Koffi Tha Guru in an interview with our reporter said that the comedy, music and other activities to mark the event were earlier billed for Oct. 28.

“It is with deep regret and respect for those who lost their lives in the #EndSARS protests that we have to postpone the event till it is most convenient to laugh again.

“We take cognisance of the sad development that occurred precisely last week, which is still very fresh in our memories. We are indeed sorry for the inconvenience.

“Besides, there is curfew in town now and we cannot afford to go contrary to the state government’s directive because it will not be convenient for people to make it,” he said.

According to Koffi, the comedy, music and other events showed earlier slated for 6pm would have featured Alibaba, Gbenga Adeyinka, MC Abbey, Omobaba, Akpororo, Efe Warriboy, MC Shaggy and others.

“It was meant to be a fun-filled and laughter event as veterans and rising stars in the comedy and music sector would have been on ground to entertain the audience,” he added.

Koffi Tha Guru, who is also an Ambassador of Peace, urged all Nigerians to be positive minded and contribute their quota towards national development.

The post #EndSARS: Freedom Park’s 10th Anniversary postponed to honour victims appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Lawan announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

He said the NASS would also ensure that the government fulfils the commitment it has made to the youths agitating for police reform and good governance.

“I want to re-assure our youths that the NASS will collaborate with the Executives to ensure justice for victims of misconduct and rights abuses by personnel of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police.

“In the same vein, to discourage impunity, we will insist that the perpetrators of the alleged abuses be prosecuted and sanctioned as appropriate.

“We will also work with the Executive to ensure that the five-point demands of the #ENDSARS protesters, which the government has committed itself to, are fully implemented.

“In the unfortunate hijack of the protests, hoodlums unleashed horrifying violence, arson, looting and wanton destruction of public and private property in the country,’’ the statement read in part.

According to Lawan, NASS is fully committed to putting the necessary legislation in place for comprehensive reform of the Police to enhance their institutional integrity and efficiency.

“As we seek a path out of this regrettable crisis, my heart goes out to the victims of the reprehensible violence and criminality witnessed in the last few days in many parts of the country.

“I send my condolences to the families of our security and law enforcement agents who have made the supreme sacrifices in the course of their service to their fatherland.

“I call for a thorough investigation of every criminal act that we have witnessed in the past few weeks with a view to bringing to justice all those elements that have callously destroyed public and private properties.’’

The president of the senate also urged the youths, across the country, to join hands with the authorities in bringing an urgent cessation to the violence.

“I call on our patriotic youths to leave the streets as the government has heard their voices and addressing their grievances to avoid unwittingly providing covers for the criminals and fifth columnists in our midst.’’

On those criminal elements unleashing terror on our cities under the guise of the protest, Lawal urged the security agencies to restore law and order across the country and bring the criminals to justice.

In restoring law and order, he charged the security agencies to do it with the utmost restraint.

“While still grappling with the havoc of COVID-19, the country can ill afford yet another epidemic that has now appeared in the form of the lawlessness that is going on.

“I thank all Nigerian leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians for their interventions towards restoring peace and order after the unfortunate degeneration of the protest into chaos and brigandage in many parts of the country.

“In particular, I thank all Nigerians for their patience and understanding in this trying moment in our dear country.

“I thank you all for your wise counsel to the protesting youths to embrace peace and for the government to be open and sincere in addressing the issues that the youths have raised so clearly,’’ Lawal said.

The post NASS assures justice for victims of alleged SARS abuses – Lawan appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday, Buhari also expressed the hope that the security men who were murdered and property owners whose assets were vandalised and looted would treated justly and fairly.

The Judicial panel of inquiry set up by the Lagos State Government to look into remote and immediate causes as well as the aftermath of the ENDSARS protests, particularly the Lekki Toll Gate incident, would commence sitting in Lagos on Monday.

The president, who said he had all along avoided going into a debate about the Lekki Toll Gate incidents until all the facts are established, appealed to the people all over the country to maintain peace and brotherhood.

