National News

LEKKI, LAI, LIES & TALES BY MOONLIGHT (1)

Published

3 years ago

November 24, 2021

News Net Global

LEKKI, LAI, LIES & TALES BY MOONLIGHT (1)

BY CHRIS GYANG

OPENING THOUGHTS

You say they kill something inside you? Buhari and his men – Lai and Garba and Femi? Then you should have perished a long, long time ago. But no, you are still alive and kicking. Are you not a Nigerian, an indomitable citizen? After all, lies cannot kill you.

Could the Lekki massacres of October 2020 be a sad reenactment of the jungle justice perpetrated in 1977 where Fela Anikulapo’s mother was flung out of a second-floor window to her death by an agent of the dictatorship whom a panel later described as an ‘unknown soldier’? We shall soon find out.

For now, it is worthy of note that our neighbouring country, Cameroun (which has been ruled by 88-year old President Paul Biya for 39 years who still wants to contest for another tenure in 2025), calls its national team ‘The Indomitable Lions’. They are a rugged and fearsome side not easily defeated. Perhaps we should also call ourselves ‘Indomitable Nigerians’ because, like Cameroon’s national team, nothing easily squashes our spirits, or bodies.

There was a season when even lying military despots, who remain a not-to0 distant memory, could kill nothing inside y0u, as happened with Fela following his mother’s gruesome extra-judicial killing. Likewise, the falsehoods of present day ministers, corrupt government officials, a sitting president and his aides and spokesmen, can kill nothing in you. But we don’t have to hold tight to that borrowed ‘indomitable’ adjective from the Camerounians.

We have crafted a special nomenclature for ourselves. It suits us perfectly well and says a lot about our docile and sanctimonious nature. We tell ourselves that we are “a resilient people.” We have the incredible ability to bounce back from any adversity in the shortest time possible. Also, don’t forget that in Africa, names carry omens.

FLASHBACK

Now a little flashback would be appropriate to situate our subject in proper perspective. On October 20, 2020, soldiers confronted #EndSARS peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki tollgate, Lagos, during which some of them were killed and many others injured. This was widely reported by local mainstream and social media; and international news networks. However, the Federal Government, through the Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, consistently maintained that no one was killed that day.

THE CABLE documented five instances in the past one year where Mr. Lai Mohammed vociferously refuted the reports of those killings, maiming and other human rights abuses. Some of these denials have been full of excoriating remarks and outright denunciations of individuals, credible sources and the organisations they represent.

According to the online publication, CABLE, in November 2020, the minister took a swipe at DJ Switch, a disc jockey, who filmed the army shooting #EndSARS protesters at Lekki tollgate, vowing that soon she would be “exposed for what she is.”

Lai further described her as a “purveyor of fake news” and questioned her motive for saying that protesters were killed by the army which, he said, was “suspicious.”

Also in November, the minister’s castigation of CNN was dripping with bile. He argued that its report on the Lekki shooting “did not just fall short of journalistic standards but reinforces the disinformation that is going around on the issue.” The minister, in a letter written to CNN, accused the international platform of deliberately leaving out video footage which could have shown that “armed hoodlums invaded the Lekki Toll Gate that night and could have hit any of the protesters as they shot sporadically…. This is clearly a ploy by the CNN reporter/presenter to manipulate viewers of its ‘investigative’ report and force them to draw the reporter’s desired conclusion.”

In its own report about the incident, Amnesty International (AI) had said that 12 people were killed by the military. But in January, 2021, Mr. Mohammed challenged AI to show proof of the 12 people killed or “shut up.” In February, 2021, he insisted that nobody had produced evidence of the people said to have been killed at the Lekki tollgate and described the allegations as “fake news and unverified social media reports.”

And Mr. Mohammed, during a press briefing marking the first anniversary of the shootings in October 2021, further claimed that there was still no proof that any protester was killed. He described it as a “phantom massacre,” stressing that it was the “first massacre in the world without blood or bodies.” He added, more sardonically: “One year later, and despite ample opportunities for the families of those allegedly killed and those alleging a massacre to present evidence, there has been none: No bodies, no families, no convincing evidence, nothing…. Where are the families of those who were reportedly killed…?”

