ABIRU WRITES IGP, DEMANDS PROBE OF PDP CANDIDATE’S MURDER ALLEGATION.

The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru has asked the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu to investigate attempted murder allegation his counterpart in the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi brought against him.

Abiru, the immediate past Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank Limited, added that the need to investigate the allegation became imperative in order to expose and apprehend those who attempted to murder the PDP candidate and members of his campaign team.

He made this demand in a letter his counsel, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro addressed to the inspector-general on October 12, requesting the police authority to duly investigate into attempted murder allegation brought against him.

On two different occasions, Gbadamosi had on his Twitter handle, @Gbadamosi asked the APC candidate “to warn members of his campaign team against murder and assassination. This is the second attempt against us.”

Also, the PDP candidate had alleged that one of his activists “was almost assassinated by four gunmen, who admitted that they had been trailing him for sometimes. He barely escaped with his life.” 

Disturbed by this allegation, Abiru described the allegations as grave, thereby appealing to the IGP  “to institute a detailed investigation that would basically ascertain the veracity of the allegations made publicly by the PDP candidate against him.”

Abiru asked the IGP to use his office to expedite action and arrest the perpetrator if there was any as alleged by the PDP candidate.

 He said: “If the allegations turned out to be false, the police boss should not hesitate to institute legal actions as contained in cybercrime law, Criminal Code Act and Criminal Law of Lagos State.”

The APC candidate denied any form of connection to the allegations and any insinuation whatsoever in that regard considering his antecedent as a law abiding citizen of Nigeria.

He added that he had never been involved in any criminal cases during his years in public service and in the financial sector of the country.

After his attention was drawn to Gbadamosi’s allegation against him, Abiru said he found it weighty and worrisome that he was been linked to be behind a heinous crime of murder.

The letter said Abiru “is a person of high moral standard and rectitude who has never been involved in any form of criminality or criminal conducts. Our client denies any form of connection to the allegations and any insinuation whatsoever in that regard. 

“Our client hereby calls on your good and esteemed office to cause a very detailed investigation into these allegations to ascertain the veracity of same and culpability of anyone involved in such actions.

"In the event that the allegations turn out to be false, upon conclusion of investigations, our client requests that you, pursuant to section 24 of the cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention ETC) Act 2015, section 59 of the Criminal Code Act, Section 39 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and other relevant statutes, take appropriate actions,” the letter read.

RAPE: POLICE ARREST 3 MEN FOR GANG-RAPING AND FILMING A 16 YEAR OLD GIRL IN OGUN.

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three men for the alleged gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl and filming the act .

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi,the suspects ; Oluwaseun Damilohun ,20,Oriyomi Damilohun,19, and Oluwasegun Idowu,18, reportedly laid  ambush for the teenager when she went to take her bath at a stream in Abiodun village, in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state and took turns into having carnal knowledge of the victim.

They were arrested on Wednesday shortly after they committed the crime. Oyeyemi said the suspects threatened the victim that they would upload the video on the Internet if she reported them. He said that the suspects confessed to the crime and would face prosecution .

TOKUNBO ABIRU COMMEMORATES WORLD FOOD DAY

Tokunbo Abiru Commemorates World Food Day

As we mark the #WorldFoodDay today amid rising inflation and economic turbulence, I am aware that getting daily food requirements greatly impacts household budget of the people, not just in Lagos East and Lagos State, but also in Nigeria. 

Food is essential. It, no doubt, occupies a prime place in the order of man's basic needs. As a result, making it available to every citizen through pro-people policies will endear people to government and government to people, irrespective of where we live on earth.

By implication, we all need food to survive. Sadly enough, millions of people around the globe  cannot afford daily food needs, while others have more than enough to share with the haves-not. To attain a fair balance, we must, as a matter of duty, endeavour to share food with the needy without let or hindrance.

As we celebrate this symbolic day, we call on the haves worldwide to feed one soul a day in line with the theme of the 2020 World Food Day, “Grow, Nourish, Sustain: Together, Our Actions Are Our Future.”

In every sphere of life, we also urge all stakeholders to work together to make food accessible, affordable and available to every soul in every home, if we must ensure the food security objectives globally.

In this same spirit, we are in support of Anchor Borrowers Programme and other initiatives of the federal government aimed at ensuring food security. We endorse the Agricultural Youth Empowerment Scheme (Agric-YES) initiated by the Lagos State Government to tackle food insufficiency and youth unemployment in the state.

If and when elected, specifically, I will continue to support such pro-people initiatives and programmes conceived to achieve food security objectives nationwide.

#LetsGetItDone

#LetsGetFoodDone

#FoodIsLife

Mr. Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA. 

(“Tokunbo Abiru”) 

APC Senatorial Candidate 

Lagos East Senatorial District

October 16, 2020

TOKUNBO ABIRU CELEBRATES A PROGRESSIVE ICON, PA OLORUNFUNMI BASHORUN AT 82.

The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, has felicitated with a member of Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Pa Olorunfunmi Bashorun, on his 82nd birthday. 

Bashorun, a retired deputy director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Secretary to the State Government under the former Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration between 1979 and 1983, was born on October 15, 1938.

In a statement by his media office Thursday, Abiru described Pa Bashorun as not just a prominent political figure in Lagos East, but also a father, who has been a steady source of inspiration and support for the younger generation.

As a chartered banker and a lawyer, Abiru noted Pa Bashorun rose through the ranks to become a deputy director in the apex bank until the Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration appointed him secretary to the state government in 1979.

Since he joined partisan politics in 1979, the APC candidate observed that Pa Bashorun “has been a consistent and dependable progressive, faithfully working with other apex leaders in the APC to take the state to a greater level.

“Pa Bashorun was at the centre of the team that conceived a 14-point programme for Alhaji Jakande’s governorship campaign. He also played key roles in the transformation of the 14-point plan into government programme when the Lateef Jakande administration took off in 1979,” Abiru said in a statement. 

“At 82, I congratulate Pa Rueben Olorunfunmi Bashorun for a life full of fulfillment and service to humanity. I also thank God for His grace and mercy upon your life. With all my heart, I pray God will satisfy you with longer life; bless you with sound health and grant you unfailing memory all your days on earth,” the APC candidate noted.

#Endsars: Abiru Urges FG to Implement Presidential Report on SARS. Commends Buhari for Endorsing Protesters’ Demand· Canvasses Ammendment of Nigeria Police Act.

The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru on Wednesday commended President Muhammadu Buhari for granting a five-point demand of youths that protested the extra-judicial activities of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squads (SARS).

 

Alongside the five-point demand of the protesters, however, Abiru urged the federal government to completely implement the report of the Presidential Panel on the Reforms of SARS, which according to him, would go a long way to change the public perception of the Nigeria Police.

 

He canvassed outright implementation of a 2804-page report at a meeting with residents of Agbowa, Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Wednesday, canvassing the amendment of the Nigeria Police Act.

 

At the meeting are the APC Vice Chairman, Lagos East, Chief Kaoli Olusanya; a former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jokotola Pelumi and husband of Ogun State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Bode Oyedele, among others.

 

The panel, which submitted its report to the president in June 2019, had recommended the creation of state and local government police as a strategy to strengthen policing and make police officers more accountable nationwide.

 

After the submission of the report, the president directed the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Adamu Mohammed to ensure the implementation of the report that recommended the renaming of the SARS to Anti-Robbery Section (ARS) to operate under the intelligence arm of the Nigeria Police.

 

At Ikosi-Ejirin’s meeting yesterday, the APC candidate commended Buhari’s decision to grant the five-point demand of the aggrieved youths, whose sustained protest culminated in the dissolution of the SARS.

 

Abiru, a former Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State, observed that IGP’s decision to dissolve the tactical squad “is just the first step in our search for a truly democratic, citizen-centred and community-oriented policing system.”

 

For this dissolution to achieve its purpose, Abiru urged the federal government “to collaborate with the states of the federation, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders to initiate far-reaching reforms of the Nigeria Police.”

 

He, equally, asked the federal government to consider in entirety implement the report of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

 

He observed that implementing the report of the presidential panel “is consistent with Buhari’s directive that the IGP should work out modalities and strategies for the implementation of the report.”

 

He observed that the disbandment of SARS, a formation of the Nigerian Police, would not unilaterally address brutality and extra-judicial killings been perpetrated by the law enforcement agency across the country.

 

Abiru added that the solution was for the federal government to review codes and regulations of the entire Nigerian Police to ensure personnel of the law enforcement agency perform their duties in accordance with the international best standards.

 

As the APC candidate for the forthcoming senatorial bye-election, Abiru said: “I am committed to supporting far-reaching reforms that will re-engineer police operations across the federation.

