A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Tomeb Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, will on Saturday, April 29, in partnership with Exxonmobil, host hundreds of students at Lagos State Model College, Badore, to a personal development and learning programme. The event, which starts at 9.am, will see each student receiving a motivational book entitled Insight: Nuggets of Excellence for Teenagers, written by 16-year-old Maryam Popoola.
Some of the speakers at the event include the Country Managing Director of Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Niyi Yusuf; Managing Consultant, Kitbenj Consulting, Mrs. Elizabeth Olofin; Professor (Mrs.) Fatimah Abdulkareem of the University of Lagos; and a Government Relations Lead at Google, Mrs. Titi Akinsanmi.
The speakers will read out and explain chapters from the book which will address topics like what it takes to succeed as a teenager, important habits to cultivate, academic excellence, and the good and bad sides of social media.
According a release by the founder of TOMEB, Mr. Tunde Popoola, the foundation was established to promote issues, activities and programmes that will energize individuals and communities to be economically self-sustaining and environment-friendly.
Tomeb, he said, has a special focus on youths, to assist them to realise and utilise their potentials, be exemplary in their conduct and become change agents. The foundation is also determined to use the instrumentality of education and enterprise development to spur lives to overcome barriers and achieve meaningful social and personal economic goals.
FOUNDER and Chancellor, Christopher University, Dr. Christopher Ezeh, has said the institution is structured to address the gap between academia and industry in Nigeria.
Ezeh, who gave this insight at the first matriculation ceremony and official opening of the school, noted the varsity was borne out of the success recorded by the founders who had at various times established strong and fruitful linkages between academia and industries.
He said: "The idea and approval of the varsity project was agreed upon at a meeting held in Enugu in November 2003 where the conveners had observed the yawning gap existing between the industry and academia. They also had, at various times, successfully established very strong and fruitful linkages between industry and academia in the area of capacity building and management training. This explains my joy and gratitude to God to be here to share in this momentous event."
Describing the occasion as the beginning of an epic journey, the chancellor charged all stakeholders to demonstrate uncommon commitment towards the growth of the varsity. He applauded officials of the National Universities Commission (NUC) whose willingness to provide guidance at various stages led to the accomplishment of the varsity.
The guest speaker, Prof. Anya O. Anya, delivered lecture titled Bridging the Gap: The University, The Student and The Workplace, at the event which marked the formal admission of pioneer students into the varsity. Other guests were the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Modupe Mujota, who represented Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, and Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Varsity was approved by the Federal Government on February 25, 2015 and licensed by the NUC to begin academic operations on March 5, 2015. It is located on a land area of over 100 hectares situated in Mowe, Lagos/Ibadan expressway.
FIDA Nigeria recently commended the management of Rivers State FRSC over what has been deemed as a harsh disciplinary measure.
FIDA National president, Inime Aguma in a press statement said "FIDA Nigeria commends the management of the FRSC on the immediate suspension of its Rivers State Sector Commander, Mr. Ayodele Kumapayi, pending investigation into the incident of cutting of female officers' hair with a pair of scissors as a disciplinary measure".
Aguma further said; "Whilst FIDA Nigeria recognises the essence of discipline and adherence to rules of professional ethics within professional structures, we condemn in strongest possible terms, acts such as that executed by the Sector Commander which have the effect of undermining the dignity of women.
"We use this opportunity to encourage the FRSC to review its regulations to ensure that the form, content and application of the regulations are not offensive to or discriminatory against any person on the basis of gender.
We look forward to a more gender-sensitive FRSC even as the work in keeping Nigerian roads safe advances,"says Aguma
ON the occasion to commemorate this year's mother's day, Power Oil, from the staple of Raffles Oil LFTZ Enterprise, organised one of the biggest parties in town for mothers across four cities in Nigeria, memory of which lingers on .
The parties, which held simultaneously in four key cites of Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin and Port Harcourt, were epic gatherings that brought mothers together to catch some fun and feel specially celebrated by the Power Oil brand alongside their children who participated in the Power Oil #MommyDearest Campaign and won invites for them.
Speaking at the event, Brand Manager, Power Oil, Amisha Chawla, said the Power Oil #MommyDearest Campaign was specifically designed this year to give mothers an outstanding treat and the opportunity to relax, catch some fun alongside their child who must have taken part in the contest of sharing the most remarkable experience/ lesson derived from their mum. This contest was opened to everyone through both online and offline platform.
