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We are now exporting more than we are importing, yet The Guardian is provoking public ire against Tinubu —Bayo Onanuga

State House Press Statement

RE: “MISERY, HARSH POLICIES DRIVING NIGERIANS TO DESPERATE CHOICES” – OPEN LETTER TO THE GUARDIAN

The Guardian newspaper’s lead story of Friday, October 25, 2024, with the title: “Calls for military intervention: misery, harsh policies driving Nigerians to desperate choices,” openly incites unrest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration and advocates for regime change under the guise of journalism. The inflammatory headline, cartoon and content deviate from responsible reporting.

The Guardian’s agenda is unmistakable from the cover illustration to the article. In attempting to create a balanced veneer, the author condemns military rule while fanning the flames of military intervention. This is evident in the introduction to the article where the newspaper wrote: “Nigerians were exhilarated with the return of democracy in 1999, but 25 years on, the buccaneering nature of politicians, their penchant for poor service delivery, morbid hatred for probity, accountability, and credible/transparent elections, among others, are forcing some flustered citizens to make extreme choices, including calling for military intervention in governance.

“Deep despondency permeates every facet of the polity consequent upon soaring cost of living. And while the political elite splurge on fine wines and exotic automobiles amid poor service delivery, calls for regime change could become more strident in the days ahead even though military insurrection holds no solution to the country’s woes.”

We must question how The Guardian can present an argument for military intervention while superficially denouncing it unless it harbours a deliberate agenda. This latest editorial reflects a troubling trend in which the publication has persistently propagated inflammatory and negative narratives, stepping dangerously close to undermining the very fabric of responsible journalism.

Moreover, the lead story relies heavily upon emotive language, unwarranted debate and imagery—such as an illustration of the military armoured tank—to bolster its argument while neglecting to present a balanced view. It indulges in lampooning the current administration while ignoring positive developments in Nigeria’s economic landscape. The report lacks data and fails to exhibit the journalistic rigour that the situation demands. It appears lost on The Guardian that such narratives could embolden anarchists intent on disrupting our democratic process.

Military rule is an anachronism in modern civilisations, irrespective of its framing, due to the oppressive nature typically associated with its practice. Guided by its experience in 1984, when two of its journalists were jailed by the military regime for reporting the truth, The Guardian acknowledges that military rule is terrible. Yet, it attempts to provoke public ire against President Tinubu by suggesting he governs with less regard for citizens than military dictators once did. This narrative neglects the hard-fought battle that birthed our democracy and serves only to undermine the hard-won freedoms that Nigerians now enjoy.

Good journalism is characterised by restraint and a commitment to national interest. Media outlets must propagate responsible reporting that contributes to an informed citizenry. During times of political and economic crisis, the media, as a force for good, should rally the public around their leaders, fostering unity and patience as reforms are introduced. President Tinubu has consistently called for understanding and patience amid our nation’s challenges. This plea is not a sign of weakness but an affirmation of his dedication to a brighter future for Nigeria. Moreover, recent policy changes have initiated a turnaround, yielding positive economic indicators.

According to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the revenue-to-debt service ratio has notably declined from 97% in 2023 to 68% in 2024. Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose to $39.1 billion on October 22, with GDP growth achieving 2.98% in Q1 2024—an increase from 2.31% in Q1 2023. This growth was driven by sectors beyond oil, including the financial services sector, mining, and quarrying, marking a significant shift in our economic structure.

We are now exporting more than we are importing, with trade surpluses recorded in two consecutive quarters. In light of the positive developments, it is unacceptable for any publication, including The Guardian, to incite calls for military intervention based on transient difficulties. A more cautious and responsible approach would have better served its readers and the nation. Journalism—like our democracy—thrives on fairness and objectivity, and all media outlets must uphold these standards.

We encourage The Guardian and similar platforms to prioritise balanced reporting that fosters dialogue and understanding rather than division and unrest.

At this time, we need our people and the media to rally around the government as the Tinubu-led administration steers our country through this challenging period to a better future.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

Judiciary in the Eye of the Storm Again: A call for caution to avoid further retrogressing

 By Kunle Edun

The average Nigerian politician does not want to play by the rules, to get what he wants. Politics is not a dangerous game but only made dangerous because of the unpatriotic actions of our politicians and their collaborators. The law expects that some human beings may want to be deviants, the very reason for the existence of laws is to instil sanity and orderliness into a chaotic situation.

