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Parrésia unveils book cover for Yishau’s ‘Vaults of Secrets’

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The cover for Vaults of Secrets, a collection of short stories by award-winning journalist and author of In the Name of Our Father, Olukorede S. Yishau, has been unveiled by Parrésia Publishers Limited.

The collection has 10 stories with themes such as rare gift, doppelganger cum reincarnation, justice dispensation, betrayal, paternity, childhood love, prison life and corruption

The stories in the collection flirt with the limits of freedom and bondage. They are means through which Yishau examines the nature of man and his ability to choose.

The book published under its traditional imprint, Regium, also explores man’s ability to live with the choices he has made.
Yishau’s debut novel, ‘In the Name of our Father’, has been a subject of critical reviews, including graduate dissertations and undergraduate theses. Two-time Booker Prize Finalist Chigozie Obioma described it as “a work of deceptive simplicity”.

The release date will be announced shortly.

Tripoli government ‘to boycott’ Arab League talks on Libya

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Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) has said it will boycott talks on the conflict in the North African country to be held by Arab League foreign ministers next week.

Foreign minister Mohamed Taher Siala told the bloc’s executive council on Friday that the planned meeting would “merely deepen the rift” between Arab governments on the conflict, his ministry said.

 

The talks, to be held by videoconference because of coronavirus-related concerns, were called for by Egypt, a key supporter of eastern-based renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar.

Siala complained there had been no prior consultation with his government, even though the meeting concerned Libya, and said the virtual format of the meeting was not appropriate for addressing the thorny issues involved.

The GNA has been on the ascendancy since its Turkish-backed forces defeated a year-long offensive by Haftar’s loyalists against the capital earlier this month and drove them out of western Libya.

Egypt responded with a peace initiative that was welcomed by fellow Haftar supporters the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, but was widely viewed as a bid to buy time for Haftar’s force to regroup.

The GNA and Turkey both dismissed the initiative and called for continued ceasefire negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations. Washington too called for UN-led ceasefire talks.

Libya has been mired in chaos since the 2011 uprising that overthrew and later killed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The latest escalation has been marked by an uptick in foreign involvement.

Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army controls eastern Libya and much of the south, where some of the main oil fields, the source of most of the North African country’s external revenue, are located.

Oil exports have been frozen for most of this year after eastern-based forces blockaded the ports, including the main ones near Sirte.

Last week, the National Oil Corporation briefly restarted production at two of the main oil fields, but was forced to close them again after a few hours.

Trump addresses campaign rally at half-empty Tulsa arena

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Hours before the rally, Trump’s campaign announced six members of its advance team had tested positive for COVID-19.
   Donald Trump
Trump arrives on stage to speak at a campaign rally at BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday [Evan Vucci/AP]

Gathering a smaller-than-expected crowd, President Donald Trump sought to reinvigorate his re-election campaign with a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, amid anti-racism protests in cities across the country and a still-strong coronavirus pandemic.

Even as the coronavirus death toll in the United States is nearing 120,000, Trump declared on Saturday night that his response to the pandemic saved “hundreds of thousands” of lives.

Trump also tried to explain away the crowd size, blaming it on the media for declaring “don’t go, don’t come, don’t do anything” while insisting there were protesters outside “doing bad things,” though the small crowds of prerally demonstrators were largely peaceful.

“We begin our campaign,” Trump thundered. “The silent majority is stronger than ever before.”

Trump has come under fire for his responses to the coronavirus and to the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died in the custody of Minneapolis police.

The US president has brushed aside criticism for his decision to hold his first rally since March 2 in Tulsa, the site of the country’s bloodiest outbreaks of racist violence against Black Americans some 100 years ago.

“Oklahoma and America need four more years of President Donald Trump in the White House!” Vice President Mike Pence told cheering supporters ahead of Trump’s address at the 19,000-seat BOK Center arena, where many empty seats were visible.

Trump campaign officials had said prior to the event that demand far outstripped the capacity of the venue.

But on Saturday night, almost half of the BOK Center arena were empty, and the campaign was forced to cancel an outdoor rally, after the expected overflow crowd did not show up.

 

Counter Insurgency: Borno engages 12, 735 Cjtf, Vigilantes, to Compliment Army

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In order to fast track the establishment of civil authority at the grassroots level, the Borno state government has engaged the services of 12, 735 members of Civilian Joint Tasks Force (CJTF), vigilantes and hunters in 25 out of 27 local government areas to compliment the efforts of Nigerian Army in the fight against insurgency and safeguard their respective communities .

