The Nation Newspaper

Tag: china

  • Customs intercept 661 imported pump-action rifles

    Customs intercept 661 imported pump-action rifles

    The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted 661 pieces of pump-action rifles from China, concealed with steel doors and other merchandise goods, which came in through Lagos port.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Alli, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on Monday in Lagos.

    Alli said that the Federal Operations Unit, while on patrol, intercepted a Mark truck with registration number BUG 265 XG conveying a 40ft container with the number; PONU/825914/3 along Mile 2 Apapa Road, Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the consignment was cleared from Lagos port.

    The comptroller-general said the truck was immediately taken to F.O.U. premises for physical examination and 49 boxes containing 661 pieces of pump action rifles concealed with steel doors were revealed.

    Alli said the rifles were under absolute prohibition, adding that its importation was illegal.

    “Such deadly contravention of the law is even more unacceptable considering the fragile security situation in some parts of the country.

    “Already three suspects have been arrested in connection with this illegal importation,’’ NAN quotes the comptroller-general as saying.

    The suspects are Mr Oscan Okafor (an importer), Mr Mahmud Haruna (a clearing agent), Mr Sadique Mustapha (accompanying the consignment to its destination).

    Alli said initially the consignment was said to have originated from Turkey, adding that there was mixed-up in the document which finally revealed that the consignment originated from China.

    “Investigation has already commenced and I have directed that the dragnet should be wide enough to fish out all persons involved in the importation and clearing of the consignment, ‘’ NAN quotes Alli as saying.

    He said Customs officers who were involved in the clearance of the containers were in the custody of Comptroller Mahmud Haruna of FOU Zone “A’’

    Alli said that the seizure underscored the determination of the service to enforce all laws relating to importation and exportation of goods into and out the country thereby contributing to the economy, security and well-being of the country.

    The comptroller-general said that the seizure was commendable and represented the new normal rule in the service “where most officers and men are on a daily basis ensuring that illegalities are not allowed unchecked’’.

    He commended the Comptroller in charge of F.O.U. and officers and men who were involved in the seizure.

    Alli, however, urged the media as well as meaningful Nigerians to help the service with information that would assist the service to perform its statutory responsibilities in the interest of Nigeria.

    He said the seizure would be handed over to the appropriate authority

  • Burkina Faso snubs China’s $50b largesse to ditch Taiwan

    Burkina Faso rejected offers of $50 billion (NT$1.5 trillion) from China to dump Taiwan and switch recognition to Beijing, the African country’s foreign minister told Bloomberg, in a report published yesterday.

    After a sudden decision by Sao Tome and Principe last month, Taiwan has been left with only two official diplomatic allies in the continent, Burkina Faso and Swaziland, out of 21 allies worldwide.

    According to Bloomberg, people and companies with links to China have been making offers to the two African countries to abandon Taiwan.

    “We get outrageous proposals telling us, ‘if you sign with Beijing we’ll offer you $50 billion or even more,’” Bloomberg quoted Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Alpha Barry as saying. “Taiwan is our friend and our partner. We’re happy and we see no reason to reconsider the relationship,” the reporters quoted Barry.

    The minister said talks with Taiwan last September resulted in subsidies of $47 million (NT$1.4 billion) spread over two years for sectors like education, agriculture and defense. Worker training programs and tuition for some university students are also offered by Taiwan, Bloomberg noted.

    Taiwan’s other African ally, landlocked Swaziland, also emphasised it was not interested in dollar diplomacy. “We’re very happy with our relationship and intend to maintain it for a very long time because our friendship is based on our national interest and not on the size of Taiwan’s wallet,” Bloomberg quoted Swaziland government spokesman Percy Simelane.

    Last year, China intensified relations with Gambia, which ended ties to Taiwan in 2013. Just earlier this month, Nigeria, which doesn’t even have official links with Taipei, ordered the island to close its trade mission in the capital Abuja and move it to Lagos, its most populated city.