 

“If eventually elected on October 31, I will pursue the amendment of the Nigeria Police Act in order to humanise police operations and institutionalise modern policing and law enforcement in Nigeria. We cannot allow the police to become a threat to the people they are set up to protect.

 

Abiru, the immediate past Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank Limited, further stated that reform of the entire police should include empowering the Police Service Commission (PSC) to carry out its oversight function on the police without any hindrance. 

 

He added: “PSC should have enough independence to develop its own processes and procedures and should have its own investigators. It should not have to rely on the police to investigate allegations of human rights violations”.

 

To prevent what was currently affecting Nigeria Police after the reform, the APC candidate argued that police officers, including the defunct SARS operatives should undergo training based on human rights standards compliant practices. 

 

Abiru, while advocating for a structural training system, stated that there was need for reorientation of the Nigerian Police as a service-focused law enforcement agency rather than as a paramilitary agency.

MY ENCOUNTER OF FATE WITH TOKUNBO ABIRU, EPE HIGHER INSTITUTIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

“Whatever you do in life will be insignificant, but it’s very important that you do it because nobody else will.”

The encounter of fate which catapulted me to Tokunbo Abiru is way beyond my comprehension. And to that benevolent spirit cracking my hard palm kernel, I am grateful.

Trust me, as a vibrant youth hopeful for a better life in this part of the world, I seized the medium to question him during the interactive session which unlocked my unflinching support.

As usual, my concern was about education and the environment having listened to other questions on other sectors of our lives.

Knowing fully well that education is the bedrock of any community or society desiring growth and development, and also against the backdrop that Epe is in dire need of a Masters Degree awarding institution, 

I asked how he would use legislations and connections to help facilitate the establishment of a Masters Degree awarding institution of learning to complement the existing NCE and Bachelor's Degree institutions in Epe. This I think will ease access to go higher on the academic ladder and as well increase the population of scholars from the community.

Also, as a conservationist not only worried but also taking actionable steps to fight Climate Change and Global Warming, I made sure to ask him about how he intend solving environmental issues like plastic pollution and others. I would have asked for more as Oliver Twist but I was cut short.

In his response, He simply averred that all my concerns are captured in his SDG oriented tactical plans. I was marvelled and was convinced he is the right choice having in mind that his word is his bond!

As we must be the change we so much desire to see which can to some extent be attributed to electoral participation, 

We are doing this for far reaching legislations on our schools.

We are doing this for far reaching legislations on our businesses and economic prosperity.

We are doing this for far reaching legislations on the protection of our girls.

We are doing this for far reaching legislations on our health and environment. 

We are doing this for far reaching legislations on special status for Lagos, the most populous state in Nigeria.

We are doing this for legislations on empowerment for my fellow youths to drive SMEs and a host of other endeavours of humanity.

Rather than sitting on the fence, we are taking this bold step to massively vote and support the candidacy of Tokunbo Abiru for our overall prosperity and that of our future generations.

And in solidarity with my brothers and sisters on the front line of #Endsars protests, I say no to #Policebrutalitynow.

ABIRU SEEKS INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN GOVERNANCE PROCESS , PROMISES TO CHAMPION THEIR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IF ELECTED·

Leadership is no doubt a calling for those who really care about the welfare of the masses irrespective of their status.

The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru Monday said he would promote legislations that would make inclusion of persons with special needs in governance process mandatory in the country.

 

Abiru, a former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, equally promised that if elected on October 31, he would work with other lawmakers in the National Assembly to champion the empowerment of people with special needs if elected.

Abiru who showed flashes of his trademark humility, kindness and love towards People Living With Disabilities (PLWDS) promised not to live anyone behind in his leadership as he will be making far reaching legislations which will have direct impacts on the good people of Lagos East.

The interactive session was indeed a cheerful atmosphere as the PLWDs expressed their agitations and concerns  which he also promised to consider at all times. 

 

He made these promises on Monday during a meeting with some persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) in Lagos ahead of the forthcoming senatorial bye-election scheduled to hold on October 31.

 

At the meeting held in Somolu, Abiru specifically said he would pursue legislations aimed at promoting the well-being and welfare of persons with special needs if elected in the forthcoming poll.

 

He explained that with the enactment of the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, the era of exclusion against persons with special needs “is gradually becoming a thing of the past.”

 

He, however, said: “We are at the age of embarking upon well-structured advocacy and systematic lobby to ensure that all provisions of the Act are enforced, observed and accorded with due recognition.

