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Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General - Politics - Nairaland

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Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 12:51am On Dec 11, 2019
The entire country and a global audience are rightly scandalised by the unfolding saga over Omoyele Sowore and the unruliness of the SSS and the government; but it is only a pattern, a reflection of the serial disregard of the Buhari regime for human rights and its battering of other arms of government and our democratic institutions. PUNCH views this tendency and its recent escalation with serious concern, knowing as the great thinker, Edmund Burke, said that “the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Nigeria had trod a path, a veritable obstacle course, where repression, especially under military jackboots, was a malignant presence and this attracted heroic resistance by ordinary people, civil society groups and the press. But Nigerians have lately become lethargic, divided by ethnic and sectarian sentiments and weakened by widespread poverty brought on by a rapacious political class and bad governance.

PUNCH will not adopt the self-defeating attitude of many Nigerians looking the other way after each violation of rights and attacks on the citizens, the courts, the press and civic society, including self-determination groups lawfully exercising their inalienable rights to peaceful dissent. This regime’s actions and assaults on the courts, disobedience of court orders and arbitrary detention of citizens reflect its true character of the martial culture. Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) ran a ham-fisted military junta in 1984/85 and old habits obviously run deep. Until he and his repressive regime purge themselves of their martial tendency therefore, PUNCH will not be a party to falsely adorning it with a democratic robe, hence our decision to label it for what it is – an autocratic military-style regime run by Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).

Sowore’s travails are symptomatic: having ignored court orders granting him bail, the SSS, after much pressure following 125 days in captivity, released him only to stage a GESTAPO-style raid on the court where the journalist was standing trial. The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim el-Zakzakky and his wife have spent over three years in detention in violation of court orders granting them bail and ordering their release. A former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has been held in detention since 2015 in defiance of several court orders, including one by the ECOWAS appellate court that declared his continued incarceration illegal. Under Buhari, the SSS has become a monstrous and repressive secret police, acting often with impunity. Buhari bears responsibility for the state of repression because, as president, he can stop it today.



But the SSS is not alone. The Nigeria Police, whose notoriety predates Buhari’s second coming, has continued its serial abuse of human rights and is ever available to officials who routinely deploy police officers from the mundane abuse of sirens in traffic to arbitrary arrest and torture of victims. The police and military fail to understand that peaceful agitation and the right to associate are fundamental rights.

This situation is eerily familiar: as military head of state, Buhari’s appointee who headed the National Security Organisation, as the SSS was then known, Lawal Rafindadi, unleashed a reign of terror on Nigerians, featuring arbitrary arrests and torture in cells described by inmates as chambers of horror. Under the infamous Decree 2, agents had pre-signed detention papers, court orders were ignored and ouster clauses were inserted in decrees, while the press was specifically targeted with the infamous Decree 4 under which Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor were jailed.

Returning as an elected president, Buhari has followed the same template, appointing Lawal Daura as Director-General of the SSS, who re-enacted the Rafindadi playbook by his treatment of Dasuki and el-Zakzakky, among others, raided the homes of judges and twice deployed armed SSS heavies to foil the arrest of two former security chiefs by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Nigerian Navy authorities similarly ignored court orders to release Navy Captain Dada Labinjo, who they detained for over a year until his recent release on bail; Nigerian Army too detains suspects interminably on the grounds of being terrorism suspects.

Some governors have borrowed from this nefarious model, deploying security agents and perverting the law to punish critics and journalists. Critics, Dadiyata Idris and Stephen Kefas, have been arrested and arraigned. Agba Jalingo is facing a treason charge for offending the Cross River State Government. Jones Abiri, a local publisher in Bayelsa State, has been charged with terrorism while, in Delta State, two journalists are facing criminal defamation charges.

The regime’s Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed, forgetting how, as opposition spokesman in 2014, he was harassed by the SSS and accused of “loitering,” has been vigorously pressing for anti-hate speech laws to restrict the social media. Abdullahi Sabi, a senator, along with others, has re-presented a hate-speech bill: their sole purpose is to insulate officials from criticism and compel unquestioned acceptance of Buhari’s draconian misrule.

Under the law, suspects cannot be held beyond 48 hours except by a court order. But the regime observes this in the breach. Yet, Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and other treaties guaranteeing fundamental rights. The 1999 Constitution also spells out basic rights. But the regime chooses which rights or court orders to respect or obey. This is unacceptable. Critical segments of the society have been assaulted, silenced or compromised. It is time, as a Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has strongly advocated, for civil society to rejuvenate itself and send the message to Buhari to “rein in his wild dogs of disobedience.” From the United States has come a message from the Department of State, two senators and Congress telling the Buhari regime to stop its shocking affront to the rule of law, reminding the General that “respect for the rule of law, judicial independence, political and media freedom, and due process are key tenets of democracy.”

