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#EndSARS Report: Reps, PDP Want Minister To Go …Seek Revocation Of Buratai’s Immunity

Published

4 years ago

November 19, 2021

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, yesterday, called on the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to immediately resign for lying to Nigerians.
This is as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the sack of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, and the immediate removal of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s immunity over the #EndSARS panel report.
The caucus made the call following the report of the Panel of Investigation set by the Lagos State Government to unravel the incident of October 20, 2020, at the popular Lekki Tollgate, Lagos State.
The report released last Monday indicted the police and soldiers of the Nigerian Army of killing defenceless youths protesting police brutality and bad governance in Nigeria.
Mohammed, in a series of press conferences, denied the massacre and even made the CNN retract its report.
Reacting to the report, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu said the Federal Government has a lot of questions to answer regarding the killings.
The minority caucus in a statement issued, yesterday, accused officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to cover up the now confirmed bloody massacre of Nigerians youths by security forces at the Lekki Tollgate
The statement reads: “The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, after a thorough review of the report of the Lagos State #EndSARS judicial panel, holds that the attempt by officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to cover up the now confirmed bloody massacre of Nigerians youths by security forces at the Lekki Tollgate suggests a high-level state-backed conspiracy against Nigerians.
“The confirmation by the Lagos Panel that there was indeed a massacre at the Lekki Tollgate during the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Lagos and that APC government-controlled security forces carted away bodies and mopped up evidence, places a huge burden on the Federal Government which had vehemently denied any killings.
“The minority caucus is, therefore, apprehensive as to what furtive motive must have made the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who ought to know the truth, to rush to the media, ahead of the judicial panel, to insist that there were no killings at Lekki Tollgate, even in the face of testimonies of witnesses at the sad event.
“Whereas the proclivity of the APC-led administration to lie to Nigerians on issues is legendary and known to all, our caucus is however shocked that the administration can lie in a matter that has to do with the gruesome killing of citizens, particularly our youths and even attempt to provide official cover to the culprits.
“As representatives of the people, the minority caucus holds that killing of our young one for having the audacity to demand for justice, rule of law and good governance in our nation is the height of wickedness which will continue to haunt the APC and its administration until justice is served.
“The report of the Lagos panel shows that no matter how lies and falsehood try to prevail, the truth will always triumph at the end. The blood of the innocent slain at Lekki Tollgate cry out for justice and there will be no rest for their killers and those who give support or cover to the murderous act.
“The minority caucus, therefore, calls on the APC-led administration to come clean on the killings as well as the furtive moves to cover up the vicious act. Also, given the findings of the Lagos panel, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed is expected to resign immediately or be fired by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Our caucus commends the Lagos panel for its boldness in the pursuit of truth and justice and urges other panels investigating allegations of brutality in other states not to be deterred but ensure that the truth is not suppressed.
“While commiserating with the victims of the Lekki Tollgate attack, particularly the families of those killed, the minority caucus urges Nigerians to remain calm at this crucial moment, as we will leave no stone unturned in using our legislative instruments to join forces with other well-meaning Nigerians to get justice for our people.”
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Director of New Media, Anthony Ehilebo, has called for the sack of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, over the #EndSARS panel report.
Ehilebo also called for the immediate removal of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s immunity.
The Abuja-based lawyer made the call while reacting to the Lagos State #EndSARS panel which indicted the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army, and the police.
Speaking with newsmen, the PDP Media director explained that the #EndSARS massacre was the second massacre Buratai allegedly presided over while in office.
Lamenting the circumstances surrounding the Lekki Tollgate shooting, Ehilebo said the then Inspector General of Police should also be recalled and probed.
According to Ehilebo: “Lai Mohammed should be sacked, and three things should happen. Buratai’s immunity should be revoked immediately; the National Assembly is joking. #EndSARS is the second massacre he presided over. The IG of Police during the #EndSARS protest should be recalled.”
Ehilebo also said the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu should be commended for establishing the #EndSARS panel.
He, however, called on the governor to ensure the implementation of the panel’s recommendations.
Ehilebo said: “They were a very brave set of human beings, for whatever reason, I will forgive Sanwo-Olu if he implements the findings of that panel. I think rather than condemnation, Sanwo-Olu deserves commendation.
“Despite being in opposition, if you see what is done out of courage, you don’t need to politicize it. He was absolutely courageous.
“History will judge Sanwo-Olu very kindly for letting the truth come out. I and my friends are still arguing, why will he allow that kind of thing.”
He urged constituted authorities to probe who ordered the soldiers drafted to Lekki Tollgate during the protest to shoot live ammunition at protesters.
The constitutional lawyer wondered why soldiers would shoot at Nigerians singing the national anthem while holding the country’s flag.
He said: “Who gave those instructions? The Army can’t fire live ammunition without an instruction from their commander, and the commander must have had instruction from above.
“When the incident happened, those of us that could speak out were monitored, our phones were monitored; at a time I could not make calls because they killed people.
“People are saying the outcry was because #EndSARS happened in an urban environment that is why we are up in arms, but that is not the true story. It’s not because it happened in an urban environment, it’s because of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Do you know what it means to kill a citizen of your own country while they are singing the national anthem? The Army is paid and their bullets are bought by the taxes of citizens, and they opened fire on them.
“Nobody can give a soldier instruction to shoot citizens singing the Nigerian anthem while holding the country’s flag, when they are not enemies of the state.
“In the Nigerian Army there is a provision which is to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria, so when they go against their very principle of creation, then they have become mutinous. The circumstances surrounding that shooting is what bothers me, how can you shoot people singing the national anthem?”

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor