society

Ajadi Joins Forces With Onaiyekan TI Arewa Youth on # EndBadGoverance Protect

Published

4 weeks ago

August 23, 2024

Ajadi Joins Forces With Onaiyekan TI Arewa Youth on # EndBadGoverance Protect

Calls on the Federal Government to release those still detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests of August 1-10, is gaining increasing momentum.

Now, astute businessman and politician, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, is joining moral force with those opposed to their continued detention.

This calls on the heels of the calls of Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Transparency International (TI), Arewa Youths as well as civil society organisations amongst on the government to ensure their immediate release.

The Eagle reports that the emeritus Archbishop based his call on the point that unarmed protesters, many of whom are now benign held, are not the cause of Nigeria’s problems.

“It is not unarmed protesters who are the cause of our problems. Our president told us he is ready to dialogue with all those who are unhappy, but he needs to take the initiative now.

“Is this how to ask for dialogue? There is need to completely change our attitude. The people (protesters) were just ordinary young people who are hungry.

‘’The only way to show that you feel our pain is to do things that will relieve the suffering and pain of the people. That is what the government is there for”,

Prominent Nigerian lawyer, and chairman of Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond, ASCAB, Mr Femi Falana is of the conviction that Instead of subjecting organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests to unwarranted clampdown, the Federal Government should either release or arraign them before appropriate courts without any further delay.

‘’Whenever the suspects are going to be arraigned, they must be given adequate notice to be able to contact the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and their family members to make arrangements for their defence” Falana stated in a statement, titled ‘’Halt The Clampdown On Protesters:

Reacting in the same vein, , Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), said some people were not involved in the protests including patients in hospitals were also targeted.

He added a dimension to the matter by saying detaining the protesters could be a means of siphoning public funds.

“It is very sad that the government, which makes laws for citizens to comply with, is the one breaking the law. The government has not complied with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“Additionally, we have noted that some people who were not even part of the #EndBadGovernance protests were arrested.

“To worsen matters, some people who were in the hospital were arrested in the name of pursuing protesters. In Katsina, security agencies allegedly went to the hospital, threw tear-gas canisters and killed some patients.

The Arewa Youth Assembly also yesterday called for the release of the protesters, saying the fact that government had not been able to arraign them was an indication it had no charges against the protesters.

Coordinator of the group, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, noted that indefinite detention of the protesters is brewing a bigger protest.

“We are advocating release of all the protesters languishing in various prisons. They were simply disenchanted with government policies and took to the streets to protest peacefully, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Even if they became culpable in unlawful acts, it should not take more than 48 hours before they are arraigned in court. Doing otherwise is a gross violation of their fundamental human rights and is in itself an unlawful act by the government.

On his part, Ambassador Ajadi stressed the point that the president himself had before now benefited from people protests and should not now, work against it.

He wondered therefore, how someone who rose to societal relevance through freely expressing himself now turn round to hinder others from doing the same.

Ajadi lamented that since the coming into office of the current government that things had moved from bad to worse, and that the least that Nigerian populace could do was organise themselves and express dissatisfaction.

“For me, that is simply what the #EndBadGovernance protests simply did.

“Who is in this country and does not know that things are challenging. It is not that the country itself is broke, it is simply a question of mismanagement of resources.

“If the government could, despite all that is going on, think and budget on a new presidential jet as we are made to understand, why can’t it immediately rise to the occasion of mitigating the suffering of those it is constitutionally responsible for? That is part of the reason for the #EndBadGovernance protests

“I also feel the impact of the bad policies of the government, being an entrepreneur. I have workers and I know and feel with at they are feeling.

“I also associates in politics, at different levels. And you cannot pretend when you see obviously that the people around you are not finding things easy in the economy.

“It is for the above reason that I wholeheartedly reiterate my call on the president, not only to ensure an expedited release of those he is still holding, but come up with a programme and policy of ameliorating hunger and hardship in the country.

“This is the lease we could ask and hope for in a county so blessed”, Ajadi stated

society

Olukoyede has disgraced President Tinubu’s government, he should resign – Campaign for Democracy

Published

7 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

N80.2bn fraud: Controversy trails ex-Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello’s visit to EFCC

Olukoyede has disgraced President Tinubu’s government, he should resign – Campaign for Democracy

.EFCC has ulterior motive on Yahaya Bello, not fighting corruption

The Campaign for Democracy has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, of his job, saying he has demonstrated lack of capacity to hold such office.

CD, a frontline Civil Society Organization in Nigeria, said it was unimaginable that the former governor, who the same EFCC had placed on watchlist, who the Commission enlisted security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol to help fish out, walked into the EFCC premises, waited for about three hours and no arrest or interrogation happened.

“Instead, they told him to go, that they would get back to him only to issue a laughable statement that he was still a wanted man,” the President, Campaign for Democracy, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, said in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, EFCC’s excuse that they couldn’t arrest him because a sitting governor accompanied him to their office is the main reason Olukoyede should be asked to go.

