The Nation Newspaper

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  • Immigration policy: 5 U.S. states move against Trump

    Five attorneys general of U.S. states and city have filed a lawsuit against a new immigration policy by President Donald Trump administration to deny possible permanent residency to immigrants who receive some federal benefits.

    California is leading the coalition, and its Attorney General (AG) Xavier Becerra was joined by his counterparts from the states of Maine, Oregon and Pennsylvania, as well as the District of Columbia, to challenge Trump’s policy to restrict immigrants’ access to legal status if they use food or medical benefits offered by the federal government.

    Read Also: Trump freezes Venezuelan government’s assets

    The new policy, also known as the “Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Public Charge Rule,” is targeting working immigrants and their families by creating unnecessary new barriers to lawful admission to the U.S., Becerra said in the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

    “The Rule discourages hardworking eligible immigrants and their families from accessing critical health, nutrition, and housing programs that supplement their modest wages and help them make ends meet,” he said.

    He asserted the “cruel policy” would force working parents and families across the nation to forgo those basic necessities out of fear, which is “simply unacceptable”.

    “The Rule will disproportionately block admission of non-white, non-European immigrants from Asia, Latin America, and Africa,” and create more obstacles for them in the path to U.S. citizenship, Becerra added.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom also slammed the move by the Trump administration as demonizing immigrants and creating fear in immigrant families, “which is cruel and threatens our public health”.

    “We’re standing up to the Trump administration in court to protect our economy, our families, and our most sacred values,” he said.

    According to Becerra’s office, California is home to more than 10 million immigrants and half of all children in the state have at least one immigrant parent.

    Two California counties joined an earlier lawsuit filed this week by 13 states, including the Washington state, to challenge Trump’s public charge rule set to take effect in October.

  • Photos: Fayemi becomes ANA patron

    Renowned Poet and former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Odia Ofeimun; Ekiti State First Lady Erelu Bisi Fayemi; former ANA President, Dr Wale Okediran and National President, Mallam Denja Abdullahi during the investiture of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi as Grand Patron of the association at the 2019 Ekiti State Chapter Convention in Ado-Ekiti

  • Free elections: Russian opposition activists protest in Moscow

    Russian opposition activists staged a string of pickets in central Moscow on Saturday to call for free elections and for charges against protesters detained at recent rallies to be dropped.

    Moscow has been rocked by weekly protests for more than a month since the authorities barred opposition candidates from running in an election for the city’s legislature in September.

    Police have briefly detained more than 2,000 protesters in recent weeks, launched criminal cases against some dozen people for mass disorder and used force to disperse what they said were illegal protests.

    In contrast, Saturday’s solo pickets, spread across three locations in Moscow, were peaceful and opposition supporters scarce.

    The recent opposition demonstrations have turned into the biggest sustained protest movement in Russia since 2011-2013 when protesters took to the streets against perceived electoral fraud.

    Earlier on Saturday, some 4,000 people attended a Communist rally in Moscow that had been authorised by the authorities to call for “clear and honest elections” in Moscow, police said.

    NAN

  • Kogi: Labour demands N2.8bn outstanding workers’ salary

    Chairman of the Kogi chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Onuh Edoka, has said that the state government was yet to release the 10 percent of the fund kept aside to offset arrears of state workers’ salary.

    The arrears, he said, stood at N2.8bn

    Edoka, who doubles as National Vice President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), disclosed this on Saturday in Lokoja, the state capital, during the 14th edition of the North Central zonal conference of the union.

    He said that despite the use of the N30.8 billion bailout for the settlement of salaries by the state government, the union “stands aside” until government fulfil agreements it entered into with labour, adding that the government was yet to release the 10 percent to offset arrears of workers’ salary.

    According to him: “We must appreciate the state government over the bailout. The bailout was effectively used by government. Anyone who harbours contrary opinion should engage the government personally.

    “However, we have declined to make a categorical statement on the usage of the fund, as we should do, because government has not fulfilled all aspects of negotiations it entered with labour before the release of the fund by the CBN.

    “Ten percent of the money was reserved to tackle arrears of months when percentage salary were paid to the state workers.

    “The government promised to pay in instalment from the 10 percent reserved, but they have not commenced. When that is done, we shall come out to make a definite statement.

    “We have computed those months when percentage salaries were paid. What is needed now to offset all arrears of state workers who are on the clear list, which is N2.8 billion”.

    Read Also: Kogi now capital of poverty, thuggery in Nigeria, says Yakubu Mohammed

    Edoka lamented that local government were paid 85 percent for three months, contrary to the governor’s directive for complete payment, at frowned at some aides of the governor who according to him are sabotaging 100 percent payment of salary to council workers.

    “The percentage payment to council workers was carried out by some of his appointees who are working internally to bring down the government. They have turned local government areas to their handbag, which they carry about, and pick what they want”, he added.

    The Secretary to State Government (SSG) Dr Folashade Ayoade Arike, assured civil servants of the government’s readiness to implement the minimum wage across the board, as soon as the resources of the state improve.

  • Sudanese Army, civilians seal power-sharing deal

    Sudan’s ruling military council and civilian opposition alliance have signed a landmark power-sharing deal.
    The agreement ushers in a new governing council, including both civilians and generals, to pave the way towards elections and civilian rule.

    Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagolo – widely regarded as Sudan’s most powerful man – has pledged to abide by its terms.

    Pro-democracy protests and repression gripped Sudan after long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir was ousted in April.

    The prime ministers of Ethiopia and Egypt and the South Sudanese president are among regional leaders attending Saturday’s signing ceremony in Khartoum.

    Read Also: Army begins 2019 Annual Shooting Exercise

    Under the deal, a sovereign council, consisting of six civilians and five generals, will run the country until elections.

    The two sides have agreed to rotate control of the council for just over three years. A prime minister nominated by civilians is due to be appointed next week.(BBC)

  • Edo distributes relief materials to flood victims

    The Edo State Government has distributed relief materials to victims of the recent flood disaster which affected three communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

    Addressing journalists during the presentation of the relief materials to the Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon LGA, Hon. Sylvester Okoro, Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, said the assessment of the property destroyed, which included a school building and borehole, was concluded in the three communities which are Umoghun-zuagbon, Obazagbon-nugu and Evbonogbon.

    He said the affected school building has been renovated while the solar-powered borehole is back to life to ensure the victims get access to potable water.

    Yakubu noted that the relief materials presented to the council boss for distribution to the victims include 20 bags of rice; 20 bags of beans; 20 gallons of red oil; 20 gallons of vegetable oil and 105 bundles of roofing sheets.

    Read Also: ‘Uwelu Spare Parts Market inferno receiving Edo Govt’s attention’

    Other materials include 42 bags of 3-inch nails; 42 bags of 4-inch nails and 42 packs of zinc nails, adding, “The governor has approved that we give these relief materials to the victims of the recent flood disaster which affected communities in Orhionmwon local council, which is the usual way the governor gives relief to victims of disasters in the state.

    “We want to provide succour to them and will ensure that the materials get to the people affected.”

    In his remarks, Chairman of Orhionmwon local council, Hon. Okoro, commended the state governor for his magnanimity while assuring him that the materials would be properly distributed.

    He said, “We are not surprised by the kind gesture of our governor because he is a listening governor. On behalf of the people of Orhionmwon, I thank governor Obaseki for coming to our aid at the appropriate time.”

  • PDP hunted by collective inadequacy, says Ondo govt.

    The Ondo State government on Saturday said it has been justified over the alarm it raised about four weeks ago that a blackmail machinery was going to be unleashed in the state by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    It noted that some envious outbursts are caused by certain underlying issues.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation,Donald Ojogo said; “in this particular case, it is not our fault that a group of persons are hunted by their collective inadequacy because most jealousy is rooted in feelings of inadequacy.

    “The feeling of inadequacy emerges as a reaction or solution to those feelings of undone things on the part of PDP.

    “In this instance, we do not expect a group of persons, who for lack of capacity, mere desperation for power and profligacy, left so many things undone, to clap for Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu when the people of the Ondo State are in common agreement that the face of infrastructure has changed.

    Read Also; Anambra 2021: PPA colapses to PDP for Ezeemo

    “It will be uncharitable to think that some persons will wait to be reminded of their ignoble past when under Governor Akeredolu, within two and half years, development has heightened unimaginably.

    The statement noted that taking these tissues of lies to the undeserved ambience of reaction is to raise the bar beyond the display of ignorance by the PDP.

    Ojogo said “as a Government, we shall not consider any opposition content as inimical. It is part of democracy.

    “Just as we continue to resist, as we have resolved over time, the alluring temptation and pressure to look deep into the past, disallowing PDP a little space for their mindless shamelessness will be unkind on the part of the media, but it is not time to talk yet”.

  • Anambra 2021: PPA colapses to PDP for Ezeemo

    No fewer than 5,000 members of the Progressive People’s Alliance PPA, have jettisoned their party for the People’s Democratic Party PDP in Anambra State, over the 2021 Governorship ambition of Mr Godwin Ezeemo.

    The former Governorship candidate of PPA, joined the governorship race on the platform of PDP Saturday in Awka, Anambra state for 2021

    He did that with all the state executive members of his former party numbering 150 and their followers of over 5000 in the state

    Besides, he donated an 18 seated bus to the state executive of PDP ahead of the party’s state primaries.

    According to Ezeemo, “I’m happy to join the party last year. PDP has all it takes to lead the country in all it’s ramifications”

    ” We must make sure that the party is strong again to winning the next election in the state. People should not see me as being over-ambitious”

    ” I have come to tell you that I have come to contest for governorship post in 2021 election in Anambra State Under PDP. Support me and I will not let any of you down, I will serve you selflessly”

    For the state Chairman of the party, Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu, it was a thing of joy to have someone like Ezeemo in PDP.

