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Most Democrats want Biden out of presidential race -Poll

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Most Democrats want Biden out of presidential race -Poll

More than half of Democrats in a new poll Thursday say Joe Biden should end his reelection bid after his debate performance against Donald Trump, although they remain in a dead heat despite the president’s poor showing.

Both candidates received 46 percent support among registered voters in the Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey, almost identical to the results of an ABC News-Ipsos poll in April.

Some 56 percent of Democrats and two-thirds of Americans overall want Biden to quit the White House race. Half of all respondents said his Republican challenger should drop out.

Were Vice President Kamala Harris to replace her boss as the Democratic nominee she would fare better, according to the poll, scoring 49 percent against Trump’s 47 percent.

Biden, 81, is facing a growing clamor among nervous Democrats to consider ending his campaign amid doubts over his mental fitness raised by his disastrous debate performance in Atlanta last month, when he struggled to finish sentences or communicate a coherent message.

Others, including influential former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, have stopped short of urging Biden to quit while stressing he needs to make a quick decision on his future — even with Biden insisting he is plowing on.

Hollywood actor and supporter George Clooney ratcheted up the pressure on Biden in a column calling on him to drop out, just weeks after holding a glitzy fundraiser for the president.

All eyes are on his first post-debate press conference later Thursday, at the NATO summit in Washington — a potential inflection point that many Democrats fell could seal the fate of his reelection bid.

Biden has given fewer news conferences than his predecessors and interviews are rare, leading critics to accuse the White House of shielding from the public the effects of age on America’s oldest president.

Some 85 percent of respondents in the new poll said Biden is too old for a second term — up from 81 percent in April and 68 percent around a year ago — while 60 percent say Trump is too old.

The Republican scored 55 percent in the April survey.

AFP

Lagos Assembly raises concern over lack of water supply

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Lagos Assembly raises concern over lack of water supply

The Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has expressed concern over unavailability of water supply in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs and Brand Management Unit of the Lagos State Water Corporation, LWC, Mrs Kehinde Fashola, on Thursday.
The committee led by Adebola Shabi raised concerns about the lack of water supply in most homes in the state during its oversight visit to the Lagos State Water Corporation.
Shabi requested a comprehensive report of the ongoing projects and the challenges faced by the LWC in producing water supply.
The Managing Director of LWC, Mukhtaar Tijani, assured the committee that he had been working diligently to ensure water supply reaches most homes in the state.
Tijani made reference to the recent connection of Baruwa Community to Mosan Okunola Waterworks as one of the steps taken to achieve this goal.
The Executive Director, Operations, LWC, Taiwo Omolanke, emphasized on customer’s reluctance in paying the already subsidized water bill.
She announced plans to meter all customers to ensure accountability for water produced.
Lagos Assembly raises concern over lack of water supply

Supreme Court judgment: SERAP threatens 36 govs, Wike with lawsuits if LG funds are not returned

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Supreme Court judgment: SERAP threatens 36 govs, Wike with lawsuits if LG funds are not returned

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike “to immediately account for and return the local government funds which they have collected over the years.”
SERAP’s call is coming on the heels of the landmark decision by the Supreme Court declaring unconstitutional and unlawful the retaining and using by the 36 state governors and FCT minister of funds meant for the 774 local governments in the country.
In a statement on Thursday signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We applaud the Supreme Court for this groundbreaking decision which will end the persistent alleged misappropriation by several of trillions of FAAC allocations or public funds meant for local governments.”
SERAP said, “Following the Supreme Court judgment, there is now a clear legal precedent to hold governors and FCT minister to account for how they have spent the local government funds collected by them.”
The statement, read in part: “Implicit in the Supreme Court judgment is the requirement for the governors and FCT minister to immediately account for and return the funds meant for local governments but retained and used or allegedly misused by them.
“Accounting for and returning the LGA funds collected would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.
“The National Assembly must urgently amend the provisions of Section 162 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] to ensure that local government allocations from the Federation Account are directly paid to local government areas and not collected by governors and FCT.
READ ALSO:Supreme Court in historic ruling grants local govts full financial autonomy
“If the governors and FCT minister fail to account for and return the funds meant for local governments in their states and FCT within 7 days, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel the governors and FCT minister to comply with our requests in the public interest.
“It is in the public interest for the governors and FCT minister to immediately account for and return the funds meant for local governments in their states and the FCT since 1999.
“Accounting for and returning the local government funds collected would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods, and enhance the ability of the local governments to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
“It would be recalled that former president Muhammadu Buhari had in December 2022 stated that, “If the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100m, N50m will be sent to the chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.’
“According to Buhari, ‘If the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.’”
“The 36 states in Nigeria and the federal capital territory, Abuja, have reportedly collected over N40 trillion federal allocations meant for the 774 local governments areas in the country and FCT.
“The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed to states N225.21 billion federal allocations meant for local governments in November 2023 alone. States also collected N258,810,449,711.47 federal allocations meant for local government areas in December 2023.”
The post Supreme Court judgment: SERAP threatens 36 govs, Wike with lawsuits if LG funds are not returned appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Terrorists targeting national critical infrastructure – Army

