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FG says hate speech, fake news greatest threats to 2019 Polls

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FG says hate speech, fake news greatest threats to 2019 Polls

The Federal Government has said fake news and hate speech constitute the biggest threats to the 2019 general election, and appealed to states to join in the ongoing campaign to sensitise Nigerians to the dangers posed by the twin evils.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this in Kaduna on Thursday, during the official opening of the 47th National Council on Information (NCI).

”With the 2019 general elections just a little over 60 days away, there is no issue that is more relevant to the election than the issue of fake news and hate speech,” he said.

”This issue transcends political party lines, religion, ethnicity, and even nationality. Left unchecked, fake news and hate speech constitute the biggest threat to the forthcoming elections.”

Alhaji Mohammed said fake news has the capacity to alter the course of elections and create legitimacy problem for the winner, citing as an example a report that said fake news helped to depress Hillary Clinton’s votes during the 2016 US election, in addition to tainting the victory for the winner.

He also said hate speech was a catalyst in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, which left at least 800,000 people dead.

The Minister said while the Federal Government has been unrelenting in calling attention to the dangers posed to the nation’s peace, security and democracy, including through the launch of the National Campaign Against Fake News on July 11 2018, it cannot do it alone.

”The campaign against fake news and hate speech is not just a responsibility of the Federal Government. It is for all tiers of government. Therefore, I expect that the Honourable Commissioners who are here, and those who are not, will launch the campaign in their various states.

”The media will bear the brunt, if the people lose confidence in them because of fake news. This is why the media must lead this campaign,” he said

Alhaji Mohammed described as ‘very fitting and most timely’ the theme of the meeting, which is ‘Tackling Fake News and Hate Speech to Enhance Peace and National Unity’.

He urged the participants at the meeting to ‘brain storm and evolve policies’ that would comprehensively address the menace of fake news and hate speech.

Commissioners of Information from about 20 states are among the participants at the three-day meeting, which was declared open by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye.

Abducted Nasarawa APC candidate regains freedom

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Abducted Nasarawa APC candidate regains freedom

The Police Command in Nasarawa state has confirmed the release of Mr David Ayele, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Obi II state constituency in the 2019 election, abducted on Sunday in Lafia.

SP Kennedy Idirisu, the command`s spokesman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lafia that the politician was released on Wednesday night at the state border with Plateau state.

“The victim was found at a military check around Bakin-Kogi, the boundary between Nasarawa and Plateau state.

“He has been reunited with his family and currently undergoing medical checks at the hospital,” Idirisu said.

The PPRO could not ascertain whether ransom was paid by the victim’s family to secure his release.

NAN recalls that the politician was abducted by gunmen at his Lafia residence around Tudun Kauri around 8:00 p.m., on Sunday.

A detachment of policemen deployed to rescue him later discovered his car abandoned along Obi-Awe road on Monday.

China pledges support for Nigeria’s industrialisation

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The Chinese Government says it is willing to give priority attention to Nigeria’s industrialisation and agricultural modernisation.

Mr Zhao Linxiang, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said this at a reception for participants of various training courses in China on Thursday night.

Linxiang said China was ready to work with Nigeria to strengthen cooperation in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure and capacity building.

“China is willing to give priority to supporting Nigeria in breaking the bottlenecks that hinder Nigeria’s industrialisation and agricultural modernisation, including shortage of professionals and lack of funds,” said Linxiang.

He reiterated that trade and investment cooperation between both countries was steadily developing with bilateral trade reaching 12 billion dollars in the first 10 months of 2017.

The envoy added that Chinese companies had invested about 100 million dollars in the same period and was also impressed that more Nigerian companies invested in China in 2018.

He further announced that both governments had successfully trained more than 1,200 Nigerians both in China and Nigeria from 2016 to 2018.

“I am glad to inform you that with the effort of the two governments, we have achieved ‘Thousand People’ target of providing 1,000 Nigerians with training opportunities both in China and Nigeria,” Linxiang said.

He recalled eight major initiatives of the 2018 Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit announced by President Xi Jinping in September.

“Among these eight initiatives, I would like to introduce infrastructure connectivity initiative and capacity building activities,” he said.

Under the activities, Linxiang said China would share its development experience with Africa, train talents for Africa and strengthen cooperation in human resource development with the continent.

“In 2019 to 2021, China will provide 50 thousand training opportunities and scholarships to African countries.

“China will also invite 2,000 young Africans for discussions and exchanges to strengthen understanding between youth in China and Africa.

“We are also going to coordinate resources from governments, enterprises, social orgnisations and universities to upgrade 10 vocational centres or schools in Africa,” said the envoy.

