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  • U.S., Nigeria get kudos on joint strike on terrorists

    U.S., Nigeria get kudos on joint strike on terrorists

    • Body urges Gumi’s arrest

    The bilateral strike on terrorists’ hideouts in Sokoto State last Thursday has been described as a bold and courteous step to stamp out extremism in Nigeria.

    In a statement at the weekend, Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), a coalition of 130 Pan-Yoruba groups, said the joint strike between Nigeria and the United States represented a present and consistent threat to Islamic fundamentalism in Nigeria.

    The statement was signed by the General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi and Rasaq Arogundade.

    AYDM called for the arrest of Sheik Gumi, who the group described as the alleged leader of the terrorists’ intellectual wing.

    “Sheik Gumi should be arrested. He is a terrorist masquerading as an Islamic scholar. We are going to mount local and international campaign to ensure his arrest and prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC).’’

    AYDM warned Southwest governors to prepare for terrorists’ operations and possible attacks on the region, as the terrorists would wish to fight back, targeting the home base of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and also foreign economic interests.

    Read Also: Military operatives killed 438 Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists in 7 months – Official

    The group said the U.S. and Nigeria should carry out more strikes to defeat terrorism in Nigeria. AYDM, however, said the growing spate of Islamic extremism reflected the violent clash of civilisation in Nigeria, urging President Tinubu and the National Assembly to decentralise Nigeria for ethnic self-determination.

    “We welcome the attacks on terrorists that are determined to take over Nigerian space. The attack has shown that Nigeria is building effective partnership across the world to reclaim the lost sovereignty of the country. The attacks are not enough. It is time to restructure Nigeria so that those who believe in a theocratic state and those who cherish democracy should have their own sovereign republics.”

    AYDM says there is no country that can fight terrorism alone without sharing intelligence and operations with allies.

    It said terrorism in Nigeria had become a tool for political bargain.

    “Terrorists and their sponsors are blackmailing Nigeria to submit power to them or risk widespread violence,” the group said.

    It said the terrorists had their ideological camps made up of rich and influential Fulani, who supported the violence employed to make Nigeria ungovernable so as to pave the way for military coup or complete takeover of the political economy.

     “We are dealing with sponsors of terrorists, who do not believe in power sharing. They want the whole country to be at their mercy.’’

    AYDM said with the U.S. involvement in counter terrorism operations in Nigeria, the days of the terrorists were numbered.

    It urged President Tinubu to expand frontiers of support to Russia and Israel.

    “Nigeria needs as many countries as possible, as friends that are necessary to defeat terrorism. The Nigerian authority should also seek collaboration with Russia and Israel; some of the few countries that give unconditional support to Africa’s strive for freedom.

    “We wish to see the Nigerian anti-terrorism framework extended to Russia, given the progressive role of the country in counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel. Nigeria needs to work with Russia and others to be able to effectively fight terrorism,” AYDM said.

  • Iran launches attack on U.S. Air Bases in Qatar, Iraq

    Iran launches attack on U.S. Air Bases in Qatar, Iraq

    Iran said yesterday it has launched an attack on United States (U.S.) forces stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and another in Iraq.

    Al Jazeera, which is based in Qatar, also reported spotting missiles in the skies over the Gulf emirate, which is home to the U.S airbase of Al-Udeid and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

    Tehran gave advance notice to Qatari officials that it was launching attacks on U.S. bases in the country, reports The New York Times.

    According to the Times, Al Udeid Air Base, the forward headquarters of U.S. Central command, has 10,000 military and civilian personnel.

    Read Also: Hold governors accountable, not just Tinubu, APC chieftain tells Nigerians

    Qatari government official Majed al-Ansari, in a statement, condemned the attacks.

    A senior White House official speaking on condition of anonymity about the sensitive issue said the White House and Department of Defence were closely monitoring potential threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

    The attacks came after the U.S. Embassy in Qatar told Americans to shelter in a  place until further notice. Qatar also temporarily closed its airspace after the U.S. attacks on Iran over the weekend.

