OSUN STATE JUDICIAL PANEL OF INQUIRY ON POLICE BRUTALITY SETS MODE FOR FILLING PETITIONS

The Osun State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality has made public the basic requirements for filling petitions, complaints or memoranda that are associated with the excesses of the disbanded Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force.

This was contained in a Public Service Announcement signed by the Secretary, Osun State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality, Aderemi Bello and which was made available to Nigerian Platform at the weekend.

“Osun State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality wishes to inform the general public that, any person or persons who have been victims of Police brutality under the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police, any other Police department or any other government department, including the two alleged incidents of death recently at Osogbo. Which led to the attack on the Governor ‘s convoy at olaiya junction Osogbo may submit memoranda/petitions to the Panel”.

“Memoranda or petitions may also be submitted on behalf of any dead or missing persons whose death or disappearance arose from their contacts with SARS or other departments of the Police”.

“Memoranda/petitions may also be submitted by persons whose human rights have been violated by the defunct SARS. Government agencies, Ministries, Parastatals and other organisations that have received complaints from members of the public may also forward copies of same to the Panel”

“Complaints must be based on what happened between the 29th day of May 1999 to the 25th of November 2020
Any person submitting memorandum may be required to personally give oral testimonies and tender other pieces of evidence at the hearing of his/her petition. Such petitioners may engage the services of lawyers of their choice (only if they so wish)”.

“All memoranda/petitions shall be clearly typed and submitted to the Panel by hand or sent to the e-mail:- osunjudicialpanelofinquiry@gmail.com or WhatsApp number – 0807 983 9799 of the Panel. The typeset which shall not be more than five (5) pages, shall be in Times New Roman of 14 font size, with at least single spaces in-between the lines. All memoranda/petitions shall be perfected in the following format”.

Mode of filing in petitions include:

1). Introduction – which must state the full:-
(a) names;
(b) phone numbers/e-mail address/ WhatsApp numbe of the petitioner;
(c) name and address of the victim/victims;
(d) name/names of the alleged assailant/police man/officer and his/her office address (if known) or police station to which he/she is/was attached;
(e) names, phone numbers and addresses of witnesses, if had/known;
(f) dates, time, venue/location of the incidence (where the alleged assault took place);
(g) any other piece of information or facts that will assist the panel to do justice.

2). Facts and evidence of the case, where available.

3). Reliefs sought from the Panel (what you want the Panel to do for you).

4). Signature or thumb print of the Petitioner.

5). All Petitions to be submitted on working days between the hours of 8am to 4pm from Monday, 26th October, 2020 to 25th November, 2020 (which is the closing date for submission of memoranda/petitions).

6). Any petition written in any language other than English Language shall have the English Language translation accompanying it.

7). All memoranda/petitions to be addressed and submitted to:

The Secretary,
Osun State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality,
Department of Public Prosecution,
Ministry of Justice,
Abeere.

All aggreived persons are highly encouraged to submit complaints, please.
The venue for hearing of Petition is the The Council of Obas’ Chambers, Finance building, State Secretariat, Abere.

ENDSARS: NUJ CALLS FOR COMPENSATION FOR MEDIA HOUSES, JOURNALISTS ATTACKED

The leadership of the Nigera Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the South West has called for adequate compensation for all Journalists and media houses affected by the attacks carried out recently by hoodlums in the region.

The union also decried the attack on some media houses in the region by hoodlums, decribing the act as barbaric and unfortunate.

Besides, the NUJ called on the federal government and well meaning individuals in the society to give palliatives to the affected media establishments in order to bounce back to life in no distant time.

The union in a statement issued by its Vice President, Cosmas Oni and zonal secretary, Bamigbola Gbolagunte said the media contributed immensely to Nigerian democracy and should therefore not be target of attack.

Describing the attack on media as ill motivated and wrong signal to the international community, the NUJ called for immediate stop to any form of attack on the media or Journalists carrying out their legitimate duties.

Recalled that the corporate headquaters of Television Continental (TVC), the Nation newspaper, Lagos TV, Eko FM and Traffic Radio, all in Lagos were attacked on Wednesday by hoodlums.

