Nigeria’s media watchdog, the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCN), has received a formal complaint from the Federal Government on a report published by Daily Trust on July 4.
The newspaper had in the report
titled: “LGBT: Nigeria Signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal,” claimed the agreement included clauses promoting LGBTQ+ rights as a condition for a purported $150 billion loan.
The federal government, however, denied the claim as “false and misleading information that severely threatens national security.
This development comes amidst controversy surrounding the Samoa Agreement itself.
The agreement, a framework for the European Union’s relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations, has been met with public scrutiny in Nigeria.
The federal government also maintained it does not infringe on national sovereignty or social values.
READ ALSO:Reps urge Nigerian govt to suspend Samoa Agreement implementation
Daily Trust, a prominent Nigerian newspaper, has acknowledged “some lapses” in their reporting and promised to take corrective measures. However, the extent of these corrections and the paper’s response to the FG’s complaint remain to be seen.
The NMCC, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Interim Secretary, Eluem Izeze and Feyi Smith, respectively, said it had acknowledged the federal government’s complaint and promised to give it the necessary attention.
The statement read: “The management of Daily Trust will be contacted shortly for its response.
“In accordance with this mandate and our established procedures, we have commenced an investigation into the government’s allegations. We assure the public that our inquiry will be thorough and impartial.
“We look forward to receiving the full cooperation of all parties involved and pledge to continue to ensure transparency throughout this process.”
The NMCN’s investigation will unravel the accuracy of Daily Trust’s reporting and determine if journalistic ethics were breached.
This case has significant implications for Nigerian media, raising questions about fact-checking, responsible reporting, and the potential impact of inaccurate information on national security.
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Nigeria media watchdog probes report on Samoa Agreement
IGP suspends controversial e-CMR enforcement scheduled for July 29
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an immediate suspension of the July 29 plan to commence the enforcement of the e-Central Motor Registry (e-CMR).
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Adejobi said the suspension was to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of the public on the process, benefits and effectiveness of e-CMR.
The police spokesman said the I-G had urged police officers to desist from requesting for e-CMR certificates.
According to him, officers found extorting or exploiting the public on the guise of not having e-CMR certificates would be sanctioned.
Adejobi said the enforcement would be done by only dedicated officers from a date to be announced later.
He said the e-CMR was designed to address the challenges of vehicle related crimes and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership.
Adejobi said the registration would help to collate the data imputed into the system by vehicle owners and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen.
“The e-CMR will provide a firsthand database to the Force for curbing vehicular crimes as dedicated officers can access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets.
“The e-CMR will prevent multiple registration of vehicles and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners and individuals.
“It will also, add value to the national database and incident report portal generated from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies towards general security,” he said.
According to him, contrary to news making the round and insinuations about the e-CMR, the Nigeria Police wishes to state categorically that the e-CMR is not a revenue generating platform.
He said the platform was an initiative to digitalise policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigeria residents.
The police spokesman called for the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to key into the e-CMR system.
TVN reports that the IG had ordered the enforcement of the digitalised e-CMR
from July 29.
IGP suspends controversial e-CMR enforcement scheduled for July 29
Burberry sacks leadership to revive sales
British fashion label, Burberry, on Monday announced the immediate departure of chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd, as it posted what it described as “disappointing” results.
He is being replaced by Joshua Schulman, who has headed American fashion brands, Michael Kors and Coach, Burberry said in a statement.
Burberry chair, Gerry Murphy described Schulman as “a proven leader with an outstanding record of building global luxury brands and driving profitable growth.”
In a separate statement, Murphy said Burberry’s recent “performance is disappointing.”
Revenue slid 22 per cent to £458 million ($594 million) in the group’s first quarter, or three months to the end of June.
He said Burberry would cut costs going forward, while the group risked an operating loss in its first half.
It comes as the wider luxury fashion sector navigates weak demand, particularly in China, with Gucci owner Kering in April issuing a profit warning.
Burberry is a British luxury fashion house established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry.
The brand known for its iconic trench coats, is also recognised for its signature tartan pattern, which has become a symbol of British fashion, According Online reports.