"Mother's Day was equally celebrated last year with the brand ambassadors moving around paying special visits and presenting gifts to mothers at home on behalf of their children who had nominated them on the Power Oil platform. However, this year's edition took an entirely different dimension of celebrating mothers in a grand style at four different locations, same time, same day" Amisha stated.
Also, the Public Relations Manager, Power Oil, Omotayo Azeez, said: "It gives us so much joy to see that they all had so much fun, dancing, singing, eating and laughing together in one hall. Owing to the selfless and multifaceted nature of a mother's role from taking care of the kids, home, career, business among other things, which most times, leave her with little time to look after herself, we believe strongly that mothers deserve to be celebrated, which is the rationale behind Power Oil #MommyDearest party".
Miss. Blessing Paul, who came with her mother, said: "I had been ruminating over what I could do differently to celebrate my mother this year for her unflinching support. This opportunity came in at the right time, I am happy she had a good time also mingling with her likes. It is certain that this experience will forever linger on in her memory for a long time.
According to Mrs. Veronica Onogura, a mother and one of the lucky winners of the dance competition, being part of this event reminds me of how much I have been missing out on fun activities. It was surprising realising that I can still perform excellently enough on the dance hall to win a gift, I enjoyed every bit of the party and had so much fun. Power Oil is really doing a good job by touching lives in so many ways.
Abuja – A member of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Timi Frank, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sack appointees, including cabinet members, who had brought the Federal Government to disrepute.
He made the call in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, while reacting to the suspension of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal by the president.PRESIDENT BUHARI
In the suspension announced in a statement by Mr Femi Adesina, his Media Adviser, on Wednesday in Abuja, Buhari also ordered investigation into allegations of violations of law and due process against the SGF in the award of contracts.
Also suspended by the president was the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke.
Lawal was alleged to have committed the offences as Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE).
Frank said the suspension of the SGF and the NIA boss was long overdue.
Oke's suspension followed the recent discovery of large amount of money in local and foreign currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an apartment on 6, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The NIA and Oke had claimed that the money belonged to the organisation.
The President also ordered full-scale investigation into the development.
Frank had earlier written an open letter to Buhari, demanding openness in the handling of controversial money discovered by the EFCC.
According to him, the suspension of the NIA boss will boost the confidence of Nigerians in the Federal Government`s fight against corruption in the country.
He expressed confidence that the three-member committee set up by the president to investigate the matters would come up with a result that would please Nigerians.
"The president should take more bold steps like this to sack all the incompetent hands in his government.
"Some of these actions are long overdue; Nigerians want to see a type of action President Zuma took in South Africa.
"This government must do more to ensure that the act of corruption become a thing of the past in Nigeria by getting to the root of this controversial 49 million dollars,'' he said.
Frank advised that anybody found wanting at the end of the investigation should be prosecuted.
American screen "godess", Julia Roberts, 49, was named "World's Most Beautiful Woman" for a record-setting fifth time by the People's Magazine, U.S., on Wednesday.Julia Roberts
Jess Cagle, the People's Editorial Director, announced the magazine's decision on "Good Morning America" Show, ABC Television.
He said the magazine's annual "Most Beautiful" issue would hit newsstands nationwide on Friday.
Cagle applauded the "Pretty Woman" actress for her healthy living, adding that "many fans watched Roberts grow into the woman she is today.
"She is been famous a very, very long time, and she's very, very popular.
"She's also a person who just keeps getting better as she matures."
The director added that "she is better looking now than she ever has been.
"She looks great, but she also just gets better in life and has carved out this really simple, perfect private life away for herself and the spotlight.
"That's difficult to do when you're Julia Roberts."
This is the fifth time the stunning "Pretty Woman" actress is being given the coveted title after clinching for the first time in 1991.
Julia is ahead of her BFF George Clooney in the Most Beautiful department, as he's only been "Sexiest Man Alive' twice.
The Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA) has appealed to Federal Government to review the repayment plan of cassava bread development funds given to farmers.
Mr Segun Adewumi, the National President of the Association, made the appeal while speaking with Newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that although part of the money was given to cassava farmers across the country to help boost cassava production, the assistance was marred as a result of farmers-herdsmen clashes.