 

“This may even require the amendment of the Act to introduce provisions that will make mandatory the inclusion of special persons in our governance process and elective offices. I am committed to legislations that will promote the welfare and well being of every citizen with special needs.”

 

He, therefore, pledged that he would team up with civil society organisations (CSOs) to ensure that you are not excluded from accessing privileges and opportunities that other citizens access without let or hindrance.

 

Abiru, who retired as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank Limited on August 30, also promised “to pursue some agenda that will deepen a sense of accommodation of persons with special needs be it in Lagos East or Lagos State.

 

"Within the mandate of a Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will use the instruments of law-making, law enforcement and policy execution to promote social adaption, inclusion and empowerment of people with special needs,” he said.

 

He observed that evidence showed that persons with special needs “are economically disadvantaged and extremely poor not because they are destined to be so, but because there are constrained on the account of their special conditions.”

 

He said: “I am here to assure you that your condition will no more be a setback for your progress, but a stepping stone to realising your aspirations and dreams. Already, the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) recognises and addresses this challenge.

 

“For every person with special needs, the Convention promotes the rights to economic empowerment. Nigeria is a signatory of the Convention. With the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, the federal government has also domesticated the Convention.

 

“The federal government has committed herself to your economic empowerment in the spirit of the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

 

He, therefore, urged concerned stakeholders “to leverage on these legislations to push for the enforcement of your rights to economic empowerment.

 

“I have realised that economic empowerment is the only effective means through which you can meaningfully fend for yourselves; reduce poverty and provide for your immediate families,” the APC candidate said.

 

 He added that he would set up an endowment fund that will largely accommodate persons with special needs in Lagos East. He also said he would promote legislations and policies that will institutionalise the empowerment of every person with special needs in the country.

 

ENDSARS PROTESTS: DISSOLUTION OF SARS, A MARK OF RESPECT FOR DEMOCRACY AND POEOPLE'S YEARNINGS- ABIRU.

 

This afternoon, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Adamu Mohammed Adamu dissolved the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) across all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The IGP also directed that all operatives of the SARS be redeployed to other units of the Nigeria Police with immediate effect.

 

The IGP’s decision is consistent with our previous statement on the extra-judicial activities of SARS nationwide. We thus commend the Nigeria Police for the decision to dissolve the SARS. This dissolution is, no doubt, a mark of respect for democracy and people’s aspiration, demands and yearnings. We hope such approach to popular demands will henceforth characterise how the Force conducts its affairs and operations.

 

However the IGP’s decision is just the first step in our search for a truly democratic, citizen-centred and community-oriented policing system. For this dissolution to achieve its purpose, the Federal Government should collaborate with the states of the federation, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders to initiate far-reaching reforms of the Nigeria Police. The federal government is hereby advised to consider some recommendations here under if the dissolution of SARS must yield desirable outcomes.

 

• The Nigeria Police must implement the report of the Presidential Panel on the Reform of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This is consistent with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that the IGP should work out modalities and strategies for the implementation of the report. Among others, the report recommended the establishment of state and local government police. It also recommended that the SARS be renamed Anti-Robbery Section (ARS) and that the section should operate under the intelligence arm of the Nigeria Police.

 

• The federal government should empower the Police Service Commission (PSC) to carry out its oversight function on the police, including SARS, without let or hindrance. PSC should have enough independence to develop its own processes and procedures and should have its own investigators. It should not have to rely on the police to investigate allegations of human rights violations.

 

• The federal government to ensure that all police officers, including SARS officers, undergo training based on human rights standards compliant practices. All police officers should receive training and re-training (where applicable) on human rights compliant practices.

 

• The federal government should review codes and regulations concerning the functioning of the police to bring them in line with international standards. The disciplinary regulations should be reformed to ensure compliance with international human rights laws and standards.

 

• The federal government must come up with a framework for structured training and retraining of police officers, especially all the operatives of the defunct SARS. The training must be methodical, structured and systematic focusing on human rights standards compliant practices. The police officers should undergo training and re-training programmes with a view to changing their mindset towards people and their approach to law enforcement. It may be necessary to carry out the much-needed reorientation of the Nigerian Police as a service-focused law enforcement agency rather than a paramilitary agency or "Force"

 

As the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, therefore, I am committed to supporting far-reaching reforms that will re-engineer police operations across the federation. If eventually elected on October 31, I will pursue the amendment of the Nigeria Police Act in order to humanise police operations and institutionalise modern policing and law enforcement in Nigeria. We cannot allow the police to become a threat to the people they are set up to protect.

