Home Blog Page 1099

US announces visa ban on Nigerians sabotaging democracy

Bankole ABE
-
0
US announces visa ban on Nigerians sabotaging democracy

THE United States (US) has announced visa restrictions on some Nigerians accused of undermining democracy.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, January 25. He said the decision was aimed at advancing democracy in Nigeria.

READ ALSO:

Naira redesign, fuel scarcity are ploys to sabotage elections — Tinubu

US threatens to deny visa to promoters of election violence in Nigeria

Atiku may lose big in G5 states in 2023 presidential election

INEC seeks Meta’s support to tackle election disinformation

Blinken said the sanctioned individuals, whose names he did not reveal, would be ineligible for US visas.

He also explained that some family members of those barred from the US might be subjected to the same restriction.

“We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.

“Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.

“Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria — including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections — may be found ineligible for US visas under this policy,” he said.

Blinken stressed that the move was in line with the US government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s aspiration to combat corruption and strengthening democracy and the rule of law.

The US top official added that the visa restrictions announced are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria.

“The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,’’ he added.

The development is coming exactly a month before the 2023 presidential election scheduled for February 25.

A few days ago, the US had vowed to deny visa to anyone found fanning the embers of electoral violence in any part of the country.

The US Consul-General, Will Stevens, made the vow on Saturday, January 21, while addressing participants at a town hall meeting organised by the Niger-Delta Open Observatory (NOGO) in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Stating that the US did not have any preferred candidate in the Nigerian presidential election holding next month, Stevens said his country was only concerned about fair, free and credible polls.

Similarly, in 2019, before the general election, the US government announced visa restrictions on Nigerians who “sabotaged” the country’s democracy.

The development was announced in a statement signed by the then spokesperson of the US department of state Morgan Ortagus.

Funke Akindele attacked by hoodlums at Lagos market

Vincent Ufuoma
-
0
Funke Akindele attacked by hoodlums at Lagos market

THE deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Funke Akindele, was reportedly chased out of Ketu fruit market by hoodlums on Tuesday, January 24.

The Lagos State PDP governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, who is also known as Jandor, disclosed the development.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Adediran disclosed the incident while speaking with some Muslim leaders in the Ketu Central Mosque in Kosofe Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, January 25.

The PDP guber candidate said one his supporters was also stabbed during the incident, decrying the incessant attacks on his campaign train by political thugs.

He added that similar attacks had occurred repeatedly in various local government areas since he kicked off his tour of the 245 wards in the state in October 2022.

According to Adediran, some of his followers, including journalists, were also wounded.

Adediran, who said that his campaign train had been attacked in Badagry and Agege and some other places, said the development would not dissuade him from rescuing the state from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He vowed that his “resolve to relieve residents of the state of their numerous pains and to bring in breath of fresh air is unstoppable”.

FG approves N10bn for Hadejia airstrip, Enugu airport control tower

Beloved JOHN
-
1
FG approves N10bn for Hadejia airstrip, Enugu airport control tower

THE Federal Government has approved N10.08 billion for the rehabilitation of the Hadejia airstrip in Jigawa and construction of a control tower at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, revealed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday, January 25, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The sum of N7.48 billion was approved for the reconstruction of the Hadejia airstrip while N1.97bn was voted for the construction of a control tower and technical building at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

The approvals followed memos presented by the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

Also, the sum of N625.50 million was approved for the Ministry to procure utility vehicles.

According to the minister of aviation, Sirika, the contract for the rehabilitation of the Hadejia airstrip was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).

The contract for the construction of the control tower and technical building at Enugu airport was awarded to Mascot Associates Nigeria Limited.

Kaura Motors was awarded the contract for supply of utility vehicles to the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

International Journalists’ Programmes offers Southern African bursary

Blessing OTOIBHI
-
0
International Journalists’ Programmes offers Southern African bursary

THE International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP) is offering fellowships to up to six young Southern African journalists and up to five young German journalists.

The Southern African-German Journalists‘ Bursary is intended to enable young journalists to gain insights into the political, economic, cultural and social fabric of the host country.

For two months, Southern African delegates will have the chance to work in Germany, followed by German delegates in Africa. They will be integrated into the day-to-day journalism of their host newsroom while researching stories for their home media.

Journalists aged 25 to 40 from Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Germany can apply.

The delegates will receive a fixed payment of EUR3,000 to cover most of their travel, accommodation and living expenses.

Candidates must have a strong command of English. German is an advantage but not mandatory.

The deadline for the submission of applications is February 15, 2023. Interested applicants can apply here.

Benue APC guber aspirant challenges fresh primary at S’Court

Bankole ABE
-
0
Benue APC guber aspirant challenges fresh primary at S’Court

AN All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Benue State, Terhemba Shija, has proceeded to the Supreme Court to challenge the fresh primary election ordered by the Court of Appeal.

Shija, who contested for the party ticket alongside others, said in a statement issued by the director general of his campaign, James Mbachiantim, that after due consultations with stakeholders and his lawyers, he has decided to appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on Monday, January, 23.

The three-man panel of appeal court judges ordered fresh primary in 11 of the 23 local government areas of the state within 14 days in a judgment.

Shija explained that the decision of the court threw up specific legal issues that could only be resolved by the Apex Court.

He argued that since the court accepted his submission that there was no APC governorship primary election in Benue State for the 2023 polls at the first instance, there was no basis for a rerun.

“The resolution of the foregoing and several other issues has compelled us to approach the Supreme Court,” Shija said in the statement.

READ ALSO:

The Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, on Monday, nullified the APC gubernatorial primary election and ordered the party to conduct a rerun election in 11 of the 23 LGAs in the state within 14 days.

The court gave the order in an appeal brought before it by Shija against the judgment of a Makurdi Federal High Court, which dismissed a suit he filed to challenge the outcome of the APC gubernatorial primary election in Benue State.

The affected LGAs where the court ordered a rerun include Gboko, Gwer-West, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Logo, Gwer- East, Makurdi, Otukpo, Vandeikya, Ukum, and Tarka.

Woman beats stepson to death in Benue

Ijeoma OPARA
-
0
Woman beats stepson to death in Benue

THE Benue State Police Command has arrested a woman for allegedly beating her 10-year-old stepson, Fanen Yange, to death.

A statement released by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Command Catherine Anene on Wednesday, January 25, said the suspect, identified as Mrs Upev, beat Yange for stealing meat.

“A case of culpable homicide was reported at ‘E’ Police Division, Makurdi. A team of detectives were deployed immediately.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the deceased, Fanen Yange, 10 years old of International Market Area, Makurdi was alleged by his step mother, Mrs Upev, to have stolen meat from the pot and she beat him up during the early hours of the day but when the victim went to sleep at night, he could not wake up,” the statement read.

Yange was confirmed dead by a doctor and his corpse has been deposited at the Bishop Murray hospital morgue in Markurdi for autopsy.

“The suspect is in police custody and investigation is on going please,” Anene said.

Maltreatment is a significant challenge faced by many children in Nigeria.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), six out of 10 Nigerian children experience one form of violence.

Less than five per cent of children who reported violence, received support, according to the UNICEF.

Nigeria does not have official register of missing persons – Minister

Sinafi OMANGA
-
0
Nigeria does not have official register of missing persons – Minister

NIGERIA’S Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouk, has said the country lacks reliable data on missing persons.

The minister disclosed this at a meeting of stakeholders organised by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Nasir Gwarzo, Farouk said, “Currently, Nigeria has no national structure or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address humanitarian consequences of disappearances”.

“To date, there is no reliable national data on the number of missing persons in Nigeria because there is no official register.

“It is very understable why Nigeria as a country and this Ministry is very concerned about this often-neglected and tragic humanitarian and social issue,” she added.

Farouk noted that irregular migration by many Nigerians, including children through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and better life, contributed to risk of disappearance.

However, she said the Federal Government through the Ministry will establish a National Mechanism to raise awareness about the plight of the missing persons.

“Also, the needs of their families, establish a collaborative network between and among difeferent stakeholders where methodologies in approaching the question of missing persons and their families will be addressed”, she said.

Speaking on plans by government to locate missing persons in the country, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Tony Ojukwu said “no responsible government would leave this matter without addressing it”.

Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission – NHRC Tony Ojukwu.

“So, it is a matter that should be a source of concern for all us representing one agency or the other.

