Home Blog Page 2264

Lekki Massacre: Group wants Amnesty International, others sanctioned after US vindicates Nigerian Army

By
admin
-
0
#EndSARS: Court Grants Bail To Osun Protester, Seizes His Passport, Forbids Interviews

Following a report by the United States Department of State on the alleged killing of protesters at the Lekki toll gate, the Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) has called for sanctions on Amnesty International, Cable News Network (CNN) and others for misleading the world.

The group said the US has vindicated the Nigerian Army of any wrongdoing during the protest in Lagos, exposing the conspiracy by Amnesty and its cohorts.

The report tagged ‘2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria’ released on March 30, 2021, said claims that Nigerian forces killed protesters were “unverified”.

It explained that accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at the end of the year.

And speaking on behalf of CALSER, Executive Director, Ayima Aluor, welcomed the U.S’ report as it emphasises that the “bulk of the information in the public space was meant for mischief purposes and not a reflection of the events that transpired at the Lekki Tollgate”.

According to Aluor, AI acted in malaise and must be sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others notorious for spreading fake news to the detriment of peace and unity in Nigeria.

The group further called on the United States to identify and blacklist staff of AI behind the mischievous report, denying an entry visa to the country for the next 10 years.

While demanding an unreserved apology from the supposed human rights group to the Nigerian Army, CALSER warned sponsors of acts of political violence in Nigeria to desist from their nefarious activities.

Read the full statement below:

The leadership of the Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights welcomes you all to the critical press conference in light of the United States Department of State’s recent statement in its 2020 Reports on Human Rights Practices in Nigeria.

It is instructive to state that the events that led to the infamous #EndSARS protests across Nigeria indeed opened a Pandora’s Box on the various conspiracies against the Nigeria Army’s efforts in protecting and preserving the nascent democracy in Nigeria.

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights views the statement as a welcome development for all lovers of democracy because it has indeed exposed the conspiracy against the Nigerian Army by Amnesty International and its cohorts.

The report was quite elaborate and explicit. It stated that the claims made by some organizations such as Amnesty International regarding the number of casualties at the Lekki Tollgate could not be verified.

It is thus our considered view that the Nigerian Army has been vindicated, which by and large reinforces the fact that the bulk of the information in the public space was meant for mischief purposes and not a reflection of the events that transpired at the Lekki Tollgate.

It is said that the likes of Amnesty International indeed went to town with a disjointed narrative meant to mislead the members of the unsuspecting general public towards wiping up sentiments and discrediting the invaluable role towards addressing the mayhem that was unleashed in the polity by some vested interest.

This is on the heels that the report explicitly stated that there is no evidence to back up the claims that, indeed, the Nigerian Army fired live bullets into the crowd of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate. We also wish to state that the conflicting numbers of casualties are the handiwork of paid political distractors hiding under human rights groups’ nomenclature.

The statement further highlighted that accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at year’s end. Amnesty International reported ten persons died during the event, but the government disputed Amnesty’s report, and no other organization was able to verify the claim.

The implication of the above stated is that Amnesty International acted in malaise and a reason why we are demanding an unreserved apology from Amnesty International and other unscrupulous groups for attempting to cause a crisis of unimaginable proportion.

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights uses this medium to call on the relevant authorities to impose sanctions on Amnesty International to deter other individuals and groups that are notorious for spreading fake news at the detriment of peace and unity in Nigeria.

The likes of Amnesty International must be blacklisted for its mischievous narrative of a massacre at the Lekki Tollgate against the Nigerian Army. We are consequently demanding that Amnesty International and her staff and all persons behind the mischievous campaign against the Nigerian Army regarding the EndSARS protest in Nigeria be denied an entry visa to the United States of America for the next ten years.

This is especially important in light of the new revelation that has exposed the various conspiracies against the Nigerian authorities’ efforts towards the preservation of nascent democracy in the country.

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights is also conscious that if such anomaly is allowed to thrive, the larger consequences might be too big for Nigeria to bear given the spate of politically motivated tension in the country.

We also wish to use this medium to sound a note of warning to the sponsors of acts of political violence to desist from their nefarious activities as we shall not hesitate to mobilized Nigerians in their numbers to take to the street in a peaceful protest demanding an end to the activities of Amnesty International and other individuals and groups that are spreading fake news and misleading members of the unsuspecting general public.

Thus, our desire that the United States Department of State’s statement should indeed reawaken the consciousness in Nigerians that certainly Amnesty International does not mean well for the country. As such, all must be done to ensure that its highly misleading campaign against Nigeria is nipped in the bud.

This message is also intended for all those acting as proxies for Amnesty International in the country to desist from any further campaign of deceit and illogical conclusions, as Nigerians are now more enlightened on issues of national interest.

The Centre for African Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights would remain at the vanguard of ensuring that individuals and groups with ulterior motives are exposed in the quest for peace and sustainable growth and development.

We thank you all for your time and attention. We desire that Nigeria shall overcome its adversaries within the shortest possible time.

God bless Nigeria.