The arm of government that is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that our laws are obeyed and respected by all and sundry, is the judiciary. Section 6 of the Constitution is devoted to the Judiciary alone just to emphasize the importance of the role of ensuring that all actions of the various governments and their officials are in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and valid laws. The judiciary is always the last resort when parties or disputants might have exhausted all other non-legal mechanisms. However, has the judiciary fared well in carrying out its constitutional mandate of being the conscience of the nation and last hope of the common man?

The Honorable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honorable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun during her screening by the Senate admonished Judges not to be competing for cases and issuing out conflicting Court orders and that she will ensure that this malaise stops. My Lord’s assurance is quite welcoming. Sadly, not long after the CJN’s admonition Nigerians started seeing another season of conflicting Court orders from the Federal High Court and the State High Courts in Kano and Rivers State. Once a party gets an order from a State High Court and before daybreak, another order will be issued by the Federal High Court on similar subject matters.

It is now bad to the extent that subject matters that are clearly excluded from the jurisdiction of Federal High Courts as clearly spelt in section 251 of the Constitution are now being heard by the Federal High Court by adding Federal agencies to the Suits. The jurisdiction of both the State High Courts and the Federal High Courts are no longer expounded but now expanded at will by the various courts. Precedents do not seem to matter any more.

No lawyer is certain of the position of the law on any issue at any time because of the apprehension (justified apprehension) that another Court may take a contrary position to the established precedents. Things seem to be falling apart in the judiciary and in no time, of we continue like this, Nigerians may no longer have need for the judiciary, ditto the legal profession. The last hope of the common man now seems to be the fading hope for justice and the common man.

My lord, the Honorable CJN would need to urgently step in to halt this descent if the judiciary wants to continue to be relevant. Judges that happily grab jurisdiction that is not theirs should be cautioned. Forum shopping by a party rushing to Abuja to file actions at the Federal High Court when the cause of action took place in the State Capital, should be discouraged by the issuance of practice direction by the CJ of the Federal High Court. In Rivers State, I am yet to be convinced why parties cannot file their actions at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt instead of overburdening the Abuja Division of the Court. Save for security reasons, I do not know how to define such action but to call it forum shopping.

Kano State was in the news with conflicting Court orders regarding the emirship tussle. It is now season 2 with another apparently conflicting Court order issued by the Federal High Court, Kano and the Kano State High Court, with each granting orders countering each other’s orders and Judgment. Same subject matter but different courts. I must admit that we lawyers have our own fair share of this blame.

The Rules of Professional Conduct require every lawyer to owe a primary duty to the Court and ensure that the institution of the Court is not abused but used to achieve justice. When lawyers deliberately file cases to scuttle an agency or an arm of government from carrying out its constitutional and statutory responsibility, that may be considered as not helping the due administration of law and therefore, a professional misconduct. The Supreme Court has already decided that local Government funds belong to the LGs exclusively and that it is only demoratically elected local Government councils that can administer such funds. Presently, there are several cases in Courts seeking to stop some States’ Electoral Commissions from conducting local Government elections.

Another trend that is becoming concerning and now the norm, is the practice of the Executive arm of government buying vehicles and building Houses for Judicial officers and then announce it to the entire world. The State Governors are mostly guilty of this, as they invite the world media to showcase the embarrassment they are causing to the judiciary. Ironically, whenever Governors gift State legislators, traditional rulers and elder statemen vehicles and Houses, no one hears about it. The 4th Alteration to the Constitution has guaranteed financial autonomy for the judiciary. Such funds should be appropriated to the Federal and States’ Judicial Service Commissions which are Executive bodies to manage. Judicial officers should not attend such media functions because there are many cases in courts where the same gifting States are parties. A few days ago, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike announced that he revoked Julius Berger’s title to a parcel of land in Abuja and now using the same land to construct 40 houses that will be gifted to Judicial officers. My noble Lord, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Court of Appeal President and other Judicial officers were in attendance at the commissioning ceremony. Wike is a Life Bencher and I want to believe that he knows that his actions may be challenged in Court that may be presided over by the same Judges who will be the ultimate beneficiaries of the houses when completed. Which Court will hear such matters?

The National Judicial Council has a huge task to bring back the much-needed confidence in the judiciary. Petitions against Judicial officers should be treated early. Judges must be told to step in line or be shoved out so that the many good ones on the bench will not be tainted by the few that decide to treat with levity the Judicial Code of Ethics. Judicial officers should by all means avoid contact with politicians and do not create impressions that may not augur well for the due administration of justice. Politicians are crafty and such craftiness should not be close to the symbol of Justice.

