The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • US border detention conditions appalling – UN rights Chief

    United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, has described as appalling conditions in which migrants and refugees are being held in the US

    In a statement on Monday, Bachelet emphasised that children should never be held in immigration detention, or separated from their families.

    “As a pediatrician, but also as a mother and a former head of State, I am deeply shocked that children are forced to sleep on the floor in overcrowded facilities.

    “This is without access to adequate healthcare or food, and with poor sanitation conditions,” she said.

    Citing several UN human rights bodies, she stated that detaining migrant children might constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment “that is prohibited under international law.”

    The human rights chief noted that immigration detention was never in the best interests of a child.

    She said: “Even for short periods under good conditions, it can have a serious impact on their health and development.

    “Consider the damage being done every day by allowing this alarming situation to continue.’’

    Read Also: UN rights chief slams Papua New Guinea government

    Bachelet referenced the “disturbing report” by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, on the conditions in migrant centres along the southern border.

    In the report, the department outlined “dangerous overcrowding and prolonged detention of children and adults” at border facilities in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.

    It came with photographs illustrating the overcrowding of migrants in small, fenced areas.

    However, the administration of President Donald Trump dismissed the report as exaggerative of the conditions at the facilities.

    “The Fake News Media, in particular the failing @nytimes, is writing phony and exaggerated accounts of the Border Detention Centers,” Trump said in a tweet on Sunday.

    Bachelet urged the authorities to find non-custodial alternatives for migrant and refugee children and adults.

    “Any deprivation of liberty of adult migrants and refugees should be a measure of last resort.

    “If migrants or refugees are detained, it should be for the shortest period, with due process safeguards and under conditions that fully meet all relevant international human rights standards.

    “States do have the sovereign prerogative to decide on the conditions of entry and stay of foreign nationals.

    “But clearly, border management measures must comply with the State’s human rights obligations and should not be based on narrow policies aimed only at detecting, detaining and expeditiously deporting irregular migrants.”

    The human rights chief elaborated that in most of these cases, the migrants and refugees embarked on perilous journeys with their children in search of protection and dignity and away from violence and hunger.

    “When they finally believe they have arrived in safety, they may find themselves separated from their loved ones and locked in undignified conditions, this should never happen anywhere,’’ Bachelet said. (NAN)

  • Let’s use our diversity for prosperity – Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC)  National Leader,  Sen. Bola Tinubu, on Monday urged Nigerians to recognise the value of diversity and use it for the prosperity of the country.

    Tinubu made the call at a  public presentation of a book entitled:  ‘Battlelines: Adventures in Journalism and Politics’, a memoir of Chief Olusegun Osoba.

    The book is a 341-page autobiography of Osoba, a former governor of Ogun State, with records of his life as a journalist and a politician. It was launched to mark his 80th birthday in Lagos.

    Tinubu said that the APC recognised the place of unity in diversity, which informed the ‘broom’ symbol of the party.

    “When we proposed our symbol of  APC as a broom, what we meant is our unity in diversity.

    “Different heights in a broom. You cannot see a single broom tied together of the same height, unless you cut it.

    “Our problem in this country is that instead of using our diversity for prosperity, we continue to use our diversity for division,  either religion or tribe.

    Read Also: Tinubu is eminently qualified to lead Nigeria, says group

    “It is a lesson that we are to take away from here today. Let’s stop it. The broom is very strong when it is tied together, ” he said.

    Tinubu described Osoba as an open book; a very honest and straight personality.

    He thanked Osoba for the many revelations in the book, which talked about the history, present and future of the country.

    “He was one of the main contributors to our constitution, which we depend on today, ” Tinubu said.

    Also speaking,  Senate President Ahmed Lawan urged Nigerians to embrace unity and eschew all forms of mistrust and suspicion.

    “Nigeria is a country that is rich in diversity. This diversity is our strength as a nation. No country can develop when there is no unity.

    “As political leaders, we must demonstrate clear sense of leadership to make Nigeria work for all of us, ” Lawan said.

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said it was important to document the life of senior important personalities for posterity.

    “In the book, Chief Osoba wrote some things that will motivate and serve as a guide to politicians and Nigerians to build a better country.

    “Chief Osoba’s life is a clear reflection that you must have a good job to become a good politician.

    “He was a journalist of note, and that made him a successful and outstanding politician. This should be the direction of our country, “he said.

