Metro
Voice of Emancipation: The Hard Way, The Only Way
By Kayode Emola
It is now undeniable by all but the most willfully oblivious that Nigeria is unworkable. kindly check out this first line and see if this is appropriate No amount of self-deception can fix the multitude of problems plaguing the country. So the question now becomes not, “Is it possible to salvage Nigeria?” But, “Are we, as Yoruba, prepared to do what is required to liberate our people from the shackles of involuntary enslavement?”
Only those who dare to defy the odds have ever excelled in their quest for self-determination. When the young Alexander the Great burnt his boats having arrived on the shores of Persia, it was a calculated act to give his men no option but to achieve victory. Alexander’s men were outnumbered by the Persians, making his decision to destroy their only hope of retreat extraordinary. This singular act was the master decision that gave him victory over Persia.
This approach of destroying the boats was also employed in 1519 by the Spanish Captain, Hernan Contes when he landed on the shores of Mexico. Even though their actions as invaders were callous and despicable, this audacious act of removing the means of retreat led them to victory.
This year, 2022, is a crossroads in the history of Nigeria. It is the true test of the Yoruba Self-Determination Struggle, and we must all be committed to the physical, psychological, and emotional battle that it will involve. There is no room for vacillation within our project of transformation; for, if we fail, history will judge us as failing to be ready for the change that we profess.
It is therefore imperative that the Yoruba leadership take their place, affirming their pledge to serve their people with all capabilities, intellectual, spiritual and others, that God has bestowed on them. They must take up their mantle of duty to see this battle through to its logical conclusion. Nigeria as a country is held together by the most tenuous of threads, and those threads are in the hands of the Yoruba people. The smallest of pressure from any particular group, especially the Yoruba, will cause the nation to splinter into its many component factions.
We must now transfer our loyalty from the doomed Nigeria to the upcoming Yoruba sovereign nation. It is the only hope left for the millions of our people who are trapped in perpetual poverty. Just this week, the CBN Governor, Emefiele, tweeted that, NNPC has gone from contributing over $3 billion monthly at the time of President Jonathan’s office, to now remitting zero dollars to CBN. Any person still thinking that the 2023 elections will be capable of producing the miracle required to transform Nigeria is sadly either deluded or wantonly negligent.
One of Nigeria’s few lifelines at present is the diasporan remittance; if that were removed, Nigeria would be a worse situation even than Sri Lanka. The number of Nigerians living in abject poverty now surpasses the entire population of Sri Lanka by a factor of five. Yet, when Sri Lankans were pushed to the wall, they unified and rose up to chase their president, not just out of office, but out of the very country.
We Yoruba people must decide now whether we are content to live under this level of reckless governance, or whether we want to take our destiny into our own hands. We must ask for true change in the system, no matter the discomfort we feel in doing so, rather than just a change of guard. We must decide whether we truly desire freedom, or will buckle when the opposition facing us increases their resistance.
This crossroads, this moment, is the point where the leaders of Yoruba independence must burn the boats on the shore and declare no turning back. We must be so determined to liberate our people from this neo-colonial bondage that Nigeria has become, that we will accept no other outcome. We must lead our people to victory, as history will not judge us kindly if we fail to seize this moment.
The road to freedom is rarely pleasant to endure for those who truly believe in it. Many heroes in the past have found it to be to be their final endeavour, costing them their lives. It is a hard road to tread, but it is the only route to a life lived to its full potential. The road to Yoruba sovereign nation is definitely no different, and will be a precarious journey, however, it is one that must be taken. If we truly desire to be free once and for all, it is the only way, and is one every Yoruba person must now be ready to take
The leadership is ready, so we who put our trust in them, must ensure we are, too. We must give them all support necessary to accomplish this great task. We each have a part to play, and we must play it to the utmost of our ability in this final battle for our land, to ensure our people get the good life that they deserve. The only way we can obtain a good life is if we fight for it. We must be truly determined to be free from the shackles of bondage, unwilling to accept anything lesser. Yoruba Sovereign Nation Now; no going back
The Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has declared one Iroegbu Alexandra Chisom aka Biggy or Omoba Salvage wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and murder, according to a Wanted Notice issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, Panti, Yaba, and made available to National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The notice informed that the Warrant of Arrest was issued against the suspect by the Federal High Court, Lagos.
