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Investigate Police’s Violent Crackdown On Peaceful Protesters, NAS Urges Tinubu

Published

10 months ago

August 6, 2024

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has expressed concern over the recent wave of violence and brutality that accompanied the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.

The association condemned the excessive use of force by security operatives against peaceful protesters and journalists, adding that the right to protest is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, and its suppression through violence is both illegal and immoral.

Since the commencement of the protests on August 1, there have been alarming reports of police and security forces using excessive force against unarmed civilians.

These actions have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives and the brutalisation of numerous individuals, including no fewer than 31 journalists.

In his address earlier on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu condemned the violence and the destruction of property that has marred the protests, but NAS, in a statement on Monday by its Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, said despite the largely peaceful nature of these protests in some parts of the country, reports indicate a disturbing pattern of violence and brutality inflicted by security operatives.

This statement was issued shortly after the 48th Supreme Pyrates Colloquium and the Annual General Meeting of NAS, which was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State from August 2 to 4.

The event, which was also used to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of its founders, Prof Wole Soyinka, also had a series of other activities including medical outreach for the less privileged with over 200 beneficiaries.

In the statement, the association wondered why President Tinubu did not use that opportunity to tell the nation how he intended to cut the cost of governance across the board with the one-month timeline given by the protesters.

Oteri said, “Yes, the President acknowledged those that were killed in the protest, we are, however, deeply concerned by his failure to explicitly denounce the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters by the police in several states, notably Abuja and Lagos.

“We, therefore, call on the President to institute an independent and transparent investigation into the killings and brutalisation of peaceful protesters and journalists. Those found responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

“We reiterate our call for an end to the violence and for immediate actions to restore justice and uphold the principles of democracy.”

While noting that the National Association of Seadogs stands in solidarity with the brave Nigerians who are exercising their democratic rights to demand better governance, Oteri, however, condemned the wanton looting and destruction of property by hoodlums in some states.

News

God Told Me If I Leave RCCG My First Born Will Die — Pastor Adeboye

Published

2 hours ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed that God warned him that his firstborn would die if he leaves the RCCG.

Adeboye disclosed this during the June edition of the Holy Ghost Service, themed “Destined for Greatness (Part 2),” on midnight of Saturday, June 7, at the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.

Adeboye, while speaking on the importance of divine direction and spiritual consistency, made reference to a sermon earlier delivered by his son, Pastor Leke Adeboye.

He lamented that many young Christians today frequently move from one church to another, constantly identifying as first-timers in new congregations.

Pastor Adeboye stated that when he got born again, there were three major ministries that were prominent and thriving at the time, but despite the allure of joining them, God instructed him to stay in RCCG.

“When I got born again, there were three major ministries that were making waves, and they were very good. There were different temptations to go from one to another,” he recalled.

“But God said to me, ‘Son, I brought you here. This is where you will stay. The day you leave this denomination, your firstborn will die.’”

He noted that RCCG was relatively unknown at the time, and its headquarters was a small building in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

Despite being a university lecturer, Adeboye said God still instructed him to submit under the leadership of his spiritual father, who had no formal education.

“I was a lecturer in the university. My father in the Lord didn’t go to secondary school, not even primary. But God said this is where you will stay,” he added.

He urged the congregation, especially the youth, to seek and remain in the place God has appointed for them.

“Discover where God wants you to stay, and stay there,” he advised.

Adeboye, however, emphasised that his statement was not a declaration of superiority over other Christian denominations.

“I am not saying we are better than any other denomination,” he clarified.

News

Ireland Deports 35 Nigerians

Published

2 hours ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

Photo: File copy

Air Peace passengers arrested, Cable thief electrocuted inside FAAN powerhouse at Lagos airport

The Republic of Ireland has deported 35 Nigerians, comprising 21 men, 9 women, and 5 children, to Nigeria in a chartered flight that departed from Dublin Airport on Wednesday night.

The returnees landed in Nigeria on Thursday.

Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said, “I am happy to say that all of them returned to Nigeria despite an unscheduled stopover due to a medical incident on board.”

The Minister emphasised that Ireland has a rules-based immigration system, stating, “It is important that those rules are robust and enforced.”

The Irish government did not provide a specific reason for the deportation, but O’Callaghan’s comments suggest that the move is part of enforcing Ireland’s immigration laws.

Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) claimed it was not aware of the deportation.

“We were not aware of the deportation of the Nigerians by Ireland on Thursday,” NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun was quoted as saying.

News

Mike Ejeagha, Legendary Singer Of ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’, Is Dead

Published

3 hours ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

Renowned Nigerian highlife legend, Mike Ejeagha, popurlarly known for his song ‘ gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ has died at the age of 95.

The veteran musician passed away on Friday evening at about 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.

His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, during a phone conversation with journalists.

One of his most iconic tracks, “gwo gwo gwo ngwo,” gained renewed popularity in 2024 following a viral remix by comedian and skit maker, Brain Jotter

Known for weaving moral lessons, witty expressions, and deep proverbs into his songs, Ejeagha cultivated a loyal fanbase across generations, particularly in Southeastern Nigeria.

Born on April 4, 1930, Ejeagha began his music career in the 1950s. Over more than six decades, he helped shape the narrative style and sound of Igbo-language music.

He gained national recognition in the 1970s after appearing as a guest presenter on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme Akuko N’Egwu (Stories in Music), a cultural show that reflected his signature style of blending storytelling with music.

Ejeagha is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.