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  • Don’t glorify terrorists, treat them as criminals, Buratai warns

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai has warned against further glorification of the Boko Haram Terrorists, asserting that they should be treated purely as criminals.

    The Army Chief made the observation while on operational visits to troops in the northeast.

    He said increased propaganda for the terrorists by the media and some people have emboldened them to carry out criminal activities against the people.

    According to a statement by Army’s spokesman, Col Sagir Musa, the Army Chief called for the understanding and support of Nigerians to rid the country of criminal elements such as the terrorists.

    Buratai, who described the undue publicity given to the terrorists as worrisome, lamented that “the development has further boosted the image of the criminal gang thus assuming larger than life status.”

    He was quoted as saying that “it is wrong for any person to eulogize or support murderers, bandits and armed robbers that the known Boko Haram terrorists group has turned into.”

    Consequently, referring to such gang of criminals, bandits, insurgents such as Boko Haram Terrorists Group, JAS or ISWAP in Nigeria could amount to supporting or encouraging terrorism, Buratai added.

    The Army Chief said that it is also important to note that the mode of operation of these elements is pure criminality for personal gains.

    Read Also: Buratai hails efforts to tackle terrorism, insurgency

    The statement further reads: “It is common knowledge that the criminals no longer pretend to be championing any cause other than quest for materialism as manifested in murder and terror on hapless people.

    “He pleaded that as peace loving people, Nigerians should not be glorifying these criminals by calling them by any name other than “criminals,” “rapists,” “kidnappers”, “armed robbers” and “murderers.”

    “Unfortunately, many Nigerians are not aware that giving prominence to the criminal activities of the terrorists group through sensational headlines and fake news in both electronic and print media could also amount to tacit support to terrorism which violates the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011.

    “It is therefore important that all Nigerians to rally round our gallant troops as they fight these criminals. All should know that the support to the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the counter terrorism efforts would boost their morale and it will be highly appreciated. The Nigerian Army is asking for the continued understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians and well-meaning people.

    “He further stated that all troops have been enjoined to henceforth go all out to deal decisively with these criminals. They are nothing but bandits and armed robbers. Let’s support our military to ensure a secured Nigeria.”

  • Facebook blocks Netanyahu chatbot on Election Day

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at Facebook (FB.O) on Tuesday after the social network blocked a “chatbot” from his right-wing Likud party’s account for violating Election Day rules.

    “They took a 100 kg hammer and brought it down on a fly, because it is a Likud fly,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on social media.

    “They shut down our means of communication with our voters.”

    Israel’s leading YNET news website said the chatbot, a type of automated software that is able to simulate a conversation with a user, had posted results from an election poll on Tuesday while Israelis were out voting, a contravention of election rules.

    The problematic posts were apparently taken down and no longer appeared on Netanyahu’s Facebook page.

    Netanyahu appeared to play down the violation, saying: “Someone published a small poll on Facebook.’’

    Asked about its intervention on Netanyahu’s account, Facebook said in a statement it works with “elections commissions around the world to help protect the integrity of elections.”

    “Our policies clearly state developers are required to comply with all applicable laws in the country where their app is available.

    “We have restricted this bot for violating local law until the polling stations are closed tonight,” it said.

    READ ALSO: Facebook suspends chatbot of Netanyahu’s Likud party’s campaign

    Netanyahu, who is battling for his political career, has been trying to mobilise his base by warning them of low supporter turnout.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu battled for his political survival in the final hours of a close-run election on Tuesday, urging voters to support him to avert a “disaster”.

    His voice hoarse from weeks of campaigning, the veteran leader took to the streets and social media, at one point using a megaphone in Jerusalem’s bus station, to urge voters to extend his unbroken decade in power.

    Netanyahu, 69, has cast himself as indispensable and blighted by voter complacency over his tenure – the longest of any Israeli prime minister.

    Prime minister from June 1996 until July 1999, he has held the post since March 2009 and is seeking a record fifth term.

    (NAN)

  • Kogi 2019: INEC expresses worry over possible violence

    The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi, Prof. James Apam, on Tuesday, expressed worries over possible violence during the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state.

