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Seized presidential jets international embarrassment, says Kanu’s lawyer

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Seized presidential jets international embarrassment, says Kanu’s lawyer

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has criticised the Federal Government following the international seizure of three Presidential jets belonging to Nigeria.

Ejiofor described the incident as an international disgrace and embarrassment in a press statement on Saturday, adding that Nigerians are no longer under any form of illusion that the country’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns.

The presidential jets were seized by a French court on August 15, due to a contract disparity between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited.

The dispute reportedly stemmed from a 2007 agreement for the development of a free trade zone, which later fell apart, leading to arbitration and, ultimately, the seizure of the jets.

Despite an independent arbitral tribunal awarding Zhongshan approximately $74.5 million, the Ogun State Government has disputed the decision and has not yet honoured the award.

Describing the incident as unacceptable, Ejiofor lamented that, unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster.

The statement read in part, “We are no longer under any form of illusion that Nigeria’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns. Unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster.

“On August 15, 2024, three presidential aircraft undergoing maintenance in Paris were temporarily seized in strict compliance with a court order. What an international disgrace!

“The unfortunate reality is that with the Nigerian government’s growing habit of excessive and reckless borrowing, it is increasingly likely that we may one day wake up to find Nigeria’s assets and the entire Nigerians tied to foreign judgments. It is only a matter of time!”

Health commissioners demand rise in budget allocation

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Health commissioners demand rise in budget allocation

Health Commissioners from Nigeria’s 36 states have called for an increase in the budget allocation for health at all levels of government in the Federation.

While expressing commitment to strengthening the Primary Health Care systems across the country, they emphasised the need for more funding by the government.

The commissioners, along with the Mandate Secretary of Health for the Federal Capital Territory, also expressed support for the Federal Government’s workforce migration policy.

Chairperson of the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum and Commissioner for Health, Ekiti State, Dr Oyebanji Filani, made this known to newsmen at the end of a two-day summit on Friday in Abuja.

“Health financing was another key issue on our agenda, we are advocating for increased budget allocations for health at all levels of government,” he said.

Filani praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and for his significant investment in the healthcare sector.

Acknowledging the acute shortage of healthcare professionals, as highlighted in a recent NHCF assessment, he underscored the urgent need for innovative strategies to attract, train, and retain skilled workers in the health sector across Nigeria.

A significant portion of the discussions centred on the recent Supreme Court ruling on Local Government Financial Autonomy and its implications for Primary Healthcare in Nigeria.

The commissioners reiterated their commitment to strengthening PHCs as the foundation of the nation’s healthcare system.

Filani underlined the importance of ensuring adequate staffing, training, and the provision of essential medicines and equipment at the grassroots level.

“A sub-committee is established to develop a position paper on the implications of the Supreme Court judgment for PHC financing.

“This paper will be prepared in consultation with the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,” he said.

In response to recent outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, and mpox, the Commissioners reviewed preparedness and response measures in their various states.

He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and called for continued support to states to bolster preparedness and response.

“It was agreed that monthly meetings would be held between State Health Commissioners and the Director-General of the NCDC to enhance coordination and readiness,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and renal diseases.

“We resolved to prioritise NCDs in our state health agendas and committed to launching a comprehensive awareness campaign titled

“Know your Number, Control your Number,” scheduled for the last quarter of 2024,” he said.

He pledged that the commissioners would work towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and commended the recent efforts of the FMoH&SW in promoting the Sector-Wide Approach to healthcare delivery.

The commissioner expressed their support for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s emerging digital health initiative, which aimed to revolutionize healthcare delivery through data-driven decision-making.

He also commended the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, for their efforts in promoting digital health solutions.

Filani reaffirmed the commissioners’ commitment to improving health outcomes across the country and called on all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to join hands in building a healthier and more prosperous nation.

NAN.

