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
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Anambra Gubernatorial Election Screening Committee on, Friday, said it cleared six aspirants ahead of the party primary.
The governorship election is scheduled to hold on Nov.18.
The Chairman of the Screening Committee, Alhaji Adamu Waziri, disclosed this while presenting the clearance certificates to the screened aspirants at the party National Secretariat in Abuja.
Waziri said although seven aspirants submitted their nomination forms and appeared before the committee, six of the aspirants who met the laid down conditions were cleared.
He noted that Dr Ifeanyi Ubah; Sen. Stella Oduah, former Minister of Aviation; Dr Alex Obiogolu, Mr John Emeka as well as Lynda Ikpeazu were fully cleared to participate in the party primary.
He said the committee gave Mr Oseloka Obaze, former Secretary of Anambra State, a conditional clearance, pending his full compliance with the provisions of the party.
The chairman, however, disclosed that the committee did not clear the seventh aspirant, Mr Akolisa Ufodike for holding dual citizenship certificates.
Waziri said the committee was fair and firm in the conduct of the screening in line with relevant provisions of the law.
He said that "the decision of the committee is appealable.
"Anybody who is not satisfied with the decision of the committee should appeal to the National Working Committee or the Caretaker committee for reconsideration.''
Waziri said the decision of the national working committee or the caretaker committee would ''override or confirm whatever we have done."
The Senate has advised the Federal Capital Development Authority ( FCDA) to suspend one of its officers, Mr Ehimony Joshua, over an alleged N525million bribery scandal.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Dino Melaye gave the advice at an investigative hearing on Friday in Abuja.
Melaye said Joshua, who worked with the Legal Secretariat of the FCDA, should be suspended pending conclusion of the investigation.
He said Joshua was involved in N525 million bribery which he allegedly facilitate between FCDA and beneficiaries of 206 hectares in Kyami District along Airport Road Abuja.
According to the Senator, three out of 15 beneficiaries out of the 206 hectares have brought petitions before the committee.
Melaye said the people concerned alleged that Joshua refused to vacate litigation caveat placed on their plots of land as done to 12 others allotted land.
Dino said the petitioners also alleged that Joshua refused to vacate the litigation caveat was because they refused to pay N35 million bribe into two different dedicated bank accounts belonging to Joshua.
He said the litigation caveat as stated in the petition resulted from litigation against the 15 allotees by one Toni Asuni and Bashiru Dantata on behalf of Nigeria Polo Association.
"The petitioners said litigation caveats were not lifted on their allotted plots because of their refusal to pay the N35 million bribe demanded on behalf of the agency by Ehimony Joshua, Dino said.
Lady Laurel king, one of the petitioners said at the occasion that Joshua gave two bank account numbers into which the N35 million would be paid.
She said the transaction was done in a recorded telephone conversation with her Project Coordinator, Bishop David Angel on March 23, 2016
"We first refused to pay the money into the accounts.
"But after persistent pressure from the FCDA officer that the money must be paid before any lifting of the litigation caveat, I paid N5, 000 each into the two accounts through my secretary.
"This was on the June 19 this year as evidence to nail him,'' she said.
Joshua, however, denied knowing the woman or having any fraudulent transaction with her project coordinator, David Angel.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it has unveiled plans to expand gas generation and distribution in the country to support Federal Government's plan of generating 10 GigaWatts of electricity.
Mr Ndu Ughamadu, NNPC spokesperson, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
He said the Corporation's Group Managing Director, (GMD), Dr Maikanti Baru said this when a delegation of Nigerian Gas Association,(NGA) paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Baru said that the recent debt settlement for Joint Ventures (JV) would have great impact on the gas industry.
He said the JV initiative was capable of providing some dedicated funds to develop oil the sector.
"We share the aspiration of government to raise power generation to at least 10GW capacity, not just 10GW in terms of installed capacity but also one that will be steady in the grid by 2020.
"All these will drive our activities to ensure that the gas business is expanded and government's aspiration to earn as much revenue from gas as oil will be realised definitely," Baru said.
He said significant progress had been recorded in the contracting process of the 2.7 billion-dollar Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano pipeline project.
"We have gone far with the development of the project, using the same paradigm shift of Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing.
"We have also gone far with the contracting process, part of it is to ensure that money meant for the project is raised from the private investors."
He expressed optimism that the achievement recorded in the project would bring a new dimension in gas projects execution in the country and motivate private investors funding of such projects.
Baru said the Chinese had contributed 250 million dollars for project development at a recent financing agreement signed in London.
According to him, Chinese banks have made commitments to provide adequate finance for oil and gas investments in Nigeria.
"On that occasion, I did challenge the Chinese banks that since they have now come on board, they should move from the back seat to the driver's seat.
"They gave me their commitments that they have plans to bring in as much money as we need to execute our projects.
"If the Chinese tell you that they are going do it, definitely they will do it and we will give them a run for their money."
Baru said NNPC would make inputs into the National Gas Policy, recently adopted by the Federal Executive Council and the proposed fiscal Bills on gas by the legislature.
Baru called on the association to extend its advocacy to the power sector, given its utilisation of gas in the country.
According to him, another project that will increase gas consumption in the country is the Ogidigben Gas Industrial City project, adding that NNPC is committed to completing the project.
Baru said the corporation would continue to support NGA in the execution of its mandate.
The NGA President, Mr Dada Thomas, commended the GMD for the numerous laudable initiatives by NNPC.
"We would like to congratulate the NNPC on a number of paradigm shifts, changes and initiatives it had brought to the fore in recent times.
