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Friday, May 14, 2021

“We have the means and capacity to deal with our problems if only we can find the political will.” - Kofi Annan(United Nations Secretary-General, 1997 - 2006)

Dear Active Citizen,

Something interesting went down on

Monday, May 10th

at Aso Rock where

robbers allegedly invaded the residence of President Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari

at around 3:00 am. The allegation has been dubbed as an ‘unsuccessful attempt’ but it makes us cringe at the level of insecurity in Nigeria.

In a country where inland security is a joke, why won’t burglars grow the guts to rob a high presidential staff?

If the supposedly most secure locations and people in Nigeria are not safe, what security assurances do other citizens have?

The government continues to fail us in this regard. Take prudent precautions to protect yourself and yours, as we hold our duty bearers accountable.

.

 An Amended or a New Constitution?  

Citizens, don't dull ooo!It’s time to make your voice heard on the type of constitution you want. The Nigerian Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitutional Amendment, has announced Wednesday, May 26th & Thursday, May 27th, as dates for the zonal public hearing on ‘’The Proposed Alteration to the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999". Is amending the Constitution enough? Others are advocating for a new Citizens' Constitution. What do you think?The public hearing will be held at two centres in each of the 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria. We encourage you to engage at the public hearings and speak up on what constitutional provisions you want if you think an amendment is sufficient. It's your right to exercise it judiciously. See details here.

#JusticeForPelumi

The Late Pelumi’s case is still very much ‘a hot cake’ and we continue to stay on the course. The Lagos State Government might remove Pelumi Onifade's petition from those before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry.Pelumi Onifade was a 20-year old intern Journalist with Gboah TV. He was reportedly arrested by officers attached to the Lagos State Task Force while covering the #EndSARS protests and was later found dead at a mortuary in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Against all odds, we remain unflinching in our demand for #JusticeForPelumi and other victims of police brutality!

#JusticeForPeju

Professional negligence is becoming a norm among some medical practitioners in Nigeria. 4 years ago, we got involved with #JusticeforShawn by providing legal counsel. In 2019, the doctor was found guilty of medical negligence & his license was suspended. Something similar has just happened to Peju Ugboma. Peju died on Sunday, May 8 due to alleged medical negligence at Premier Medical Specialist Centre, VI, Lagos. Join more than 17,000 active citizens who have signed a petition to the Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu & the State Ministry of Health to investigate the alleged medical negligence.  The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken up the case and we will work with them to see that justice is served. We must hold health care providers & hospitals accountable.

Light Mata No Go Tire Us!  

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has said there was a total system collapse of the grid on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Recall that on Thursday, April 15th, the Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman apologized to Nigerians over the power outages across the nation due to the breakdown of 8 National Integrated Power Plants supplying electricity to the national grid.Electricity is in the concurrent legislative list, which empowers states to establish their own power stations. This begs the question, what are state governments doing to improve electricity in their state? Active citizens, we must continually engage our public servants for effective and efficient service delivery.

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) in collaboration with the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) opens application submission for its 2021 Report Women! Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) Fellowship. If you are a Nigerian female journalist interested in building career leadership skill, then this opportunity is for you. Apply here.

Have a great weekend!The EiE Nigeria Team