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US Secret Service agrees to review after Trump assassination bid

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US Secret Service agrees to review after Trump assassination bid

Under growing pressure for a massive security failure, the US Secret Service on Monday vowed to cooperate with an independent review after a shooter was allowed to open fire on Donald Trump.

The 78-year-old former president was injured but survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania Saturday, a brazen attack that shocked a nation already deeply polarized ahead of the November vote.

“The Secret Service is working with all involved Federal, state and local agencies to understand what happened, how it happened, and how we can prevent an incident like this from ever taking place again,” the agency’s director Kimberly Cheatle said in a statement.

“We understand the importance of the independent review announced by President Biden yesterday and will participate fully. We will also work with the appropriate Congressional committees on any oversight action,” Cheatle added.

Trump was speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania when multiple bangs rang out. He clutched his ear, with blood visible on his ear and cheek, then ducked to the floor as Secret Service agents swarmed onto the podium, surrounding him and rushing him to a nearby vehicle.

The shooter and a bystander were killed, and two spectators injured.

Biden ordered a full review of security at the rally, as well as at this week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump will be crowned the party’s presidential nominee.

The Secret Service has been under growing pressure over how a gunman aiming an assault rifle was allowed to take position on a roof some 500 feet (150 meters) from one of the most protected political figures on the planet.

And the questions grew louder when phone footage emerged of people sighting the gunman on the roof and trying to warn security before he opened fire.

With Trump set to appear at the convention Monday, Cheatle said the agency was working to toughen security at the event.

The Secret Service “designs operational security plans for National Special Security Events (NSSE) to be dynamic in order to respond to a kinetic security environment and the most up-to-date intelligence from our partners,” her statement said.

On Sunday the Secret Service said it was “fully prepared” for the convention.

AFP

NIN data modification: NIMC denies charging fees in dollar

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NIN data modification: NIMC denies charging fees in dollar

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has denied claims making the rounds that it charges dollars as fees for National Identification Number, NIN, data modifications.
NIMC made this clarification recently amid backlash from some Nigerians.
This comes after a social media user, known as ‘Akwa Ibom First Son’, posted a screenshot purportedly from the NIMC website, showing fees of $20.78 for changes to birth dates, addresses, names and phone numbers.
Other Nigerian users took to their social media accounts to criticize the development.
However, denying the reports, NIMC said “the use of VPNs can cause the website to detect a different location and currency”.
To resolve the issue, NIMC advised users to turn off their VPNs and try again. If the problem persists, users can reach out to the support team for further assistance.
Meanwhile, the NIMC Self-Service Modifications portal enables citizens and legal residents aged 16 and older to request changes to their name, phone number, date of birth, and address.
Accordingly, the approved fee for a change of date of birth request is N15,000, according to information gathered from the NIMC website.
NIN data modification: NIMC denies charging fees in dollar

Shaqiri retires from international football 

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Shaqiri retires from international football 

Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri announced his retirement from international football on Monday after winning 125 caps with the Swiss national team.

Midfielder Shaqiri, 32, who now plays with Chicago Fire in the United States, is Switzerland’s second most-capped player after team-mate Granit Xhaka on 130 caps.

The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool player made his international debut in March 2010 aged 18. He represented his country at four World Cups and three European Championships.

In what turned out to be his last game for the Nati, Shaqiri scored in the penalty shoot-out as England beat Switzerland 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their Euro 2024 quarter-final in Duesseldorf on July 6.

“Seven tournaments, many goals, 14 years with the Swiss national team and unforgettable moments. It’s time to say goodbye to the national team. Great memories remain and I say to you all: thank you!”, the winger said in posts on social media.

Shaqiri retires as Switzerland’s fourth top goalscorer with 32 goals, behind Alexander Frei with 42 and Kubilay Turkyilmaz and Max Abegglen on 34.