"I am talking about the new alternative funding which he recently signed with Shell and Chevron to the tune of 1.78 billion dollars
"The clearing of 400 million-dollar debt in April, the progress being made on the Elf 2loop lines and the OB3 gas project, one of the most critical gas pipelines in the country," Thomas said.
Highlight of the visit was the nomination of NNPC GMD as the Chairman, Advisory Council of NGA by the executive of the association, Ughamadu said.
Governor of Anambra, Mr Willie Obiano, on Friday said the development efforts of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra would give it victory in the Nov.18 governorship poll.
Obiano stated this while addressing newsmen after submitting his nomination form for the election at APGA's National Secretariat in Abuja.
He said that a second term would help him to consolidate on his efforts in developing the state and institutionalise them.
"I am happy to be here to submit my completed party nomination form. I am very ready for the fight purely because APGA has done very well in Anambra and the record speaks for itself.
"We have been paying all workers' salaries, pensions and gratuity. We have also been working on infrastructure in the state and when compared with three years ago, you will see major difference.
"We have done well over 320 kilometres of road. More importantly, the last government that ruled the state for eight years was APGA; so, it a continuous thing.''
Obiano said that he had completed 80 per cent of the road projects awarded by the last administration, without abandoning any.
He said that the Onitsha Hotel and the mall in Awka were great legacies of his administration, adding that the Golden Tulip project would be open for business before Christmas.
The governor said that over 37 communities had been connected to the national grid, with street lights in most places.
He said that 181 communities in the state had benefited from government projects and that all the communities had completed their first set of N20 million projects, and that 82 communities were already working on second phase.
"So, you will see the imprint of APGA in every community because we have carried out projects in every community. So, the same party bolstering that will go for second term; we will win and win very decisively.
"This second term will help me to institutionalise the beautiful things that we have been able to do in the first tenure, particularly in the area of agriculture.''
"Today, Anambra is self-sufficient in rice; when I took over in 2014 we were doing over 80,000 metric tonnes but today, with the addition of Ofuma integrated rice farm, we are doing 375 tonnes.''
Obiano said that the state was targeting 578,000 metric tonnes in 2018, adding that since the state consumed 320,000 metric tonnes, it means that it was already self-sufficient in rice.
He said that the state exported "ugwu, onugbu, ichanwu leaves'' and had received order to export five million tubers of yams to the United Kingdom.
This, he said, would create jobs for the youths and boost the four major pillars of agriculture, trade, oil and gas and industrialisation.
The governor added that the state was building a world-class airport, which would be available for inauguration in three years, saying "so, I am quite confident that we have done enough work to go into this election.''
Receiving the form, National Chairman of APGA, Mr Victor Oye, said that the governor was doing well and that he would be screened on Saturday ahead of the party's primaries on Tuesday in Awka.
"We are proud of the administration in Anambra, especially in the aspect of socio-economic development and that is why we are working hard to ensure that nobody takes Anambra from us.''
The leader and co-convener of 'Ourmumu Dondo', Mr. Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy, Friday, lambasted Nigerian youths who failed to join them in the ongoing protest, saying 'if youths do not rise up and retrieve their stolen future, there won't be any future for them in Nigeria'.
Charley Boy who spoke with newsmen expressed anger over the low turn up of Nigerian youths in the ongoing anti-Buhari protest held at the unity fountain Abuja.
However, he charged youths to wake up to their responsibilities. In his words, "The future of Nigerians survival rest in the hand of the exceptional Nigerian youths.
"The atmosphere is surrounded by very old and sick people who should in a normal circumstance be sleeping, paving way for youths to control the affairs of the country".
ABUJA- Niger Delta Youth under the auspices of Niger Delta Youth Congress, NDYC, on Friday condemned and disassociated itself from the recent issuance of quit notice by a group called Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators, CNDA, to Hausas and Yourbas to leave the region before October 1, 2017.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, NDYC, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, who made their stand known about the move by some persons whom he described as traitors branding the entire region in bad light with their recent statement with the intention to create hatred and incite violence in the region.
According to Uwejeyan the so-called CDNA and their sponsors are not speaking for and cannot speak on behalf of the Niger Delta region, therefore no non-indigenes in the region should panic over their treatment as they would stand and protect them.
The statement reads in part, "The Niger Delta Youth Congress is a foremost non-violent youth organisation that seek to address varied issues of inequality, injustices, social, economical and political challenges that affect the good people of the Niger Delta region, with the sole aim of strengthening and empowering the youths to play prominent role in addressing these challenges.
"We the Niger Delta Youth Congress, NDYC, totally condemned in strong terms, the quit notice issued by the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators to Northerners and Yorubas from the region before October 1 , 2017.
"We disassociate ourselves and well meaning youths in the region from these traitors who are out to cause disaffection, hate and violence in the region. We are peace loving young people and believe in the unity of our great country, and refuse and reject to be cajoled by such self-centred and faceless groups.
"The so-called CDNA and their sponsors are not speaking for and cannot speak on behalf of the good people of the Niger Delta region.
"We sincerely urge all Northerners and Yorubas in the region to ignore the quit notice and go about their legitimate activities without fear and report any form of threats by any miscreant to the relevant authorities. We will ensure you are protected from all forms of harassments and violence."
He also urged youth in the Niger Delta region not to be part of those promoting hate speeches and disclosed that they would soon embark on enlightenment in the region on how to curb spread of hate speeches via various channels.
However, he expressed dissatisfaction over the low response of government on making sure hate speeches do not continue to spread.
"We also want to vehemently express our dissatisfaction to the government and security operatives on their nonchalant and lackadaisical response to issues that should be nipped at the bud.