    Gov.  Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti  and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, described Osoba as an exemplar in the annals of governors.

    ” Chief Osoba is a timeless and very senior member of the club of governors.  He has every counsel and advice for every generation of governors. I am a beneficiary.

    “There are stories told in his book that will be essential for our country, for the future of our democracy and for the good of our people ,” he said.

    In his goodwill message,  former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, described Osoba as a detribalised and accomplished journalist.

    ” Osoba knows how to cultivate friendship with people, irrespective of tribe or religion. He was like a bridge between us (military) and the people, and he has the ability to speak truth to power for the good of mankind, ”  he said

    In his speech, Osoba thanked dignitaries who turned up at the event, saying he was highly honoured by their presence.

    He said that he wrote the book with his wife to document his experiences as a politician and a journalist.

    According to him, there were so many things that might not be known and he needed to write the book to reveal all.

    In his remarks, the publisher of the book,  Mr Lanre Idowu, said it was conceptualised in 2016 and centred on Nigerian journalism and politics.

    Some of the dignitaries at the launch were former Ogun State governor, Mr Gbenga Daniel; former governor of Oyo State, Sen Abiola Ajimobi; Gov. Olurotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; Chief Odigie Oyegun, former APC National Chairman; former governor of Akwa-Ibom, Sen. Godswill Akpabio; Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; and Gov.  Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.

    Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister, Information, Culture and Tourism; Pastor Tunde Bakare, popular Lagos cleric; Chief Bisi Akande, APC chieftain; former governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke; Political Economist, Prof. Pat Utomi; and former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi were also present. (NAN)

  • Anambra APC crisis: 14 -man committee submits report amidst fresh crisis

    The 14- man fact finding and reconciliation Committee set up by the Anambra State Working Committee  of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has submitted its report.

    The report was submitted on Monday by the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Chief Ikechukwu Ibe, alongside other members including, Nze Modestus Umenzekwe.

    However, The Nation gathered that the report was received by the Secretary of the party, Hon. Chukwuma Agufugo.

    But the Chairman of the Committee, C J Chinwuba, a lawyer,who was suspended by the Committee,  told The Nation the report had not been submitted to  anyone.

    He said the Committee was planning to submit it’s report before the end of the week, to enable it put some finishing touches on it

    Read Also: APGA: Oye moves to save party in Anambra, Abia

    When the party chairman,Chief Basil Ejidike,  was contacted on Monday ,he said he was not aware of the submission of the Committee’s report as he was not in the state.

    Also, he told The Nation that the planned summit on Friday by the APC in the state had been shifted to accommodate all the stakeholders, especially, those that travelled.

    He said  Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was to lead APC chieftains to the state, had been notified on the development.

    The fresh crisis in the party,allegedly  stemmed from the fact that the committee was set up abnitio by the party without consulting some of the major stakeholders in the state.

    Some of these stakeholders The Nation gathered were, former Minister of Labour, Sen Chris Ngige, Sen Andy Uba, Chief George Moghalu among others.

    As a result, the members of the committee could not reach any agreement, thus, it was equally difficult to to bring the stakeholders together.

    In a letter to the SWC dated 8-7-2019 and signed by Ikechukwu Ibe as the acting Chairman of the Committee and Dr Peter Ogbuka as secretary, said Chinwuba had been removed

    The letter entitled, “Suspension /Removal of Committee Chairman, Barr C J Chinwuba “was obtained by The Nation, reads: “This is to notify you of the suspension of Barr C J Chinwuba as the chairman of the fact finding committee on the 2019 general elections in Anambra State ”

    “This is sequel to his inconsistency and double standard thus frustrating our work. It is note worthy that he scheduled a meeting for 7-7-2019 for which circular was properly issued by the secretary and reminder sent ”

    “Agenda for this meeting was for adoption of the committee report and signing same, so that the report would be submitted to the SWC on 8-7-2019”

    “it is very disheartening and embarrassing that he abandoned the scheduled meeting, absconded the committee”

    “Consequent upon this and for the committee to finish up her assignment for which it has worked for over three months resolved as follows,:suspend /renove the chairman Barr Chinwuba and that the Vice Chairman Chief Ik Ibeh to henceforth act as Acting Chairman.”

  • Shehu Sani vs Uba Sani: Tribunal fixes date for final written addresses

    The election tribunal sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of case between Senator Shehu Sani and Senator Uba Sani for adoption of final written addresses till July 25, 2019.

