The CNN report on Lekki toll gate- My response by OA.
I have spent time to read the CNN report and watch the CNN video on the Lekki events of Oct 20.
It is my intention to provide an objective response. I will be speaking as a Patriotic Nigerian.

. @ishakaa . @ApanpaOlasumbo
I have spent time to read the CNN report and watch the CNN video on the Lekki events of Oct 20.
It is my intention to provide an objective response. I will be speaking as a Patriotic Nigerian.


. @ishakaa . @ApanpaOlasumbo
First, we must admit that whether the CNN report is truthful or falsehood, it has the potential to inflict devastating damage on image, goodwill of our military and our country Nigeria. Many people worldwide will believe the CNN story simply because it is from CNN. Brandname!

My findings and analysis below. My objective again, is to establish truth and separate fact from fiction.

1. CNN report vs BBC report.
The CNN report is at complete variance with the BBC report.
BBC had a reporter on ground who witnessed the events and reported that soldiers fired shots in the air. CNN did not have reporters on ground but reported shots were fired into the crowd.
The CNN report is at complete variance with the BBC report.
BBC had a reporter on ground who witnessed the events and reported that soldiers fired shots in the air. CNN did not have reporters on ground but reported shots were fired into the crowd.

... Who do we believe?
The BBC reporter that was present and witnessed the events or CNN reporters that were thousands of kilometers away and only relied on third party information from the protesters.
The choice is yours to make.
We need to find the truth so Nigeria can heal!
The BBC reporter that was present and witnessed the events or CNN reporters that were thousands of kilometers away and only relied on third party information from the protesters.
The choice is yours to make.
We need to find the truth so Nigeria can heal!
2. Blank vs Live Ammunition.
Nigerian Army claimed and maintained they fired blank bullets into the air.
CNN has categorically stated that the bullet casings in possession of CNN are from live ammunition. The following questions therefore begs for answers;
Nigerian Army claimed and maintained they fired blank bullets into the air.
CNN has categorically stated that the bullet casings in possession of CNN are from live ammunition. The following questions therefore begs for answers;

a. CNN needs to prove that the live shell casings they have examined were expended and fired at the toll gate by the Nigerian Army. In other words, are the CNN live bullets from Lekki toll gate and were they fired by Nigerian Army.
The issue at stake is a very serious one and ...
The issue at stake is a very serious one and ...
... we need to establish truth beyond all reasonable doubt. The character, the unity, the integrity of the world’s most populous black nation is at stake. We need facts, evidence beyond all reasonable doubts.
Please . @cnni take this challenge and provide answers to above question
Please . @cnni take this challenge and provide answers to above question
3. Testimony of Elisha on Victor Sunday Ibanga death.
CNN provided graphic images of the death of Victor and provided video interview of Sunday, claimed to be Victor’s brother.
In the interview, Sunday said “Someone picked my brother’s phone and called me”
It is fair to ask ....
CNN provided graphic images of the death of Victor and provided video interview of Sunday, claimed to be Victor’s brother.
In the interview, Sunday said “Someone picked my brother’s phone and called me”
It is fair to ask ....
How did a stranger that picked the phone know you are his brother of the deceased. Most phones have an average of over 100 contacts in the directory. How did this stranger identify the right number to call. We need answers.
Furthermore, CNN will need to prove that the graphic image of Victor Ibanga was taken at the toll gate on Oct 20. There is no background structure or cultural images to place this image at Lekki toll gate. Why is the picture devoid of background images?
Finally on the subject of Elisha and Victor, CNN needs to tell us why Elisha has not presented himself at the judicial panel to report the death of his brother, Victor. There are many lawyers in Nigeria, including Femi Falana, SAN willing to represent Ibanga family pro bono ...
.... at the tribunal.
The right and logical course of action is for the Ibanga family to head to the judicial panel, and not CNN! Except the objective is that of mischief.
The right and logical course of action is for the Ibanga family to head to the judicial panel, and not CNN! Except the objective is that of mischief.
In addition, why did the Ibanga family not take up the challenge of N1.3 million reward for verifiable picture of death Lekki. Patriotic Nigerians including myself under leadership of . @BayoAdedosu donated this money in an attempt to establish the truth. No one came forward.
4. Shots fired into the Crowd.
CNN categorically stated that shots were fired into the crowd from AK47 military rifles.
Firing shots directly into the crowd of protesters, it is expected that a stampede and mass deaths will be the outcome. Why was there no stampede and ...
CNN categorically stated that shots were fired into the crowd from AK47 military rifles.
Firing shots directly into the crowd of protesters, it is expected that a stampede and mass deaths will be the outcome. Why was there no stampede and ...
... mass deaths. I do not believe that the protesters are super human beings.
The sound of gun shots is enough to make most people have wet pants.
Why was there no stampede if shots were fired into the crowd? Why did the BBC reporter say shots were fired into the air only?
The sound of gun shots is enough to make most people have wet pants.
Why was there no stampede if shots were fired into the crowd? Why did the BBC reporter say shots were fired into the air only?
We must separate fact from fiction in order that Nigeria can heal. CNN claimed they interviewed over 100 protesters and family members. Why did CNN not encourage these people to present themselves at the judicial panel to provide needed testimony under oath to establish the truth
CNN claimed the military declined their interview. But CNN has access to all the interviews, reports and presentations by the military.
My question for CNN is that “Did CNN make effort to reach or interview the Governor of Lagos State . @jidesanwoolu to gather facts .......
My question for CNN is that “Did CNN make effort to reach or interview the Governor of Lagos State . @jidesanwoolu to gather facts .......

.... and interrogate the statement by the Governor, not the military, that there were no blood stains seen at the scene of the incident when he visited lekki toll gate hours later. The Gov admitted one death due to blunt force truama and not bullet shots.

In the spirit of fairness and objectivity, why did CNN not make effort to interview the Governor, who is s key player and credible witness in this unfortunate incident.
My aim is not to speak for the Government or the military as i am not qualified or authorized to do so. I am also thousands of miles away from Nigeria, just like CNN. But i believe we can all make informed judgment and analysis by separating fact from fiction.
In conclusion, do we really need CNN to tell us what happened in Nigeria or what we did to ourselves. We must free ourselves from colonial mentality.
At this difficult moment, we should remember the quote of one of our founding fathers
At this difficult moment, we should remember the quote of one of our founding fathers

“I am convinced, and I want you also to be convinced, that the future of this vast country must depend, in the main, on the efforts of OURSELVES to help OURSELVES. This we cannot do if we do not work together in Unity
- Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
- Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Ourselves not CNN!
Ourselves not BBC!
Ourselves not America
Ourselves not BBC!
Ourselves not America

Finally, i will refer . @cnni to the image below presented by the protesters which turned out to be a clip from a movie and the deceased has since resurrected. Will Victor Ibanga resurrect tomorrow. Only time will tell...
To be continued
To be continued