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#EndSWAT: Nigerian Protesters Reject IGP’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Call For Complete Police Reform

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4 years ago

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Nigerian protesters have rejected the newly set up Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team by the Inspector General of the Police, Mohammed Adamu on Tuesday.

The protesters who have walked major cities across the country, calling for an end to police brutality, harassments, killings, and extortions say the newly formed SWAT is no different from the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Taking to social media, the protesters who have blocked off major roads especially in the commercial city of Lagos say they want a wholesale reform of the Nigerian Police Force.

A Twitter user, Joel urged the youths to stand firm against SWAT. “If we stand in unity to fight against our common enemy, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Let us take away ethnicity, let us take away religious belief, let us all come out as one. We are unbreakable, we are unstoppable and we shall achieve #EndSWAT,” he wrote.

Ajibola reckons that the move of the IGP was designed to end the protest but not end the brutality. “Same people, different name. We don’t want SWAT. #EndSWAT now,” he tweeted.

Demagogue Ph.D. said the demands of the protesters are clear. “We are clear with our demand. Disband SARS and never allow them back into the force. SWAT is a good idea, but it turns sour when you know that the recruits are the same murderous men of now-disbanded SARS. We have sane able-bodied men who can do the job. For this I join #EndSWAT,” he said.

Boaz Abigail urged Nigerian leaders to be more accountable to the citizens. “Enough of the police brutality and bad governance. We are all we have and should be allowed the right to defend what we stand for. Is it too much to ask that our leaders be responsible and accountable to the people whose taxes pay their salaries? Woman shrugging #EndSWAT,” she said.

The protesters have vowed to continue on Wednesday as they seek more reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

On Tuesday, the IG of Police had in a statement signed by Frank Mba, the police spokesperson noted that the SWAT team will fill the gaps arising from the dissolution of the defunct SARS.

He said, “Prospective members of this new team will also undergo a psychological and medical examination to ascertain their fitness and eligibility for the new assignment.

“They are to commence training at the different Police tactical training institutions nationwide, next week.

“While personnel from the Police Commands in the South-East and the South-South will be trained at the Counter-Terrorism College, Nonwa-Tai, Rivers State, those from the Police Commands from the North and the South-West will be trained at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende, Nasarawa State, and the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, respectively.

“While reaffirming his irrevocable commitment towards the successful and holistic implementation of the Police reforms, the IGP enjoins members of the public, particularly protesting citizens to exercise restraint and allow measures being put in place to come to fruition and engender a Police Force that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the citizenry,” the statement said.

See more tweets from Nigerians below:

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>You can’t make bitter-Kola sweet by changing its name to honey overnight, and you can’t change FSARS to angels by changing their name to SWAT overnight. After Saul repented, he went to the Arabian desert for 3 years<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/SARSMUSTGO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SARSMUSTGO</a><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/SARSMUSTEND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SARSMUSTEND</a><a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria</a></p>&mdash; Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) <a href=”https://twitter.com/renoomokri/status/1316270655176765440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>See what NYSC sent to their corp members. Disgraceful 🤦🏾‍♂️ <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENDSARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ENDSARS</a> <a href=”https://t.co/D5hZiNLCbW”>pic.twitter.com/D5hZiNLCbW</a></p>&mdash; FEMI (@BrodaFemo) <a href=”https://twitter.com/BrodaFemo/status/1316274022401880064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Notice how we are also demanding for a better pay for the Nigerian police in our agitation? <br><br>Yet those unfortunate illiterate bastards will shoot and kill us without a second thought if given the order. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENDSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ENDSWAT</a></p>&mdash; Kelvin Odanz (@MrOdanz) <a href=”https://twitter.com/MrOdanz/status/1316269311225483266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>They&#39;ve brought Sega to sprinkle a little bit of confusion and disarray inside our movement. The devil works but we work harder! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENDSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#ENDSWAT</a></p>&mdash; PEGASUS🌍 (@LifeofPegasus) <a href=”https://twitter.com/LifeofPegasus/status/1316274746175225857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>This Government know what they are doing… They want to use this power tussle to divide us and they are slowly getting it… We mustn&#39;t allow them… This is the time to focus on what we want ..🙏🏽🇳🇬✊🏽<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouthDemocraticParty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#YouthDemocraticParty</a> <a href=”https://t.co/s6dmNHrqdH”>pic.twitter.com/s6dmNHrqdH</a></p>&mdash; A Romantic Letter To You ✒️😍💝 (@ink_seun) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ink_seun/status/1316275105530552320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>How can Debola Williams represent us in a meeting during the ongoing protest? Where was he when we all started this online. Youth don suffer!! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a></p>&mdash; Esv. Adesewa✨ (@DuchessT_) <a href=”https://twitter.com/DuchessT_/status/1316275373714354176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Normally I’d be pissed being in this traffic but right now, I’m joyfully chilling in this car. We reach office when we reach office. <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a></p>&mdash; Elsie Godwin (@ELSiEiSY) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ELSiEiSY/status/1316276494386200576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>When we are done with this police nonsense, we are coming for everything else.<br><br>All the youths scrambling for power now, take note. No try us.<br><br>You be our mate, so there will be no talk of respect your elders.<a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> <a href=”https://t.co/DtIIt3UxFg”>pic.twitter.com/DtIIt3UxFg</a></p>&mdash; Ijeoma (@Ijeoma551) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Ijeoma551/status/1316276157592088576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Please guys, read this, <br>We must maintain a peaceful protest , if you must fight, use your voice, our voice is the strongest weapon we can use <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouthDemocraticParty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#YouthDemocraticParty</a> <br>Pamilerin <a href=”https://t.co/au5qv4Tggh”>pic.twitter.com/au5qv4Tggh</a></p>&mdash; sinachi👑 ❤️ (@Nachi_sam) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Nachi_sam/status/1316275063298109440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>No Talk Anything, Just Retweet! <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#SWAT</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/EndSWAT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#EndSWAT</a> ✊🏾🇳🇬 <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoDeyShootUs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NoDeyShootUs</a> <a href=”https://t.co/O1HioBi2pC”>pic.twitter.com/O1HioBi2pC</a></p>&mdash; Man United in Pidgin (@ManUtdInPidgin) <a href=”https://twitter.com/ManUtdInPidgin/status/1316276399792103434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>October 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

 

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BIG STORY

National Assembly Passes Life Imprisonment Bill For Nigerian Drug Traffickers

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5 hours ago

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November 23, 2024

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In a bid to tackle drug-related crimes, the National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, introducing life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers.

This comes after the Senate and House of Representatives adopted the harmonised report on the amendment.

Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, presented the report, highlighting that the amendment introduces stricter penalties to deter drug-related crimes.

“Any person who unlawfully engages in the storage, custody, movement, carriage or concealment of dangerous drugs or controlled substances and, while doing so, is armed with an offensive weapon or disguised in any manner, commits an offence under this Act and is liable, upon conviction, to life imprisonment,” Monguno said.

The Senate approved the amendment through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, which was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

In addition, the Senate passed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2024, aimed at replacing the 2004 RMAFC Act. Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, stressed the need for the commission’s reform, citing Nigeria’s declining revenue and increasing population.

“The Act, last revised over 20 years ago, no longer reflects Nigeria’s evolving economic realities. This bill proposes additional funding and a restructured operational framework for the commission to improve its efficiency,” Abdullahi explained.

He further emphasised the need for adequate funding from the Federation Account for the RMAFC to effectively carry out its constitutional duties.

The bill, passed after deliberations and a majority vote, now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become law.

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UPDATE: We’re Ready To Provide Evidence For Trial Of Simon Ekpa — Enugu Government

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7 hours ago

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November 23, 2024

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The Enugu State Government has expressed its readiness and willingness to provide evidence to assist in the prosecution of Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland on Thursday over allegations of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria.

Enugu State Government made this offer in a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.

In the statement, the Enugu State Government also commended the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Ekpa, whom it described as “the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots.”

The Enugu State Government further referred to Simon Ekpa as “a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.”

It added that Ekpa “is a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery.”

“Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.”

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.”

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.”

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.”

“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work.”

“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.

Ekpa was arrested and detained alongside four other suspects by the government of Finland on charges of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria, according to local newspapers in the European country.

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Much Ado About Meddlesome Minions, And Messengers Of Misinformation — By Tayo Williams

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7 hours ago

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November 23, 2024

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There is a growing phalanx of pseudo-intellectuals parading the social media space with faux and fictitious knowledge of the indigenous oil and gas industry, and it is scary because of the grave danger they portend and present for the average Nigerian.