"We strongly believe in the peace and unity of this Nation and we urge all youths in the various regions to shun hate statements capable of causing chaos and align in the struggle for a better and well structured Nigeria. We shall soon embark on enlightenment on how to disabuse the minds of young people on accepting hate speeches in the Niger Delta region."
"We are resolute on the call for restructuring and urge all well meaning groups and individuals in the region to stick to the call for the restructuring of the Nation’s current political arrangements and desist from making senseless agitation that would breed violence", he added.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Friday refuted an allegation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that it sponsored the recent killings at a church in Ozubulu, Anambra.
The National Chairman of the party, Mr Victor Oye, made the refutation when Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano, came to the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja to submit his nomination form.
Oye said "I want to use this opportunity to dispute the allegation that APGA had a hand in the killings.
"APGA has never at anytime sponsored the killing of innocent people regardless of what people are saying and as alleged by IPOB and we can stand at the World Court or anywhere to say this.
"Anambra government is run on transparency, fear of God, love of the people and commitment to accountability; how can such a government begin to kill people?
"This is the same government that held the `Ozuemena' which is the burial or re-burial for all who died in the civil war; so, how can a man who has done all these turn around and kill his innocent people?''
He said the allegation was the making of evil people, to distort the good work of the governor, but said that such people would fail.
The chairman assured the governor of the party's support, adding that the APGA family was standing solidly behind him.
According to him, the next election in the state would mark a crushing defeat for the opponents.
In his response, Obiano said that the incident would not dent his security record and the fact that the state remained the safest in Nigeria.
"The unfortunate flash in the pan that happened last Sunday was a fight that was exported from an African country into the country between two business owners.
"Early investigation showed that they wanted one of the persons killed in the house but because his house was very fortified, they thought the best way to eliminate was in the church close to his house.
"So as soon as they confirmed that the guy's car was parked along the road they did not know it was the father that parked the car and the guy was not there; they went into the church and did what they did.''
Obiano expressed confidence that the culprits would be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others, adding, `if you have scores to settle outside Nigeria, you stay outside Nigeria, you don't bring it home.''
He reaffirmed that Anambra government would pick the hospital bills of the injured and burial bills for the dead.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Borno state has alleged that some loyalists of former Governor of the state, Ali Modu Sheriff and led by one Barrister Kolo Adam, are behind rumours that Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau has been arrested by the army at a UN rented facility in Maiduguri. The party in the state also said that the rumour peddlers are doing so with the ulterior motive of destabilising the state.
The party called for the arrest of Mr. Adam for also allegedly trying to incite the youths against the humanitarian workers and breach public peace in the state.
APC
APC Borno state made this know in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Friday through its Publicity Secretary, Makinta Zarami.
Mr. Zarami claimed that Kolo Adam was the first to post information on his Facebook wall saying he had information that Shekau had been captured at the UN house with one of his legs injured.
According to the statement, "The APC in Borno State is worried that since former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff lost his case at the Supreme Court over the Chairmanship of the PDP, his loyalists have redirected their mischief to spread different rumours with the most dangerous being that of today.
"We were shocked that Kolo Adam, a known associate and one of the spokespersons of Sheriff's group, pasted on his Facebook wall today, claiming that Abubakar Shekau was arrested by the Nigerian Military at a facility rented by agencies of the United Nations in a house belonging to late Governor Mala Kachalla.
"The same Kolo Adam claimed that abducted Lecturers of University of Maiduguri were rescued. Immediately after Kolo Adam pasted that, some loyalists of the former Governor began to share the information through different social media platforms. The aim was to achieve series of objectives.
"First, it was to incite youths in Maiduguri against hundreds of humanitarian workers in order to destabilize Borno State just to create a political atmosphere of failure on the part of the APC led Government in Borno State to keep the State stable. Secondly, the rumour was to link Boko Haram with the Mala Kachalla who was a known political opponent of Sheriff so as to cleverly distance Sheriff from issues relating to Boko Haram.
"It was also aimed at tarnishing the image of the Federal and State Government which deal with humanitarian agencies helping highly traumatized victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.
The APC hereby demand for the immediate arrest of Kolo Adam and all those who worked with him in sharing this dangerous rumour that is capable of putting the lives of over two million IDPs at the risk of loosing food and medical support from agencies of the United Nations and other humanitarian workers.
"The APC also calls on security agencies to continue to do their job and take on anyone or institution with factual link with the Boko Haram so long as there proofs beyond reasonable doubt. The APC calls on the people of Borno State to dismiss this rumour while calling on all those carrying out humanitarian activities to remain calm and continue their works but with strict obedience to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the laws of Borno State under the APC" Zarami said.
Meanwhile, the army, Friday, has given reasons why it raided the UN building.
The Nigerian Army on Friday said it had conducted cordon and search operation at a building housing the United Nations (UN) staff in Maiduguri following alert on high profile Boko Haram members.
Lt. Col. Samuel Kingsley, the spokesperson, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, said in a statement released in Maiduguri that the army had intensified condone and search operation in Maiduguri and its environs to clear remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.
"On 10th August 2017, the Theatre Command received information from credible sources that some high profiled Boko Haram insurgents infiltrated into Pompomari-ByePass area of Maiduguri.
"It therefore became expedient to take pre-emptive action by combing the general area through a cordon and search operations.
"The operation was successfully conducted as over 30 houses were searched. One of such building included a property which was said to be occupied by United Nations Staff, although the property did not carry a UN designation.
"On the whole, operation in the general area was successfully concluded but no arrest was made because the suspects were not found," Kingsley said.
Kingsley noted that troops under the Operation LAFIYA DOLE had been conducting several clearance as well as cordon and search operations in urban and rural areas within the Theatre.