Linxiang also said the initiatives focused on key areas in the development of Africa and further pledged China’s continued cooperation to promote mutual growth of both parties. (NAN)

Governors join Adeboye, Gowon at Xmas Carol

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Governors join Adeboye, Gowon at Xmas Carol

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon and Pastor Enoch Adeboye, set aglow, the presidential Christmas Carol held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Aside Adeboye, the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, many state governors attended the Carol.

The Carol tagged “Christmas Praise Concert”, was also attended by Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha.

The first Bible reading taken from Luke 2:18 –18, was read by Mrs Victoria Gowon, wife of the former Head of State, Gowon, while the second reading taken from Isaiah 7:14–15, 9:6–7, was read by Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State.

The Gospel lesson taken from Luke 2: 1–7, was read by SGF, Mustapha.

In his Christmas message, Adeboye thanked God for peace in Nigeria and prayed God to continue to protect the nation and bring lasting peace to it.

He prayed for God’s mercy on the nation and committed the 2019 general elections into God’s hands.

In a special intercession, Pastor Seyi Malomo, Chaplain, State House Chapel, prayed for Nigeria and its leaders especially, President Muhammad Buhari, who would mark his birthday on Dec. 16.

The congregation was thrilled by renditions from various choir groups, including Aguda House Choir, Aso Villa Chapel Choir, Aso Villa Chapel Children Choir, Plateau Unity Choir and Praise Chorale, Lagos, among others.

Osinbajo, Adeboye, Gown at Xmas Carol

Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the carol, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, said his take away from the carol was that God should lead Ekiti people to freedom.

On his part, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, said that God was bringing hope to Nigeria despite its numerous challenges.

He said that Nigeria was moving on the part of progress.

Also in attendance were the governors of Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, royal fathers, clergies, captains of industry and members of the National Assembly. (NAN)

Malabu scam : FG sues Shell, Eni in London

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Malabu scam : FG sues Shell, Eni in London

The Federal Government said it had filed a 1.1 billion dollar lawsuit against Royal Dutch Shell and Eni in a commercial court in London  in relation to a 2011 oilfield deal in Nigeria.

The two oil majors are embroiled in a long-running corruption case revolving around the purchase of Oil Prospecting Licence  (OPL)245.

OPL 245, which is one of the biggest sources of untapped oil reserves on the African continent with reserves estimated at nine billion barrels, is also at the heart of an ongoing corruption trial in Milan, Italy, in which former and current Shell and Eni officials are on the bench.

Milan prosecutors alleged bribes totalling around $1.1bn were paid to win the licence to explore the field which, because of disputes, had never entered into production.

The new London case also related to payments made by the companies to get the OPL 245 oilfield licence in 2011, Reuters reported on Thursday.

“It is alleged that purchase monies purportedly paid to the Federal Republic of Nigeria were in fact immediately paid through a company controlled by Dan Etete, formerly the Nigerian Minister of Petroleum, and used for, among other things, bribes and kickbacks,” Nigeria said on Thursday.

“Accordingly, it is alleged that Shell and Eni engaged in bribery and unlawful conspiracy to harm the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that they dishonestly assisted corrupt Nigerian government officials.”

The Nigerian government also included Nigeria-based Malabu Oil & Gas in the lawsuit, and a company called Energy Venture Partners Ltd., according to Bloomberg.

Malabu was allegedly controlled by Etete, who took possession of the $1.1bn payment and used it for bribes and kickbacks, according to the lawsuit.

Antonio Secci, a lawyer for Etete, was quoted as saying that the London suit “surprises” because the Nigerian government is already seeking damages in Milan.

“This situation cannot be represented again in London because it is repetitive,” he said.

Shell said “the 2011 settlement of long-standing legal disputes related to OPL 245 was a fully legal transaction with Eni and the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the most senior officials of the relevant ministries.”

Eni was quoted as saying in an emailed statement that it rejected “any allegation of impropriety or irregularity in connection with this transaction.”

“Eni (…) signed a commercial agreement in 2011 for a new licence for OPL 245 with the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the consideration for the licence was paid directly to the Nigerian government,” it said.

Nigeria has already filed a London case against a US bank, JPMorgan, for its role in transferring over $800m of government funds to Etete, who has been convicted of money laundering.

In another separate trial, a Milan court in September found a middleman guilty of corruption after prosecutors alleged he had received a mandate from Etete, who had denied any wrongdoing, to find a buyer for OPL 245, collecting $114m for his services.

Last month, a global anti-corruption and accountability watchdog group, Global Witness, calculated that the OPL 245 deal deprived Nigeria of double its annual education and healthcare budget.

