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Nigerian Immigration commences issuance of residence permits

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will in the next three months commence the issuance of Residence Permits to foreign nationals in the country.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Muhammad Babbandede during the passing out ceremony of the 44th Superintendent Basic Course for 396 trained officers at the Immigration Training School, Kano said any foreigner who fails to secure his or her permit by the end of the exercise risks deportation.

“In the face of global reality coupled with the insurgency and other serious security threats, Nigeria must take all necessary steps in protecting its sovereignty for the citizens to go about their lawful businesses in peace.”.

“The Service has taken serious steps in ensuring that, “our borders are protected and Nigeria becomes safer for business and encourage the inflow of foreign direct investments without undermining national security,” said the Immigration Boss

He said they have so far trained 611 officers in Modern Border Management in Kano alone, adding that the Service is currently training another batch of 1000 officers.

The Immigration boss also stated that” the Federal Government has approved the establishment of e-border with the upgrade of passenger clearance system, installation of MIDAS, establishment of the border patrol to FOB and the ongoing Technology Building”.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Bar. Georgina Ehuriah, said, “the Nigerian Immigration Service has remained very committed in staff training and discipline and so I assume that the Cadets that are passing out into the officers’ corps of the NIS must have duly paid the prize in character and conduct to be so admitted into the officers’ corps.”

The Commandant of the Kano Immigration School, CIS Rasheed Segun Adegoke said the School has witnessed unprecedented capacity development of infrastructure and training of manpower.

He added that they have since reintroduced Field-Trip for Cadets in line with the new validated curriculum.

 

Oil bunkering: Nigerian troops crush notorious cultist, Korobe Loveday in Rivers

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Oil bunkering: Nigerian troops crush notorious cultist, Korobe Loveday in Rivers

A statement by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Col Aminu Iliyasu has disclosed the ‘crushing’ of a notorious cultist, specialized in oil bunkering activities in the early hours of Sunday, the 16th of June 2019.

According to the statement, “Troops of 29 Battalion of 6 Division Nigerian Army (NA) in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) guarding Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Trans National Pipelines at Gio community in Tai Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State were attacked by suspected militants who were hitherto prevented from vandalizing  24″ and 28” TNP thereby putting them out of the illicit business. 

“Unfortunately, during the ensuing fire fight one soldier and 2 personnels of the NSCDC lost their lives and their weapons (one AK 47 and 2 G3 rifles) were carted away by the assailants.

“An immediate reinforcement by troops at the location led to the cordon and search of the general area with the view to finding any  criminal believed to be harbouring within the  communities. 

“Reliable intelligence led to the tracking of the prime suspect, a  notorious cultist and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele Loveday who has been on the wanted list of the security agencies for terrorizing communities in the state. 

“Consequently, at about 9:00am, troops cashing on available information sighted a white Toyota Hilux vehicle without number plate, hastily driven with 4 occupants. Efforts to stop the vehicle by troops at a check point was ignored. The gallant troops chased the speeding vehicle and  caught up with the suspects around Kira Junction, along Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic.

“Sensing danger, the occupants opened fire at the troops in a bid to escape. Troops reacted, and  incapacitated the militants’ vehicle. As a result, the bandits abandoned their vehicle and fled to the bush. However, one of the criminals was gunned down and was identified as the wanted notorious cultists and illegal oil bunkering kingpin Korobe Menele – popularly known as MENE. Others with him, believed to escape with gun shot wounds – leaving trails of blood. 

“The following tems were  recovered from the scene and in the vehicle:, 1 x K2 Rifle, 2 x Magazines loaded with 52 Rounds of 5.56mm, some personal effects, one pair of vehicle plate number KRK 95DP RIVERS and some documents”. 

The statement further disclosed that body of the deceased and other recovered exhibits has been handed over to the NSCDC State Command for further action, while troops continue to track the remaining fleeing bandits to face  justice.