Iirogbu, 30, is wanted for stabbing one Mr. Olusanya to death with a jackknife at Pearl Service Apartment, Lekki, Ajah, Lagos State.
Iroegbu Alexandra Chisom, according to the notice, “is Igbo by tribe, aged 30, Height 1.82, Heavily Built, oval face, long broad nose, large mouth, thick lips, good teeth, white and black eyes, dark in complexion, round chin, thick hair, large head, high forehead, deformities limping in one of the legs, very vocal in habit, normal youth dress.
“His last known address is 23 Road X Close Block 1 Flat 3 Area 1, FESTAC Town, Lagos State, Nigeria.”
“If seen, arrest and hand over to the nearest Police Station or to the Lagos State CID, Panti Lagos.’
The FRSC Lagos Sector Command’s Spokesperson, SRC Oluwadamilola Jayeola has extended hearty congratulatory messages to the duo of DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi and Superintendent Route Commander AD Odunsi-Oyewole, on their various appointments as the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun Police Command, and Public Education Officer of the FRSC Ogun Sector Command respectively.
SRC Jayeola described both appointments as well-deserved, noting that the duo bring to their new responsibilities proven professionalism, depth of experience, and strong commitment to public service.
She emphasized that effective public communication remains critical to public safety, security awareness, and trust-building, particularly in a strategic state like Ogun, which serves as a major transit corridor between Lagos and other parts of the country.
SRC Jayeola expressed confidence that the synergy between the FRSC Ogun Sector Command and the Ogun State Police Command, through their Public Relations and Public Education Officers, will further strengthen inter-agency collaboration, improve information management, and enhance public enlightenment on road safety and security matters across the state.
She assured both officers of her full support and readiness to sustain a cordial and productive working relationship, stressing that cooperation, information sharing, and mutual support among sister agencies remain vital to achieving safer roads and a more secure society.
SRC Jayeola wished Superintendent Route Commander AD Odunsi-Oyewole and DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi a successful tenure, marked by impact, professionalism, and excellent service delivery to the people of Ogun State.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has argued that no court restrained it from enforcing the tinted glass permit regulation, maintaining that the directive remains valid until a competent judicial pronouncement rules otherwise.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made the clarification while addressing journalists during the presentation of criminal suspects arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team.
He stated that the police would continue enforcement of the tinted glass permit order, stressing that there had been no judicial directive halting the exercise.
Hundeyin explained that criminal groups had exploited previous pauses in enforcement to commit violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed attacks.
He cited a recent incident in Edo State where a Lexus SUV with tinted windows allegedly refused to stop at a checkpoint, leading to a pursuit during which its occupants opened fire on officers, killing a police inspector and injuring others.
He further clarified that the earlier suspension of enforcement announced by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had been misinterpreted by sections of the public and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
“The Inspector-General of Police, out of respect and understanding, temporarily suspended enforcement to give Nigerians additional time to regularise their tinted glass permits.
That decision was not based on any court order but was a discretionary move to accommodate public concerns,” Hundeyin said.
Acknowledging that the matter is before the courts, Hundeyin noted that the legal process has been slow. He stressed that, pending any contrary ruling, the police would continue enforcement.
“The position remains that enforcement continues until a court directs otherwise. At no point did any court restrain the Nigeria Police Force or the Inspector-General of Police from implementing the tinted glass permit order,” he added.
Responding to reports that the NBA may initiate contempt proceedings against the Inspector-General over the renewed enforcement, Hundeyin said the police legal department would address any action if it arises.
He reiterated that enforcement of the tinted glass permit was necessary for public safety, particularly in curbing crimes committed with vehicles whose occupants are concealed.
The police position comes amid growing debate between the Force and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has argued that the policy is unconstitutional and currently subject to litigation.