    Senator Shehu Sani had challenged the victory of Senator Uba Sani and requested that the tribunal declare him the authentic winner of the election.

    Speaking to journalists shortly after Monday’s sitting, Senator Shehu Sani’s Counsel, Morris A. Odeh (SAN), said the case has been closed because Uba Sani could neither present witnesses nor evidence.

    According to him, Shehu Sani presented two witnesses during hearing of the substantive case while Uba Sani failed to present any.

    Read Also: Tribunal adjourns hearing on Shehu Sani/Uba Sani suit till Thursday

    The Counsel however said; “As it stands now, we will be coming to present our final written addresses before the tribunal on the July 25. Thereafter, we will wait for the judgment.

    “What the defendant did not know is that civil case is different from criminal case. This is a civil case and so we do not need to prove our case beyond reasonable doubt before it will be taken in the court.

    “We have submitted some evidences and no matter how minimal ,it is expected that they defend it, but they failed to do so,” the SAN said.

  • BBnaija4 update: Nelson is new head of house

    Allison Nelson on Monday emerged the new head of house (HOH) in the ongoing BBnaija season 4.

    Nelson won the HOH challenge with 14 buttons above Ike’s 13.

    Other housemates had the following scores during the challenge: Mercy 10, Ike 8, Omashola 6, Seyi 7, Thelma 5, Khafi 8, Mike 5, Frodd 6, Sir Dee 2, Gedoni 1, Ella 2, Esther 2, Tacha 6, Jackye 2, Jeff 1, Diane 3 and Kimoprah has 4 buttons.

    Read Also: Just in: Avala, Isilomo evicted from BBNaija season four

    Jeff had emerged the first HOH last week.

    To become the HoH, the Housemates were tasked to fetch as many buttons as possible from a bucket of water using the pegs provided.  Each button must be placed in the plate provided.

  • Sylva mocks Dickson’s airport in Bayelsa

    A former Governor of Bayelsa State and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has challenged Governor Seriake Dickson to always make use of the Bayelsa airport since he claimed the project had been completed.

    The former governor spoke at the celebration of his 55th birthday, which was attended at the weekend by crowd of persons comprising his friends, political associates and supporters in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    Sylva said: “It is the people that make the state. So, if you come here and neglect the people that constitute your state then you are making a big mistake. Unfortunately for us, our government has not scored very high on empowerment of our people.

    “Yes they have done a few things. They have built an airport for example but airport which is a very great Idea, my only challenge and my only surprise  is that each time the governor himself wants to travel in a private jet he still goes to Port-Harcourt.

    “My challenge to the present Governor of Bayelsa state is that he should be landing in Yenagoa in the airport he has built. The airport cost us about N100bn. He himself told us it cost us 80bn in his transparency briefing.

    “When I took him on, he quickly reversed the figures and said it cost  N60bn. He himself doesn’t know the exact amount that the airport cost too.  I don’t know but let him be landing there.

    Read Also: Sylva faults Bayelsa on N120bn loan claims

    “Please, somebody go and tell him, that my only challenge to him  is that he should be landing in that airport if that airport is finished. It has been commissioned, why has he not been landing there? I went to hire a plane to land there but they said there was no airport like that. Let him tell us the real story behind the airport”.

    Sylva, whose celebration attracted traditional rulers, chiefs and elders from across the state as well as APC lawmakers from state and National Assemblies also queried why Isaac Boro Expressway in Yenagoa had not been completed after seven years.

    Read Also:

    Lamenting the condition of Yenagoa, the state capital, he said: “Isaac Boro road, has been under construction for eight years. Which kind of road is that? Eight years Isaac Boro road has been under construction. Who is the contractor?  nobody knows.

    “Yenagoa has become a dark city, like a city in the dark ages. Hunger is walking on the streets of Yenagoa in the form of insecurity. Now we are hurrying to close because we are all afraid, because those boys are out there”.

    Sylva, who was accompanied by his wife as he addressed the cheering crowd, said the time for change had come to Bayelsa and called for unity among Ijaw people.

    “But we all should know that the time for change has come. The time for division has also ended because as Ijaw people we must unite. We are the same people. I have traveled across the length, and breath of Ijaw land and I have seen that we are the same. So let us begin to see ourselves as one.

