July 27, 2022

[GIST] National Agency, NEMA Receives Fresh Batch Of 175 Stranded Nigerians From Libya

[GIST] National Agency, NEMA Receives Fresh Batch Of 175 Stranded Nigerians From Libya

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Another batch of 175 stranded Nigerians from Libya has been received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State.
It was learnt that the returnees are 77 male adults, 64 female adults, 11 male and 12 female children, five female infants and six male infants.


The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, who was represented by the Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the development.
According to the Director-General, the stranded Nigerians were received at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 23:58 p.m, with Boeing 737-800 Al Buraq Air, with registration number 5A-DMG.
"The returnees were brought back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through a voluntary repatriation programme.
"The programme was meant for the distressed Nigerians who had left the country to seek greener pastures in various European countries but could not afford to return when their journey became frustrated.
"The returnees are 77 male adults, 64 female adults, 11 male and 12 female children, five female infants and six male infants.
"Among those brought into the country, two females and two males had medical issues," Farinloye stated.
He however urged the returnees to turn a new leaf in looking for ample opportunities in the country that were enough for everyone to achieve their desired goals.
He appealed to them to avoid vices that they must have been exposed to from the country of departure.
 

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[GIST] Christian Association, CAN Gets New President, Daniel Okoh As Ayokunle Bows Out

[GIST] Christian Association, CAN Gets New President, Daniel Okoh As Ayokunle Bows Out

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The Christian Association of Nigeria has elected Most Reverend Daniel Okoh as its new President, ending the tenure of Reverend Olasupo Ayokunle.
The announcement of Okoh’s election is contained in a statement by the CAN General Secretary, Joseph Daramola.


Okoh is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church, also called Nation Builders (Odozi-Obodo).
CAN comprises of five blocs; the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN); Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN); Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN)/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC); TEKAN and ECWA Fellowship.
The umbrella Christian body in Nigeria is scheduled to hold its General Assembly on July 27, which will usher in the new administration.
The assembly also marks the end of the tenure of Samson Olasupo Ayokunle and other members of the National Executives in his team.
The outgoing CAN president thanked all Nigerians for their support and prayers, which he said led to his successful tenure.
The handover ceremony and beginning of a new regime will take place on July 29.

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July 26, 2022

[GIST] No Way I Can Work With Atiku, Every Presidential Candidate Is Contesting To Win – Peter Obi

[GIST] No Way I Can Work With Atiku, Every Presidential Candidate Is Contesting To Win – Peter Obi

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, said he entered the “match” of the 2023 general elections and his only aim is to win and not to work for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Obi while speaking on Channels TV on Monday evening, noted that he had all what it took to defeat Atiku.

The former Anambra State governor, Obi was running mate to Atiku in the 2019 general elections and despite his acclaimed eloquence, the duo lost to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Obi had “divorced” Atiku and opted to run on the platform of the Labour Party as its presidential candidate.

Atiku, however, said last Friday in an Arise TV interview that Obi could not perform any miracle to win the presidential election in 2023.

However, when Obi was asked on Channels TV about the possibility of him working with Atiku if the chance arose, he said he was in the contest to win, adding that he had all it took to win.

Obi said, “Nobody goes into a match thinking of what will happen. Everyone is going into it to win. I’m going into this contest to be the next President of Nigeria… I think I have all it takes to win.”

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[GIST] 2023 Elections: Nigerians In Diaspora Should Be Allowed To Vote – AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina

[GIST] 2023 Elections: Nigerians In Diaspora Should Be Allowed To Vote – AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina

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The President of the African Development Bank (ADF), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has made a case for Nigerians in diaspora to vote in the 2023 general elections to decide the leadership of the country.
Adesina, who was Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, made the appeal in his speech at the celebration of Nigeria's diaspora day, delivered virtually.