 

Mr. Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA.

(“Tokunbo Abiru”)

APC Senatorial Candidate

Lagos East Senatorial District

October 11, 2020

TOKUNBO ABIRU CONGRATULATES AKEREDOLU, SAYS RE-ELECTION IS PROOF OF APC’S POPULARITY.

 The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru on Sunday congratulated Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu and his deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Saturday’s governorship election.

 

Abiru, a former Commissioner of Finance in Lagos State, said Akeredolu’s re-election “is no doubt a referendum on infrastructure projects and people-focused programmes he had implemented under four years.”

 

In a congratulatory message his media office issued on Sunday, the APC candidate noted that Akeredolu’s re-election was also a testament to the popularity of the ruling party irrespective of its current challenges.

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Sunday declared Akeredolu winner of the just concluded governorship election after polling 292,830 votes to defeat the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).

 

With the outcome of the election, Abiru said in his message that the people of Ondo State had expressed confidence in Akeredolu’s leadership and contentment with his performance as the governor of the state.

 

For this reason, Abiru said: “I congratulate my dear brother and Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu on his re-election. It is a well-deserved victory considering how he has transformed the state under four years.

 

“I also congratulate our party, All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari, all APC governors and other party leaders for working in unity to win the Ondo State governorship contest.”

 

He, therefore, urged the people of the state “to keep with the Akeredolu administration and the ruling party. The APC remains a party of choice for Nigerians. It will continue to work for the welfare and wellbeing of the people across the federation.”

CAMA: I Will Seek Amendment to CAMA If Elected- Tokunbo Abiru.

The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru yesterday said he would seek amendments to the Companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA) 2020 if elected on October 31.

Abiru, a former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, lamented the rising cases of domestic and sexual violence in the federation, promising that he would promote legislation that would end the social menace in the country.

He made these remarks at separate meetings with Christian and Muslim leaders in Ikorodu yesterday, noting that he shared their concern on section 839 (1) of CAMA, which empowered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to suspend trustees of an association and appoint interim managers

He addressed the religious leaders alongside the Chairman of APC Senatorial Campaign Council, Chief Kaoli Olusanya; husband of Ogun State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Bode Oyedele and a former Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Muslim Folami, among others.

Abiru acknowledged that the CAMA had its good sides that could improve ease of doing business and attract more foreign direct investments (FDIs).

However, Abiru observed that section 839 of CAMA 2020 “has no doubt been a source of concern for religious bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 

“In entirety, I share this concern and promise, if elected, to seek amendment to this Act such that fear of stakeholders will be allayed,” Abiru told the religious leaders.”

At the meeting yesterday, the APC candidate acknowledged that domestice and sexual Violence “is another issue of concern, particularly for religious leaders. Cases of defilement, incest and sexual harassment are regularly reported in the social and traditional media. 

“Sadly enough, we even have cases of fathers now abusing their own daughters. Similarly, we often read about husbands abusing their wives; guardians maltreating their maids and even wives ill-treating her husband.”

With these issues rising astronomically, the APC candidate said domestic and sexual violence had become a burden for religious bodies and leaders altogether, noting that the issues “are not just a challenge for religious organisations, but also for the entire society.” 

Abiru explained that the dynamics of these challenges called for synergy between the religious bodies, civil society organisations (CSOs) and lawmakers “to develop a legal regime that will reduce or at best prevent the perpetration of such heinous crime in the country. 

If eventually elected on October 31, the APC candidate assured the religious leaders that he would join forces with other stakeholders “to end the vicious culture of inhumanity and bestial behaviour in our society through the instruments of lawmaking and legislation.”

On the brutality of SARS, Abiru again condemned the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), an arm of the Nigeria Police that had been attacking, brutalizing, maiming and even killing our youths across the federation.

He said: “We are in an age of innovation. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) is pivotal to this era. As a result, the youths of this generation cannot do without laptops or holding their android phones.”

The APC candidate condemned arbitrary arrest of the youths by the SARS, thereby rejecting the extra-judicial practices of SARS, which he said, should never again be mentioned in any part of the country.

To end police brutality, Abiru canvassed reform of the country’s policing system “to change their mindset towards the people. We must evolve a new system of police that makes all its operatives accountable to the taxpayers. 