Notre Dame Cathedral holds first Mass after inferno

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The Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit (C) greets other members of the clergy following the first mass in a side chapel, two months to the day after a devastating fire engulfed the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, on June 15, 2019, in Paris. - The Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris hosted its first mass on June 15, 2019, exactly two months after the devastating blaze that shocked France and the world. For safety reasons, the mass led by Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit was celebrated on a very small scale. Worshippers donned hard hats but priests wore their ceremonial garb. (Photo by Karine PERRET / POOL / AFP)
Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral’s rector Patrick Chauvet (L) greets people arriving for the first mass of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral two months after the fire, on June 15, 2019 in Paris.

The Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris hosted its first mass on Saturday exactly two months after a devastating blaze that shocked the world, with priests and worshippers wearing hard hats to protect themselves against possible falling debris.

Dressed in a white robe and helmet, Archbishop of Paris Michel Aupetit led the service, which was attended by just some 30 people — half of them clergy.

The mass started at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT) in the Chapel of the Virgin on the east side of the cathedral, confirmed to be safe. It was broadcast live on Catholic TV channel KTO.

Aupetit was joined by the rector of Notre-Dame, Patrick Chauvet, other clergy, volunteers, people working on the restoration as well a handful of lay worshippers.

The date was chosen as it is the anniversary of the consecration of the cathedral’s altar, which is celebrated every year on June 16.

The date is “highly significant, spiritually,” Chauvet told AFP, adding he was happy to be able to show that “Notre-Dame is truly alive”.

‘Inventive’ reconstruction

President Emmanuel Macron has set an ambitious target of five years for restoring Notre-Dame, which was gutted by a fire on April 15 that felled its steeple and consumed the lattice of beams supporting the roof.

The diocese is awaiting a response from the French authorities over whether it can re-open the esplanade in front of the cathedral to the public.

If the authorities approve the plan, the idea is to celebrate evening prayers there, the diocese said.

The church has also floated the idea of erecting a temporary structure in front of the cathedral to welcome worshippers while the building is being repaired.

Up to 150 workers have been working at the cathedral daily since the fire, continuing to remove debris and stabilise the structure.

Two large white canopies have been placed above the nave and the choir to ensure the edifice is protected, including from the rain.

Macron’s call for an “inventive” rather than identical reconstruction of the steeple has left some architects up in arms.

Meanwhile, legislation over the reconstruction has been blocked in parliament over disagreements between the upper and lower houses and is now only expected to be adopted at the end of July.

Pledges of some 850 million euros ($960 million) had been made from prominent French businessmen and ordinary citizens but only around 10 percent of that has been donated so far.

France Info public radio said just 80 million euros had been handed over, with businessmen giving the money in tranches and some private individuals renouncing their pledges due to the apparent success of the campaign.

Buhari’s cabinet: Tinubu men begin moves to stop Ambode’s nomination, may petition EFCC

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There are indications that the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, may be part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s next cabinet.

It has, however, been gathered that party men loyal to the National Leader of the ruling party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, may have begun moves to scuttle plan to appoint Ambode as a minister.

Top party chiefs in the Mandate Group alleged that the immediate past governor of Lagos State frustrated many party members in Lagos State during his tenure and there was, therefore, the need “to teach him a lesson.”

Consequently, the aggrieved party men were said to be making moves to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over Ambode’s alleged financial misappropriation and corruption.

Ambode, who has been out of the country since he left office in May, returned from France a few days ago. He was said to be favoured by Buhari’s kitchen cabinet.

One of the sources said, “Ambode tried to destroy the party in his first term. Apart from not being accessible, he revoked contracts belonging to party members and brought in his own companies. He tried to destroy our chances by trying to undermine Sanwo-Olu at every turn.

“He did not campaign for us. Rather, he was following Buhari all over the place. He should not expect to represent Lagos in any capacity. We will not allow him have any appointment.”

Another source alleged that Ambode was not an indigene of Lagos State.

The source said, “Ambode is from Ondo State and he cannot deny it. Yes, he was governor in Lagos State but the constitution allows that. However, the constitution states clearly that only an indigene of a state can represent that state as far as ministerial appointments are concerned.