Adewumi, who expressed regret that some farmers had yet to recoup the losses they incurred when their produce was estroyed by ravaging herdsmen, suggested the extension of loan repayment period.
"Government released money for us to plant but we couldn't get market for our produce and the cassava processers who are meant to buy them did not do so, some of our produce rot away.
"Secondly, herdsmen also destroyed the farms of most of our members who took the loan and this has affected the loan repayment.
"We are recovering from the losses gradually but we are pleading with government to review the loan payment because most farmers lost a lot due to clashes.
"We learnt that the Federal Government is trying to revive the Cassava Bread Development Fund.
"Government should take its time to study how the fund worked to see how they can improve on it.
"There were a lot of hitches and start-up problems that need to be amended in the policy,'' he said.
Adewumi moaned that the Federal Government had yet to commence the distribution of farm inputs to boost cassava cultivation during the wet season farming.
He, however, appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to accommodate cassava farmers in its Anchor Borrowers' Programme (ABP) so as to boost cassava production, especially in the forthcoming planting season.
"We have written to CBN and we have been appealing to our members to see how they can meet up with the conditions,'' he said.
The Government, under former President Goodluck Jonathan, in 2013 launched the N10 billion Cassava Bread Development Fund to boost cassava bread production.
The Cassava Bread Development Fund was funded through the tariff on wheat flour.
The Fund was also used to support research and development efforts on cassava bread, as well as training and support for master bakers in the acquisition of new equipment for cassava bread production.
The Presidency has commenced efforts to strengthen the mechanism of the Whistle blower policy following breakthroughs in the war against corruption and unaccounted wealth. Garba Shehu The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, confirmed this development to State House correspondents on Wednesday in Abuja.
He noted that the enthusiastic response of Nigerians to the whistle blower policy had boosted the tempo of the anti-corruption crusade of the Buhari's administration.
According to him, the government is considering ways of enhancing the structural capacity of the whistle blower mechanism.
"The government is considering empowering the mechanism by either bringing it under the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PCAC or some other body to imbue the process with a strategic national purpose.
"In a word, government thinks that the whistle blower mechanism is too important to be left without a strategic, national direction,'' he said.
Shehu commended the zeal and patriotism of Nigerians for responding positively to the whistle blower incentive policy, which was intended to expose hidden looted funds.
According to the Presidential aide, no public policy can succeed or go far enough without public support and participation.
"When the citizens realise they are victims of corruption, they may feel encouraged to join the efforts to expose looted funds,'' her added.
He explained that the huge and incredible amounts of looted funds being recovered by EFCC and the whistle blower efforts "is a revelation about the mindless, callous and reckless scale on which Nigeria had been robbed by unpatriotic and egregiously selfish public officials.''
He said the election of President Buhari in 2015 was a divine intervention in response to the desperate cries of Nigerians for urgent change.
The Presidential spokesman maintained that stealing by officials under a democratic government at the expense of people's welfare "is worst betrayal of voters' mandate''.
According to him, government is getting suggestions to bring the issue of illegal weapons in the hand of citizens that are being used to fuel intra and inter-communal violence under the purview whistle blower policy.
"Yes, it is true; the presidency has received suggestions that call for the whistle blower policy to be extended to the possession of illegal weapons by powerful individuals in the country.
"The government will look at all that and make a pronouncement.
"Nigerians would be encouraged to expose the presence of illegal weapons in the homes of powerful politicians and other public figures, who may use those deadly arms for sinister political agenda.
"Those patriotic Nigerians exposing looted funds deserve all the encouragement and protection to sustain their enthusiasm, with a view to encouraging more citizens to participate in this major aspect of the anti corruption crusade,'' he said.
Shehu assured that the Buhari's administration would ensure judicious use of all recovered funds and commended Nigerians for their support.(NAN)
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his condolences to the Chanchangi family on the death of Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi whom he described as a business mogul and one of Nigeria's outstanding philanthropists.
In a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari also commiserated with the Government and people of the deceased home State, Taraba, and that of Kaduna, where he lived.Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi
The President said that Chachangi was a notable entrepreneur, who devoted his wealth to the advancement of the welfare of others instead of pursuing conspicuous consumption in a society overwhelmed by poverty.