     “The competent Qatari authorities announce the temporary suspension of air traffic in the country’s airspace to ensure the safety of citizens, residents and visitors,” Qatar’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

    The statement said it would “not hesitate to take all necessary preventive measures within this context.”

    President Donald Trump had warned Iran against retaliation several times following U.S. strikes against Tehran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday night.

    President Trump yesterday met with his national security team in the Situation Room and, at the time of filing this report, did not yet responded to Iran’s retaliatory attack.

    In his address to the nation on Saturday night, Trump cautioned Tehran not to hit back.

    “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier,” Trump said.

    “There will be either peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump said, referencing the aerial strikes exchanged between Israel and Iran in the days leading up to U.S. involvement.

    “Remember, there are many targets left,” Trump added. “Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all, by far, and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes.”

    Trump appeared to suggest on Sunday that “regime change” may be necessary in Iran to “make Iran great again”.

    The 47th president’s comments in a Sunday statement on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to ‘make Iran great again’, why wouldn’t there be a regime change??? MIGA!!!”

  • Nigeria, U.S sign MoU to strengthen economic ties

    Nigeria, U.S sign MoU to strengthen economic ties

    The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on commercial and investment partnership to strengthen both country’s economic ties with the United States (U.S.A).

    The agreement was signed on the sidelines of this year’s AGOA Forum in Washington DC by the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka Anite, and the U.S Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo.

    In a statement in Abuja, the ministry explained that the MoU aims to deepen bilateral commercial and investment ties between Nigeria and the United States through collaboration to enhance the business environment, facilitate private sector-led trade and investment projects, develop direct business relations, and implement actions for a mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship.

    The statement reads: “The agreement focuses on key economic sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, sports and the digital and creative economy, as well as cross-cutting areas such as investment promotion and regulatory reforms. It also establishes a framework for regular consultations at various levels, including business-to-government, government-to-government, and business-to-business engagements.”

    Read Also: Tinubu administration committed to taking Nigeria to sound economic footing – Presidency

    Besides the MoU, both countries issued a joint statement outlining new avenues of commercial cooperation and affirming shared priorities on the digital economy, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to enhancing bilateral economic relations.

    Anite said the signing of the MoU marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria-U.S. economic relations. “By focusing on critical sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and the creative and digital economy, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and job creation.

    “This partnership underscores our commitment to nurturing an enabling environment for investment and trade, which is crucial for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic development agenda. We are particularly excited about the opportunities this presents for our fast growing tech sector and the potential for knowledge transfer and innovation,” she said.

  • U.S calls for swift police deployment to Haiti after missionaries killed

    U.S calls for swift police deployment to Haiti after missionaries killed

    In response to the tragic killing of three American missionaries in Haiti, United States President Joe Biden has called for the swift deployment of a Kenyan-led security force to the violence-plagued Caribbean nation.

    The appeal for expedited intervention follows the announcement by the non-profit organization Missions in Haiti Inc. that three of its missionaries were fatally shot by gunmen in Port-au-Prince on Thursday night.

    The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks by powerful armed groups that have seized control of much of the Haitian capital, contributing to months of escalating violence.

    Missouri State Representative, Ben Baker identified two of the victims as his daughter Natalie Lloyd, and son-in-law Davy Lloyd, who were full-time missionaries. The third victim’s identity has not yet been disclosed.

    Read Also: Tinubu on NAF at 60: my govt will procure more aircraft, tools to combat insecurity

    The urgency of the situation was underscored by a National Security Council spokesperson who said: “The security situation in Haiti cannot wait,” and emphasised President Biden’s commitment to supporting the: “expedited deployment” of the Kenya-led force during talks with Kenyan President William Ruto.

    President Ruto had just concluded a visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with Biden and other senior US leaders to discuss various issues, including the deployment of the security forces to Haiti.

    “Our hearts go out to the families of those killed as they experience unimaginable grief,” the National Security Council spokesperson added.