  • Rohr storms China for Mikel

    Rohr storms China for Mikel

    • Visit fixed for second week of February
    • Plans England tour too

    From Andrew Abah, Abuja

    Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr is to visit John Mikel Obi in his new club, Tianjin FC in China in the second week of February to find out how he is doing in his new base.
    Rohr will also discuss the new developments in the Super Eagles ahead of Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with specific mention of the game against South Africa inside the Nest of Champions Stadium in Uyo in June and also the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
    According to NFF scribe, Sanusi Mohammed, the Super Eagles tactician has been given permission by the football house to visit any player he feels is important to him in delivering the two qualification tickets.
    Rohr will also use the opportunity to discuss with other players playing in China such as Obafemi Martins.
    “The federation has given Rohr the freedom to do what is necessary. He owes us (Nigeria) the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations’ tickets. The federation can’t stop him from travelling, if the purpose is enhancing his job with no cost implication to the federation. It is our duty to encourage him to do what is best for us to be in Russia,” Sanusi said.
    Sanusi also stated that the Eagles boss will visit London to meet with Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lukman, Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi. He said the visit is to prepare their minds for the tasks ahead.
    “I can tell you that Rohr calls the office daily from Gabon and we speak each time our World Cup opponents play in their games in the ongoing Nations Cup in Gabon. Rohr is really doing a good job,” Sanusi said.

  • Festac77@40: Over 45 countries to participate

    Festac77@40: Over 45 countries to participate

    No less than 45 African countries had indicated their interests to participate in the forthcoming celebration of Festac77 @ 40 that would start on April 1 across the country.

    Dr Ferdinand Anikwe, the Director-General, Centre for Black Arts and Africa Civilization (CBAAC) disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Anikwe said that: Japan, Canada, the United States of America, China and other developed countries outside Africa had also shown interests in participating.

    NAN reports that Festac 77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was held in Lagos from Jan.15, 1977 to Feb.12, 1977and 59 countries participated.

    The month-long event celebrated African culture and showcased to the world African music, fine art, literature, drama, dance and religion.

    Several countries showcased their artworks at the National Theatre, the Nigerian National Museum and some places around the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), then.

    According to Anikwe, activities marking the celebration will hold simultaneously in no less than 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) where one of the anniversary’s mascots will be unveiled on April 1, 2017.

    “The anniversary’s mascots will be unveiled simultaneously on April 1 in Abuja, Abeokuta and Addis-Ababa in Ethiopia.

    “That of Abuja will take place at the International Conference Centre, which would be the opening ceremony.’’

    He said that the event would kick off on April 1 to end in December, adding that different cultural displays would be held in some states: Katsina, Enugu, Ogun, Kaduna, Akwa- Ibom and more.

    “ We are going to have a Durbar display in Katsina, there will be masquerade festivals in Enugu and the rolling out of 40 drums in Abeokuta, which is the symbol of Festac 77.

    “ All ethnic chanters will be on the ground and there will be the recitation of poems, staging of plays, and the singing of indigenous songs.

    “This celebration will coincide with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 80th birthday anniversary that is why Abeokuta is playing a leading role.’’

    NAN reports that General Olusegun Obasanjo was the military head of state in 1977 when Nigeria hosted Festac 77.

    Anikwe said that CBAAC had been sensitising hotel operators the across the cities where the events would hold to upgrade their facilities.

    They should also ensure that during the celebration, their charges should be affordable for local and international tourists and we have gained their consent, he said.

    Anikwe said that the organisation had involved all the security agencies to ensure utmost security of lives and properties during the period.

    He added that CBAAC had designed uniforms for the security agencies which they would adorn then for easy identification by officials, tourists and visitors.

    There would also be uniforms for children, artists and organisers made from Nigerian indigenous fabrics as part of promoting the made-in-Nigeria fabrics, he said.

    The D-G said that the event was going to be one of the most spectacular cultural events in the history of the country as participants would be transported from designated airports to their choice destinations.

    “There are plans for international tourists to be transported from the airports to their desired destinations during the celebrations because there will be activities in all the parts of the country.

    “ I am so glad to be among those that are planning for Festac77 at 40 because in 1977 was when I wrote the West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE).  I can’t forget that in a hurry,” Anikwe said.

  • Costa offered £570,000-a-week pay packet

    Costa offered £570,000-a-week pay packet

     
    The Mirror claims that Diego Costa has been offered a staggering £570,000-a-week pay packet to jet over to the Far East. Costa might leave in the summer, reports The Mirror.
    Following news of the club’s interest, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte dropped Costa from his matchday squad for last weekend’s 3-0 win over Leicester City.

    Since then, the striker has been training alone at the club’s Cobham base and it is not yet known when or if he will be welcomed back into the fold.
    He is quoted by The Mirror as saying:

    “I made an appointment with Mendes and he came to my hometown to visit me. At that time, we were interested in signing Costa.