While eulogising Nigerians in diaspora and their contributions to the development of the country, the AfDB president disclosed that in 2021, Nigerians in diaspora remitted $20billion to the country which represented four times more than the foreign direct investments in the same 2021 and half of the nation's crude oil export.
He said, "Today Nigerians in diaspora send home over $20 billion a year as remittances. Now to put this in perspective, you are going to think of the following - Nigeria's foreign direct investment in 2021 was $4.8 billion according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD). That means remittances by Nigerians in diaspora are four times the total foreign direct investment to Nigeria.
"Nigeria export revenue from crude oil average is about $40 billion annually. Now that means that remittances by Nigerians in the diaspora are half of the crude oil exports of Nigeria, is like the new oil for Nigeria.
"Without any doubt, Nigerians in diaspora are Nigeria's second largest source of revenue after crude oil. Nigeria should therefore provide policies that support Nigerians in diaspora regardless of where we live or work; home is home.
"Nigeria will achieve greatness if the diasporans will play a great part in our country's greatness. That is why it is important for Nigerians in the diaspora to be allowed to participate in the political processes of Nigeria.
"It is time that Nigerians in the diaspora are allowed to vote other nations do this. America allows its diaspora citizens to vote. Several African countries now allow their diasporan citizens to vote. Nigeria should do the same.”
"Then Nigerians at home and Nigerians outside the country, we can share in the shaping the future of their homeland Nigeria. May Nigeria thrives and prosper in peace unity and shared prosperity," he added.
 

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[GIST] Junketing Nigerian President, Buhari Travels To Liberia To ‘Discuss Security, Rule Of Law’

[GIST] Junketing Nigerian President, Buhari Travels To Liberia To ‘Discuss Security, Rule Of Law’

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President Muhammadu Buhari, known for frivolous foreign trips, will on Tuesday depart Abuja for Monrovia, Liberia to, among other things, deliver a lecture
Buhari, according to a statement on Monday, will also address issues bordering on West Africa’s security, free and fair elections and respect for rule of law. 

He will also join other African leaders as Liberia marks a Special Independence anniversary, commemorating 175 years of self-rule; making it the oldest independent post-colonial African State.
The Presidency disclosed these in the statement by Garba Shehu.
Shehu noted that Buhari’s visit to Liberia, Tuesday, July 26, “signifies the importance attached to the security and wellbeing of Liberia and the rest of West Africa.”
The statement read in part, “On this day, Liberia marks a Special Independence anniversary, commemorating 175 years of self-rule, with the country being the oldest independent post-colonial African State.
“President Buhari is the Special Guest of Honour at the celebration and will deliver an address. The trip to Liberia comes at a time when political instability and the return of coups-d’état have upended two to three decades of democratic order in the sub-region.
“Liberia, Sierra-Leone along with Nigeria are going into elections in 2023 and President Buhari is expected to emphasise to them the importance of free, fair and credible elections.”
“In his address, the President is expected to stress the importance of the respect for rule of law rule throughout the sub-region. Without rule of Law and constitutional rule, there cannot be security, peace and development.” 
Further justifying the President’s trip, Shehu said “Peace and security of Liberia (and Sierra-Leone) is important to Nigeria given the enormous investments in men, material and resources expended by this country to secure the two states.
“Without the leadership of Nigeria in the context of ECOWAS to secure these two, there would not have been a Liberia on the map in its present configuration today.
“Bilaterally, Nigeria and Liberia may bring to the table issues of cross-border terrorism, bolstering defence and trade ties. The warmth of the relationship and personal chemistry between President Buhari and George Weah of Liberia is no less significant and will play a key role in the events of tomorrow.”

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[GIST] Nigerian Police Detain Media Personnel In Abuja Over Petition By Senator Bwacha

[GIST] Nigerian Police Detain Media Personnel In Abuja Over Petition By Senator Bwacha

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The Nigeria Police Force has detained the Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM Jalingo, Ayodele Oloye, at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Abuja.

It was gathered Oloye was detained because of a petition by the lawmaker representing the Taraba South Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.

Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM Jalingo, Ayodele Oloye

Bwacha had earlier submitted a petition to the police to investigate the journalist in Taraba State over alleged cyber-stalling, defamation of character, and frustration of ambition among others.

Daily Post reports that Ayodele had, prior to his detention, raised an alert in a text message forwarded to media colleagues on Monday morning.

He said, “I’m Ayodele Samuel, Publisher of Taraba Truth and Facts Newspaper and CEO of Rock FM Jalingo, the first private FM radio station in Taraba State.

“I’m honouring a police invitation at the FCID, Abuja over a petition (I don’t know who the petitioners are or the content of the petition) but as a law-abiding citizen, I have honoured the invitation with a lawyer provided by the Media Rights Agenda, MRA.

“I feel it’s necessary to inform you and seek your support in case things go south.”