Earlier today, Germany striker, Thomas Mueller said he was retiring from international football after a disappointing Euro 2024 in which the host nation were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

AFP

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LG autonomy: ALGON pledges cordial relationship between govs, council chairmen

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LG autonomy: ALGON pledges cordial relationship between govs, council chairmen

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, has pledged cordial working relationship between council chairmen and the governors.
The National President of ALGON, Alhaji Aminu Muazu-Maifata, made the promise during a news conference on Monday in Lafia, Nasarawa state.
He said a cordial relationship would ensure proper developments at the grassroots.
The ALGON leader commended the Supreme Court for the landmark judgment granting financial autonomy to local government councils in the country.
Muazu-Maifata, who is also the Chairman of Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and ALGON chairman in the state, expressed joy over the judgement of the apex court.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu and the governors of the 36 states for accepting the decision of the apex court.
According to him, the financial autonomy would propel the council chairmen to redouble their efforts toward delivering on dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.
“We know that there are so many expectations from us under the new arrangement where our funds will come directly from the Federal Government.
“Expectations will come from our people, our governors, and even the president who is passionate about the development of the rural areas.
“So, we are very much aware of all these expectations and by the grace of God the country will be better in the nearest future,” he added.
The ALGON boss, however, called for upward review of the revenue accruing to the 774 councils, adding that it would enable them to comfortably pay the new minimum wage when approved.
He said that reviewing the sharing formula would enable the councils to embark on infrastructural development and address the security and other challenges currently ravaging rural communities.
LG autonomy: ALGON pledges cordial relationship between govs, council chairmen

NIMC denies dollar charges for NIN modifications

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NIMC denies dollar charges for NIN modifications

The National Identity Management Commission faced public backlash on Monday after a social media user accused the agency of charging fees in U.S. dollars for National Identification Number data modifications on its portal.

The user, known as “Akwa Ibom First Son,” posted a screenshot sighted by According Online purportedly from the NIMC website, showing fees of $20.78 for changes to birth dates, addresses, names, and phone numbers.

“Dear NIMC, can you explain to Nigerians why your website charges Nigerians in dollars?” the user wrote on X (formerly Twitter)

In response, NIMC explained that the portal does not charge in dollars and attributed the issue to the use of Virtual Private Networks.

“The use of VPNs can cause the website to detect a different location and currency,” the commission said.

To resolve the issue, NIMC advised users to turn off their VPNs and try again. If the problem persists, users can reach out to the support team for further assistance.

Meanwhile, the NIMC Self-Service Modifications portal enables citizens and legal residents aged 16 and older to request changes to their name, phone number, date of birth, and address.

Some data fields are non-updatable. The approved fee for a change of date of birth request is N15,000, according to information gathered from its website.

Public reaction to the NIMC’s explanation was largely negative.

Another X user, Yasir Jubril, stated, “There’s clearly foul play here! Regardless of the location, services should be charged in naira. And why is a change of name or address that expensive?” said Yasir Jubril, another X user.

Other users echoed this sentiment, questioning the technical design of the payment system.

“Naira cards can be used from anywhere. All their charges should be in local currency, irrespective of location,” commented user John Wick.

Isa Kabir shared his experience, stating that while initially the portal displayed fees in naira, it later showed fees in U.S. dollars. “I had to send several emails before it was rectified. Instead of working on the site, they are here giving excuses,” he said.

Earlier this month, NIMC Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reiterated the commission’s commitment to transparency.

“My administration has zero tolerance for corruption.

“I hereby reiterate my commitment to sanitizing NIMC in conformity with the mandate of Mr. President. Enrolment for the National Identification Number is free of charge in Nigeria,” she said.

Police confirm five killed in Benue herders’ atta

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Police confirm five killed in Benue herders’ atta

The Police Command in Benue on Monday said suspected herders attacked Egwuma community in Agatu Local Government Area and killed five persons.

The State’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria in Makurdi on Monday.

Anene said the Command had deployed additional personnel to the area to maintain peace.

A member, representing Agatu constituency in the State House of Assembly, Mr Godwin Edoh, also confirmed the attack, but put the number of victims at 12.

The lawmaker lamented incessant killings of his constituents and called on governments and security agencies to take proactive measures in curtailing the attacks.

“Government has to be decisive about what to do about this area because it is so porous.

“The Ogbumogbo, Ejima and other villages down to Ikpele, have been deserted for close to one year.

“The herders come over to the deserted villages with their cattle for grazing in the morning and leave in the evening.

“They are able to do these, because the villagers had left their communities for fear of attacks and the security agents are not doing enough to address this development,’’ he said.