Kunle Edun, SAN

Cassava Republic press wins maiden canex prize for publishing in Africa

Press Release

Cassava  Republic  Press,  the trailblazing publisher has won the inaugural  2024 CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa at a ceremony held in Algiers, during the recently concluded CANEX Weekend. The award celebrates  Female Fear Factory by renowned South African scholar and feminist author, Professor Pumla Dineo Gqola— a book that boldly confronts the pervasive culture of patriarchal violence.

Launched by the CANEX Book Factory, the $20,000 CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa recognises the best trade book in both fiction and non-fiction genres by an African publisher. It is an essential step in championing African stories and voices, rewarding publishers who challenge the status quo and forge new narratives. Female Fear Factory: Unveiling Patriarchy’s Culture of Violence, explores how women are forced to live under the daily spectre of violence and fear, providing a powerful, unflinching account of the mechanism of patriarchal control, while offering feminist strategies to dismantle it.

Author Pumla Dineo Gqola said,” This recognition of my book Feminist Female Factory and its publisher, Cassava Republic Press by the CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa is truly wonderful. I am delighted by the jury’s rewarding of a work of African feminist intervention and, indeed, the existence of this award category”.

“This recognition speaks not only to the intellectual clarity and bravery of Pumla Dineo Gqloa’s writing, but to the strength and tenacity of African publishers, said Layla Mohamed, Editor at Cassava Republic Press.  “The CANEX Prize underscores the need for a strong and supported African publishing ecosystem who are building the infrastructures for the production of African stories and challenging long-standing power dynamics in the global publishing world.”

The jury, chaired by Dr. Wale Okediran, praised Professor Gqola’s Female Fear Factory for its bold editorial risk, urgency, and timely message. As the CANEX Prize platform grows, it also signals that the infrastructures for African stories must expand, creating space for African writers and publishers to thrive on their own terms.

Cassava Republic Press, a proud women-owned, Black publishing house, continues to defy industry norms. With a presence in Abuja and London, the press has spent 17 years championing African and Diasporic voices, publishing works that traverse continents and cultures, from Lagos to London, Nairobi to New York. This award is not just a moment of recognition for this brilliant book, but a marker in the broader movement for Black literary independence.

About Cassava Republic Press

Operating out of Abuja and London, Cassava Republic Press is a pioneering publisher of award-winning fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books from Africa and its Diasporas. With a catalogue that spans over17 years and more than 6 million books sold globally, Cassava Republic Press is committed to sharing stories from the Global Black World, Lagos to Lima, Kingston to Kinshasa, Nairobi to New York.

Udems mourns death of Law School Lagos Campus colleague, MEDINAT OLAJUMOKE SHAEEB

By Sylvester Udemezue

MRS MEDINAT OLAJUMOKE SHAEEB: a devoted, loyal and submissive wife to her husband. A great and dedicated Law School Teacher of the Lagos Campus Academic Family! An amiable coauthor, colleague, and friend to me. My MANAGER. Now, unfortunately, suddenly departed, on 22 October 2024, to meet her Creator😭.

A most heartbreaking occurrence; they’ve cruelly snatched my MANAGER from me. Words fail me😑.

May Almighty God graciously accept your humble soul for a peaceful repose in His exalted bosom. Ameen! Amin!! Amen!!!

Weeks ago, we spoke several times about your illness that had begun worrying you, way out. You were then planning to go to Ilorin. Last week, I visited Lagos Campus to check on you, and finding you’re not in the office, I called you.

Unfortunately, after my lectures on 22 October 2024, news came that “Mrs Medinat Olajumoke Shaeeb died this morning, to be buried this evening in Ilorin”, meaning that thenceforward, I was to see you no more, until we gather in Heaven to reap Teachers’ reward and to part no more. What a world! What a rude manner to lose a rare, true friend. Gone just like that?

My ex-student, fan, my adviser, true friend, sister, co-teacher, coauthor, colleague, professional partner, and MANAGER. Would I henceforward operate without my MANAGER, Jumoke? Why, God? Why Jumoke? And for asking “God, why?”, I would be scolded for questioning the All-Seeing, All-Knowing and All-Powerful. I submit to His will as words fail a writer. Words fail me! My MANAGER! A devoted Law Teacher! Rest in peace.
Yours truly, 
 MR. UDEMS

Man pours sizzling hot water on female neighbour in Port Harcourt

One Ejike, a father of two reportedly poured hot water on his 31-year-old female neighbour, Blessing in Rivers State, leaving her in critical condition.

