The Nation Newspaper

Tag: United States of America

  • Trump travel ban suffers new court defeat

    Trump travel ban suffers new court defeat

    A US appeals court has upheld a decision blocking President Trump’s revised “travel ban” on people from six mainly Muslim nations.

    A lower court had issued the injunction on the grounds that the ban was discriminatory after a challenge by the state of Hawaii.

    The 90-day ban was to apply to people from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

    It also called for a 120-day ban on all refugees.

    The Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco was reviewing a March ruling by a Hawaii-based federal judge that blocked parts of Mr Trump’s order.

    In their ruling, the judges said that “immigration, even for the President, is not a one-person show”.

    They said Mr Trump had failed to show that the entry of people from the six countries mentioned in the ban, as well as the refugees, would be detrimental to US interests.

    But the judges said the government was allowed to review the vetting process for people entering the US – something the earlier Hawaii ruling had blocked.

    The administration has said the travel ban is needed to prevent terrorism in the US.

    The latest ruling follows another ruling in May by a different court, the Fourth US Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, that upheld a Maryland judge’s ruling that also blocked parts of Mr Trump’s revised ban.

    Earlier this month the Trump administration filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court to block the Hawaii and Maryland rulings and revive the ban.

    Lawyers for Hawaii had described Mr Trump’s executive order as a “thinly veiled Muslim ban”.

    The Supreme Court will decide whether Mr Trump’s comments during his election campaign can be used as evidence that the executive order was intended to discriminate against Muslims, which would be against the US constitution.

    During his election campaign, Mr Trump called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States”.

    An earlier version of Mr Trump’s travel ban, issued in January, sparked confusion and protests and was blocked by a judge in Seattle because it probably violated the due process rights of individuals with valid residency papers and visas.

    The department also said it was unconstitutional to sue the president in his official capacity.

    Mr Trump has not yet commented on the latest move.

  • U.S Visa: Trump administration approves tougher vetting measures

    U.S Visa: Trump administration approves tougher vetting measures

    The Trump administration has rolled out a new questionnaire for U.S. visa applicants worldwide that asks for social media handles for the last five years and biographical information going back 15 years.

    The new questions, part of an effort to tighten vetting of would-be visitors to the U.S., was approved on May 23 by the Office of Management and Budget in spite of criticism from a range of education officials and academic groups during a public comment period.

    Critics argued that the new questions would be overly burdensome, lead to long delays in processing and discourage international students and scientists from coming to the U.S.

    Under the new procedures, consular officials can request all prior passport numbers, five years’ worth of social media handles, email addresses and phone numbers and 15 years of biographical information including addresses, employment and travel history.

    Officials will request the additional information when they determine “that such information is required to confirm identity or conduct more rigorous national security vetting,” a State Department official said on Wednesday.

    The State Department said earlier the tighter vetting would apply to visa applicants “who have been determined to warrant additional scrutiny in connection with terrorism or other national security-related visa ineligibilities.”

    President Donald Trump has vowed to increase national security and border protections, proposing to give more money to the military and make Mexico pay to build a wall along the southern U.S. border.

    He has tried to implement a temporary travel ban on people from six Muslim-majority nations that a U.S. appeals court refused to reinstate, calling it discriminatory and setting the stage for a showdown in the Supreme Court.

    The Office of Management and Budget granted emergency approval for the new questions for six months, rather than the usual three years.

    While the new questions are voluntary, the form says failure to provide the information may delay or prevent the processing of an individual visa application.

    Immigration lawyers and advocates say the request for 15 years of detailed biographical information, as well as the expectation that applicants remember all their social media handles, is likely to catch applicants who make innocent mistakes or do not remember all the information requested.

    The new questions grant “arbitrary power” to consular officials to determine who gets a visa with no effective check on their decisions, said Babak Yousefzadeh, a San Francisco-based attorney and president of the Iranian American Bar Association.

    Yousefzadeh said: “the U.S. has one of the most stringent visa application processes in the world.

    “The need for tightening the application process further is really unknown and unclear.”

  • Bayelsa backs FG’s decision to set up modular refineries

    Bayelsa backs FG’s decision to set up modular refineries

    The Bayelsa Government on Wednesday applauded Federal Government’s decision to set up modular refineries, saying it was a good move to fortify the nation’s economy.