He said the call became necessary as the machinery of the government and the wheel of justice had turned against the perpetrators of murder, arson, stealing, rape, assault and malicious damage to public and private property.

The president maintained that ”peace, brotherhood and inter communal harmony are central to our ethos.”

He urged Nigerians “not to turn against one another in hate”, and stressed the urgent need for the police and other security agencies to move everywhere to restore calm and normalcy as quickly as possible.

According to him, his administration is working hard through many pragmatic ways to reduce the hardship of the millions of the unemployed, poor citizens and those whose lives have been thrown into disarray by the harsh economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He, however, warned that resort to widespread attacks and the organized looting and plundering of public and private property in many states were inimical to public good and stand condemned.

He said: ”A government that has launched a massive crackdown on corruption, brought in strong laws for a decisive battle against corruption, pursues loot recovery at home and abroad, and taken strong decisions against those who thought they were above the law, will not fold its arms when an otherwise legitimate and peaceful protest is turning into free-for-all vandalism and looting.

”While the administration has, for its part, blocked so many means of looting public money in a war against corruption, it is the expectation that all civil authorities, community and religious leaders in the country must rise against the organized looting and plunder we are witnessing in parts of the country.

”Families must turn back children who bring home unaccounted goods, in the same way wives must ask their husbands to return looted items brought home.

”What is more is that criminal actions as we have so far witnessed can weaken and erode the confidence of our people and that of foreign businesses in investing in the economy.

”Looting and vandalism will hurt trade and investment growth in our country, both large and small industries, as well as our hardworking people in the informal sectors of the economy.

”These incidents do not reflect well on any society. They are wrong and condemnable and should not be supported by reasonable members of the society.”

In line with this, Buhari commended the decision of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to prosecute 229 suspects arrested by the police for allegedly using the #EndSARS protest to destroy and loot public and private property.

The president, who reiterated that his administration had taken note of the grievances of the people, again said: “We have heard you loud and clear.”

He said already the Federal Government had shown a clear determination to take all necessary measures to address the complaints, adding that the violence must stop.

The post Lagos Judicial Panel: Buhari seeks justice for victims of EndSARS protests appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

According to him, other identifiable victims of police brutality in the state should also benefit from the proceeds.

Tinubu in a statement on Monday. also absolved himself from allegations of ordering the deployment of soldiers against peaceful protesters at Lekki toll plaza on Oct.20, 2020.

“I propose to government that the tollgate be left closed for an indefinite period.

“If it is reopened, revenues should be donated to the confirmed victims of the Lekki attack as well as to other identifiable victims of police brutality in Lagos.

“Let government use the money to compensate and take care of those who have lost life or limb in the struggle for all citizens to go about the quiet, peaceful enjoyment of life without fear of undue harassment at this or that checkpoint.’’

On the allegations that he owned the Lekki toll gate concession, Tinubu refuted the claims, saying the toll gate was a public asset of which he had no business interest in.

On his involvement in the killings, he said: “I did not order this or any assault against anybody neither do I have any prior knowledge about this sad event.

“The present situation clearly does nothing to profit me politically or otherwise.

“It has complicated matters for me because many people now wrongfully blame me for a violent incident in which I played no part.

“Still, I stand strongly behind the people of Nigeria and affirm their right to protest peacefully,” he said

The APC leader condemned the use of force on peaceful protesters.

“The use of strong force against any peaceful protesters is indefensible.

“It is completely outside the norms of a democratic society and progressive political culture to which I have aspired and devoted public life.

“It is my firm belief that no one should be harassed, injured or possibly killed for doing what they have the constitutional right to do in making their contribution to a better, more equitable society.’’

He said: “Along with all well-meaning, patriotic Nigerians, I want to see an end to all forms of institutionalised brutality and l shall do my utmost to see that this humane objective is realised.

“For, if these protests can generate meaningful reform, our youths would have achieved a compound national success.

“First, they would have ended the terrible matter of institutionalized police brutality.

“Second, Nigeria would have made an important accretion to our political culture whereby government listened to and acted on the recommendations of ordinary people protesting against the wrongs done them.