Also, the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Osogbo was attacked, while Channels TV and OSBC reporters were also victims of attacks carried out by hoodlums.

“The media have always identified with masses and together with other human rights activists, we fought for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria. it therefore baffles our minds why we should be victims of attack in a democratic setting.

“It’s unfortunate that the media establishments affected by the attacks are all located in the South West region, which is the hub of Journalism in Nigeria. It is on this note that we call on the federal government to come to the rescue of the affected media establishments by providing relief funds for them.

“While calling for a thorough investigation into all the attacks carried out against media houses and Journalists in the last few days, we call for adequate compensation for all our members affected by the attack,” the statement added

OBA MAKAMA TASKS JOURNALISTS ON PROFESSIONALISM

The olowu of Kuta,Oba Adekunle Makama wants journalists to always focus on reportage of activities that will promote national cohesion.

Oba Makama stated this in Kuta while playing host to the executive members of Nigeria Union of journalists, Osun state council led by the chairman,Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu.

The monarch who said media professionals were key to national development called on journalists to always promote professionalism.

He urged media owners to always see to the welfare of journalists through prompt payment of their salaries and allowances.

Oba Makama congratulated the new leadership of the Union and promised to support the Union for the rehabilitation of its facilities.

In a remark, the chairman, Nigeria Union of journalists,Osun state council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu said journalists in the state would continue to promote professionalism.

Comrade Ajadosu lauded the traditional ruler for his commitment to his community through infrastructural development.

He however solicited the assistance of the monarch in the area of rehabilitation of the Union facilities.

RATIFICATION OF OSUN PDP CHAIRMAN BY NWC IS WORTHY OF CELEBRATION

It is an indisputable fact that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Prince Uche Secondus needs to be applauded for its pragmatic, unbiased and judicious positioning of the Osun State Chapter of the party, by laying to rest all agitations, bickerings and instability, towards the total liberation of Osun State from the grip of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The ratification of the State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi is no doubt, a solid rearrangement of the party for peace, unity and victory.

In the same vein, a warm, hearty and deserving felicitations to a worthy ambassador of egalitarian society, a formidable Party man with notable strength in native intelligence, a great team player and a very honest politician, Hon. Bisi, on his ratification as the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.

Your indelible footprints in the direction of positivity are pointers to another yet a lifting for you in the interest of humanity, especially the good people of Osun State.

You have indeed, paid the price of leadership, crossed the huddles of greatness and endured the much persecution of being a successful actor in the impact-making adventure of destiny and life.

Your ratification by the National Working Committee (NWC), confirming your endeavours to make PDP succeed, only lends credence to the fact that you are a truly a round peg in a round hole, in piloting the affairs of our great party, to victory in the forthcoming elections.

Your emergence, no doubt, is embedded with the capacity to end all acrimonious tendencies and propagate peace and unity for the success of the party, henceforth.

May GOD increase your wisdom and give you a sound health to excel in the intricate task of leading a subtle party like PDP in Osun State and Nigeria, AMEN. 🙏

Congratulations to Hon. Sunday Bisi
Congratulations to Osun People!
Congratulations to PDP!!

Once again, congratulations!!!

Signed:
Reverend Bunmi Jenyo (JP)
PDP Ward Ejigbo 2,
Ila Orangun, Osun State.
16th October, 2020.

EDO : ACTION ALLIANCE NOT CHALLENGING OBASEKI’S VICTORY- NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

The National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Hon Rufai Adekunle
Omoaje has declared that the party was not aware of any case filed
before the Edo State Election Petitions tribunal, saying that the suit
was filed by an impostor.

One Ukonga Frank Onaivi who claimed to be a member of the AA had filed a case before the tribunal, seeking cancellation of the election that produced Governor Godwin Obaseki.

But Omoaje, while reacting to the development, said Onaivi was not the
governorship candidate of the AA in the last Edo State governorship
election, hence he lacks the power to institute any case on behalf of
the party.