    The commendation is in a statement by Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Seriake Dickson.

    Iworiso-Markson stated that Dickson made the commendation at the ongoing Oil and Gas Trade Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States of America.

    Dickson said that the refineries, when established, would go a long way to make jobs available for the teeming youths not only in the Niger-Delta but Nigeria at large.

    The governor expressed optimism that the refineries, when fully on stream, would curb the illegal refining of petroleum products and reduce casualties associated with it.

    He noted that the government of Bayelsa was fully in support of the establishment of the modular refineries.

    “We have fully embraced the move; the Bayelsa Petrochemical and Refinery Company Limited is ready to partner with willing investors to ensure that the refineries are established and running.

    “Bayelsa, being the home of oil and gas in Nigeria, provides strategic investment opportunities, as well as conducive and secure environment to drive investment in that sector.

    “The state’s participation in the OTC is strategic, as it will afford us the opportunity to meet and leverage on prospective investors on various opportunities provided by government.

    “Bayelsa has abundant gas feedstock to power the modular refineries.

    “It is interesting to note that we already have more than enough gas in abundance to deliver the three modular refineries; the state is good to go.”

    On security, the governor assured prospective investors that investments would be fully secured and allayed fears expressed on threats to destruction of pipelines.

    Those at the OTC event were Sen. Foster Ogola and Hon. Fred Agbedi, Chairman House Committee on Gas.

    Others are Hon. Henry Ofongu, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Serena Dokubo-Spiff, the Bayelsa Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Commerce and Industries and Mr Kemela Okara, the Chief Economic Adviser‎ to the governor.

  • USA, Haiti, others to grace African drums festival in Ogun

    USA, Haiti, others to grace African drums festival in Ogun

    … Festival will promote unity, rich culture – Amosun

    Performance troupes and drummers from the United States of America, Haiti, and nine other countries have expressed interest to participate at the second edition of the African Drums Festival this April in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital in Southwest Nigeria.

    Apart from Cuba which would grace the festival as an observer, over 12 Nigerian States have also confirmed readiness to participate.

    These were made known to journalists on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of Ogun State, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, during a World press briefing about the festival at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Adeoluwa said the State would be spending an amount less than N50 million on the Festival.

    The Logo of this year’s African Drums Festival with the theme, “Reviving our Culture in Drums,” was unveiled by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his Deputy, Princess Yetunde Onanuga.

    The Festival is been organised by the State government.

    Adeoluwa cited Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, Congo Brazzaville and Zimbabwe as some of the African countries that would attend the event.

    He explained that the Festival would be both participatory and competitive, saying those who want to compete would opportunity to do so while those who don’t, would enjoy themselves.

    “It will cost the State so little, what we are spending is under N50 million and it is not about the size of the budget. We are using direct labour and we are sourcing for everything locally, we are also leveraging on our friends and supporters who are partnering with us,” he said.

    According to him, the 2017 edition has been expanded to take care of troupes from private and Non – Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

    Before unveiling the festival’s logo, the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said the festival would promote unity and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the African continent as well as put the State on the world map.

    Amosun said: “the unique aspect of the festival was the unveiling of the world tallest drum last year. It (festival) received greater acceptance, and it has opened doors for our brothers and sisters from other African countries. It is one way of promoting unity in the continent.”

    The maiden edition of it kicked off in Abeokuta on April 19, 2016 amid glamour as drummers from every part of the country graced the festival.

    While it lasted, the tallest drum in the country, standing at about 16ft was unveiled by the host Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and witnessed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and his wife, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adetona Gbadebo, Senator Momora, representative of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and the Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo.

     

  • USA, Haiti, others to grace African drums festival in Ogun

    USA, Haiti, others to grace African drums festival in Ogun

     

    … Festival will promote unity, rich culture – Amosun

     

     

    Performance troupes and drummers from the United States of America, Haiti, and nine other countries have expressed interest to participate at the second edition of the African Drums Festival this April in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital in Southwest Nigeria.

    Apart from Cuba which would grace the festival as an observer, over 12 Nigerian States have also confirmed readiness to participate.