The incident happened in the Azikiwe Street, Mile 2 axis of Diobu in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

It was gathered that the attack happened after an accident involving Blessing, a hairstylist, and Ejike’s young son.

According to reports, Blessing had gone to retrieve boiling water from an electric kettle in the compound to style a customer’s hair when Ejike’s son bumped into her, causing some of the hot water to spill onto the ground and slightly splash the boy’s leg.

Witnesses said while Blessing was still comforting the boy, Ejike emerged from his room to ask what had happened.

As neighbours were explaining what happened, Ejike allegedly grabbed the kettle from the ground and poured its contents on Blessing’s chest, with some of the hot water splashing onto her face.

“As other neighbours were narrating what happened to Ejike, Blessing was still sympathizing with the little boy, he (Ejike) reached for the hot water in the kettle which was on the ground behind Blessing, came in front of the young woman’s front and poured the hot water on her breast which also splashed her face,” the source narrated.

After the attack, Ejike reportedly fled, while Blessing was rushed to the Azikiwe Police Division, where she was issued a medical form and then taken to a hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family is demanding justice.

“We want the Police to get the young man arrested. Then if he is arrested he will see what he did to my sister,” the woman’s brother, Goodluck Nwankwo said while speaking to newsmen.

Continuing, Nwankwo said: “It is not right, I have to do the necessary thing so that the Government can take over the matter. I want justice to be done.

“Due to the medical attention they gave her yesterday, she is getting better but the problem is the money they are asking is too much and I have spent much already.

“I am thinking if I have to go back to Anambra State and come back to be able to raise some money.”

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident said the suspect had been arrested.

“Yes I’m aware and the man has been arrested, The police have issued the woman a medical form and she is receiving treatment,” the PPRO added.

Outrage as father allegedly beats his 6-week-old twin daughters to death

A father has been accused of beating his twin newborn daughters to death.

Fernando Vega, 22, who was arrested on April 19 and charged with causing serious bodily injury to a child, faces execution if he is found guilty. 

His charges were upgraded to two counts of capital murder after investigators were satisfied he was the only one who could have killed them. 

Six-week-old Massail and Mirena were found dead at their home on Linden Creek Way in Houston at about 11.15 am on October 4, 2023. 

Police said the infants were found on the couch with discoloured skin, and bruises across their bodies. One of the girls reportedly had fractures. 

The babies were born prematurely but they had not received medical care since being released from the hospital, court documents revealed. 

Dr Jesus Rico, a pathologist at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science, found dehydration, bruises, and fractures that indicated previous abuse. 

Both twins were malnourished, one showed evidence of acute brain bleeding,  and one also in their spinal cord, indicative of recent trauma. 

Prosecutor Edward Appelbaum told the court on Wednesday, October 23, that he wanted to investigate their deaths fully before considering murder charges. 

“These injuries are pretty severe and based on the symptoms and the injuries, he was the only person who was around these children, the only person who could have possibly inflicted these injuries,” he said. 

Appelbaum previously described the allegations as horrific and said there were both old and new injuries. 

Vega pleaded not guilty to the original charges. According to his lawyer, Mario Madrid:

“He’s not guilty, under the law he’s innocent at this time. We still have a long investigation to go and a lot of evidence to review,” he told the court. 

Calderon is still only facing lesser charges, but prosecutors did not rule out upgrading hers to murder as well, as the investigation continued. 

“He’s not guilty, under the law he’s innocent at this time. We still have a long investigation to go and a lot of evidence to review,” he told the court. 

The 21-year-old mother of the babies, Angelina Belinda Calderon, is still only facing lesser charges, but prosecutors did not rule out upgrading hers to murder as well, as the investigation continued. 

According to court documents, Calderon was said not to have woken the babies up in the morning because she was heading to work.  

Calderon’s sister told a local news station in April that she was “one of the best mothers that I know”, and insisted she was at work the day the children died.  

Calderon had an emotional outburst during an initial probable cause court hearing in April. 

“You were the last one with my kids when they f**king died. You’re making me look like I’m a bad person. I was at work when they f**king died,” she wailed. 

Calderon’s aunt, Sarah Calderon, told local news both parents needed to be held accountable for their actions.  

“I’m just really disappointed, it hurts – it really does break my heart. They need to both be held accountable,” she said. 

“Because, OK, even if I don’t think she would physically harm them like the babies weren’t even taken care of.” 

Calderon and Vega are both being held at the Harris County Jail, Calderon on a $750,000 bond and Vega’s at $3 million.

