National News

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

Published

5 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

Egbe Pledges Accountability, Visible Progress in Power Sector Reform

Published

5 days ago

June 9, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Egbe Pledges Accountability, Visible Progress in Power Sector Reform

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has assured Nigerians of his commitment to implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at improving electricity supply, strengthening sector accountability, and restoring public confidence in the nation’s power industry.

Speaking after settling into office following his confirmation by the Senate, the minister said his administration had already developed a structured reform agenda focused on discipline, measurable targets, and transparent communication with the public.

Tegbe expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and disclosed that extensive consultations had been held with key institutions across the electricity value chain.

These engagements, he said, involved the Federal Ministry of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and other major stakeholders.

According to the minister, the consultations have produced a common understanding among sector players on the need to accelerate reforms and improve service delivery to Nigerians.

He also revealed that discussions with international development agencies and financial partners had yielded encouraging outcomes, with several organizations indicating readiness to provide financial support to help address liquidity challenges that have long constrained the sector.

Highlighting early gains, Tegbe announced the revival of the 450-megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State, which had remained inactive for about three years. The facility, rehabilitated by the NDPHC, now has the capacity to contribute up to 375 megawatts to the national grid.

The minister further pointed to recent improvements in transmission infrastructure, noting that TCN had successfully energized new assets at Katampe in Abuja as well as substations in Ayede and Abeokuta, developments expected to enhance power delivery across several regions.

On consumer protection, Tegbe welcomed recent regulatory actions requiring electricity distribution companies to compensate Band A customers affected by supply shortfalls. He described the directive as evidence of a growing commitment to holding operators accountable while safeguarding the interests of consumers.

He also cited the swift restoration of electricity in parts of Abuja following the unexpected failure of a 100MVA transformer, praising the coordinated efforts of TCN and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) teams that resolved the outage within 24 hours.

The minister commended workers across the Ministry of Power and its agencies for their dedication and professionalism, while also acknowledging the support of private sector investors and partners. He assured stakeholders that efficiency, innovation and performance would be rewarded under his leadership.

While acknowledging the magnitude of challenges facing the electricity industry, Tegbe appealed to Nigerians for patience, stressing that decades of infrastructure deficits and systemic problems could not be resolved overnight.

He reiterated his commitment to realistic expectations and transparent governance, promising that while he would not make unrealistic pledges, citizens would witness steady improvements and receive regular updates on progress in the sector.

The minister said the reform process was already underway and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among government institutions, private investors and development partners would ultimately deliver a more reliable and efficient power system for the country.

egbe Pledges Accountability, Visible Progress in Power Sector Reform

National News

China, Nigeria Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy Through Panda Art Initiative in Abuja

Published

6 days ago

June 8, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

China, Nigeria Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy Through Panda Art Initiative in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cultural cooperation and people-to-people relations through the launch of the “Hello Nigeria—2026 Panda Painting Interactive Experience,” an initiative aimed at promoting friendship, creativity and mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.

The event, held at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja, brought together diplomats, government officials, artists, cultural practitioners, students and members of the diplomatic community to celebrate the power of art as a tool for international dialogue and cultural exchange.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, described the giant panda as a symbol of peace, harmony and inclusiveness, noting that the exhibition was designed to build bridges between Chinese and African cultures through artistic expression.

According to him, the interactive programme combines the cultural heritage of China’s Sichuan Province—the natural home of the giant panda—with Africa’s vibrant artistic traditions, creating a platform for meaningful engagement among young people and cultural enthusiasts.

“The panda transcends language and borders. Through art, creativity and cultural exchange, we hope to foster deeper understanding and friendship between our peoples,” Zhou said.

The Chinese diplomat noted that the event comes at a significant moment in bilateral relations, as 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China and has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges.

He stressed that while economic cooperation remains important, sustainable relations between nations are ultimately built on trust, mutual respect and appreciation of each other’s cultures.

Zhou disclosed that the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre would continue to expand cultural programmes, youth exchanges, language learning opportunities and artistic collaborations to further strengthen ties between both countries.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Abdulkarim Ozi Ibrahim, said cultural initiatives such as the Panda Painting Interactive Experience demonstrate the ability of art to unite people across linguistic, geographical and social boundaries.