    Apam disclosed this at the unveiling of “Get out the Vote (GOTV), Voter Education and Stop Violence Against Women In Politics (STOP VAWIP)” campaign projects and multi-stakeholders’ meeting, in Lokoja.

    He said that INEC had, on several occasions, prepared to conduct credible elections and would have always put necessary machinery in place to ensure free, fair and acceptable elections only for such elections to be disrupted by violence.

    The REC said that the commission intended to correct the flaws identified in past elections during the forthcoming election, saying “we intend to correct them and make this one a test case for elections in this country.

    “INEC is doing everything possible to organise free, fair and credible governorship election in November. We have met with traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state on the way forward.

    “People always blame INEC when there is problem, but the truth of the matter is that in most cases, the electorate and politicians are responsible for the problems.

    “Yes, on our part, we normally encounter some problems but I can assure you that some of these problems will be solved before, during and after election. Our main worry has always been violence.

    READ ALSO: Kogi 2019: INEC clear 52

    “You spent a lot of time to prepare for elections, putting resources together, training men and women for the exercise.

    “You send them to the field for the exercise and all of a sudden, someone with a gun appears and starts shooting and before you know what is happening, everything has been disrupted,” Apam lamented.

    Apam, therefore, enjoined parents, especially women, to help talk to their children and wards on the need to eschew violence, adding that with absence of violence, there would be massive turnout during the election and the exercise would be hitch-free.

    The REC also urged the electorate to conduct themselves in an orderly manner before and during the election to enhance smooth exercise.

    (NAN)

  • Woman arrested for killing ‘hubby’ over daughter’s birthday party

    The homicide detectives section from Surulere Division of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Stella Peter, 23, for stabbing onec Mr Bala Haruna, 25, to death.

    The Police Public Relations Officer ( PRO), DSP Bala Elkana, on Tuesday that this was because Haruna refused to release money for the birthday party of the baby Stella had for him.

    Bala said that the ‘couple’ were not actually married but had been living together at No. 2. Tejuosho Avenue, Surulere in Lagos State for three years in a statement.

    READ ALSO: Woman arrested for forcing daughter into prostitution

    Elkana said the man and woman had a baby girl that just turned one.

    Elkana said, “An argument ensued between them which turned violent and the woman used a kitchen knife to stab the man in the back which led to his death.

    “The woman accused the man of refusing to release money for their daughter’s birthday party.”

    The DSP said that the homicide detectives section from the State Criminal Investigation Department ( CID), Yaba, had taken over the investigation.

    He said that the suspect had confessed to committing the crime and that she would be charged to court for murder. (NAN)

  • Industrial Court President lauds Obaseki on investment in judiciary

    President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo, has lauded the commitment of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration towards ensuring that the judicial arm of government is given the necessary support to function effectively.

    Justice Adejumo gave the commendation on Tuesday in Benin City, during the commissioning of the Benin Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, constructed by the Edo State Government.

    According to him, the establishment and commissioning of the Industrial Court in Edo State will promote industrial harmony in the state as well as provide succour for lawyers who used to travel to Akure to attend to cases from Edo State.

    Adejumo noted that the court will also encourage social development of the state through the promotion of peace and progress, and in the country at large.

    “The facility is great and the building is good. This is the product of cooperation and I thank the governor for this,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘Obaseki has mismanaged Edo Assembly crisis’

    The Industrial Court President explained that the Court was established in 1976 and his coming on board 16 years ago, led to its spread in Nigeria as Edo State is the 28th state where the court has been established.

    In his response, Governor Obaseki said: “This is the first in the series where we will be handing over properties to the Judiciary as we have several of them undergoing construction in the state.”

    The governor thanked the President of the National Industrial Court for honouring the state with his presence at the commissioning ceremony, assuring that his administration has already provided an accommodation for Hon. Justice Abiola Adewemimo, who will be the first resident Judge of the National Industrial Court in Benin City.

    He said: “We are investing in our Judiciary as we have started the first in the series of accommodation for Judges in the state and we will not discriminate as we will ensure a comfortable accommodation for them. Our plan next year is to develop an estate for Judges in the GRA area of Edo State.