Reported by Punch

Boko Haram: UK campaigns international support for Nigeria

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Boko Haram: UK campaigns international support for Nigeria

The United Kingdom has called for international support for Nigeria in the fight against the resurgence of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jonathan Allen, stated this at the Security Council briefing on the UN Office for Central Africa.

Allen raised concern about the humanitarian and security situation in the wider Lake Chad Basin, which continued to deteriorate, in addition to the crisis in Cameroon.

He said: “The United Kingdom has played its part in providing humanitarian support, as well as significant support particularly to assist the Nigerian security forces in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWA).

”This matter needs the ongoing focus and support of the international community. The deteriorating security situation in northeast Nigeria is of particular concern, and one I note shared by the Secretary-General.

“ISWA has increased the frequency, range and sophistication of their attacks and has attacked forward operating military bases in North East Nigeria.

“The execution by ISWA of humanitarian workers such as Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman, who were both abducted while providing antenatal care to communities in desperate need is a telling reminder of the brutality of ISWA’s activities”.

On Cameroon, Allen said the United Kingdom recognised the many positive contributions the country was making to stability in the region.

“However, we are concerned by the reality of the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon.

“In particular, we are concerned about high levels of displacement and take very seriously Reena Ghelani’s warning that this is now one of the fastest growing displacement crises in Africa and reports of human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by armed separatist groups and Government forces.

”Including extra-judicial killings, other killings, abductions, restrictions of movement and access to health and education as described in the Secretary-General’s report.

“We must always be alert, colleagues, to the risk that the situation escalates, affecting the broader peace and stability of the Central African region, and we have already seen over 30,000 Cameroonians flee into Nigeria.

“If grievances are not addressed, tensions are likely to increase further,” Allen warned.

He said the UK welcomed Cameroonian President Paul Biya’s recent pledge to address the situation but that words alone would not improve things, adding that the UK strongly urges the Government of Cameroon to take urgent action.

The UK’s envoy said his country also called on the armed groups involved to cease their attacks on civilians, allow full humanitarian access, and access to human rights monitors, and to engage with the Government on these issues.

“The UK, for its part, is committed to supporting Cameroon and I am pleased to announce today that the United Kingdom is contributing $3.1 million to the UN’s response in the Anglophone regions – that’s equivalent to 20 per cent of this year’s flash appeal for the Anglophone crisis – to address immediate humanitarian and medical needs.

“We strongly encourage other Member States to fund this as an important part of the conflict prevention effort. Preventing a crisis costs significantly less than resolving one,” he said.

Allen said the UK had raised its concerns quietly so far and directly with the Government and was committed to working with the Government of Cameroon in every way it could to help resolve the situation.

“But I fear, unless action is taken and the situation improves, concern over the situation in Cameroon is likely to increase amongst Security Council Members and become a more prominent part of our discussions,” he said.

Kaduna Gov. El-Rufai under fire for threatening Dunamis Pastor, Dr. Paul Enenche

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Kaduna Gov. El-Rufai under fire for threatening Dunamis Pastor, Dr. Paul Enenche

My attention was drawn to a statement credited to governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State where he publicly threatened to GET the senior pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, over what he tagged as an inciting statement against his person.

I wanted to ignore him but I chose to speak out and not be silent because the body of Christ is being threatened by the forces of darkness here and I urge every Christian to rise up and speak against it.

El-Rufai in his said statement accused the Senior Pastor of Dunamis of mainlining his name and he pointedly asserted thus, “The clip was circulated in Kaduna and he is in Abuja, we will get him.”

I am yet to understand the motive behind his statement in what appeared to be a threat.

I have watched the video over and over again and there was nowhere Dr. Paul Enenche mention or accuse him (El-Rufai) of kidnapping and killing any traditional ruler, neither was his name mentioned in the entire message.

The pastor only condemned the abduction and the eventual murder of the paramount ruler of Adara Chiefdom, Agwom Adara, His Royal Highness, Maiwada Raphael Galadima paramount ruler of Adara Chiefdom, Agwom Adara, His Royal Highness, Maiwada Raphael Galadima who resisted every attempts by some from his government to bring all the chiefdoms in Kaduna under the emirate system.

El Rufai’s statements and denial reminds me of the case of a child denying stealing meat from the pot simply because his mum asked if he had visited the kitchen.

Let it be made known today that not even a trillion el-Rufais can silence the voice of God or of His kingdom.

Reacting to a message after two months is an afterthought and a clear case of swimming in a dry ocean.

No threat or political conspiracy would deter the armies of God’s kingdom from speaking against the declaration of war against Christianity in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.
I call on the United Nations and international community to pay attention to this statement of Nasir El-Rufai against the person of a peace loving Nigerian citizen.

