the more than majority. The purchasing power of the people has been drastically reduced as Naira is worthless.
The Opposition political parties have been intentionally crippled and crumbled. Insecurities are on the rise.
Should Nepal's Youths actions motivate Nigeria Youths to rise and challenge this bad governance or keep on praying without action?
What do you think?
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He requested for the opinion of his followers.
Sowore said: "Because of massive injustice plaguing Nigeria, including police, paramilitary personnel, workers, doctors, students, electoral issues, and free speech, I advocate for a TOTAL shutdown of Nigeria in August! Let’s hear you - YES or NO"
August will mark another yearly anniversary of RevolutionNow movement since 2019 where he and some other comrades were arrested for planing a protests. The Nigerian DSS was fined by the court got distrusting the planned RevolutionNow protest.
All if the cases filed against Sowore bouldering on Treasonable Felony were all quashed by the court.
Sowore is now advocating for a TOTAL shutdown of Nigeria in August due to massive injustice plaguing Nigeria, including police, paramilitary personnel, workers, doctors, students, electoral issues, and free speech under the Tinubu led APC government of rouges.
He requested for the opinion of his followers.
Sowore said: "Because of massive injustice plaguing Nigeria, including police, paramilitary personnel, workers, doctors, students, electoral issues, and free speech, I advocate for a TOTAL shutdown of Nigeria in August! Let’s hear you - YES or NO"
August will mark another yearly anniversary of RevolutionNow movement since 2019 where he and some other comrades were arrested for planing a protests. The Nigerian DSS was fined by the court got distrusting the planned RevolutionNow protest.
All if the cases filed against Sowore bouldering on Treasonable Felony were all quashed by the court.
Sowore is now advocating for a TOTAL shutdown of Nigeria in August due to massive injustice plaguing Nigeria, including police, paramilitary personnel, workers, doctors, students, electoral issues, and free speech under the Tinubu led APC government of rouges.
During the takeover, stakeholders discovered unusual items in the office of self-appointed Chairman Pst Dayo Ekong, including:
- Bags of rice and packs of drinks suspected to be meant for members.
- Fetish items: several calabashes lined with red cloth, white papers with different names on it attached to feathers.
The stakeholders were reportedly shocked by these findings, suggesting that these items might have been used to diabolically manipulate or control party faithfuls and the party. Even calling upon God isn’t enough again a supposed pastor have to resolve to going the ev!l route.
The party secretariat was peacefully and successfully taken over by the Lagos state stakeholders ensuring all staff met at the secretariat were shown the way out unharmed. It will be in the interest of former exco sacked by the Supreme Court to respect the rule of law for peace to reign. It’s high time the party is allowed to enjoy the goodwill it enjoyed during the last elections for a healthy electioneering year come 2027.
During the takeover, stakeholders discovered unusual items in the office of self-appointed Chairman Pst Dayo Ekong, including:
- Bags of rice and packs of drinks suspected to be meant for members.
- Fetish items: several calabashes lined with red cloth, white papers with different names on it attached to feathers.
The stakeholders were reportedly shocked by these findings, suggesting that these items might have been used to diabolically manipulate or control party faithfuls and the party. Even calling upon God isn’t enough again a supposed pastor have to resolve to going the ev!l route.
The party secretariat was peacefully and successfully taken over by the Lagos state stakeholders ensuring all staff met at the secretariat were shown the way out unharmed. It will be in the interest of former exco sacked by the Supreme Court to respect the rule of law for peace to reign. It’s high time the party is allowed to enjoy the goodwill it enjoyed during the last elections for a healthy electioneering year come 2027.
In response to NPF CAUTIONS AGAINST ILL-TIMED PROTEST ACROSS THE COUNTRY, Omoyele Sowore Wrote:
It is the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of ILLEGAL Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that should reconsider their program. No amount of such initiatives can save Egbetokun from the controversy surrounding his illegal, unjust, and scandalous appointment by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Egbetokun must retire from the Police force after completing his 35 years in service the way others have retired after completing their mandatory years in service.
Nigeria needs a new police force, not one headed by a spent force IGP utilizing diversionary tactics to shift public attention from his shortcomings and scandals.
Regardless, tomorrow’s must go across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people!
#EgbetokunMustGo #RevolutionNow
In response to NPF CAUTIONS AGAINST ILL-TIMED PROTEST ACROSS THE COUNTRY, Omoyele Sowore Wrote:
It is the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of ILLEGAL Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that should reconsider their program. No amount of such initiatives can save Egbetokun from the controversy surrounding his illegal, unjust, and scandalous appointment by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Egbetokun must retire from the Police force after completing his 35 years in service the way others have retired after completing their mandatory years in service.
Nigeria needs a new police force, not one headed by a spent force IGP utilizing diversionary tactics to shift public attention from his shortcomings and scandals.
Regardless, tomorrow’s must go across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people!
#EgbetokunMustGo #RevolutionNow
NATIONWIDE PROTEST: NPF CAUTIONS AGAINST ILL-TIMED PROTEST ACROSS THE COUNTRY
The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called “Take it Back Movement” is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.
In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day. The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.
The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
6TH APRIL 2025
NATIONWIDE PROTEST: NPF CAUTIONS AGAINST ILL-TIMED PROTEST ACROSS THE COUNTRY
The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called “Take it Back Movement” is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.