    “This is just a temporary Court as the Court will be relocated to a permanent site within the next three years. We have secured the property and we have actually completed a design for the permanent structure.

    “As a government, we want to ensure we have the full complement of the Judiciary in the state and we are doing everything to provide what is required to make the Judiciary function effectively and efficiently in Edo State.

    “We are going to be emphasising and strengthening our Magistracy, investing in our High Court and are pleased that we have successfully been able to attract the Industrial Court to Edo State as we work to relocate the Court of Appeal to a more auspicious premises and hope if possible to have a Supreme Court in Edo State.”

    Obaseki noted that the aspiration of his administration is to be the industrial hub of Nigeria as the state is working hard to ensure that before the end of the year the state government will commence the construction of 1,000 hectares of Industrial Park in the state, adding that it will be the bastion for attracting companies and organisations to the state.

    The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, said the construction of the Court in Edo State has provided one instance of the positive attitude of Governor Obaseki towards all matters pertaining to the administration of justice and to the rule of law in the state.

    The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, who expressed delight at the achievement, said it is a great development for the state.

    She thanked the Governor for the achievement and expressed confidence that the Court will contribute to industrial harmony in the state.

    The Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Edo State branch, Prince (Barr.) Collins Benson Ogiegbaen, expressed the gratitude of the Bar of Edo and Delta states to the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki for realising the dreams of most lawyers in both states who were exposed to kidnapping and hardship on the Akure Road, as it was one of the most dangerous roads in Nigeria. “The entire Bar in Edo and Delta State are grateful to the exemplary leadership style of Governor of Edo State,” he said.

  • PHOTOS: Mohammed-Bande takes over as UNGA president

    Ambassador Tijjani Mohammed-Bande on Tuesday took over as President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

    Immediate-past President of the73rd General Assembly, Ms Maria Espinosa, handing over the gavel over to her successor and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb.Tijani Muhammad-Bande, at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday. With them are: UN Secretary-GeneralAntonio Guterres and other UN officials
    President of the 74th Session of the UNGeneral Assembly, Amb. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande (M), Former INEC Chairman, Prof.Attahiru Jega (2nd L); Senior Special Assistant to the President onMedia and Publicity, Malam  Garba Shehu(3rd R), and other dignitaries at the  handing over to the 74th  President of UNGA at the UN Headquarters inNew York on Monday
    From left: Wife of the President of the 74th UN General Assembly,  Aishatu Muhammad-Bande;; President of the 74th session of UNGA Amb Tijjani Muhammad-Bande and the first secretary, Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy Sea to the UN; Msgr. David Charters during a Church service to usher in the 74thsession of the Assembly at the Church of Holy Family, UN Parish, in New York on Monday.

    From left: UN Deputy Secretary-General,Ms Amina Mohammed; immediate-past President of the 73rd General Assembly, MsMaria Espinosa; Wife of the President of the 74th UN General Assembly,  Aishatu Muhammad-Bande; President of the 74thsession of the UN General Assembly, Amb. Tijani Muhammad-Bande and UNSecretary-General Antonio Guterres during a Church service to usher in the 74thsession of the Assembly at the Church of Holy Family, UN Parish, in New York on Monday.

  • My music can cure depression – Naira Marley

    Nigerian rapper and singer, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley has said that his music has the ability to cure depression.

    The ‘soapy’ crooner stated this on his Twitter handle.

    According to the “Inside life” rapper, his music has the ability to cure depression even though some side effects include losing your home training.

    “My music can cure depression. Side effect- you might lose home training,” he wrote

    The response showed forth after the singer was backlashed for his kind of music by fans.

    However, the singer is promoting his new song ‘puta’ and held his musical concert ‘Marlian Fest’ in Ibadan last Saturday where he thrilled fans with energetic performances.

    Read Also: Naira Marley hints on plans to help prisoners get fair hearing

    Other acts in the show include Zlatan and other ‘Marlian crew’.

    Naira Marley was arrested by the men of Economic and Financial Crime Commission in May 10, 2019 for alleged credit card fraud.

    He was charged to the Federal High Court, Lagos on May 30, 2019.