According to the statement, Buhari also payed tribute to “Chanchangi's selfless commitment to humanitarian causes, demonstrated in his offering succour to those in need, sponsoring community enlightenment programmes and uplifting of people’s spiritual well-being.”
President Buhari also “believes that Alhaji Chanchangi, who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity will be long remembered for his resourcefulness, discipline and passion for hardwork.”
He prayed Almighty Allah to bless the soul of the deceased and reward his good deeds with Aljanna
Yesterday, I met with a delegation from the Arewa Consultative Forum led by Alhaji Liman Musa Kwande. We discussed the power of our diversity as a nation and the dogged fight against insurgency under President @MBuhari’s administration. Vice President Osinbajo said today on his twitter handle.
Osinbajo said that he expressed his support for the proposed security summit to be hosted by the Arewa Consultative Forum entitled: "Recurrent security challenges and threats in Northern Nigeria: Implications for National Development"
Fox News severed its relationship with Bill O’Reilly on Wednesday, dumping the most-watched cable news anchor in the United States over sexual harassment allegations and dwindling advertising.
This file photo taken on April 5, 2016 shows Television host Bill O’Reilly attending the Hollywood Reporter’s 2016 35 Most Powerful People in Media at Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City. / AFP PHOTO
“After a thorough and careful review of the allegations, the company and Bill O’Reilly have agreed that Bill O’Reilly will not be returning to the Fox News Channel,” 21st Century Fox said in a statement.
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday hailed the talent and resilience of Nigerians wherever they are.
The Vice President said this when he received on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa Capt. Lola Odujinrin, the first African to fly round the world as a solo traveller.
He said: "The country (Nigeria) is blessed with great talents and Nigerians are among some of the most creative and smartest persons around the world.
"Your story is really fascinating and I am extremely proud of what you have done and more that you are a Nigerian.
"And I am very sure that just as we took over the entertainment industry, we will certainly break new grounds.''
VP Yemi Osinbajo
The vice president, who was full of praises for the young pilot and his team's achievements, said "this is the sort of thing that people should hear especially young people.
"It is really inspiring and younger people must begin to learn from your experience and story, and am glad that you achieved this feat.
"Also, the team is entirely Nigerian and that by itself is certainly a good thing and am sure this portends even greater things for us in the future''.
On the pilot's humanitarian project, Osinbajo said that he looked forward to supporting the project, but advised that it should be on a scale.
"Whatever you plan to do in this area must be on scale because the most important thing you have to focus on is scale so that it can be expanded.''
Earlier, Odujinrin said his goal was to put Nigeria on the world map by being the first African to "go round the world as a solo pilot and achieve that humanitarian aspect of the dream''.
In his brief narration about his world flying project, Odujinrin said it was first inspired by his dream to fly aircraft at the age of 10.
According to him, "it is important to share my story in order to inspire kids, adults and everyone about the struggles I went through in life''.
Odujinrin flew several hours to 25 countries and made 35 stops in nine months, making him the first African to attain the feat.
A Don, Prof. Abdulhameed Ujo on Wednesday, said the suspension of Mr Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) was long overdue.
Ujo is of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada.
He told the Newsmen in Abuja that the suspension of the SGF was also ''a step in the right direction".
He commended the Federal Government for the bold step, saying that the allegation was too weighty to be ignored or swept under the carpet.
"This has long been expected, considering the nature of allegation and the commitment of the Federal Government in the fight against corruption.
"With this suspension, Nigerians will now know that the administration is serious in the fight against corruption and that nobody is being protected," he said.
According to him, the suspension will further build the confidence of Nigerians in the current administration that, no corrupt political office holder will go unpunished.
Mr Johnson Chukwu, a Public Affairs Commentator, said the suspension was in order, adding that the continuous stay of the SGF in office, after his indictment, was "a high level of impunity".
Chukwu, who said one of the criticisms of the current government against the PDP was impunity, expressed dismay that the SGF and a few others had also exhibited some level of impunity.
"People are of the view that nothing has changed because the SGF, who is supposed to be a custodian of discipline has exhibited some level of indiscipline in his attitude.
"His indictment in the IDPs scandal where about N200 million was allocated to cutting of grass in one of the camps is enough for him to have left office before now.
"The suspension is coming though, not too late, shows that the President is taking notice of what is happening around," he said.
