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APC chieftain hails Osoba at 85

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A member of the National Working Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has congratulated the former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, on his 85th birthday, saying his exemplary leadership has set a standard for governance.

His felicitation comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu described the celebrant as a notable Nigerian who is always concerned about the oneness of Nigeria and her development.

Tinubu stated this at the public launch of a book titled “My Life In the Public Eye” to mark Osoba’s 85th birthday held at the Eko Hotels and Suits, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a statement on Monday, Bankole believed the one-time Daily Times editor and former chairman of the governing board of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism meant more to the people he has impacted.

According to the APC national leader for Persons with Disability, Osoba has redefined governance in his state and remains a towering figure in Nigerian politics.

He said, “Aremo Olusegun Osoba’s life and career are a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, democracy, and the development of our nation. As an accomplished journalist, he has made significant contributions to the media landscape, upholding the principles of truth, integrity, and freedom of the press.

“His exemplary leadership and dedication as a politician have set a high standard for governance, earning him the respect and admiration of Nigerians across all walks of life. Osoba’s legacy as a mentor to the next generation of leaders is commendable. His guidance, wisdom, and support have nurtured many young politicians and public servants, ensuring the continuity of good governance and democratic values in our country.

“As we celebrate his 85th birthday, I acknowledge his remarkable achievements and contributions to the progress of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. May his life continue to be a source of inspiration to all, and may he enjoy many more years of health, happiness and fulfilment.”

Osoba had an illustrious career as a journalist in the 1960s before veering into politics.

The elder statesman was elected as the governor of Ogun State first from 1992 to 1993 during the Third Republic on the Social Democratic Party.

He was later removed from office by the late General Sani Abacha’s administration on November 17, 1993 but was fortunate to be elected again as governor on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy from May 1999 to May 2003.

Nepal’s PM, Khadga Oli, sworn in for fourth time

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Nepal’s Khadga Oli was sworn in as Prime Minister, on Monday, after his Communist Party forged a coalition government with the centre-left Nepali Congress, shifting power in the country’s often-volatile parliament.

Oli, 72, chief of the second-largest party in the parliament, the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), returns as prime minister for the fourth time.

In the Himalayan republic of about 30 million people, overshadowed by giant neighbours India and China, Oli previously trod a fine balance between the rivals, cordial to both but reaching out to Beijing to decrease Nepal’s dependency on New Delhi.

“I, KP Sharma Oli, in the name of the country and people, pledge that I will be loyal to the constitution… and fulfil my duty as the prime minister,” Oli said, as President Ram Poudel administered the oath of office.

First elected as prime minister in 2015, he was reelected in 2018 with a rare majority government and then reappointed briefly in 2021.

His predecessor and former coalition government ally, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, lost a vote of confidence on Friday, barely 18 months after taking office.

Dahal, a former Maoist guerrilla commander better known by his nom de guerre Prachanda (“The Fierce One”), was forced to step down after Oli’s party withdrew its support.

Oli instead forged a deal with Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress.

He has promised to yield the post to the former five-time prime minister Deuba, 78, later in the parliamentary term.

Nepal’s next general elections are due in 2027.

AFP

Nigeria media watchdog probes report on Samoa Agreement

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Nigeria’s media watchdog, the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCN), has received a formal complaint from the Federal Government on a report published by Daily Trust on July 4.
The newspaper had in the report
titled: “LGBT: Nigeria Signs $150 Billion Samoa Deal,” claimed the agreement included clauses promoting LGBTQ+ rights as a condition for a purported $150 billion loan.
The federal government, however, denied the claim as “false and misleading information that severely threatens national security.
This development comes amidst controversy surrounding the Samoa Agreement itself.
The agreement, a framework for the European Union’s relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations, has been met with public scrutiny in Nigeria.
The federal government also maintained it does not infringe on national sovereignty or social values.
READ ALSO:Reps urge Nigerian govt to suspend Samoa Agreement implementation
Daily Trust, a prominent Nigerian newspaper, has acknowledged “some lapses” in their reporting and promised to take corrective measures. However, the extent of these corrections and the paper’s response to the FG’s complaint remain to be seen.
The NMCC, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Interim Secretary, Eluem Izeze and Feyi Smith, respectively, said it had acknowledged the federal government’s complaint and promised to give it the necessary attention.
The statement read: “The management of Daily Trust will be contacted shortly for its response.
“In accordance with this mandate and our established procedures, we have commenced an investigation into the government’s allegations. We assure the public that our inquiry will be thorough and impartial.
“We look forward to receiving the full cooperation of all parties involved and pledge to continue to ensure transparency throughout this process.”
The NMCN’s investigation will unravel the accuracy of Daily Trust’s reporting and determine if journalistic ethics were breached.
This case has significant implications for Nigerian media, raising questions about fact-checking, responsible reporting, and the potential impact of inaccurate information on national security.
The post Nigeria media watchdog probes report on Samoa Agreement appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