PANEL’S REPORT, THE BACKLASH

But THE CABLE reported on Monday, November 15, that a report of the Lagos State judicial panel on police brutality, which was leaked to the press that same day, showed that protesters were indeed killed at the tollgate on October 20, 2020.

According to the NEW YORK TIMES (November 16, 2021), the report showed that the Nigerian Army shot and killed at least 11 unarmed, peaceful protesters and wounded dozens more. It added that four others were missing and now “presumed dead…. The atrocious maiming and killing of unarmed, helpless and unresisting protesters, while sitting on the floor and waving their Nigerian flags, while singing the national anthem can be equated to a ‘massacre’ in context.” The panel also listed 48 people as shooting victims.

The army had insisted that it fired blanks to disperse the demonstrators. On the contrary, the judicial panel declared that ample evidence showed that “soldiers actually shot blank and live bullets directly and pointedly into the midst of the protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate, with the deliberate intention to assault, maim, and kill.” It further maintained that the soldiers turned back ambulances that arrived to help wounded protesters.

Obviously, the information minister had not been telling the truth about what happened that day at the Lekki tollgate, Lagos. Analysts say that his acerbic outbursts that “No bodies … no convincing evidence, nothing…” had been discovered were the height of insensitivity to the dead and their living relatives.

Thus, the backlash from the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) was harsh. In a statement issued on November 16, 2021, HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, urged President Buhari to sack and arrest him “for committing a grave and heartless offence that is equivalent to the denial of the Holocaust of the six million Jews by Adolf Hitler, which is punishable by nearly half a century of incarceration.”

While praising the bravery of the panel’s members and chairperson, the human rights body challenged President Buhari “not to sweep the lawlessness of the security agencies under the carpets.”

LAI STICKS TO HIS GUNS

But Mr. Lai Mohammed has hit back at the panel and rubbished its report, which he labelled as ‘tales by moonlight’ – a Nigerian folk tales children’s television show. During a press conference in Abuja on November 23, 2021, the minister insisted that the report would not change the Federal Government’s earlier declared position that there wasn’t a massacre, “adding that the report is intimidation of a silent majority by a ‘vociferous lynch mob’” (Daily Post, November 23).

Also Read: People’s Forum calls for investigation into alleged…

But many analysts say they are not surprised by the Federal Government’s position given that it has never owned up to such accusations of human rights abuses and the spike in corruption in the country from Amnesty International and Transparency International in the past. Only recently, the government lambasted The Economist for offering a very bleak assessment of the administration’s overall performance so far.

IF LAI LIED, SO WHAT?

Now, can Lai’s falsehoods and those of the other president’s men, even his (the president’s), still kill something inside of you? No they can’t, because you are ‘resilient’. You can weather all vicissitudes – hunger, poverty, hyper-inflation, stolen elections, endless strikes, Boko Haram killings, bandits’ attacks, impeachment of a speaker by 8 members of a 24-member parliament, etc – with religious equanimity and calm. Resilient people do not whine about the tissues of lies often hurled at them by leaders who must soften their consciences in order to sleep well at night. We are a people who allow our leaders to get away with all manner of atrocities and misdemeanors.

In fact, is Nigeria as presently constituted and wired not itself a big lie? Set up as a trading outpost for colonial masters, our country has so far been oiled and held together by a single primary commodity – crude oil. Our country is a true commercial enterprise, a business venture driven by the profit motive. The oily, shimmering surface belies the contradictions swirling down below. No wonder, our unity is tenuous – a sea of vaporizing mirages.

Those, especially from the core north, who endlessly mouth platitudes about national unity and patriotism are only inspired by the lucre they scoop from the oil wells that lie in the belly of this wobbly contraption and nothing else. Do you think they would have stuck to this union so tenaciously and continued singing its praises to the high heavens if the black gold was not at the bottom? Expert illusionists, they juggle lies and the beauty of national unity and patriotism before our eyes to keep us perpetually spell bound.

TO BE CONCLUDED…

LEKKI, LAI, LIES & TALES BY MOONLIGHT (1)

National News

ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration

Published

4 days ago

February 20, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is consolidating movement of citizens of West Africa by inaugurating the second phase of the European Union (EU) funded project “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM II)” to advance economic growth.

Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs Damtien Tchintchibidja reiterated the commitment of economic blog to ensure free movement and encourage commerce and economic development in the sub region at the inauguration of the FMM II in Abuja on Thursday.