He said Mr Godwin Edemakhiota Oasimiamia who was the governorship candidate of the party in the election had already congratulated Mr
Obaseki on his victory.

He added that the leadership of the AA at both the state and national
levels had also congratulated the Governor, stressing that “how come a
party that had congratulated the winner would also challenge the
winner. This shows that we are not aware of the litigation.”

According to him “the said litigant is an impostor and not one of us
in the AA. It’s only the governorship candidate of the party that can
challenge the result of an election. Onaivi who instituted the case at
the tribunal lacks the power to do us. He did not represent the party
and we don’t know him. So, the public should consider him an impostor
who has a hidden agenda.”

Omoaje informed that the National Executive Committee of the party has
taken legal action against Onaivi, adding that the party is solidly in
support of Governor Obaseki.

“We in the Action Alliance are ready to support the government of
Governor Obaseki. The Governor is a very humble person who consulted
us and sought for our support while contesting. We are ready to
support him in any area he needs the support of the party. We are not
challenging his victory at the tribunal,” he added.

HON WOLE OKE REFUTES RELATIONSHIP WITH ALLEGED BOYS IN POLICE NET

– IT IS CHARACTER ASSASSINATION, SAYS WOLE OKE

The Lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Òkè has described a publication by Speargist Media, an online newspaper captioned ‘Fallout of Ondo Guber Election: Wole Oke boys in police net’, as a mischievous publication, saying ” I don’t have Political Boys”.

Hon Oke described the allegation as fictitious, libelous and an attempt to drag his reputation to the mud.

The lawmaker, while debunking the allegation said that “none of my political followers was in Ondo during the election, though, we attended the campaign rally just like other state chapters and everybody left the state after the campaign, If they have names of those my boys arrested, they should mention them. It is a blackmail, I don’t breed political thugs, but I empower my people economically on what can benefit their lives. I didn’t send anybody to Ondo State for any kind of political manipulation. I am a trained legal personality and I understand the dictates of law. I don’t involve myself in any political or social inimical acts.”

Nigerian Platform reliably gathered that some PDP Social Media handlers who were arrested on the Election Day have since been released on Sunday.

Hon. Oke stressed that his focus now is how to to make judicious use of the mandate given to him by his people, which he had rolled out for the betterment of the state and particularly his constituents. This, he said could be atttested to by thousands of his people in the constituency.

According to the Federal lawmaker, “We are currently in the second year of our mandate Those who are scared of our political aspirations in the future have reasons to be because they know we are formidable”

He declared that no amount of political blackmailing, intimidation and mischievous publications on the social media can stop him to better the lots of the people of Ijesa North

“I know that the mischievous publication is the hand work of my political detractors. No amount of such feeble publications can deter me to better the lot of my people” .

“Am a foundation member of PDP,
I have leaders and friends who have had reasons to move in and out of a political Party, but I have never . I doubt if I will ever have any reason to desert the House I joined others in building”.

“They are coward, let them come out openly and challenge me. I have determined to lead the party to victory, why are they jittery? I urge them to stop that type of polical bigotry and come out plainly”, he said.

The Legislator stated that the publication is heinously written as an attempt to assassinate his character and malign his good political goodwill.

He urged members of the public to ignore the publication, saying he is a focused and visionary politician who is committed to the service of God and humanity.

OSUN NUJ CHAIRMAN, AJADOSU SEEKS RENEWED COMMITMENT OF MEMBERS

The Chairman, Osun State Council of Nigerian Union of journalists, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu has said on Wednesday, that his administration will consult with the Elders and ex-officio members in carrying out projects that have direct impacts on lives and welfare of all members.

Comrade Ajadosu stated this during a thank-you visit to members of the Union at Gold FM , Ilesa, as part of his two-day tour across all Chapels, following his victory at the last NUJ election, held on September 24, 2020 in the State.

The NUJ Chairman stressed the need for a synergy among all members to move the union to an enviable height.

Earlier, the Chairman, Gold FM Chapel , Mr Abiodun Adeoye called for resuscitation of the International Institute of journalism (IIJ) in the State Council to make knowledge acquisition accessible for prospective members.