He said the suspension of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayo Oke was also "a step in the right direction".
The public affairs commentator said the violation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), an initiative of the current Federal Government by the NIA was an indication of total disobedience to the administration.
"At the inception of this administration, the president came up with TSA where all revenue generated by government agencies must be remitted.
"For NIA to come openly and said that much money in local and foreign currencies is owned by it and kept in a house and not in a bank is impunity," he said.
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, announced the suspension of Babachir over allegation of corruption in the IDPs grass cutting scandal.
Oke was suspended over link with the $43.45 million found in a private apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Mr Akintunde Adegboye, the Deputy Speaker, Osun House of Assembly has urged caretaker committee management nominees to see their appointment as a call to service the people, if cleared.
The members are being screened for appointment in the 30 local government and local council development areas in the state.
Adegboye gave the advice during the screening of the nominees at the plenary in Osogbo on Wednesday.
He also advised the nominees not see their appointment as an opportunity for self enrichment but as an opportunity to serve their communities.
The deputy speaker, who described local government as the nearest government to the people, further urged the nominees to make their presence felt by the people, if cleared.
Adegboye said that as party faithful who understood action plans of the party, they would be expected to administer their councils in line with the dream of the party.
He also called on them to exhibit accountability, transparency and probity in their actions.
In his speech, Mr Wasseu Adebayo, the House Committee Chairman on Local Government, said the nominees so far screened were not found wanting during the exercise screening.
Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, in a letter dated April 6, sought the Assembly's consideration and confirmation of the nominees as Executive Secretaries for the local governments and develop[met areas of the state.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam read the letter on April 10 at the plenary.
NAN- The Gombe State Government, has purchased drug kits worth four million naira for the management and treatment of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) to all hospitals across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Kennedy Ishaya, made this disclosure in Gombe on Wednesday while presenting the kits to the Managing Director of Gombe Specialist Hospital, Dr Arnold Abel.
Ishaya said the kits were approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the management and treatment of CSM.
The commissioner said the kits would be distributed free to all government health facilities, federal teaching hospitals, as well as private hospitals in the state.
He said that government had already constituted a monitoring committee that would be going round all health facilities to record and monitor the number of drugs given to them.
Ishaya said that he had the assurance of the Acting Governor, Mr Charles Iliya, that more of the drugs would be provided in the state.
"The moment we make a clinical assertion that a patient's case is 'suspected CSM', he or she will benefit from the drugs.
"We are also going to buy vaccines and immunise people, who are within the reach group," he said.
He further called on the public to always open their doors for cross ventilation, so as to avert the possible occurrence of CSM.
Receiving the drugs, the MD of the specialist hospital, lauded the commissioner for his prompt response and promised to use the drugs judiciously.
*Police to begin another recruitment of 10,000 policemen
By Joseph Undu
Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos has called on the state government to demolish all shanties in riverine areas with a view to addressing the spate of attacks by kidnappers.
This is just as he urged the Federal Government to equip the Police and other security agencies with the needed logistics, if the fight against crime must be won.
Besides, the plans by the Police high command to recruit another batch of 10,000 policemen to address the challenge of man power is in the pipeline.
Oba Rilwan made the call on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG, in- charge of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Foluso Adebanjo, at his palace.
Expressing worry over the state of insecurity in the state, citing the recent killing of four police men, an Army Captain and two others at Ishawo, Ikorodu area of the state as an example, Oba Rilwan threw his weight behind calls by residents in the troubled areas to establish a Mobile Police unit and an Army base in the area .
He said: "The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris should liase with the federal authority to ensure that a Mobile and Army base are both established at Ishawo, Ikorodu axis.
"Shanties on riverine areas all over Lagos state should be demolished because that is where criminals plan and execute their acts. I have told the Commissioner of Police and other security officers that, anybody who comes to them whenever they arrest anyone , to say that the Oba of Lagos said he should be released , should be discarded because I do not condone criminality.
"Even if it were my son that commits what he is not supposed to do, the full arms of the law should take its course on him".
Noting that effective policing depended on the availability of the contemporary logistics, he said : "Effective policing will only be possible the day federal government decides to provide all the logistics to the police force: I know what the IGP is experiencing, it did not start with him. Any day government is prepared to have effective and efficient policing, they should give not just the police but all the security agencies all the logistics needed to do the job.