    “PSG told us [Edinson] Cavani would only be allowed to leave in June, even though the player himself was willing to join us.

    “The same can be said for Costa because Chelsea would only let him leave in June. However, the new season of CSL will almost reach the halfway stage in June, we can’t wait so long.”

    However there are reports that the Chinese club may give up on their pursuit of Costa if they cannot clinch a deal this month.

  • Nigeria severes diplomatic relations with Taiwan

    The Federal Government on Wednesday says she will no longer recognise Taiwan as a country but rather pledged support for One China.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, stated this while answering questions from newsmen after a joint news conference with the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

    Onyeama said Nigeria had withdrawn all diplomatic relations with Taiwan as a country, adding that Taiwanese office in Abuja would be shut down and be relocated to Lagos.

    According to him, Nigeria has communicated Taiwan and they are moving to Lagos as soon as possible.

    “Taiwan will stop enjoying any privileges because it is not a country that is recognised under international law and under the position we have taken internationally we recognise the people of China.

    “Taiwan will not have any diplomatic representation in Nigeria and also they will be moving to Lagos to the extent that they function as a trade mission with a skeletal staff.

    “Chinese Government does not oppose trading with Taiwan as such as long there is no formal contact with the Government that will suggest recognition of Taiwan as sovereign country,” he said.

    According to him, China does not oppose relationship with Taiwan in the level of trade but not on government to government level.

    The minister, however, said that Nigeria was not pressurised to take the decision, noting that the development was a bit of anormally on the side of Nigeria

    He said that Nigeria recognised the People’s Republic of China as country because Nigeria was one the leading African nations that fought for China to reclaim its seat at the UN Security Council from Taiwan.

    He said the step being taken was to right the wrong that one could not specifically say how it came.

    “It was not very clear how it got into Nigeria system – an arrangement for the Taiwan for a trade mission.

    “And in grating the right of the trade mission it did not accurately reflect the nature of relationship between Nigeria and Taiwan,” he said.

    Onyeama stated that the country took the decision to remove any iota of doubt in the mind of the Chinese people.

    He said on the issue of building trust, the international community had embraced one China and China is a member of the United Nations and we don’t want to leave any doubt on the issue.

    The minister stressed that Nigeria would adhere to it completely and there is no ambiguity at all.

    He said Nigeria as a nation would do everything to realise the One China Policy as well as any effort that would promote the peace and well being of the People’s Republic of China.

    According to Onyeama, China is one of the countries that have been in full support of reforms in the UN that would see Africa having two seats at the UN Security Council, as such deserved to be supported in her unification drive of One China. (NAN)

  • Nigeria, China agree to uphold policy

    Nigeria, China agree to uphold policy

    Nigeria and China have signed an agreement upholding one China policy.

    Recently, Taiwan officials claimed that it has opened a consulate office in Nigeria, a move which infuriated China.

    Wednesday’s signing by Nigeria was seen as the country’s solidarity with China, as the country has recently become one of Nigeria’s most dependable partners.

    The agreement was signed yesterday by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries in a ceremony which took place in Abuja.

    Mr Geoffrey Onyeama signed on behalf of Nigeria while his Chinese counterpart, Mr Wang Yi signed for his government.

    Both countries reaffirm their respect for each other’s sovereignty.

    Nigeria said one China policy is at the core of its strategic partnership with China. Adding that the People Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China territory.

    Nigeria government noted that it does not have any official engagement with Taiwan and also support the Chinese in the efforts towards realising national unification.China welcome Nigeria’s position

    China welcome Nigeria’s position and recent measures taking recently by the Nigerian government and also reaffirm it’s commitment to actively develop China/Nigeria strategic partnership across board.

    The duo also discussed other Bilateral issues ranging from infrastructure to transport.

    [news_list display=”tag” tag=”China” count=”6″ show_more=”on”]

  • China reinforces prevention of H7N9 avian flu

    China reinforces prevention of H7N9 avian flu

    China’s Health Authority has called for more efforts to prevent and control the spread of the H7N9 avian flu virus.

    The National Health and Family Planning Commission made the call following reports of H7N9 cases in the provinces of Jiangxi and Hunan.

    H7N9, a bird flu strain, is most likely to strike in winter and spring.

    Experts with the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said that China had entered high season for infection of the H7N9 virus.

    They said the possibility of more reported cases in southern China was not being ruled out.

