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Tag: Charles Oputa

  • Charlyboy remains our leader, says ‘Ourmumudondo’ group

    Executives and members of ‘OurMumuDonDo’ Movement, a civil society group that advocates good political leadership, on Tuesday said that  Charles Oputa,a.k.a Charlyboy, remained their leader.

    Mrs Folake Agunbiade, who is the Knowledge Management and Learning Manager of the group, stated at a press conference in Abuja.

    Agunbiade described as baseless, trending reports in social media, that Charlyboy had been relieved of his position as the group’s leader because of an alleged financial misdeed.

    “In this wise, the management of Ourmumudondo restates that there is no change in the corporate governance of the movement, and Mr Charles Oputa (aka CharlyBoy) remains the chairman of the organisation.

    “We acknowledge several social media reports on the alleged transaction between Charlyboy and Mr Festus Keyamo, Spokesperson of the Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation.”

    “The organisation wishes to state clearly that the alleged transaction did not arise from or on behalf of its activities or projects, and therefore it has no implication for our credibility as a movement.

    “We want all Nigerians of goodwill to know that the allegations and counter allegations have no bearing on the movement and its activities,” She said.

    Agunbiade, however, acknowledged that there were misunderstandings between some members of the group, but added that its leadership was working towards reconciling all aggrieved members.

    “The movement is conducting an internal review and establishing protocols for public engagements that will forestall any likelihood of conflict arising from its operators.”

    NAN recalls that Mr Deji Adeyanju, an activist and estranged member of Ourmumudondo, recently released an audio recording, alleging that Charlyboy agreed to receiving money from Mr Festus  Keyamo, Spokesperson of   President Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation.

    Read also: Justice Bage emerges new Emir of Lafia

    According to Adeyanju, the said payment was a ‘settlement’ for a musical video produced by Charlyboy to smear the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.

    Adeyanju and some members then called for the removal of Charlyboy as the group’leader, saying he compromised with the “enemy”.

    However, Charlyboy, explained that he released such videos, one each against both the APC and PDP presidential candidates on the eve of the 2019 General Elections, but was not paid by anyone.

    He added that he remained non-partisan, and was neither in support of any political party, as his yearnings was for the not-too-young-to–run mantra to strive.

    “For someone to believe that I collected money in nine digits from a politician for a video clip is laughable, because even if I am Davido or Wizkid, who will pay me such amount.

    “Some persons are bent on denting the brand that I have built over the years, but I am not deterred because the struggle for a better Nigeria must continue, and my mouth cannot be shut,” he said.(NAN)

  • Court orders police to pay Charly Boy N50m

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Abuja to pay musician, Charles Oputa (Charly Boy) N50million for violating his rights.

    Justice John Tsoho, in a judgment on Monday, also ordered the respondents to tender public apology to the applicant, which should be published in two national newspapers.

    The judgement was on a fundamental rights enforcement suit by Oputa, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/343/2018 , filed on March 29 this year.

    The applicant had, in an affidavit, said policemen, numbering over 100 from the Federal Capital Territory (FC() Police Command, invaded the Unity Fountain in Abuja on August 8, 2017 and attacked him and his group with teargas canisters, hot water cannon and wild police dogs during the Resume or Resign protest when he led other activists to protest the prolonged absence of President Muhammadu Buhari from Nigeria on account of his medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

    He claimed that the attack by the policemen was so severe that he collapsed in the process and was rushed to the hospital.

    Oputa claimed that the police attacked them because of claims that their protest over the President’s absence, which had exceeded 90 days on the second day of their daily sit-out protest, had gone international and brought serious embarrassment to the country.

    Justice Tsoho, in the judgement rejected the respondents’ claim that miscreants invaded or stormed the premises of the protest. The judge said there was no evidence to support such claim.

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    The judge said the applicant was entitled, under the Constitution, to stage a peaceful protest.

    Justice Tsoho noted that protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right, provided it is done peacefully.

    He further noted that even if miscreants were on the scene to hijack the protest, the respondents (the police) possess enough measures to dislodge such persons and maintain law and order.

    The judge noted that the respondents, in their counter affidavit, admitted that they resorted to using teargas canisters and hot water canon in order to disperse the ’miscreants’’ who suddenly took over the protest.

    Justice Tsoho said the respondents’ claim that the teargas canisters and hot water canon were not directed at the defendants lacks substance as teargas circulates and affects all persons around where it is expended.

    The judge held that the applicant disclosed a reasonable cause of action against the respondents.

