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NATO concerns grow as China, Russia flex military muscle

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NATO concerns grow as China, Russia flex military muscle

China said Friday it was conducting joint military drills with Russia along its southern coast, after a US-led Western defence alliance met in Washington and Japan warned of a growing threat from Beijing’s strong ties with Moscow.

China’s defence ministry said the two militaries had begun the exercises, called Joint Sea-2024, in “early July” and they would last until the middle of this month.

The drills in the waters and airspace around Zhanjiang, a city in southern Guangdong province, are “to demonstrate the resolve and capabilities of the two sides in jointly addressing maritime security threats and preserving global and regional peace and stability”, the ministry said.

It added that the exercises “will further deepen China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era”.

They were taking place in accordance with Beijing and Moscow’s annual plan for military engagement, according to the ministry.

The announcement came in the same week that NATO leaders convened in Washington to reaffirm support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion.

China and Russia have drawn closer in recent years and tout their friendship as having “no limits”, and both share hostile relations with NATO.

NATO leaders said in a declaration on Wednesday that China had “become a decisive enabler” of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting Beijing to warn NATO against “provoking confrontation”.

China maintains that it is not a party to the Ukraine conflict but has been criticised by Western leaders for giving political and economic support to Russia, including in the trade of goods with both civilian and military uses.

Chinese forces are also staging drills this week with Belarus, another Russian ally, on NATO’s eastern border.

And Japan said Friday that joint China-Russia activities near its territory pose a “grave concern from the perspective of national security”.

AFP.

2025 budget: Rivers people to witness functional health system – Fubara assures

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2025 budget: Rivers people to witness functional health system – Fubara assures

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the state will witness a massive, quality functional healthcare system that will be reliable and affordable.
Fubara gave the assurance when he received a World Health Organisation, WHO, delegation, led by the Country Representative, Dr Kazadi Molumbo in Port Harcourt.
He said that his administration would commit huge budgetary allocation to the health sector in the 2025 budget to give necessary financial support for quality healthcare services.
The governor added that the reason for the huge budget was to strengthen what was done already, in ensuring that healthcare facilities are functional at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
According to him, the 2025 budget will focus on three key areas such as health, education and agriculture.
He explained that “we believe that when we roll out that budget, greater part of the health issues and services will be accommodated.
“I know quite alright that one of the most important things, if we go by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, affordable healthcare is one major thing that is a key target.”
Fubara said that WHO is working with the state government to ensure that the facilities would not be for the privileged, but also for the less-privileged in the society.
He appreciated the global body for the wonderful work done both on supervisory and support roles in the health sector worldwide.
The country representative commended Fubara for efforts and political will to achieve the SDGs and ensure that the people enjoy good health and well-being by 2030.
He said that Nigeria, like most countries of the world, is lagging behind in terms of reaching the SDGs by 2030.
Molumbo emphasized the global call to do things differently to rescue people, telling the governor that but something is very encouraging in your administration, and I will like to commend your efforts in providing an enabling environment for stakeholders in the health sector.
“We also noted your commitment toward improving primary healthcare services and the drive to improve the health status of Rivers people.”
2025 budget: Rivers people to witness functional health system – Fubara assures

LG autonomy Tinubu’s biggest achievement so far — Ndume

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LG autonomy Tinubu’s biggest achievement so far — Ndume

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has said that securing the financial autonomy for Local Governments has been the greatest achievement of President Bola Tinubu since he assumed office in 2023.

Ndume made this known while hailing the administration of Tinubu, for initiating a court action at the Supreme Court, which has now birthed a new financial regime for Local Governments Councils across the country.

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Ndume described the judgment as the biggest achievement of President Tinubu so far since he assumed office in May 2023.

The Borno South lawmaker also called on Tinubu to immediately commence the implementation of the court judgment without further delay, noting that the people at the grassroots must begin to feel the impacts of good governance.

Ndume said since state governors hijacked the Local Government administration in Nigeria, by relying on a controversial section of the 1999 Constitution as amended, no meaningful development has happened at the grassroots.

He said, “This court action instituted at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the biggest of his achievements. I’m very happy about the development, and I’m hoping that this will be the beginning of the liberation of local governments in Nigeria.

“I urge the President to immediately commence the implementation of the Court judgment. Local Government Councils need to start getting their monthly allocations immediately without any further delays. The people at the grassroots levels will begin to feel the impacts of good governance now.”