    The killings of the missionaries highlight the severe and deteriorating security conditions in Haiti. Since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, the country has faced increasing gang violence and political instability.

     The latest unrest began in February with gang attacks on police stations and other state institutions, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister, Ariel Henry and the appointment of an interim presidential council.

  • U.S ‘reviewing’ Gaza ceasefire proposal, opposes Rafah invasion

    U.S ‘reviewing’ Gaza ceasefire proposal, opposes Rafah invasion

    The United States has said it is reviewing a Hamas response to a Gaza ceasefire proposal while refusing to provide any details about the deal or what exactly the Palestinian group has agreed to.

    Officials at the White House and Department of State were tight-lipped about the ceasefire talks yesterday, but they reasserted that the release of Israeli captives in Gaza remains a top priority for the U.S.

    State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller said Washington will “withhold judgement” on Hamas’s response to the deal until it has time to fully review it.

    Read Also: Aircraft technical fault forces Shettima to aborts US trip

    “I can confirm that Hamas has issued a response. We are reviewing that response now and discussing it with our partners in the region,” he said.

    Miller declined to say whether Hamas agreed to a US-backed offer or a different version of the proposal.

     The administration of US President Joe Biden has been pushing for a temporary ceasefire for months, arguing that such an agreement would get Israeli captives out of Gaza, allow for more aid to enter the territory, and provide a chance for a lasting solution to the war.

    Hamas had announced earlier on Monday that it informed Egyptian and Qatari mediators of its agreement to a deal proposed by the two countries.

  • Nigeria, U.S. trade volume hits $5.21 billion

    Nigeria and the United States (U.S.) recorded $5.21 billion  bilateral trade between January and August this year.

    The Consul-General, US Consulate in Lagos, Ms Claire Pierangelo, who spoke  during the 2019 International Investment Conference yestyerday in Lagos, said the country is full of opportunities.

    The event which was organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) had Promoting Investment, Connecting Businesses as its theme.

    Represented by Ms Christine Kelley, US Commercial Attache, Pierangelo said the $8.3 billion  was recorded as trade lasrt year.

    She commended Nigeria for improving in her ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business index, saying it foresees more improvement in the economy.

    Read Also: Foreign investments in ICT exceed $42b

    According to her, to sustain the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI), government should maintain an open dialogue with international bodies, improve its regulatory environment, policies and infrastructure.

    She urged the business community to hold government accountable on some of its policies, saying that many U.S. companies were affected by some of government’s policies.

    Pierangelo said such policies sent a warning signal to many U.S. investors, thus scaring them away from the country.

    According to her, policies such as 43 items on the banned lists and the dairy sector, is a concern to many investors.

    She urged the government to take logical steps and adopt roadmaps that would enable it boost sustainable economic growth.

    Pierangelo likened investment to water flowing only along easy paths, saying that addressing the challenges of the business environment would unlock more investment opportunities for both countries.

    Also, a  Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics and Business Intelligence, Lagos Business School (LBS),Dr . Bongo Adi, said Nigeria moving 39 place upward in the Ease of Doing Business ranking was impressive and its best since 2011.

    He, however, said attracting FDI has not matched the achievement, saying the country had about $9 billion FDI inflow in 2011 which dropped to less than $2 billion last year.

    Adi said government should work on policies and initiatives that would allow its improved ease of doing business ranking translate to increased FDI inflow.

    Earlier, LCCI President Mr Babatunde Ruwase, said the country was in dire need of investment to advance and transform the economy.

    “Investment helps to create jobs, diversify the economy, grow government revenue and improve the welfare of the people,” he said.

    Ruwase said the country’s recovery from recession in 2017 had necessitated calls for policies that would support sustainable growth and development.

    “Steps have been taken and policies put in place to ensure the revamping of the Nigerian economy through the promotion of industrialisation and non-oil export for sustainable economic recovery,” Ruwase said.

    According to him, to sustain the recovery, there must be added drive for domestic and foreign direct investment, promotion of non-oil exports and continued efforts at improving the ease of doing business in the country.

    Ruwase said it was critical that government provided the enabling environment, address security challenges and improve regulatory framework to encourage investment in the country.

    Also speaking, the  Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative,  Mrs Lola Akande, said the state was poised to strengthen public-private partnership (PPP)  that will aid business and economic growth.

    She said the government was committed to policies and initiatives that would enhance investment and partnerships toward transforming the economy of Lagos and Nigeria.

  • U.S. has no presidential candidate, says envoy

    UNITED States (U.S.) Consul-General Ambassador John Bay yesterday said that his home country has interest only in free, fair and credible elections.

    Bay, who restated the commitment of the U.S. to violence-free electoral process, insisted that the U.S. was not supporting any candidate in the February 16 presidential election.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to Bayelsa State the Governor on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the envoy to have made the comment while paying a courtesy call on Governor Seriake Dickson at the Government House, Yenagoa on Wednesday.

    He noted that his delegation was on a tour to the Southern states in the country to interface with civil society organisiations, traditional rulers and other political stakeholders on the need for peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections.

    He quoted the envoy as saying: “The U.S. does not have a candidate in this election. We are looking for a free, fair, credible and peaceful process, a process that allows the choice of the Nigerian citizens to come through.

    “So, we are going to spend some time with the governor and chat about different things we might be able to do to better the situation and anything we can do to help before leaving here for Port Harcourt tomorrow.”

    Read also: Man jailed for betting on credit

    Dickson commended the commitment of the international community to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in the country.

    He reiterated his call on the political class to respect the will of the people and make efforts that would renew their confidence in the unity and peaceful coexistence of the different ethnic nationalities.

    Describing Nigeria as a critical member of the international community, the governor cautioned politicians to be wary of utterances and conducts that could throw the country into avoidable crisis which could truncate the nation’s democracy.

    He said: “We want to thank the U.S. Mission in Nigeria for your services, contributions and for the building of peace as well as promotion of our nation’s democracy. We also want to thank you for always thinking of us and caring about what is going on here in the Niger Delta.

    “I have read about the statements made by your Mission and other international partners concerning the forthcoming general elections. For me and our state, we welcome these interventions. We believe that our country is and should be a responsible member of the international community.

    “As practicing politicians, all of us should conduct the politics and affairs of our country in such a way as to respect the due processes of the law, and the elections so that in the end, what we do and say should continue to promote peace and stability in various communities across the country.

    “Nigeria is a critical member of the world community. It is the largest and most populous black nation in the world. So, what goes on in Nigeria should rightly be of interest to the rest of the world; and the world is right by not standing by to watch things go bad in Nigeria.”

  • U.S team begins assessment of Lagos Airport

    THREE-man United States Transportation Security Administration (TSA) team has begun routine assessment of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.

    Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) spokesman Sam Adurogboye, who stated this yesterday, added that the team’s visit was to observe the implementation of Aviation Security (AVSEC) measures and to also conduct inspection on recommended TSA security procedures for United States air carriers.

    Delta Airlines is the only American carrier flying into Nigeria.

    He said the TSA’s Annual Airport Assessment visit began January 28, 2019 and will extend till February 2,  2019.

    He listed members of the TSA team as including  Laura Loya (team lead), Edward Cloniger and Mitch Mankowski.

    The team came on similar assessment visit last year.

    Adurogboye said: “As a matter of policy, the Transportation Security Administration of United States of America on an annual basis visits countries, where American airlines operate.”

    Welcoming the team at the Aviation House, NCAA Director General Capt. Muhtar Usman promised the authority’s cooperation and support towards accomplishing their assignment.

    He expressed the NCAA’s readiness to close in real time any open items that may be noticed.

    Usman said: “Safety and security is the most crucial element of civil aviation, NCAA will continue to collaborate with stakeholders in ensuring safe and secure flight operations.”