NAN

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Amotekun Commander: Osun APC describes recent appointments as unjustifiable

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Amotekun Commander: Osun APC describes recent appointments as unjustifiable

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has faulted the choice of retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Adekunle Omoyele as Field Commander of Osun State Security Network Agency known as Amotekun.
Rejecting Omoyele’s appointment, the party in a statement by its chairman, Tajudeen Lawal on Monday alleged that his past professional record has put a credibility burden on both the appointee and his employer.
TVN recalls that Governor Ademola Adeleke had in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in early July appointed the retired police boss to the job.
The appointment of CSP Omoyele followed the expiration of the tenure of Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi, who was the pioneer Field Commander of the security outfit.
Lawal in the statement concluded that “the appointment of Omoyele as the state commandant of the Amotekun Corps is another misnomer and an unpardonable executive heresy which the infamous Governor Ademola Adeleke is known for in the eyes of the right-thinking members of the society.
“One does not need to be a genius to know that the controversial ex-police officer who hails from Oyo State and had one time served as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Governor Adeleke lacks capacity and was recruited to perpetrate evil and electoral fraud as he has been known for over the years.”
He hinted that Omoyele’s appointment by Adeleke despite the outcries by the citizenry and civil societies against it is a pointer to the fact that Governor Adeleke is scheming to replicate his election-rigging plans against the forthcoming 2026 governorship election in the state.
He also stated that the appointment of AIG Wale Abass, rtd, who hails from the same Ede as the governor, as the chairman of the Amotekun Corps in the state is unhealthy and an unflattering classical example of nepotism and desperation institutionalised by the administration of Governor Adeleke to return to government in 2026.
Lawal explained that the Abass appointment is not only irregular but offensive and against the spirit and letter of the federal character codes which stipulate an even spread of political appointments among the components of the nine geo-political zones making up the state.
“Our position as a party is that Governor Adeleke should without further delay strip Omoyele and Abass of the unmerited appointments as their being retained will confirm our concern that Governor Adeleke, fearing that debilitating electoral defeat is awaiting him in the 2026 governorship contest owing to his disastrously poor performance in government, is desperate and resolve to win the election by hook or by crook as he has always done”, the Osun State APC chairman stated.
Amotekun Commander: Osun APC describes recent appointments as unjustifiable

16 opposition parties withdraw from Osun LG poll

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16 opposition parties withdraw from Osun LG poll

Sixteen opposition political parties in Osun State have announced their withdrawal from the forthcoming local government election.

The Osun State Independent Electoral Commission had earlier said the next local government election in the state would be held on February 22, 2025.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Monday on behalf of the opposition parties, the Osun State chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee, Mr. Victor Akande, accused the OSSIEC chairman, Mr. Hashim Abioye, of deliberately hoarding information about exercise from the parties.

Akande also alleged that Abioye planned to employ PDP members as electoral officers for the poll, adding that information about the nomination fees for the posts that would be contested for were also not disclosed by Abioye.

He said, “We have reliably gathered that Abioye has perfected plans to use PDP members as Electoral Officers during the election, which we all know what it means. His intention is to trap us into conducting our parties’ primary elections without disclosing the amount each party will pay, which will, of course, lead to efforts in futility after announcing an exorbitant fee.

“We expected up-to-date information from Abioye has been done by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but the reverse is the case as we always have information about Osun local government election from PDP e-rats. We found it convenient to say that the PDP-led administration in the state is intentionally creating avenues for crisis all over so as to scare our people away from the forthcoming council election, as only a secure mind will have the courage to go out to vote for his/her choice.

“It is on these notes that we resolved, after deliberations with our parties’ members, to BACK OUT of the forthcoming local government election in Osun state. Political parties involved in this include Action Alliance, African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, Social Democratic Party, African Action Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Allied Peoples Party and the Peoples Redemption Party.

“Others are the  All Progressives Grand Alliance, Zenith Labour Party, Action Democratic Party, Action Peoples Party, Labour Party, Boot Party, National Rescue Movement and Young Peoples Party. We await the credibility of the poll involving only the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Reacting, Abioye dismissed allegations levelled against him, saying he was still consulting stakeholders before fixing the amount to be paid as nomination fees for the post.

Abioye, “It is unfortunate. I have only announced our intention as part of the preparatory arrangement towards the conduct of the election. We at the verge of appointing electoral officers and assistant electoral officers, we have not even drawn the list.

“We will consult with them, but not that any political party will nominate names for us to appoint as electoral officers and assistant electoral officers. So, I don’t know where the allegation is coming from. We are only in the process of appointing electoral officers and assistant electoral officers as part of preparatory arrangement towards the conduct of local government elections.