Ndume added, “The National Assembly made several attempts to amend the 1999 Constitution and address this grey area. But governors didn’t allow the State Assemblies to give the constitutional concurrence. That was how the attempts failed.

“President Muhammadu Buhari also tried to intervene. Governors didn’t allow him. With this Supreme Court judgment, the issue has finally been resolved. No more unnecessary deductions from funds earmarked for local governments.

“The people can now hold the Council chairmen accountable for how they spend their monthly allocations. They’ll begin to demand true accountability and judicious use of the funds they’ll be getting. I salute the courage of President Tinubu.”

In its judgment, on Thursday, the apex court directed that local government allocations from the Federation Account should be paid directly to them, going forward.

The Supreme Court declared that it was unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for Local Government Areas.

In its lead judgment, read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the highest court in Nigeria, observed that the refusal of State Governments on financial autonomy for Local Governments has gone on for over two decades.

Justice Agim said Local Governments have since stopped receiving the money meant for them from the state governors who act in their stead.

He noted that the 774 Local Government Councils in the country should manage their funds themselves. The revered Justice dismissed the preliminary objections of the defendants (state governors).

Kenya youths demand Ruto’s resignation, mull fresh protest

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Kenya youths demand Ruto’s resignation, mull fresh protest

Young Kenyans on Friday dismissed President William Ruto’s decision to sack most of his cabinet, with some warning that they would resume street protests unless he steps down.

Ruto has been scrambling to contain the fallout of deadly protests against proposed tax hikes after last month’s peaceful rallies descended into violence and tapped into widespread anger against his government.

Organised online and led largely by young, Gen-Z Kenyans, the protests have plunged Ruto’s administration into the most serious crisis of his two-year presidency, forcing him to abandon the finance bill containing the tax hikes.

In the latest move to defuse tensions, Ruto on Thursday dismissed all cabinet ministers including the attorney-general, with the exception of Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

But the announcement, while welcomed by some, did not appease some young Kenyans frustrated with Ruto’s failure to deliver on his 2022 election promise to create jobs and boost their fortunes.

Hyrence Mwangi, 25, said: “We will be back on the streets until Ruto goes. He has wasted two years in office travelling and telling lies.”

Initially peaceful, the protests sharply escalated when police fired at crowds who stormed parliament, ransacking the partly ablaze complex.

While large-scale street protests have subsided, anger against the government has not, particularly towards the police, with rights groups saying that 39 people were killed in the demonstrations.

“When we first went to the streets, Ruto dismissed us as a bunch of hired goons and criminals, only to come later and start saying he will make changes,” said 27-year-old Jackson Rotich.

“We can’t trust him.”

Law student Melisa Agufana, 24, said she wanted to “thank the president for listening”, adding that ministers had “wasted two years doing nothing apart from being driven around with our national flag.”

Analysts said the move offered the possibility of a fresh start but warned of further risks.

“The challenge that Ruto now faces is forming a new cabinet that includes various vested interests, whilst simultaneously calming popular anger”, Gabrielle Lynch, professor of comparative politics at the University of Warwick, told AFP.

Last week, Ruto announced sharp cuts to government spending, including travel and refurbishment costs, and said he would increase borrowing to pay for some services even as Kenya grapples with massive foreign debt equivalent to roughly 70 percent of GDP.

The crisis led US-based Moody’s to downgrade Kenya’s debt rating further into junk territory, warning of a negative outlook, which will make borrowing even more expensive for the cash-strapped government.

Ruto said Thursday that he would “immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government”, without elaborating further.

AFP

Ibom Air expands fleet with new Airbus A220-300

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Ibom Air expands fleet with new Airbus A220-300

Ibom Air has announced the addition of a new Airbus A220-300 to its fleet, marking a strategic move to increase capacity and meet growing demand.

The General Manager for Marketing and Communication, Ibom Air, Aniekan Essienette, said this in a statement on Friday.

Ibom Air is a commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Essienette said, “The acquisition, sourced from Carlyle Aviation, underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its services.

“In October 2021, Ibom Air placed a firm order for ten Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with the first delivery occurring in November 2023. However, the rising demand for the airline’s services has accelerated its expansion plans.

“The airline decided to purchase this A220 from Carlyle Aviation, a world-renowned aircraft lessor and global player in the industry.”