FG appoints Fapohunda, Jummai Audi, Ojukwu, others to review, update, consolidate archaic Nigerian laws

On Thursday, the federal government in Abuja inaugurated a committee of high-powered law experts from various fields to review, update, and consolidate archaic Nigerian laws within six months.

The law review and update are said to be part of the ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote the rule of law and access to justice in line with the policy objectives of enabling socio-economic growth and advancing legal reforms.

Inaugurating the Committee on behalf of the federal government, the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, asked the committee members to be meticulous in the execution of the task placed before them.

Fagbemi challenged the law experts to focus on the identification of outdated laws which according to him, are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and consistency.

He said “I would like to inform you all that this is a project which is particularly dear to my heart, and I have always been concerned about our seeming inability to update the Laws of the Federation (LFN) since 2004, to enable clarity, predictability, consistency and uniformity in our body of laws.

“You are all aware that the general purpose of law is to protect public interest and regulate human behaviour and interactions between corporate entities.

“The law is constantly dynamic and evolving, hence, there is a need for continuous review or reform of our body of laws to address contemporary socio-economic developments, resolve conflicting and obsolete provisions with the ultimate aim of improving the administration of justice and promotion of rule of law.

“As you are aware, the review, update and consolidation of the Laws of the Federation, 2004 is long overdue to reflect and consolidate legislative developments (inclusive of repeals, amendments and enactments) from 2004 till date, in furtherance of the law development mandate of the Federal Ministry of Justice.

“The expected key areas of focus for the Committee in the instant exercise are identification of outdated laws which are not in line with contemporary needs and values, as well as harmonization of conflicting laws, to ensure uniformity and consistency.

“This is with a view to attracting socio-economic growth and investment, promoting efficiency and adapting to technological advancements.
“This Committee has been deliberately set up with individuals with vast professional experience and technical expertise in various aspects of the justice sector.

“I realize that there is a lot of work to be done and I would like to thank you all for accepting the call to serve our nation in this capacity.

“Let me particularly express gratitude to the leadership of the National Assembly, the Nigeria Law Reform Commission and the Nigerian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, for also supporting this initiative.

“Please be assured that the Federal Ministry of Justice will always be available to provide institutional support and assistance where required, to ensure that the Committee achieves its mandate.

The Committee which is chaired by Olawale Fapohunda, SAN and Co-Chaired by the Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Professor Jummai Audi is charged with the following Terms of Reference:

“Coordinate the collection, collation and compilation of LFN up to 2024, Work with relevant Government Agencies in harmonizing the Laws of the Federation up to 2024 and to cross-check, edit and proofread all the legislations to be collected.

“Identify all Legislations not included in the 2004 edition of the Laws of the Federation and update the same, identify outdated or redundant laws in the current Laws of the Federation that need repeal and merge laws addressing related matters to eliminate redundancy.

They are also to prepare a comprehensive report of findings to the AGF thereafter and
perform and undertake any lawful assignment incidental thereto.

“The time frame for completion of this national assignment shall be 6 months from the date of this inauguration. I enjoin the Committee to make best efforts to deliver within the stated timeline.

The AGF also charged the Committee to work in synergy and exhibit patriotism, in the overall interest of the nation and expressed optimism to receive the report and copies of the draft volumes of Laws of the Federation 2024 in line with the wish of the federal government.

Other members of the team include- Prof Ernest Ojukwu SAN (Teacher), ST Hon SAN, Tunde Fagbohun SAN, Prof Deji Adekunle SAN, Justice Ajileye (rtd), Prof Peter Akpe SAN, Dr Balkisu Saidu.

Diamond Anniversary! FIDA Nigeria gears up for its 60th anniversary celebration

Activities have been lined up to mark the 60th-anniversary celebration of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria in Abuja.

Over the years FIDA Nigeria has been one organisation determined to enhance and promote the welfare of women and children, realizing that the happiness of the home and strength of the society depends on the well-being of women and children.

The celebration which coincides with FIDA’s triennial general conference will be held at Zeus Hotel, Abuja.

Please read the details in the flyers below.

Without accountability, impunity continues — Ezeilo, SAN

As Nigerians continue to ruminate over the sad trajectory of the #EndSARS protest, which marked its fourth anniversary on 20th October, Law teacher and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking persons in Africa, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, SAN said “It’s disheartening that justice has not been served.”

In a post on her X (formerly Twitter) handle, Ezeilo said: “I was a part of the #ENDSARS Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality. It’s disheartening that justice has not been served, and the decisions from the various Panels of Inquiry nationwide have yet to be implemented. Without accountability, impunity continues.

