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
Terrorists targeting national critical infrastructure – Army
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
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
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
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
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
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.
You are gone forever, Fubara mocks defected Rivers lawmakers loyal to Wike (Video)
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday, mocked the 26 House of Assembly members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said they can never return to the Assembly as their seats were vacant despite a court order for them to be reinstated.
Fubara who spoke during a solidarity visit by opinion leaders, women, and youths of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas led by Ogbakor Etche at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, urged the former lawmakers who are loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, “to wake up from their slumber to see the ship of governance in the state sailing on smoothly.”
While addressing the gathering, Fubara stated categorically that the seats of the former Speaker of the 10th Assembly of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule and the other lawmakers remains vacant.
He also dismissed what he termed as ranting and noise-making from delusional folks, insisting that his administration has started preparing details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, with priority placed on education, healthcare and agriculture.
“Let me assure you that agriculture is an area that we have promised the very special and peace-loving people of Rivers State that our 2025 budget, which we have already started preparing, will address.
“Don’t bother about those people who are delusional. They think we are still sleeping. Let me tell you people so that they can hear anywhere they are.
“We all know how they crossed to join APC. And how did they cross? Because of our God. For them to make that mistake, they are gone, and they are gone.
”I wanted to help them, sincerely because I know them. And I have said it before, these are people that I have helped. I paid their children’s school fees. I paid their house rent. So, I wanted to help them.
READ ALSO:Rivers Gov Fubara suspects foul play in Police investigation into bomb explosion
“We all knew what happened when they defected. Now, let me tell you: when I wanted to help them, I accepted to help them because we are all one. We disagree to agree as it is said. They thought they were smart.
“What is holding them back is the declaration of their seat vacant, which was done in December 2023.
“For me, I have started preparing my budget for 2025, which I am going to present very soon.
“Don’t allow anybody to deceive you. They can come to the media and dance. When they go behind, they cry. It is the truth.”
Speaking further, Fubara also promised to prioritize the provision of quality healthcare and education for the citizens.
“Our children need to go to quality schools. Even if they can’t go to private schools, let them go to the public ones that have standards. We need to go to good health facilities owned by the government and get standard healthcare services.
“Even if we cannot afford those private hospitals, when you go to the public ones, you can get the same services with qualified professionals. That is our thinking.
“And when we get to the issue of agriculture, it will address the issue of unemployment. When we start engaging our youths, they won’t have time to be involved in crime. So, our thinking is to secure and protect our State,” he said.
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Effective whistle-blowing critical to fight against corruption – EFCC
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, says the war against corruption cannot be won through lip service, emotional outbursts or mere mob campaigns.
Olukoyede stated this on Thursday on the occasion of 2024 African Anti-corruption Day in Kaduna.
He said the world over, the issue of corruption has been a bane to both local and global development.
“There is a need for commitment, passion, consistency and credibility of intelligence. Every whistle blown must point towards truth and evidential proofs. There is punishment for false claims and misleading intelligence,” he warned.
According to him, there can be no accurate statistical or quantitative evaluation of the havoc corruption is wreaking on genuine efforts at development because of its pervasive and recurring nature.
“Aside terrorism, corruption ranks as the next deadliest affliction of humanity in every region of the world,” he added.
“In view of the danger and threat to our existence which corruption represents, it is imperative that individuals, communities, corporate bodies and indeed the whole world join hands together to tackle it frontally. One way of doing this is through the whistle-blowing initiative.”
“The Whistle-Blowing Policy in Nigeria, was launched on December 21, 2016 by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Finance as an anti-corruption programme that encourages people to voluntarily disclose information about fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconduct, abuse or embezzlement of government assets and any other form of corruption or theft,” he said.
Effective whistle-blowing critical to fight against corruption – EFCC
LASTMA diverts traffic on Lagos road for drainage rehabilitation
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has developed strategic plans to address the expected increase in traffic congestion in Jibowu to Agnes axis in Lagos State.
According to a statement on Thursday by the General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the expected traffic congestion is due to plans by the Ministry of Works and Drainage to rehabilitate the project sites (Jibowu to Agnes) with comprehensive traffic management measures.
He advised commuters heading towards these areas to take alternative routes from Fadeyi-Jibowu via Muritala Mohammed Way to Montgomery Road, saying that motorists can connect to Harvey Road and then to Agnes Junction.
“From there, they can navigate through Sabo and Alagomeji to the Third Mainland Bridge.
Vehicles bound for Obalende from Fadeyi to Jibowu via Muritala Mohammed Way can link to Herbert Macaulay from Alagomeji and continue their journey to Adekunle, then connect to the Third Mainland Bridge.
“Motorists coming from Mushin en route to Empire heading to Obalende can follow the same route to connect to UNILAG or Obalende,” he added.
According to him, LASTMA officials have been strategically positioned at various choke points to manage traffic and address any incidents or emergencies.
He noted that personnel have been mobilised to provide real-time traffic updates and emergency information via the Agency’s social media handles, stressing that recovery vehicles have been strategically placed to respond to any incidents in real-time.
“Robust collaboration with other law enforcement and security agencies is in place to manage traffic and handle unforeseen circumstances.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this closure, which is part of our efforts to ensure a serene and weather-resilient atmosphere in Lagos,” he averred.
Kenya’s Ruto sacks ministers after deadly protests
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