In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day. The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.
The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
6TH APRIL 2025
The statement was made in response to a video that's been trending on the social media platform where a military convey was barricaded by certain protesters calling for military intervention and taking over of the Nigeria government.
Oyo state chapter of the part in a statement signed by Comrade Dele Abiola on behalf of the stakeholders said: "We vehemently opposed any call for military coup d'etat or intervention in Nigeria and capital NO to any planned military interrogrum.
"We equally call for security investigation of both the participants in the said protest and military convey involved as it maybe a sponsored protest.
"While we acknowledged the maladministration of the APC led government since 2025 till date, we do not have any hope in any military incursion into the Nigeria's governance and political space.
"The hardship and pains been inflicting on us by the Bola Tinubu led anti-people APC government should either lead us into a fresh election or revolution, if 2027 elections are too far."
'While we must get ride of APC and bad governance, it can not be by and through military ' the statement said in part.
It should be noted that the prolificacy of the APC led government and spending spree in the face of hungers in the land occasioned by cluelessness and hopelessness in their so called renewed hope policies and programs can certainly make the masses to call for any perceived and immediate solution.
Youths have been protesting too, but the APC government of Tinubu is never ready to listen.
The APC government represent incompetency and spring of wickedness against the Nigerian masses.
Video of protesters calling for military intervention
The statement was made in response to a video that's been trending on the social media platform where a military convey was barricaded by certain protesters calling for military intervention and taking over of the Nigeria government.
Oyo state chapter of the part in a statement signed by Comrade Dele Abiola on behalf of the stakeholders said: "We vehemently opposed any call for military coup d'etat or intervention in Nigeria and capital NO to any planned military interrogrum.
"We equally call for security investigation of both the participants in the said protest and military convey involved as it maybe a sponsored protest.
"While we acknowledged the maladministration of the APC led government since 2025 till date, we do not have any hope in any military incursion into the Nigeria's governance and political space.
"The hardship and pains been inflicting on us by the Bola Tinubu led anti-people APC government should either lead us into a fresh election or revolution, if 2027 elections are too far."
'While we must get ride of APC and bad governance, it can not be by and through military ' the statement said in part.
It should be noted that the prolificacy of the APC led government and spending spree in the face of hungers in the land occasioned by cluelessness and hopelessness in their so called renewed hope policies and programs can certainly make the masses to call for any perceived and immediate solution.
Youths have been protesting too, but the APC government of Tinubu is never ready to listen.
The APC government represent incompetency and spring of wickedness against the Nigerian masses.
Video of protesters calling for military intervention
MEDIA RELEASE
1st August, 2024
....... 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.
MEDIA RELEASE
1st August, 2024
....... 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.
Joe Igbokwe in the service of his master decided perhaps without deep research to do the greatest disservice to the present watch. In threatening the Igbo in Lagos and across the Country, Citizen Joe Igbokwe has forgotten that hunger and poverty are indiscriminate of Region, Religion and ethnicity. He has forgotten that unemployment and want are indiscriminate of Creed and Clan. And he has forgotten that playing the ethnic card ala threatening a Tribe in the face of pain, penury and poverty is but an invitation to anarchy. He has forgotten that he who is down needs fear no fall.
Citizen Bayo Onanuga is himself caught by a disease I would call Obi-neurosis, a fear I would call Obi-Phobia, and a complex that fixates him to everything and anything Peter Obi, and the Obidient Movement. I pity him.
The two citizens here mentioned and their fellow travelers in the path of infamy are obsessed with the spoils of power that they cannot see. They are blinded by filthy lucre that they cannot read the times, and their soul is sold to Mammon such that they cannot perceive the ominous tide that romances our space.
They are without an ounce of equivocation Pseudo-Progressives swimming against a deluge. Joe Igbokwe can threaten the Igbo for all he cares. Bayo Onanuga can accuse Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement for all he cares, one infallible fact is that the clock is ticking, that time is running out, and like Kenyans the Gen Zee generation are tired, and have elected to trounce the tranquilizing drug of gradualism choosing proactive action over siddon look.
The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Ethnicity, Region or Religion, deceive yourself for all you care, the Truth is before us. The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Peter Obi or the Obidient Movement, lie to yourselves for all you care, the Truth is lucid. Continue to make matters worse for Tinubu with your sycophancy, continue to gaslight the gullible, and continue to delude and denude the hapless. Truth is that Nigeria is at the precipice and that our Country is hanging dangerously at the tipping edge.
Rather than advise their Master to work the path of caution, discretion and propriety, they sing his praises and nudge him further down the path to Golgotha. They see no wrong in wanton profligacy and wanderlust. They see no wrong in a Presidency that pours out 100m US Dollars for a new Presidential Jet in the face of harrowing poverty. They see no wrong in the spate of job loss and inflation. They see no wrong in the scarcity of food, the hike in price of Fuel, and the suicidal hunger that confronts the Nigerian hoi polloi. All they do is hail their Master as though he is infallible. All they do is blame Buhari as if their Master didn't promise to continue with Buhari's policies that saw Nigeria going in out of inflation, today Nigeria is enmeshed in the worst inflation in our history. Seeing the glaring comeuppance of failure, seeing that the Young are gearing up to challenge for the soul of our nation, Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and their cohorts in the cult of Court-jesting are busy shifting the blame, are busy gaslighting the ignorant, and are busy throwing darts at the innocent, but it won't work.
