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Buhari Commissions Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, as Annual COAS Conference Kicks-Off in Abuja

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President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command as part of efforts to boost the capacity of the Army in mitigating cyber attacks.

The President performed the function virtually while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff annual conference at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri, Abuja.

Commending the efforts of the Army in the fight Against insecurity and in support of civil Authorities, the President said the construction of the cyber Warfare Command is an indication that the Army is alive to the changing nature of warfare which is gradually moving into the cyber domain.

Also launched was a Housing scheme for Next of Kin of personnel of the Nigerian Army killed in action.

Buhari is optimistic that the initiative will act as a huge morale booster to the troops on the frontlines as well as project the Army in good light.

Performing the ground breaking ceremony on behalf of the President, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) commended the Army for the several efforts aimed at boosting the morale of the force.

Similarly the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Army Smart Ville Estate in Life Camp Abuja.

According to the Chief of Army Staff, while the force make efforts to see to the welfare of Families of fallen heroes it is also mindful of the sacrifices of those in active service.

Maradona to appear on Argentine banknotes

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Late Argentina football legend, Diego Maradona might have his image put on new banknotes in the country following a proposal by a senator.

Maradona, who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, died two weeks ago at the age of 60, with tributes since pouring from around the world.

The former Napoli star, whose name has been immortalized by the club as their homes ground had been renamed in honour of the legend, is set to also appear on banknotes in his country.

The bill was proposed by Senator Norma Durango, who presented same to Congress on Monday.

The proposal was for the late player’s face to get on the 1,000-peso note, with his face on one side of the note and a picture of one of his most famous goals on the other.

The bill suggests the notes should “carry the effigy of Diego Armando Maradona on one side and the moment of the second goal against England, scored in Mexico, on 22 June 1986, on the other”, newspaper La Nación reports.

The senator also suggested putting his image on commemorative stamps.

“The idea is not just to recognise our most important idol, but also to think of the economic question,” Ms Durango said.

“We feel that when tourists come here they will want to take a ‘Maradona’ away with them.”

The 1986 World Cup winner was captain when Argentina won the tournament, scoring the second famous “Hand of God” goal against England in the quarter-finals.

Ms Durango said the final decision would be made by lawmakers, who are expected to hear her proposal early next year.

‘Nigeria doesn’t engage in religious freedom violation’, FG replies US

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The Federal Government has denied engaging in “systematic” and “egregious” violations of religious freedom.

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed denied the allegation in a release on Tuesday in reaction to the United States designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom.

Mohammed described the allegation as a case of honest disagreement between the two nations on the causes of violence in Nigeria.

“Nigeria does not engage in religious freedom violation, neither does it have a policy of religious persecution. Victims of insecurity and terrorism in the country are adherents of Christianity, Islam and other religions,” the minister said.

Mohammed said Nigeria jealously protects religious freedom as enshrined in the country’s constitution and takes seriously any infringements in this regard.

Troops sustain clearance operations, crush more terrorists and recover arms in Northeast

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Troops of Operation FIRE BALL have killed five terrorists and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition as they intensify clearance operations in the Northeast theatre.

In a statement, Acting Director Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen Bernard Onyeuko disclosed that, following actionable intelligence on Boko Haram criminals activities, troops of 222 Battalion in conjunction with elements of Borno State Civilian Joint Task Force conducted an aggressive fighting patrol to the general area of Margumari village.

”The highly motivated troops made contact and immediately engaged some marauding Boko Haram criminals lurking in the area.

”During the brief but decisive encounter, 4 Boko Haram criminals were neutralized while one FN Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle, 2 FN Rifle magazines and 4 AK 47 Rifle magazines were captured from the fleeing criminals.

”Additionally, 29 Rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 39 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 Motorcycles, Motorcycle repair tools and one Tecno phone were also captured.

”Earlier, on 5 December 2020, troops of 144 Battalion conducted a robust clearance patrol to Yafa, Kirchinga and Shuwarin general areas. Troops made contact and engaged the criminals at Yafa.

”In the ensuing gun battle, one Boko Haram criminal was neutralized while several others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.” He added.

General Onyeuko while commending the troops for their doggedness and resilience urged residents to provide actionable intelligence to troops and assured that the Armed Forces will continue in their resolve to rid the region of remnants of the criminals.

Don’t beat your wife and run to Benue for reconciliation, Shehu Sani tells Nigerians

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Senator Shehu Sani has reacted to the reconciliation of Channels TV reporter Pius Angbo and his wife Ifeyinwa Angbo after she made allegations of domestic violence against him.

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom got the couple to settle their differences on Monday.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Sani commended Ortom for the reconciliation effort, advising couples not to toe the path of domestic violence.

“That was just one-off commendable peace parley. Please, don’t start beating your spouse and rushing to Makurdi for reconciliation,” the former Kaduna legislator wrote.

Buhari commissions Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command

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President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command as part of efforts to boost the capacity of the Army in mitigating cyber attacks.

The President performed the function virtually while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff annual conference at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri, Abuja.

Commending the efforts of the Army in the fight Against insecurity and in support of civil Authorities, the President said the construction of the cyber Warfare Command is an indication that the Army is alive to the changing nature of warfare which is gradually moving into the cyber domain.

Also launched was a Housing scheme for Next of Kin of personnel of the Nigerian Army killed in action.