He said that the clearance operations effort had yielded significant successes in the past weeks.
According to him, the operation had forced Boko Haram insurgents to change tactics and resort to suicide bombing targeting military locations and the populace.
Kingsley stressed that the operation was necessitated by the need to intensify Cordon and Search in Maiduguri metropolis and environment. He listed other areas affected by the operation as Jiddari –Polo, Muna Garage, Jakana among others.
"The command wishes to assure the general public that the operations are being conducted to safeguard lives and properties but not targeted at any individual or group. "Members of the public are cautioned against peddling rumours which may cause disaffection and to remain law abiding".
IT'S OUR DUTY AS GOVERNMENT AND ARMED FORCES TO INTERROGATE OUR ACTIVITIES BASED ON HUMAN RIGHT NORMS – OSINBAJO
"It is the responsibility of the Armed Forces and the responsibility of all of us who are in government to ensure that we interrogate our own activities and ensure that those activities meet up with human rights norms and basic rules of decency observed across the world."
REMARKS MADE BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT, YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL INVESTIGATION PANEL TO REVIEW COMPLIANCE OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH HUMAN RIGHTS OBLIGATIONS AND RULES OF ENGAGEMENT AT THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT ON AUGUST 11, 2017. PROTOCOL
I have the important and special responsibility today of inaugurating the Presidential Investigation Panel to review the compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights obligations and Rules of Engagement.
The President, Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari has repeatedly stated the administration's focus on three broad issues; security, the economy and the fight against corruption.
The first security, is one without which others may prove impossible. In any event fundamental to the functions of the state, is the protection of lives and property and livelihood of citizens in peace or in conflict. Yemi Osinbajo For our government, we add that respect for the lives of Nigerian citizens is not just a constitutional but also a moral duty. This is why it is incumbent upon us even as we maintain security especially in conflict situations to interrogate, as we go along on a regular basis, alleged crimes and human rights abuses by all sides in these conflicts and insurgencies.
Today's occasion is in continuation of the efforts of this administration geared towards attaining this goal.
You may recall, that in June 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Military to conduct an internal inquiry into allegations of rights abuses by its personnel.
Accordingly, a report of the findings of the board of inquiries set up by the Nigerian Army to investigate extra-judicial killings and rights violation by Army personnel was submitted in June 2017. That report will be made available to this panel.
More recently in October 2016, the President ordered the Inspector-General of Police to investigate allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation in IDP camps in the Northeast. The outcome of this investigation is being awaited.
It is also a well-known fact that the conduct of the nation's defence and security forces during the insurgency in the Northeast and militancy in the Niger Delta has in recent times attracted significant commendation.
Upon resumption of office, many would recall that seven Local Government Areas were under the control of Boko Haram. Virtually all of the territory has now been recovered by security forces.
In the recent past, our Armed Forces have also fought against militants in other areas of the country; in some cases to protect critical national infrastructure and our natural resources.
These brave men and women have fought valiantly to keep this country safe despite all odds and they are heroes and we must indeed celebrate them.
There is no doubt that the nature of asymmetric or unconventional warfare that they have had to contend with presents unique challenges that most modern armies are ill-equipped to tackle with conventional warfare tactics.
Indeed conventional human right norms and conventional human rights observers are challenged by some of the various nuances of asymmetric warfare. Nonetheless, there have been a series of allegations levied against security forces by some local and international commentators.
It is our belief, that if left unaddressed, these allegations are capable of undermining the good work of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have largely conducted themselves in a disciplined and professional manner.
Failure to examine some of these allegations will also leave those who may have been victims of such abuses without any recourse to justice.
And if history has taught us anything, it is that the failure of our justice system to adequately respond to crisis is usually a recipe for greater conflict.
It is in the light of the following that I have mandated the panel to focus on the following terms of reference: · One, to review extant rules of engagement applicable to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the extent of compliance thereto. · Two, to investigate alleged acts of violation of international humanitarian and human rights law under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the Geneva Conventions Act, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, Ratification and Enforcement Act and other relevant laws by the Armed Forces in local conflicts and insurgencies. · Three, to investigate matters of conducts and discipline in the Armed Forces in local conflicts and insurgencies; to recommend means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations. · Four, to make further recommendations in line with these terms of reference as may be deemed necessary.
I would like to use this opportunity to assure the Armed Forces and all of our uniformed forces, that exercises such as this should be regular and would be regular, and must not be seen as a witch hunt and in any way to denigrate the very great work that the Armed Forces and uniformed forces are doing all over the country.
It is the responsibility of the Armed Forces and the responsibility of all of us who are in government to ensure that we interrogate our own activities and ensure that those activities meet up with human rights norms and basic rules of decency observed across the world.
The sterling qualifications of members of the Panel under the capable leadership of the Honourable Justice Biobele Georgewill, Justice of the Court of Appeal, is a strong indication of the quality of work that we expect of them. The other members of the Panel have been introduced, they are just to mention their names again: a. Major-General Patrick Akem; b. Mr. Wale Fapohunda; c. Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim; d. Mr. Jibrin Ibrahim; e. Mr. Abba Ambudashi Ibrahim; f. Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama; and g. Dr. Fatima Alkali who is counsel to the Panel.
(The Panel also has a secretary from the Office of the SGF)
I am therefore confident that the Panel will also collect information about the conditions of service of the Armed Forces or any other factors that might have hindered the optimal performance of the Armed Forces in the fight against insurgents, militants and other combatants.
I therefore wish to assure you that this administration stands ready to support you in your endeavors; evidence of which you may have seen with the recent purchases of the five new super Mushak aircrafts which were recently launched on my behalf by the Honorable Minister of Defence.