    These were made known to journalists on Tuesday by the Secretary to the Government of Ogun State, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, during a World press briefing about the festival at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    Adeoluwa said the State would be spending an amount less than N50 million on the Festival.

    The Logo of this year’s African Drums Festival with the theme, “Reviving our Culture in Drums,” was unveiled by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by his Deputy, Princess Yetunde Onanuga.

    The Festival is been organised by the State government.

    Adeoluwa cited Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, Congo Brazzaville and Zimbabwe as some of the African countries that would attend the event.

    He explained that the Festival would be both participatory and competitive, saying those who want to compete would opportunity to do so while those who don’t, would enjoy themselves.

    “It will cost the State so little, what we are spending is under N50 million and it is not about the size of the budget. We are using direct labour and we are sourcing for everything locally, we are also leveraging on our friends and supporters who are partnering with us,” he said.

    According to him, the 2017 edition has been expanded to take care of troupes from private and Non – Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

    Before unveiling the festival’s logo, the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said the festival would promote unity and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the African continent as well as put the State on the world map.

    Amosun said: “the unique aspect of the festival was the unveiling of the world tallest drum last year. It (festival) received greater acceptance, and it has opened doors for our brothers and sisters from other African countries. It is one way of promoting unity in the continent.”

    The maiden edition of it kicked off in Abeokuta on April 19, 2016 amid glamour as drummers from every part of the country graced the festival.

    While it lasted, the tallest drum in the country, standing at about 16ft was unveiled by the host Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and witnessed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and his wife, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adetona Gbadebo, Senator Momora, representative of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed and the Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo.

     

  • Reps set up Adhoc Committee on repatriation of Nigerian artifacts from US, Europe

    The House of Representatives on Thursday, constituted an Adhoc Committee to carry out an investigation into the approach to be adopted, for repatriation of historical artefacts carted away from Nigeria.

    Nigerian artefacts were carted away, especially during the colonial period now adorn various structures in the western world.

    The constitution of the ad-hoc committee followed a motion by Rep. Ayokunle Isiaka (APC-Ogun), which was unanimously adopted by voice vote.

    Moving the motion, Isiaka explained that many of the artefacts carted away from Nigeria had been sighted in schools, institutions and museums in the United States of America and Europe.

    He added that Nigerians, especially the coming generations, were being deprived of the opportunities to experience major artistic works which reflected Nigerian historical culture and heritage.

    “While the USA, France, Switzerland and Germany display Nigerians famous arts and antiques to attract tourists and earn revenue for their governments, Nigeria has lost its cultural goods for the foreign land.

    “Also, valuable national antique pieces like Nok Terracotta baker (Eagan) Monoliths, lower Niger bronzes, Calibre Terracottas, carted from Nigeria are seated in Musee du quai, Paris.

    “History beacons on the House to initiate measures that would lead to the return of these masterpieces of Nigerian art to the country to aid the nation’s cultural renaissance, he said.

    He added that the move would attract more tourists and boost revenue earning for the country.

    The House, therefore, mandated the committee to turn in its report within 12 weeks for further legislative action

  • Aisha Buhari’s US visit: Arewa Youths Demand Fayose’s Apology

    Aisha Buhari’s US visit: Arewa Youths Demand Fayose’s Apology

    Following the visit of the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari to the United States of America, the Arewa youth Integrity Forum (AYIF) has asked the Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose to immediately apologise to Nigerians and the first family after he claimed Mrs Buhari was a fugitive from justice in the US over the Halliburton scandal.

    Addressing journalists in Abujaon Friday, AYIF national president, Comrade Abubakar Ibrahim said this visit by the President’s wife is a further proof that Fayose lied in his claim about Mrs Buhari.

    He said, “We pointed out this visit because of its significance to what had transpired earlier when Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose came up with his tales by moonlight in which he vigorously tried to mislead the public with claims that Mrs Buhari was a fugitive from justice in the US over the Halliburton scandal. Various persons that set the records straight that the wife of the President was not the same ‘Aisha Buhari’ mentioned in the court documents were ridiculed and bad mouthed.

    “May we remind Fayose that Mrs Buhari was not the one who was recorded in a hotel suite conspiring with others to breach the Electoral Law. The first family did not tell him to engage in money laundry involving billions of naira ferried from one airport to another. It was not Mr President that made the lodgement of proceed of crime into the Ekiti state governor’s bank account. It was not northerners that made Fayose to be richer than Ekiti state neither were we responsible for his inability to sell his family to pay salaries to workers’ whose money he has diverted into his personal account.

