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TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT CONDEMNS THE ATTEMPT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SECURITY SERVICES TO TRY SOWORE IN THE PRESS AFTER FAILING TO FIND EVIDENCE OF ANY WRONGDOING

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7 years ago

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The Take it Back Movement is calling the attention of all well-meaning Nigerians at home and in diaspora, the judiciary, and all international observers to the laughable but appalling attempt by the Department of State Security Services to initiate a smear campaign on Omoyele Sowore, after all their “investigations” have yielded no reason to hold him.

It was already abundantly clear that Sowore had done no wrong to all that were paying attention, when, after the brutish manner of arrest-first-invent-a-charge-later that has become synonymous with the Nigerian DSSS – and after illegally holding him for 5 days without charge – the DSSS could find no wrongdoing with which to charge Sowore to court. Instead, they resorted to pleading with a judge for a 90-day remand order to fabricate a reason for his unlawful detention.

Having been granted a 45-day remand order in a judgement that is beyond belief, it became clear to the DSSS after a week of incessant questioning of Sowore that they had made a fatal mistake. Not only have they found no crime or illegality in his actions, they have realized that, by their hasty, thoughtless actions, they have successfully crowned Sowore the leader of the true opposition to impunity, anarchy, corruption and retrogression that this government clearly stands for.

Now, to save face, the paid muscle that is our Security Service is rallying in desperate search of a crime to pin on arguably the most transparent Presidential Candidate and Leader of our time. It therefore behoves us, concerned Nigerians of the Take it Back movement, to point out the fabrications of the DSS, which they began to spread with the press release of [what date from who], their publicity secretary, in their hope for anything resembling a case.

They have attempted to link Sowore’s #RevolutionNow protest to the now proscribed IPOB group, claiming that Sowore’s meeting with the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, on what date and where, was to plan to topple the government. They clearly forgot that Sowore met with Kanu in his capacity as a journalist, a concerned Nigerian, and as an ex-presidential candidate of the federal republic who promised, during his presidential campaign, to go the extra mile to get those disillusioned with Nigeria to believe in the Nigeria project again. As one of the few candidates who covered the length and breadth of this country during his campaign, he witnessed, first-hand, the ravages of mal-governance of the current ruling class on ALL Nigerians – Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa alike. Only a government whose response to cries of injustice is to send armed soldiers to trample on unarmed men, women and children, would perceive the meeting of free men as an affront and a sign of treason.

This meeting was also held in public, and livestreamed for all Nigerians to view in real time! And so we ask the DSSS: who plans to topple a government in public? Is this really the kind of security service that tax-payer’s money is wasted to provide to Nigerians? No wonder Boko-Haram and Herdsmen are running rough-shod over this government and all they do is give excuses.

They have also failed in their bid to misconstrue Sowore’s defence of the human rights of the Shiite leader, El-Zakzaky. We call on Nigerians to remember that Sowore was the first journalist to report on the human rights abuses of the Shiites and their leader by the Army under the Buhari government, and as a presidential candidate, spoke multiply about the need to respect the law and human rights of individuals, something that Buhari and the DSSS are obviously unfamiliar with. Our call has always been for mediation and dialogue, not for injustice and cruelty.

Now, their ploy is to attempt to link Sowore’s large support base in diaspora and their donations to his campaign as support for toppling the government. Specifically, they mention Dubai because it is clear that all donations from Western countries have been tracked with clarity. This is laughable at best, and at worst, and shows how insensitive this current government is to the yearnings of Nigerians at home and in diaspora who just want their country fixed, and desire a government that does not just gives excuses for their incessant failures.

Perhaps more than any other presidential candidate in Nigeria’s history, Omoyele Sowore was transparent about his campaign fundraising efforts. Recognizing the value that Nigerians in diaspora add daily to the lives of Nigerians at home, and sensing their willingness to participate in the improvement of their homeland, Sowore offered himself as their mouthpiece, which other candidates also attempted to do and were rebuffed.

Sowore, the overwhelming choice of those in diaspora, held fundraising drives where Nigerians worldwide contributed in national and foreign currencies to his campaign. On all these drives, Sowore announced the donors. This transparency spurred on many donors to contribute even more. This has never happened in Nigeria’s history. Less than eight weeks after the elections, Sowore cemented his place in the hearts of Nigerians with the unprecedented action of publishing his campaign Statement of Accounts, accounting for every penny received.

We are now aware that the DSS is trying to turn this outpouring of generosity by the Nigerian people into something more sinister; insinuating that these funds, so publicly donated, received and spent, were to support a secret mission. And so we challenge the DSSS – in this era of BVN? Is this really the kind of thinking that they intend to use to provide security from contemporary security challenges like cybercrime?

It is now clear to everyone, that, in their continued bid to quash the voice of the oppressed and trample on the rights of Nigerians, the Department of State Services (DSS) will continue to search desperately for accusations to lay at the feet of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and are not above spurious allegations in their quest to quieten the agitation for good governance that he has raised in the hearts and minds of reasonable Nigerians.

The TiB Movement would therefore like to be clear: Sowore is not Nigeria’s enemy. His only passion is a unified Nigeria that works for all, not just the oppressive, corrupt elite. We will therefore continue to defend Sowore’s innocence even as the Federal Government continue to draw on groundless, tenuous strands with which to silence him. There is a growing desire for freedom and progress that cannot be quelled, and the rest of the world is watching closely.


Director General, 
Take it Back Movement

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Buratai Highlights Leadership, Community Support In Defeating Insurgency As Shettima, Defence Chiefs Rally Support For Counterterrorism Documentation At Book Launch

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10 hours ago

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May 21, 2026

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Buratai Highlights Leadership, Community Support In Defeating Insurgency As Shettima, Defence Chiefs Rally Support For Counterterrorism Documentation At Book Launch

Buratai Highlights Leadership, Community Support In Defeating Insurgency As Shettima, Defence Chiefs Rally Support For Counterterrorism Documentation At Book Launch

 

 

 

Prominent Nigerians including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, senior military officers, and political leaders on Thursday underscored the importance of documentation, collective national responsibility, and sustained military professionalism in the fight against terrorism during the unveiling of a new book titled “Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in North East Nigeria (Volumes 1 & 2)” authored by retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf.

 

Buratai Highlights Leadership, Community Support In Defeating Insurgency As Shettima, Defence Chiefs Rally Support For Counterterrorism Documentation At Book Launch

 

 

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, described the publication as a timely and strategic contribution to Nigeria’s national security discourse.

 

 

 

 

 

According to him, Nigeria’s experience with terrorism and insurgency in the North-East reflects not a nation defeated by insecurity, but the resilience and courage of citizens and security forces defending the country’s shared destiny.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the conflict in the North-East remained a deep human tragedy affecting communities with rich historical and cultural heritage, stressing that terrorism requires sustained vigilance, intelligence gathering, diplomacy, technology, and strong civil-military cooperation.

 

 

 

 

The Vice President further commended the author for documenting operational experiences and strategic lessons from the theatre of operations, saying such insights would prove invaluable to policymakers, scholars, and future military leaders.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthening the operational readiness, welfare, and dignity of members of the Armed Forces.

 

 

 

 

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, praised the author as a respected mentor whose professionalism and leadership continued to inspire younger officers even after retirement.

 

 

 

 

“The lion may be retired, but he is certainly not tired,” he remarked.

 

 

 

Musa described the insurgency in the North-East as one of Nigeria’s most complex security challenges, noting that the asymmetric nature of the conflict means it cannot be won by military force alone.

 

 

According to him, victory against terrorism depends on collective national responsibility involving the Armed Forces, civil authorities, and citizens working together to deny insurgents support and legitimacy.

 

 

 

He also urged serving military officers to study the publication carefully, noting that it contains valuable operational lessons from years of counterinsurgency operations.

 

 

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, described the two-volume publication as a major intellectual contribution bridging theory and practice in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.

Oluyede commended the author for preserving decades of operational knowledge gained from commanding the 21 Brigade, 7 Division, and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

 

 

 

He stressed that modern security threats demand continuous learning, adaptation, and proper documentation of operational experiences, adding that the publication would serve as a useful resource for military practitioners, researchers, and policymakers.

 

 

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, also applauded the author for documenting operational experiences from the counterinsurgency campaign in the North-East.

 

 

 

 

Buratai stated that operational success in counterinsurgency warfare depends largely on the quality of commanders in the field and the ability of military leaders to adapt to complex realities.

 

 

 

He recalled the significance of operations such as Deep Punch I and Deep Punch II, as well as the critical role played by the Nigerian Air Force in degrading terrorist capabilities between 2015 and 2017.

 

 

 

According to him, resilient leadership and community support remain crucial elements in defeating insurgency.

 

 

 

Earlier, retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf said the publication represented the fulfilment of an eight-year intellectual ambition aimed at contributing to military scholarship and national security discourse.

He explained that the book was inspired by a desire to provide younger military officers and policymakers with first-hand insights into the successes and challenges of counterterrorism operations in Nigeria.