    The centre said that the public should avoid contact with dead poultry, live poultry, birds and their waste, and purchase only certified poultry products.

  • Faraday unveils electric vehicle in Las Vegas

    Faraday unveils electric vehicle in Las Vegas

    Electric vehicle start-up Faraday Future showed off in Las Vegas a prototype of a vehicle set for production next year as the China-backed company strives to win credibility in the crowded sector and weather its funding challenges.

    The “FF 91”, described by its designer Richard Kim as “weird-pretty”, is a luxury electric SUV Faraday executives say, will be the most technologically advanced on the market when it goes into production in early 2018.

    Advance reservations for the car – which insiders say will retail for about 180,000 dollars – are being taken for 5,000 dollars.

    “You’re about to witness day one of a new era of mobility,” said Nick Sampson, senior vice president of engineering and research and development.

    “We’re going to show the first of a new species.”

    But cash shortages and a recent spate of executive departures have raised questions about the company’s prospects.

    Faraday is funded and controlled by Chinese billionaire Jia Yueting, the chief executive officer of China’s Leshi Holdings Co Ltd., also known as LeEco ( 300104.SZ), which is showing its own prototype electric car, the LeSee Pro, at CES.

    He is also an investor in California-based Lucid Motors, a competing electric vehicle start-up attending CES this year.

    Faraday debuted at CES last year with a concept car not intended to be produced, raising eyebrows over the company’s legitimacy and Jia’s overall strategy.

    A cash crunch at LeEco and Faraday’s missed payments to a contractor working on its one billion dollars Nevada factory have spurred more questions in recent months over Faraday’s financial situation.

    In late December, LeEco said it was in talks to secure 10 billion yuan (1.4 billion dollars) from an unidentified strategic investor.

    Faraday executives would not comment on the company’s financials.

    “We’re hoping to … convince people that we’re real, we are doing a real product, it’s not just a vaporware Batmobile to create attention.

    However, we now have a serious product,” Sampson told reporters during a tour of Faraday’s headquarters in Gardena, California, in December.

    Executives say the car’s modular architecture and flexible battery layout will allow for a faster rollout of future models.

    The car will have a range of about 378 miles (608 km) per charge. Its electric motors will generate a combined 1,050 horsepower.

    The FF 91, a long, low, futuristic SUV with a roomy interior has no handles, as doors will open as a driver approaches.

    Holograms will be projected on the windshield to alert drivers of needed information.

    The car will come equipped with a package of sensors, including cameras, radar and lidar, to enable self-driving capability at a future date.

    Near the end of the launch, Jia – wearing a black LeEco hoodie – drove the car onstage.

    He got out of the car and was asked to push a button to make it drive itself to centre stage. The car did not move at first. It made it on a second try.

  • Lead corruption fight by example – Chinese president

    Lead corruption fight by example – Chinese president

    The top echelons of China’s ruling Communist Party must lead the fight against corruption by accepting supervision for all they do, state media on Tuesday quoted President Xi Jinping as saying.

    Since assuming office four years ago, Xi has waged war on deep-seated graft, warning like others before him that the problem is so bad, it could affect the party’s grip on power.

    Dozens of senior people have been jailed, including Zhou Yongkang, who was once China’s powerful domestic security chief, given a life sentence for corruption last year.

    Speaking at a meeting of the Politburo, the core of the ruling party, Xi said its members must set an example in lawful governance efforts and use of power, state television said on the evening news.

    “The higher the leadership position, the more important the post, the more they must candidly accept supervision.

    There are no forbidden areas in intra-party supervision, and no exceptions,” state television said of the meeting chaired by Xi.

    The strengthening of this supervision must start with members of the Politburo, and the Central Committee, it added, referring the largest of the party’s ruling elite bodies.

    Politburo and Central Committee members are beacons for the rest of the party to see when it comes to supervision, the report added.

    Top officials should also “educate and manage” family members and those who work with them, it added.

    Close relatives, especially wives and children, have been implicated in many recent corruption scandals.

    China does not have an independent anti-corruption body and insists the party and the government can police themselves, something some experts and Chinese activists say is not possible if the country really wants to tackle graft.

    The drive for a corruption-free-partyLL often referred to in official documents as “intra-party supervision”, was the focus of a four-day meeting of senior party officials in Beijing in October.

    The meeting concluded by anointing Xi as “core” leader of the party.