    “Some people, who do not have any ability only want to ride on  divisions. Without division, nobody is going to listen to them so they tell you about core ijaw, and non-core ijaw. When those people come and talk to you tell them hunger doesn’t have core Ijaw. Poverty, doesn’t see non-core Ijaw”, he said.

    The former governor, who went down memory lane to relieve his experience, said a lot had happened since he joined politics adding that he became a lawmaker in his 20s at the old Rivers State House of Assembly.

    He said they fought for the creation of Bayelsa with great hope that it would bring about development and prosperity.

    “So when I came in as governor in 2007, I had as my cornerstone the development of the people of Bayelsa state, the empowerment of the people of Bayelsa state”, he added.

    He commended organisers of the programme including his wife for celebrating him and advised the youths to become responsible enough to take up leadership.

    In their various goodwill messages, dignitaries and party chiefs, who attended the event praised Sylva’s leadership qualities and called him to contest the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa.

    An APC stalwart, Chief Alex Ekiotenne, said Sylva should be adopted as the only consensus candidate for APC in the coming election.

  • Reps Minority Caucus passes Vote-of -Confidence on suspended principal officers

    The Minority Caucus in the House of Representative has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rescind its decision on the suspension of Minority Principal Officers of the House.

    At a news conference on Monday in Abuja, the caucus passed a vote of confidence on the suspended officers as well as Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP had on Thursday, July 4, suspended Rep. Ndudi Elumelu(PDP-Delta), who is the Minority Leader of the house.

    The party also suspended Rep. Toby Okechukwu(PDP-Enugu), the Deputy Minority Leader; Rep. Gideon Gwani(PDP-Kaduna), the Minority Whip, Rep. Adesegu Adekoya(PDP-Ogun), the Deputy Minority and two ranking members, Rep. Wole Oke (PDP-Ogun) and Rep. Lynda Ikpeazu (PDP-Anambra).

    The PDP had earlier endorsed Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers) as the Minority Leader, Rep. Chukwuka Onyema (PDP-Anambra), Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Yakubu Bade (PDP-Kaduna) as Minority Whip and Rep. Muraina Ajibola (PDP-Oyo) as Deputy Minority Whip.

    Read Also: Supreme Court verdict: Rep urges Osun PDP to be steadfast

    Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Rep. Legor Idagbo (PDP-Cross River) said the selection of the officers was in conformity with the house rules and Order 7 Rule 8, which derives strength from section 60 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    Quoting the rules, Idagbo said: “members of the minority parties in the house shall nominate from among themselves, the Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Whip.”

    Idagbo said that members of the minority parties adhered to the provisions of the rules in selecting Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, as Minority Leader.

    He said that the rule was also applied in selecting Rep. Toby Okechukwu as Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Gideon Gwani as Minority Whip and Rep. Adesegun Adekoya as Deputy Minority Whip.

    He said Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos) was communicated by majority members of minority parties on July 2 and the decision which was announced on July 3, 2019.

    Idagbo said that the parliament since 1999 had remained an independent body as it has not been coerced into accepting any leadership imposed by external influence.

    “We would like to appeal to our party chairman and the NWC of our great party, who we know are seasoned and experienced politicians that understand this dynamics to rescind their earlier decision to suspend our leaders.

    “Through no fault of theirs were nominated and elected by majority of members of the minority parties; were an offense to had been committed in this process, the perpetrators would be all 111 of us not six members as were suspended by our great party.

    “We use this opportunity to sue for peace and to state that we are available for further discussions with the NWC of our great party on how to resolve these issues and move our party forward,” he said.

    The caucus called on well- meaning party leaders, particularly those with legislative experience to intervene in order to salvage the situation.

    The lawmakers commended the National Chairman of the PDP, Mr Uche Secondus for the great job of piloting the affairs of the party that had seen its fortune increased in the last few years.

    The caucus said it remained resolute to work closely with the national chairman and the party in ensuring that it returns to power in 2023.

    (NAN)

  • Williams crushes Suarez Navarro to reach quarter-finals

    Serena Williams reached her 14th Wimbledon quarter-final by overwhelming Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2 6-2 even though she was not at her magnificent best on Court One on Monday.

    The 37-year-old American, aiming for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, produced 19 unforced errors, including a bizarre mistake when she leaned over the net to hit a volley and had the point docked.

    But she also conjured 21 winners, some of which left the crowd gasping in admiration and her 30-year-old opponent helpless on the other side of the net.

