Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed a key Israeli concession in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
CNN reports that Netanyahu is now demanding that armed men be barred from returning to northern Gaza during an eventual ceasefire.
According to the report, Israel had previously agreed to allow Palestinians unrestricted access to northern Gaza during an eventual ceasefire.
However, the Prime Minister told his negotiating team this week to demand that armed men be barred from northern Gaza as part of any ceasefire and hostage deal, a source told CNN.
The new demand could potentially upend progress in hostage negotiations and raise further questions about Netanyahu’s commitment to Israel’s own proposal for a deal that has become the basis for detailed negotiations.
Talks resumed in the Qatari capital, Doha, last Friday between Israel and Hamas over the weekend.
Hamas agreed to compromise on a major sticking point for Israel, that the Jewish state commit to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza before signing an agreement.
Gaza: Netanyahu reverses on key Israeli concession in ceasefire talks
Gaza: Netanyahu reverses on key Israeli concession in ceasefire talks
Ex-Rep rejects membership of Edo APC gov campaign council
A former Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Pally Iriase, has declined his membership of the National Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress for the Edo State governorship election.
Iriase, whose name was included in the list released on Friday, said he was not consulted before he was included in the team and that he has since stepped aside from politics.
In a statement on Friday, Iriase wished the APC a successful campaign and a peaceful election and urged everyone to respect his desire to be excluded from the council.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to the fact that my name is included in the list of appointees into the National Campaign Council for the governorship election in Edo State by the All Progressives Congress.
“I appreciate the National Working Committee for finding me worthy of the appointment. But, I hereby reject the appointment for the following reasons:
“I was never consulted. I have for several years stepped away from partisan politics, and I do not intend to change my mind.
“I do not want my associates, friends, admirers, and family to see me as a hypocrite.
“While wishing APC a successful campaign and a peaceful election, I strongly urge everyone to respect my desire to be excluded from partisan politics.”
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Russian oil depot gutted by fire after Ukrainian drone attack
An oil depot was gutted by fire on Saturday in Russia’s Rostov region after a Ukrainian drone attack, its governor, Vasily Golubev said on Telegram.
“After a drone attack, a fire broke out in a petrol refinery in the Tsimlyansky district,” Golubev wrote, adding that there were no casualties.
The area is hundreds of kilometres from the front line.
Russia’s defence ministry meanwhile announced that its forces had downed four Ukrainian drones — two in Rostov, one in the Belgorod region adjoining Ukraine and another in Kursk which is up further north.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have used drones, including larger self-detonating craft with ranges stretching hundreds of kilometres extensively throughout the conflict, which began in February 2022.
AFP
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Two die in Ogun road crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on Saturday, confirmed the death of two persons in a road accident on the Ikorodu-Ogijo Sagamu Expressway.
The Public Education Officer, Ogun Sector Command, Florence Okpe, confirmed the accident in a statement made available to journalists.
According to Okpe, the accident which involved a silver Toyota Camry, with registration number EPE602JD, and a yellow Mercedes Benz Truck with registration number AA938YE, occurred at about 5.30 pm on Friday.
She said, “Three male adults were involved in the crash, two out of the persons involved were killed, while the third passenger was unhurt.
“The corpses were handed over to the families of the deceased.”
She added that loss of control as a result of speeding was the cause of the accident.
The FRSC Sector Commander, CC Anthony Uga, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and advised motorists to avoid speed and ensure full attention while driving.
Uga urged owners of trucks to ensure they install speed limit devices on their vehicles.
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Police dismiss officer who ignored transfer, promoted self
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a Corporal, Buba Adamu, for refusing to report to his new post in Kaduna State.
The spokesperson for the Cross River Police Command, SP Irene Ugbo, made this known at a press briefing on Thursday in Calabar, the state capital.
According Online learnt that Adamu was transferred from Cross River command to Kaduna nine years ago, but failed to report to his new base.
The corporal was also said to have promoted himself to the rank of Superintendent and operated illegal activities in Calabar until he was caught and arrested.
Adamu was exposed by some concerned members of the Nasarawa community, a Hausa-Fulani settlement in Calabar municipality that had reportedly suffered from his illegal activities.
The community leaders were said to have raised the alarm when they learnt that the police command was under pressure to release Adamu following his arrest.
According to Ugbo, Adamu had operated as a “mobile police officer” without any supervision or reporting to a specific police command since 2015, when the transfer was made.
The spokesperson added that the dismissed corporal was alleged to have been receiving his salary despite not reporting to his new station.
She said, “As of today, Corporal Adamu is no longer a policeman because he has been relieved of his duties.
“Every item of property belonging to the Nigeria Police in his possession, including uniforms, identification cards and others, has been retrieved.
“The matter has now been charged in court. It is left to the judiciary. The court will take it up from where we stopped, as we have done the needful.”
Republicans to anoint Trump at party convention
Donald Trump will next week receive the Republicans’ official blessing to run for president — the first ever convicted felon to be a nominee for one of the two major US parties.
The 78-year-old billionaire will be the star of the show as Milwaukee rolls out the red carpet for the Republican National Convention, transforming the Wisconsin city into a fortress to welcome 50,000 attendees.
