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LEKKI TOLL PLAZA: CNN FACES TEST OF INTEGRITY BY SAMUEL OMOJOYE

Published

3 years ago

November 27, 2020

LEKKI TOLL PLAZA: CNN FACES TEST OF INTEGRITY– The morning after the night when protesters at Lekki toll gate were supposedly massacred by the Nigerian Army, the BBC News hour programme interviewed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu around 6am on whether he invited the army and who gave orders that unarmed protesters be shot.

The governor confirmed that he invited the army but that they were supposed to arrive later than the time they came. Did he order the shooting of protesters? “I am not the C-in-C,” he said, adding that the army does not take orders from him. He was then asked if he knew who the people that did the shooting were and he replied, “from the videos I’ve seen, it was the army”.

Sanwo-Olu, RMD, Kunle Afolayan, Ashiru, Tunde Okewale, Tokunbo Wahab, Sujimoto, Others for Aristocrat Institute and Flagship Store Opening

Later at a press briefing, apparently after having some intel, the Governor announced that there were no fatalities. Note also that the army had already tweeted “fake news” earlier in the day when the social media was awash with videos of soldiers in an armoured tank, shooting sporadically in a direction and scores of videos of bodies with body parts littering the ground had been spread as victims of Lekki massacre.

A certain DJ Switch has released several videos, one LIVE, in which she claims that the military were killing protesters and that a lot of people had died and they were trying to remove a bullet from one person’s leg. She was relaying these events, but not showing a single footage of the most important videos, A. Of dead bodies, B. Of the soldiers shooting at people, C. Of blood stain on the floor, D. Of the process/procedure when the bullet was removed, E. When soldiers were carrying the bodies, F. When DJ Switch and her people were carrying bodies and dumping them in front of the soldiers (as she claimed). Rather, she was verbalising the narrative she wanted to drive even though that was not what was happening. Then her second video showed her talking to a friend and, all of a sudden, she started running and asking imaginary people to bend down and hold their flags. His friend on then said “daaaamn” after which he covered his face as if he had just witnessed something gruesome. That, no doubt, was mere acting and a bad one at that. DJ Switch gave an impression that the army or police were still shooting protesters at Lekki even in the morning. Then she said “they shot all night”. Then she did another video where she apologised for not being online for some time. She then proceeded to reminisce about the fateful night and, at that point, she started to address the issue of numbers.

Fashola’s eureka moment at Lekki tollgate By Tunde Odesola

It was then the death toll of over 80 suddenly reduced to 12. She also claimed that the DJ Switch account which posted over 80 deaths was a fake account and not hers. Really? I am damn sure that if the digital footprint and registered details of that account were searched, they will show that it’s her account, but away from that, she started to narrate her ordeal and how the police fired teargas and described it like “Cotonou pepper”. Someone who has just been traumatised and witnessed a carnage a few days earlier making jokes about pepper? Body language experts have analysed that her behaviour is not commensurate with that of a victim of trauma and her description of how she carried and deposited bodies at the feet of soldiers defies logic. It is fight or flight. Soldiers opening fire and you taking bodies to them seem a drama taken too far; it is highly unlikely.

Now let’s go to the facts. Till today, there are no relatives who have come forward that their family members are missing. A woman in London claimed her son was killed at the Lekki Toll Plaza, but it turned out that she was lying. He died in a motorcycle accident. Also pictures that were touted as victims of the Lekki massacre turned out to be pictures of people who had died in separate circumstances – one from a bike accident and the other a stab wound victim. Those found in the hospitals who got injured from Lekki were as a result of stampede, and the injuries ranged from broken bones, cuts, bruises and slash wounds. No record of death as a result of gunshot wounds from the Army’s weapons, but the social media was awash with people in hospital, who claimed that they were shot by soldiers at the toll plaza.

In reality, there was chaos in nearby Ajah-Badore where gangs were fighting. Some policemen and many innocent citizens died. To make matters worse, because of the lie by DJ Switch about a massacre, a lot of angry protesters came out of their homes and in their bid to retaliate by killing police officers or burning police stations, many people got shot by policemen and a lot of lives were lost. DJ Switch, who was seemingly defiant in the eyes of death, now suddenly disappeared, rather than bring her evidence to the commission of enquiry to help this investigation. Now she’s trying to seek asylum under the guise of running for her life, but when she was confronted with gunshots by the army, she didn’t run away? Isn’t that a cue to show that this woman is an anarchist or a pathological liar? She was probably trying to trend or perhaps there is a more sinister angle into this.

