Author: Chronicle Editor

By Bola Tinubu I heavily grieve for those who have lost their lives or been injured during the period of these protests. My deepest sympathies go to their families and loved ones for none should have been made to pay such a dear price. My career as an active politician spans nearly three decades. In that time, I have seen many things as Nigeria has struggled, sometimes against itself, to undertake the often painful yet inexorable push toward democratic government accountable to, and protective of, the people. Through this journey, I have traversed the landscape of human experience. Having been…

Chileans have voted overwhelmingly in support of rewriting their constitution, which dates to the dictatorship of Gen Augusto Pinochet. With nearly 90% of the vote counted, 78% of people had voted “yes” in a referendum that was called after mass protests against inequality. President Sebastian Piñera acknowledged the result and praised the peaceful vote. He said it was “the beginning of a path that we must all walk together”. A mass anti-government protest movement began in Chile a year ago. From the beginning one of the demonstrators’ key demands was that the country needed a new constitution to be able…

The Lagos State Government has announced that private and public schools in the State will remain closed despite relaxation of curfew. Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, declared this on Sunday. Omotoso, who had tweeted only public schools remained closed, said the closure order had been extended to all schools. He said: “The curfew in Lagos State has been reviewed. Restriction time is now 8 pm to 6 am. Lagosians are enjoined to plan their journey times as they go about their lawful businesses. “All schools remain shut till further notice.” Private schools in the state were preparing to…

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that it will cost no less than N1 trillion to rebuild Lagos State following last week’s massive destruction of public assets. The state was the epicenter of looting, arson and destruction between Wednesday and Friday last week. It cuts across all areas of endeavor, including businesses, government and private. Even the judiciary was not spared as court rooms were razed. House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, revealed the estimated cost during his visit to the governor at the Government House in Marina on Sunday. Gbajabiamila, who visited to sympathise with the state along with members…

The looting that followed #EndSARS protests turned soar on Saturday with the death of at least five alleged looters in Jos, Benin and Enugu. The looters’ targets remained warehouses and private buildings suspected to contain COVID-19 palliatives. Cross River State appeared the hardest hit on Saturday. There was apprehension that the situation in the state was fast approaching anarchy. Apart from several government buildings that were looted, vandalized and burnt, the youths also invaded the homes of Senators Ndoma Egba and Gershom Bassey, stripping them of all valuables. Egba’s residence in Calabar was also torched by the hoodlums. Looters also…

An army colonel, S.B Onifade, who was abducted along the dangerous Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, has been reportedly killed despite his abductors collecting N10 million ransom. Mr Onifade, a consultant gynecologists, was abducted at about 3 a.m near Olam Farm area in Kaduna, while traveling on September 27. According to a report by DAILY NIGERIAN, the army colonel was killed on Saturday. The military authorities are yet to confirm the report. Abdulrazaq donates N500m to looted businesses The Kaduna-Abuja highway is the most notorious axis for kidnappers, despite the police launching “Operation Puff Adder” last year.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has announced a donation of N500 million to some owners of last Friday’s looting of business concerns by suspected hoodlums in parts of Ilorin, Kwara state capital. He said at the weekend that it was part of the administration’s efforts to bring them back on their feet. He again condemned “the mindless looting” of businesses insisting there can be no justification for such criminal behaviour. He commiserated with owners of all the businesses affected. In a visit to the Kwara Mall and Agro Mall on Saturday evening, the Governor said the incident may bring businesses to their knees…

Residents comprising of hundreds of youths on Sunday morning broke into a large warehouse in Yola, Adamawa and carted away food items stored there. The food items stored in the warehouse are supposed to be distributed as part of government’s palliatives for COVID-19. In a video released on social media, residents were seen making their way to the warehouse while others were already cart away food items. Looting: Plateau denies hoarding COVID-19 palliatives #COVID19 warehouse in Yola, Adamawa looted by residents on Sunday as unrest continues across #Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/MJ5bUpdCgT — Chronicle NG (@chronicle_ng) October 25, 2020

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered the immediate mobilization of all police operational assets and resources to bring to an end the wanton violence, killings, looting and destruction of public and private property triggered by the #EndSARS protests. Over 2,000 convicted criminals and suspects facing trial are currently on the loose across the country after they were set free by hoodlums who forced open the gates of three prisons in Edo and Ondo states. The 2,000 exclude detained suspects who were also set free when hoodlums attacked police stations in some states. No fewer than 10 police…

Manchester United and Chelsea ground out a drab 0-0 draw in the Old Trafford rain that will convince no-one either side will be challenging for the Premier League this season. Chelsea will probably be happier with a point and might have had more if United skipper Harry Maguire had been punished for wrapping his arm around the throat of Cesar Azpilicueta as he defended a first-half corner. Although they remain stuck in the bottom half of the table, United were at least able to avoid losing a third straight home league game at the start of the season for the…