Recall that in February, Ibom Air announced the end of its wet lease operations, signifying a significant shift.

Essienette also said, “The imminent deployment of Ibom Air’s newly acquired A220-300 signifies the airline’s move away from temporary leasing arrangements.“

The event held at Maastricht Airport, in the Netherlands was graced by His Excellency Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno.

He was joined by several dignitaries, including Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, and Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Effiong Johnson.

 

Ibom Air’s Executive team, including Chief Executive Officer, Mfon Udom and Chief Operating Officer, George Uriesi, were present, reflecting the airline’s strong leadership and vision.

 

Essienette said, “The addition of this aircraft will bring Ibom Air’s fleet of A220s to 11, after the delivery of the outstanding nine units. It is worth noting the continuing embrace of aircraft financing by Nigerian banks.

 

“This new purchase was financed by both Fidelity and Union Banks, with Fidelity as the majority partner. Ibom Air is delighted to have Nigerian financial institutions supporting its growth, the statement read in parts.”

Nembe women protest over oil spill, demand cleanup in Bayelsa

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Nembe women protest over oil spill, demand cleanup in Bayelsa

Women from Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Friday, carried out a warning protest against the operator of Oil Mining Licence 29 – Aiteo Eastern and Production Company.

The protesters who displayed placards at the company’s loading point, demanded a clean-up following an oil spillage incident that occurred on Monday, June 17, 2024; provision of relief materials and payment of adequate compensation, among others.

Our correspondent gathered that the women, who started the protest at about 6.30 am, gave Aiteo a two-week ultimatum to meet their demands, failure of which they would fully occupy the company’s loading point at Nembe Creek.

Details later…

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Oyo receives over 52,000 applications for teachers’ recruitment

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Oyo receives over 52,000 applications for teachers’ recruitment

The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board has announced the closure of its online portal for recruiting primary school teachers, with a total of 52,423 applications received during the application window.

The job application portal for recruiting 7,000 primary school teachers was opened on June 25, 2024.

A statement signed by Oyo SUBEB Chairman, Nureni Adeniran, on Thursday, said the job application portal was closed after the July 9 deadline.

He said, “We are impressed by this response which shows that people are truly keen and excited to work with the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board. However, we are compelled to close the portal, as the deadline has passed.”

Adeniran added, “We received not less than 52,423 submitted applications within the number of days of opening the portal. That was impressive.

“After shutting the portal, our team has started sorting out the applications to pick the suitably qualified candidates who will be contacted by the Board.”

According to the chairman, the basic education sub-sector is dear to Governor Seyi Makinde.

He advised applicants to be wary of fake news on the ongoing recruitment process, advising them to regularly check their e-mails and phones for more information on the next steps.

Adeniran stressed that after the applications are sorted, “the next stage will be the CBT examination. The date, venue and time scheduled for each candidate, will be sent to them through their emails and phone numbers.”

In another development, the Board has called for synergy between it and the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board.

This was revealed during a courtesy visit to Oyo SUBEB by the local government staff pension board Chairman, Akeem Ige.

Adeniran said the synergy would assist in ensuring a faster process in the documentation of retired primary school teachers.

Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists reportedly escape in Niger mass prison break

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Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists reportedly escape in Niger mass prison break

Hundreds of terrorists, criminals and drug traffickers have escaped from the Koutoukalé prison in Niger Republic.
The prison, located near the capital city of Niamey, was the scene of a violent mutiny on Thursday that overwhelmed guards and allowed inmates to escape with weapons and vehicles.
According to eyewitness accounts, gunshots and explosions were heard from inside the prison around midday, prompting a quick response from security forces.
However, it was reported that the inmates had already gained control of the prison, breaking through armored gates, barbed wire, and trenches.
It was gathered that two previous attempts by terrorists to attack the prison had been thwarted.
The country’s Interior Minister reportedly issued a radio message to all governors, confirming the escape and urging village chiefs and religious leaders to report any suspicious individuals.
A curfew has been declared in the Tillabéri region, and the entire River Niger region is on high alert.
Hundreds of Boko Haram terrorists reportedly escape in Niger mass prison break

Imo ex-LP gov candidate lauds S’Court ruling

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Imo ex-LP gov candidate lauds S’Court ruling

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Imo State governorship election, Senator Athan Achonu, has applauded the Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the local governments in the country.

In a landmark judgment on Thursday, the Supreme Court delivered a resounding victory for local government autonomy.