To the Panel, I implore you to carry out your duties diligently, impartially and with all sense of professionalism. The work you are about to embark on is extremely sensitive and may involve some travel to post-conflict zones.
We appreciate your acceptance of this call to duty and look forward to receiving your well-researched findings and recommendations.
I hereby officially inaugurate this Presidential Investigation Panel to Review the Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights Obligations and Rules of Engagement.
Nigerian music is seen as the headquarters of African music, and it has come of age. Artistes from this clime have given the world the best quality of music. From the last decade till now, a new generation of artistes have been shaping the pop culture and giving Nigeria a new brand of music which has put Nigeria on the list of countries doing pretty well in music.
One of the foremost companies in the business of exporting the best of Nigerian hip-hop artistes to the world is 03 Media, a premium brand at the helm of showcasing Nigerian music to the world.
Recently, 03 Media, a music promotion and even
Techno and Alex ozoneAlex Ozone
t organizing firm has packaged rising hip hop star, Kiss Daniel to a tour of Europe.
The tour took Kiss Daniel to Amsterdam and 13 other cities across Europe and it was a huge success as he shut down the concert with his music, proving that "he’s the next big thing to happen to Nigerian music perhaps after Wizkid". Kiss Daniel and his team packaged by the premium company, 03 Media, were also hosted on 'The Nkechi Late Night Show' on HiRadio in the Netherlands too.
Until now, 03 Media, founded by the ace show promoter, Alex Ozone, had packaged successful tours in Europe and beyond for a number of Nigerian artistes like Terry G, Chuddy K, YQ, Jaywon, Oritsefemi, Skales, Tekno and Patoranking, showcasing their music beyond the African continent.
Speaking about his business of promoting Nigerian music across borders, CEO of 03 Media, Alex Ozone says "The firm is not resting on its oars, but will continue to do more to showcase Nigerian and African artistes to the outside world via music tours, mega concerts and shows that will give their numerous fans great music and live performances."
According to Alex, the Nigerian music industry must be ready for what 03Media is coming up with because they are committed to making the exportation of Nigerian music a spectacle.
A civil society organisation, Office of the Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(OCFRN) has commended the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for suspending the on-going promotion exercise in the Nigerian Police Force(NPF).
OCFRN's convener, Mr Pelumi Olajengbesi, who briefed newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said that the action had shown that the Federal Government was responsive and responsible.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, OCFRN's Convener
Olajengbesi, under the auspices of United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP), had recently called on Osinbajo to intervene in alleged one-sided promotion exercise in the Nigerian Police Force .
He said the group petitioned the Acting President, Inspector-General of Police and Police Service Commission (PSC) over allegations of ethnicity, nepotism and favouritism in the promotion exercise.
The legal practitioner, who is also the executive secretary of UGRFP, had alleged that no fewer than 72 aggrieved policemen had lodged complaints with the group over denial of their promotions.
The Spokesperson for the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, however said the commission had not released the names of the successful candidates.
He said that the complainants should have waited for the list before accusing the PSC of injustice.
"Recently we petitioned the Acting President, Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission on the on-going promotion in the Nigerian Police Force.
"There were alleged irregularities in the process of the promotion; we want to commend the Acting President for displaying a high sense of responsibility.
"We are glad to receive the decision of the Acting President suspending the Police Service Commission promotion.
"This is a demonstration of the fact that this administration will stand against any act that is corrupt; that this administration is concerned about the welfare of all Nigerians,'' Olajengbesi said.
He urged the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force to eschew favouritism from the process and ensure that it complied with the relevant rules and regulations.
Olajengbesi also called on the Police Service Commission to ensure compliance with extant rules with regards to promotion in the Nigerian Police Force.
He condemned the use of force by the Police in dispersing protesters campaigning against the continued medical vacation of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The lawyer said that the security agents violated the fundamental rights of the protesters as they had the right to protest.
According to him, the concept of OCFRN is the belief that every Nigerian citizen by default and by the constitution occupies a very important office.
He said that the initiative was in pursuit of OCFRN's mandate as civil rights activists and social crusaders, giving voice and vision to the voice of the genuine emancipation of the Nigerian people.
Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) has announced a string of successes in its tactical operations in July and early August, 2017, busting kidnap gangs and Boko Haram cells in parts of the country. The service also waded into the boundary crisis between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
The security agency made this known today in a statement by Tony Opuiyo, its spokesman.
Among the successes catalogued was the arrest on 3 July of seven members of a kidnap gang at Kakuri Industrial Area in Kaduna State.
Arrested were Haliru Hassan and six other members of a notorious kidnap gang operating along the Abuja – Kaduna High Way.
The gang, which comprised Usman Abdulkadir, Yusuf Saidu, Abubakar Shuiabu, Abukakar Suleman, Uzairu Bawa, and Sani Abubakar, was said to have been terrorising motorists and commuters within the Rijana and Katari axis of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway.
" On 4 July, 2017, along Zaria – Funtua Road in Giwa LGA, Kaduna State, the Service busted another kidnap gang and apprehended its kingpins, Rabiu Sani aka Dogo and his close associate, Abubakar Sani, notorious kidnapper and gun-runner who has been supplying arms and ammunition to criminal elements in Kaduna, Kano, Taraba and Plateau States.
During their arrest, the DSS operatives recovered a blue Volkswagen Vento with Reg. No. MGU 106 EA, One Pistol, 4 AK-47 Magazines, 5 FN rifle, 989 rounds of Ammunition, One (1) round of 9mm Ammunition, One (1) Beretta magazine, and N457, 140.