“I have not mentioned any amount as nomination fees. We have to consult them (political parties) regarding the appointment of electoral officers. We will also consult them regarding fees for nomination forms. We have not arrived at any figure. So all these allegations are unfounded. I urge the media men to ask the IPAC chairman, to mention at least two names of those already listed as electoral officers.”

We share pains of Nigerians but protest not best option – CSO scribe, Waiya

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We share pains of Nigerians but protest not best option – CSO scribe, Waiya

The Executive Director, Citizens for Development and Education, CDE, Ibrahim Waiya on Monday decried the alarming deterioration of the economic fortunes of Nigerians, saying a street protest is not the best option to address the quagmire.
Waiya who spoke in Kano against the backdrop of plans by a yet-to-be-identified group to stage, protests explained that “the low level of civilization and exposure in Nigeria, as well the conflicting sentiments around religion and ethnicity may not allow well-coordinated protests”
He stressed, “Cumulatively, the economic challenges in Nigeria are enough to motivate the citizens to take to the streets, to show their anger, however, the low level of our civilization and exposure, as well the conflicting sentiments around religion and ethnicity may not allow us to have well-coordinated protests that can translate into something positive.”
Waiya who also doubles as the Chairman of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks said, “We are in support of the peaceful protest to show our anger, we are, however, sceptical on what could be the outcome, as many greedy and selfish politicians may take advantage of our division to hijack the process through the instrumentality of their paid hoodlums to cause chaos.”
He said, “Peaceful protests are lawful in Nigeria, however, our fear is that the protest has the potential to stagnate the daily businesses of the poor in the country and aggravate their sufferings instead of finding succour for them.”
He cited the ENDSARS protest as one of the most recent scenarios in Nigeria’s history, as he alleged that “many young men and women are still rotting in jail.”
He condemned “the insensitivity of the Federal government, where more than 85% of the citizens struggle to feed while those in government have not in any way shown empathy to the plights of the suffering citizens”
“In 2022, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics disclosed that about 130 million Nigerian citizens are in multidimensional poverty, unfortunately, neither Buhari nor Tinubu government have practically put in place some workable measures to address the matter as a national crisis.”
He stressed that “Some measures adopted by the Federal Government as the post fuel subsidy removal regime interventions were ineffective, temporary and inadequate.”
We share pains of Nigerians but protest not best option – CSO scribe, Waiya

Six contenders for England job as Southgate’s future uncertain

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Six contenders for England job as Southgate’s future uncertain

Following a disappointing exit for England from Euro 2024, speculation is mounting that Gareth Southgate’s nearly eight-year tenure as national team manager may be coming to an end.

The Spanish national team on Sunday night defeated the Three Lions of England 2-1 to lift the Euro 2024 trophy.

Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal 86th minute goal secured the trophy for a record fourth time. Nico Williams had earlier in the second half put Spain ahead in Berlin, Germany, before Cole Palmer levelled for England.

While Southgate’s legacy includes making England a formidable tournament team and reconnecting the squad with fans, attention is now turning to potential successors.

Here are six candidates who could potentially take the helm:

Graham Potter

The gaffer emerges as the early bookmakers’ favorite. Having bided his time since his departure from Chelsea, Potter’s tactical acumen and focus on fostering a positive team culture align well with the environment Southgate has cultivated. However, questions remain about his ability to handle media pressure.

Six potential contenders for England job as Southgate's future uncertain

Eddie Howe

Howe currently at Newcastle United, offers a more progressive playing style and has proven adept at fielding difficult questions. Yet, his willingness to leave a promising project at Newcastle remains uncertain.

Eddie Howe

Lee Carsley

Carsley, who is the current Under-21 manager, is highly regarded within the FA. His success with younger players could prove valuable, but the step up to the senior team might be premature at this stage.

Six potential contenders for England job as Southgate's future uncertain

Thomas Tuchel

Tuchel, a proven winner with experience managing top English talent, could be a coup for the FA. However, he may prefer a return to club management before considering an international role.

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino, who is fresh from his Chelsea tenure, has a track record of nurturing young talent and handling media scrutiny well. Like Tuchel, he may prioritise club opportunities over international management.

Six potential contenders for England job as Southgate's future uncertain

Jurgen Klopp

Klopp represents an ambitious target, with former Germany midfielder Didi Hamann urging the FA to “do everything in their power” to secure the ex-Liverpool manager. However, Klopp’s appointment would be a major surprise.

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