In a statement he personally signed and made available to The According, Achonu described the ruling as a victory for democracy, saying, “This ruling is a major triumph for democracy and the empowerment of local communities, which have long been stifled by the undue control of state governments over funds meant for local government areas.”

The former governorship candidate added, “As someone who has campaigned tirelessly for over two decades for full local government autonomy, I, Senator Athan Achonu, commend this ruling as a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. It reaffirms the fundamental principles of federalism and ensures that local governments are empowered to deliver essential services directly to the people.

“May I use this opportunity to commend Mr. President, Bola Tinubu, and the Attorney-General of the Federation for taking this patriotic step towards disentangling the local governments from the strange clutches of the state governors.

“I also commend the National Assembly for the constitutional amendment for INEC to conduct local government elections.”

He maintained that “this victory would not be complete without the scrapping of state electoral commissions.”

He, therefore, called on organised labour, student groups, and youth organisations “to engage and possibly pressure all the states Houses of Assembly until they ratify the amendment.”

He added, “This is crucial for the realisation of true local government autonomy and for ensuring that local elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

“The Supreme Court’s judgment underscores the importance of local governance and its critical role in national development. By ensuring that funds allocated to local councils are used for their intended purposes, this ruling will enhance transparency, accountability, and the efficient delivery of public services. It represents a clear mandate for state governments to respect the autonomy of local governments and adhere to the principles of good governance.

“I call on all stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, to embrace this decision and work collaboratively towards its implementation. This is not just a victory for local governments, but for all Nigerians who will benefit from the improved governance and development that this autonomy will bring.

“It is a time for celebration and renewed commitment to building a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. As we move forward, let us remain steadfast in our dedication to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that the voice of every Nigerian is heard and respected. The journey towards full local government autonomy has been long and challenging, but this ruling brings us closer to realizing the vision of a truly decentralized and responsive government.”

Kardashians, others to attend wedding of Asia’s richest man’s daughter

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Kardashians, others to attend wedding of Asia’s richest man’s daughter

Socialite sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian were among the global celebrities spotted in India on Friday to attend a lavish three-day wedding ceremony staged by Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani.

Ambani’s youngest son Anant and fiancee Radhika Merchant, both 29, will tie the knot over the weekend in the financial capital Mumbai following months of pre-marriage parties that have set a new benchmark in matrimonial extravagance.

Earlier celebrations included a European cruise for 1,200 guests, a purpose-built Hindu temple at the Ambani family’s ancestral home, and private performances by R&B star Rihanna and Canada’s Justin Bieber.

The Kardashians are the latest in a long line of famous foreign VIPs to make an appearance.

Elder sister Kim shared an Instagram story showing her car mobbed by Indian photographers shortly after her arrival and both siblings receiving flower garlands from staff at their luxury hotel.

Former British prime ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair were also spotted by reporters arriving at Mumbai airport ahead of the party beginning later on Friday.

In June, the couple embarked on a four-day Mediterranean cruise, where singer Katy Perry performed at a masquerade ball at a French chateau in Cannes.

The Backstreet Boys, US rapper Pitbull, and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also provided entertainment.

Guests at earlier galas have included Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and former US president Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, along with a who’s who of India’s sporting and entertainment worlds.

This week’s opulent celebrations are set to raise the bar, with even more celebrities, politicians, and global business elites jetting into the monsoon-hit megacity of Mumbai.

Former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, boxing star Mike Tyson and actor John Cena are among the other names rumoured to be attending.

Anant’s father Mukesh is chairman of Reliance Industries, a family-founded conglomerate that has grown into India’s biggest company by market cap.

The patriarch is the world’s 11th richest person with a fortune of more than $113 billion, according to Forbes, and is no stranger to making a statement when it comes to family marriages.

He held the most expensive wedding in India to date for his daughter in 2018, which reportedly cost $100 million and saw US singer Beyonce perform.

Ambani is also a key ally of India’s right-wing Hindu nationalist leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He inherited a thriving industrial enterprise spanning oil, gas, and petrochemicals and grew it into a commercial behemoth with lucrative interests in retail, telecommunications, and an Indian Premier League cricket team.

His 27-floor family home Antilia is one of Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks, reportedly costing more than $1 billion to build and with a permanent staff of 600 servants.

Merchant is the daughter of well-known pharmaceutical moguls.

AFP

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