“This would establish a healthy precedent. Yet such durable progress can be made only if government respects the protesters and protesters actively negotiate with government,’’ he said.

The APC leader said that government should not curtail protest activity as the people have chosen it as their preferred way to interface with government on this issue.

The post Lekki Tollgate Shooting: Tinubu urges Govt to donate revenue to victims appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The ICRC made the appeal in a statement posted on its website.

According to the humanitarian agency, first responders seeking to assist the wounded must be allowed to do their work unimpeded in Nigeria’s ongoing protests.

“They must be allowed to do their work while live ammunition must be used only as a last resort by security forces,’’ it stated.

Concerned by the escalating violence and the rising number of victims, the ICRC is calling for restraint as protests continue in several Nigerian cities.

The statement quoted Eloi Fillion, Head of ICRC delegation in Nigeria, as saying “security forces should apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms.

“The use of force by security forces must be proportionate to the situation and should remain an exceptional measure.

“In compliance with international legal standards, firearms and live ammunition must only be used as a last resort and to protect against an imminent threat to life’’.

According to him, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) volunteers are on ground to deliver first aid and evacuate the wounded.

Fillion, however, emphasised on the importance of supporting the workers to deliver their services.

“It is important that first responders and ambulances are respected by all, so they can reach injured people safely.

“The ICRC and NRCS are closely following up on the situation as it develops,’’ he said.

The post Protests: Red Cross urges unhindered access to victims of ‘ENDSARS’ protests appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made the disclosure during his visit to victims of the accident at the General Hospital, Ikorodu.

It was reports that the accident occurred on Tuesday morning at Asolo area on Lagos-Ikorodu Road.

Abayomi expressed deep sympathy with the victims, assuring them of quality and adequate care at the facility.

“On behalf of Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, who is currently out of the country, I express my sympathy to the victims of this unfortunate incident.

“I assure you that the state government has taken full responsibility and set to ensure that all victims get adequate healthcare free of charge.

“I assure you that the state government will not relent in ensuring that Lagosians get quality healthcare.

“I also use this opportunity to condole with the family members of the deceased,” he said.

Abayomi said of the 53 victims that were brought to the hospital, one was brought in dead, while two others died in the hospital due to the severity of injuries they sustained.

He also explained that eight other victims were referred to other state-owned specialist facilities.

Abayomi added that five of the patients were referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, while three others were taken to Gbagada General Hospital for further treatment.

The commissioner commended the swift response of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), LASAMBUS, LASTMA and other first responders in the prompt rescue of the accident victims.

He said that though, the victims sustained different degrees of injuries, they were all responding well to treatment.

Abayomi, however, urged the family members of the victims to be calm and cooperate with the medical team to ensure their quick recovery.

The post LASG takes responsibility of medical bills of Ikorodu accident victims appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Boeing Chief Executive, Dennis Muilenburg, said the compensation expert, Ken Feinberg, is hired to oversee the distribution.

The announcement of Feinberg’s hiring came minutes before the start of a U.S. House of Representatives hearing that will feature testimony from a father, who lost three children, his wife and mother-in-law in a 737 MAX Ethiopian Air crash in March.

Feinberg said on Wednesday his team would “start immediately drafting a claims protocol for those eligible’’ with the first meeting with Boeing later this week in Washington.

Boeing said on July 3, it would give $100 million over multiple years to local governments and non-profit organisations to help families and communities affected by the crashes.

Boeing reiterated on Wednesday that the money distributed, through the fund, would be independent of the outcome of any lawsuits.

The company is facing a slew of litigation from the families of victims of both crashes.

“Through our partnership with Feinberg and Biros, we hope affected families receive needed assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible,’’ Muilenburg said in a statement, referring to Camille Biros, a lawyer also hired to design and administer the funds.

Boeing’s initial announcement of the $100 million was met with anger by some victims’ families, who described the offer as a publicity stunt.

It remains unclear, who will qualify for the aid and when the funds will be distributed.

