EndSars Protests: Media Houses Set Ablaze And Other Updates

Media Houses Set Ablaze

Yesterday witnessed the imposition of a curfew by Governor Sanwo Olu on Lagos state Nigeria. Yesterday also witnessed the Lagos Massacre that claimed Young Nigerian Lives. On Wednesday 21st October, protesters defy government orders and take to the streets. Since then, incidents of arson have been witnessed in many parts of Lagos state. 

Properties of former Lagos state governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu have been particularly targeted. These properties include the Television continental popularly known as TVC and the Nation Newspaper. Both renowned media houses in the country.

The TVC were in the middle of a broadcast about the Lekki shootings when hoodlums attacked their gates. The perpetrators of this act seem to think that Bola Tinubu is responsible for the incident that took place at Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday 20th October. 

Video: (Nation Newspaper)

Video: (TVC)

It is worthy to note that yesterday, Tinubu in an interview made the following statements:

“The protesters have made considerable gains within a very short period. But they should also be careful not to fritter away such gains due to lack of moderation and strategic thinking. 

However, the protesters must be careful not to set the stage for the erosion or destruction of the same democratic process that gives them the freedom and right to protest in the first place.”

Source: Sahara Reporters

He also firmly denied sponsoring the hoodlums hijacking the protests and urged protesters to give the government time to meet their demands. His comments seem to have fallen on deaf ears, however, as hoodlums fell on his businesses, setting fire to them. 

On hearing the news, some Nigerians on Twitter have these to say.

“Our prayers are with the fire.”

“We will set up a panel to discuss it.” 

“There is no fire, just as there was no death at Lekki Tollgate.” 

Ex President Obasanjo Advises President Buhari Against Killing Protesters

In an open letter, former president of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo addressed President Buhari. He addressed some salient issues, some of the statements he made are:

“When people are desperate and feel that they cannot have confidence in the ability of the government to provide security for their lives and properties, they will take recourse to anything and everything that can guarantee their security individually and collectively.

The main issue, if I may dare say, is poor management or mismanagement of diversity which, on the other hand, is one of our greatest and most important assets. As a result, a very onerous cloud is gathering. And the rain of destruction, violence, disaster, and disunity can only be the outcome. Nothing should be taken for granted, the clock is ticking with the cacophony of dissatisfaction and disaffection everywhere in and outside the country. The Presidency and the Congress in the US have signaled to us to put our house in order. The House of Lords in the UK had debated the Nigerian security situation. We must understand and appreciate the significance, implication, and likely consequences of such concerns and deliberations.

No one can stop hate speech, violent agitation, and smoldering violent agitation if he fans the embers of hatred, disaffection, and violence. It will continue to snowball until it is out of control.” An old saying:

“A stitch in time saves nine,”

Source: Punch Newspaper

President Buhari is yet to reply to his letter. 

CSP Nwafor Allegedly Apprehended In Ghana

Captain James Nwafor, the police officer responsible for killing Chijioke and hundreds of other young men in Awka, Anambra Nigeria has allegedly been spotted and apprehended in Ghana. He was said to have fled his home in Awka a few days ago with his family. 

A one million naira bounty has been placed on his head by the Nigerian youths. 

Ghanaian President Addresses Nigerians 

These last few weeks, demands by Nigerians for an address by their president Muhammadu Buhari have been met with silence. Today, Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s president, addressed Nigerians in a thread on Twitter. See thread below

“I join all well-meaning persons in calling for calm and the use of dialogue in resolving the #EndSARS impasse in Nigeria. I have spoken with President Buhari, who is committed to this end and has begun the processes that will lead to reform. 

Violence, be it on the part of the Police or protesters, cannot be the solution. To the families who have lost their loved ones, I express my sincere condolences, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery. 2/2 #EndSARS” 

More Updates Soon