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Terrorists targeting national critical infrastructure – Army

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said its intelligence has uncovered plans by terrorists affiliated to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) to attack the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba said that the military and the security agencies responsible for securing critical infrastructure and facilities had emplaced measures to forestall the attacks.
“We are aware of some of the plans to target some critical infrastructure in the country.
”Accordingly, we have emplaced measures to forestall such plans because some of such plans have been frustrated,’’ he said.
Buba called on citizens to support the military in their fight against terrorists by fishing out collaborators living among them in their communities.
According to him, these terrorist are the enemy that must be fought and defeated.
He said that troops were confronted by a vicious enemy that were constantly trying to kill citizens or had killed citizens.
“In this fight, citizens must understand that, we must never compromise on security, otherwise everyone’s security will be compromised.
”This is a situation that cannot be over emphasised for us to live in safety and security.
”The military is doing what is needed by forcing the terrorist to pay a price for every act of aggression against citizens of the country.
“We recognise and have included this as part of our strategy to win the war.
“Overall, we have no choice but to fight for the safety and security of our citizens, to safeguard our nation and preserve our way of life as a people,’’ he said.
Terrorists targeting national critical infrastructure – Army

Kenya’s Ruto sacks ministers after deadly protests

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Kenya’s Ruto sacks ministers after deadly protests

Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Thursday the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet and consultations to form a “broad-based government” following widespread anti-government protests.

He said the move affects all ministers including the attorney-general but excluded prime cabinet secretary and foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Ruto said he decided on the dismissals “upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my cabinet and its achievements and challenges”.

The action follows largely peaceful protests led by young Gen-Z Kenyans that have widened into a broader campaign against Ruto and his government, with some demonstrations degenerating into deadly violence.

Ruto also said he will “immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government”.

This government would, he said, help him to develop “radical programmes” to deal with the country’s huge debt burden, increase job opportunities, eliminate government waste and “slay the dragon of corruption”.

AFP

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BREAKING: Minimum Wage impasse: NLC, TUC in crucial meeting with Tinubu

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BREAKING: Minimum Wage impasse: NLC, TUC in crucial meeting with Tinubu

Leaders of the organised labour have arrived the Presidential Villa for a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
The representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) arrived in a white Toyota Hiace Bus at 2:00 pm and were led straight into the President’s office.
The meeting is believed will resolve the impasse over the new national minium wage.
The Nigerian Government and organized labour have been at loggerheads over the implementation of a new minimum wage for workers.
While labour is demanding N250,00, the Nigerian Government had proposed N60,000 as new national minimum wage.
The meeting is coming about a month after the President promised to send an executive bill to the National Assembly on the national minimum wage.
BREAKING: Minimum Wage impasse: NLC, TUC in crucial meeting with Tinubu

The Backbone of Digital Possibilities

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The Backbone of Digital Possibilities

IHS Towers, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has made a significant mark in Nigeria since its inception in 2001. It has emerged as a pivotal player in the communications space, driving connectivity and innovation not only across Nigeria but across multiple continents.

Founded in Nigeria in a small office on Younis Bashorun Street in Victoria Island, Lagos by Sam Darwish,IHS Towers’ Chairman and CEO;William Saad, IHS Towers’ Chief Operating Officer, and Mohamad Darwish, IHSNigeria’s CEO, IHS Towers began its operations with a clear mission: to bridge the telecommunications gap in underserved regions. Over the years, the company has expanded its footprint, first across Africa, then Latin America and the Middle East. With a portfolio of approximately 40,000 towers, (including over 16,000in Nigeria), IHS Towers has become the third largest independent multinational TowerCoin the world (by tower count). IHS Towers’ footprint has expanded to include operations in Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Kuwait, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia.

Strategic acquisitions and organic expansion underpin the company’s growth. Notable acquisitions include the purchase of towers from MTN Nigeria Communications PLC and 9mobile in 2014 and 2015, the acquisition of Helios Towers Nigeria in 2016, and more than 15 other acquisitions of companies and towers across all its operating markets. These have significantly bolstered and broadened its infrastructure capabilities and today, the company offers six core solutions –colocation and lease amendments which actively promotes the sharing of existing infrastructure,building new sites in new locations where coverage doesn’t exist,in building solutions by wiring inside large buildings, small cells for dense areas, fibre connectivity to support broadband, and rural telephony to serve unconnected people in remote areas.

