THE RESTORATION OF BIAFRA NATION

  Patrick Odey, Uyo The President Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association Incorporated, Rev. Uma Ukpai, on Wednesday flayed agitation for Biafra being championed by the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, and the Indigenous people of Brafra, describing those behind it as crazy people. According to him, any one agitating for Biafra at this point goes to show the level of their madness, adding, however, that “everybody is mad; the difference is in the level of madness.” Ukpai said these in his Office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State onWednesday “There will always be crazy people, even when people are seen to be normal. Whoever is agitating for Biafra shows the level of his madness, but everybody is mad, the difference is the level of your madness,” the cleric said. However, he emphasised that it was normal and proper that every zone should be given the chance to lead, adding that the South-East had not led Nigeria before. He also gave an assessment of Nigeria, saying that ...

  A former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday said the Nigerian government should provide an enabling environment for the Anti-Special Robbery Squad, SARS, protesters across the country. Atiku said the Nigerian government should provide a non-toxic environment for youths to protest. He made the call while declaring his support for the ongoing anti-SARS protest nationwide. In a series of tweets, the former Vice President, said a new policy that would enthrone the interest of Nigerians should be considered by the government. Atiku tweeted: “Nigerians should be provided with a non-toxic environment for #EndSARSProtests. It is their constitutional right and an ingredient of democracy. “They deserve to be heard and not killed or maimed. “I stand with you all as you peacefully protest to #EndPoliceBrutality and enthrone a new policing order that underscores interest of the citizens.”

  Music superstar, Ayo Balogun, also known as Wizkid, has mocked Lauretta Onochie. Onochie is President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Assistant on Social Media. On Friday, Wizkid tweeted at her, wondering why she’s not protesting like other mothers. “@Laurestar old woman…. “see your mates” God bless every woman #EndSARS”. The tweet was in reaction to a march against SARS by hundreds of women in Lagos. They asked that authorities proscribe SARS for their extra-judicial activities. “Stop killing our children, they are the leaders of tomorrow”, they chanted. Some days ago, Wizkid called President Buhari an old man. This was after the Nigerian leader wished United States President Donald Trump recovery after he tested positive for COVID-19.

  PENDULUM BY DELE MOMODU  Fellow Nigerians, the resistance against the oppression of mostly defenceless Nigerians by officers of the Nigeria Police special squad, known as SARS, came to a deafening crescendo this week. It was never a prophecy foretold. However, thanks to the young men and women who put up amazingly coordinated protests in a few major cities, the #EndSarsProtests hashtag trended and resonated in far-flung places. The movement has gathered momentum and it is imperative that it is kept going. If we sustain this social galvanising of our people against police brutality and intimidation, I foresee that it will be the precursor for successful engagements with those in power on the many more battles that lie ahead, and the manner in which we can crush those who would abuse us and our sensibilities, and even threaten our lives. It is somewhat distressing and disappointing though that some influential Nigerians, including my humble self, bore the brunt of the misplace...

  Ahead of Friday's match against Algeria in Austria, Super Eagles stars have joined their compatriots to demand an end to police harassment Nigeria  captain Ahmed Musa, Leon Balogun, John Ogu, former goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and  Chelsea  loanee Malang Sarr are among players who have joined youths in the West African country in calling for an end to police brutality. Nigerian youths took to the streets in large numbers on Friday to protest against the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit in the Nigeria Police Force. Unlike other security outfits, SARS officials do not wear the usual police uniforms but they reportedly harass the public while discharging their duties across Nigeria. After several injustices which include extortion and killings, youths are demanding a total ban of their operation, after previous efforts by the government to reform and reorganise the unit. Earlier this year, a Remo Stars defender Tiyamiyu Ka...

  Players in the Nigeria national team have identified with the widespread call to end police brutality in the country. Protests have been going on simultaneously across the country as many have expressed their reservation particularly against the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit in the  Nigeria Police Force . SARS officials have been accused of harassing the public while discharging their duties across Nigeria and they have even been fingered in the death of scores also. In different tweet messages on Friday,  Ahmed Musa , Leon Balogun, John Ogu and many others all spoke against police brutality on citizens. Ahmed Musa wrote: “In a world where genuine love for ourselves seems to be so scarce, I sincerely pray that the right thing is done to put an end to the strife. #EndNorthBanditry #EndPoliceBrutality”. He wrote: “The reasons for the #EndSARSProtests have just come to my attention via very disturbing images & tweets. It is never good when...

  Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he met with the Inspector General of Police over the continued extrajudicial activities of the notorious police unit Special Anti-Robbery Squad. “I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt,” Buhari tweeted. “I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people,” he added. Nigerians in Abuja, Oyo, Lagos, Edo, and some other states across the country have taken to the streets to demand the total disbandment of the SARS police unit. There were more than 2.4 million tweets with #EndSARS on Friday. Several celebrities also expressed support for the movement. The squad has been accused of been notorious and their notoriety has been described as one that defies human comprehension and reeks of outright incompetence, deliberate violations of human rights, extra-judicial...