“We will ensure that the three senators from Lagos State block his nomination in the event that he is nominated by the President. There must be party discipline.”

Tiv leader leads thugs to attack residents in Lagos

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The police in Lagos have arrested one Peter Thomas, the chairman of Tiv community in Idasho town, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of the state, for allegedly leading thugs to attack some residents with machetes.

Two men identified as Azeez Lawal and David Friday, and a woman, Funmilayo Olanipekun, were reportedly injured by the hoodlums.

Trouble started in the community when Lawal stopped a Tiv man from defecating at a corner around his shop.

The man was said to have put up resistance which led to a fight between him and Lawal, who was with some of his friends.

It was gathered that after they were separated, the Tiv man reported the incident to Thomas, who allegedly led thugs to attack Lawal and his friends with machetes.

The four injured persons were rushed to Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital and a private hospital in the neighbourhood.

A source in the community told our correspondent that the case was reported to the police at the Akodo division, adding that the Tiv leader had been arrested.

He said, “The incident happened on Monday, May 27, 2019 when Lawal and his friends were chatting close to his shop. A Tiv man wanted to defecate around his shop. Lawal cautioned the man, but he was not willing to take heed.

“They started arguing with each other and a fight ensued. They were separated and the matter was settled. Some minutes later, the Tiv chairman in the community and his kinsmen started going after Yoruba people with machetes. They injured Lawal and three other persons. The Tiv chairman has been arrested by the police. His accomplices are still at large.”

A resident, who only identified himself as Akindele, said the matter would have degenerated into a crisis but for the intervention of a Yoruba chief in Idasho town, the head of Hausa community in the neighbourhood and the police.

“The Tiv chairman led thugs to attack people around 10pm on that day. Many people were shocked because the matter between his kinsman and Lawal, who is Yoruba, had been settled,” he added.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bala Elkana, who confirmed the incident, said the command had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

He said the police had received a distress call from one Chief Giwa, a leader in the community, adding that peace had been restored to the area.

Elkana said, “One Chief Giwa reported to the police that there was a fracas at Idasho town and that some hoodlums were attacking people with machetes. A police team was mobilised to the scene to restore peace.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that a Tiv man, who was prevented from defecating where one Azeez Lawal and others sat down, went to one Peter Thomas, the acclaimed chairman of Tiv community in Idasho town, after the matter had been resolved.

“The chairman and some suspected thugs went on the rampage and inflicted injuries on Lawal and some residents, who sustained varying degrees of injury. The victims were taken to hospitals and the said Peter Thomas was arrested. Efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplices.”

The PPRO said the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, for further investigation.

MAN RAPES OWN MOTHER IN IMO

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Imo State Command, has arrested one Paul Ihuaku for allegedly raping his mother.

Briefing journalists on Thursday, the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Raji Ibrahim, said the suspect was arrested by the operatives of the corps following a tip-off.

It was gathered that after the incident, the mother reported the suspect to the youth in the area, who apprehended him and alerted men of the corps.

“The men of the command later proceeded to the residence of the suspect and arrested him,” he added.

Fielding questions from journalists, the suspect confessed to the crime, adding that he was under the influence of alcohol.

“After drinking on that fateful evening, there was a heavy downpour and I could not resist the urge for sex; so, I had to use a local pistol to threaten my mother to submission and I later raped her,” Ihuaku stated.

Asked if he was married, the suspect said he did not have the means yet, as he was not doing anything tangible.

“I was not bewitched. I was under the influence of alcohol,” he added.

It was also gathered that the incident took place in the village house the suspect is living in with his mother.

The mother (name withheld) confessed that the incident was the second time.

She said, “I was in the kitchen and saw him (Ihuaku) with a pistol. He used it to threaten me. He told me that he would kill me. I could not do anything other than to beg him to drop the gun.

“It was in the process that he threw me on the ground and it (rape) happened.

“I had to call on the youth the next morning, as the incident happened when it was already dark and damp. The youth later went to the NSCDC headquarters in Itu to report him, hence his arrest.”