"And members of the public too are always very quick at criticism. We must corporate fully with the security agencies because security is the responsibility of every Nigerian, he said , even as he appealed to the IGP to redeploy some policemen whom he described as effective and efficient, that were posted out of Lagos, back.
The visiting DIG disclosed that the force would soon begin another batch of recruitment of 10,000 policemen in addition to the recent 10,000 recruited with a view to strengthen manpower of the Force.
Reiterating Police vow to get those involved in the Ishawo massacre, no matter what it would take, Adebanjo , explained that his visit to Lagos state was sequel to the IGP’s directive to all DIGs to tour the six geo-political zones to interact with policemen from the ranks of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police , Assistant Commissioners of Police to the Ranks and Files.
Addressing officers and men of the Lagos State Command earlier, the DIG assured them of the IGP'S effort to improve on their welfare, which he said included increase in their medical allowances.
He disclosed that the IGP had so far promoted 33,770 men and officers since his assumed office, adding that others who were yet to benefit from the promotion should be patient .
But he however, warned that illegal killings and abuse of human rights would not be tolerated by the Force, threatening that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted within 48 hours.
Earlier in his speech, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, revealed that the command had restrategised on how to arrest perpetrators of Ishawo killings.
"We are making everything possible to ensure that our colleagues will not die in vain. This will be the last time any criminal will take us for granted in Lagos state".
A refugee whose heavily decomposed body was found in a forest in eastern Germany died of hypothermia sometime in January, officials in Dresden said on Wednesday, citing autopsy results.
"There was no evidence of external trauma and there are currently no indications of a crime,'' a state prosecution spokesman said.
The report said that the body was discovered by a hunter on Monday near the municipality of Dorfhain.
Based on the residence permit found with the body, the authorities assumed it was that of a young Iraqi, who locals in nearby Arnsdorf violently attacked around a year ago.
Meanwhile, the results of a DNA test to confirm his identity are still pending.
In May 2016, several men grabbed the asylum seeker in a supermarket, dragged him outside and tied him to a tree with cable ties, because he was thought to have threatened a cashier.
Report says four people aged 29 to 56 were charged with unlawful detention in late 2016, and their trial will begin on April 24 at the district court in Kamenz.
However, the investigation against the victim was dropped due to a lack of evidence.
The White House raised the possibility Wednesday of Donald Trump meeting Pope Francis during the US president’s trip to Italy in late May, although it stressed nothing has been scheduled.
“We will be reaching out to the Vatican to see if an audience with the pope can be accommodated,” White House spokesman Sean Spicer said. “We would be honored to have an audience with his holiness.”
Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said Pope Francis would welcome a request for an audience and do his best to ensure it happened.
“As of the end of last week we had not had an official request for an audience but for sure we would welcome it,” Burke told AFP, adding that he did not anticipate any scheduling clashes which could prevent a meeting taking place around the dates Trump is due to be in Italy.
Trump is scheduled to participate in the G7 summit of leaders on May 26-27 in Taormina, Sicily. Prior to that, he is expected to attend a NATO summit in Brussels.
World leaders normally give the Vatican at least several months notice of requests for a papal audience, which are almost invariably granted if logistically possible.
In Trump’s case, the request will be coming in barely a month before he is due in Sicily for the G7 summit and after months of will-he, won’t-he speculation about a possible meeting centered on the two men’s very different world views.
While campaigning in February 2016 to become the Republican Party’s nominee for the White House, Trump and the pontiff had a heated and extraordinary exchange through the media.
“Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian,” Pope Francis told journalists, responding to a question about the real estate mogul’s anti-immigrant stance.
Trump retorted: “For a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful.”
Trump later softened his tone, saying the pope was misinformed, unaware of the impact of the drugs coming into the United States and a range of security issues that made it necessary to build a wall along the southern US border.
On a visit to Mexico in February 2016 Francis held an open-air mass on the US-Mexico border, where he described forced migration as “a human tragedy.”
When he was sworn in as president on January 20, Pope Francis offered his “cordial good wishes” and hoped that Trump would be granted “wisdom and strength in the exercise” of his office.
But he also implored the former reality TV star to continue to help those who suffer the most — “the poor, the outcast and those in need who, like Lazarus, stand before our door.”
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