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[GIST] Persons With Disabilities Storm Benue Government House, Defy Rain To Protest Unemployment, Non-Payment Of Bursaries By Ortom-led Administration

[GIST] Persons With Disabilities Storm Benue Government House, Defy Rain To Protest Unemployment, Non-Payment Of Bursaries By Ortom-led Administration

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A group of people living with disabilities, under the platform of the National Association of People Living with Disabilities, Benue State Chapter, on Monday, stormed the Benue State Government's House to protest the lack of employment opportunities and nonpayment of bursary allowances to their members.

The members of the association were seen gathering in large numbers in front of the state government house.

SaharaReporters gathered that the protesters were at the Government House since 10am and defied the rain to demand to see Governor Samuel Ortom for failing to address their needs for over seven years now.

"We are demanding to see the governor because none of the letters we wrote to him was approved. It is high time we took this move because he is not only representing the able persons, he also represents the disabled," the group’s spokesperson told SaharaReporters.

He continued, "Among us, we have graduates, we have undergraduates. No job has been given to people with disabilities in Benue and we are finding it hard to cater to our families.

"If you can recall in 2018, 5% of jobs in Benue State were given to our members. But since then, nothing has happened again. Maybe he is not aware. So we decided to come to this gate to relate our challenges to him.

"The other one is disability commission; we want it to be domesticated in Benue. If he doesn't do it, we don't have the power to do it for ourselves. The students amongst us have not received bursary (scholarships) awarded to others since seven years back," he added.

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July 25, 2022

[GIST] Use Of Violence By Terrorists Isn’t New—Buhari Presidency Reacts To Flogging Of Abducted Abuja-Kaduna Train Passengers In Viral Video

[GIST] Use Of Violence By Terrorists Isn’t New—Buhari Presidency Reacts To Flogging Of Abducted Abuja-Kaduna Train Passengers In Viral Video

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The Nigerian Presidency has reacted to the flogging of abducted Kaduna-Abuja train passengers by terrorists.
The victims were abducted when bandits attacked the Kaduna-bound train on March 28.


Eight passengers were killed during the train attack, while a yet-to-be-confirmed number of persons were kidnapped.
In a viral video lasting two minutes, 50 seconds sent by the terrorists to family members of the abductees on Saturday, the male victims are seen crying as they were being flogged by the terrorists.
As the flogging stopped, female captives came into the frame. One of them cried out and rued voting for President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reacting to the video in a statement on Sunday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the use of violence by ‘terrorists” is not new.
Shehu said President Buhari has gone beyond expectations in supporting security operatives, and he expects results.


He said, “Terrorist activity using propaganda and the use of violence to force governments to accept or submit to political demands is not new all over the world. The country’s security and defence forces are not clueless or helpless. They have their plans and ways of doing things which they will not display in the media.
“The dilemmas in dealing with the specific case of train terrorists are manifold: punitive action like the popular call for carpet bombing of the known locations may assuage the desire of an angry public for revenge, but what about the hostages? They have committed no offence. All they did was to board a train.
“It suffices to say that the security forces are not relenting. They are acutely aware of their duties, responsibilities and what the nation expects of them. Whenever they embark upon those actions, they expect that the public should provide them with the needed support.
“Terrorism is a global scourge that must be fought by all actors – the military, the civilian population and the communication service providers. This is the only way safe havens of terrorists are eliminated in every part of the world.
“To help the nation against ongoing situation, the media must increase their support for the fight against the exploitation of the internet and social media for terrorist purposes.
“The Presidency, in the meantime, wishes to reassure the public that the President has done all, and even more than what is expected of him as Commander-in-Chief by way of morale, material and equipment support to the military and expects nothing short of good results in the immediate.”News AddThis :  Original Author :  saharareporters, new york Disable advertisements : 
[GIST] Executive Secretary Of Nigerian Education Agency, TETFUND, Echono Not Involved In Contract Fraud, Procurement Racketeering, Says Lawyer

[GIST] Executive Secretary Of Nigerian Education Agency, TETFUND, Echono Not Involved In Contract Fraud, Procurement Racketeering, Says Lawyer

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The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Sonny Echono, who is a former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, is not running down the agency through unwholesome practices as alleged, a lawyer, Felix Ayanruoh has said.
Echono was appointed in March by President Muhammadu Buhari as TETFUND boss.