In a remark the immediate past chairman’of the Chapel , Prince Isaac Haastrup tasked the newly inaugurated Executive members to leverage on the successes of the previous administration and complete ongoing projects before embarking on new ones.

The acting head of News and Current Affairs Department, Miss Folake Oye advised the team to operate an all-inclusive administration for a landmark progress.

On the entourage of the Council Chairman of the NUJ were the Vice Chairman, Sesan Adeleke, Secretary, Bukola Elufadejin, Treasurer, Ademola Lawal, Financial Secretary, Lateef Agboola, Ex-officio, Folakemi Alonge and the State SWAN Chairman, Tope Alabi.

INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF
NIGERIA’S SIXTIETH INDEPENDENCE
ANNIVERSARY, THURSDAY
1ST OCTOBER 2020Fellow NigeriansI speak to you today as your President and fellow citizen on this epoch occasion of our country’s 60th independence Anniversary. As President, I wish to renew my appreciation to Nigerians for entrusting me with your hopes and aspirations for a better and greater Nigeria.2. Today, it is my unique privilege to re-commit myself to the service of this great country of great people with profound diversities and opportunities. We are bound by destiny to be the largest and greatest black nation on earth.3. At this stage in our nationhood it is important that we reflect how we got here to enable us work TOGETHER to get to where we aspire to be as a strong indivisible nation, united in hope and equal in opportunity.4. On October 1st 1960 when Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa received the constitutional instruments symbolizing Nigeria’s independence, he expressed his wish that having acquired our rightful status as an independent sovereign nation, history would record that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace.5. This optimism was anchored on the peaceful planning, full and open consultation and harmonious cooperation with the different groups which culminated in Nigeria emerging as a country without bitterness and bloodshed.6. Our founding fathers understood the imperative of structuring a National identity using the power of the state and worked towards unification of Nigerians in a politically stable and viable entity.7. That philosophy guided the foundation that was laid for our young nation of 45 million people with an urban population of approximately 7million occupying an area of 910,768 square kilometers. These demographics led to development challenges for which major efforts were made to overcome.8. Today, we grapple with multiple challenges with a population exceeding 200million occupying the same land mass but 52% residing in urban areas.9. Sixty years of nationhood provides an opportunity to ask ourselves questions on the extent to which we have sustained the aspirations of our founding fathers. Where did we do the right things? Are we on course? If not where did we stray and how can we remedy and retrace our steps?10. Upon attaining independence, Nigeria’s growth trajectory was anchored on policies and programmes that positively impacted on all sectors of the economy. However, this journey was cut short by the 30-months of civil war.11. We came out of the civil war with a focus on reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation that enabled the country to put in place world class development structures and a strengthened public service that well served the government. This positive trajectory continued with a return to democratic government which was truncated by another round of military rule.12. For a cumulative 29 of our 60 years existence as a nation, we have been under military rule.13. My summary of our journey so far as a nation is necessary to appropriately chart where we need to go and how to get there TOGETHER.14. Today, I am aware that our economy along with every single economy in the world is in crisis. We still face security challenges in parts of the country, while our society suffers from a high loss of moral rectitude which is driven by unbridled craving for political control.15. An underlying cause of most of the problems we have faced as a nation is our consistent harping on artificially contrived fault-lines that we have harboured and allowed unnecessarily to fester.16. In addition, institutions such as civil service, police, the judiciary, the military all suffered from a general decline.17. We need to begin a sincere process of national healing and this anniversary presents a genuine opportunity to eliminate old and outworn perceptions that are always put to test in the lie they always are.18. The stereotype of thinking of ourselves as coming from one part of the country before seeing ourselves as Nigerians is a key starting point to project us on the road to our deserved nation’s evolution and integration.19. To start this healing process, we are already blessed with the most important asset any nation requires for such – OUR PEOPLE – and this has manifested globally in the exploits of Nigerians in many fields.20. It has been demonstrated time and time again that Nigerians in the diaspora frequently excel in science, technology, medicine, sports, arts and many other fields.21. Similarly, the creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Nigerian at home have resulted in globally recognized endeavours.22. I am convinced that if we pursue our aspirations TOGETHER we would be able to achieve whatever we desire. That informed our adopting the theme TOGETHER to mark this epochal event.23. Together we can change our condition for the better and more importantly, together we can do much more for ourselves and for our country.24. I chose the path of self-reflection because this is what I do on a daily basis and I must confess that at most times, I always felt the need for a collective reflection as I know that the foundation for a solid future which this administration is laying can only be sustainable if there is a collective commitment by Nigerians.25. Nigeria is not a country for Mr. President, any ruling or opposition party but a country for all of us and we must play our part, irrespective of challenges we face, to make this country what we desire.26. To achieve this, we must focus our minds, TOGETHER as a people, on ways of resolving the identified critical challenges that underlie our present state. These include:
a. Evolving and sustaining a democratic culture that leaves power in the hands of the people;
b. Supporting the enthronement of the rule of law, demanding accountability of elected representatives and contributing to good governance;
c. Increasing our commitment to peaceful co-existence in a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria;
d. Harnessing and Optimizing our tremendous human and natural resources to attain our goal of being in the top twenty economies of the world and in the process;
e. Lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years;
f. Strengthening institutions to make them stronger in protecting National Interests; and
g. Imbibing tolerance in diversity.27. I am a firm believer in transparent, free, fair and credible elections as has been demonstrated during my period as a democratically elected President.28. The recent build-up and eventual outcome of the Edo State elections should encourage Nigerians that it is my commitment to bequeath to this country processes and procedures that would guarantee that the people’s votes count.29. The problems with our electoral process are mainly human induced as desperate desire for power leads to desperate attempts to gain power and office.30. Democracy, the world over and as I am pursuing in Nigeria, recognizes the power of the people. However, if some constituencies choose to bargain off their power, they should be prepared for denial of their rights.31. This call is made more urgent if we realise that even after a transparent, free, fair and credible election, desperation leads to compromising the judiciary to upturn legitimate decisions of the people.32. It is necessary to, therefore support the enthronement of the rule of law by avoiding actions which compromise the judiciary.33. Fellow Nigerians, our history has shown that we are a people that have the capacity to live peacefully with one another.34. As a government, we remain committed to our constitutional oath of securing the lives and properties of the citizenry. I, however, call on the citizenry to also support government by providing the necessary community level intelligence in addressing these challenges.35. In moving forward together, it is important to strengthen our economy to provide sustainable means of livelihood for as many Nigerians as possible so as to eradicate absolute poverty from our midst.36. I want to re-emphasize my dedication and commitment, a dedication and commitment that propelled my public service career and informed my quest to continually seek for an opportunity to improve the lives of Nigerians, set the country on the path of prosperity and lead the country to a better future.37. This administration has been focused on rebuilding and laying the foundations for a sustainable Nigeria. Of course, we have met and are still meeting the challenges inherent in any rebuilding initiative – more so that of a nation like Nigeria that has undergone avoidable levels of deprivation – but can be surmounted if we all work together.38. I wish to re-iterate that our people and our spirit of excellence remains our most important asset.39. In this wise, the need to return to our age-old ethical and high moral values would be necessary and this informed my launching of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy on Monday 28th September, 2020.40. The policy would not implement itself and the first contact of the visibility of its implementation is the Public Service whose on-going reforms would be expected to be sustainable and give a radical re-direction in providing services to all Nigerians.41. Fellow Nigerians, in addition to public health challenges of working to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, we have suffered a significant drop in our foreign exchange earnings and internal revenues due to 40 per cent drop in oil prices and steep drop in economic activities, leading to a 60 per cent drop in government revenue.42. Our government is grappling with the dual challenge of saving lives and livelihoods in face of drastically reduced resources.43. In this regard, sustaining the level of petroleum prices is no longer possible. The government, since coming into office has recognized the economic argument for adjusting the price of petroleum. But the social argument about the knock-on effect of any adjustment weighed heavily with the government.44. Accordingly, in the last three years, we have introduced unprecedented measures in support of the economy and to the weakest members of our society in the shape of:
a. Tradermoni
b. Farmermoni
c. School Feeding Programme
d. Job creation efforts
e. Agricultural intervention programmes45. No government in the past did what we are doing with such scarce resources. We have managed to keep things going in spite of the disproportionate spending on security. Those in the previous Governments from 1999 – 2015 who presided over the near destruction of the country have now the impudence to attempt to criticize our efforts.46. In the circumstances, a responsible government must face realities and take tough decisions.47. Petroleum prices in Nigeria are to be adjusted. We sell now at N161 per litre. A comparison with our neighbours will illustrate the point;a. Chad which is an oil producing country charges N362 per litre
b. Niger, also an oil producing country sells 1 litre at N346.
c. In Ghana, another oil producing country, petroleum pump price is N326 per litre.48. Further afield, Egypt charges N211 per litre. Saudi Arabia charges N168 per litre. It makes no sense for oil to be cheaper in Nigeria than in Saudi Arabia.49. Fellow Nigerians, to achieve the great country we desire, we need to solidify our strength, increase our commitment and encourage ourselves to do that which is right and proper even when no one is watching.50. Fellow Nigerians, let us collectively resolve to continue our journey beyond the sixty years on the clear understanding that as a nation we are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities. By the special grace of God we shall come through any transient challenges.51. It is my sincere hope that by the end of this anniversary on September 30th 2021, we will all be proud of taking this individual and collective self-assessment for the progress of our great Nation.Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.God Bless us all. Thank you.

INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF
NIGERIA’S SIXTIETH INDEPENDENCE
ANNIVERSARY, THURSDAY
1ST OCTOBER 2020Fellow NigeriansI speak to you today as your President and fellow citizen on this epoch occasion of our country’s 60th independence Anniversary. As President, I wish to renew my appreciation to Nigerians for entrusting me with your hopes and aspirations for a better and greater Nigeria.2. Today, it is my unique privilege to re-commit myself to the service of this great country of great people with profound diversities and opportunities. We are bound by destiny to be the largest and greatest black nation on earth.3. At this stage in our nationhood it is important that we reflect how we got here to enable us work TOGETHER to get to where we aspire to be as a strong indivisible nation, united in hope and equal in opportunity.4. On October 1st 1960 when Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa received the constitutional instruments symbolizing Nigeria’s independence, he expressed his wish that having acquired our rightful status as an independent sovereign nation, history would record that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace.5. This optimism was anchored on the peaceful planning, full and open consultation and harmonious cooperation with the different groups which culminated in Nigeria emerging as a country without bitterness and bloodshed.6. Our founding fathers understood the imperative of structuring a National identity using the power of the state and worked towards unification of Nigerians in a politically stable and viable entity.7. That philosophy guided the foundation that was laid for our young nation of 45 million people with an urban population of approximately 7million occupying an area of 910,768 square kilometers. These demographics led to development challenges for which major efforts were made to overcome.8. Today, we grapple with multiple challenges with a population exceeding 200million occupying the same land mass but 52% residing in urban areas.9. Sixty years of nationhood provides an opportunity to ask ourselves questions on the extent to which we have sustained the aspirations of our founding fathers. Where did we do the right things? Are we on course? If not where did we stray and how can we remedy and retrace our steps?10. Upon attaining independence, Nigeria’s growth trajectory was anchored on policies and programmes that positively impacted on all sectors of the economy. However, this journey was cut short by the 30-months of civil war.11. We came out of the civil war with a focus on reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation that enabled the country to put in place world class development structures and a strengthened public service that well served the government. This positive trajectory continued with a return to democratic government which was truncated by another round of military rule.12. For a cumulative 29 of our 60 years existence as a nation, we have been under military rule.13. My summary of our journey so far as a nation is necessary to appropriately chart where we need to go and how to get there TOGETHER.14. Today, I am aware that our economy along with every single economy in the world is in crisis. We still face security challenges in parts of the country, while our society suffers from a high loss of moral rectitude which is driven by unbridled craving for political control.15. An underlying cause of most of the problems we have faced as a nation is our consistent harping on artificially contrived fault-lines that we have harboured and allowed unnecessarily to fester.16. In addition, institutions such as civil service, police, the judiciary, the military all suffered from a general decline.17. We need to begin a sincere process of national healing and this anniversary presents a genuine opportunity to eliminate old and outworn perceptions that are always put to test in the lie they always are.18. The stereotype of thinking of ourselves as coming from one part of the country before seeing ourselves as Nigerians is a key starting point to project us on the road to our deserved nation’s evolution and integration.19. To start this healing process, we are already blessed with the most important asset any nation requires for such – OUR PEOPLE – and this has manifested globally in the exploits of Nigerians in many fields.20. It has been demonstrated time and time again that Nigerians in the diaspora frequently excel in science, technology, medicine, sports, arts and many other fields.21. Similarly, the creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Nigerian at home have resulted in globally recognized endeavours.22. I am convinced that if we pursue our aspirations TOGETHER we would be able to achieve whatever we desire. That informed our adopting the theme TOGETHER to mark this epochal event.23. Together we can change our condition for the better and more importantly, together we can do much more for ourselves and for our country.24. I chose the path of self-reflection because this is what I do on a daily basis and I must confess that at most times, I always felt the need for a collective reflection as I know that the foundation for a solid future which this administration is laying can only be sustainable if there is a collective commitment by Nigerians.25. Nigeria is not a country for Mr. President, any ruling or opposition party but a country for all of us and we must play our part, irrespective of challenges we face, to make this country what we desire.26. To achieve this, we must focus our minds, TOGETHER as a people, on ways of resolving the identified critical challenges that underlie our present state. These include:
a. Evolving and sustaining a democratic culture that leaves power in the hands of the people;
b. Supporting the enthronement of the rule of law, demanding accountability of elected representatives and contributing to good governance;
c. Increasing our commitment to peaceful co-existence in a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria;