    He further held that the respondents violated the applicant’s fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association as enshrined in sections 34, 39, and 40 of the Constitution.

    The judge was of the view that “the law is that the court has the right to grant redress to anyone whose right is violated and the Applicant is entitled to a remedy.”

  • Charly Boy goes to church

    Charly Boy goes to church

    Popular activist and entertainer, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy has reportedly given his life to Christ at a Christ Embassy Church in Abuja.

    The news went viral when a post shared on Facebook by a group run by Christ Embassy, indicated that the singer gave his life to Christ when he visited a branch of the Church in Abuja last Sunday, February 25.

    In response to this, the activist wrote on his Instagram; “As part of our efforts to popularize and democratize politics by enlisting youthful energy, and engendering mass participation in the process of nation-building, the OurMumuDonDo Movement visited Believers’ LoveWorld Inc. a.k.a. Christ Embassy, to conscientize the congregation. We are glad to have met energetic youths who are also driven by the love of fatherland.

    “In addition to that, I had an extraordinary encounter with God, and I am Glad for it.

    In the coming days, however, we will be visiting other Churches, Mosques, Traditional Rulers, and even Traditional Religion Worshippers to ensure that we all work synergistically to rescue our dear country Nigeria”.

    His wife Lady D, was not left out in the testimony as she added; “”My husband’s born again didn’t start yesterday. Charles has always been spiritual, has always given himself to service. He has always been an inspiration to millions of frustrated Nigerian youths. His life style has made thousands chase their own dreams with tenacity and never gave up on themselves. Yes, people where not too sure what to make of him, because of his theatrics he kept confusing people who couldn’t see the humour or the sense in how he was acting out. Charles has always been about how he can add value to his environment and the people he meets.”

    Many think that the controversial entertainer may just have his own meaning for the phrase ‘born again’, as there are no indications of a sober person.

  • Charly-Boy demands N500m damages from police for alleged rights violation

    Charly-Boy demands N500m damages from police for alleged rights violation

    Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly-Boy or Area-Fada, on Wednesday filed a suit at the FCT High Court, Maitama, against the Commissioner of Police in FCT for alleged violation of his rights.

    Oputa is demanding the enforcement of  his fundamental rights pursuant to Sections 34, 39, and 40 and 46 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    He is asking the court to declare that the use of teargas, canisters, water cannon and wild police dogs to harass and disperse his group was contrary to the provisions of the constitution.

    Oputa through his counsel, Mr Inibehe Effiong, is also seeking the order of the court compelling the respondent (Nigeria Police Force) to pay him N100 million as general damages.

    He is also asking for an order directing, the respondent to pay him N 400 million as exemplary damages.

    Oputa said that he and his group, known as Our Mumu Don Do Movement, staged a peaceful demonstration on Aug. 8 at Unity Fountain, Maitama Abuja, when they were attacked by the police.

    The group had demanded that President Muhammadu Buhari return from his medical leave in London to resume work or resign.

    The suit has yet to be assigned. (NAN)

  • Diezani: Protesters seek ex-minister’s extradition

    Diezani: Protesters seek ex-minister’s extradition

    The Federal Government is under pressure to bring back former Petroleum Resources Minister Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    Some protesters yesterday marched on the Abuja headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to demand her extradition from the United Kingdom for trial.

    They also raised issues on high-profile corruption suspects.

    But the EFCC said it will follow due process in its ongoing investigation of the former minister.

    It said the repatriation of the ex-minister required a long and painstaking process.

    The protesters, who came under the umbrella of Concerned Nigerians, were led by Charles Oputa (popularly called Charly Boy) and Deji Adeyanju.

    They had besieged the EFCC headquarters for a two-day sit-in.

    The EFCC sought for patience on Mrs Alison-Madueke and other high-profile cases.

    Charley Boy said the team was interested in the outcome of Mrs. Alison-Madueke’s  ongoing probe.

    He said: “I am here to give support and ginger the youths who have finally decided to wake up from their docility and their slumber.

    “We are here to force a discussion on this war on corruption. Is it only being fought on the pages of newspapers and why haven’t we had a conviction so far and why haven’t the guilty been punished so far?

    “So, I am here to join the exceptional Nigerian youths to ask questions and hold the government accountable to the promises that have been made.

    I remember the famous quote by President Buhari which says ‘if we cannot kill corruption, corruption will kill us’. And it looks like corruption is killing us. So, what the young people are asking is, why hasn’t there been any conviction so far?

