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Hardship: Igbo Elders Reveal Why Igbo shunned nationwide protest 

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Hardship: Igbo Elders Reveal Why Igbo shunned nationwide protest 

Hardship: Igbo Elders Reveal Why Igbo shunned nationwide protest

 

 

It is no longer news that Igbo, especially in the five Southeast states, did not participate in the End Bad Governance protest that started in other parts of the country on August 1.

 

However, why the Igbo shunned the protest and the implications for the country are raising issues in the polity.

 

 

Across other parts of the country, angry protesters stormed the streets and for more than five days vented their spleen against what they described as bad Governance, hunger and hardship in the country. The protest became riotous in the North as hoodlums looted shops, and business centres among others. Many states declared curfews to contain the mayhem.
But there was pin-drop silence in the South-East leading many to ask if the zone and Igbo are insulated from the prevailing economic downturn in the country.

Ameh fingers inequity, injustice

Speaking on the issue, Chief Peter Ameh, former Presidential candidate and national secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, said the “absence of equity, justice and fairness is the reason for the political apathy by Igbo in the Nigerian project.”

According to him, “constant and unjust scapegoating of the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria is the major reason why Igbo abstained from the nationwide protests.”

He continued: “Failure to implement General Yakubu Gowon’s Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation programme is a catalyst for growing lack of commitment by all persons of Igbo extraction within and outside Nigeria in many programmes of the government.”

Chief Ameh also attributed Igbo boycott of the protest to “marginalisation of Igbo in strategic economic and administrative positions under the APC governments, and acts of tribal exclusion mixed with political bigotry.”

He continued: “The main reason why the entire Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria was unanimous in their decision not to participate in the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest across the country is primarily as a result of the easy targeting of lives and property of Igbo whenever there is an uprising or protests in Nigeria.

“Being the only tribe in Nigeria that could be found and visibly seen in the remotest parts of the country, Igbo are always at the receiving end of the consequences of any activity carried out either by the Nigerian government or the public.

 

 

A typical example is seen in the 2023 general elections where the Igbo were violently attacked and threatened because they decided to vote for a particular candidate of their choice.

 

“I may be inclined to justify the decision of Ndigbo to distance themselves from the ongoing protest based on the way and manner they are being treated in Nigeria regarding their engagements in the affairs of the Nation especially under the APC governments.

“Just like other marginalised ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, Igbo remain an integral part and the economic backbone of the Nigerian Nation. The earlier they are fully accepted and given a sense of belonging in the affairs of this Nation, the better and more productive the country will become.

Implications of the boycott

“The entire South-East boycotting protests can have long-term implications and consequences. Boycotting protests can marginalize the voices of those who are already vulnerable or excluded, making it harder for them to be heard and potential for further division between South easterners and their regional allies in Nigeria.

“Boycotting protests can create divisions within them and other regions of the country, potentially leading to further conflict and distrust between them and other ethnic communities of the Nation.

“The region may be further marginalized if they are not actively participating in such national protests, potentially leading to increased exclusion from decision-making processes.

“By ? boycotting the End Bad Governance protests in Nigeria, they may have missed the opportunity to build alliances and negotiate with other sub-national regions that could bring about meaningful future collaboration.

“The boycott may be perceived as a lack of commitment to the plight of others and may be viewed as an act of insensitivity toward others which may further widen the trust deficit in the country.”

Why our people shunned protest —Igbo Elders

Some Igbo Elders shared Chief Ameh’s thoughts.

According to Prof. Obasi Igwe, the Director, Media and Publicity, at the United Igbo Elders Council, UNIEC, Worldwide, the Igbo declared a lack of interest in the protests not because they didn’t know there was bad governance but because the same souls were badly governed have never condemned the isolation of mostly Igbo, and some Middle Belters and Hausa, for slaughter and annihilation.

The Igbo shunned the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest based essentially on the differential attitude to human rights that the organizers have shown towards the Igbo/East in particular, and other Nigerians as well.

“The Igbo also feel, with experience, that the people who are angry that they did not participate in the protest may turn round halfway to claim it was the Igbo that caused the bad governance protests, with the usual consequences on the Igbo people.

“Easterners, in general, must establish the seriousness of anything before deciding on it, because they desire the salvation of everybody on a common civilizational principle, not ad hoc coalitions to forge ahead against one side today and another tomorrow, ending up with no substantive beneficial change.”

Prof. Igwe also stated that Igbo were suspicious of the whole arrangement of the protest, saying: “You are protesting against your oppressors, and you have time to negotiate with the same oppressors on how you talk, where to talk, how, where and when to assemble, and other such pretences as discussing how to present your case to a starving and dying populace with the same people responsible for your ordeals! And, you will be presenting your case, the “protests,” in concealed corners where you would only be talking to yourselves while “life” or “bad governance” goes on outside the walls, and, you are protesting!”

Added to that according to Prof. Igwe, is “You start looting the shops and markets of those you wish to join you. That was why the Igbo refused to participate, without this being any form of acquiescence to bad governance, of which, by the way, the Igbo have all along been the worst targets in Nigeria.”

He also said Ndigbo did not only shun the protest but they equally opened their markets and demanded unconditional release and rehabilitation of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and others.

“Also, the Igbo shunned the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest because of the loud silence, signalling acquiescence, of some of its organizers to the extremely targeted injustices against the Igbo/East and, for the last nine years, orchestrated killings, with countless evidence of official involvement or connivance, with no sympathy from anywhere.

“Right now, even before the August 1 date the protest started, the Ndigbo were already being threatened, attacked and molested in Lagos with no word of condemnation by those said to be fighting against bad governance.

“Nevertheless, the Igbo population, being the major victims, understand the Nigerian situation very well, and know what can be done to address it, starting with ending the unparalleled oppression of Easterners.”

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Let’s reflect as we wrap-up 2024″By Prudent Ludidi

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Let's reflect as we wrap-up 2024"By Prudent Ludidi

Let’s reflect as we wrap-up 2024″By Prudent Ludidi

 

As we stand here today, we are on the threshold of a new year. A year full of possibilities, opportunities, and promise. But before we step into the unknown, let’s take a moment to reflect on 2024.

Let's reflect as we wrap-up 2024"By Prudent Ludidi

Look back on the triumphs and the struggles. The moments that made you proud and the moments that made you question yourself. Think about the goals you set and the ones you achieved.

Reflection is not about dwelling on the past; it’s about learning from it. It’s about identifying what worked and what didn’t. What you can improve on and what you can let go of.

As you reflect on the past year, remember that you are not the same person you were these couple of months ago. You’ve grown, you’ve learned, and you’ve evolved.

Don’t be too hard on yourself about the mistakes you made or the opportunities you missed. Instead, focus on the progress you’ve made and the strength you’ve gained.

Now, as we wrap up this year and prepare for the next, ask yourself:

What do I want to achieve in the coming year?

What habits do I want to form?

What relationships do I want to nurture?

What skills do I want to develop?

What dreams do I want to chase?

The upcoming year is a blank canvas, waiting for you to paint your masterpiece. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. You have the power to create the life you want.

So, as we near the close of this chapter and begin a new one, remember that every ending marks a new beginning. Every setback is an opportunity for growth. And every success is a stepping stone to greater things.

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WALLEX DAY 2024: A Celebration of Compassion and Community Suppotr

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WALLEX DAY 2024: A Celebration of Compassion and Community Support

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

 

In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, Chief Lawal Eniola Adewale Lawal, CEO of Wallex Estate Global Services, marked Wallex Day 2024 by facilitating the release of six inmates from the Ilaro Corrections Center. This significant event took place in Ilaro, Ogun State, and was attended by a host of dignitaries and local personalities, all united in the spirit of giving back to the community.

The initiative, which aims to promote social reintegration and support for the less fortunate, saw Chief Lawal extend a helping hand not only to the released inmates but also to elderly women in the area. The CEO personally distributed cash gifts and foodstuffs, emphasizing the importance of uplifting those in need and fostering a sense of belonging within the community. “We must remember that our strength lies in our ability to support one another,” Chief Lawal stated during the event. “This is just the beginning; I promise to extend this philosophical gesture to Nigerians regularly.”

The event drew a diverse crowd, including notable figures from various sectors. Among the attendees were Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, the Founder of IBD Implex and IBD Foundation, as well as popular Nollywood actors and actresses. Traditional rulers from both Yewa South and North also graced the occasion, highlighting the collaborative effort to enhance community welfare.

The atmosphere was filled with hope and positivity as stories of resilience and transformation were shared. The released inmates expressed gratitude for the opportunity to start anew, while the elderly women felt appreciated and valued, reminding everyone of the importance of compassion in society.

This year’s Wallex Day not only celebrated the theme of redemption but also reinforced the commitment to social responsibility. With promises of continued support and outreach, Chief Lawal and his team aim to inspire others to join in the collective effort to uplift the community.

As Wallex Day 2024 concluded, the message was clear: together, through acts of kindness and community engagement, a brighter future can be forged for all.

WALLEX DAY 2024: A Celebration of Compassion and Community Support

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

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64-year-old man bags life jail for defiling neighbour’s daughter

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64-year-old man bags life jail for defiling neighbour’s daughter

 

The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, presided over by Justice Ramon Oshodi, on Tuesday, sentenced 64-year-old Lateef Durojaiye to life imprisonment for defiling his neighbour’s 11-year-old daughter.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the defendant was initially arraigned on December 6, 2019, at the Magistrate Court, Ikorodu, on a one-count charge of defilement and was later arraigned before the High Court on August 5, 2021, on the same charge.

The case was later struck out on November 29, 2021, for want of diligent prosecution and then relisted on May 22, 2022 when the defendant was re-arraigned, and he pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against him.

Following an amended charge by the prosecution on January 24, 2024, the defendant was re-arraigned on April 16, 2024, on a count of defilement.

 

His charge read, “Statement of offence, defilement of a child contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Law, Chapter 617, Volume 3 of Laws of Lagos, 2015. Particulars of offence: Lateef Durojaiye, on or about November 30, 2019, at about 3 pm at no, 7 Anibaba Andrew Street, Ikorodu Lagos, in Ikeja Judicial Division, did defile the prosecutrix, aged 11 years old, by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.”

The prosecution counsel, B. T Boye, I. D. Solarin and B. E. Okeowo, called five witnesses, the prosecutrix’s mother, the prosecutrix herself, the Investigative Police Officer, Inspector Adeoye Fumilayo, Sherifat Bakare, and Dr Emmanuel Effiong.

The prosecution disclosed that on November 30, 2019, while the prosecutrix’s mother was away purchasing goods, the defendant who was her tenant and neighbour, visited her residence and had sexual intercourse with the prosecutrix.

According to the prosecution case, the crime was discovered five days later after the the prosecutrix was observed limping, which led to a medical examination that revealed injuries consistent with forceful penetration as testified by the medical doctor.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the defence’s first witness, the defendant, claimed he was on Lagos Island with his brother on the day of the alleged incident and claimed that the allegations were fabricated by his landlord, who he said he had a dispute with.

The prosecution stated that a series of incidents presented established a fact of escalating sexual misconduct. According to their case, the first incident involved the defendant showing the prosecutrix pornographic content and asking her if she could perform the act.

On that day, he came to our house and gave me a phone and put the phone on video, and what was showing was blue film. He asked me if I could do what was in the video. My younger brother heard and asked what the defendant wanted me to do. The defendant then dragged the phone from me and I now stood up. My brother asked what happened and I told him, then my brother went to report to our neighbours who informed our mother, who warned the defendant not to come to our house again,” he stated.

The prosecution further disclosed that the second and more serious incident happened when the defendant defiled the prosecutrix. According to the prosecutrix, the defendant defiled her and threatened to kill her if she reported to her mother.

 

“On 30th November 2019, the defendant came to buy ggarri, and the neighbour my brother earlier reported to was the one who gave him a bowl and spoon to drink the garri. On that day, I came in and shut the door but our net was torn, so I shut the door and entered inside. I was sleeping and had the sense that someone was pulling off my underwear. By the time I opened my eyes, he had taken off his trousers and brought out his penis. When I shouted, he used a pillow to cover my mouth and inserted his penis into my vagina. When I threatened him that I would report, he said if I reported to my mother, he was going to kill me”, she said.

The prosecutrix’s mother also alleged that the defendant and his brothers came to plead with her to forget the case.

“On the second day, they asked us to come back around 10 am. So, when it got to 8:30 am, the defendant’s elder brother and younger brother came to meet me at home. They asked me to forget the matter, and that they would give me N300,000. I told them that I did not need their N300,000 and I told him, “Baba, you too, you have your female child, why did you not bring your daughter let my father sleep with her because you cannot accept what you are telling me to accept.’”

During his judgement, Justice Ramon Oshodi stated that the prosecution had established the case of defilement against the defendant by the standard required of Section 139 (1) of the Evidence Act and found the defendant guilty of defilement.

“I therefore find the defendant guilty of defilement and convict him under Section 137 of the Criminal Law.”

The prosecution counsel, BT Boye, then appreciated the witnesses for coming out and encouraged the witnesses to show up for justice to prevail.

“I want to commend the witnesses in this case for coming out and want to encourage witnesses in all other cases to always come out. It is by coming out that justice is assured and secured for the complainant and the defendant. We humbly apply that the name of this convict be entered into the sexual offenders register.”

In his sentencing, Justice Ramon condemned the defendant’s exploitation of a child, emphasising the severe breach of trust due to familiarity with the family. He stressed the gravity of abusing a position of trust, particularly given the family’s kindness towards the defendant and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

“Lateef Durojaiye, having found you guilty of defilement contrary to Section 137 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, I am bound to hold the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Nonetheless, I consider it essential to know the particular circumstances of this case. The victim was a child, you abused a position of trust with the victim and her family; this was premeditated as evidenced by your earlier conduct of showing pornographic material to the victim, the psychological impact on the child would be long-lasting.

 

“You also tried to evade responsibility by fabricating false defences, most significantly, you breached a position of trust; you were known to the family and had received kindness from them.

“The victim endured not only physical trauma but also a psychological burden for keeping the crime under threat, followed by the burden of testifying in court, that when adults prey on vulnerable children particularly those known to them, such an act must face the full force of the law.”

“Therefore, I sentence you to life imprisonment, Furthermore, under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law 2021, you shall be registered as a sex offender. You shall be taken to the Medium Security Custodial Centre,” he said.

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