Addressing newsmen at a Press bruefing to mark one year Aniversary of Governor Zulum in office, held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri on Saturday, Hon Sugun Mai Mele said “”the ministry had in this direction procured working tools , vehicles and payment of monthly allawances to enhance the operation of these groups. The government is expending the sum of N131,940 million monthly on payment of the allawances of the over 12,000 members of the CJTF, vigilantes and hunters.in addition, the Governor has granted an approval for the provision of AGO, PMS and other logistics to the security operatives operating in the state to compliment the efforts of the Federal government,”

He said “currently 23 out of 27 local government areas are operating in the headquarters of their respective local government areas, except Guzamala operating in Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai., as well as Abadam, Kukawa and Marte operating in Monguno, the headquaters of Mnnguno local government council.”

The commissioner further explained that ” the ministry for local government and emirate Affairs statutory functions revolves around the coordination of the state government”s polilicies and programmes for socioeconomic development of the people at the grassroots.”

“Construction and upgrading of Emirs wing, family wing and Guest wing at the palace of the Emir of Biu, the project had reached 90 percent completion, furnishing of the palaces of His Royal Highness the Shehu of Dikwa and Bana, which were destroyed by the Boko Haram insurgents, at the cost of N29 million each. the ministry was mandated to upgrade and furnish the palaces with a view to return them back to their palaces.”_ Hon. Sugun said.

Hon Mai Mele further said ” during the period under review, the ministry embarked on the construction of a befiting office complex for local government pension Board, Maiduguri, finishing of Local Government secretariat of Monguno, Biu and Bayo, the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the local government Secretariat is aimed at establishing civil authority at the local government. level”

Also within the last one year, Hom Mai Mele said “the ministry electrified Barjulang, Borgu, Kubo, Kuntur, Lakundun and Gndiri in Shani local government area Kukurpu, Saboda Allah pikatubu, Yara, Dzaku, Duraku Ngasam and Sakwa Bura in Hawul local government area.

On Agriculture, the commissioner said ” an approval for the procurement of 3,000 metric tones of NPK fertilizer at the cost of N270 million was graciously granted, the product is currently been supplied.

He noted that all these efforts are geared towards establishment and support for civil authority at the local government levels.

Operation Safe Haven: Troops kill three kidnappers, rescue victims in Plateau State

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Troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN have killed 3 kidnappers during a commando operation at Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau state.

Coordinator Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen John Enenche said the operation is in continuation of intensive clearance operations under Operation ACCORD aimed at curtailing the activities of bandits and other criminals in the North West and North Central region.

“The daring raid was conducted on 19 June 2020 sequel to actionable technical and human intelligence on the activities of a notorious kidnap kingpin at Pialat hotel Kwa in Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau state. Troops overwhelmed the suspects who opened fire on them, with superior fire power, neutralizing 3 bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Troops recovered  one Barreta pistol, one single barrel gun, 2 fabricated pistols, 4 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 4 cartridges, one motorcycle and one techno phone.” He said.

In a related development, still on 19 June 2020, troops in collaboration with local vigilante rescued a herder one Salisu Abdullahi who went missing while grazing around Bakin Rafi at Gidan Ado general area in Riyom LGA. The herder was duly evacuated to hospital for prompt medical attention.

“Furthermore, on same 19 June 2020, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper, one Alhaji Idris around Hawan-Kibo general area in Riyom LGA while 4 other suspected kidnappers were apprehended in connection with the kidnap of one Mr Abdullahi Abdullahi at Kwahas-Lahir area in Mangu LGA of Plateau state. All the suspects have been handed over to relevant civil authorities for further investigation and prosecution.” Enenche added.

Additionally, as part of Operation ACCORD Civil-Military Cooperation activities, Headquaters Operation SAFE HAVEN distributed relief materials to residents of Daffo district and Kuba village in Barkin Ladi LGA of the state. This was aimed at cushioning the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Military High Command while congratulating Operation SAFE HAVEN for their commitment and resilience urged the general public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Border closure collapses as Jigawa opens borders with Kano, Bauchi, Katsina and Yobe

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The Jigawa state government on Saturday said it now has only one active COVID-19 case in its isolation centres after 316 other patients recovered.

Governor Badaru Abubakar confirmed this in a press briefing at the State House in Dutse, the state capital. Abubakar also said his government was suspending the border closure with the neigbouring states of Kano, Bauchi, Katsina and Yobe.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Jigawa had reported a total of 317 cases of the novel coronavirus with six casualties, as of Friday evening.

“Fellow citizens of Jigawa state, I am pleased to inform you that our COVID-19 response strategy is continuously yielding results,” the Governor said.

He also announced the temporary closure of the isolation centre at Banuso “pending the time we get new COVID-19 patients above the capacity of our main isolation centre.”