"Similarly, on 5 July, 2017, at Ikara Junction, Tudun Wada LGA in Kano State, two high profile kidnappers namely: Rabiu Dahiru aka Kachalla and Umar Ya'u were apprehended by the Service. Dahiru and Ya'u are members of the kidnap gang which has been operating at the Falgore forest in Kano State.
Twenty six live cartridges and a bullet proof vest were found in their possession during their arrest.
" Also, on 4 August, 2017, this Service arrested a suspected gun-runner, Haruna Musa at Kasuwan Magani area, along Kaduna-Kachia Road in Kaduna State. Musa is a gun-runner who has been ferrying arms and ammunition to criminal elements especially kidnappers along forested communities in Birni Gwari and its environs.
The operatives recovered from him a grey Opel Vectra V6 with Reg. No. 899-MKA and 31 AK-47 magazines.
" On 14 July, 2017, at the Federal Housing Authority Estate, Lugbe, FCT, the Service smashed the kidnap syndicate led by one Ebifagbe Dickson aka Ginikachi and five others namely: Williams Jephter, Messiah Philips, Sample Reuben, Prosper Ebitari and Charles Krobo James.
"This gang was responsible for the kidnap of five German expatriates of Bayelsa Coastline in Brass LGA. It was also intercepted while plotting to perpetrate series of kidnap operations in the Federal Capital Territory-Abuja
The DSS was active in Kogi State as well, where its operatives arrested Jonathan Lukas and his accomplice, Nafiu Usman at Ajipome, Dekina LGA, on 27 July, for their involvement in the series of kidnapping incidents in the State.
BOKO HARAM ARRESTS
" In furtherance of its counter-terrorism/insurgency fight against the extremist elements, the Service conducted a tactical operation against fleeing Boko Haram fighters on 1 July, 2017, at Sakwai in Kachia LGA of the Kaduna State. During the operation, one Usman Musa, a high profile Boko Haram cell leader, was apprehended alongside six of his accomplices, namely Isa Halidu, Ibrahim Dauda, Bature Mohammed, Buhari Dauda, Inusa Usman and Adamu IBRAHIM. Light arms, ammunition and radical literature were recovered from the cell.
" In Taraba State, the Service intercepted one Usman Halaji aka Abubakar Mubi, on 5 July, 2017, at Bali town, where he was hibernating after fleeing Sambisa Forest following military bombardment of the area. He was discovered to be advancing the doctrines of the terrorist group as well as recruiting vulnerable minds to join its ranks.
" On 13 July, another cell amir (leader), one Yusuf Isah was arrested at Sabuwar Yelwa area of Dala LGA in Kano State. It was sequel to this that a member of the cell, one Yakubu USMAN (Alh.) who had also fled from Sambisa forest following military operations in the North East was arrested, on 28th July, 2017, by the Service.
"Furthermore, on 3 August, 2017, two suspected Boko Haram fighters namely Buba Gebi aka Dogo Dan Cameroon and Manu Isah, were apprehended by the Service at Tamburawa, Dawakin Kudu, Kano State, on 3rd August, 2017. The duo were intercepted while heading to Lagos, in furtherance of the group's cause.
" The Service also arrested one Bashir Yahaya Ojo, a suspected member of an ISIS-affiliated extremist cell and close associate of Bilal aka Malik, another extremist element at Nagazi in Adavi LGA. Ojo, in connivance with other members of the cell, has been indoctrinating and recruiting vulnerable youths in the State for the extremist group.
"On 10 August, 2017, at Kwatte Village, Rigasa District, Igabi LGA in Kaduna State, the Service, in conjunction with the Military, raided the hideout of a notorious armed robbery/kidnap gang led by one Salisu Lawan. During the operation, the criminals engaged operatives in a shoot-out, which resulted in the death of one Shehu Lawal (a gang member) while Lawan the ringleader and two (2) other members of the gang, namely Mohammed TUKUR (27 years) and Usman Mohammed (35 years) were arrested.
CROSS RIVER/AKWA IBOM BOUNDARY CRISIS
The DSS also waded into the boundary crisis between Ikot Offiong Community in Odukpani LGA of Cross State and Okuiboku in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom State.
The Service carried out a detailed investigation and found that a militant group led by one Don Marine aka The Don based in Odukpani is a key provocateur in the crisis.
Consequently, on 10 August, the Service, in liaison with the Nigerian Army, raided the militants' enclave located along Ikonoto Road, Ikonoto clan of Odukpani. During the operation, one Blanko was shot dead while three others were arrested and two escaped with gunshot injuries. Similarly, one dane gun and an American pump action gun were recovered from the hide-out.
China has sent an "unbreakable" code from a satellite to the Earth, marking the first time space-to-ground quantum key distribution technology has been realized, state media has reported.
China launched the world's first quantum satellite last August, to help establish "hack proof" communications, a development the Pentagon has called a "notable advance".
The official Xinhua news agency said the latest experiment was published in the journal Nature on Thursday, where reviewers called it a "milestone".
President Xi Jinping, has a duty to defend China
The satellite sent quantum keys to ground stations in China between 645 km (400 miles) and 1,200 km (745 miles) away at a transmission rate up to 20 orders of magnitude more efficient than an optical fiber, Xinhua cited Pan Jianwei, lead scientist on the experiment from the state-run Chinese Academy of Sciences, as saying.
"That, for instance, can meet the demand of making an absolute safe phone call or transmitting a large amount of bank data," Pan said.
Any attempt to eavesdrop on the quantum channel would introduce detectable disturbances to the system, Pan said.