“Many people had castigated this man for long even though many others believed the case was mainly that of persecution. In all of this, CD did not dabble into the matter. Now that the matter has taken a dramatic turn, one that touches on democratic principles and affects the country’s image, it is pertinent for well meaning Nigerians to lend their voice.

“Associates of the former governor had been raising the alarm that his life is at risk. With the events of yesterday (Wednesday 18th September, 2024), any right thinking person would conclude that his life must be truly at risk.

“You said you couldn’t arrest him or interrogate him in your office because his governor was there, yet you went, at night, to the official residence of the same governor in Abuja to start firing gunshots as if Nigeria is a lawless society. This is unacceptable,” he stated.

The Campaign for Democracy said, in saner climes, the EFCC boss would have been fired the next morning.

“The man, Yahaya Bello, has fulfilled all righteousness. With the turn of events that culminated in a show of shame last night, it appears the EFCC has an ulterior motive definitely different from the fight against corruption,” the CSO submitted.

society

GyC set to shake Kenya, S/Africa, Mozambique with electrifying performance

Published

14 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

GyC set to shake Kenya, S/Africa, Mozambique with electrifying performance

Bullion Records’ star artist, Fortune Kingsley, popularly known as GyC, is set to embark on a highly anticipated tour across Southern and East Africa. The tour will take GyC and the executive team of Bullion Records to Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique. This strategic tour will further expand the label’s growing influence on the African continent.

The tour, scheduled from September 16 to October 8, 2024, will begin with performances in Kenya from September 16 to 24, followed by shows in South Africa from September 24 to 30, before culminating in Mozambique, where GyC will perform from October 1 to 8.

CEO of Bullion Records, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, expressed great enthusiasm for the tour.

GyC’s music resonates with audiences across different regions, and we are thrilled to bring his talent to Southern and East Africa. This tour is part of our vision to promote cultural exchange and showcase the best of Nigerian music across the continent,” he stated.

Accompanying GyC on the tour will be key executives from Bullion Records, including Managing Director Mr. Femi Elegbede Ajibola, who highlighted the tour’s significance for both the artist and the label. “This is more than just a tour; it’s a movement to connect with our brothers and sisters across Africa. We want to strengthen the bonds of music, culture, and collaboration,” said Mr. Ajibola.

GyC, whose recent West African tour was a huge success, shared his excitement about this new phase of his journey. “I am beyond excited to bring my music to Southern and East Africa. Performing in Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique is a dream come true. These countries have rich musical histories, and I look forward to connecting with the fans and sharing my sound with them,” GyC said.

The tour will feature live performances of his popular single, “Woman,” along with his new hit, “Mailo” from his discography.

As Bullion Records continues to break new ground, the label’s leadership sees this tour as an opportunity to cement their position as a leading force in the African music scene.

Ambassador Oguntoyinbo reiterated the importance of the tour: “Bullion Records is dedicated to fostering African unity through music, and GyC is the perfect ambassador for this mission. His talent knows no boundaries, and we are excited to see how his music will resonate with audiences in Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique.”

The Southern and East African tour promises to be a milestone in GyC’s burgeoning career and another testament to Bullion Records’ commitment to excellence in the music industry.

Fans across Africa are eagerly awaiting GyC’s performances, and the artist’s dynamic stage presence, coupled with his infectious music, is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

society

Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold’s Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Published

14 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold’s Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

During Dele Gold’s wake-keeping service in Lagos on Thursday, September 18, 2024, Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis and Lanre Teriba, also known as ‘Atorise,’ reconciled, illustrating Christianity’s role in promoting unity.

Following Prophet Genesis’s inspiring message, the wake keep turned into a lively celebration, and Dr. Lanre Teriba, known as Atorise, mounted the podium to entertain the crowd, expressing his admiration for Prophet Genesis. Dr. Lanre Teriba sent greetings to Prophet Israel’s wife, whom he warmly addressed as ‘Shola’, indicative of their long-established close relationship.

Atorise began his musical performance with the declaration, ‘No matter how long we fight, we shall settle amicably,’ and reiterated this idea in Yoruba, ‘Ija o do la.’ He then invited Genesis Son, also known as ‘Winners,’ to the stage, noting that him ‘Atorise’ was the musician who performed at his naming ceremony twenty-five years ago.

On stage were prophet Genesis, his wife, Winners, Esther Igbekele, and others, witnessing the successful reconciliation of the Genesis family with Dr. Lanre Teriba, following the amicable resolution of their past differences.

A somber mood settled in as the Genesis message on mortality was presented, commanding the rapt attention of all and eliciting tears from the assembly.
Dele Gold’s wake keep ceremony was attended by a significant number of esteemed individuals, such as Yinka Ayefele, Esther Igbekele, clergy members, and distinguished dignitaries, demonstrating his profound influence on the gospel music industry.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a Lagos-based journalist, offers authoritative insights