From X (formerly known as Twitter) to Facebook and even the photos and videos-sharing site, Instagram, they abound, in their inglorious number, lending their platforms to deliberately distort facts and spread misinformation especially to favour the narratives propounded by popular Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, owner of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Since the refinery began operations earlier in the year, it has been one week, one controversy allegedly orchestrated by Dangote in a brazen attempt to arm-twist the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, into playing by his rules.

Those conversant with the modus operandi of Dangote and his refinery say the long-drawn warfare with every institution and individual in the oil and gas value chain is nothing but a self-seeking and mindless profit maximisation tactic.

Whilst nobody begrudges Dangote’s drive for profit as a businessman, perhaps he needs to be reminded that the NNPC has a mandate to ensure and provide energy security in a way that is affordable and sustainable for the generality of Nigerians. And, the NNPCL management has declared in very unambiguous terms that it would not pander to the din of the market whether orchestrated by Dangote, his rampaging minions or anyone else.

The truth, however, is that there is an increasing army of vacuous, vicious, and vile individuals strutting the social media space defending and propagating outright and outlandish falsehoods. Of particular concern is one Kelvin Emmanuel who has become the unofficial mouthpiece of the Dangote Refinery. Going from one media house to the other, he pulls figures out of the air and projects obnoxious untruths on hapless Nigerians. With the backing of his paymaster’s billions, it is no surprise that this otherwise irrelevant and fatuous character now commands appearances on major television stations.

But it is on X that he has made lying glibly and gratuitously the Holy Grail. He once premised Dangote’s inability to secure feedstock for his refinery on the government and the NNPCL. While peddling this untruth, he conveniently forgets that the refinery had a seven-year window, during its construction phase, to lock in feedstock supplies that could last a minimum of five years. Dangote did none of that. As it would later unfold, his game plan, which Emmanuel glossed over, was to monopolise equity oil and production quotas to serve his business interests.

Another deliberate misinformation from the Dangote camp was the allegation that International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other industry players were trying to sabotage his interests. Apart from being an investor in the Dangote Refinery, the NNPC still supplies gas to various Dangote companies across Nigeria. How can anyone or any institution jeopardise their investment? What further proof of faith does Dangote and his minions need to know that the NNPC is their cheerleader, and is here to make operating in the industry seamless and a win-win for all?

Echoing Dangote’s baseless stance, Emmanuel also called for the sack of Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), regulators of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream value chain. By Emmanuel’s warped reckoning, Ahmed had no locus to speak against Dangote or his enterprise because the latter questioned the quality of the product from Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in comparison with imported ones. Of course, Emmanuel’s was a lone voice in the wilderness because those who understand the invaluable role that the NMDPRA plays in the industry did not as much as dignify his tirade with a glance.

In a robust response to Emmanuel’s groundswell of egregious lies, Ibrahim Y. Kabo, a petroleum engineer based in Abuja, described him as “Someone who has not seen the inside of a refinery before Dangote built one, let alone understood the mechanism of the energy industry, …(yet) assuming the role of an authority in oil and gas matters.”

He went further to lampoon Emmanuel for stating that only Dangote Refinery’s products meet specifications while others are all sub-standard. “The obvious question is: whose specifications? For a refinery that has barely made four of seven pre-inauguration certifications, it sounds somehow laughable to suddenly assume the role of regulator in an industry you’ve barely entered,” Kabo said.

In the article, entitled, “The Hand of Aliko, the Voice of Kelvin: Inside Dangote Refinery’s Media Stunt Lab”, Kabo declared that from all Emmanuel’s interviews and pretensions to be an industry expert, one thing is obvious: “He lacks an understanding of both the mandate and the reach of NNPC as a national oil company.”

Kabo adds that, “Downstream is the least of NNPC’s business interests. The mandate, as per PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), is to facilitate both the extraction and commercialization of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. 20 billion dollars may be a lot, but NNPC and industry regulators routinely handle projects of that magnitude. At best, Dangote and (Emmanuel’s) ranting are an irritation. I believe that’s why NNPC openly declared it was not interested in being Dangote’s off-taker.”

Like the Yoruba saying goes, derision does not stop the sweetness of the honey. The meddlesome minions and messengers of misinformation can continue dancing naked in the marketplace, but what is most important is that the NNPCL has assured that it will not cease doing everything in its capacity “to harness the possibilities of oil and gas, address energy demand and drive the national economy, and become the number one oil producer and supplier in Africa.”

 

Tayo Williams is a Lagos-based media executive

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