 

 

 

The retired general added that the publication drew from over a decade of operational experience in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin while deliberately avoiding sensitive information capable of compromising ongoing operations.

He also urged retired military officers to document their operational experiences for future generations, stressing that such efforts are essential for institutional memory and national development.

 

 

 

Reviewing the publication, renowned scholar Eghosa Osaghae described the work as a landmark contribution to military scholarship.

 

 

 

Osaghae noted that the two volumes combine academic depth with practical operational experience, offering insights into intelligence-led operations, joint force coordination, psychological warfare, and post-conflict management.

 

 

 

He added that the publication effectively situates Nigeria’s counterinsurgency experience within the broader realities of modern asymmetric warfare and evolving global security threats.

 

 

 

The event attracted senior serving and retired military officers, heads of security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, and policymakers from across the country.

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Oduduwa Integrity Association Announces Adoption of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “Performing Governor” in the Southwest* 

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10 hours ago

on

May 21, 2026

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Oduduwa Integrity Association Announces Adoption of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “Performing Governor” in the Southwest*  

 

*Osun State, Nigeria* – The Oduduwa Integrity Association, one of the prominent socio-cultural and advocacy groups in the Southwest region, has announced its decision to adopt and publicly recognize Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as a performing governor in the Southwest.

 

According to the Association, the adoption is based on its independent monitoring of governance and project delivery across the region. The group stated that Governor Adeleke’s administration has demonstrated measurable progress in areas including infrastructure, workers’ welfare, education, and youth empowerment, which aligns with the association’s mandate to promote accountability and good governance.

 

“This adoption is our way of encouraging performance and responsible leadership,” Evang /Hon Omotoso Banji, the President and Founder of Oduduwa Integrity Association said. “We believe that recognizing leaders who are delivering on their mandate helps strengthen democratic values and motivates others to prioritize the people.”

 

The Association noted that its adoption does not imply political affiliation but is a non-partisan endorsement of what it describes as visible and verifiable governance outcomes within Osun State. It added that the move is part of its broader initiative to highlight and support public officials across the Southwest who meet its standards for transparency, service delivery, and integrity.

 

Governor Adeleke’s administration has been marked by policy focus on infrastructural renewal, payment of salary arrears, and investment in grassroots development since assuming office. The Oduduwa Integrity Association said it will continue to monitor and document these efforts as part of its civic oversight role.

 

The formal adoption ceremony and presentation of recognition materials are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

 

The Oduduwa Integrity Association is a Southwest-based civil society and advocacy group committed to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability across Yoruba-speaking states presided by Evang / Hon Omotoso Banji.The Association conducts independent assessments of public service delivery and engages in community enlightenment programs.

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AjilalaOso Day 2026: Women Union Make Donations To Hospital 

Published

13 hours ago

on

May 21, 2026

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‎AjilalaOso Day 2026: Women Union Make Donations To Hospital 

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‎The women wing of the Ede Descendants Union has donated 42 bedsheets and 44 pillow cases to Cottage Hospital, Ede, in Osun State, as part of activities marking preparations for AjilalaOso Day 2026.

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‎The donation was aimed at supporting healthcare services at the hospital while also demonstrating the union’s commitment to community development and humanitarian service.

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‎Members of the union said the gesture formed part of efforts to give back to society and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of patients receiving treatment at the health facility.

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‎Speaking during the presentation, the leader of the women wing, Mrs Silifat Shittu, described the initiative as a reflection of the values of compassion, unity and service which AjilalaOso Day represents.

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‎She noted that the annual cultural celebration is not only about showcasing the rich heritage of Ede but also about promoting development-oriented projects capable of impacting lives positively.

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‎The group further urged individuals, organisations and stakeholders in Edeland to continue supporting community-based initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

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‎Speaking on behalf of the hospital management, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Isiaka Alade, appreciated the women group for the donation, describing the items as timely and beneficial to patients and the hospital environment.

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‎Chairman of the AjilalaOso Day 2026 Planning Committee, Prince Adewale Laoye while addressing the gathering appealed to other well-meaning individuals and organisations to extend similar gestures to the hospital, noting that some roofing sections of the facility require urgent repairs.

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‎He also commended the women wing of the union for the initiative and support shown to Cottage Hospital.

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‎Prince Laoye, who spoke extensively on the objectives of the AjilalaOso festival, explained that the annual celebration would not only be about funfair and merriment but would also focus on touching the lives of the needy through impactful community projects.

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‎According to him,“We also want associations to have a project executed in Ede every year, such as what the women wing of EDU has done today.”

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