It was Frantz Fanon who said long time ago that every generation out of relative obscurity discovers it's mission, Fulfills or betrays it. If the Gen Zee across Africa have risen, to ethnicise this rising is like pouring water on the Crocodile, I pray Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and Co knows this. If the Gen Zee is planning the Nigerian version of the Kenyan uprising, the right thing to do is to begin quickly to address their grievances and proceed with some immediate Reforms and not to threaten, insult, over-awe, harass and harangue them.
I must close this effort with the ageless lines of John F. Kennedy to wit, those who make peaceful change impossible, make violent change inevitable. The Truth is that those threatening the Young people hatching and planning a peaceful protest for the soul of Nigeria come August 1st to August 10th, 2024 are the enemies of democracy, enemies of the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, and the enemies of Nigeria QED. And Nigeria shall most definitely outlive them.
I believe in Nigeria. I believe that the Eagle shall yet Soar. And I believe that this period of darkness shall yet pass.
I'm CHUKWUDUMEBI.
Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT.
Joe Igbokwe in the service of his master decided perhaps without deep research to do the greatest disservice to the present watch. In threatening the Igbo in Lagos and across the Country, Citizen Joe Igbokwe has forgotten that hunger and poverty are indiscriminate of Region, Religion and ethnicity. He has forgotten that unemployment and want are indiscriminate of Creed and Clan. And he has forgotten that playing the ethnic card ala threatening a Tribe in the face of pain, penury and poverty is but an invitation to anarchy. He has forgotten that he who is down needs fear no fall.
Citizen Bayo Onanuga is himself caught by a disease I would call Obi-neurosis, a fear I would call Obi-Phobia, and a complex that fixates him to everything and anything Peter Obi, and the Obidient Movement. I pity him.
The two citizens here mentioned and their fellow travelers in the path of infamy are obsessed with the spoils of power that they cannot see. They are blinded by filthy lucre that they cannot read the times, and their soul is sold to Mammon such that they cannot perceive the ominous tide that romances our space.
They are without an ounce of equivocation Pseudo-Progressives swimming against a deluge. Joe Igbokwe can threaten the Igbo for all he cares. Bayo Onanuga can accuse Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement for all he cares, one infallible fact is that the clock is ticking, that time is running out, and like Kenyans the Gen Zee generation are tired, and have elected to trounce the tranquilizing drug of gradualism choosing proactive action over siddon look.
The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Ethnicity, Region or Religion, deceive yourself for all you care, the Truth is before us. The Looming Protest has nothing to do with Peter Obi or the Obidient Movement, lie to yourselves for all you care, the Truth is lucid. Continue to make matters worse for Tinubu with your sycophancy, continue to gaslight the gullible, and continue to delude and denude the hapless. Truth is that Nigeria is at the precipice and that our Country is hanging dangerously at the tipping edge.
Rather than advise their Master to work the path of caution, discretion and propriety, they sing his praises and nudge him further down the path to Golgotha. They see no wrong in wanton profligacy and wanderlust. They see no wrong in a Presidency that pours out 100m US Dollars for a new Presidential Jet in the face of harrowing poverty. They see no wrong in the spate of job loss and inflation. They see no wrong in the scarcity of food, the hike in price of Fuel, and the suicidal hunger that confronts the Nigerian hoi polloi. All they do is hail their Master as though he is infallible. All they do is blame Buhari as if their Master didn't promise to continue with Buhari's policies that saw Nigeria going in out of inflation, today Nigeria is enmeshed in the worst inflation in our history. Seeing the glaring comeuppance of failure, seeing that the Young are gearing up to challenge for the soul of our nation, Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and their cohorts in the cult of Court-jesting are busy shifting the blame, are busy gaslighting the ignorant, and are busy throwing darts at the innocent, but it won't work.
It was Frantz Fanon who said long time ago that every generation out of relative obscurity discovers it's mission, Fulfills or betrays it. If the Gen Zee across Africa have risen, to ethnicise this rising is like pouring water on the Crocodile, I pray Joe Igbokwe, Bayo Onanuga and Co knows this. If the Gen Zee is planning the Nigerian version of the Kenyan uprising, the right thing to do is to begin quickly to address their grievances and proceed with some immediate Reforms and not to threaten, insult, over-awe, harass and harangue them.
I must close this effort with the ageless lines of John F. Kennedy to wit, those who make peaceful change impossible, make violent change inevitable. The Truth is that those threatening the Young people hatching and planning a peaceful protest for the soul of Nigeria come August 1st to August 10th, 2024 are the enemies of democracy, enemies of the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, and the enemies of Nigeria QED. And Nigeria shall most definitely outlive them.
I believe in Nigeria. I believe that the Eagle shall yet Soar. And I believe that this period of darkness shall yet pass.
I'm CHUKWUDUMEBI.
Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVT.
HAPPENING NOW: Mass chaos breaks out at college campuses across the United States as pro-Palestine protests intensify.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 24, 2024
Columbia, Harvard, USC, University of Texas at Austin and others are getting swarmed by protesters.
Police at USC are taking out their batons as the… pic.twitter.com/D35wVTCiZ8
.jpeg)
Some 108 arrests were made at Emerson College, Boston police told the BBC's US partner CBS News.
Earlier, 93 people at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles were taken into custody on trespassing charges.