“Likewise, the police authority must submit itself to the National Police Service Commission. With the need to enforce the fundamental human rights of our youths nationwide, I will commit myself to creating an environment that allow our youths operate without let or hindrance.”

TOKUNBO ABIRU SPEAKS ON #ENDSARS PROTESTS, CALLS FOR END TO EXTRA JUDICIAL ACTIVITIES BY SECURITY OPERATIVES IN NIGERIA.

The outrage of youths against police brutality particularly the Special Anti Robbery Squad SARS is spreading across the country like wildfires.

In fact, the protests, led by top celebrities in the Nigeran entertainment industry, is generating more reactions from citizens and peoples  beyond the shores of Nigeria. The #Endsars hash tag is even trending in some countries overseas.

On the heels of reaction from the President and Commander in Chief of Nigeria's Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and Inspector General of Police, the All Progressives Congress (APC) quintessential flag bearer in the forthcoming Lagos East Senatorial District, Tokunbo Mukail Abiru has lend his voice in support of the furious youths.

In his swift reaction, Tokunbo Abiru whose crave for human prosperity, safety of lives and properties and youth emancipation is second to none, commended the IG of Police for steps taken so far but as Oliver Twist, he is asking for more actions and strategies that will restore the confidence of the masses.

While he has promised to use legislative instruments to pursue legislations for comprehensive reforms in the police force, he also condemned the harassment and horrors experienced by youths who communicate, transact and socialize with ICT gadgets from SARS tactical agents.

" I read with grave concern and displeasure reports on the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), an arm of the Nigeria Police, and cases of recent and previous instances of brutality and extra-judicial killings. The most recent incident involved a young Nigerian in Ughelli, Delta State on October 3. This incident reportedly typifies the extra-judicial activities of some SARS operatives across the federation.

 

With the public disapproval that followed it, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu banned all tactical squads of the Nigeria Police – SARS, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Special Tactical Squad (STS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and Anti-Cultism Squad, among others.

 

While the pronouncement of the IGP is commendable, it is not sufficient to guarantee or restore confidence of our youths, and indeed the entire  countrymen, in the Nigeria Police and all its tactical squads. However, it is a required step that should be taken and I am happy that this first step has been taken". 

 

" Before this incident occurred on October 2 and since I began my campaign for senatorial bye-election in Lagos East, I have identified the security and well-being of our youth population as a cornerstone of my campaign agenda. This resolve stems from a belief that if we must secure the future of Nigeria, our youths must play leading roles across all sectors freely and without fear or trepidation.

 

Also, this resolve is founded on an indisputable fact that youths constitute a larger component of our populace and we cannot afford to toy with our youths, the future of our dear country. 

 

We are in an age when the use of information and communication technology (ICT) has become part of business operations and daily life. Our youths cannot be left behind. So, harassing any youth because he is carrying a laptop or holding an android phone is unacceptable. It is a practice that must not have a place in our policing or criminal investigation system".

 

" Beyond the IGP’s pronouncement on SARS and FSARS, the time to end all extra-judicial activities by everyone of our security organisations is now. And I am utterly committed to this agenda as a citizen that places high premium on every life, especially our youths on whose shoulders rest the future of our fatherland.

 

If and when elected, I will use the instruments of lawmaking and legislation to purse comprehensive reforms of our policing system with the focus on changing the mindset of our security operatives. I will also pursue legislation that will make every security officer discharge their duties within the ambit of laws and make them accountable in every public engagement.

 

In my resolve to ensure the security of our youths irrespective of their beliefs, ethnic nationalities or political affiliations, I will focus on using legislative instruments to restructure police operations; protect our youths from police brutality and ensure the enforcement of their human rights at all times. 

In the meantime, I urge the authorities to ensure full accountability for this most recent act of extra-judicial activity and bring all culpable persons to book", he said.

WORLD TEACHERS DAY 2020: COVID19, A BLESSING IN DISGUISE.

With Hon. Abiodun Tobun 

This is not to blow my own trumpet but then, they said the well without water makes noise. If you then think I am blowing my trumpet, definitely, this well has water and does not make noise.

There is no doubt about the fact that the wind of COVID19 blew and the fowl's rump is clear for all to see. COVID really dealth we teachers a massive blow physically, mentally and financially.

Apart from we government employed teachers whose impact was only psychological, that of private school teachers is all manner of suffering.

The world cleanup day 2020 exercise

Many of us could not absorb the mental shock as we are used to being engaged from home, morning assembly, classes, break time, afternoon assembly, afternoon lesson and back home.

Generally, our brains are wired towards having a month holiday between July-August, but no, not this time, this holiday occasioned by COVID lasted for over 5 months and still counting for primary school teachers.

For private school employees, It was indeed an experience they will never forget in a hurry. They were abused and insulted to find something else to do. They did all manner of businesses or trades that did not dignify their profession, they had to survive.

As for me, in the midst of all the COVID drama, I tried to make the best use of the break as staying idle is not my thing. I was hungry to get something doing in the face of the total lock down imposed by government and the fear of contracting the dreaded virus.

With leaders in Ibeju-Lekki after presenting a career talk.

As fate would have it, I found myself engaging in volunteering activities for my community. With the lessons from drama/theatre still intact, working with different personalities was a walk over. The "all before self" principle worked so well and I enjoyed my altruistic service for my community. Although the voluntering came with a lot of intrigues, twists and turns, it was worth it as I also found myself volunteering to write which gave me much satisfaction and a leverage to do something new.

Sitting alone, I felt COVID had rolled back the years for me. It catapulted me back to how I used to practice my dream career, journalism. It was during my secondary school days that I was trained on how to read news and write reports by my teachers, Mrs. Urhogo R.I, Mrs. Adebambo and Mr. Adesanya MT under the distinguished, glorious and transformational administration of Elder Adeyemi O.S.

Recently, a good friend, Badmus Azeez who was together with me for glorious 3 years in our school's PRESS CLUB reminded me about how we once interviewed a one time Lagos Commisioner for Education, Late Prof. Shobowale with a radio tape recorder. One Magistrate Ellias, an alumni of my school also comes to mind. On a funny note, a news report I wrote got me into trouble one day. My fellow colleagues in the science department felt the news was an attack on their reputation and after the newscaster finished from the morning assembly ground, he was punished right in their classroom. I had to do all my best to get the boy released. Akintoye and Komolafe will remember this.

In an interview with Otunba TJ Abass

While I got freshly employed as a teacher by Lagos State Government under Akinwunmi Ambode in 2017, I bought the popular blue RCA brand tablet on loan. My future projection was to use it to prepare write ups of any kind in the comfort of my home instead of visiting the business centers. COVID provided the window for me to recoup the money with which I bought it through writing in 2020. 

In the ember months of the year before, a community discussion about students' mass failure gave me the first opportunity to explore my writing abilities where I prepared minutes, speech, reports and communiques. Notably, Brother Niyi initiated the dream of the NGO which I keyed into. Unfortunately, COVID came and swept us off our feets, it halted our plans and activities.

With Programmes Secrerary, FABE International Foundation, Mrs. Hodo Orok.

But as fate would have it, one Brother, Idris, who is also the coordinator of an NGO which I used to work with in my community called in to help him report a palliative distribution programme of another NGO. I did not think twice before jumping on the opportunity. Alas !, It was the beginnig of many national and international reports and stories which has helped shape my writing style. 

After a web of events took place, you know we humans are all gifted and unique in ways different, I found myself not only writing stories but conducting interviews. This was facilitated by a good sistet, Zainab who I also got to meet through volunteering.

To crown it all, volunteering to write reports relating to my community got me endeared to another International NGO. Although, one of my students earlier emerged victorious in the NGO's virtual debate. If you have been following me closely on Facebook and Twitter, you will figure out what I'm saying. I learnt some useful creative and poductive skills through this NGO and by God's grace, after presenting a proposal, I was financially bank rolled to carry out a first of its kind environmental awareness project in my community which recorded a huge success.

 

As teachers are celebrated worldwide today, I join others worldwide to celebrate this noble profession. Our case in the hands Nigerian leaders can only be sorted by divine intervention from above. COVID has really exposed our weaknesses and I implore us to explore the "second hustle" option in the country's present scheme of things so as to add more value to us. This is a wake up call to reason smartly. Selfless service may not attract a good pay in the beginning, it will pay off in the long run. Being helpful in advocacy programmes for the development of communities where we work is not a bad idea. It is all for the sake of self emancipation and nation building.

I am Kaka Babatunde and I want to make a difference by redefining the teaching profession in my own style.

HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS DAY 2020.