    Read Also: PDP warns aspirants against hijacking delegates in Bayelsa

    He said, “Before the last elections, I led a delegation to his house to appeal to him to join PDP”

    “Today, he is a full-fledged and unalloyed party chieftain of our party. We are a big family in Anambra State and there must be alignments and squabble in party politics”

    “PDP is a place you allow people to ventilate their ideas. Nobody will use money to buy any ticket in Anambra PDP today”

    “Whatever exercise or primaries under my leadership of the party, will be transparent, free and fair in the next election ”

    “And if he wins primaries, I believe, everyone will join him. I’m convinced that nothing untoward will be done to jeopardise his ambition”

    “The strength and popularity of our candidate will give us victory in the next governorship election in Anambra State come 2021” Nwobu said

  • Buhari condoles with Muiz Banire on mother’s passage

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sympathized with former National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, on the loss of his mum, Alhaja Sarat Banire.

    The President noted that no matter how old mothers are, their departure is always keenly felt, as he urged Banire, Chairman, Assets Management Corporation (AMCON) to take heart, and be comforted in the fact that the departed lived to a ripe old age, and left behind worthy sons and daughters, who are accomplished in different areas of endeavour.

    Read Also: AMCON Chairman Banire loses mum

    President Buhari prayed God to comfort the entire Banire family, and charged them to keep the memory of their matriarch evergreen by building on the good works she was known for.

  • Lagos flags-off meningitis vaccination to protect children

    Lagos State government under the State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), on Friday flagged-off meningitis vaccination in the State in order to get rid of ‘Men A meningitis’ and protect children against same.

    Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), Dr. Tayo Lawal flagged off the exercise at the Primary Health Center, PHC, Palm Avenue, Muslim, Lagos.

    Speaking during the flag-off Lawal said meningitis is a devastating disease and remain a major public health challenge, adding that “the wellbeing of our children is paramount to the future of Lagos State and Nigeria as a nation”.

    He stated that meningitis is an infectious disease affecting the lining of the brain and capable of causing serious fatalities, “this is especially so for States in the Meningitis belt in Nigeria”, adding that many organisms cause meningitis including viruses, fungi and bacteria.

    ‘’For bacterial Meningitis, the most common cause is Neisseria Meningitis, Meningitis is known to commence at the peak of the dry season and stops abruptly in the rainy season. People of all ages can be effected with the bacteria, children between the ages of 5-14 years being the most vulnerable’’, Dr Lawal said.

    Lawal posited that sero- type A is responsible for most of the epidemic in the Meningitis belt, but with the introduction of Men A vaccine in West African countries within the belt, there has been a remarkable decline in the incidence of the disease and that with the introduction of the vaccine into the national immunization schedule, the incidence of the epidemics will further decline greatly.

    He emphasised that signs and symptoms of Meningitis include; severe headache of sudden onset, high grade fever, nausea, vomiting, irritability, neck stiffness, convulsion and loss of consciousness, complications include arthritis, hearing impairment, seizures, mental retardation, paralysis, and death.

    Adding that a diagnosis is made after a sample of cerebrospinal fluid taken by doctor from a suspected patient is tested and bacterial organism is isolated, it can also be made from a test called ‘’polymerase Chain Reaction”.

    “Treatment is always with antibiotics using national guideline, while prevention of bacterial Meningitis is by vaccination with Meningococcal Vaccine and by avoiding overcrowding, observing good personal hygiene and exclusive breastfeeding.

    Dr Lawal also said Lagos has never had any epidemic of meningitis, but due to the daily influx of people into State from different parts of the Country, the State is on the high alert and in line with National programs, we are introducing Meningitis A conjugate vaccine into National Routine immunization schedule. This means that from now onwards, Men A conjugate vaccine would be available in all Primary care health facilities in the State.

    Read Also: Road crash claims one on Lagos-Ibadan highway

    He stated that the vaccine is going to be administered as injection into the left upper outer thigh at 9 months of age, it is to be administered alongside with measles and yellow fever vaccines which are all injectable.

    Lawal appealed to all mothers not to be apprehensive and to allow their children to be given three injections at the same time, “the vaccines are all safe and do not cause any disease, it is life time protection vaccines that far outweighs little discomfort the children may feel.

    “All the vaccines are free in all government-owned hospital,” said the permanent secretary.

    He further stated that Lagos State Primary Health Care Board is positioned and ready to deliver quality basic health care services to the people of Lagos State.

    “While the delivery of quality routine and supplemental immunization to our children remains the priority of the Board” assuring that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Primary Health Board is determine to implement government policies towards achieving an improve and sustainable Health care Agenda of the State Government.

    He encouraged all parents and guardians in all locality in the State to embrace immunization services in all the Primary Health Care Centres (PHC) across the State especially the newly introduce vaccine Men A that is available in all Primary Health Care Centres in the State.