"Once intercepted or measured, the quantum state of the key will change, and the information being intercepted will self-destruct," Xinhua said.
The news agency said there were "enormous prospects" for applying this new generation of communications in defense and finance.
China still lags behind the United States and Russia in space technology, although President Xi Jinping has prioritized advancing its space program, citing national security and defense.
China insists its space program is for peaceful purposes, but the U.S. Defense Department has highlighted its increasing space capabilities, saying it was pursuing activities aimed at preventing adversaries from using space-based assets in a crisis.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said contrary to what naysayers want people to believe, the Buhari administration is working assiduously to redeem its electoral pledges, especially in the critical areas of developing the economy as well as fighting corruption and insecurity.
The Minister stated this in Abuja on Friday while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the visiting Chinese Vice Minister of The State Council Information Office, Mr. Guo Weimin, in the area of media and cultural relations.
"Contrary to the lies that are being purveyed daily in the Social Media, this government has been working assiduously to redeem its electoral pledges. Our fight against insecurity is yielding very positive results.
"Our fight against corruption is focused and is ongoing and we are resolute and we have resolved that we are going to fight corruption until corruption goes under. We are happy that in this regards, we have a very good partner in China because we are aware and we know how China fought corruption and how China is fighting corruption.
"We have succeeded in nursing a very sick economy and very soon, Nigeria will get out of recession," he said.
Alhaji Mohammed, who said the signing of the MOU will further deepen the already excellent relationship between the two countries, expressed optimism that some provisions of the MOU that encourage the news agencies of Nigeria and China to reflect, in their reporting, the social, economic and cultural development in both countries, will eliminate the phenomenon of fake news.
"This is significant because we are today in the era of fake news. Unlike China, the Social Media here is completely unrestrained. Therefore it is important that you get your news directly from the official source," he said.
The Minister sought the support of China towards the training of the Ministry's Resident Information Officers on modern Governance Public Communication methods in order to build their capacity as the respective spokespersons of Ministries, Department and Agencies.
Alhaji Mohammed also sought partnership with China in the areas of film production and distribution, development of community cinema houses and collaboration in the co-production of films as well as screening of Nigerian films in China and vice versa.
He called for cooperation between the Nigerian Film and Video Censorship Board and the China Censorship Board to curb the importation and exportation of pirated and adulterated movies of both countries.
The Chinese Vice Minister said the signing of the MOU between the two countries marked a new beginning in the relationship between the two countries, particularly in the area of media and cultural relations.
He said staff training and programme exchanges will further solidify the cultural ties between both nations. Mr. Weimin said his ministry will scale up the broadcast of news about Nigeria in China and appealed to the Minister to reciprocate the gesture.
The Chinese Vice Minister acceded to Alhaji Mohammed's request for the training of the Resident Information Officers and said the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria will fine-tune the capacity building engagement.
Mr. Weimin was accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, to the signing of the MOU.
U.S. President Donald Trump has horrified former US diplomats and the State Department over his latest praise-singing of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Breaking nearly two weeks of silence on Putin's July 30 order cutting U.S. embassy and consulate staff by nearly two thirds, Trump said on Thursday: "I'm very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll."
Trump said "there's no real reason for them to go back" and "we're going to save a lot of money," in response to Putin's Cold War-style move, differing from the reactions of other presidents in similar circumstances in the past.
Russia’s President, Putin & U.S President, Trump
It also clashes with a State Department official having called Moscow's order "a regrettable and uncalled-for act."
Intended to be flippant or not, Trump's remarks were immediately denounced by current and former U.S. officials who have served both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Nicholas Burns, the State Department's third-ranking official under Republican President George W. Bush, called Trump's comments "grotesque."
"If he was joking, he should know better," said Burns, now a professor at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. "If he wasn't, it's unprecedented. A president has never defended the expulsion of our diplomats."
The State Department has "horrified and rattled" by Trump's remarks, said a veteran U.S. diplomat who has served in Russia, speaking on condition of anonymity.
And Heather Conley, formerly a top State Department official dealing with European affairs, said the expulsions of hundreds of people from an important U.S. embassy is extraordinary and "it is very difficult to see how the president could view these expulsions as a 'positive' development in any form."
On Thursday, the State Department had no immediate reaction to the comments Trump made to reporters while on vacation at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Congressional committees and a special counsel are investigating the conclusions of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia interfered in the 2016 election campaign by hacking and other methods to help Trump, a Republican. They are also looking into possible collusion between the campaign and Russian officials. Moscow has repeatedly denied meddling in the election and Trump denies any campaign collusion.
Putin, reacting to new sanctions imposed by the U.S. Congress and reluctantly signed into law by Trump, ordered Washington to cut 755 of its 1,200 embassy and consulate staff by September. Many of those affected likely will be local Russian staffers.
It was also a tit-for-tat reaction to former President Barack Obama expelling 35 Russian diplomats from the United States last December over the intelligence agency reports.
During his campaign and since becoming president, Trump has consistently called for better ties with Russia, declined to criticise Putin and refused to unequivocally embrace the conclusions of the intelligence agencies.
President Donald Trump on Friday issued a new threat to North Korea, saying the U.S. military was "locked and loaded" as Pyongyang accused him of driving the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war.
Trump kept up the war of words on Twitter shortly after the North Korean state news agency, KCNA, put out a statement blaming him for the escalated tensions.
"Trump is driving the situation on the Korean peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war, making such outcries as 'the U.S. will not rule out a war against the DPRK,’" KCNA said.
The U.S. president, who is vacationing at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf resort, described American military readiness in stark terms.
"Military solutions are now fully in place, locked and loaded, should North Korea act unwisely.