Universities across the US have seen a growing number of students walk out of class or try to set up encampments to protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
The latest arrests follow others at Columbia, Yale and New York University.
The arrests at USC were made as students gathered in Alumni Park - where the university's main-stage graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place next month.
Police officers in riot gear cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at the centre of the campus, preventing demonstrators from gathering.
Students received a 10-minute warning from police helicopters to disperse. Those who refused, were arrested on trespassing charges.
The protest was reported to have been largely peaceful at first, but then turned tense with the continued police presence.
As police tried to detain one woman, protesters threw water bottles at them and chanted, "Let her go!"
Protesters gathered around the officers, drowning out their warnings with "free Palestine" chants. Students, some wearing kaffiyehs were holding "liberated zone" signs, banging drums.
Elsewhere in the country, Boston police told CBS that three officers had been injured in the action in that city - one of them seriously, though their condition was not life-threatening. No protesters were hurt, police added.
Students are said to have been camping out since Sunday, allegedly ignoring warnings to leave.
Emerson College has not yet commented on the arrests. In a previous statement, it said it supported the right to peaceful protests - while urging activists to comply with the law.
Earlier, there were chaotic scenes on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin as hundreds of local and state police on horseback, holding batons, dispersed protesters.
Today, the United States is aiding and abetting the destruction of the Palestinian people. pic.twitter.com/NuS53C4XIX
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 24, 2024
HAPPENING NOW: Mass chaos breaks out at college campuses across the United States as pro-Palestine protests intensify.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 24, 2024
Columbia, Harvard, USC, University of Texas at Austin and others are getting swarmed by protesters.
Police at USC are taking out their batons as the… pic.twitter.com/D35wVTCiZ8
Some 108 arrests were made at Emerson College, Boston police told the BBC's US partner CBS News.
Earlier, 93 people at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles were taken into custody on trespassing charges.
Universities across the US have seen a growing number of students walk out of class or try to set up encampments to protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
The latest arrests follow others at Columbia, Yale and New York University.
The arrests at USC were made as students gathered in Alumni Park - where the university's main-stage graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place next month.
Police officers in riot gear cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment at the centre of the campus, preventing demonstrators from gathering.
Students received a 10-minute warning from police helicopters to disperse. Those who refused, were arrested on trespassing charges.
The protest was reported to have been largely peaceful at first, but then turned tense with the continued police presence.
As police tried to detain one woman, protesters threw water bottles at them and chanted, "Let her go!"
Protesters gathered around the officers, drowning out their warnings with "free Palestine" chants. Students, some wearing kaffiyehs were holding "liberated zone" signs, banging drums.
Elsewhere in the country, Boston police told CBS that three officers had been injured in the action in that city - one of them seriously, though their condition was not life-threatening. No protesters were hurt, police added.
Students are said to have been camping out since Sunday, allegedly ignoring warnings to leave.
Emerson College has not yet commented on the arrests. In a previous statement, it said it supported the right to peaceful protests - while urging activists to comply with the law.
Earlier, there were chaotic scenes on the campus of the University of Texas in Austin as hundreds of local and state police on horseback, holding batons, dispersed protesters.
Today, the United States is aiding and abetting the destruction of the Palestinian people. pic.twitter.com/NuS53C4XIX
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 24, 2024
The court objected to the applicant's application to stop the OBIdient's rally coming up on Saturday, the 1st October 2022. The court ruled that we can hold our procession anywhere in the state, and we can march from Lekki pass through the the Lekki Toll gate and to any destination of our choice.
It is a resounding victory. Our legal team was ably led by Alex Ejiseme SAN standing at my left. On white native, is Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour the Labour Party's governorship aspirant in Lagos State.
The matter was adjourned to 4th of November to hear the substantive suit.
Here is the photograph of our Legal team in court today.
Dear, OBIdients go out and march, victory is ours!
#peterobi4president2023
The court objected to the applicant's application to stop the OBIdient's rally coming up on Saturday, the 1st October 2022. The court ruled that we can hold our procession anywhere in the state, and we can march from Lekki pass through the the Lekki Toll gate and to any destination of our choice.
It is a resounding victory. Our legal team was ably led by Alex Ejiseme SAN standing at my left. On white native, is Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour the Labour Party's governorship aspirant in Lagos State.
The matter was adjourned to 4th of November to hear the substantive suit.
Here is the photograph of our Legal team in court today.
Dear, OBIdients go out and march, victory is ours!
#peterobi4president2023
TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT - OYO STATE
ON THE LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE OF THE STATE'S DPP AND MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
TIB calls for immediate redress and justice!
The Oyo state TIB has observed keenly, the lackadaisical nature of the Oyo state's department of state prosecution (DPP) in handling cases involving the common masses.
It is much worse to know that most of these attitudes have costed enormous number of victims and their families both psychological and material losses.
We have it on authority how cases in the state suffer little or no attention, and transfers from one office, hand or court to the other without any meaningful result. Worth mentioning among series of such cases, is the embattled case of the #FreeOyo11 #EndSARS protesters arrested since over a year now by the Seyi Makinde government on unproven grounds. These individuals, with one of them dying in the cause, have suffered detention in the worst of the Oyo state prisons without any diligent prosecution.