d. Harnessing and Optimizing our tremendous human and natural resources to attain our goal of being in the top twenty economies of the world and in the process;
e. Lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years;
f. Strengthening institutions to make them stronger in protecting National Interests; and
g. Imbibing tolerance in diversity.27. I am a firm believer in transparent, free, fair and credible elections as has been demonstrated during my period as a democratically elected President.28. The recent build-up and eventual outcome of the Edo State elections should encourage Nigerians that it is my commitment to bequeath to this country processes and procedures that would guarantee that the people’s votes count.29. The problems with our electoral process are mainly human induced as desperate desire for power leads to desperate attempts to gain power and office.30. Democracy, the world over and as I am pursuing in Nigeria, recognizes the power of the people. However, if some constituencies choose to bargain off their power, they should be prepared for denial of their rights.31. This call is made more urgent if we realise that even after a transparent, free, fair and credible election, desperation leads to compromising the judiciary to upturn legitimate decisions of the people.32. It is necessary to, therefore support the enthronement of the rule of law by avoiding actions which compromise the judiciary.33. Fellow Nigerians, our history has shown that we are a people that have the capacity to live peacefully with one another.34. As a government, we remain committed to our constitutional oath of securing the lives and properties of the citizenry. I, however, call on the citizenry to also support government by providing the necessary community level intelligence in addressing these challenges.35. In moving forward together, it is important to strengthen our economy to provide sustainable means of livelihood for as many Nigerians as possible so as to eradicate absolute poverty from our midst.36. I want to re-emphasize my dedication and commitment, a dedication and commitment that propelled my public service career and informed my quest to continually seek for an opportunity to improve the lives of Nigerians, set the country on the path of prosperity and lead the country to a better future.37. This administration has been focused on rebuilding and laying the foundations for a sustainable Nigeria. Of course, we have met and are still meeting the challenges inherent in any rebuilding initiative – more so that of a nation like Nigeria that has undergone avoidable levels of deprivation – but can be surmounted if we all work together.38. I wish to re-iterate that our people and our spirit of excellence remains our most important asset.39. In this wise, the need to return to our age-old ethical and high moral values would be necessary and this informed my launching of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy on Monday 28th September, 2020.40. The policy would not implement itself and the first contact of the visibility of its implementation is the Public Service whose on-going reforms would be expected to be sustainable and give a radical re-direction in providing services to all Nigerians.41. Fellow Nigerians, in addition to public health challenges of working to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, we have suffered a significant drop in our foreign exchange earnings and internal revenues due to 40 per cent drop in oil prices and steep drop in economic activities, leading to a 60 per cent drop in government revenue.42. Our government is grappling with the dual challenge of saving lives and livelihoods in face of drastically reduced resources.43. In this regard, sustaining the level of petroleum prices is no longer possible. The government, since coming into office has recognized the economic argument for adjusting the price of petroleum. But the social argument about the knock-on effect of any adjustment weighed heavily with the government.44. Accordingly, in the last three years, we have introduced unprecedented measures in support of the economy and to the weakest members of our society in the shape of:
a. Tradermoni
b. Farmermoni
c. School Feeding Programme
d. Job creation efforts
e. Agricultural intervention programmes45. No government in the past did what we are doing with such scarce resources. We have managed to keep things going in spite of the disproportionate spending on security. Those in the previous Governments from 1999 – 2015 who presided over the near destruction of the country have now the impudence to attempt to criticize our efforts.46. In the circumstances, a responsible government must face realities and take tough decisions.47. Petroleum prices in Nigeria are to be adjusted. We sell now at N161 per litre. A comparison with our neighbours will illustrate the point;a. Chad which is an oil producing country charges N362 per litre
b. Niger, also an oil producing country sells 1 litre at N346.
c. In Ghana, another oil producing country, petroleum pump price is N326 per litre.48. Further afield, Egypt charges N211 per litre. Saudi Arabia charges N168 per litre. It makes no sense for oil to be cheaper in Nigeria than in Saudi Arabia.49. Fellow Nigerians, to achieve the great country we desire, we need to solidify our strength, increase our commitment and encourage ourselves to do that which is right and proper even when no one is watching.50. Fellow Nigerians, let us collectively resolve to continue our journey beyond the sixty years on the clear understanding that as a nation we are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities. By the special grace of God we shall come through any transient challenges.51. It is my sincere hope that by the end of this anniversary on September 30th 2021, we will all be proud of taking this individual and collective self-assessment for the progress of our great Nation.Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.God Bless us all. Thank you.