"Hopefully Kim Jong Un will find another path," he wrote on Twitter.
Trump maintained pressure on the North after a week of incendiary rhetoric including his warning on Tuesday that the U.S. would unleash "fire and fury" on Pyongyang if it threatened the U.S.
U.S. allies in the region reacted with alarm to the unusual response from Washington and senior U.S. officials scrambled to play down his comments.
Trump still amplified the warning on Thursday, saying "maybe his "fire and fury" threat wasn't tough enough."
U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis later tempered Trump's harsh words, saying "the U.S. still preferred a diplomatic approach to the North Korean threat.
"A war would be "catastrophic," he said.
Asked if the U.S. was prepared to handle a hostile act by North Korea, Mattis said: "We are ready."
As of Thursday night, two U.S. officials said the threat with regards to North Korea had not changed, additional assets were not being moved into the region and intelligence did not show indications of North Korea preparing a missile launch.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has urged new appointees in two commissions and the state pension board to justify their appointments by sterling performance.
Ajimobi spoke on Friday in Ibadan at the inauguration of the two commissions and the board at the Executive Council Chambers, Oyo State Governor's office.
Newsmen report that the governor inaugurated members of the State Judicial Service Commission, State Local Government Service Commission and the State Pension Board.
"You are coming on board as strategic partners to government in our quest to transform our dear state. We are sure that with you privileged men and women, there would be remarkable change in the story of the boards,'' he told the appointees.
He said they were chosen strictly in recognition of their past contributions to the state, their competence and records of integrity, hoping they would not change after their appointment.
" Let me restate that we are aware that the expectations of the people from this government are huge and rightly so.
"Our people expect that we will take Oyo State from its current level to its former position of `first' in economy, infrastructure and social services.
"This is why we carefully packaged our task in the state as restoration, transformation and repositioning,'' the governor said.
Ajimobi charged the members not to only maintain the structures on ground, but improve on them.
He said that the existing and recently introduced policies of government must be fully implemented.
Newsmen report that the chairmen of the newly inaugurated commissions and board are Justice Muntar Abimbola (Judicial Service Commission), Mr George Akintola (Local Government Service Commission) and Apostle Samson Aderounmu (Pension Board).
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Justice Abimbola, the Chief Judge of the State, pledged their commitment to make meaningful impact in their respective areas.
Abimbola said that the governor had just given them the opportunity to prove their qualities and contribute to the transformation of the state.
He appreciated the governor for his support and efforts at transforming the state judiciary.
Newsmen report that Mr Oluseun Abimbola, the State Attorney-General; Mrs Esther Akerele; Mr Ademola Salami; Mr Femi Adelakun and Mr Ayoola Ajayi are members of the Judicial Service Commssion.
Dr Mutiu Ayankojo, Dr (Mrs) Ayanfemi Ayandele and Mrs Moyosore Ajani are members of the Local Government Service Commission, while Mr Moshood Erubami and Mr Moses Ajekigbe are members of the Pension Board.
The APC made a total of N60.5 million from the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms from the aspirants who commenced screening for the exercise yesterday.
The screening exercise taking place in Abuja is to end today.
While each male aspirant paid N5.5 million each for the expression of interest and nomination forms, female aspirants were given a waiver from paying for the forms.
The aspirants who collected forms include Dr. Tony Nwoye, Chief George Moghalu, Senator Andy Uba, Paul Chukwuma, Madu Nonso, Bart Nwibe and Patrick Nwike.
PPA governorship aspirant, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo has said that the recent desecration of spiritual proceedings at St Philips Catholic Church Ozoubulu on Sunday, 6th of August during a 6 am service was very worrisome and called for sober reflection by Igbo people.
Saying that the development was due to lack of fear of God, he observed that it happened because money was controlling the society.
"Those who indulged in this gruesome act have sold their soul and would need God's redemption. We, from this part of the world, must lay less emphasis on money as it appears that money is our idol in Igboland and I do not know where we are heading to."
Ezeemo urged the government to ensure that the Ozoubulu incident was treated to a positive logical conclusion to checkmate future occurrence.
He also called on the youth to engage in genuine businesses to take care of their economic and social needs, adding that the craze to get rich quick and failure of family members to ask questions on their children's sources of overflowing wealth without a visible source of livelihood was contributing to the moral decadence.
Governor Willie Obiano's Liaison Officer to Biafran War Veterans, Comrade Arinzechukwu Awogu has dismissed insinuations of the governor's indifference to the welfare of veterans of the civil war saying that the governor has continually put their issues at the top of his agenda.
"The Governor has never rested, since assumption of office in the state on issues bordering the protection of lives and properties of the people of the state, until he addresses such issue.
Giving insight into what happened when Boko-Haram detainees were brought to the state, Comrade Awogu said, "Governor Obiano revealed to Nigerians that they were the worse set of Boko-Haram detainees and confronted Federal Government for bringing them into the state he has provided adequate security, and insisted that they must be evacuated from the state.
"The Governor revealed that the Boko Haram detainees were brought all the way from N'Djamena, the capital of Chad Republic and one of the nine, detainees came with his nine wives and fourteen children.
The Governor had to struggle to get them out of Anambra state and Southeast because their presence was a psychological trauma to the people of Southeast who are not known for suicide bombing and violent killing of innocent people.
According to Comrade Awogu, "Governor Obiano has shown genuine commitment against the wish of the Federal Government, towards the people's struggle by undertaking the burial of all Biafran soldiers that died during the Nigerian Civil, noting that such a man cannot order shoot at –sight- carry, a despicable action against his own people as was erroneously held by some Biafran agitators, and called other people to support his second tenure bid."