  • U.S. has no preferred candidate in Nigeria’s elections, says envoy

    UNITED States (U.S.) has not endorsed any candidate in the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria, its Consul General, John Braide, has said.

    He stated this yesterday at a ‘Vote not Fight’ sensitisation campaign and peace concert ahead of this year’s polls, which was organised by Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Braide described Nigerians as lucky people and advised the electorate to use their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to elect credible leaders on February 16 and March 2, appealing for peaceful and credible exercise.

    He declared: “We are not here (in Nigeria) to support any candidate.  We are here to support free, fair, credible and transparent election in Nigeria. Election is not war”.

    Also speaking, Police Commissioner in River State Usman Belel advised Nigerian youths to ignore the destructive overtures of gullible politicians to use them to cause crisis during the polls.

    Belel noted that more than 70 per cent of Nigerian voters are youths, advising:  “Do not destroy your tomorrow today”.

    But, to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Obot Effanga, the commission is ready to conduct transparent elections.

    He assured that the election would be peaceful and urged residents and the state’s electorate to cooperate with INEC.

    “We want to change the narrative in Rivers State.  We want to have election that would be as peaceful as river. We are ready to conduct peaceful elections in Rivers State.

    Similarly, popular musician Innocent Uja Idibia (aka 2Baba) called on Nigerians, particularly the Rivers people, to shun political violence.

    Idibia, at the concert, which his group, 2Baba Foundation, was among the organisers of the event, urged the electorate to vote and go home and avoid hate speech.

    He described vote-buying as a vicious act that could truncate free, fair and credible electoral process.

  • Visa denial, other measures await perpetrators of polls violence, say UK, U.S.

    THE United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) have announced repercussion for any individual, who interfere or responsible for violence in the forthcoming general polls in Nigeria.

    Both countries warned that any form of interference could lead to visa ban for culprits and their relatives.

    Besides, the UK said such people may be stopped from accessing UK-based funds or be prosecuted under the international law.

    The two countries, which  are Nigeria’s critical partners, also noted that the conduct of the upcoming elections in Nigeria is important not only for Nigeria, but for the African continent.

    Their positions were contained in separate statements issued yesterday in Abuja.

    In its statement, the UK reaffirmed its support for free, fair and peaceful election in Nigeria.

    The statements reads: “Twenty-three days to the presidential and National Assembly elections and 37 days to the gubernatorial and state assembly elections, the British High Commission in Abuja would like to reaffirm our strong support for free, fair and peaceful elections in Nigeria.

    “We and our international partners remain committed supporters of Nigeria’s democracy.  We do not support any party or individual and believe that the Nigerian people should be able to choose their leaders in an environment free from hate speech and insecurity.

    “We continue to provide significant support to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and to Nigerian civil society to help them deliver credible elections.

    “We also regularly engage with actors across the political spectrum to encourage them to respect electoral rules and maintain an atmosphere of peace and calm.  We will be deploying an extensive observation mission for the forthcoming elections, including coordinating with the EU’s Election Observation Mission.

    “Our monitors will in particular be looking out for any attempts to encourage or use violence to influence the elections, including on social media. We would like to remind all Nigerians that where the UK is aware of such attempts, this may have consequences for individuals.

    “These could include their eligibility to travel to the UK, their ability to access UK based funds or lead to prosecution under international law.

    Read also: Keyamo: why Nigerians must vote for Buhari

    “The UK is a friend and partner of Nigeria.  We hope our continued support will play a role in helping Nigeria take a further step towards consolidating the progress made since democracy returned in 1999.”

    The U.S. also stated that its support in the forthcoming elections is not for any candidate or party but for Nigeria democratic process.

    “The United States government does not support any specific candidate or party in Nigeria’s upcoming elections.  The U.S. supports the Nigerian democratic process itself.  We support a genuinely free, fair, transparent and peaceful electoral process.

    “We and other democratic nations will be paying close attention to actions of individuals, who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during, or after the elections.

    “We will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process.  Under U.S. immigration law, certain violations may also lead to restrictions on family members.