The Nation Newspaper

Tag: European Union

  • EU, US decry ‘cockroaches of politics’ statement by Katsina governor

    EU, US decry ‘cockroaches of politics’ statement by Katsina governor

    The European Union (EU) and the United States (US) have condemned a statement allegedly credited to Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema on “cockroaches of politics”.

    EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Michel Arrion, said such a statement gave room for violence and must be discouraged by political players.

    Arrion, who spoke at a media launch yesterday in Abuja, said: “We are saying that all actors, the politicians, the security agencies, the media, CSOs, the government, all actors have to prevent violence. What I read today in the newspapers, I don’t know if it is confirmed, but if really the speech delivered in Hausa by the Governor of Katsina State is really confirmed. I would say it’s really the beginning of something that is a very serious source of concern for us.

    “He is quoted as having said: ‘You should not be bothered with cockroaches of politics. You know what to do when you have cockroach in your house. You kill it, yes you must crush them.’

    “That kind of statement is, I’m sorry to say, extremely dangerous and not acceptable.

    “This kind of hate speech is absolutely not acceptable in particular in the biggest democracy in Africa.”

    He said the EU supported a free, transparent, credible, inclusive and non-violent electoral process. The US Embassy in Abuja said: “We are deeply troubled by Governor Shema’s recent statement, calling for the killing of the “cockroaches of politics.” The rhetorical threat of violence undermines the democratic process and is utterly unacceptable in a democratic society.

    “The United States reiterates its call upon Nigerians to refrain from advocating, fomenting, or condoning violence before, during, or after the elections.

    “Participants in the electoral process must demonstrate passion for their convictions and beliefs in a manner that shows respect for opposing differences…”

  • European Union warns on Bitcoin

    European Union warns on Bitcoin

    The European Union on Friday added to a string of recent warnings about the safety of using and investing in Bitcoin, the virtual currency that is not issued by any government.

    The E.U.’s banking authority said consumers needed to be aware that they were not protected through regulation when paying with Bitcoins. The digital currency is vulnerable to hackers, might lose its value and any misuse could prompt law enforcement agencies to close Bitcoin exchange platforms and keep consumers from accessing their investment, the European regulator said.

    “Currently, no specific protection exists in the E.U. that would protect consumers from financial losses if a platform that exchanges or holds virtual currencies fails or goes out of business,” the European Banking Authority said, adding that it was looking into whether such currencies can and should be regulated.

    The warning comes after China last week restricted its banks from using Bitcoin as currency because of concerns about money laundering and a threat to financial stability. Germany said earlier this year that it would not recognize Bitcoin as a foreign currency and that gains from buying and selling Bitcoins would be taxable. Norway has been considering a similar stance.

    Since its creation by anonymous programmers, in 2009, Bitcoin has surged in popularity and consumers have been using the virtual currency to pay for goods and services. But some authorities and regulators decided only recently to treat the currency as something more serious than a temporary mania.

    New York state’s top financial regulator, Benjamin M. Lawsky, said in November that he would consider issuing a “BitLicense” for businesses that conduct transactions in virtual currencies like Bitcoin. At a Senate hearing last month, regulatory officials said virtual currencies could benefit the financial system but could also be abused for criminal activity.

    Britain’s financial regulator has said it does not consider Bitcoin to be within its area of responsibility because the currency was not used widely enough to be considered money.

    The European Banking Authority said “cases have been reported of consumers losing significant amounts of virtual currency with little prospect of having it returned.” “While virtual currencies continue to hit the headlines and are enjoying increasing popularity, consumers need to remain aware of the risks associated with them,” the European authority said. Germany and China earlier this month detained a group of people on suspicion of fraud linked to the virtual currency.

    The authority also warned that consumers should “remain mindful that holding virtual currencies may have tax implications.”

    The value of Bitcoin rose beyond $1,100 in November, leaving its total worldwide value at more than $11 billion, but has dropped below $1,000 since then.

    Culled from www.nytimes.com

     

  • European Union Paliament Visit to EFCC Office

    European Union Paliament Visit to EFCC Office

  • EU worried over Baga killings

    The European Union Ambassador/Head of Delegation, Dr. David MacRae Tuesday expressed concern over the recent  killings of innocent civilians in the Northern parts of the country by soldiers.
    The envoy also supported the call to  investigate the incident and where there is a  clear case of an abuse,  those responsible should be brought to justice.
    Besides, the envoy also listed corruption and power supply as some of the issues the country must overcome to attract investment.
    About 185 people were reported to have been killed recently in Baga, Borno state during the clash between the joint Military Task-force (JTF) and the dreaded terrorist group, the Boko Haram.
    MacRae who was reacting to the incident during a chat with journalists in Abuja  on Tuesday  noted that the fight against terrorism must be done according to the rules of engagement, saying anything outside that is unacceptable.
    He said, “the fight against terrorism must be conducted within the law rather than outside of it. Anything less is unacceptable. Those responsible for containing the crisis must act with utmost respect for the rule of law, with measures in place to ensure that the innocent and their property are protected.
    “If there have been abuse of human rights or abuses of law, those who have done this should be brought to justice. This is obviously the way all civilized nations behave and we regard Nigeria as one of these.”
    MacRae who also spoke about the level of corruption in the country, said that It would have been far better if the country’s resources are judiciously used; noting that what Nigerians needed are just the basic things of l life.
    MacRae therefore urged government to address the issue of  impunity and financial recklessness headlong to make the desired change that will drive the development.
    He said,” it would have been far better if those resources had been used to deliver basics services like education, health and infrastructure. These are the things need to be put in place.
    “What this country needs is jobs; jobs for the people especially young people. If young people had jobs they won’t be unnecessarily agitated and getting involved in misdeeds. But without work, without just income, and no social safety net in Nigeria, the people will continue to face poverty. Half of the population in this country are below poverty line.”
    While applauding the  Lagos  reform in Public Financial Management, MacRae  stressed that,  “it is important that public money is accounted for and that all expenditures are clear and transparent so that people of this country know what is happening with their money, which, may be entrusted to politicians or civil servants or to a minister but on behalf of the people of Nigeria. That is why public financial management with all it entails is vital for the future of this country.
    “The idea that public money is not accounted for is unacceptable. It is the right of the individual to know. If you don’t have the information, how can you be sensibly involve yourself in democracy and decide who to vote for.”
    Though he noted that Nigeria is not the only corrupt nation, he however said that the problem in the case of Nigeria is that people are not punished.
    “It is not that Nigerians are more corrupt than anybody else. If you look at history, people are caught all over the world for crimes but when they are caught, they go to the prison or they are fined heavily. That is a strong incentive. It is not that Nigerians are rather more dishonest, it is just that when people get away with things they will take advantage of it. It is important to have a legal system which is functional,” MacRae stated.