Nigeria has had more than its fair share of draconian rulers, whether in military or civil garb, but none has succeeded in breaking our resilience and irrepressible spirit. This regime will not prove to be an exception. Nigeria, and Nigerians, will overcome. The strong desire of our people to enjoy the unfettered freedoms guaranteed by the constitution and the rule of law, including the freedom to speak freely and assemble peacefully, will again outlive, outlast and crush the spirit of despotism.

Buhari can still redeem himself and his out-of-control security agents and reclaim his past facade of tolerance. When Daura brazenly inserted himself in politics by recklessly sending armed masked SSS enforcers to besiege the National Assembly, as acting President, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo promptly sacked him and had him arrested. Buhari should similarly distance himself and his regime from the lawlessness and impunity of the current SSS DG, Yusuf Bichi, by dismissing him, ordering the release of all victims of illegal detention and compelling obedience to court orders. The SSS has not been efficient in the war against terror; it should perform its primary duty to safeguard the country. As a product of statute, its loyalty should be to the country, not to temporary occupiers of public office.



The regime’s repression cannot succeed but will further polarise the society and weaken national cohesion. The Nigerian Bar Association has vowed to defend the sanctity of judicial authority, while Soyinka has warned that disregard for court orders could beget desperation and civil disobedience. Nigerians need to stop their supine acquiescence to oppression and learn to stand up for their rights as many are doing around the world, using all peaceful and legal means, including the right to protest and of peaceful assembly. It is Dasuki, el-Zakzakky, Sowore and others today, who knows who is next if repression is not resisted?

As a symbolic demonstration of our protest against autocracy and military-style repression, PUNCH (all our print newspapers, The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH, PUNCH Sports Extra, and digital platforms, most especially Punchng.com) will henceforth prefix Buhari’s name with his rank as a military dictator in the 80s, Major General, and refer to his administration as a regime, until they purge themselves of their insufferable contempt for the rule of law.
https://punchng.com/buharis-lawlessness-our-stand/

594 Likes 73 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 12:52am On Dec 11, 2019
Well done Punch Newspapers for coming out and speaking against evil.

819 Likes 58 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by hypertension(m): 1:10am On Dec 11, 2019
Buhari is the best president ever. He has integrity and is not corrupt.

Buhari pls continue your good works and thank you for millions of jobs you've created for ur citizens

We wish u third term...No devil can stop it..our love for u will continue no matter what the corrupt punchng.com says

Sai baba...

grin grin grin let me sound like a zombie today grin grin grin

665 Likes 46 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by PDJT: 1:10am On Dec 11, 2019
-If God exists, this evil man Muhammadu Buhari and his allies should never go unpunished, including his family members who are benefiting from his evil deeds.

316 Likes 18 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by enemybulldozer(m): 1:11am On Dec 11, 2019
Is this really coming from punch??
Wonders shall never end!

181 Likes 10 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by PDJT: 1:13am On Dec 11, 2019
-Muhammadu Buhari, devil’s punishment on the so-called Nigeria.

138 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 1:16am On Dec 11, 2019
enemybulldozer:
Is this really coming from punch??
Wonders shall never end!
'As a symbolic demonstration of our protest against autocracy and military-style repression, PUNCH (all our print newspapers, The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH, PUNCH Sports Extra, and digital platforms, most especially Punchng.com) will henceforth prefix Buhari’s name with his rank as a military dictator in the 80s, Major General, and refer to his administration as a regime, until they purge themselves of their insufferable contempt for the rule of law.'

266 Likes 13 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by enemybulldozer(m): 1:22am On Dec 11, 2019
Vanhooijdonk:

'As a symbolic demonstration of our protest against autocracy and military-style repression, PUNCH (all our print newspapers, The PUNCH, Saturday PUNCH, Sunday PUNCH, PUNCH Sports Extra, and digital platforms, most especially Punchng.com) will henceforth prefix Buhari’s name with his rank as a military dictator in the 80s, Major General, and refer to his administration as a regime, until they purge themselves of their insufferable contempt for the rule of law.'
This is the part that really really got me.

310 Likes 12 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 1:22am On Dec 11, 2019
PDJT:
-Muhammadu Buhari, devil’s punishment on the so-called Nigeria.
Modern day Pharoah sent to bring tyranny,lawlessness,poverty and fantastical corruption.

279 Likes 15 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 1:28am On Dec 11, 2019
hypertension:
Buhari is the best president ever. He has integrity and is not corrupt.