“These days, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has started commercializing their services, charging fixed amounts as high as 300k (in Enugu, for example), and hardly responds to poor crime victims requiring their intervention.

“I support the constitutional creation of State Police and the reorganization of the NPF for utmost professionalism.”

Following alleged arrests and harassment of protesters commemorating the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest, human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and activists, have condemned the actions of the Nigeria Police Force.

About 23 activists who gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate to mark the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest were reportedly arrested by the police.

In an article, EndSARS Memorial And The Shattered Fragments OfTragedy, published by Sahara Reporters, Bright Okuta maintains that nothing has changed since that #EndSARS protest of 20 October 2020. Reproduced below is the full text of his article.

It has been four years since the Nigerian flag was stained with blood at the Lekki Toll Gate. October 20, 2020, will be marked in memory as the day the government took aim at the youths of its own country. Unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate waved flags and sang the national anthem, only to be met with gunfire from the armed forces.

Nothing has changed since the #EndSARS killings. Fast forward to 2024, Nigeria is still awash in blood. This year alone has been a parade of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. In August, Inspector Collins Wilson shot three people dead in Abuja while trying to cover up for his girlfriend, who had stolen a mobile phone.

On October 16, 2024, Oyetade Temitope left home to go to Oshodi. Some policemen flagged down the motorcycle he was on, accusing him of being a ‘yahoo boy,’ because of the tattoos on his skin. He denied the accusations, but they persisted, and he was threatened with being shot. Fearing for his life, Temitope ran and was chased by the police officers. In the process, he fell into a canal at Water Tipper Garage, along the Mosan Okunola-Ipaja traffic route, sustaining fatal head injuries and was unconscious. He later died in the hospital.

On October 17, just a day later, a young man, Ifeanyi Smith Ojinnaka was murdered in cold blood by the police, under the Artisan Bridge in Enugu state.

These are a handful of more recent atrocities of the police. There are a plethora of other cases.

Their blood, like so many before them, has seeped into the concrete of a nation that has grown too accustomed to the sound of gunfire from the police, against the citizens. And the machinery of justice is weaker than the laws it aims to uphold.

The government promises reforms with one hand while steering the country deeper into chaos with the other. Each new death is met with the same old song: investigations, detentions, promises of reform, and panels of judicial inquiry. But the reforms never come. Instead, more bodies pile up.

The recent August #EndBadGovernance protest was yet another record of atrocity by the police. Scores were killed across Nigeria by the army and police. Eight protesters were shot dead in Borno and Niger States. Three were also killed in Kaduna State, and two in Jigawa State. In total, more than twenty-two protesters lost their lives during the protests. More than one thousand were arrested and detained. This was supposed to be a hunger protest, protesting the economic hardship in Nigeria.

What hope is there for a nation where police brutality is the norm and justice, a mirage? The answer lies in the fists of the people. The memory of #EndSARS and the Lekki Toll Gate shootings must not fade. It must burn brightly, fueling the embers of fierce resistance by oppressors in uniforms. This is not only about the deaths of 2020 or the entire killings by the police; it’s about dismantling a dysfunctional system that has made brutality the norm in Nigeria.

On October 20, 2023, Amnesty International reported that three years later, over 15 #EndSARS protesters arrested in 2020 are still being arbitrarily detained without trial in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre and Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos. Realistically, this number is below the actual count of those still in prisons, as many #EndSARS protesters have been languishing in prisons since 2020. I call on the government to take it upon themselves to release the protesters, as they were only exercising their fundamental human rights.

May the souls of those who lost their lives during the #endsars protest continue to rest in peace. Amen.

Meet Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the new Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment

Born in Lagos State, Nigeria, where she completed her primary and secondary education., Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment obtained her LL.B from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

LL.M Cambridge University, England
Master’s degree in International Legal Studies from Stanford University, USA
PhD Stanford Law School.
Ex-Visiting scholar at University of Houston Law Center, Houston


Ex-Corporate Banking Unit Lead, GTB
Ex-Investment banker with FCMB Capital Markets
Ex-Board Member of Ecobank Nigeria Plc
Ex-VP, Africa Association of International Law

Fellow, Archbishop Desmond Tutu African Leadership Institute.
Member, Nigerian and American Societies of International Law
Ex-SSA to the President on Industry, Trade & Investment (OVP)
Ex-Special Adviser to the President, Ease of Doing Business (OVP)

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole was appointed Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) & Investment (OVP) last year September 2023.

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