Buhari is optimistic that the initiative will act as a huge morale booster to the troops on the frontlines as well as project the Army in good light.

Performing the ground breaking ceremony on behalf of the President, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) commended the Army for the several efforts aimed at boosting the morale of the force.

Similarly the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Army Smart Ville Estate in Life Camp Abuja.

According to the Chief of Army Staff, while the force make efforts to see to the welfare of Families of fallen heroes it is also mindful of the sacrifices of those in active service.

US adds Nigeria on religious freedom blacklist with China, Saudi Arabia

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The United States on Monday added Nigeria to a blacklist on religious freedoms for the first time.

The list also includes countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the West African nation, an ally of the US, was among “countries of concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.”

“The US is unwavering in its commitment to religious freedom. No country or entity should be allowed to persecute people with impunity because of their beliefs,” Pompeo said in a tweet. “These annual designations show that when religious freedom is attacked, we will act.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the West African nation, an ally of the US, was among “countries of concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.”

“The US is unwavering in its commitment to religious freedom. No country or entity should be allowed to persecute people with impunity because of their beliefs,” Pompeo said in a tweet. “These annual designations show that when religious freedom is attacked, we will act.”

The US State Department found that eight out of 10 people around the world face restrictions on religious freedom. “Where religious freedom is absent, terrorism and violence fester. Our advocacy for religious communities abroad helps to ensure the protection and prosperity of Americans at home,” the State Department said in a statement.

“Religious freedom is our ‘first freedom,'” Pompeo said on Monday at a dinner gala in Washington. “When we, each of us, can worship freely and openly discuss the eternal questions of the soul, we can understand how we ought to live our lives – both individually and as a society,” he said.

Notably absent from the list was India, where critics of the Hindu nationalist BJP say the religious freedom has seen a sharp decline since Prime Minister Narendra Modi swept to power in 2014.

India has a growing relationship with Washington, and ties have improved under President Donald Trump, who has ignored the issue of declining religious freedom in the South Asian country during his tenure.

Read: Spectacle’- The Call For Buhari’s Impeachment

I supported Buhari in 2019, Umahi says

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Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, on Monday admitted that he supported President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general election.

Umahi, who stated this at the foundation laying ceremony of a housing project in his home town- Uburu, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should not waste time in accusing him of giving the president 25 percent votes during the election.

“I preached it (support for Buhari) in the entire South-East zone of the country, that the person who supports us is whom we will support,” he said.

“I joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the president’s love for Ebonyi even if for no other reason.

“My eyes are on the ball on what will get to my people.”

The governor said he would submit a proposal for the channelisation work on the housing project and expressed optimism the president would approve the request.

Umahi added: “You know I am his (Buhari) son, so you can be sure that I will get the approval.

“You can say anything you want to say but the president loves me and I love him also.

“I do not know how this love happened, but you should realise that grace is always upon the house of David.”

The governor also disclosed that he has barred all his appointees and supporters from reacting to verbal attacks from the PDP over his decision to join the APC.

“I am the father of the state and should be ashamed that Ebonyi is heading into bitterness and disunity.

“I have decided to forgive all those who wronged me and seek the same from those who may have been hurt in this process which I take responsibility for.

“We should practice the Christianity we profess and this forgiveness has ensured that my blood pressure has dropped to 110/ 20 from 120/ 20,” he stated.

Umahi, however, said the decision to forgive his critics should not be mistaken for weakness.

“The people should know that David is a man of war.

“God has directed that we stop this fight and we have no regrets being pencils in his hands.

“I thank all those who intervened in this matter such as the Catholic Bishop of Abakalki Diocese, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the state Founding Fathers’ Forum and Ohanaze Ndigbo among others,” the governor concluded

Read also: SERAP gives Ebonyi Governor 48 hours Ultimatum to reverse ban on Sun, Vanguard

FG Slashes Fuel Price By N5 After Meeting With Organised Labour

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THE Federal Government has agreed that the price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called Petroleum, be reduced by N5.

The decision was taken after a five-hour meeting with the representatives of the organised labour in Abuja.

The government also assured labour that the distribution of free prepaid metres will begin soon across the country.

Yesterday’s meeting was called to address the grievances of the organised Labour, whose representatives had walked out of an earlier meeting with the representatives of the government about two weeks ago.

The representatives of organised Labour had accused the federal government of refusing to honour the agreement reached in their previous meeting by increasing the price of fuel when negotiations were still on course. The Festus Keyamo-led committee has been saddled with the responsibility of drawing conclusions on other matters in record time

Read also: Fuel Price: PDP rejects N123.5 price tweak, insists on N90 per liter

FG slashes fuel price by N5 after meeting with organised labour

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THE Federal Government has agreed that the price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called Petroleum, be reduced  by N5.

The decision was taken after a five-hour meeting with the representatives of the organised labour in Abuja.

The government also assured labour that the distribution of free prepaid metres will begin soon across the country.

Yesterday’s meeting was called to address the grievances of the organised Labour, whose representatives had walked out of an earlier meeting with the representatives of the government about two weeks ago.

The representatives of organised Labour had accused the federal government of refusing to honour the agreement reached in their previous meeting by increasing the price of fuel when negotiations were still on course. The Festus Keyamo-led committee has been saddled with the responsibility of drawing conclusions on other matters in record time

Read also: Nigeria: Fuel Price Hike – Labour Leaders Walk-Out On Ngige, Others