AFP
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Kogi NMA crisis: Congress moves to freeze account
Following the crisis rocking the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Kogi State, the medical body has set up an interim Committee made up of all the past chairmen, directing them to freeze the association account.
It was gathered that the Caretaker Committee has concluded plans to freeze the Association’s account until a new State Officers Committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 11th August, 2024.
This formed part of the communique issued at the end of the Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of the NMA State Branch held in Lokoja on 13th July, 2024.
The communique, which was signed by the EGM Chairman, Dr Joseph Arome Iduh and Dr Raji Adediji Idris, the Secretary, respectively, passed a ‘Vote of No Confidence’ on the suspended NMA Chairman, Dr. Baoku Olusola, and the remaining State Officers Committee members.
The Communique resolved as follows “The congress passed a resolution empowering the Committee of Past Chairmen to take over the running of the Association as an ‘Interim/caretaker committee’ pending the 2024 AGM in August 2024.
“The Congress also resolved that a prima facie case of gross abuse of office and constitutional violations were established against the Chairman and current SOC and thus referred them to the State Disciplinary Committee, and that the Committee should report back to the interim leadership of the Association within 2 weeks, who will look into the recommendations and report back to the congress during the forthcoming AGM.
“In furtherance of the above resolutions, the Interim committee is empowered to exercise all the powers of the State Officers Committee of the Association and interphase with any and all Secretariat Staff, members of the Public and all Affiliates as deemed necessary for the sole purpose of the discharge of their duties.
“The interim committee also had the mandate of the Congress to execute ongoing plans, including the already scheduled medical outreach in Okene and AGM Meeting in Lokoja, and the General elections of the Association scheduled to take place during
the AGM next month.
“The failure of the Chairman and the SOC to convene a SEC meeting, the governing body of the Association, in over nine months, does not conform with the provisions of the constitution of NMA and the NMA Kogi State Branch Bye-law.
“The mass resignation of seven(7) out eleven (11) members of SOC, including Auditor, Secretary and the Asst. Secretary, means the Association is without a Secretariat, making it constitutionally difficult for the SOC to continue to function.
“Written petitions on abuse of office levelled against the Chairman by aggrieved members and affiliates are deserving of urgent attention. The lingering issue regarding NMA NEC directive to NMA Kogi State Branch was also noted”.
Kogi NMA crisis: Congress moves to freeze account
Security tightened in Kaduna as police ban Shi’ite gathering
The Police Command in Kaduna State said it has banned all forms of unlawful gathering by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria including its planned Ashura procession.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, announced the ban in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.
Hassan said, “The command has banned every manner of illegal protest in the State.
” This is coming on the heels of a received intelligence indicating that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as Shi’ite are planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic Ashura day ceremony.
“It is an undeniable fact that the said ritual practice has in the recent past been characterised by unimaginable violence leading to the destruction of properties, injuries to persons and even loss of lives.
“It is against this backdrop that the Police command is warning the said sect members, who were since proscribed by law, to drop such a procession idea, “he said.
Hassan said the command would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any person or group, especially the outlawed IMN members, that dared to violate the ban.
He said the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command, Mr Ali Dabigi, has called on all law-abiding persons to go about their lawful endeavours without fear.
He equally said that the hard-earned relative peace in the state can never be compromised by the selfish deviance of a few ‘renegades.’
NAN
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Katsina Elders slam Badaru, Matawalle for failing to address banditry
The Katsina State Elders Forum on Sunday, denounced the response of the Ministers of Defence, Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawalle to the escalating insecurity in the state
They appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and restore order in the state.
The Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Ali Muhammad, who addressed journalists in Katsina, said the two ministers, who are both from the North-West have done nothing about the problem.
He urged President Tinubu to as a matter of urgency provide other measures such as the introduction what they called “Jungle Battalions” to end banditry in the North.
Mohammed said: “We have complained severally to the federal government to complement what the state government is doing, but unfortunately, the federal government has not lived up to expectation.
‘It is really unfortunate, the so-called defense ministers are all from the north, but they have not done enough to protect the north, and this banditry is taking place only in this part of the country,” he said.
“They have killed hundreds of people here in Katsina and none of the ministers or the president deemed it necessary to come and condoled with the affected families and provide some succour to those who lost their people and properties,” he added.