    “So, I am here to encourage them, to motivate them in standing up for their rights because if the youths exclude themselves from nation-building, then they have no future in this country.

    “We told the EFCC that we will be back tomorrow and we will continue to support them in the fight.”

    Charley Boy said apart from losing assets, the ex-Minister must face trial.

    He said: “It is not enough for Diezani’s assets to be forfeited; there should be a conviction.

    “If they cannot get a conviction for Diezani there (in London), let them bring her back home. Our eyes are on the Diezani matter and I am hoping that it won’t be business as usual. The sit-in stops tomorrow but our media campaign will continue.”

    Adeyanju urged the EFCC not to be deterred in prosecuting the fight against corruption.

    He said after the two-day sit-in, which began yesterday at the EFCC headquarters, the group will take its protest to the United Kingdom.

    He said: “We came to tell the EFCC that we are demanding the extradition of Diezani, who is alleged to have stolen billions of dollars from the Nigerian coffers. We are saying if they do not extradite her and allow her trial to continue in the UK, it will be a pat on the back for her because what she is being accused of doing in the UK is a very minor offence.

    ”Corruption charges should be brought against her here and it is imperative that she be tried in Nigeria.

    “We are also demanding that they should assist the British Government in whatever way possible to secure an extradition.

    “We have also highlighted other corruption cases, like the IGP who was accused of collecting N120bn from oil companies and banks. Babachir Lawal and other cases like the CBN’s hoarding of forex.” The police chief has denied the allegations.

    Adeyanju went on: “The EFCC does not need to wait for directives before investigating people. Once someone has been accused of something, the commission should swing into action.”

    The EFCC said it would follow due process in its ongoing investigation of the ex- minister.

    The Secretary to the commission, Mr. Emmanuel Aremo, who addressed the protesters, said the repatriation of the ex-minister required a long process.

    Speaking on behalf of the Acting EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Aremo stressed the anti-graft agency remained committed to the rule of law, adding that this is paramount in the fight against corruption.

    He said: “Let us be patient and let us follow due process, we on our part will ensure that no stone is left unturned as we intensify the war against corruption.”

    He asked the group “not to relent in their support for the EFCC, as the anti-graft agency needs the partnership of every Nigerian in the fight against corruption.

    “I urge Nigerians to be patient because extradition requires a painstaking process that must be followed,” Aremo added.

     

  • Southsouth voice for Buhari

    Southsouth voice for Buhari

    While some protesters made their presence felt in the federal seat of power, asking President Muhammadu Buhari to return from London or resign, another group from the Niger Delta took its turn to point out the futility of stampeding the commander-in-chief. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports

    Well, President Muham-madu Buhari is back. But before he did, his absence triggered quite a scene in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy, led a group of people through parts of the territory with a single message: Buhari should return home or quit office. Oputa, an artiste and activist, was eventually attacked by some people who felt he was more than a nuisance.

    Another group from the Niger Delta condemned the attack but had a message of its own. The group made up of Niger Delta youths, declared its support for the president, adding that Buhari’s extended overseas medical trip did not flout any constitutional provisions. The youths said President Buhari’s ill-health and absence from office did not constitute an impeachable offence.

    The youths marched from the Unity Fountain to the Presidential Villa Junction, carrying placards expressing their support for the ailing leader.

    Leader of the group, Michael Johnny said the protesters consisted of Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo and youths from other Niger Delta ethnic groups were in Abuja to demonstrate their support for the President and to wish him speedy recovery.

    Johnny said, “We have a very transparent government of President Muhammadu Buhari and we believe in him. We are from the Niger Delta and there is a protest going on called the #ResumeOrResign…We the people from the Niger Delta are saying it is not proper. What we need to do is to pray for his quick recovery. We believe in one Nigeria. #ResumeOrResign group are supporters of the opposition party who are instigate to frustrate and damage this government. That is their mission. They did not mean well for Nigerians.”

    He said acting President Yemi Osinbajo was doing well and should be commended, adding that the concern of every citizen should be to pray for Buhari’s recovery rather than agitating for his resignation from office.

    Johnny said, “There is no requirement that a President should either be removed from office just because he is sick, no matter the length of his sickness; that is the law and our constitution. It doesn’t matter how many protesters swarm Abuja, this is a matter of constitution, of law and of common sense, not of being ‘mumuish, we are not ‘mumus.”