We condemn this ineffective discharge of duties by both the DPP and ministry of justice of the state. We can see that the idea of getting justice in court of law, largely controlled by the ruling class, is not always guaranteed for an average man. In most cases, such justice, if eventually served, would have suffered much delay, which in itself can be regarded as another form of injustice. Justice delayed, they say, is justice denied.
For us, the struggle to take back sanity into the Nigerian system and all her sectors remains undaunted for us. We encourage the public to continue to lend their voices for diligent and transparent investigations into the issues surrounding the detention of #FreeOyo11 who have been facing torture already while the police sleeps.
In 21st century, we are it is unethical for Police alone to investigate and prosecute suspect without presence of ministry's of justice representative in process of interrogation and statement writing, but reverse is the case in our Ministry of Justice because their official has neglected thier official duties on "Sebi, The Police are helping Us" and it empower the interrogator's (Police) to force and torture suspect while taking their statement without the presence legal luminary who will stand to protect the suspects right to Freedom of speech as established in 1999 constitution et al, these act has terminate/caught short lives of innocent citizens which also has landed many citizens in prison for crime they have no knowledge of.
We can also see that since over a year too, Oyo state has refused to publish reports of the judicial panel on #EndSARS. This cannot be disconnected from possible cover ups by the state on the events, that is, killings and brutalization of citizens that happened at Ojoo. We believe that the truth cannot be covered no matter how long, because this truth is already with the masses.
Lastly, we condemn in strong terms this lackadaisical attitude of the state and its actors on the question of justice and we use this medium to demand immediate actions on the aforementioned issues.
Viva Aluta!
Signed:
Com. Emiola Solomon
State Coordinator
TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT - OYO STATE
ON THE LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE OF THE STATE'S DPP AND MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
TIB calls for immediate redress and justice!
The Oyo state TIB has observed keenly, the lackadaisical nature of the Oyo state's department of state prosecution (DPP) in handling cases involving the common masses.
It is much worse to know that most of these attitudes have costed enormous number of victims and their families both psychological and material losses.
We have it on authority how cases in the state suffer little or no attention, and transfers from one office, hand or court to the other without any meaningful result. Worth mentioning among series of such cases, is the embattled case of the #FreeOyo11 #EndSARS protesters arrested since over a year now by the Seyi Makinde government on unproven grounds. These individuals, with one of them dying in the cause, have suffered detention in the worst of the Oyo state prisons without any diligent prosecution.
We condemn this ineffective discharge of duties by both the DPP and ministry of justice of the state. We can see that the idea of getting justice in court of law, largely controlled by the ruling class, is not always guaranteed for an average man. In most cases, such justice, if eventually served, would have suffered much delay, which in itself can be regarded as another form of injustice. Justice delayed, they say, is justice denied.
For us, the struggle to take back sanity into the Nigerian system and all her sectors remains undaunted for us. We encourage the public to continue to lend their voices for diligent and transparent investigations into the issues surrounding the detention of #FreeOyo11 who have been facing torture already while the police sleeps.
In 21st century, we are it is unethical for Police alone to investigate and prosecute suspect without presence of ministry's of justice representative in process of interrogation and statement writing, but reverse is the case in our Ministry of Justice because their official has neglected thier official duties on "Sebi, The Police are helping Us" and it empower the interrogator's (Police) to force and torture suspect while taking their statement without the presence legal luminary who will stand to protect the suspects right to Freedom of speech as established in 1999 constitution et al, these act has terminate/caught short lives of innocent citizens which also has landed many citizens in prison for crime they have no knowledge of.
We can also see that since over a year too, Oyo state has refused to publish reports of the judicial panel on #EndSARS. This cannot be disconnected from possible cover ups by the state on the events, that is, killings and brutalization of citizens that happened at Ojoo. We believe that the truth cannot be covered no matter how long, because this truth is already with the masses.
Lastly, we condemn in strong terms this lackadaisical attitude of the state and its actors on the question of justice and we use this medium to demand immediate actions on the aforementioned issues.
Viva Aluta!
Signed:
Com. Emiola Solomon
State Coordinator
On Thursday the Nigerian Police unlawfully arrested five peaceful protesters in Abuja during a protest seeking protection for beleaguered Nigerians particularly in the northern parts.
Upon arrest, these citizens were subjected to the worst form of brutality by policemen deployed to quell the protest.
Today, two Magistrates have refused to take their case but we got a chance to see the unchanging face of police brutality. These videos were taken in court today.
THE IMAGES ARE DISTURBING!
On Thursday the Nigerian Police unlawfully arrested five peaceful protesters in Abuja during a protest seeking protection for beleaguered Nigerians particularly in the northern parts.
Upon arrest, these citizens were subjected to the worst form of brutality by policemen deployed to quell the protest.
Today, two Magistrates have refused to take their case but we got a chance to see the unchanging face of police brutality. These videos were taken in court today.
THE IMAGES ARE DISTURBING!
*THE AAC WILL NOT ACCEPT ATTACKS ON OMOYELE SOWORE AND OTHER PRO-DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGNERS, AS THE NEW NORMAL.*
*WE CALL ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STOP PERSECUTING HIM AND STOP THIS OBVIOUS DANCE OF SHAME*
It has become trite to see thugs operating violently yet freely in broad daylight, at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, specifically when Sowore alongside other Nigerians comes to solidarize with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigneous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the trial by the Federal Government.