Analysis:
The elders’ condemnation signifies a loss of faith in the ability of the state governments to address the pressing issue.
READ ALSO:Matawalle’s probe not instant, requires thorough investigation, EFCC tells protesters
With the remark, they are challenging the president to take decisive action and assume leadership in tackling the crisis.
This move may be seen as a strategic attempt to bypass the state governments and directly engage the federal authority.
Political Implications:
The elders’ stance has significant political implications, as it:
– Highlights the failure of state governments in addressing banditry
– Demonstrates a lack of trust in Badaru and Matawalle
– Appeals to Tinubu’s authority, potentially shifting the burden of responsibility to the federal government
– May influence public opinion and put pressure on the government to act
Security Context:
Banditry has plagued Katsina State, with frequent attacks and kidnappings. The elders’ call to action underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for effective solutions.
Conclusion:
The Katsina elders’ bold move has brought the banditry crisis to the forefront, demanding prompt attention from the highest authorities. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Tinubu will respond and whether his intervention will stem the tide of violence in Katsina State.
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Another US billionaire publicly endorses Trump after assassination attempt
Billionaire, Bill Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, has “formally” endorsed President Donald Trump following his attempted assassination in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Fox News reports that more than 19 million people have viewed Ackman’s endorsement post since it went out late Saturday night.
This is coming on the heels of Billionaire Elon Musk announcing that he “fully supports” Trump shortly after the assassination attempt.
“I came to this decision some time ago as many @X followers have already understood from my supportive posts of Trump and my criticisms of @POTUS Biden,” Ackman said.
“The reason why I have not yet formally done so is that I want to explain my thinking in detail and address the arguments put forth by others against Trump.
“All of us have an obligation to stand up and be counted,” Ackman wrote in a subsequent X post on Sunday.
Ackman said it would take a “long-form post” to explain his thinking.
According to him, he did not have the time “nor felt the urgency” to write the post prior to the shooting that took place at a Trump rally that injured the upper part of Trump’s ear, left one rally attendee dead and two spectators critically injured.
Ackman suggested that the upcoming presidential election is one of the “most consequential” in his lifetime, and said he has spent a few hours recently with Trump.
He asked voters to “keep an open mind.”
He said a more detailed post explaining his position will come in the future.
Another US billionaire publicly endorses Trump after assassination attempt
‘I’m supposed to be dead’ – Trump claims after assassination attempt
Former US president, Donald Trump, has claimed he is “supposed to be dead”.
Trump escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania and has now described it as a “very surreal experience.”
“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” he told the New York Post in an interview.
The report also added that Trump has a white bandage covering his right ear.
The 78-year-old was hit in the ear by a gunman at a campaign rally on Saturday.
An innocent bystander was killed and two other people were wounded.
Trump has admitted he would have been killed, if he did not tilt his head slightly to the right to read a chart on illegal immigrants while addressing the rally.
“By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here,” he said.
‘I’m supposed to be dead’ – Trump claims after assassination attempt
Uzodinma rules out protest against Tinubu in South-East
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Sunday, declared that no individual from the South-East would participate in protests against President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government.
The governor stated this during the grand finale of All Progressive Congress (APC) campaign for local government election in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
He described promoters of such protests as enemies of the country who wanted to destabilise the national government.
Uzodinma said: “To the youths of South-East, because we are on the path of growth, our enemies are trying to disorganize national government.
“They will come to you, they want you to protest, ask those who want you to protest where are their children. Why must you be the one to protest and to protest against what?
“This government is our government, the government of President Bola Tinubu is our government. So nobody from Southeast will protest. We are not aggrieved, we have hope”
READ ALSO:Tribunal upholds Uzodinma’s election in Imo
“Whatever they say, this government is barely one year in office. Yes we are aware of the hardship, we are aware things are hard, but I promise you that the presidenti is working so hard to release money to the people, to deliver infrastructure to the people and to release and increase food security to the people. Follow your leaders, work with your leaders.”
Analysis:
Uzodinma’s claim may be seen as an attempt to showcase the region’s support for the current administration.
However, it also raises questions about the potential suppression of dissenting voices and the marginalization of opposing views.