Despite a year in which he was convicted of 34 campaign finance felonies and fined a fortune in fraud and sexual assault lawsuits, convention-goers will find Trump in good spirits as his opponent flounders.
Trump has seen his poll lead expand since President Joe Biden’s disastrous TV debate performance last month ushered in an existential crisis for the Democratic Party.
The Trump campaign is even talking up its chances in Democrat strongholds like Minnesota and Virginia, potentially forcing Biden funds and manpower away from defending the Democrat “blue wall” in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
“It’s no coincidence the convention will lay out President Trump’s vision to restore America in Wisconsin — ground-zero on the road back to the White House,” RNC chairman Michael Whatley and co-chairman Lara Trump (Donald’s daughter-in-law) said in a statement.
Some 2,429 “delegates” — a mix of politicians and grassroots activists — will vote for the candidate who won their state’s nominating contest earlier this year. And in almost every part of America, that’s Trump.
‘Laughing stock’
It will be the first convention over which the former president has total control after the 2016 edition was hampered by party divisions and his second appearance in 2020 was reined in by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The RNC has released a schedule for a convention very much in the former president’s image, with themes for each day playing on his “Make America Great Again” rallying cry.
The four-day celebration of all things Trump opens on Monday with a focus on the economy called “Make America Wealthy Once Again” before shifting to crime on Tuesday to “Make America Safe Once Again.”
Wednesday, labelled “Make America Strong Once Again,” will zero in on foreign policy and how “America has become a global laughing stock.”
Trump formally accepts the nomination on Thursday in a speech that will be followed on television by millions, closing the convention by ushering in “a new golden age for America,” according to the campaign.
As ever, there are formal sessions for party business and events hosted by groups such as the Heritage Foundation, sponsor of the radical right-wing “Project 2025” blueprint to reshape the federal government.
Delegates will vote to approve the Republican Party platform that reflects Trump’s hardline stance on immigration while softening its approach on some social issues like abortion and LGBT rights.
There is nothing yet on the schedule about Trump’s choice of his vice presidential candidate — he may wait until convention week itself to reveal his decision.
Three leading names are Senators J.D. Vance of Ohio, Marco Rubio of Florida and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
Battleground state
Pundits have also been interested in the roles given to defeated rivals such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley.
Haley announced earlier this week she had not been invited but DeSantis is getting a speaking slot on the main stage, Politico reported.
The convention puts a spotlight on Wisconsin’s importance to both parties this year as key battleground that Trump has in his sights after losing the state by 20,000 votes in 2020.
In a meeting with House Republicans in June, Trump ranted about crime rates in the beer-brewing hub, calling it “a horrible city,” and Democrats have been seeking to capitalize.
“Donald Trump and the RNC haven’t even bothered to set up a real campaign operation in Wisconsin,” said DNC Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd.
“They’d rather stick to telling voters how much they hate the city they chose to hold their convention in.”
The Trump campaign and several lawmakers tried to clean up Trump’s comment by asserting that he was referring to violent crime and voter fraud — and it seems to have done him little harm.
A new AARP poll has Trump up 50 per cent to 45 per cent over Biden in a head-to-head matchup in the state. When third-party candidates are factored in, Trump’s lead grows to six points.
AFP
I’ll correct prolonged neglect of Niger-Delta – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to correct the years of neglect of the Niger Delta region through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu gave this assurance at the Niger Delta Stakeholders’ Summit 2024 held in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the President said that the summit with the theme: “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta Region,” marked a turning point.
“This administration brings renewed hope and prosperity and I believe this is the season we have been waiting for.
“It is our time to shine. To achieve lasting solutions, we must overcome disunity. Unity among the people of the Niger Delta and the entire nation is not just a choice but a necessity. Through our shared vision, we can overcome the obstacles before us.
“Mr. President is deeply committed to the development of the Niger Delta. The East-West Road will be a priority. The National Assembly, fully represented here today, will do everything in its power to ensure the completion of this crucial road.
“Additionally, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project will not only commence from Lagos but will also start simultaneously from the Niger Delta, ensuring both ends meet to complete the project,” he said.
According to him, the Niger Delta could sustain itself with its agricultural resources, particularly in rice production and fish farming, adding that by focusing on rice production, the region would not only meet its own needs but also contribute to the nation’s food supply.
He added that the region should not be solely defined by its oil reserves, but also by its agricultural achievements.
I’ll correct prolonged neglect of Niger-Delta – Tinubu
Police to commence e-motor registry enforcement July 29
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry beginning from July 29, 2024.
This, according to the police boss, is to modernise and digitize the motor vehicle registration system, bolstering the nation’s safety and security framework.
The e-CMR is an advanced, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data, designed to support police investigations, and operational activities, and combat vehicle-related crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
The transition to a digitalized system, according to the police, would streamline the documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.
In a statement on Saturday, the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said following the IGP’s directives, the e-CMR system will make services like change of ownership, license number, engine, and chassis/body seamless, ensuring vehicle genuineness, aiding in tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles, and preventing the sale of stolen vehicles to innocent buyers.