APC in Diaspora seeks intervention of ex-chairmen to end crisis rocking party

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The All Progressives Congress Diaspora Forum has sought the intervention of two of its former chairmen to end the current crises rocking the party nationwide.

The group explained that the party needed their presence, attention and intervention as fathers and elder statesmen, who were the founding leaders of the party.

The APC Diaspora Forum made this known in a Save of Our Soul (SOS) statement jointly signed by its 12 Chairmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two former chairmen are Chief Adebisi Akande, APC First Interim and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former party National Chairman.

“We fear that unless something is urgently done and steps tare taken to bring peace, sanity and discipline back into the party,” the group said.

“The APC was envisaged and dreamt of by members at the foundation will sooner than later become history as a political party in Nigeria.

“We are convinced that many Nigerians from the different political parties, groups and associations who gave their best to see to not only the birth of this ideological movement for a progressive, social-democratic political party.

“They are in agony as they watch their hopes and emotional investment being dissipated on the altars of personal acrimonies without regard to the founding vision of this political party.

“Sirs, many Nigerians actually died in the struggle to see APC established as a force for political change for the good of Nigeria.

“Many gave selflessly of their time, intellect, finances and other material resources to ensure that this party became a reality.

The group, therefore, called on the pair to bring all groups back to the table of its common political brotherhood, as a disciplined force for good.

It said the two former leaders were indeed the fathers of the party, adding that both led the party during its infancy.

The APC group added that they had led the party through its teething age to becoming into a symbol of hope for millions of Nigerians; and the vehicle which liberated the country.

It added that they had also brought the party from the vice grip of a corruption focussed and entrenched group, who had held sway at the time of the coming to life of the great party.

According to them, “we are troubled to no end, that unending conflicts seem to have become the order, and not just at state levels, but also at the national level.

“The house you laboured day and night to lead in building, is actually being pulled apart, and the continued building process has become totally disrupted.

“On our part, we know the cost of this movement and project to us as leaders and members of the party in the Diaspora.

“As things stand today, APC transmuting into what it was not envisioned to be may have far more unpleasant consequences for our polity and country than anticipated.

“This is because a destabilised APC political party will reinforce the negative view of the Nigerian political leadership, and further cause disenchantment of young Nigerians to the possibilities of a better future and country.

“On the street, it is already being openly declared, by many who supported this party in the past; that APC is not different from the PDP.

“For any member of this progressive family, that should be taken for what it is: a nauseating insult.

“APC should, and is indeed in our view, be so completely distinguishable from the PDP, just as day is known to be too different from the night and death from life,” it said.

Recall that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s suspension as National Chairman was upheld by Appeal Court.

Subsequently, the National Working Committee appointed ex-Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi to act in the meantime.

However, Deputy National Secretary, Victor Giadom, declared himself as the rightful Chairman, a move that has further split the party into shreds.

Security: Kaduna Biu Community Commends Nigerian Army, Gen Buratai

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The Biu Community in Kaduna State has commended the Nigerian Army under the examplary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai for tireless and laudable efforts in ensuring security for Nigeria.

They expressed this on Saturday in Kaduna at a ceremony organised to console him on the death of his mother which occured recently.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Alhaji Bawa Garba (ABG), who is the patron of the association in Kaduna, said that Gen Buratai’s commitment to the peace, security and unity of Nigeria is unprecedented in the annals of Nigerian Army history.

Alhaji ABG said, “It is a big pride to Biu Community, Borno State and Nigeria as a whole to have visionary, selfless and committed leader and chief of Army Staff like Gen TY Buratai especially at the trying period of our country’s existence.,” he said.

Speaking further, he said no Chief of Army Staff in the history of Nigeria has recorded the numerous achievements that General Buratai has so far achieved. For an officer of this sterling qualities, Nigerians should appreciate his examplary efforts in securing Nigeria despite occasional hitches here and there. “The condition he met the Army and the scarce resources at his disposal as well as how he overcome obvious shortcomings without complain deserve our collective commendation not Vilification” he further stated.

“Another success we are particularly proud of is the success behind the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu, which without him, it wouldn’t have been possible.” We therefore thank President Muhammadu Buhari for granting the approval for the Army University Biu”.

In his response, General Buratai who was represented by the Acting Director Army Public Relations Colonel Sagir Musa thanked the community for their prayers and condolence message for the death of Gen Buratai’s mother, while assuring that the Nigerian Army is highly resolute and committed to overcome terrorism and other security challenges across the nation.

He commended the Biu Association/Babur Bura in Kaduna State for their unity and commitment to the welfare of their members.