IGP suspends controversial e-CMR enforcement scheduled for July 29

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The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun has ordered an immediate suspension of the July 29 plan to commence the enforcement of the e-Central Motor Registry (e-CMR).
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Adejobi said the suspension was to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of the public on the process, benefits and effectiveness of e-CMR.
The police spokesman said the I-G had urged police officers to desist from requesting for e-CMR certificates.
According to him, officers found extorting or exploiting the public on the guise of not having e-CMR certificates would be sanctioned.
Adejobi said the enforcement would be done by only dedicated officers from a date to be announced later.
He said the e-CMR was designed to address the challenges of vehicle related crimes and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership.
Adejobi said the registration would help to collate the data imputed into the system by vehicle owners and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen.
“The e-CMR will provide a firsthand database to the Force for curbing vehicular crimes as dedicated officers can access real-time comprehensive data of every vehicle on their tablets.
“The e-CMR will prevent multiple registration of vehicles and serve as a database to collate biometric and other data of vehicle owners and individuals.
“It will also, add value to the national database and incident report portal generated from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies towards general security,” he said.
According to him, contrary to news making the round and insinuations about the e-CMR, the Nigeria Police wishes to state categorically that the e-CMR is not a revenue generating platform.
He said the platform was an initiative to digitalise policing for effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigeria residents.
The police spokesman called for the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to key into the e-CMR system.
TVN reports that the IG had ordered the enforcement of the digitalised e-CMR
from July 29.
IGP suspends controversial e-CMR enforcement scheduled for July 29

Burberry sacks leadership to revive sales

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British fashion label, Burberry, on Monday announced the immediate departure of chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd, as it posted what it described as “disappointing” results.

He is being replaced by Joshua Schulman, who has headed American fashion brands, Michael Kors and Coach, Burberry said in a statement.

Burberry chair, Gerry Murphy described Schulman as “a proven leader with an outstanding record of building global luxury brands and driving profitable growth.”

In a separate statement, Murphy said Burberry’s recent “performance is disappointing.”

Revenue slid 22 per cent to £458 million ($594 million) in the group’s first quarter, or three months to the end of June.

He said Burberry would cut costs going forward, while the group risked an operating loss in its first half.

It comes as the wider luxury fashion sector navigates weak demand, particularly in China, with Gucci owner Kering in April issuing a profit warning.

Burberry is a British luxury fashion house established in 1856 by Thomas Burberry.

The brand known for its iconic trench coats, is also recognised for its signature tartan pattern, which has become a symbol of British fashion, According Online reports.

AFP

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Security tightened in Kaduna as police ban Shi’ite gathering

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The Police Command in Kaduna State said it has banned all forms of unlawful gathering by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria including its planned Ashura procession.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, announced the ban in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.

Hassan said, “The command has banned every manner of illegal protest in the State.

” This is coming on the heels of a received intelligence indicating that the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria also known as Shi’ite are planning a procession to mark the 2024 Islamic Ashura day ceremony.

“It is an undeniable fact that the said ritual practice has in the recent past been characterised by unimaginable violence leading to the destruction of properties, injuries to persons and even loss of lives.

“It is against this backdrop that the Police command is warning the said sect members, who were since proscribed by law, to drop such a procession idea, “he said.

Hassan said the command would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any person or group, especially the outlawed IMN members, that dared to violate the ban.

He said the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command, Mr Ali Dabigi, has called on all law-abiding persons to go about their lawful endeavours without fear.

He equally said that the hard-earned relative peace in the state can never be compromised by the selfish deviance of a few ‘renegades.’

NAN

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Katsina Elders slam Badaru, Matawalle for failing to address banditry

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The Katsina State Elders Forum on Sunday, denounced the response of the Ministers of Defence, Badaru Abubakar and Bello Matawalle to the escalating insecurity in the state
They appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and restore order in the state.
The Secretary of the Forum, Alhaji Ali Muhammad, who addressed journalists in Katsina, said the two ministers, who are both from the North-West have done nothing about the problem.
He urged President Tinubu to as a matter of urgency provide other measures such as the introduction what they called “Jungle Battalions” to end banditry in the North.
Mohammed said: “We have complained severally to the federal government to complement what the state government is doing, but unfortunately, the federal government has not lived up to expectation.
‘It is really unfortunate, the so-called defense ministers are all from the north, but they have not done enough to protect the north, and this banditry is taking place only in this part of the country,” he said.
“They have killed hundreds of people here in Katsina and none of the ministers or the president deemed it necessary to come and condoled with the affected families and provide some succour to those who lost their people and properties,” he added.
Analysis:
The elders’ condemnation signifies a loss of faith in the ability of the state governments to address the pressing issue.
READ ALSO:Matawalle’s probe not instant, requires thorough investigation, EFCC tells protesters
With the remark, they are challenging the president to take decisive action and assume leadership in tackling the crisis.
This move may be seen as a strategic attempt to bypass the state governments and directly engage the federal authority.
Political Implications:
The elders’ stance has significant political implications, as it:
– Highlights the failure of state governments in addressing banditry
– Demonstrates a lack of trust in Badaru and Matawalle
– Appeals to Tinubu’s authority, potentially shifting the burden of responsibility to the federal government
– May influence public opinion and put pressure on the government to act
Security Context:
Banditry has plagued Katsina State, with frequent attacks and kidnappings. The elders’ call to action underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for effective solutions.
Conclusion:
The Katsina elders’ bold move has brought the banditry crisis to the forefront, demanding prompt attention from the highest authorities. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Tinubu will respond and whether his intervention will stem the tide of violence in Katsina State.
The post Katsina Elders slam Badaru, Matawalle for failing to address banditry appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Another US billionaire publicly endorses Trump after assassination attempt

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Billionaire, Bill Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, has “formally” endorsed President Donald Trump following his attempted assassination in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
Fox News reports that more than 19 million people have viewed Ackman’s endorsement post since it went out late Saturday night.
This is coming on the heels of Billionaire Elon Musk announcing that he “fully supports” Trump shortly after the assassination attempt.
“I came to this decision some time ago as many @X followers have already understood from my supportive posts of Trump and my criticisms of @POTUS Biden,” Ackman said.
“The reason why I have not yet formally done so is that I want to explain my thinking in detail and address the arguments put forth by others against Trump.
“All of us have an obligation to stand up and be counted,” Ackman wrote in a subsequent X post on Sunday.
Ackman said it would take a “long-form post” to explain his thinking.
According to him, he did not have the time “nor felt the urgency” to write the post prior to the shooting that took place at a Trump rally that injured the upper part of Trump’s ear, left one rally attendee dead and two spectators critically injured.
Ackman suggested that the upcoming presidential election is one of the “most consequential” in his lifetime, and said he has spent a few hours recently with Trump.
He asked voters to “keep an open mind.”
He said a more detailed post explaining his position will come in the future.
Another US billionaire publicly endorses Trump after assassination attempt

‘I’m supposed to be dead’ – Trump claims after assassination attempt

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Former US president, Donald Trump, has claimed he is “supposed to be dead”.
Trump escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania and has now described it as a “very surreal experience.”
“I’m not supposed to be here, I’m supposed to be dead,” he told the New York Post in an interview.
The report also added that Trump has a white bandage covering his right ear.
The 78-year-old was hit in the ear by a gunman at a campaign rally on Saturday.
An innocent bystander was killed and two other people were wounded.
Trump has admitted he would have been killed, if he did not tilt his head slightly to the right to read a chart on illegal immigrants while addressing the rally.
“By luck or by God, many people are saying it’s by God I’m still here,” he said.
‘I’m supposed to be dead’ – Trump claims after assassination attempt