The statement read, “As part of the efforts of the IG to enhance the security of lives and property, the Nigeria Police Force is set to commence the enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) within the next 14 days, specifically on the July 29, 2024, to rejuvenate and digitalize the motor vehicle registration system, significantly bolstering our nation’s safety and security framework.
“Following the directives of the IGP, services such as change of ownership, change of license number, change of engine, and change of chassis/body would become seamless as the e-CMR system would ensure the validation of vehicle genuineness and ownership, enhancing the ability to track and recover stolen vehicles effectively, and preventing the purchase of stolen vehicles by innocent buyers.
“Prior to the enforcement itself, the IGP has ordered full publicity of the e-CMR and its enforcement to all members of the public, intimating them of the requirements, processes, and enforcement procedures. Members of the public are urged to obtain the digitalized CMR certificate online.”
Adejobi said the enforcement was necessary to secure the country and reduce the incidents of vehicle thefts, urging vehicle owners to cooperate with the police.
He added, “The Nigeria Police Force, while seeking the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents on this initiative, remains committed to leveraging technology and strategic approaches to enhance public safety and national security.
“The enforcement of the e-CMR is necessary to ensure a safer and secure environment for vehicle ownership and decimate the trend of vehicle theft by greatly reducing the possibility of selling stolen vehicles in the country. We therefore urge all vehicle owners and users to embrace and key into this initiative promptly for optimum safety and security.”
LG Autonomy: Supreme Court ruling end to fund diversion – Ohanaeze chieftain, Isiguzoro
Factional Secretary-general of apex lgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro has hailed the Supreme Court ruling which granted full financial autonomy to the 774 local governments in the country.
lsiguzoro stated that Thursday’s Supreme Court ruling on Local Government Autonomy was a significant milestone for democracy in Nigeria.
The Ohanaeze chietain added that Ndigbo applauds the decision, as it has put an end to the unchecked control and mismanagement of Local Government funds by State Governors.
He called for a crucial need for the implementation of the verdict to be effective in order to prevent further embezzlement and diversion of LGA allocations.
In a statement issued on Friday and available to TVN, lsiguzoro said it was imperative for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be constitutionally empowered to oversee Local Government elections.
The statement reads in part, “This will ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process, preventing governors from manipulating State Independent Electoral Commissions to place their loyalists in positions of power for their personal gain.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges Southeast Governors to embrace the Supreme Court’s ruling and act in accordance with it.
“By organizing free, fair, and credible Local Government elections in the region’s 95 LGAs, the governors can contribute to strengthening democratic governance and addressing security challenges at the grassroots level.
“Any attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court’s judgment through clandestine means will be closely monitored and met with resistance from the vigilant Nigerian and Igbo populace.
“Ohanaeze calls for the immediate conduct of Local Government elections in the Southeast. The Federal Government must collaborate with the National Assembly to empower INEC to oversee the entire process nationwide.
“This is essential to curb the long-standing impunity and corruption perpetuated by State Governors, thereby ensuring that Local Government funds are utilized for the benefit of the communities they serve.
“We caution Southeast Governors against any further delay or deviation from the Supreme Court’s directive. The era of appointing cronies and stooges to oversee Local Government affairs for personal gain must come to an end.
“Failure to comply with the Court’s ruling will result in legal action and severe repercussions for defiant governors.
“It is time for transparency, accountability, and probity to prevail in the administration of Local Government affairs.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands firm in its commitment to upholding democratic principles and fighting against corruption and malfeasance at all levels of government.
“We call on all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that the Supreme Court’s verdict on LGA Autonomy is fully implemented and that Local Government funds are utilized for the benefit of the Nigerian people.”
LG Autonomy: Supreme Court ruling end to fund diversion – Ohanaeze chieftain, Isiguzoro
LG Autonomy: Supreme Court judgment aligns with grassroots development principle – Gov Sule
Nasarawa State government has applauded the recent Supreme Court judgment granting full autonomy to local government areas across the country.
The decision, according to the state government, aligned perfectly with its dedication to democracy, transparency, and good governance at all levels.
In a statement signed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, the state government said that the judgment reinforced the principles of federalism and strengthened the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic system.
“This judgment marks a significant milestone in the evolution of our democracy and the protection of local government funds from undue interference.
“Under the visionary and transparent leadership of Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Nasarawa State welcomes this decision as it aligns with our commitment to uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and good governance at all levels of government,” the statement read.
Magaji further stated that the state government believed that granting autonomy to local governments would enhance grassroots democracy by empowering local authorities to make decisions that directly impact their communities.
He stated further that this move is seen as crucial for ensuring that resources meant for grassroots development are utilized effectively for the benefit of the people.
The statement also pointed out the government’s commitment to supporting and implementing the judgment, ensuring that councils operate independently, transparently, and accountability.
“We believe that this autonomy will lead to greater efficiency, improved service delivery, and increased development at the grassroots level,” it added.
The Nasarawa State government also called on all relevant stakeholders, including local government officials, civil society organizations, and the general public, to support the judgement and work together to maximize its positive impact for the benefit of communities.
LG Autonomy: Supreme Court judgment aligns with grassroots development principle – Gov Sule