“The community here in Kaduna has a rich history behind it. For almost 100 years, we have a building where our common heritage in the areas of living accommodation and a secretariat are based. Let me state that we have had many illustrious sons and daughters of Biu community in different walks of life, but no one cares to assist in renovating this historical edifice until when we seek for assistance from Gen Buratai which he favorably responded. It is therefore to his credit that part of this building is now renovated. This building is for Biu community and it is meant to ensure anybody from Biu coming to Kaduna without a place to put his head could be accommodated to such a period when he is able to get his own accommodation, Alh ABG stated.

General Buratai further thanks the leaders of the association for their prayers and goodwill for the Nigerian Army and conveyed the readiness of the Army under Lt Gen TY Buratai to overcome the security challenges facing Nigeria. He states that Gen Buratai is a humane, courageous, visionary and firm military leader whose major preoccupation is to see the speedy end of terrorism and other insecurities in Nigeria.

Military retires 342 soldiers

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The Nigerian military has retired 342 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from service after equipping them with skills for self reliance.

The retirees comprising 243 from the Army, 100 Navy and 16 Air Force personnel were disengaged at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, where they were camped for six-months reintegration as well as business and craftsmanship trainings to ease their life outside the uniform.

Speaking at the ceremony, NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Kingsley Lar said they were the first batch to be retired this year, adding that the second set would include 100 paramilitary and civil servants from key ministries who are due for retirement.

He commended the retirees for dedicating 35 years of their lives to the good of humanity, a task which has been mentally and physically strenuous.

“As you graduate today, you have transferred from active military duty to the legion of veterans who continue to make positive contributions to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” AVM Lar told the retirees.

According to him, a total of 359 were billed to attend the pre-retirement training at NAFRC but some of them were returned to their respective services for various reasons while a trainee trainer identified as Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Garuba Mohammed died on June 5, barely two weeks to the graduation.

“When they initially assembled in January, they were about 365 of them. Some were returned for various reasons and then we eventually commenced the training with about 343 of them. All of them completed the training but sadly, early this month, we lost one of the trainees.

“So, we graduated 342 but in keeping with guidelines on COVID-19, we only had symbolic graduation here today. We could not assemble all 342 of them here. Just about 65 of them participated in the ceremony.

“Like I have always said, you cannot separate development from security. The more people are trained, the more people can leave here and go and establish businesses and the more people you take out of the unemployment market. If you have people employed, the tendency for them to be engaging in criminal activities will be reduced.

“So defence headquarters has approved 100 slot for the police, paramilitary agencies including strategic ministries, departments and agencies of government to take up. If these agencies subscribe for the course, the next course is going to have people from the Police, Customs, Correctional Service, Immigration, Nema, Ministry of Finance, Defence, Foreign Affairs and so on.

“These are soldiers. They served 35 years, all they know is themselves but if you bring a hundred civilians, you are creating room for more engagements. They make friends outside their core areas of competence and they are able to leverage the linkages that they create to be able to even do far better in retirement,” he said.

AVM Lar said the COVID-19 lockdown did not affect the field trips aspect of the trainings because all practicals were concluded before the government banned movements. He also explained that all theoretical aspects were concluded inside NAFRC.

In spite of the pandemic, the Commandant described the retirees as fortunate, noting that President Muhammad Buhari had solved the major problem retirees faced.

“He approved a living pension for retiring military personnel unlike before where it was so little such that they did not even bother to register for the pension. But now, what you earn in retirement for some of the categories is even higher than what they were earning currently in service. Resources available to them have been greatly enhanced.

“The fear is that some of them may go out there and some bad guys in the society may want to benefit from where they did not sow. So, my advice is that there is no magic money anywhere that you can get that is better than the pension you will receive legitimately.

“Use the resources wisely. Invest in low risk areas so that you can sleep well and enjoy your retirement with your loved ones whom you did not have time with over the years,” he said.

Air Task Force Kills Scores of Boko Haram Terrorists, Destroy Gun Trucks at Bula Korege in Borno State

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The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has killed scores of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and immobilized one of their gun trucks at Bula Korege, a terrorists’ logistics distribution centre and meeting point, on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

This feat according to the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche was achieved via air strikes executed on 17 June 2020 as part of missions being conducted under the subsidiary Operation LONG REACH after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft spotted a large number of BHT fighters and a gun truck within the settlement.

”Consequently, the Air Task Force scrambled its fighter jets to attack the location. Upon arrival overhead the settlement, the NAF jets engaged the target area, taking out some structures and neutralizing some of the terrorists.

”The gun truck, while retreating from the location due to the strong firepower from the air, began engaging the attack aircraft with its anti-aircraft gun.

”However, the jets, after conducting evasive maneuvres, tracked the vehicle and subsequently immobilized it a few kilometres outside the village.

”The occupants of the truck, who attempted to flee, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the fighter jets.” He said.