Police warn vigilantes against use of excessive force on civilians

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Police warn vigilantes against use of excessive force on civilians

Vigilantes operating in Warri and environs in Delta State have been warned against using excessive force on civilians.

The Warri Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, Mr. Imade Graham, gave the warning while addressing members of the Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Friday.

The police boss who called for synergy and collaboration with the NUJ in ensuring sanity in Delta communities disclosed that vigilantes in Warri and its environs are to undergo “necessary orientation on community policing to inject sanity into their operations.”

While commending vigilantes, as members of the neighbourhood watch, for their efforts at curtailing insecurity in their respective communities, the Police Area Commander however took exception to the excesses of some vigilantes, “especially when they impact negatively on members of the public.

“There is no reason or legal backing for vigilantes to use excessive force on any civilian.  This will certainly be addressed to the roots”, he said, adding that “They should not be a nuisance to members of the public.”

The Area Commander promised to “talk to the Divisional Police Officers to monitor the excesses of vigilantes including their ways of dressing as some impostors claim to be police officers.”

He said, “Orientation shall be conducted for them. They are voluntary bodies helping us in the areas of curbing crimes.

“They are not expected to set up roadblocks, or operate especially along the expressway, without the presence of policemen.
Orientation shall be conducted for them and we will look at all these.”

He however noted with delight that “crime statistics dropped considerably” in Warri and its environs in recent times and attributed the development to “proactive policing” by the officers and men.

In the fast-approaching Ember months, the Police Area Commander disclosed that an operation order had already been set up by the Command.

“Certainly, we are going to follow them wholeheartedly to ensure there is safety within Warri and environs generally”, he assured.

Over 27m cyber attacks launched during 2023 election – Galaxy Backbone

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Over 27m cyber attacks launched during 2023 election – Galaxy Backbone

The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Ltd., Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, says the company tackled over 27 million cyber attacks on its facilities during the 2023 General Elections.

Adeyanju made this known, when the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria,  Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, paid him a courtesy visit on Friday in Abuja.

Adeyanju said that the organisation prided itself as the state-of-the-art security operation centre, which it used to defend the cyberspace of the government.

“We participate in defending Nigeria in cyberspace. Even in the days of the election and collation of the 2023 election results, we had 27 million attacks within a single day.

“Before the election, we have a maximum of 50,000 attacks. So, having close to 30 million attacks in a single day showed that something serious was happening.

“They did not succeed. There was nothing for them, because, our security operation centre was very effective in defending (against) cyber attacks.

“Similarly, during the last protest that happened few weeks ago, we had spikes of attacks. We were not surprised because, before the protest, we heard in the news that the protest would be done both physically and online.

“So, there were a lot of online attacks, but we were able to survive, through our operation centre,” he said.

The Galaxy Backbone boss said that the organisation had a centre where it monitored all its networks in almost all states of the federation.

Speaking, the VON DG, Ndace, said he came to the organisation to deepen the relationship between VON and Galaxy Backbone.

He requested support and capacity building on ICT and cyber security for members of staff of VON, to enhance fact-checking, protect its cyberspace and address fake news.

NAN.

Benue gov decries challenges confronting children

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Benue gov decries challenges confronting children

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has decried the challenges confronting Benue children over the years and called for a joint effort to change the narrative.

The governor stated this on Friday while inaugurating the State Steering Committee on the ‘Save the Benue Child’ project.

Alia, who was represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, lamented that the Benue child had over the years faced issues of lack of quality education, and healthcare amongst others.

He said that his administration aimed to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community outreach and engagement, and the provision of support services.

He said, “Today, we acknowledge the stark reality that many children in Benue are faced with challenges that no child should ever endure. From inadequate access to education, and healthcare, to the harsh impacts of crisis poverty and neglect, these young lives are at risk. But we also recognize an immense opportunity—an opportunity to effect meaningful change and to forge a path towards hope and opportunity.