    However, court granted him the bail on the conditions of; a N2,000,000 bond, and two sureties one with a landed property and the other, a Civil Servant, not lower than a level 10 officer.

    After perfecting his bail conditions, Naira Marley was released on June 14, 2019.

  • LASTMA’s extortion responsible for my fiance’s death, says Uber driver

    A Uber driver in Lagos State, Matthew Ozomarisi, has claimed that the extortion he experienced in the hands of the officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Monday led to the death of his fiance, Sumbo Kehinde, a petty trader.

    Ozomarisi, told The Nation that Kehinde was down with appendix and on the hospital bed at Epe general hospital but died on Monday afternoon while he was in the office of the LASTMA officials in Iporin negotiating payment for the offence he did not commit.

    He claimed that he was meant to use the car he was driving to get passengers and make money to foot the medical bill for Kehinde’s operation on Monday but his plans of geeting the money raised was truncated by LASTMA officials.

    He said; “I am an Uber driver and I have been doing the business for over a year but could not further for about seven months because I was robbed somewhere in Oshodi about seven months ago when a rider who ordered  the vehicle I was using for the business robbed me in Oshodi along five other guys and took the vehicle away.

    Due to this, the owner of the vehicle got me arrested and I was in Ikoti prison for seven months.

    “I was released about two weeks ago and I discovered my fiance was sick. I took her to the general hospital in Epe, but I was told on Saturday that she had appendix, it was drued and about to burst. I had no money or source of income to foot the Bills. It was on Monday that I told a friend working with Taxify to let me use his car for business with the hope I’ll be able to raise the medical bill.

    But while I was on my way to the Taxify office in Surulere to do the necessary things to enable me use the vehicle for business a whole lot happened.

    Read Also: 34 LASTMA officials dismissed for extortion

    “While I was on Ijora bridge, I heard two loud sound and noticed my two tyres had busted. I managed to drive further a bit, parked the car and went back to where I heard the sounds, I saw wood with nails indicating that the hoodlums in the area threw the wood to set a trap for their victim. Then I saw two of the hoodlums coming and told them if they were coming to rob me, we will both kill ourselves else they were coming to help me. They went back and shortly after LASTMA officials came in their vehicle to me and one of the hoodlums was in the opposite direction coming too. Seeing the LASTMA official, I was happy, they offered to tow the car for me to Custain and I thanked them but on driving on, they towed the car to their office in Iporin and said I should bring N20,000. I said I did nothing and why the fine. I begged them that I have no money and my fiance was on the sick bed that I was out to work to gather money to foot her medical bill. They kept moving me from one office to another, I begged and was shedding tears. At last, they said I should bring N10,000. After spending about Seven hours, begging all my colleagues on the Uber platform, I raised N7000 and gave them, after giving them, one of the LASTMA officials said I have money and ordered my car should be towed in.
    Shortly after this, I received a call that my wife had died.

    “Assuming my car was not taken to their office, I would make about 10 or 15,000 within those hours and I would have been able to pay the medical Bill’s to save Sumbo’s life.

    Ozomarisi asked if it was the work LASTMA was assigned they were doing on the road by towing his car for having flat tyres and he being asked to pay the N20,000. He also demanded an explanation why hoodlum and LASTMA officials came to him at almost the same time on Ijora bridge.

    “I want the whole world to know what is happening here, because as far as I am concerned, they killed her by delaying me unnecessarily in their office for no offence.

    Despite that those officials heard that my fiance was in the hospital they still insisted that I pay for the offence i did not commit.”

    He said the car is still in their custody, adding that among the officials on his case is named Alhaji and Orobo.
    Call to LASTMA Public Relations Officer, Olumide Filade was not picked.

  • Stop consuming non-iodised salt, NAFDAC advises Nigerians

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians to stop the consumption of non- iodised salt as “it is dangerous to human health.”

    Dr Abubakar Jimoh, the Director of Public Affairs of the agency, gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The director was responding to information that people in rural communities were still consuming local salt, which was not processed.

    He said that the consumption of such local salt could lead to goiter and other dangerous diseases and called on Nigerians to avoid the product.

    According to the director, there are four areas in Nigeria where traditional salt is still being traded, particularly in Nasarawa State.