It is also not news that these thugs enjoy state protection, as it has been the case everytime he’s been attacked. The last time being October 21, 2021, these thugs attacked Sowore but were apprehended and handed over to the Police by courageous journalists who were locked out of the Court by “official thugs”- the DSS. This happened while all heavily armed security agents looked the other way.
These thugs were then released almost immediately and we can not ascertain if at all they were taken to the Federal Secretariat Police station before being released.
The case wasn’t different today December 2, 2021 as the thugs came prepared to kill. The window of Mr Sowore’s car was smashed in a bid to get hold of him and while he was driven away, other things that could cause harm were thrown at his car. Members of our party in his company were also not spared by these thugs.
We condemn in the strongest terms these attacks on the Chairman of our party, Mr Sowore and we call on the Buhari regime to stop this show of shame it is serving the international community.
While the Buhari regime seeks to normalize fascism, hardship and human rights violation, the AAC through all revolutionary means will not fold its arms on this issue. We refuse to accept as a new normal these brazen attacks on individuals and corporate entities who hold dissenting opinions against the Buhari regime.
The AAC will not watch this slide or wait for another “Government magic” (killing and later denial of killing) to happen to our peace-loving Chairman, as it is now the case of several massacres in the country.
Conclusively, we call on the Buhari regime to pick itself from the dust and accept defeat honourably. It must stop forthwith the persecution of Omoyele Sowore as it is glaring the regime has no case against him.
Signed:
National Publicity Secretary
Femi Adeyeye
2/12/2021
*THE AAC WILL NOT ACCEPT ATTACKS ON OMOYELE SOWORE AND OTHER PRO-DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGNERS, AS THE NEW NORMAL.*
*WE CALL ON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO STOP PERSECUTING HIM AND STOP THIS OBVIOUS DANCE OF SHAME*
It has become trite to see thugs operating violently yet freely in broad daylight, at the Federal High Court premises in Abuja, specifically when Sowore alongside other Nigerians comes to solidarize with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of Indigneous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the trial by the Federal Government.
It is also not news that these thugs enjoy state protection, as it has been the case everytime he’s been attacked. The last time being October 21, 2021, these thugs attacked Sowore but were apprehended and handed over to the Police by courageous journalists who were locked out of the Court by “official thugs”- the DSS. This happened while all heavily armed security agents looked the other way.
These thugs were then released almost immediately and we can not ascertain if at all they were taken to the Federal Secretariat Police station before being released.
The case wasn’t different today December 2, 2021 as the thugs came prepared to kill. The window of Mr Sowore’s car was smashed in a bid to get hold of him and while he was driven away, other things that could cause harm were thrown at his car. Members of our party in his company were also not spared by these thugs.
We condemn in the strongest terms these attacks on the Chairman of our party, Mr Sowore and we call on the Buhari regime to stop this show of shame it is serving the international community.
While the Buhari regime seeks to normalize fascism, hardship and human rights violation, the AAC through all revolutionary means will not fold its arms on this issue. We refuse to accept as a new normal these brazen attacks on individuals and corporate entities who hold dissenting opinions against the Buhari regime.
The AAC will not watch this slide or wait for another “Government magic” (killing and later denial of killing) to happen to our peace-loving Chairman, as it is now the case of several massacres in the country.
Conclusively, we call on the Buhari regime to pick itself from the dust and accept defeat honourably. It must stop forthwith the persecution of Omoyele Sowore as it is glaring the regime has no case against him.
Signed:
National Publicity Secretary
Femi Adeyeye
2/12/2021
2. With due respect, the position of the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is grossly misconceived, suspiciously misleading and does not reflect the true position of the law. The Lagos EndSARS panel was constituted within the ambits of law and its investigative powers are neither overreaching nor beyond the scope of the 1999 Constitution.
3. First, Section 1 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law, Cap T7, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, confers power on the Governor of Lagos State to constitute the judicial panel to investigate “any matter in respect of which in the opinion an inquiry would be for the public welfare”. Instructively, it is settled law that the Federal Government lacks the power and authority to constitute judicial panels or any tribunal whatsoever for state governments. With a clear understanding that the Federal Government lacks the constitutional vires to constitute tribunal for states, the National Economic Council, NEC, last year directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality or related extrajudicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) and other police units.
4. In the popular case of Fawehinmi v. Babangida (2003) 3 NWLR (Pt.808) 604, the Supreme Court succinctly held that: "The National Assembly cannot enact a general Law for the establishment of tribunals of inquiry for, and applicable in, the Federation of Nigeria. The power to enact such a Law has become a residual matter for the States in respect of which the Houses of Assembly can legislate for their respective States by virtue of Section 4(7)(a) of the 1999 Constitution. Although the Tribunals of Inquiry Act is an "existing law," its application is limited and has no general application". Flowing from the decision of Supreme Court, it is clear like crystal that the Federal Government of Nigeria can only set up Tribunal for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and not for States of the federation.
5. It is not in doubt that matters relating to the police and other security agencies established by law are on the exclusive legislative list. It is equally not a subject of controversy that Section 21 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law of Lagos State empowers the Governor to exercise his powers under the Law in respect of matters within the legislative competence of the state. My only question is whether issues of human rights are within the legislative competence of state governments and whether the panels so constituted can look into the atrocities and human rights violations committed by the police and other security agencies?