“The “Save the Benue Child” project is not just a response to these challenges; it is also a commitment to action. Our goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of these children holistically.

“We will focus on improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, Identifying and rescuing child victims of human trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, providing support services for vulnerable rescued children, prosecuting perpetrators and holding them accountable, raising awareness and sensitising communities on human trafficking and child exploitation and providing the necessary support to safeguard their well-being.

“Government will join forces with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

In her remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Mrs Gloria Bai, called on all stakeholders to help save the future of the Benue child.

Bai and the state attorney general, are co-chairman  of “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking”

The NAPTIP Commander said the number of human traffic incidents in the state was on the increase.

Earlier, Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation said the event was a pivotal moment in the state’s collective fight against human trafficking.

NSCDC denies shooting Akwa Ibom community residents

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NSCDC denies shooting Akwa Ibom community residents

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Akwa Ibom State Command, has faulted the allegations that its operatives attacked Atan Offot community in Uyo Local Government Area of the state and shot indiscriminately at citizens, injuring at least three persons in the process.

On Thursday, 15th of August, 2024, officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, led by one Daniel, allegedly took some operatives of the command to the community, where the PHED officials disconnected some customers and took the cables away

Trouble started when one of the owners of the cable requested to have his cable back, but they said Daniel allegedly collected a jack knife from one of the NSCDC officials and stabbed one person in the hand.

However, in a statement on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer, NSCDC Akwa Ibom State Command, Friday Ekerete, faulted the allegations.

He explained that NSCDC personnel accompanying the PHEDC officials had to intervene by attempting to recover the wires, but the mob, armed with dangerous weapons, resorted to attacking the officers while others pelted them with stones, iron objects and sticks.

Ekerete added that their focus at this time was to rescue the PHEDC officials alive from the violent threat unleashed on them by the mob.

However, the statement added that the State Commandant, Eluwade met, with representatives of Atan Offot community and resolved all issues.

The statement was titled “NSCDC Operatives Rescue PHED Personnel from being lynched to death by some Angry Youth at Atan Affot Community”

It read, ” On Thursday, 15th August 2024, PHEDC personnel on enforcement visited some houses on Udo Ekong Ekwere Street in ATAN OFFOT community in Uyo LGA who had illegally reconnected their wires that were disconnected due to non-payment of electricity bills. An offence punishable by Sections 9, 10 and 11 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act. The two affected customers had their wires disconnected at the end of July 2024 for failure to pay their electricity bills.

“The PHEDC enforcement team were accompanied by NSCDC personnel who have the mandate to ensure the protection of all critical infrastructure in the state and offer protection to PHEDC officials due to the incessant attacks they face in the line of duty from some hostile communities. They successfully disconnected the wires of the affected customers, and since they had illegally reconnected it themselves earlier without sorting out their bills, the officials decided to take the wires with them after giving them a disconnection order. They were then advised to visit the PHEDC office to resolve and reconcile their issues.

“Rather than oblige to the advice, the two affected men, who should have been arrested for tampering with electrical cables contrary to Section 9 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, attempted to forcefully retrieve the seized wires, which was resisted by PHEDC officials.

“In a short time, they mobilized lots of youths, launched a violent mob attack and beat up the PHEDC officials, attempting to overpower them and retrieve their seized wires and other valuables from the vehicle.

“NSCDC personnel accompanying the PHEDC officials had to intervene by attempting to recover the wires, but the mob were armed with dangerous weapons, resorted to attacking the officers while others pelting them with stones, iron objects, sticks amongst others, and their focus at this time was to rescue the PHEDC officials alive from the violent threat unleashed on them by the mob.

“One officer was severely injured with a dangerous weapon and subsequently rushed to the hospital for treatment”.

Ukrainian strikes destroy key bridge in Russia’s Kursk area

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Ukrainian strikes destroy key bridge in Russia’s Kursk area

The Ukrainian Air Force said it had destroyed a road bridge of strategic importance in Russia on Saturday, amid its offensive in the Kursk region.

Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Mykola Oleshchuk published a video on a Telegram channel showing the bombing of a bridge, in what experts say is likely to be genuine.

The video showed the structure over the Seim River in the Glushkovo district in ruins, destroying a crucial supply route for Russian troops.

Russia earlier reported that the bridge had been destroyed.

It had been shelled by Ukrainian forces for days during the incursion, which was launched on August 6.

Oleshchuk confirmed that the Air Force is actively participating in the combat operations of the Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.

“Ukrainian pilots carry out precision strikes against enemy strongholds, against gatherings of equipment and against the enemy’s logistics centres and supply routes,” said the commander.

“Thanks to the pilots and everyone who supports the Air Force’s fight,” Oleshchuk added.

Ukraine’s unprecedented ground offensive in the Kursk area comes amid Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion, which was launched in February 2022.

Kiev is seeking to force Moscow into negotiations to end the war.

The Kursk governor, Alexey Smirnov, reported the destruction of the bridge on Friday.

Russian military bloggers said on Telegram the bridge was first shelled with U.S.-made rockets and then destroyed by a strike with a glide bomb.

They also said two volunteers in a car had been killed while trying to bring people to safety during shelling earlier.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova slammed

Ukraine for using Western weapons to destroy civilian infrastructure in the Kursk region.

She vowed that those responsible for “this inhumane conduct” would be punished.

dpa/NAN

FIRS plans law to regulate crypto

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FIRS plans law to regulate crypto

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, has revealed that the Service would be seeking the support of the National Assembly to enact a law on the crypto industry.

Adedeji said this on Saturday at a stakeholder engagement with the Senate and House Committee on Finance organised by the Intergovernmental Relations Department of the Service with the theme, ‘Repositioning The FIRS To Achieve Its Mandate.’

He said, “The plan first is to have the law that regulates it, and that is why you see that we are here with the legislature, which will be the base of charging. And that is done in any other place in the world when you have this innovation or system, so you just have to get ready for it because you can’t go away from it. So we just have to plan to regulate it in such a way that it is not injurious to the economic development of Nigeria.”

During his opening speech, Adedeji informed the lawmakers about the proposed bill.

He told them, “Just to put you on notice, by September, we are proposing a law that would overhaul the whole process of revenue administration in Nigeria, harmonising, recoding and simplifying the tax laws that we have. For example, in the Stamp Duty Act of 1939, when there was no internet connection, we needed to bring it up.

“Today, we cannot run away from cryptocurrency but as we stand today, there is no law anywhere in Nigeria that regulates cryptocurrency. We cannot run away from it.”

Cryptocurrency platforms have been subjected to intense scrutiny following the exit of Binance, which was accused by the Nigerian government of manipulating the naira-to-dollar exchange rate.

Recently, Nigeria imposed a 7.5 per cent Value-Added Tax on crypto transaction fees. This was revealed by a cryptocurrency exchange, KuCoin, when it told its users it would start VAT collection on July 8, 2024.

At the end of 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria lifted its ban on banks operating accounts for crypto service providers, which signalled a shift towards a more open but regulated approach, which was welcomed by many local crypto users.

Troops neutralize two bandits in Zamfara

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Troops neutralize two bandits in Zamfara

Troops of 1 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), under Operation Sahel Sanity II, have neutralised two extremists in Zamfara State.
Lt Suleiman Omale of OPHD said in a statement issued on Saturday that “On 16th August 2024, the troops neutralised the bandits during a fierce encounter in Unguwar Sarkin Musulmi area of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.”
He further explained that based on credible intelligence, the gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of Violent Extremist activities in the area and upon arrival, they engaged the element in a serious gun duel, effectively neutralizing two of them.
According to him, other bandits were forced to withdraw in disarray during the encounter.
Lt. Omale further stated that the troops conducted a mop-up operation, during which they recovered one operational motorcycle belonging to the Violent Extremist.
He pointed out that the area has since been secured, with troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation Hadarin Daji maintaining an aggressive presence and conducting confidence-building patrols to ensure the safety of locals in the community.
Troops neutralize two bandits in Zamfara

OGFZA promises partnership with NFIU to enhance investment

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OGFZA promises partnership with NFIU to enhance investment

The Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Bamanga Jada, has expressed readiness to partner with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit in enhancing Nigeria’s investment attractiveness and global investor confidence.