In 2021, IHS Towers expanded its service offering in Nigeria and commenced deployment of fibre through its subsidiary, Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL). GICL started in 2024 by completing the roll-out of more than 10,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as it serves to supportthe Federal Government’s National Broadband Plan of achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025.Due to the company’s global reach, it can draw on expertise and innovation from its broader fibre services. The most notable example of this is in Brazil where IHS Towers has, in partnership with the mobile network operator TIM Brasil (a subsidiary of Telecom Italia), established I-Systems, a specialist provider of shared optical fiber networks that currently passes approximately 8.8 million homes.These strategic moves have both expanded IHS Towers’ geographical footprint and enhanced its capacity to provide reliable, sustainable and customer-focused solutions.

IHS Towers achieved a major milestone in October 2021 when it listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), a move that opened doors to new capital and global recognition.  The listing further solidified IHS Towers’ position as a key player in the telecommunications industry.The company is now deftly positioned to play the role of a global corporate ambassador,as it strives to demonstrate globally the potential opportunities that continue to emanate from Nigeria and that Nigerian companies can succeed globally.

IHS Towers’ impact extends beyond the provision of communications infrastructure. The company plays a crucial role in driving economic development and empowering local communities. As an enabler of connectivity, it has helped facilitate the growth of digital economies, enhanced access to information, and supported the expansion of businesses and services in urban as well as remote and underserved areas. The connectivity that IHS facilitates serves as a catalyst for socioeconomic empowerment, enabling businesses to thrive and communities to access vital services.

In Nigeria, IHS Towers runs a comprehensive sustainability programme working with national and international organisations. Alongside UNICEF, they are helping develop child friendly communities in Nigeria, where access to clean water is easy, births are registered, and mothers are trained on health issues.

IHS Towers have also partnered with a Houston, US, based non-profit organization, Limitless Space Institute, dedicated to space education. The initiative involves taking ten teachers from Nigeria and immersing them in a 12-month Limitless Global Educator Program that will enable them to delve deep into the implications and benefits of space exploration. As part of the programme, they will tour leading space industry organizations, engage with subject matter experts, and collaborate to devise new and innovative lesson plans. The notion being that these teachers will then inspire their own students to dream big. After all, if three engineers were able to start a global company out of Nigeria, the next generation can also create wonders with education and determination.

More recently, IHS Nigeria has deepened its commitment to the development of technical skills among Nigerian youth through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative. Launched in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the 3MTT programme aims to train 3million young Nigerians with technical and digital skills over3years; an unprecedented challenge taken by the current administration.

Across the IHS Towers group, there is a clear commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing the company’s environmental footprint by using green energy solutions. In October 2022, the company announced its Carbon Reduction Roadmap and a goal to reduce the Scope 1 and Scope 2 kilowatt-hour emissions intensity of its tower portfolio by 50% by 2030. The strategy is to focus on connecting more sites to the electricity grid, deploying and integrating more battery storage and solar panel solutions through Project Green, the road map’s current phase. In their 2023 Sustainability Report, the company reported an 11% approximate reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 kilowatt-hour emissions intensity since 2021 and appears on track to achieving its 2030 goal.

The story of IHS Towers is one of growth, impact, and commitment to sustainable development. From its humble beginnings in Nigeria to its status as a global communications infrastructure giant, IHS Towers continues to demonstrate its dedication to empowering communities and driving economic progress through the power of mobile connectivity.Nigeria remains the backbone of IHS Towers, representing the largest market in its portfolio. What has been achieved is proof of what Nigeria can do. It is a story that should make every Nigerian proud, and every Nigerian a dreamer, a dreamer that he or she can overcome any odds and achieve the impossible.

Ex-minister, Mamman, collapses outside courtroom as money laundering case begins

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Ex-minister, Mamman, collapses outside courtroom as money laundering case begins

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman,  collapsed outside the courtroom on Thursday at a Federal High Court, Abuja, due to ill health.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mamman, whose plea was fixed for Thursday morning, collapsed outside the courtroom before the case was called.

The former minister’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, told Justice James Omotosho shortly when he was called to take his plea.

Upon resumed hearing, the ex-minister walked into the courtroom and stepped into the dock with part of his clothes drenched.

Justice Omotosho then asked why Mamman was sweating or whether it was raining outside.

The former minister, who responded from the dock, said water was poured on him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, while addressing the court, said though the matter was fixed for Mamman’s arraignment, there was a development outside the courtroom.

Olumide-Fusika said he had a discussion with Ate outside the courtroom about Mamman’s ill-health.

“I was informed of an incident outside. I will want my learner senior advocate to tell the honourable court himself,” he said.

Speaking, Ate said Mamman, “upon being brought into the premises of the court collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.”

He said his client was served with the charge after he was resuscitated.

“He was served this morning,” he added.

The senior lawyer said he sought the understanding of Olumide-Fusika for an adjournment so that the arraignment could be done on Monday when his client would have been okay.