Buhari pls continue your good works and thank you for millions of jobs you've created for ur citizens

We wish u third term...No devil can stop it..our love for u will continue no matter what the corrupt punchng.com says

Sai baba...

grin grin grin let me sound like a zombie today grin grin grin
grin

30 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by clarocuzioo(m): 1:29am On Dec 11, 2019
I am so much in love with this. This is how it is supposed to be. Evil triumph where men of good will keep quiet and do nothing.
once a tyrant always a tyrant.
Once a dictator, always a dictator,
A leopard cannot change its spot.
It's good Punch called a spade a spade and not a farm tool.

Let Tinubu and The Nation newspaper keep showing cowardice, painting this disaster of a government white.

Punch for this singluar action of yours,you forever have my respect.


If we speak we die, if we don't speak we die, so let's us all speak and die.

MAJOR GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI

285 Likes 16 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 1:32am On Dec 11, 2019
Damn!

What a gut displayed by PUNCH.

History will remember you right for being the first media outfit to stand up against this tyranny and call it by it's name.

I hope Sun, Vanguard, Thisday, Leadership, Premium Times, Channels, AIT, and all media outfit will follow suit.

But as regards Sowore, he is on his own. He's a big fool being punished by Karma. He worked against GEJ for Buhari. Let him enjoy the saviour he heralded.

Now, you would wanna question why I can't get past 2015, it's simple. GEJ ran a government of vision with short, medium and long term visions backed by measurable policies.

I never benefitted from his govt nor do I have anyone who did but Nigeria was moving in the right direction. All indices were pointing positive.

But Sowore chose to amplify little pitfalls and made look gigantic. Let him enjoy.

On another note however, I really wanna understand the God or whatever GEJ is serving...

Dude moved from lecturing to Deputy Governor.

Something happened to the Governor, he became Governor.

Then he became Vice president.

Something happened to the president and he became president.

Now, all those who worked against him have tested a pill of their own..

Atiku
Saraki
Kwankwaso
Dino Melaye
Many of them.

Really, who is Goodluck Ebele Jonathan?

594 Likes 69 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by plainol(m): 1:41am On Dec 11, 2019
A supposed secret police that cannot infiltrate Boko Haram after ten years of it's operation in Sambisa, is that one a secret service or glorified vigilante group/armed bodyguard organization?


Instead of providing quality intelligence service to the military on whereabouts of Shekau and his evil followers, they are busy showing how irresponsibly incompetent they are.


Even civilian JTF guys supply more intelligence than them.

Tueh!

323 Likes 25 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Herdsmen: 1:45am On Dec 11, 2019
I love this.. Brave.
Weldon punch..

General Buhari's regime.

We need more of this from the press..

190 Likes 12 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 2:06am On Dec 11, 2019
Herdsmen:
I love this.. Brave.
Weldon punch..

General Buhari's regime.

We need more of this from the press..
100

40 Likes

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by RussianKGB: 2:08am On Dec 11, 2019
The terrorist together with his demonic cabal has resorted to treating Nigerians as slaves and third class citizens depicting the gory and darkened days of Gen. Sani Abacha.

They disobey court orders, they violate citizens human rights, they violate the Nigerian constitution, they even violate common sense. Now they want to stiffle the social media so people can't speak out against this terrible and horrific government. They chose the death penalty as the price for speaking out or challenging this government and they termed it "hate speech" but chose 12yrs prison sentence for a criminal who stole 7billion naira.

Unfortunately a certain tribe has vowed to support this demonic government no matter the evil they perpetrate. They will support the continued incarceration and detention of their tribesman against court orders issued for his release be it as it may, provided they clinch onto the 2023 presidential ticket. Such a shame undecided

206 Likes 14 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Charleys: 2:57am On Dec 11, 2019
Sometimes General buhari makes me to believe Nnamdi Kanu and it pains me

123 Likes 8 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by kenic(m): 2:58am On Dec 11, 2019
Thanks to some of our brothers from the West....instead of us to be discussing national development as other countries are doing we are here talking about buhari's tyrannical regime. It's so unfortunate buhari n his minions will not allow that.

13 Likes 1 Share

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Afolabimills(m): 3:05am On Dec 11, 2019
PDJT:
-If God exists, this evil man Muhammadu Buhari and his allies should never go unpunished, including his family members who are benefiting from his evil deeds.
amen

43 Likes

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Afolabimills(m): 3:08am On Dec 11, 2019
Surely the end is near for this evil men

69 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 3:24am On Dec 11, 2019
Afolabimills:
Surely the end is near for this evil men
The tyrant just needs to obey the rule of law.

20 Likes 1 Share

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by NigeriaIsDoomed: 3:25am On Dec 11, 2019
Buhari, the devil will never go unpunished in this life and the next.
In the end we are but dust!
Idi Amin, Hitler and Abacha are no more so will Buhari, the evil be gone some day.


To you guys who employed all channels to overthrow Jonathan, I believe your lives and that of your relatives are better than before.