FUNERAL ACTIVITIES OF OBAALA OF ILARE BEGINS TODAY

… AS I.D.A SAYS ‘HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED’

The funeral ceremony of the late Obaala of Ilare, High Chief Akanbi Awomewe Fabunmi who died on 20th September, 2020 commences today with lying in state in the Olofa Decedants’ hall at Oke-Eyindi area, Ilare, by 2:00pm.

The Cultural rites in honour of the deceased in the town and the Christian Wake Keep will also hold by 5:00pm in his residence, Oke-Eyindi area, Ilare-Ìjẹ̀sà tomorrow.

A release by the children, which was made available to Nigerian Platform states that the Funeral Service will come up at the Methodist Church, Ilare on Saturday by 10:00 am, while interment holds in his House, Oke-Eyindi, Ilare and entertainment of guests at St. Francis Catholic School Premises on the same day.

The late Chief Akanbi Awomewe Fabunmi was a philantopist, a devout Methodist and community leader who spent his life for the services of God and humanity.

Meanwhile, the leadership of Ilare Development Association has described his death as a colossal loss to the town.

The President and Secretary of the umbrella association of the Ilare indigenes, Sir Oyedeji Olajubu and Oloye Tope Abiola, while commiserating with the Owalare of Ilare, Oba Adejoro Otebolaku and his Council, remarked that the late Obaala of Ilare would be greatly missed in the community for his sterling leadership roles in the Socio-economic development of the town.