He described the programme as a practical example of cultural diplomacy in action, emphasizing that creative engagement promotes shared values, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among nations.

“The creative sector serves as a powerful platform for fostering peace, inclusion and sustainable development. Through culture, we are able to build bridges, strengthen relationships and celebrate our shared humanity,” Ibrahim said.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting programmes that encourage intercultural dialogue, artistic innovation, cultural tourism and international partnerships.

He noted that cultural exchanges play an important complementary role to diplomatic and economic relations by creating stronger connections among citizens, particularly young people who will shape the future of both countries.

In his goodwill message, Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, highlighted the transformative role of the arts in promoting understanding and friendship among diverse peoples and cultures.

He described the giant panda as an internationally recognized symbol of friendship and environmental consciousness whose message resonates across continents.

According to Sodangi, the event offers participants an opportunity not only to explore artistic creativity but also to reflect on values such as unity, cultural diversity and environmental stewardship.

He commended the Chinese Embassy for its sustained investment in cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement, noting that such initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China.

“The arts remain one of humanity’s most effective instruments for fostering understanding and building bridges across cultures. Programmes like this create opportunities for learning, collaboration and lasting friendship,” he said.

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of youth participation in cultural exchange programmes, describing young people as the custodians of future relations between both nations.

Students from various international schools participated in painting activities inspired by the panda, while cultural displays showcased the shared values of peace, creativity and cooperation that underpin Nigeria-China relations.

The event also highlighted growing collaboration between cultural institutions in both countries and reinforced the role of the creative economy as a vehicle for diplomacy, tourism, education and international engagement.

As Nigeria and China celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations, officials from both countries expressed optimism that cultural initiatives such as the Panda Painting Interactive Experience would deepen mutual understanding, inspire new artistic collaborations and strengthen the bonds of friendship between their peoples for generations to come.

China, Nigeria Strengthen Cultural Diplomacy Through Panda Art Initiative in Abuja

National News

NANS Urges Caution Over Strike Calls as Oyo School Abduction Crisis Deepens

Published

1 week ago

June 6, 2026

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NANS Urges Caution Over Strike Calls as Oyo School Abduction Crisis Deepens

By: Michael Mike

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned against calls for statewide strikes and mass protests over the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, arguing that such actions could inadvertently serve the objectives of terrorists and kidnappers.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student body expressed deep concern over the plight of the abducted children and teachers, describing the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

The statement was issued in response to a call by the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) urging the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on statewide industrial action and mass protests over the security situation.

While acknowledging the constitutional rights of individuals and groups to freedom of expression and association, NANS stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly, particularly during a sensitive national security crisis.

According to the association, shutting down economic and social activities through strikes could play into the hands of terrorists whose aim is to create fear, instability and national disruption.

“It breaks the heart to see children sent to school by their parents and guardians end up as bargaining chips in the hands of kidnappers,” the statement said, adding that no responsible government would stand by and allow innocent schoolchildren to remain in captivity.

NANS argued that rather than mobilising for strikes and protests, Nigerians should unite in support of efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the abducted victims and defeating terrorism.

Drawing parallels with international experiences, the student body cited Israel’s response to the 2023 Hamas attacks, noting that citizens rallied behind efforts to rescue hostages while maintaining national unity despite deep political differences.

The association also recalled Nigeria’s resilience during difficult periods in its history, including the civil war and predictions of national disintegration ahead of the 2015 elections, saying the country had repeatedly demonstrated its ability to overcome major challenges through unity.

“Nigeria has faced and overcome difficult moments before. If we were able to unite and defeat predictions of national collapse, we can also unite to confront terrorism and insecurity,” the statement noted.

NANS further urged Nigerians to view the fight against terrorism as a collective responsibility rather than solely the burden of government, insisting that citizens, communities and institutions must work together to address the security challenge.

The association maintained that while governments may come and go, the nation and its people remain, making it imperative for all stakeholders to place national interest above partisan or sectional considerations.

The statement comes amid growing public concern over the recent wave of school-related abductions, with security agencies continuing efforts to secure the release of the affected teachers and pupils. NANS expressed hope that the victims would regain their freedom soon and called on Nigerians to remain united in the face of the security challenge.

NANS Urges Caution Over Strike Calls as Oyo School Abduction Crisis Deepens