Chief of Air Staff arrives Borno as search for missing jet continues

By
coic
-
0

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has arrived in the state to keep abreast of development on how to recover a Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet which went missing last night after it lost contact with the radar.

Amao has since been briefed on the progress made so far in the efforts to locate the missing jet.

The missing jet was involved in the anti-terror war against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province when it lost radar contact in the north-east state.

It was specifically on a reconnaissance mission for the troops on land in their efforts to rid the state of insurgency.

The radar is the main air traffic control system for the airspace around airports. Air traffic controllers monitor aircraft within the airspace from the radar.

NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement, said the CAS “arrived Maiduguri this morning and was briefed on ongoing search and rescue efforts in connection with the missing Alpha Jet aircraft.

Gabkwet said Amao “urged pilots, engineers and technicians to remain undeterred and resolute in their commitment to ensuring that peace returns to the North East.”

The NAF spokesman, however, did not disclose the number of officers onboard the yet-to-be-found jet.

 

 

Resident doctors commence nationwide strike despite FG’s plea

By
coic
-
0

Members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors commenced a nationwide strike today despite Federal Government’s last-ditch attempt to stop the action.

The resident doctors, however, assured Nigerians that their action was not meant to hurt them.

They gave the explanation in a message posted on the association’s Twitter handle, @nard_nigeria, this morning.

The message read, “Nigerians must understand that we love them and the strike is not intended to hurt them but to challenge the Nigerian government @MBuhari @Fmohnigeria @LabourMinNG whose responsibilities amongst others is to care for her citizens and labour force to do the needful.”

The union’s President, Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, also confirmed to Channels TV that the strike had commenced by 8am today

NARD had cited poor working condition, demeaning renumeration among other reasons for embarking on strike.

Legend of Buratai: How former Army Chief is inspiring young Nigerians

By
coic
-
0

Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd) may no longer be Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, yet the now retired gallant soldier’s patriotism, gallantry and selflessness is inspiring the next generation of Nigerians.

Hailed as his country’s finest Army Chief, Buratai stepped aside from the military on January 26th 2021 – marking a meritorious end to a distinguished career.

His meteoric rise and exploits as COAS was aptly captured in two volumes of the book, ‘The Legend of Buratai’.

The books, co-authored by a seasoned journalist and essayist, Dr Abubakar Sani, is a true-life story of the former military chief.

During the unveiling of the first edition in 2019, Sani said he was inspired by Buratai’s legendary and therefore wanted the younger generation to read his incredible life and draw inspiration.

Furthering, he stated that the heroics of the former Army Chief is unrivalled and is something that would be a guide for the younger generation if recorded for them to read.

Just as forecasted by Sani, young Nigerians have began to draw lessons from Buratai, who is set to begin a new career path in diplomacy.

Some children displayed zeal to follow the former Army Chief’s example when a non-governmental organisation, PLAY it DREAM it,  on, Sunday, brought copies of the book to an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Abuja.

The initiator, Erelu Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, and her team were on the ground to coordinate the excited children who were very attentive as chapters of these books were read to them.

“Reading from these passages left all the children spellbound,” the organisers said.

“They wanted more. There were also members of the team that translated from English to Hausa, for those who needed an in-depth understanding of the passages.

“Even as they were there to listen to some awesome stories, they also had time to happily run around, playing football and engaging in other healthy exercises”.

‘Marrying two, three, four women helps save society’ – Ned Nwoko

By
coic
-
0

According to actress Regina Daniels’ billionaire husband cum politician, Ned Nwoko, marrying more than one wife helps save society.

Nwoko who has 6 wives in an interview with BBC Igbo, said the average northerner has at least two wives and this helps the society by preventing women from venturing into prostitution.

 In his words. “The average Northerner marrying two, three, four women, they are helping the society because it is the economic downturn that has affected so many women who you see doing prostitution and all that. But the fallacy of it all is that Christianity does not allow that in the South and yet, the average Southern man has 10 girlfriends.”
Speaking further, Nwoko said the polygamist nature of northerners has helped to increase their population and made them the majority in the country.

“I love my culture as I know it, not as they are trying to dilute it. Igbo culture is wonderful and should be promoted the way it has always been. But even looking at that, look at your population in Nigeria and what I will call economy of marriage, as an Igbo man with one wife, four children, a Northerner has four wives with five children each, in the next 10 years, 20 years, imagine the population of the Northerners.”

Ejike Asiegbu loses two in-laws, to be buried same day

By
coic
-
0

This is not the best of times for Veteran Nollywood star actor and former President of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Ejike Asiegbu,  who recently lost two family members.

It was reliably gathered that the seasoned star actor lost two of his in-laws a few months back. Interestingly, the late in-laws will be buried the same day on April 6, 2021 in Imo and Abia
states.

Ejike lost the elder brother to his darling wife, Ogechi, Mr. Ernest Ejike Anyiam and Pa Nicholas Chukwuemeka Iroanya, his Aunt’s husband.

Mr. Ernest Ejike Anyiam who died at the age of 65, would be buried on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Umukalu Village, Umukor, Nkwerre LGA, Imo State while Pa Nicholas Chukwuemeka Iroanya who will be buried same day in Mbaraokpu Village, Umueze, Eziama Ubakala in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State, died at the age of 88.