Regarding the shameful way some media houses covered this story, NBC has to keep an eye on such media houses, who have a responsibility to show that they are worthy of their licences. Many of them showed unverified social media footages as “live”, thereby misleading the audience. One newspaper wrote a piece titled “Sanwo-Olu finally admits inviting the military”. At no time did Governor Sanwo-Olu deny inviting the military. He said the military does not take orders from him. It was his interview with Becky Anderson on CNN (days after speaking with the BBC where he confirmed that he sought military help, following the anarchy that had seized many parts of the state) that people saw and decided the governor “finally admitted”. I suppose this is the same report that the army read for them to have said they were not happy the Governor denied inviting them.

CNN, unprofessionally, did a package in which it attached social media videos to what could have been an educational piece of journalism. A satellite image showed the army leaving their base in two pick-up vans. It showed them fire into the sky, but sadly the unverified social media videos attached to that package ruined it. It reeks of prejudice and bias. CNN is desperate to show that the Nigerian government massacred young people and, sadly, they neglected their ethos. There was an image of an old man in native attire covered in blood. That man must have a relative somewhere. Did the soldiers take his body away? If he is dead, who was he? He must have friends or family members.

One important question to ask is why the satellite image which showed the army drive to the toll gate couldn’t show the army picking up bodies or dropping them somewhere. There should be an image showing people on the floor, dead as a result of a massacre. Some observers have said that the Federal Government should not have confronted CNN. I disagree. What Nigeria has done through the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is within its rights. CNN has a duty to investigate its reports thoroughly and present such reports with facts and figures, not mere eyewitness accounts and doubtful social media videos that have failed the simple test of integrity. CNN must substantiate its claims, not repeating the offence.

Omojoye wrote in from Palmgroove, Lagos.

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Sahara Weekly

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

society

Primate Ayodele’s Prophecy Fulfilled As Deadly Flood Hits UAE, Kenya, Burundi (VIDEO)

Published

4 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Niger: One Week After Primate Ayodele’s Warnings, Bandits Attack Nigerian Soldiers (VIDEO)

Primate Ayodele’s Prophecy Fulfilled As Deadly Flood Hits UAE, Kenya, Burundi (VIDEO)

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If only leaders of nations are committed to listening to God-given instructions and warnings, the world would be a better place free of unnecessary chaos and panic but the incessant ignoramus attitude towards divine instructions by leaders make people become endangered in their own world.

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God has blessed us with vessels that he speaks through, he has provided us with prophets like Primate Ayodele who on a daily basis shares the mind of God with mankind. Through vessels like Primate Ayodele, God warns presidents of countries ahead of time against unpleasant happenings but at all times, these warnings are ignored and sometimes, citizens sacrifice their lives because of the obstinacy of their leaders.

There is currently an issue of flooding globally which has led to the death of several people, displacement of thousands, destruction of properties worth billions of dollars and panic across continents but these could have all been avoided if leaders of the countries had listened to Primate Ayodele when he warned them in 2023 and early 2024.

The United Arab Emirates, a nation that had never recorded any heavy rain fall until a few weeks ago, is still counting losses and struggling to get back on its feet due to a deadly flooding that swept through the country.

The rainfall, which flooded streets, uprooted palm trees and shattered building facades, has never been seen in the Middle Eastern nation since records began in 1949. In the popular tourist destination Dubai, flights were canceled; traffic came to a halt and schools closed.

One-hundred millimeters (nearly 4 inches) of rain fell over the course of just 12 hours on Tuesday, according to weather observations at the airport – around what Dubai usually records in an entire year, according to United Nations data.

The rain fell so heavily and so quickly that some motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles as the floodwater rose and roads turned into rivers.

Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had warned first in 2022 that he foresees climatic problems in the world which would cost a lot of money, lives and properties. He revealed then that the issue of flooding will come up in places that it has never happened before. He called on world leaders not to take climatic problems with levity because it will turn out to be very serious.

These were his words:

‘’I am seeing water and ecology problems, floods in Africa and many places that it hasn’t happened before … .natural catastrophe is imminent in 2023/2024. The issue of climatic problems must be taken very seriously, they must not joke with it….what we are saying will cost the world a lot of money, lives and properties..’’

@primateayodele

#primateayodele #iescworldwide #world #cnn #EU #europe #european #politics #peace #safe #SAFETY #food #water #climatechange

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

In his 2024 prophecy to the United Arab Emirates, Primate Ayodele called for prayers against disasters that will cause problems in the country.

These were his words:

‘’UNITED ARAB EMIRATE: The Emirate should pray against any disaster that will cause problems in the country. I foresee an unexpected incident in the Emirate that will require the people to be more careful than ever before.’’

Unfortunately, the prophecy has been fulfilled with the unexpected disastrous flooding that has shut down activities in the highly revered United Arab Emirates.

In the same vein, Kenya is currently battling with the effects of flooding that swept through almost half of the country.

At least 32 people have been killed and two are missing after flash floods swept as a result of the flood. Some 103,500 people in all have been affected.

Kenya has registered heavy rain since mid-March but downpours have intensified over the past week, leading to mass flooding. The Kenyan Red Cross says it has carried out over 188 rescues since the onset in March.

Some roads in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi were closed Wednesday and several neighborhoods remained submerged after another day of heavy rainfall.

In Primate Ayodele’s 2024 prophecies to the nation, he called on Kenyans to pray against flooding and cases of collapsed buildings.

These were his words

‘’KENYA : The spirit of God says Kenyans must pray against assassinations and the killing of any governor. I foresee there will be bomb scares and killings. They must pray against floods and cases of collapsed buildings. The spirit of God says the efforts of the Kenyan President William Ruto will be troubled and not appreciated. He should pray not to encounter a crisis in his government Cabinet. He must be careful against protests even as health workers will go on street protests in Kenya.’’

Similarly, People in Burundi are struggling to cope with flooding after months of heavy rains, with hundreds of thousands being displaced and many homes and schools damaged.

The relentless rain has resulted in the level of water in Lake Tanganyika rising considerably, causing chaos for communities living along its shores.

Lake Tanganyika’s rising waters have invaded the port of Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital, disrupting business there and elsewhere in the country.

This has also fulfilled the prophecy of Primate Ayodele warning African countries that there will be flooding and other natural disasters.

Primate Ayodele has always said that he doesn’t celebrate the fulfillment of his prophecies and doesn’t pray that they come to pass but world leaders have to start following divine instructions for the sake of their citizens and in order to avoid calamities like this.

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society

Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

Published

8 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

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In yet another tale of the unending brutality of the Nigerian Police Force, a member of visiting 12 PMF squadron identified as Inspector Aliyu Taofeek has sent one Mr. Patrick Chinemerem to his early grave over an undisclosed dispute.

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According to reports, the killer policeman, Inspector Taofeek who was one of the policemen attached to Skymall Supermarket located in Sangotedo, Ajah area of Lagos State, stabbed Chinemerem to death and took to his heels after committing what’s clearly a premeditated murder.

According to reports, the fleeing policeman has been arrested and in custody according to the statement released by the Lagos Police Command. The sad incident which occurred a few days ago has sparked an outrage among members of the public who are demanding justice for Chinemerem. It would be recalled that police brutality led to the massive ENDSARS protest across the country a few years ago. Apparently, nothing much has changed since then, the latest murder of an innocent man by Inspector Taofeek is a reminder of the brutality embedded in the Nigerian Police Force.

In order to forestall another avoidable death, Nigerians are calling for swift investigation and prompt prosecution of Inspector Taofeek.

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society

Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu’s Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

Published

18 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu’s Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has garnered praise from The Mandate Movement for his decisive actions in the face of economic challenges with the launch of the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative. The initiative, aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by residents, particularly the economically vulnerable, has been lauded as a significant step towards improving livelihoods in the state.

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The Chairman of The Mandate Movement, Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, conveyed his gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu through a member of the group’s Central Working Committee (CWC), Prince Adewale Arogundade, for spearheading various interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of inflationary trends. A total of 300,000 households are expected to benefit from the inaugural program.

According to Enilolobo, “This holistic approach shows Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Lagosians and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress. Additionally, measures such as free ante-natal care, reduced transportation fares, and support for small businesses underscore the government’s dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents.

“We at The Mandate Movement commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for this initiative put together for the residents of Lagos, which also collorates with the wonders of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration. This clearly shows that the All Progressive Congress (APC) remains a beacon of hope for Lagosians, and Nigerians at large.”

Residents across Lagos have begun to laud the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative, stating that the government has shown determination to prioritize the well-being of its citizens, embodying the principles of empathy, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of adversity.