“I also believe that we will soon begin to see ourselves the role that we can play in bringing this to fruition to the extent that we will to that stage where we will have a proper database”, he said.

A report by the ICRC last year said Nigeria accounts for the highest number of missing persons ever registered by the organisation.

According to the report, 25,000 out of 64,000 missing persons are from Nigeria.

The head of ICRC Nigeria Delegation, Yann Bonzon said “these are numbers of cases that have been registered with the ICRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society. We know that this number is likely just a tip of the iceberg”.

Head of ICRC Nigeria,Yann Bonzon

Bonzon added that “the ICRC know that no fewer than 13,000 families in Nigeria are seeking missing loved ones”.

FG inaugurates committees for Ondo, Benin seaports

Beloved JOHN
-
0
FG inaugurates committees for Ondo, Benin seaports

THE Federal Ministry of Transportation has set up a committee for the proposed Benin and Ondo deep seaports.

The committee is responsible for providing guidance and direction on the ports projects.

READ ALSO:

NDLEA intercepts colorado, cannabis juice consignments at Lagos airport, seaport

Badagry seaport to generate $53bn over 45-year concession period – Sanwo-Olu

NDLEA intercepts cocaine, skunk consignments at Enugu, Lagos ports

Tinubu speaks on economic plans, says subsidy removal long overdue

It will also facilitate permits, clearance and approvals for the projects.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Dr Magdalene Ajani, conducted the inauguration.

According to her, the Federal Government decided to establish a steering committee for the seaports in line with the government’s plan to decongest the western Ports and develop the maritime sector.

She noted that the committee commences work immediately.

Members of the Steering Committee include the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, representatives of the Federal Ministries of Finance and Justice, National Inland Waterways, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, among others.

My expulsion from APC is fake news – Ita Enang

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
-
0
My expulsion from APC is fake news – Ita Enang

FORMER Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters, Ita Enang, has described reports of his expulsion from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as fake news.

The former presidential aide on Niger Delta Affairs stated this during an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, January 25.

Enang, who is laying claim to the governorship ticket of the APC in Akwa Ibom, was reported to have been expelled over anti-party activities by the leadership of the party in the state.

He said a press conference will be organised to debunk the fake news about his expulsion from the party.

Insisting that he is still a member of the APC, Enang said, “They will not intimidate me for defending myself in court, I am the legitimate governorship candidate of the APC for the 2023 general elections.

“I am the spirit, body and soul of the APC in Akwa Ibom State and nobody has suspended me or done anything that affects my status in the party and there is no judgment that gives anybody the ticket of the party. All these actions are taken against me because I have gone to court to defend myself.

“The decision was taken against me because I have taken my case to court. I am entitled by law to defend myself.”

He claimed that former governor Godwin Akpabio had conspired to take charge of the leadership of the APC in Akwa Ibom.

Enang alleged that Akpabio’s attitude has driven many people away from the APC in Akwa Ibom.

“People are leaving the APC. Why are we losing followership since Akpabio came? Why are members leaving? But I will not leave.”

Kidnappers demand N5m to free mother, child abducted in Osogbo

Vincent Ufuoma
-
0
Kidnappers demand N5m to free mother, child abducted in Osogbo

A 32-year-old woman and her child have been kidnapped in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

According to the state police command, the victims were kidnapped at Otaefun/Kobo’ngbogboe area of Osogbo on Tuesday, January 24.

Police spokesperson in Osun, Yemisi Opalola, said a report of the incident was made to the police and the security operatives were was making efforts to rescue the victims.

Senior pastor of Union Baptist Church, Odi-Olowo, Osogbo, Sunday Adeoye, announced the kidnapping of the woman and her child in a statement on Wednesday, January 25.

The church spokesperson, Oluwamayowa Fagbohungbe, quoted Adeoye saying the woman was kidnapped while returning from her shop.

The woman and her family are members of the church, and she was said to be a teacher in the teenagers’ ministry.

Meanwhile, the kidnappers have contacted the victim’s husband to demand a ransom of N5 million, which they instructed must be paid into the victim’s bank account.

The kidnapped was the third in Osun since the beginning of the year, with ransoms allegedly paid to secure the release of victims.

1...1,0981,0991,100...3,440Page 1,099 of 3,440