The event was organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the ECOWAS Commission.

The vice-president explained that the FMM is designed to promote the free protocol and movement of persons, goods and services, as vision of ECOWAS for regional integration.

According to her, the initiative would demonstrate renewed commitment to ensure migration governance and regional mobility serve as pillars of development within the sub-region.

Tchintchibidja added that: “During the first phase of the project, we made significant progress in enhancing migration governance, strengthening boarder management and operational license to drive the free protocols.

“We reinforced migration governance, harmonised policies, strengthened border management systems, facilitation of labour mobility and supporting member states in aligning national policies with ECOWAS migration instruments.

“These achievements played key roles in enhancing regional security and economic mobility within our region, however, our work is far from over, benefits of migration must be fully harnessed.

“This requires structured, coordinated approach both at national and regional levels; we are optimistic FMM II will serve as vehicle towards addressing new-migration challenges, while capitalising on emerging opportunities.

“The FMM II will enhance mobility across borders in safe and orderly manner, through specific efforts to ascertain migration governance framework, enhance coordination mechanism, data driven policy making and integrated approaches.”

She stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that migration contribute positively to economic growth, stability and social-coercion in the ECOWAS region.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union (EU), Mr Massimo De Luka, said the five-year project aims to maximise development potential of free movement of persons and migration in West Africa.

He noted that the project would be achieved through support of the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons Protocol and the ECOWAS Common Approach to Migration.

He said: “The basis for cooperation and coordination on improving free movement of persons and migration in West Africa has been established.

“The second phase will deepen the cooperation in enhancing migration governance and at the same time commit to regional integration.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Litse commended the milestones achieved during the first phase to be in line with ECOWAS mission.

Toure-Litse was represented by Mr Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director, Free Movement of Persons of ECOWAS Commission/Project Coordinator, West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI).

Toure-Litse said, “This milestone reaffirms our collective commitment to regional integration, migration governance and sustainable development, which are core principles that underscores the ECOWAS mission.”

ECOWAS Moves to Solidify Movement Across West African Countries, Inaugurates EU-funded Programme on Migration

National News

FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing

Published

6 days ago

February 18, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing

** We’ll be more deliberate in supporting small business owners to grow – VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said that the federal government, working in collaboration with other stakeholders, will be more deliberate in ensuring growth in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) space in Nigeria.

To this end, the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has set up a committee to interface with the Central Bank of Nigeria to enhance the financing of small businesses in the country.

This was part of decisions taken on Tuesday at the first meeting of the National Council on MSMEs for 2025 held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking after deliberations by members, Vice President Shettima said the federal government, through its agencies and partners, has the moral burden of supporting growth in the MSME space and facilitating job creation across different sectors for Nigerians.

Reeling out the mandate of the committee, the Vice President said the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in supporting small businesses, evident in important policies and programmes, need to be complemented by stakeholders, especially the private sector.

The committee headed by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, has Ministers of Science and Technology; Women Affairs; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs as members.

Others include the CEOs of Bank of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Agriculture (BOI), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the representative of NACCIMA and the organized private sector.

In the same vein, Council also approved a loan scheme for MSMEs known as the syndicated de-risked loans for small businesses.

The scheme will be a partnership between state governments and financial institutions aimed at enhancing access to finance for MSMEs at single-digit rates across the country.

Vice President Shettima advised state governments to set up vehicles that are devoid of political interests to drive the implementation of the syndicated de-risked loans for the MSMEs scheme.

“Some of these initiatives are laudable and will need to outlive the present administrations in the States. Regardless of political affiliations, Nigerians must be seen to be the ultimate beneficiaries of these schemes that we are trying to put in place,” the VP stated.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, presented the ‘syndicated de-risked loans’ scheme for small businesses, seeking the cooperation of members and describing it as a game-changing programme to provide affordable and available loans for businesses.

He said the initiative is in acknowledgement of the President’s passion and commitment to the development of small businesses and aimed at providing more jobs for Nigerians.

In his presentation on the state of MSMEs in Nigeria, the DG SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said the agency was proposing an initiative which was born from a 3-day MSME conference held in 2024.

He said the initiative known as the GROW Nigeria strategy is to provide guidance, resources, opportunities, and the workforce to support the about 40 million small businesses across 8 distinct sectors.

Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai; the representatives of the Governors of Benue and Katsina States; the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh; Ministers of Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji; Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi; representative of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.

Others are the CEOs of Bank of Industry (BOI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); National Bureau of Statistics (NBS); the Presidents of NACCIMA and National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME).

FG Moves To Fast Track MSMEs Growth, Sets Up C’ttee To Enhance Financing

National News

Akume Insists Tinubu Means Well for the Nation

Published

1 week ago

February 17, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Akume Insists Tinubu Means Well for the Nation

By: Michael Mike

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen.George Akume has said President Bola Tinubu means well for the nation, pledging to continue to work hard to support the Nigerian leader to achieve his many laudable programmes and vision for the country.

Akume made the promise at the weekend when he was decorated as “Star Associate of President Tinubu,” and Grand Patron of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA),

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made the declaration while he was decorated as “Star Associate of President Tinubu” by the National Co-ordinator/President of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA), Hon. Henry Nwabueze, who led a delegation of leaders of the Movement to the SGF ‘s office at the weekend in Abuja.

Akume pledged to continue to support the policies of President Bola Tinubu in his quest to make Nigeria safe and economically viable again.

He also pledged to continue to work hard to support the Nigerian leader to achieve his many laudable programmes and vision for the country.

Nwabueze, on his part said Sen. Akume has given so much in service to Nigeria and in support for the Tinubu Administration that he became the best choice for the position of the Movement’s Grand Patron and the first to receive the award of “Star Associate of President Tinubu,” an award intended for those in diverse fields of endeavour whose very efforts are promoting the vision of Mr. President for a better Nigeria.

According to Nwabueze, a former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and distinguished Delegate at the 2014 Justice Kutigi Nigerian National Conference initiated by the Jonathan Administration, Sen. Akume represents the Tinubu Administration’s efforts aimed at injecting competence, maturity as well as discipline and hard work in public governance, and thanked the SGF for accepting the two honours, revealing that in the weeks ahead Nigerians would see the advocacy campaigns of the Movement in support of President Tinubu’s efforts at repositioning the country.

He reiterated the advice to Nigerian politicians that anyone who is wishing to contest for the Office of President in 2027 should have a rethink, stressing that there will be no vacancy in Aso Rock Villa in that year.

Nwabueze added that: “The occasion today is a very short one and, therefore, does not require long speeches.

“Let me start by conveying the appreciation of the entire membership of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates (NTCA), both at home and in the Diaspora, all who have unanimously agreed that the man that has been chosen as our Grand Patron more than fits the bill.

“For several years, even before some of us were born,His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) George Akume,CFR,has continued to serve this nation in diverse capacities.

“Whether as Permanent Secretary or Governor in his native State of Benue, Sen.(Dr.) Akume has for over fifty odd years held the flag of service and servant-leadership that has produced men and women of consummate repute and honour.

“Whether as Senator, Minister or even Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Sen.(Dr.) Akume’s place in the annals of history of our great nation remains one of honour well-deserved and laurels perpetually treasured.

“So, as we stand here today to decorate him as our Grand Patron and Star Associate of President Tinubu,the first in our list for such Honours,we are merely giving expression to what those who came before us saw to enlist him in the Benue Plateau Civil Service of his day,to make him Permanent Secretary in the Benue State Civil Service many years later,to make him Governor,to make him Senator, Minister and, today, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

“On behalf of the National Executive Council and, indeed,the General Congress of the Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates at home and abroad, I, Uche Henry Nwabueze, with the powers tacitly conferred on me by the Constitution of our Organisation, and in the name of the Most High God… Decorate you as Grand Patron of NTCA and as a Star Associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Your Excellency, the SGF is by this decoration welcomed to function in this capacity with all the rights and privileges attached thereto.

“Accept our humble congratulations,Your Excellency, our Grand Patron,”

The Nationwide Tinubu Connect Associates( aka: No Vacancy in Aso Rock 2027) is a registered group of like-minded Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora,who are committed to the promotion of the laudable efforts and programmes of the Tinubu Administration to repositioning Nigeria for greatness

The Movement has membership in all the States of the Federation and the 774 Local Government Councils.

Akume Insists Tinubu Means Well for the Nation