6. In AG Abia State v. AG Federation (2006) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1005) 265, the Supreme Court clarified that matters not included in the exclusive and concurrent lists are residual and are meant for the State, not the Federal, to legislate upon. Human rights related matters are neither on the exclusive or concurrent lists, therefore, they are within the legislative competence of Lagos state. Thus, the Lagos State government can validly make laws in respect of human rights and constitute panels to investigate cases of human rights violations recorded within the state.
7. While the Lagos State Government cannot make laws to control, discipline or regulate security officers of the Federal Government, it has the constitutional powers to set up panels to investigate human rights abuses and in any case where the conducts of federal officers like the police and army come under checks or scrutiny, the panels so constituted have the powers in law and equity to investigate them and make valid recommendations. There is a fundamental difference between the Lagos State government legislating over matters on officers of the Federal Government and a case where officers of the Federal Government who committed heinous crimes against humanity in Lagos State become subject of a Panel of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government. Those that perpetrated the massacre cannot use the law as a shield from being answerable for their crimes.
8. Meanwhile, it is a rude shock that the learned silk just discovered his alleged “illegality” of the Panel over a year since it was constituted up till the point that it submitted its reports. This sudden attack on the legal validity of the panel is strange and quite suspicious. One wonders if the Honourable Minister would have maintained the same position if the Panel reports and recommendations absolved the Federal Government of any wrongdoing. I daresay that the opinion of the Honourable Minister is calculated to discredit the valid reports of the panel. Too late! The truth is in the open and no attempt to thwart the genuine efforts of the EndSARS panel will succeed.
9. I find it self-immolating that the same Federal Government that directed that the panel be set up and submitted itself to its jurisdiction is coming forward to challenge the constitutionality of the panel. It shows a great level of dissimulation and double-standard. Why is the Federal Government blowing hot and cold? Why is the Federal Government approbating and reprobating? It is illegal and immoral for the Federal Government to submit to the jurisdiction of the Panel and later retract when the verdict is “unfavorable”.
10. In the light of the foregoing, I call on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the views of Mr. Keyamo as it is grossly misleading, made in bad faith and calculated to distract the incontrovertible fact that Nigeria is currently ruled by merchants of death.
FESTUS OGUN, ESQ.
29 November, 2021
festusogunlaw@gmail.com
2. With due respect, the position of the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is grossly misconceived, suspiciously misleading and does not reflect the true position of the law. The Lagos EndSARS panel was constituted within the ambits of law and its investigative powers are neither overreaching nor beyond the scope of the 1999 Constitution.
3. First, Section 1 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law, Cap T7, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, confers power on the Governor of Lagos State to constitute the judicial panel to investigate “any matter in respect of which in the opinion an inquiry would be for the public welfare”. Instructively, it is settled law that the Federal Government lacks the power and authority to constitute judicial panels or any tribunal whatsoever for state governments. With a clear understanding that the Federal Government lacks the constitutional vires to constitute tribunal for states, the National Economic Council, NEC, last year directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry to investigate complaints of police brutality or related extrajudicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS) and other police units.
4. In the popular case of Fawehinmi v. Babangida (2003) 3 NWLR (Pt.808) 604, the Supreme Court succinctly held that: "The National Assembly cannot enact a general Law for the establishment of tribunals of inquiry for, and applicable in, the Federation of Nigeria. The power to enact such a Law has become a residual matter for the States in respect of which the Houses of Assembly can legislate for their respective States by virtue of Section 4(7)(a) of the 1999 Constitution. Although the Tribunals of Inquiry Act is an "existing law," its application is limited and has no general application". Flowing from the decision of Supreme Court, it is clear like crystal that the Federal Government of Nigeria can only set up Tribunal for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and not for States of the federation.
5. It is not in doubt that matters relating to the police and other security agencies established by law are on the exclusive legislative list. It is equally not a subject of controversy that Section 21 of the Tribunal of Inquiry Law of Lagos State empowers the Governor to exercise his powers under the Law in respect of matters within the legislative competence of the state. My only question is whether issues of human rights are within the legislative competence of state governments and whether the panels so constituted can look into the atrocities and human rights violations committed by the police and other security agencies?
6. In AG Abia State v. AG Federation (2006) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1005) 265, the Supreme Court clarified that matters not included in the exclusive and concurrent lists are residual and are meant for the State, not the Federal, to legislate upon. Human rights related matters are neither on the exclusive or concurrent lists, therefore, they are within the legislative competence of Lagos state. Thus, the Lagos State government can validly make laws in respect of human rights and constitute panels to investigate cases of human rights violations recorded within the state.
7. While the Lagos State Government cannot make laws to control, discipline or regulate security officers of the Federal Government, it has the constitutional powers to set up panels to investigate human rights abuses and in any case where the conducts of federal officers like the police and army come under checks or scrutiny, the panels so constituted have the powers in law and equity to investigate them and make valid recommendations. There is a fundamental difference between the Lagos State government legislating over matters on officers of the Federal Government and a case where officers of the Federal Government who committed heinous crimes against humanity in Lagos State become subject of a Panel of Inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government. Those that perpetrated the massacre cannot use the law as a shield from being answerable for their crimes.