Bobrisky lists 100 Yams, 10 cows, others as bride price

By
coic
-
0

Bobrisky, a Nigerian internet personality who is also a self acclaimed transgender woman has kept social media users busy with his long list of bride price demands.

According to Bob born Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, he wants “100 tubers of yam, 50 bags of rice, 10 Gucci travelling bag, 50 Swiss lace, 50 pieces of Ankara, 100 sets of 18carat gold, 10 cows, 100 kola nut, 50 cartons of malt, 50 baskets of oranges, 50 bunch of banana, 50 Swiss head-tie, brand new G-wagon G63 2021 model, one bible”

Reacting to these, his fans on Instagram questioned his outrageous demands .

@cruzambitious wrote “Do you want to settle down in the market?”

@boofavour_ wrote “Na u go pay for the woman u won marry”

@adorablegalleries wrote “Ha! Lobatan… You have killed your inlaws BOB”

@njbabytc wrote “because na only you be woman?”

@abena.gina.9 wrote “Omo see list ooo”

@preshy_leeee wrote “Dem wan kuku sell u comot from the family… That bible na to fight spiritual war.”

PRESS/NEWSPAPER REVIEW: Press Talk 1st April, 2021

By
coic
-
0

NIS warns Nigerians against fake marriages to foreigners for resident permits

By
coic
-
0

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammed Babandede, has warned Nigerians against marrying foreigners in the attempt to procure resident permits.

Speaking at a meeting with journalists in Abuja yesterday, Babandede said such marriages deprive the federal government of expected revenue from tax, and constitute a punishable offence according to law.

He said the warning became necessary because NIS had noticed that in 2020, the number of foreigners who got resident permits in Nigeria had increased.

He added that arrests had been made, which included persons from China and Egypt.

“Last year, if you look at our annual report, we noticed an increase in persons who got resident permits because of marriage, which suggests the possibility of fake marriages to avoid payment for resident permits and tax is there,” NAN quoted him to have said.

“We are going to be very serious in investigating that and we have already started.

“I am glad to say that at the moment, we have a Chinese citizen whom we have arrested, who presented himself as a visa agent. We have also arrested many Egyptians who have arranged marriages with compromised officers, who are also facing disciplinary actions.

“So, fake marriage will be thoroughly investigated and we will have a special unit to investigate marriages, and we will know how to do it.

“So, we want Nigerians, both male and female, to avoid contractual marriages, because it is an offence under the Act, and an attempt to deny paying revenue to government.”

The NIS CG added that renewal of resident permits will, henceforth, be done upon presenting evidence of valid documents showing tax payment.

N53.36bn spent on pipeline repairs in 11 months – NNPC

By
coic
-
0

A data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation have shown that there is a reduction in the number of points on petroleum products pipelines vandalised in 2020 compared to 2019.

According to the data a total of 441 points on petroleum products were vandalised in 2020 while 2019 it was 1,484 points.

The data also revealed that the corporation spent N53.36bn on pipeline repairs and management cost from January to November.

“Products theft and vandalism have continued to destroy value and put NNPC at a disadvantaged competitive position,” the NNPC said in its latest monthly report.

The NNPC said in collaboration with the local communities and other stakeholders, it continuously strove to reduce and eventually eliminate this menace.

In December 2020, 43 pipeline points were vandalised representing about 18.60 per cent increase from the 35 points recorded in November 2020.

Giving a break down of the points according to the locations of the pipelines,the Corp said Mosimi Area accounted for 56 per cent of the vandalised points while Kaduna Area and Port Harcourt accounted for 33 per cent and 12 per cent respectively.

The number of pipeline points vandalised stood at 23 in October, 21 in September, 37 in August, 36 in July, and 33 in June.

The corporation recorded 37 vandalised points in May, 65 in April, 19 in March, 32 in February, and 60 in January.

It spent N5.48bn on pipeline repairs and management cost in January; N6.74bn in February; N7.69bn in March; N7.84bn in April; N7.99bn in May and N6.24bn in June.

The corporation spent N1.80bn in July; N1.49bn in August; N4.41bn in October, and N3.68bn in November. No repairs and management cost was incurred in September, according to the data.

In January, the national oil company said a total of 96 companies from various jurisdictions had indicated an interest in undertaking the rehabilitation of its downstream facilities, ranging from critical pipelines to depots and terminals, through the Build, Operate and Transfer financing model.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company, Mrs Ada Oyetunde, said the exercise was in conformity with the mandate of the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of critical downstream infrastructure across the country.

She listed the facilities that would be rehabilitated by successful bidders to include critical pipelines for crude oil supply to the refineries and evacuation of refined products, depots, and terminals.

According to her, the objective is to get them ready to support the refineries when they become operational after their rehabilitation.
Poor maintenance and vandalism have left many of the depots and pipelines idle for years, with the number of fuel tankers on the roads increasing and wreaking havoc.

1...2,2632,2642,265...2,853Page 2,264 of 2,853

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©