    He however condemned the attack on the #ResumeOrResign protesters, saying that the group had the right to express themselves and should not be harassed by anyone.

  • ASUU strike, Charlie Boy episodes dominate Google searches

    ASUU strike, Charlie Boy episodes dominate Google searches

    The latest nationwide strike  declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Charlie Boy episodes in Abuja dominated searches on the internet search engine Google, this week.

    Google’s spokesman Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade made the announcement in a dispatch to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

    He listed the week’s top trending search terms on Google to range from shocking strike news to an exciting new episode of a hit TV series.

    “The President of the union, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, in a media briefing session held in Abuja on Aug. 13, officially declared that ASUU was embarking on an indefinite strike.

    “He said that during the strike there would not be any teaching, examinations or attendance of meetings of any kind allowed in institutions under the union.

    “The strike is said to be caused by some unresolved financial agreement between the Federal Government and the union.

    “In response to the news, the National Association of Nigerian Students issued a statement, urging the Federal Government to dialogue with ASUU and giving a 21-day ultimatum to resolve the strike.

    “Concerned citizens headed to Google to find out which institutions might be affected by the strike,” Kola-Ogunlade stated.

    He said that the hit TV series, Game of Thrones returned with its 7th season, episode 5 early last month.

    The spokesman said that the much anticipated new season was thrilling fans, keeping them glued to every episode.

    “This week, viewers searched Google for a glimpse of episode 5 as the quest for the Iron throne continues.”

    The Google manager said that the tagged protest, #ResumeOrResign also got a lot of people’s attention online.

    “The self-acclaimed area father and musician, Charles Oputa, a.k.a. Charley Boy and Deji Adeyanju, took to the streets of Abuja last week Monday to protest the indefinite medical leave of President Mohammadu Buhari.

    “During the protest, tagged #ResumeOrResign, Charly Boy collapsed and reported that he was attacked by hoodlums and the police in an effort to derail the protest.

    “In another account, the police claimed that officers only moved to disperse some criminal elements that were infiltrating the protest.

    “They also said that Charly Boy over-dramatised his collapse for the TV cameras.

    “Eye-witnesses contradicted the police account and Nigerians seeking the whole story turned to Google for details,” Kola-Ogunlade said.

    He said that in the world of sports, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 5-match ban by the Spanish Football Federation got people searching for details online.

    He said that the ban was issued to the Real Madrid star as a result of an altercation with referee Ricardo De Burgos at the Real Madrid 3-1 Spanish Super Cup first leg victory on Aug. 13.

    Kola-Ogunlade added that Ronaldo was said to be given a $3,543.20 fine, a four-match ban and one outstanding, due to the red card served to him. Football fans raced to Google search to get the full story.

    The Google image-maker said that the Aug. 12 violence in Charlottesville got well-wishers and interested Nigerian readers visiting Google to search for updates about the situation.

    “A white nationalist-organised ‘unite for right’ march escalated into a full blown protest as they were joined by counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.

    “The clash between the protesters led to violent exchanges, tussling and the death of one civilian with cars plowing into protesters and the death of two state troopers in a helicopter crash at the scene.”

    Kola-Ogunlade said that a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter Keshinro Ololade, a.ka. Lil Kesh, dropped a new single titled ‘Baby Flavour’.

    “The ex-YBNL recording artist has been absent from the music scene for a while before the release of his new song.

    “Fans are excited about his return and headed to Google to download and listen to Lil Kesh’s new single.

    Google trends launched in May, 2006, allows one to see how popular, search terms and its demography have been over time on Google.

  • How we rescued Charly Boy, others from mob – Police

    How we rescued Charly Boy, others from mob – Police

    The FCT Police Command has explained the role it played in the rescue of Charles Oputa who is popularly known as Charly Boy.

    Charly Boy; the Leader of the #ResumeOrResignprotest against President Muhammadu Buhari’s continued medical vacation in the UK was attacked on Tuesday in Wuse Market by angry mobs.

    The attack led to closure of the market by the market management.

    The police also said their intervention prevented the mob from burning two cars belonging to Charley Boy and his membership.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja Wednesday by Command Spokesman, DSP Anjuguri Manzah.

    The police also said the Divisional Police Officer Utako, CSP Jimoh Gbenle and several other policemen were injured while trying to rescue the protesters.

    The statement reads: “FCT Police Command has rescued Charles Oputa aka Charlie-boy and other members of the Concerned Citizens Group from being lynched by an angry mob who attacked them during their mobilisation campaign at Wuse market on Tuesday 15th August, 2017.

