NEWS
#EndSARS Enquiry Report: Sanwo-Olu Sues for Peace
…Promises Peace Walk, Whitepaper on Schedule
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The executive governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged Lagosians to eschew sentiments and focus on peace to strengthen the state’s economy which will fuel the individual aspirations.
In a statewide broadcast, on Tuesday evening on the #EndSARS Panel of Enquiry Report, the governor said, “our State deserves true healing after the disturbances that trailed last year’s protests against police brutality.
“It is only the sustenance of harmony that can guarantee the realisation of aspirations of all residents.”
He admonished the public to await the whitepaper on the investigation panel’s report instead of being carried away with sentiments being whipped up by grapevine.
Sanwo-Olu stressed “the importance of ensuring harmony following the recent public debate on the unauthorised leak of the panel of Enquiry Report on #EndSARS.
“I appeal to Lagosians to reject those fueling anarchy and suspicion, clinging to unsubstantiated belief that carries no weight of verifiable evidence and choosing emotion over hard facts.”
He said that his administration was working on restoring harmony among the various segments of the society by facilitating better communication between the youths and security operatives, while he would be leading a peace walk in December to aid bonding by the sensitive segments of the society.
In his words, “The State is currently faced with the hard choice of restoring harmony or doing itself a great harm.
“Our administration is ready to facilitate better communication between the youths and the State’s security machinery to resolve issues before they become intractable.
“To quicken recovery and engender a better understanding, I will lead ‘A Walk for Peace’ in December to herald the healing of the land.
“I have extended an open invitation to the youths, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society groups, students and the media as well as other stakeholders to join me in this Peace Walk.”
The governor emphasised that the citizens must rise up to the challenge of building, instead of tearing down the State and commended the resilience of the people that has helped the State build on the ruins of last year’s civil disobedience to sustain the vibrancy of the economy.
“Let me reiterate that nobody will build this city for us. Let us show the world whom we are. We are Lagosians! A people of great renown, driven by the irrepressible spirit of Lagos.
“It is a testimony to our strength and resilience as a people that, despite the huge losses incurred because of these terrible incidents, we have bounced back, with our economy as vibrant and virile as ever.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that our prospects are as bright as ever and the best lies ahead of Lagos State and Nigeria,” he added.
He promised that the state government would soon issue an official report on the judicial panel of inquiry with a view to drawing the cotton on a sad aspect of the nation’s history.
“On the mixed reactions following the release of the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, our administration is committed to a process that would bring a closure to a painful episode in the history of the State as the White Paper will be issued later in the day in keeping to my earlier promise to release it within two weeks,” the governor said.
A helicopter carrying President Ebrahim Raisi yencountered a “hard landing” on Sunday.
According to report, the incident took place near Jolfa, a city situated on the border with Azerbaijan, within Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, approximately 600 kilometers northwest of Tehran.
However, details regarding the incident were not disclosed.
The Associated Press noted uncertainty regarding whether bh Raisi was onboard the helicopter during the incident.
Despite rescue efforts, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and wind, have hindered access to the site, according to state TV.
Before the helicopter incident, President Ebrahim Raisi had been in Azerbaijan on Sunday to participate in the inauguration of a dam alongside Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
This dam marks the third joint construction project between the two nations on the Aras River.
Despite Iran’s diverse helicopter fleet, obtaining parts is hindered by international sanctions, with much of its military air fleet dating back to pre-1979 Islamic Revolution era.
Raisi, aged 63, is known for his hard-line stance and previously served as the country’s judiciary leader.
Considered a protégé of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, some analysts speculate that Raisi could succeed the 85-year-old leader in the event of his resignation or demise.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.The Democratic Republic of Congo’s military prevented an attempted coup on Sunday near President Felix Tshisekedi’s offices in Kinshasa, as reported by an army spokesperson.
According to him, the plot, involving both foreigners and Congolese citizens, unfolded in the early hours outside the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe in the Gombe district, close to the president’s offices at the Palais de la Nation.
General Sylvain Ekenge announced on national television that the defence and security forces had successfully thwarted the coup attempt.
He said “An attempted coup d’etat has been stopped by the defence and security forces. The foreigners and Congolese…including their leader” would “all no longer cause any harm”.
Shots were heard near the Palais de la Nation during the attempted coup, as confirmed by various sources.
General Ekenge didn’t elaborate further on the incident, and AFP’s attempts to get additional information from official sources remain unanswered.
However by late morning, the city appeared calm.
Early social media reports suggested an armed attack on Kamerhe’s residence, with some assailants heading towards the Palais de la Nation.
“This morning, there was an armed attack at the residence of the economy minister,” wrote Japan’s ambassador Hidetoshi Ogawa on X.
He stated that Kamerhe “was not harmed, but two policemen and an assailant were killed according to sources.”
France’s ambassador reported hearing automatic weapons fire in the area and advised French nationals to steer clear of the location.
Videos circulating on social media depicted individuals in military attire at the Palais de la Nation, waving flags of Zaire, the former name of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the regime of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who was ousted in 1997.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has dismissed all transition committee chairmen in the state’s 21 local government areas.
This decision was detailed in a letter titled “Expiration of Tenure and Handover to Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLGAs),” dated May 17, 2024, and signed by Collins Nwabunwanne, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs.
According to the letter, the directive will be effective starting Monday, May 20, 2024.
The letter read, “Following the expiration of your tenure as Transition Committee Chairman, you are hereby directed to handover the affairs of your Local Government Council to the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), in your respective Local Government Councils.
“This directive takes effect from Monday, 20th day of May, 2024. Thank you for your service to the state. All replies to be addressed to the Honourable Commissioner.”
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