Woman who said whisky was key to long life dies at 112

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Britain’s oldest person, Grace Jones, who claims whisky is key to long life dies at 112,

According to Metro Uk, Grace Jones died in her sleep at her home in Broadway, Worcestershire last Friday, her family revealed.

Grace was born in Liverpool on September 16, 1906, five years after the death of Queen Victoria.

She took the title of the oldest UK person last summer after the previous oldest person, Olive Boar’s died aged 113.

According to her daughter, Deirdre McCarthy, 80, said her mum was very fit and active right up until the very end.

Speaking about her life, Grace had revealed the secret to living a long life.

She said, “I have a little drop of whiskey with a drop of water every night. Whisky is very good for you.

“I started having a nightly tot of it when I turned 50 so I’ve been having it every night for the last 60 years and I certainly have no intention of stopping now.

“My doctor said, ‘Keep up with the whisky Grace. It’s good for your heart. I don’t worry, I think that’s the worst thing you can do.”

According to the Oldest in Britain website, the title of the oldest person has now been passed to 111-year-old Dorothy Payne, of Sevenoaks, Kent, who was born on August 5, 1907.

Address me as ‘First Lady’ henceforth, not ‘Wife of the President’ – Aisha Buhari

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The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, on Thursday, announced her decision to be addressed as the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

She said this would take effect immediately in order to resolve the issue of the title of wives of governors.

Buhari disclosed her new official title at the presentation of awards to the former and current wives of Governors of the 36 states.

The event held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“When my husband was newly elected, I personally chose to be called the wife of the President.

“But, I realised that it causes confusion from the state as to whether the wives of state governors are to be addressed as the first ladies or wives of the governors.

“So, forgive me for confusing you from the beginning, but now I chose to be called the first lady,” she said.

Buhari, Tinubu will soon taste el-Rufai’s venom, says Shehu Sani

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Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has described the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, as a hypocrite, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari will soon taste the poisonous venom of el-Rufai.

Sani said this in a Facebook post while responding to el-Rufai’s comments online.

El-Rufai had posted photos of Sani and former lawmaker, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, mocking them and boasting that he was responsible for their defeat in the last elections and their “permanent” retirement from politics.

In his response, however, Sani described the governor “as a neophyte who relies on the popularity of President Buhari to win elections.”

The former lawmaker said el-Rufai’s inability to emerge as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum showed that the Kaduna governor could not win anything without Buhari’s help.

He said el-Rufai was an “opportunist who uses people in power only to betray them later.”

Sani added, “You can’t claim to have ‘retired’ anyone from politics when all your life is about hanging on President Buhari and dropping his name to achieve your goals. You have yet to prove your ‘power of retirement’ by standing on your feet though the recent one you did was trying to be the chairman of governors’ forum and you woefully failed.

“Your treacherous history of jumping from one godfather to another is well-known to all Nigerians. And I have always believed that it’s a matter of time before PMB will have a taste of your patented venom and perfidy once you reach a point that he is of no further importance to you.”

Sani said before he dumped the All Progressives Congress in late 2018, he told Buhari; the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole; and National Leader, Bola Tinubu, that el-Rufai would attack them too “when the time is right.”

The activist said he could not understand why el-Rufai and members of his family continually attacked him.

He added, “Before I left the APC, I told PMB and Oshiomhole and Tinubu that you will insult, betray and fight them. It is in your DNA.

“The liquor of power makes you think and act like a god, enjoy it while it lasts. It seems your mind is still troubled. If not, Shehu Sani could not have been in your diminutive heart long after you have ‘retired him.’”

The former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna-Central Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019, said el-Rufai knelt before Oshiomhole during the APC primaries of 2018 in order to snatch his ticket.

BREAKING: LAWAN SWEARS IN OKOROCHA AS SENATOR

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Rochas Okorocha
Rochas Okorocha

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan on Thursday sworn-in a former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, as a senator.

Okorocha was not inaugurated on Tuesday because he had yet to collect his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The former governor will represent the Imo West Senatorial District at the red chamber.

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