Jada made this known during a recent visit to the Director of the NFIU, Hafsat Bakari, alongside key members of his management team at her office in Abuja.

According to a statement signed by the DGM/Head Corporate Communications, Golda Ukomadu, and obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, the visit was in line with OGFZA’s commitment to strengthening transparency, fostering investor confidence, and bolstering Nigeria’s global reputation as a premier investment destination.

It added that the purpose of the visit was also to explore avenues of collaboration between both agencies, particularly in improving the transparency and compliance levels within Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Free Zones.

“This strategic partnership is expected to further attract high-value investments into the country and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s overall economic growth”, the statement partly read.

The NFIU is Nigeria’s central coordinating body for the receipt, analysis, and dissemination of financial intelligence reports relating to money laundering, terrorism financing, and other relevant financial crimes.

The statemebt added, “Under the leadership of Hafsat Bakari, the NFIU has made significant strides in blocking revenue leakages, which have led to increased government revenues, an improved international image for Nigeria, and renewed global investor confidence in the country’s economic reforms. These accomplishments align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic growth.

“During the meeting, OGFZA’s Managing Director, Bamanga Jada, commended Bakari for her well-deserved appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to elevate the NFIU’s status within the global financial intelligence community. Jada emphasized OGFZA’s readiness to work closely with the NFIU to achieve shared objectives, particularly in the areas of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing within the Oil and Gas Free Zones.”

Speaking further, he explained that “OGFZA, as a regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the activities within Nigeria’s oil and gas-free zones, is fully committed to ensuring that these zones operate with the highest level of transparency and integrity. The collaboration with NFIU is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight and prevent the exploitation of these zones for illicit financial activities.”

In her remarks, Bakari assured the delegation of her commitment to a robust partnership with OGFZA, noting that “Such collaborations are essential for the effective implementation and monitoring of critical regulations. She outlined plans for joint sensitisation and training exercises by both agencies, aimed at enhancing compliance with AML and CFT regulations within the Oil and Gas Free Zones. These initiatives will include workshops, seminars, and capacity-building programs designed to educate stakeholders on the importance of adhering to global best practices in financial transparency and accountability.

“The strategic collaboration between OGFZA and NFIU is also expected to lead to the development of new regulatory guidelines that will further safeguard the integrity of financial transactions within Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Free Zones. By closing loopholes and enhancing due diligence measures, both agencies aim to create a more secure and investor-friendly environment that will attract more credible investors into the sector.

“The partnership between OGFZA and NFIU is anticipated to yield several positive outcomes. First, it will contribute to improving Nigeria’s Investor Attractiveness Ranking, which has been on an upward trajectory due to ongoing reforms. The enhanced regulatory environment will also increase the Investment Rating of Nigeria, positioning the country as a top destination for international investors seeking opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

“Furthermore, the collaboration will foster greater inter-agency cooperation, leading to more efficient resource utilization, quicker response times in addressing financial crimes, and a more coordinated approach to economic development. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both OGFZA and NFIU, Nigeria stands to benefit from a more transparent, secure, and resilient investment landscape.”

Bakari noted that the NFIU’s achievements in combating financial crimes have had a ripple effect across multiple sectors of the economy, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and financial services.

“By ensuring that free zones are not exploited for illegal activities, the NFIU has contributed to creating a safer and more attractive business environment for both local and foreign investors”, she concluded.

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