    “Prior to the unfortunate incident, the group assembled at Unity Fountain and addressed the press at 0945hrs where massive security was provided by police operatives. However, the group left Unity Fountain and headed to the busy Wuse Market in a bid to mobilise support; this police was not notified.

    “While at Wuse Market, the group was attacked by a mob and in response to a distress call the Police moved in and rescued Charly-boy and his co-travellers.

    “The Police was also able to prevent the angry mob from burning a Prado jeep and a BMW car belonging to Charlie boy and his members.

    “The vehicles which were towed by the Police to Wuse Division were later released to Charlie boy and his team”.

    On some of those injured, the statement stated: “In the process of protecting and securing Charlie boy and his group members from the hands of the mob, many policemen were injured including the Divisional Police Officer Utako, CSP Jimoh Gbenle.”

    Normalcy has however returned to Wuse Market and all other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The Command while stating that it has deployed uniform and plain-cloth policemen in all flash points to forestall any breach of the peace also urged  protesters to always liaise with them so as to provide them necessary security and proffer necessary advice.

     

  • Charly Boy almost lynched at Wuse Market

    Charly Boy almost lynched at Wuse Market

    Popular entertainer, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, who is leading the #ResumeOrResign protest against President Muhammadu Buhari’s continued medical vacation in the UK was on Tuesday attacked at the popular Wuse Market by angry protesters.

    Charly Boy was attacked in Wuse Market by angry protesters who are believed to be supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    His he car was damaged by the thugs.

    The gates of the market were temporarily closed and manned by heavily armed security operatives after the incident.

    One of the leaders of the group, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development on twitter.

    He said the attack was masterminded by a regular face among pro-Buhari protesters – a group involved in solidarity protest in support for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We just went to Wuse market for mobilization against 100 days event tomorrow and a regular face at Unity Fountain brought thugs to attack us.

    “They attacked us with police on Tuesday. Tried to attack us at Unity Fountain with their government sponsored thugs. Today is Wuse Market.

    “Charly Boy’s car was damaged by the thugs. This is a senseless government. #ResumeOrResign,” Adeyanu wrote on twitter.

  • Charly Boy marches for Chibok girls

    Charly Boy marches for Chibok girls

    …says government is sitting on keg of gunpowder

    Musician and popular Area Fada, Charles Oputa, Aka Charly Boy Monday embarked on a lone march for the abducted Chibok girls.

    Charly Boy who marched from the Unity fountain in Abuja to the Villa gate stressed his support for the Chibok girls who were abducted from their school in Chibok by Boko Haram almost three years ago.

    He said that the government is sitting on a keg of gunpowder because their protection cannot be guaranteed since that of Nigerians is no longer guranteed.

    His words, “It seems our mumu never do, because if our mumu don do, our girls should have been back but I see that we are pandaring to a government that is insensitive and dont care for its citizens, the government can’t protect us, they can’t do anything for us and for a government that can’t protect its citizens, that government is sitting on a keg of gunpowder because their protection, the looters, the scammers, the cheaters we all have here, cannot be guaranteed, if our protection is no longer guaranteed, theirs cannot be guaranteed, bring back our girls.

    “I decided to match because there is enough of impunity, enough of misgovernance, everything is wrong with Nigeria and I am just mad because my fellow frustrated Nigerians are just becoming too docile for my liking, it is time to do something.

    “Our girls are missing, they can’t get back our girls, they can’t give us a good life, so what are we living for? I don’t look that I will die for nothing, I can’t die for nothing, I must die for something, it is some people’s blood that we will take to wash the road so that Nigeria can be better.”

    Former Minister of education and leader of the #BringBackOurGirls (#BBOG) advocasy Oby Ezekwesili thanked Charly Boy for standing up for the Chibok girls and added that his actions shows that the Chibok girls belong to all.

    “We want to appreciate Charly Boy for being the face of #IMatchForChibokGirls today, thank you for being an important conscience of the nation, especially I, waking to the younger people to the fact that our mumu don do. You dont just have daughters but granddaughters and your coming out shows that our Chibok girls belong to all of us.

    “For as long as we are Nigerians, we share in the heritage of our Chibok girls and by being the one that matched for them today, you are calling on us all especially the leaders that have the responsibility to bring our girls back to their duties and that silence on our Chibok girls is unacceptable.

    “It is not good governance to be quite about 195 young women that have been left with Boko Haram for almost three years.”