116 Likes 7 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by dubra: 3:33am On Dec 11, 2019
Supported

26 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by bastardmod: 3:39am On Dec 11, 2019
Wowwwww!

Thank you so much punch for this.

It's about time.

All hands should be on deck to keep this illiterate accountable.

Shame on the dullard

91 Likes 6 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by gunuvi(m): 3:40am On Dec 11, 2019
This is a classic "punch" by Punch.
God bless Punch!
God bless everyone who are standing against this evil regime.

165 Likes 13 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 3:59am On Dec 11, 2019
bastardmod:
Wowwwww!

Thank you so much punch for this.

It's about time.

All hands should be on deck to keep this illiterate accountable.

Shame on the dullard
Bigger shame on the BMC zombies that sold their soul

95 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by baby124: 4:06am On Dec 11, 2019
Wow.,, this is a left hook. This government better retrace it’s steps from obnoxious policies and infuriating actions. They are beginning to become nuisances and all their actions will backfire big time. You can’t fight the masses and win. Every region has its own power o, none more violent than the other. So, let’s respect all people in Nigeria and concentrate on positive things for the country instead of chasing rats while ones house is on fire.

Power intoxicates and that is why they are behaving like they have all run mad. Leaders should always be humble and understand the responsibility and pitfalls that comes with power. As easy as it is to rise, so it could be to fall.

As for the rest of us, evil thrives when a few good men keep quiet. Kudos to Punch for fighting this attempt to insult Nigerians and assault the press.

69 Likes 5 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 4:29am On Dec 11, 2019
Awol1:
Damn!

What a gut displayed by PUNCH.

History will remember you right for being the first media outfit to stand up against this tyranny and call it by it's name.

I hope Sun, Vanguard, Thisday, Leadership, Premium Times, Channels, AIT, and all media outfit will follow suit.

But as regards Sowore, he is on his own. He's a big fool being punished by Karma. He worked against GEJ for Buhari. Let him enjoy the saviour he heralded.

Now, you would wanna question why I can't get past 2015, it's simple. GEJ ran a government of vision with short, medium and long term visions backed by measurable policies.

I never benefitted from his govt nor do I have anyone who did but Nigeria was moving in the right direction. All indices were pointing positive.

But Sowore chose to amplify little pitfalls and made look gigantic. Let him enjoy.

On another note however, I really wanna understand the God or whatever GEJ is serving...

Dude moved from lecturing to Deputy Governor.

Something happened to the Governor, he became Governor.

Then he became Vice president.

Something happened to the president and he became president.

Now, all those who worked against him have tested a pill of their own..

Atiku
Saraki
Kwankwaso
Dino Melaye
Many of them.

Really, who is Goodluck Ebele Jonathan?
Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for Buhari coming to power. Instead of him to provide good governance he allowed free for all looting that almost bankrupted the country.

126 Likes 7 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Blue3k(m): 4:45am On Dec 11, 2019
This regime’s actions and assaults on the courts, disobedience of court orders and arbitrary detention of citizens reflect its true character of the martial culture. 

Buhari has no reason to stop. He doesn't fear impeachment and APC isn't worried about an electoral defeat. If there's no consequences to these actions he should continue since strong man politics works.

10 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by malel1: 5:03am On Dec 11, 2019
Awol1:
Damn!

What a gut displayed by PUNCH.

History will remember you right for being the first media outfit to stand up against this tyranny and call it by it's name.

I hope Sun, Vanguard, Thisday, Leadership, Premium Times, Channels, AIT, and all media outfit will follow suit.

But as regards Sowore, he is on his own. He's a big fool being punished by Karma. He worked against GEJ for Buhari. Let him enjoy the saviour he heralded.

Now, you would wanna question why I can't get past 2015, it's simple. GEJ ran a government of vision with short, medium and long term visions backed by measurable policies.

I never benefitted from his govt nor do I have anyone who did but Nigeria was moving in the right direction. All indices were pointing positive.

But Sowore chose to amplify little pitfalls and made look gigantic. Let him enjoy.

On another note however, I really wanna understand the God or whatever GEJ is serving...

Dude moved from lecturing to Deputy Governor.

Something happened to the Governor, he became Governor.

Then he became Vice president.

Something happened to the president and he became president.

Now, all those who worked against him have tested a pill of their own..

Atiku
Saraki
Kwankwaso
Dino Melaye
Many of them.

Really, who is Goodluck Ebele Jonathan?

AIT has no time again, before this man came on board, they made a full documentary about this man but some people choose not to listen.

122 Likes 6 Shares

Re: Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General by Nobody: 5:11am On Dec 11, 2019
malel1:


AIT has no time again, before this man came on board, they made a full documentary about this man but some people choose not to listen.
They also made a full documentary about Bobo Chicago. Nigerians don't like to learn from history.

53 Likes 4 Shares

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