    He said now that Mrs Buhari’s visit to the United States has confirmed that Fayose wasnt telling the truth, “we are calling on him to apologize to the first family, and Nigerian women.”

    Ibrahim said Fayose should rather focus his energy to explain his misrule to Ekiti people when his tenure expires.

    He said, “We see the vintage Fayose, upon realising that his lies have been found out, desperately looking for a way to distract the nation by calling attention to the handbag Mrs Buhari was holding in one of the pictures from the US. This obvious attempt to trivialize the issue with the woman’s bag is a new low for Fayose even by his own standards.

    “Our expectations are that beginning with Ekiti state at the end of Fayose’s tenure the electorates would insist that psychiatric evaluation and a consequent certificate of mental competence would be requisite for all the candidates seeking elections.”

    The youths urged Mrs Buhari not to relent on her life changing activities and should rather increase the tempo upon her return from the United States.

  • Sex scandal: I have proof that will clear my name – Ikon

    One of the three members of the House of Representatives accused of soliciting for prostitutes in the United States of America while on a leadership training program, Samuel Ikon, has said he has irrefutable proof that will clear him name.

    Ikon, in a letter dated 16th June 2016 and addressed to Mr. James F. Entwistle, the Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria said he was pained by the allegation which he said was untrue.

    “let me state unequivocally sir that the allegation is not just false but in bad taste. I Hon. Samuel Ikon never in that trip, nor on any other trip to the US or anywhere else in the world, consort or sought to consort with prostitutes.”

    He said the act would not only be inimical to his health but totally unacceptable to his faith.

    “I’m an elder in my church since 2006 and clearly know the tenets and doctrines of my faith one of which abhors such desires for prostitutes as such very offensive to be linked.

    “I have no reason to seek comfort in the bosom of a prostitute with all attendant health risks especially the latest known as Zika Virus which has entered the USA.

    “I have another proof of my innocence which will completely tear down this false conclusion but will leave it out for a later time should you fail to redeem my integrity and I’m forced to take legal action.”

    “I therefore urge that you review this case within 7 days taking a more detailed look at evidences available for such like video recording, especially video showing time and date of such discussion, so you can realize a mistake has been made here and my integrity restored, else I will be seeking legal redress in competent courts of law both in Nigeria and in the US.”

  • Ikuforiji assures foreign investors on sea transportation

    THE Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has promised foreign investors willing to invest in the state’s sea transportation sector of a conducive and enabling environment.

    Ikuforiji gave this assurance while receiving a team of foreign investors from the United States of America and Spain in his office.

    The investors, who were led by the Chairmen, House Committee on Transportation and Agriculture, Bisi Yusuf Ibrahim Layode respectively indicated their willingness to invest in sea transportation along the coastal routes of Lagos.

    One of the investors, Mr. Arthur Polk, said the team had visited Badagry and Epe to see existing infrastructures for agricultural purposes.

     

  • State of Nation address now mandatory

    State of Nation address now mandatory

    The Senate on Thursday made it mandatory for President Goodluck Jonathan to address Nigerians annually.

    This followed the passage of a Bill entitled: “A Bill for an Act to make provision for the state of the nation address by the President and other matters connected therein 2013.”

    The Bill also applies to any sitting Nigerian President after Jonathan.

    The Bill was fashioned after what obtains in the United States of America (USA) where the sitting President presents a State of the Union Address to the Congress, annually.

    The State of the Nation Address Bill suffered a setback in the Sixth National Assembly when President Jonathan refused to assent to it.

    But the lawmakers have vowed o override the President if he fails to assent to the Bill this time around.

    The Senate adopted the conference report of the Bill and finally passed the controversial Bill.

    Senate President, David Mark, urged Jonathan to assent to the Bill so that its operation can commence this year.

    Mark said: “2013 is the first State of the Nation Address by Mr. President and I hope that he will assent to it as quickly as possible.”

    The final passage of the Bill followed the presentation of the report of the conference committee by the Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter- Governmental Affairs, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta.