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EndSARS: Edo Panel Members Express Worry Over Obaseki’s Insincerity

Published

4 years ago

September 30, 2021

Some members of the Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality and other related matters have expressed worry that over two months after its submitted its report to Governor Godwin Obaseki, he is yet to begin the implementation of its recommendations.

Obaseki, while receiving the Panel report and recommendations had assured the government would carefully review the report of the panel and ensure that its recommendations are implemented.

But a letter by eight of the Panel members dated 30th September and addressed to the governor while copying the Secretary to State Government (SSG) and the Chairperson of the panel, the members said the governor had promised that he would begin the implementation of their recommendation not later than 14 days after its submission but they are surprised that till date no action has been taken on their recommendation.

The members of the panel who wrote the letter are Osaro Culture Iyamu, Dr Usiosefe Ereyimwen, Kelly Omokaro Osunbor, Kola Edokpayi, Ogidi Eromosele Godwin, Pius Effam, Salami David and Imafidon Imadeyogie Stephen.

The letter titled “Appeal for the mobilization and implementation of the recommendations of the Edo State Judicial Panel of inquiry on police brutality and other related matters #EndSARS” reads:

“We bring you greetings in solidarity for genuine progress and wish to use this medium to remind you of your sworn commitment to goodwill.

“May we remind Your Excellency that it is apparently a year since the #EndSARS protest took place which led to the setting up of The Judicial Panel of Inquiry across the country to look into all issues that resulted in the subject in reference.

“Sir, it is no longer news that in your usual good spirit, you mobilized one of the most genuine and formidable teams to do justice to the petitions from the victims of police brutality and other related matters as headed by our most respected Hon. Justice Ada EHIGIAMUSOE (Rtd).

“We wish to bring to your notice Sir and for the sake of emphasis that the feedbacks from the street are beginning to show genuine worries over the rational as to why the reports of the panel is yet to be implemented or attended to, in view of your verbal commitments during the Panel’s inauguration that the implementation will be at least Fourteen (14) Days after the submission of the report,

“In the light of the above, we wish to appeal that you commence implementation of the report in reference and in other to mitigate public outcry and reinforce the trust in your leadership.”

Recall that Justice Ehigiamusoe, while submitting the report said the panel received a total of 170 petitions and struck out 25 for lack of diligence, while 10 others were dismissed for lacking in merit, with 135 petitions which were considered to be meritorious.

Headline

Coup: Guinea-Bissau Junta Releases Six Held Opposition Politicians

Published

12 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Guinea-Bissau’s ruling junta on Tuesday released six members of the political opposition who had been detained since a coup last month.

The six freed opposition members are said to be close associates of Domingos Simoes Pereira, head of the PAIGC party that led the country to independence in 1974.

Pereira has been in custody since the coup.

In a statement by the High Military Command, the junta’s governing body, the releases are described as a sign of good faith and a step towards the return to constitutional normality and respect for international rights.

The army seized power on 26 November after ousting outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo in the wake of a presidential vote.

After taking over, the military suspended the electoral process and announced it would take control of the West African country for a period of one year.

Recall that another opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, took refuge in Nigeria’s embassy, which granted him asylum, while Embalo fled the country after being briefly detained by the military at the time of the coup.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s Foreign Minister, Cheikh Niang, led a delegation to Guinea-Bissau, where he met with detained opponents and requested their release.

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7 Territories Still Under Colonial Rule

Published

12 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Even though most nations became independent in the last century, some territories are still ruled by other nations.

Contents
1. Western Sahara
2. Guam
3. American Samoa
4. United States Virgin Islands
5. Falkland Islands / Malvinas
6. Gibraltar
7. Bermuda

Many of them remain on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories, meaning they have not completed the process of decolonization. These places usually depend on bigger countries for laws, passports, defence, or political control.

In this article, Nigerian Tribune highlights 7 territories still under colonial rule:

1. Western Sahara

Western Sahara remains one of the world’s biggest unresolved colonial issues. Morocco controls most of the territory, but the Polisario Front wants independence for the Sahrawi people. The UN is still trying to help both sides agree on a peaceful solution.

2. Guam

Guam is an important US territory in the Pacific, used heavily for American military operations. The US oversees its defence and foreign relations.

People living there are US citizens, but they cannot vote in presidential elections and do not have full representation in Congress.

3. American Samoa

American Samoa has more local control than Guam, but the United States still decides immigration, defence, and foreign affairs.

Residents are considered US nationals and must apply if they want full citizenship.

4. United States Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands have their own legislature, but the United States makes major constitutional and political decisions. The territory depends heavily on US federal support.

5. Falkland Islands / Malvinas

The Falkland Islands remain controlled by the United Kingdom (UK), but Argentina has long disputed this claim, having been in control of the Islands for a few years before 1833.

The people living there voted strongly to stay British, yet the sovereignty dispute continues to appear in the UN.

6. Gibraltar

Gibraltar sits at the Southern tip of Spain. The United Kingdom controls it, but Spain insists the territory belongs to them.

Gibraltarians have repeatedly voted in favour of remaining British, but the dispute is still discussed within the UN Decolonisation Committee.

7. Bermuda

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. Although it manages most of its own internal affairs and enjoys a strong economy with modern facilities, the United Kingdom still handles its defence and represents it in global matters.

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Russia-Ukraine War: Pope Leo Calls For Global Christmas Truce

Published

12 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday renewed his call for a global truce on Christmas Day, saying he felt “great sadness” after Russia “apparently rejected a request” for a pause in fighting.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the Pope urged all sides involved in conflict to observe at least one day of peace.

“I am renewing my request to all people of goodwill to respect a day of peace — at least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour,” Leo said.

Recall that Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly turned down calls for a ceasefire, arguing that any pause would give Ukraine a military advantage.

“Among the things that cause me great sadness is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce,” the pope said.

Referring to conflicts worldwide, Leo added, “I hope they will listen and there will be 24 hours of peace in the whole world.”

The appeal came as fighting continued in eastern Ukraine. On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces withdrew from a town after heavy battles with Russian troops. Russian strikes killed three civilians and left thousands without power during winter temperatures.

There was no indication of progress toward ending the war after separate meetings last weekend in Miami between the United States officials and negotiators from Russia and Ukraine. The conflict is nearing four years with no settlement in sight.

Earlier this month, Pope Leo met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. When asked whether he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, the pope said, “I hope so,” while noting that it was not possible to say when such a visit could happen.

Leo also warned that efforts to secure peace without European diplomatic involvement were “unrealistic”, expressing optimism that President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan could bring a “huge change” to the transatlantic alliance.