    Williams, seeded 11th, had little match practice coming into Wimbledon because of injury and teamed up with Andy Murray in the mixed doubles to get some more playing time.

    “I’ve had more matches this week than the past five months but it’s definitely good and I know I can play and I’m now physically better (so) it’s almost a feeling of relief more than anything,” she said immediately after coming off court,” she stated.

    Read Also: Tomic fined for playing below standard at Wimbledon

    Suarez Navarro, ranked 31 in the world and one of the smaller players on tour, lacks the big weapons and serving power needed for grass and has always had trouble against Williams.

    Monday’s defeat was her seventh against the seven times Wimbledon champion.

    Though the Spaniard broke the American’s serve in the second set, she had no answer for Williams’s pounding groundstrokes.

    Suarez Navarro slipped trying to retrieve the ball to go match-point down, then mis-hit a backhand to concede defeat.

    Williams, who first played at the All-England club as a 16-year-old in 1998, said she was still ambitious.

    “I’m a really pumped player and of course I still want it or I wouldn’t be here,”she said.

    Williams faces Alison Riske in the quarter-finals after the American upset top seed Australian Ash Barty earlier on Monday.

    “She’s great on grass and just took out the world No.1… I watched that and I’ll be ready,” Williams said.(Reuters/NAN)

  • Resist temptation to join cults, Police warn students

    The Nigeria Police on Monday warned students in tertiary institutions to resist the temptation of joining cults and other anti-social groups to avoid unpleasant circumstances.

    SP Ebere Amaraizu, National Coordinator of Police Campaign against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), gave the warning on Monday during a seminar at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

    The one-day seminar, which was on “Security and Relationship’’, was organised by the office of the Vice-President of the Students’ Union Government of the institution.

    Amaraizu reminded students of the negative consequences of cultism and dangers of involving themselves in anti-social behaviour.

    According to him, cultism has also gradually found its way into our communities.

    He said the development was capable of spelling doom for the society and the future of youths.

    Read Also: LG boss urges youths to shun cultism

    “However, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, is committed toward ending the menace of cultism and other vices in our various communities through his invigorated nationwide POCACOV campaign.

    “This is not a fight but a strategic campaign aimed at countering these dangerous narratives of cultism and other vices; thereby making our society and community safe as well as saving our youths from the claws of these evils.

    ‘‘POCACOV programme has been structured in such a manner that it will be diligently deployed in various communities in all the states including the Federal Capital Territory,’’ he said.

    Amaraizu, who is also the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, advised students to be security conscious in terms of who become their friend and the kind of life he or she lives.

    ‘‘You have to resist the temptation of joining any cult group for whatever reason because it is an ill wind that blows nobody any good.

    ‘‘You must shun cultism and other vices and become meaningful to yourself and the society,’’ he said.

    Highlight of the seminar was the drama presentation by a student group on the dangerous effects of cultism and other vices in our schools and communities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that more than 3,000 students, lecturers and administrative staff of the institution attended the seminar.

    NAN

  • Man ‘bites off Neighbourhood Watch officer’s lip, tongue’

    A Tinubu Magistrates’ Court on Monday heard that a 23-year-old man, Ahmed Ishola, bit off the lower lip and tongue of a Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LSNSC) official.

    The police said Ishola committed the offence while the unnamed officer tried to stop him from beating up his girlfriend.

    They made the allegation during Ishola’s arraignment before Magistrate A.M Olumide-Fusika, on a two-count charge of assault and breach of peace.

    Prosecuting Inspector Ben Ekundayo said the defendant committed the offence on June 18 at about 8:30am, on Elegbata Street, Lagos Island.

    According to him, Ishola bit off the lower lip and tongue of the Neighbourhood Watch man who intervened when Ishola was beating up his girlfriend.

    Read Also: Man arraigned for alleged N750,000 land scam

    Ekundayo said: “The defendant was beating his girlfriend in front of Nawarudeen Central Mosque and the complainant tried to intervene but Ishola came at him with a broken bottle.

    “While wrestling to take the broken bottle from the defendant, he bit off the Neighbourhood Watch man’s lower lip and tongue causing him serious injury.”

    The offence, he added, contravened Sections 57(1) (a), 171 and 284 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Mrs. Olumide-Fusika granted Ishola N100,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    She adjourned till August 9, for trial