ARTISAN RAPES A 13 YEAR OLD GIRL AFTER TRICKING HER INTO BELIEVING HE’S THERE TO FIX THEIR GENERATOR

 

A 21-year-old artisan, Julius Afuape, might have incurred the wrath of the extant law of Ogun State prohibiting rape, having been arrested for defiling a 13-year-old girl.

The suspect was alleged to have hidden under the cover of his frequency in a house within his neighborhood in Ayetoro, where he was usually engaged in the servicing of their generating set and on Wednesday, September,30,2020, he burst into the victim’s house at about 1:30pm and tricked the victim to believing that her aunt asked him to come and service their generating se

Oblivious of the real intention of Julius, the girl unquestionably flung open the door of the apartment to the suspect who overpowered and dragged her into her aunt's bedroom, where he forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.

After committing the act , he fled the area and went into hiding .The victim’s aunt returned home and was fed with the distasteful news which she complained at Ayetoro Police Division.

The police were able to track down the suspect on Friday,October 2,2020 and he was arrested . He confessed to committing the crime while the victim was taken to the General Hospital where it was medically confirmed that her virginity had been broken.

#Endrapenow

#Saynotorape

EPE CLUB 70 LAMENTS THE DEATH TRAPS CALLED ROADS LEADING TO EPE, URGE SWIFT ACTION FROM GOVERNMENT.

A non-governmental organisation, Club Seventies Epe on Thursday decried the deplorable state of three major roads leading to Epe division of the state.

Its President, Sanuth Ibrahimo in a statement in Lagos, appealed to the state government to ensure contractors move to site to commence and complete these roads without further delay.

He said the roads were the Lekki-Epe expressway, Ketu-Itoikin Road and Epe-Ijebu-Ode Road.

He said this would save lives, reduce the untold hardship of the people in the community and create the enabling environment to enhance commercial activities.

“Being a critical component in encouraging a country’s economic growth, road infrastructural development also enhances the efficiency of production, helps provide economic incentives to public and private sector participants.

“It is in the light of the above that we are constrained as a registered non-governmental organisation to write you this open letter about the deplorable state of the only three  roads leading to Epe; the biggest among the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State,” he said.

He said  innocent lives would  have been saved if these roads were motorable.

“We don’t want to bore you with numerous man hour lost on these roads for motorists that are able to navigate their way through the obstacles.

“Recently, the contractor from the Ogun State government had commenced work on the Ijebu Ode/Epe axis from the Lagos and Ogun State boundary leaving the rest for Lagos State Government to complete its own part of the Road,” he said.

CHILD SEXUAL MOLESTATION: MINOR GANG RAPED TO DEATH BY FOUR MEN IN LAGOS.

An 11-year old girl, Miss Favour Okechukwu, has been gang raped to death  by four men, who lured her to a room and took advantage of her in Ejigbo, Lagos.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Olarewaju Street, Ejigbo area of Lagos.

According to the residents, the victim returned from school and her mother sent her to go and buy a popular snack, gala, from a nearby shop in the area around 3pm.

However, she was unable to buy the gala as she was lured to a room where she was engaged in marathon sex, she became unconscious and eventually died.

The suspects fled abandoning her inside the room until when the father returned from work and started looking for her.It was then she was discovered in the room naked and dead.

The Ejigbo Police Division was contacted over the dastardly act and the DPO, CSP Olabisi Okuwobi, mobilized her officers, they raced to scene and discovered the lifeless body of the girl in the room.

Following the ugly incident, the residents fled the area including the shop owners, who were afraid of likely Police interrogation.

 

 The owner of the room identified as Tabi, a.k.a T. Boy, has been arrested and detained at the Police Station while other suspects, who allegedly committed the act were at large. 

Some tenants were equally summoned for questioning by the Police over the crude act which has turned the whole area into mourning.

When P.M.EXPRESS reporter visited the scene of the incident, it was cordoned off by the Police before the Lagos State DNA & Forensic Centre (LSD & FC) went there to conduct forensic analysis on the victim. Their ambulance was used to evacuate her corpse to be deposited at mortuary for further investigation.

The area, where the incident happened, was known as a notorious slum where many atrocities were said to have happened in the past. It was gathered that apart from raping of small girls, married women were not spared. 

According to residents, the criminals using the place under power line have defrauded married women and at the same time raped them including being used for drugs dealing.

Meanwhile, the Police were said to have intensified efforts to arrest other suspects who were now at large as the official of Ejigbo LCDA, who visited the scene, expressed shock over what happened.

Picture courtesy: ActionAid