The South-East has historically been a hotbed of political activism, and this statement may be perceived as an attempt to stifle that spirit.
Political Implications:
The governor’s statement may have far-reaching implications for the political landscape. It could be seen as a move to consolidate power and silence opposition, potentially leading to a crackdown on dissent. This might further exacerbate the existing political tensions in the region.
Uzodinma’s statement might spark a political firestorm, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region.
While it remains to be seen how this will unfold, one thing is clear – the region’s political landscape has become even more intriguing. As the situation develops, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the implications of this bold claim.
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China posts disappointing growth as officials hold key meeting
China posted on Monday lower-than-expected growth in the second quarter, with all eyes on how top officials gathering for a key meeting in Beijing might seek to tackle the country’s deepening economic malaise.
The world’s second-largest economy is grappling with a real estate debt crisis, weakening consumption, and an ageing population.
Trade tensions with the United States and the European Union, which have sought to limit Beijing’s access to sensitive technology as well as putting up tariffs to protect their markets from cheap, subsidised Chinese goods, are also dragging growth down.
And on Monday, official statistics showed the economy grew by only 4.7 percent in the second quarter of the year.
It represents the slowest rate of expansion since early 2023 when China was emerging from a crippling zero-Covid policy that strangled growth.
Analysts polled by Bloomberg had expected 5.1 percent.
Retail sales — a key gauge of consumption — rose just two percent in June, down from 3.7 percent growth in May.
“The external environment is intertwined and complex,” the National Bureau of Statistics said.
“Domestic effective demand remains insufficient and the foundation for sound economic recovery and growth still needs to be strengthened,” it added.
• ‘Deepening reform’ –
The figures came the same day that China’s ruling Communist Party kicked off a key meeting led by President Xi Jinping focused on the economy, known as the Third Plenum.
The Chinese leader delivered a “work report” at the opening of the meeting, state news agency Xinhua said.
He also “expounded on a draft decision of the (Communist Party) Central Committee on further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernisation”, it added.
Beijing has offered few hints about what might be on the table.
Xi has said the party is planning “major” reforms.
Analysts are hoping those pledges will result in badly needed support for the economy.
“The four-day meeting of the country’s top governing body couldn’t come soon enough,” Harry Murphy Cruise, an economist at Moody’s Analytics, said in a note.
But, he said, “while the case for reform is high, it’s unlikely to be a particularly exciting affair”.
“Instead, we expect a modest policy tweak that expands high-tech manufacturing and delivers a sprinkling of support to housing and households,” he added.
• China not ‘changing colour’ –
The People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official newspaper, appeared to confirm lower expectations when it warned last week that “reform is not about changing direction and transformation is not about changing colour”.
Ting Lu, chief China economist at Nomura, said the meeting was “intended to generate and discuss big, long-term ideas and structural reforms instead of making short-term policy adjustments”.
The Third Plenum has previously been an occasion for the party’s top leadership to unveil major economic policy shifts.
In 1978, then-leader Deng Xiaoping used the meeting to announce market reforms that would put China on the path to dazzling economic growth by opening it to the world.
And more recently following the closed-door meeting in 2013, the leadership pledged to give the free market a “decisive” role in resource allocation, as well as other sweeping changes to economic and social policy.
• Stubbornly low –
Beijing has said it is aiming for five percent growth this year — enviable for many Western countries but a far cry from the double-digit expansion that for years drove the Chinese economy.
But the economic uncertainty is also fuelling a vicious cycle that has kept consumption stubbornly low.
Among the most urgent issues facing the economy is the beleaguered property sector, which long served as a key engine for growth but is now mired in debt, with several top firms facing liquidation.
“The slowing momentum in (the second quarter) means that they may miss the five percent annual growth target without a step-up in policy supports,” Macquarie’s Larry Hu said in a note.
“Domestic demand remains very weak. Property is the biggest drag,” he said.
Authorities have moved in recent months to ease pressure on developers and restore confidence, including by encouraging local governments to buy up unsold homes.
Analysts say much more is required for a full rebound, as the country’s economy has yet to bounce back more than 18 months after damaging Covid-19 restrictions ended.
AFP.