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Hunted and executed: Suspended Sanwo-Olu aide’s comments stir Controversy

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Hunted and executed: Suspended Sanwo-Olu aide’s comments stir Controversy

Hunted and executed: Suspended Sanwo-Olu aide’s comments stir Controversy

 

 

Controversy has continued to swirl around a statement made by Mr Wale Ajetunmobi, the suspended Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Ajetunmobi had claimed in a now-deleted post on Sunday that some arsonists who burnt down Television Continental during the #EndSARS protests in the state had been “hunted and executed.”

Following the comment, many Nigerians on social media interpreted the comment as an admission of state involvement in suspected extrajudicial killings during the 2020 protests against police brutality and the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

 

The protests were followed by intense debates over the true number of casualties, with the Lagos State Government consistently maintaining that no extrajudicial killings took place.

 

In the tweet, Ajetunmobi claimed that one of the allegedly “executed” individuals was a young boy, whose name was not disclosed, and who worked as a cooking gas trader in the Ketu area of Lagos.

The deleted tweet read, “The full story of people who burnt down TVC in 2020 will be told one day, with gory clips and images. One thing to note: the majority of them have been hunted down and executed.

“One of them, a young boy trading in cooking gas around Ketu, was found with an AK-47 at the site. Even his neighbours were shocked. But the full gist is better saved for later.”

 

Ajetunmobi later refuted claims of extrajudicial killings, stating that the use of the term “execution” in his comment was an unintended “error.”

The tweet read, “This excerpt was quoted out of context, and there were a series of comments made under the same post that better explained what was intended. As I further explained in the said tweet, no extra-judicial killing was insinuated. The word ‘executed’ was erroneously used and not intended in the context of that casual conversation.

“What was written in the entire conversation reflected personal opinion and not the position of any authority or the entity in which I work. The post and other comments had been taken down, even before this publication.”

However, Ajetunmobi’s clarification appeared insufficient to appease his principal, the state governor.

A statement issued by Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, announced Ajetunmobi’s suspension.

According to the statement, Ajetunmobi’s suspension “comes on the heels of the misrepresentation of facts on his personal X account on a past incident.”

 

Akosile noted that the Sanwo-Olu administration “frowns at any form of extrajudicial punishment and will not be a part of any such action. That is not who we are. That is not our way.”

 

However, while many Nigerians on X.com praised the governor for suspending the aide, others called for a deeper investigation into the revelations made in the comment.

Leading the call for a probe was a human rights activist and lawyer, Mr Inibehe Effiong, who urged security agencies to summon Ajetunmobi for questioning.

He partly wrote, “Suspending Wale Ajetunmobi as your aide does not address the alarming confession of extrajudicial killings made by him.”

This matter has to be investigated thoroughly by law enforcement agencies.

“He should be taken into custody immediately.”

Echoing similar sentiments, @UnckleAyo wrote, “That isn’t misrepresentation. He admitted to being in the know of extrajudicial killings. In a sane system, his head and his principal’s should roll, but given the antecedent of his principal, who is surprised?”

@Waxodigitals said, “The claim made by Mr. Wale Ajetunmobi, suggesting that arsonists were “hunted and executed,” is deeply troubling and underscores the need for accountability and transparency in governance.

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s decision to suspend Ajetunmobi over a “misrepresentation of facts” is a step in the right direction, but it raises critical questions.

“Was the statement made by Ajetunmobi factual or completely fabricated? If true, it points to potential extrajudicial killings that warrant immediate investigation.

“What steps will the Lagos State Government take to restore public trust and address lingering concerns about its handling of the #EndSARS fallout? I call on relevant authorities, including @PoliceNG, @NhrcNigeria, and civil society organisations to thoroughly investigate these claims.”

@DailyJusticeAct stated, “Who knows, what else does that guy know? His confession is a huge disclosure. There is a need for a thorough investigation. A lot of innocent souls must have been lost via these internal government bandits.”

“For an aide to have said what he said, it is either that he knows what he is saying (privy to what has happened behind the scenes as a close person or aide to a senior government official) or he is spreading falsehood. Either way, he should be invited for questioning,” @Jidekuye added.

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

 

It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.

 

At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.

 

Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.

 

The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.

 

During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.

 

Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.

 

Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.

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Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

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*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

 

The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.

“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.

The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.

The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.

According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.

The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.

It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.

The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.

The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

 

Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

 

The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

 

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.

 

He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

 

The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

 

“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

 

“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

 

“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

 

“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.

 

“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

 

“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”

 

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.

 

Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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