I also call on Dr. Paul Enenche not to allow the empty noise from Kaduna shriek his voice from speaking against political Ahithophels in Nigeria.

I want to remind the governor that despite his hatred for Christians, the church is marching on and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.

Lawrence Okwoli writes from Lagos

Foremost traditional ruler, Oba Oyelude calls for support for Nigerian Army

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Foremost traditional ruler, Oba Oyelude calls for support for Nigerian Army

Foremost traditional ruler, Oba Oyelude calls for support for Nigerian Army

Foremost traditionalist and the Olowu of Owu Kuta, Oba Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, has called for total support for the Nigerian Army on the war against terrorism.

The Olowu was reacting to a report in the media which indicted the Nigerian Army for war crimes in countering Boko Haram and other threats to the country.

The monarch said the report, which accused the troops of war crimes was mischievous and disheartening, considering the sacrifices the soldiers have made in restoring peace back to the nation.

Oba Oyelude, while addressing a press conference on Thursday at his ancestoral Palace, implored Nigerians irrespective of political affiliation or convictions to come together and resist the cheap blackmail against our Army.

He said, “At this critical time in our nation’s history, I consider it mischievous and malicious the timing of the release of the said report, and the usual double standard of the so called Amnesty International in demoralizing our patriotic Army.

“We were thrown into mourning some weeks ago, when our soldiers were slaughtered by insurgents.

“This resulted in low morale among troops and one must acknowledge all efforts put in place by the present administration and previous ones in motivating the Army to do its job.

“I believe the only way to go is for Nigerians in rare show of patriotism to reject this assertion and keep supporting the ongoing efforts of the present government through the Army and other security agencies in protecting the integrity and sanctity of our sovereignty.

“I call on all patriotic Nigerians to rise up against the agent of Colonialism under the disguise of pseudo Human Right Organizations , because their usual numerous activities have always been injurious to our fighting force, the Nigerian Army is our national pride,
Long Live the Nigeria Army,” he added.

Nigeria to revamp hospitals to curb medical tourism

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Nigeria to revamp hospitals to curb medical tourism

Nigeria is exploring better ways of re-equipping and making public health institutions efficient in order to save foreign exchange drain arising from medical tourism.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said a news briefing to commemorate the ”5th World Universal Health Coverage Day,” in Abuja on Wednesday.

The theme for the commemoration is ”Unite for universal health coverage” and the slogan – ”Now is the time for collective action’’.

Ehanire said the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and its partners had developed an operational platform for ensuring that every citizen had access to affordable and comprehensive care in a timely manner.

He said that the ministry and its agencies as well as partners were guided by a common vision and goal for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He said that efforts were currently on-going to kick-start the first phase of UHC in Abia, Osun, Katsina, Yobe, Edo and Federal Capital Territory.

”We have worked to ensure that routine immunisation coverage has risen from 48 per cent to 57per cent. We continue to distribute and educate citizens on the use and maintenance of the long lasting insecticidal-net.

”Another step is the development of a national health insurance scheme for all Nigerians at all levels with robust citizen participation to build confidence.

”FMOH is also working on a universal medical emergency services and ambulance scheme to assure free and immediate emergency treatment of all victims of accident and emergency situations,” he said.

The minister added that the government was deeply committed to increasing investment in Nigeria’s health system to strengthen and improve service delivery.

Nigeria loses huge resources to its citizens travelling out of the country in search of better medical care because of the inefficiency of services in the country.

A-Class celebrities throws weight behind Buhari

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A-Class celebrities throws weight behind Buhari

By Timothy Aiyeku

Some prominent Nigerian Celebrities have pledged their support for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The celebrities including former Nigerian football stars, Daniel Amokachi, Peter Rufai, Garba Lawal and artistes Korede Bello, Jide Kosoko, Iyanya, Joke Silva, DJ Jimi Jat made the declaration while receiving awards for excellence from Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari.

Aisha Buhari, presented the awards to the footballers, musicians as well as Nollywood actors for their contribution to the development of Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

She made the presentation during an event organised by the Buhari Support Organization tagged “Together Nigeria” aimed at galvanising support for the re-election of President Buhari in the 2019 general election.

The event was organised to showcase the achievement of the Buhari administration in the last three and half years.

In their separate responses after the award, the celebrities declared their support for the re-election of President Buhari.

Amokachi, said the Buhari administration has achieved a lot in the fight against corruption.

He also said the fight has been gradually changing the narrative of Nigerians in the international community.

The footballer said, Buhari has laid a solid foundation for the betterment of future generation of Nigerians.

Kosoko said, his support for President Buhari is unshakable considering the successes recorded by the administration especially in the area of social investment programme.

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