The post Boeing to spend $50m to support 737 MAX crash victim families appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen shortly after his visit to the victims who were receiving treatment at the Trauma and Burns Centre in Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos.

The governor, who described the incident as unfortunate, expressed his condolence to families of victims who had lost their loved ones to the inferno.

“I have seen the patients; I have spoken to them and encouraged them.

“I have given my words that the management of the hospital should continue to do everything they need to do to give them comfort.

“They confirmed that they have been very supportive, and I assured them that the state government will ensure that as humanly possible, we will keep all and every one of them alive,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that the issue of pipeline fire caused by vandalism was a security and crime affair which the appropriate authorities were already looking into.

He appealed to residents to desist from engaging in nefarious activities, while those living in areas prone to such should report whenever they sight the vandals.

“We will not shy away from apprehending the culprits and make them to face the wrath of the law.

“Residents in that place have the emergency toll free 7-6-7; 1-1-2 number, let them call; when you see people at odd hours of the day going to those places, call the Rapid Response.

“With this, we can scale up security operatives to come there and apprehend perpetrators of this act,’’ Sanwo-Olu said.

It was reported that the fire explosion which occurred on July 4, destroyed property worth millions of naira and claimed some lives.

It was caused by vandals who were siphoning fuel from the NNPC pipelines in the axis.

The post Ijegun Explosion: Sanwo-Olu visits victims at Trauma, Burns Centre, promises support appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the mefia aide to the CEO of the commission made this known in a statement on Thursday.

Balogun quoted her as saying that it was regrettable that migrants survived a treacherous journey only to be killed in someone else’s war in Libya.

“It is disheartening that nine Nigerians have been identified as victims in the unfortunate incident.

”Nigerians, who were due to be airlifted back to Nigeria, were cut down in their prime,” she said.

The NIDCOM boss reiterated her call for Nigerians, especially the youths, to shun movement into hostile countries.

According to her, if they must travel, they should do so legally with a legitimate mission to those countries.

Dabiri-Erewa prayed for the repose of the souls of all the people, who died in the airstrike and sent condolence messages to the families of the victims.

She noted that more than 13.000 migrants had been brought home so far, from Libya, and expressed appreciation to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), NEMA and other international agencies involved in the evacuation of the migrants.

She, however, called on the UN to hasten up in the protection of other detention centres from such attacks.

At least 44 people were reportedly killed including nine Nigerians at a detention centre in Tajoura, east of Tripoli in Libya early on Wednesday morning through an airstrike.

It was learnt that some of those killed had been profiled to leave the country in the coming days.

In addition to those killed, IOM said that more than 180 others staying in the same detention centre were registered to return to their home countries through the UN agency’s voluntary migrant return programme, which helps arrange their documents and transport.

IOM has moved around 40,000 migrants out of Libya through the same program me.

The airstrike on the Tajoura centre where at least 600 people were being held, came less than two months after another airstrike landed less than 100 meters from the centre, injuring two people.

The post Libya: Dabiri-Erewa condoles with families of victims of migrants centre airstrike appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Our correspondent reports that the victims were market women coming from the popular Owode market in Ede.

The accident, which occurred at about 1.30 pm, involved a mini commercial bus with registration number RLG 556 XA and a Honda car marked AKD 895 CJ.

The commercial bus, it was learnt, had somersaulted after it collided with the car.

Aregbesola, whose convoy had arrived at the scene of the accident, alighted from his vehicle to join the rescue efforts.

The governor, who was in company with his Commissioner for Health, immediately called for an ambulance to take the victims to the hospital.

He also ensured that the two vehicles involved were removed from the road to ensure free flow of traffic before leaving the scene of the accident.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that the driver of the Honda car was on top speed without foreknowledge of the speed breaker in front.

The eyewitness said immediately the driver saw the speed breaker, he applied the brake, forcing his car to swerve off his lane and colliding with the commercial bus.

While all the eight market women in the commercial bus sustained various degrees of injuries, the driver of the car came out unhurt.

The post Aregbesola rescues 8 accident victims appeared first on NEWSVERGE.