8. Meanwhile, it is a rude shock that the learned silk just discovered his alleged “illegality” of the Panel over a year since it was constituted up till the point that it submitted its reports. This sudden attack on the legal validity of the panel is strange and quite suspicious. One wonders if the Honourable Minister would have maintained the same position if the Panel reports and recommendations absolved the Federal Government of any wrongdoing. I daresay that the opinion of the Honourable Minister is calculated to discredit the valid reports of the panel. Too late! The truth is in the open and no attempt to thwart the genuine efforts of the EndSARS panel will succeed.
9. I find it self-immolating that the same Federal Government that directed that the panel be set up and submitted itself to its jurisdiction is coming forward to challenge the constitutionality of the panel. It shows a great level of dissimulation and double-standard. Why is the Federal Government blowing hot and cold? Why is the Federal Government approbating and reprobating? It is illegal and immoral for the Federal Government to submit to the jurisdiction of the Panel and later retract when the verdict is “unfavorable”.
10. In the light of the foregoing, I call on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard the views of Mr. Keyamo as it is grossly misleading, made in bad faith and calculated to distract the incontrovertible fact that Nigeria is currently ruled by merchants of death.
FESTUS OGUN, ESQ.
29 November, 2021
festusogunlaw@gmail.com
SUMMARY:
● The panel has confirmed without ambiguity that Lekki Toll Gate massacre happened.
● The Army & Police indicted of carrying out the Massacre
● The panel has named all victims and proposed compensations.
● proposed punishments for all the security personnel involved in the killings.
● The panel has proposed naming the Lekki Toll gate “EndSARS Toll Gate”
● The Lekki Concession company(LCC) owners of the Toll gate attempted a cover up of the atrocities perpetrated by the Nigerian Army and Police.
LEKKI SHOOTING: THAT WAS A MASSACRE!
Can Jide Sanwoolu, Lai Mohammed, Garba Shehu, Raji Fashola and others asking “where are the bodies?” honourably bury their heads in shame now that the submitted #EndSars Panel report has shown that there was indeed a massacre?
Everyone knows there was a massacre; it is a living truth that is incontrovertible. The authorities are equally aware that the tragedy that occurred at Lekki Tollgate October 2020 was a mindless massacre. They masterminded the evil just to break the undying resolve of protesting youths yearning for a country that respects human rights and social justice.
Now that the youths have been vindicated, will the authorities truly implement the recommendations of the Panel? Will the APC government ever apologize to young people and admit that its dirty hands are full of blood and the spirit of the slain innocent is crying bitterly in heaven for vengeance?
Given that the #EndSars struggle was a major reason why Twitter was banned, would the Buhari regime truly apologize and lift the thoughtless ban with immediate effect? Would the Buhari regime place itself in the witness box and answer questions over the fatal murder of courageous Nigerians exercising their fundamental rights to protest and freedom of expression and association?
For there be true peace in Nigeria, those massacred must get justice. Now that the truth has been corroborated, consequences must be meted out against those found wanting. And that will start from President Muhammadu Buhari, the very Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces. No justice, no peace.
We will never forget.
Festus Ogun, ESQ
Names of the victims:
This is the documented VICTIMS' list of #LekkiMassacre as released by the Lagos panel .
With this, it shows that LAI MOHAMMED is an unrepentant old LIAR. The fact remains that the #Buhari regime murdered Nigerian Youths on October 20, 2020.
SUMMARY:
● The panel has confirmed without ambiguity that Lekki Toll Gate massacre happened.
● The Army & Police indicted of carrying out the Massacre
● The panel has named all victims and proposed compensations.
● proposed punishments for all the security personnel involved in the killings.
● The panel has proposed naming the Lekki Toll gate “EndSARS Toll Gate”
● The Lekki Concession company(LCC) owners of the Toll gate attempted a cover up of the atrocities perpetrated by the Nigerian Army and Police.
LEKKI SHOOTING: THAT WAS A MASSACRE!
Can Jide Sanwoolu, Lai Mohammed, Garba Shehu, Raji Fashola and others asking “where are the bodies?” honourably bury their heads in shame now that the submitted #EndSars Panel report has shown that there was indeed a massacre?
Everyone knows there was a massacre; it is a living truth that is incontrovertible. The authorities are equally aware that the tragedy that occurred at Lekki Tollgate October 2020 was a mindless massacre. They masterminded the evil just to break the undying resolve of protesting youths yearning for a country that respects human rights and social justice.
Now that the youths have been vindicated, will the authorities truly implement the recommendations of the Panel? Will the APC government ever apologize to young people and admit that its dirty hands are full of blood and the spirit of the slain innocent is crying bitterly in heaven for vengeance?
Given that the #EndSars struggle was a major reason why Twitter was banned, would the Buhari regime truly apologize and lift the thoughtless ban with immediate effect? Would the Buhari regime place itself in the witness box and answer questions over the fatal murder of courageous Nigerians exercising their fundamental rights to protest and freedom of expression and association?
For there be true peace in Nigeria, those massacred must get justice. Now that the truth has been corroborated, consequences must be meted out against those found wanting. And that will start from President Muhammadu Buhari, the very Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces. No justice, no peace.
We will never forget.
Festus Ogun, ESQ
Names of the victims:
This is the documented VICTIMS' list of #LekkiMassacre as released by the Lagos panel .
With this, it shows that LAI MOHAMMED is an unrepentant old LIAR. The fact remains that the #Buhari regime murdered Nigerian Youths on October 20, 2020.