    “NAFDAC is making effort to stop the trading of this salt in these states but some of them have refused.

    “With the creation of NAFDAC in 1993, that was the first time and there was still major work to be done on salt consumption.

    “We have organised sensitisation workshop on universal salt iodisation.

    “We have been educating Nigerians that we should not be consuming this local salt because it is not iodised.

    “We began a programme in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Micro Nutrient Initiative, Global Alliance and other development partners on the issue.

    Read Also: PenCom recovers N16b in seven years

    “We flagged off a campaign against that and it was held in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, in 2004 under late Prof. Dora Akunyili as the Director General of the agency.

    Jimoh said based on the work NAFDAC did then, Nigeria was declared universal salt iodisation compliant in Turkey and also won numerous awards in that regard.

    “Nasarawa is one of the identified four major endemic areas, they have insisted that it is their traditional source of making livelihood, it is commerce for them.

    “They told NAFDAC at that time that if they must leave the trade, what they will be trading on must be provided for them,” the director said.

    He, however, called on those still trading and consuming non-iodised salt in Nasarawa State to stop as the act was capable of bringing setback to the country.

  • Fayose left N57bn unpaid workers’ salaries, pension arrears, says Fayemi

    Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Tuesday said that the workers in the state civil service were currently being owed N57billion as arrears of unpaid salaries and emoluments.

    The governor said this at a meeting he had with the civil servants as well as a cross-section of labour leaders at the Government House, Ado Ekiti.

    He said that his administration was making frantic efforts to defray the backlogs which he said would be done in phases.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fayemi claimed the trend was caused by irregular payments of salaries and pensions by the immediate past administration of Mr Ayodele Fayose.

    He said the arrears covered outstanding salaries, pensions, promotion arrears, leave bonuses and other emoluments from 2014 till October 2018 when he assumed office.

    The governor also said he was not part of the people that were opposed to local government autonomy.

    He said the local governments in the state were currently being given unfettered access to administer their own funds without interference from his government.

    He said he would honour his earlier pledge to pay all the outstanding workers’ benefits.

    He clarified that some would be given immediate attention, while some would be defrayed by instalmental.

    He said, “It is sad to reel out such a homongous figure, because it can create panic for you and I.

    ” But let me say that we cannot pay everything in one fell swoop, but the 2019 promotion arrears will be given immediate attention while others will be defrayed by installment.

    ” It becomes difficult to pay once because Ekiti gets a little above N5billion monthly, with the state getting like N3billion, while the local governments receive little above N2billion monthly “, he said.

    On the issue of local government autonomy, Fayemi said he was never opposed to the idea of giving financial independence to the third tier of government, being the closest to the grassroots.

    “I am not opposed to it. Since I came back as governor, not even one naira of the local government money was being administered by me.

    ” I have allowed the councils to manage whatever comes to them.”

    Fayemi said that the state under him was considering alternative power supply option to shore up the one being supplied to the state from national grid.

    He said he was planning the alternative because the current supply was grossly inadequate and crippling economic activities in the state.

    He also said that he had earmarked some funds for the Ministry of Environment to undertake erosion and flood control projects in some towns.

    Fayemi said that this was because of the recent flooding that ravaged Ado Ekiti and other towns, of which many civil servants were major victims.

    Read Also: How Fayemi can make difference, by PDP chief

    He also said that he would discuss the acute shortage of manpower in the health sector with the Health Management Board (HMB) when it was raised by the labour leaders.

    He said that he would ascertain the actual statistics and how to fill the missing gaps in the health sector.

    The Chairman of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, Kayode Fatomiluyi, had called the attention of the governor to the chronic shortage of manpower in the health sector.

    Fatomiluyi said, “Over 1,000 nurses were at HMB in 2014 during your first term, Your Excellency Sir.

    “But today, we have less than 500 to manage 22 health facilities across the state.

    “The Governor must do something about this,” he said.

    Some of the other labour union leaders in the state that attended the meeting include: Kolapo Olatunde of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sola Adigun of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    They also pleaded that issues that had to do with the benefits of workers must be given utmost priority.

    They urged the governor to use his connection as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to fast track the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers. (NAN)