However, the judge said, due to the workload in the court dockets, the arraignment could only be fixed for September ending.

Ate then withdrew the oral application for an adjournment.

Olumide-Fusika said he had just filed an amended charge earlier in the morning following a mistake in the name of the defendant and prayed the court that the fresh charge be read to Mamman to take his plea but Justice Omotosho disagreed with him.

The judge, however, asked Mamman if he was fit enough to take his plea today and he responded in affirmative.

The former minister explained to the court that he collapsed outside the courtroom because of the drugs he took when he had not eaten, and while he was outside the courtroom waiting to be called, his blood pressure dropped.

Mamman, however, said he was fit to continue with the arraignment.

“It can happen to any one,” the judge said.

The ex-minister told the court that he called the attention of his lawyer to the error made by the EFCC on the name in the charge served on him.

“I was complaining about the name, that it was not my own,” he said.

Justice Omotosho then stepped down the arraignment until 1pm today.

NAN reports that the EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman.

He was alleged to have committed money laundering offences to the tune of N33 billion.

The former minister served under former President Buhari from 2019 to 2021.

On May 10, 2021, he was arrested and detained at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja.

Buhari had September 1, 2021, sacked Mamman and the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, in what was called a cabinet restructuring.

Mamman was accused of conspiring with staff of the ministry in charge of the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to divert about N22 billion.

The investigations uncovered property in Nigeria and overseas allegedly linked to the suspects, while millions of naira and dollars had reportedly been recovered.

(NAN)

Australian dad charged with triple murder for allegedly setting home ablaze, killing three children

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Australian dad charged with triple murder for allegedly setting home ablaze, killing three children

An Australian father, 28, has been charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder for allegedly setting his home on fire, resulting in the deaths of three of his children.

The incident occurred in western Sydney’s Lalor Park, where the father, who remains in hospital under police guard, is accused of locking the door and preventing the family from escaping.

“Police will allege this man is solely responsible for setting fires inside the premises,” said New South Wales detective superintendent Daniel Doherty.

An accelerant was used to fuel the fire, and the doors were locked, trapping the family inside. A neighbor courageously rescued four of the children and their mother, but the father allegedly prevented him from saving an 11-year-old boy.

The victims included two boys aged two and six and a five-month-old baby girl. The four other children are in stable condition in hospital, and their mother has been released after treatment.

Reps condemn unlawful detention of journalists

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Reps condemn unlawful detention of journalists

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Tuesday condemned the incessant arrest and detention of journalists in the country while carrying out their constitutionally assigned role.

Coming under a motion of urgent public importance titled “Need to curtail the incessant and unlawful arrest and detention of journalists by law enforcement agencies”, sponsor of the motion and member representing Abak/Etomi Ekpon/Ika Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, Clement Jimbo, lamented the spate of unlawful arrest of journalists in Nigeria, saying the development must be addressed to protect the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

The Green Chamber stressed the importance of a free press to the growth and sustenance of democracy and warned perpetrators of harassment against journalists to desist from such practice.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Nigerian Police Force and other law enforcement agencies “To cautiously and democratically rely on Section 24 of Cybercrime Act 2015 as amended and/or charge anyone including journalists to court if they have violated any law of the land instead of depriving them of their constitutional right.”

It further pledged to “Pass laws to strengthen press freedom protections, as well as conduct inquiries into recent cases of journalist detention, and engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.”

Leading the debate, Jimbo said, “There has been a troubling increase in the number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed for carrying out their professional duties, relying on the offence of Cyber-stalking within the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.

“In recent times, between 2015 and 2024, there has been incessant unwarranted arrest, unlawful detention and several other forms of harassment and intimidation meted out at least 25 journalists in the course of their duty, which is threatening the very fundamental pillar of democracy, and culminating into a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech.”

Jimbo also noted that despite the move by the Federal Government to promote freedom of speech, journalists continue to suffer untold harassment at the hands of law enforcement agencies.

“Earlier in 2024, the President signed the Amended Act with a substantial adjustment on Section 24, which listed what constitutes cyber-stalking and provided the punishment for such.

“The law enforcement agents neglected this aspect and continued their clampdown on free speech.

“Regrettably, at least 10 journalists have been arrested in the past year and 15 of them in the last regime,” he added.

Should this trend continue unabated, the All Progressives Congress lawmaker said the practice of the profession might become too difficult to venture into.

“The House is concerned that apart from this arrest of journalists and its consequences, it may lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in the country’s media space, and this Fourth Republic democracy will be impugned by her admirers due to the excesses of those perpetuating this act of arbitrary absolutism.

“The House is worried that the arrest in March 2024 of Mr Daniel Ojukwu, in particular, was most disturbing as his commando-style arrest came barely 43 hours after this year’s World Press Day.

“Actions like this have led to international opinion rating Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous places to practice by Reporters Without Borders,” he added.

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