Sources earlier told SaharaReporters that Echono had turned the agency into a fiefdom where contract splitting and padding was the order of the day.
"The situation in TETFUND in less than four months is worrisome; the ES has done what no other chief executive has done in terms of splitting contracts to favour his cronies and fronts. A situation where the ES brags about extensive knowledge of procurement is disgusting. I can say that the rot he perpetuated while he was Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry is what he is repeating here,” one of the sources had said.
"The ES is in the habit of asking for advance payment in dollars before grants are released. You know he was the former PS in the Education Ministry, and he knew most of the Vice-Chancellors of the universities. So it has been business as usual with how these Vice-Chancellors respond to his monetary demands before grants are released.”
“One of the antics of the ES of TETFUND is insisting that most TETFUND projects are executed by firms he recommended. He has a list of firms under his direct control that he uses in executing TETFUND projects.
“There is a list of anointed firms that must execute projects. In some instances, these firms are not qualified and what happens is that they end up engaging firms with capacity but for a lesser fee. One of the federal universities in the Southern part of the country was a case where TETFUND released the sum of 250 million (naira) for constructing twin lecture theatres. The firm that was awarded the contract later engaged another firm for the same project at the sum of 150 million (naira),” another source had noted.
Reacting, Ayanruoh described the allegations as false.
The lawyer described Echono as a true and dedicated civil servant and an epitome of what a public administrator should be.
He said, “Mr. Echono is a testimonial of a dedicated and incorruptible public administrator that our dear nation deserves.  He has not been investigated or questioned of his decades of service to our great nation.
“He inspires governance and administration of all shades of government to action. And while inspiration alone isn’t enough to get the job done, it is a necessary ingredient to begin the hard work.
“His unwillingness to cross the line into the dark side of public administration has touched a fundamental place in the hearts of many who are eager to work with him and believe that public service is not entirely cynical.
“However, it is imperative to state that Mr. Echono turned down an extension offered by the Federal Government as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, the supervisory Ministry of NECO referred to in the article. 
“It is instructive to note that Sony Echono is a true and dedicated civil servant – an epitome of what a public administrator should be. He has traversed public service and propelled successes from the administration of the likes of Akinwumi Adesina the former Minister of Agriculture, Oby Ezekwesili (Madam Due Process) and former Minister of Education among others. 
“Never allow the transitory evanescence demands of men to take precedence over eternal demand of the Almighty God.” 

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[GIST] Anger As Shi'ites Group Honours Members Killed By Nigerian Army During 2015 Zaria Massacre, Marks Annual Quds Day In Abuja

[GIST] Anger As Shi'ites Group Honours Members Killed By Nigerian Army During 2015 Zaria Massacre, Marks Annual Quds Day In Abuja

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Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as "Shi'ites" at the weekend gathered in Abuja to mark Quds Day, a day set aside by the movement in Nigeria in support of the Palestinian struggle.
The movement also used the event to honour


their fallen 'heroes’ and ‘martyrs’ killed by security operatives in Zaria in 2015 by the Nigerian military.
The sect said they would never give up the struggle in demanding justice for the victims and exercising their right to practise their religion.
The event was marked soberly with portrait photographs of the victims including three children of the leader of the movement, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, on display. 
Speaking at the event, the Patron of the Academic Forum of the movement, Prof. Isah Mshelgaru said irrespective of the killings, harassment and intimidation by the Nigerian government and security agencies, the movement would not be forced into silence. 
"It is a day to remember these our heroes and also tell the world that these people that have sacrificed their lives, there are still some other people that are ready to make similar sacrifices until the aims of those people who sacrificed their lives are achieved," he said. 
He lamented the illegal detention of many Shi'ites by security agencies across the country since 2015, adding that the movement would do everything legally possible to ensure their release.
He also added that the sect would sustain the procession and protest against the continued seizure of the passports of their leader, El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat
by the Nigerian government which has prevented the couple from travelling out of the country for medical treatment.
"When Sheik and his wife were detained, we protested for over six years and most of the time on a daily basis. We didn't get tired even when the government was saying we would be tired and abandon the struggle.
"The issue of fighting for our rights is a continuous process and there is no way we will abandon our rights. We will continue to pursue our rights using all legal means until we get our rights. So the protest and all other things will continue," he added. 
Another scholar of the forum, Ahamad Shuaib said the aim of the Nigerian government not to release the passport of their leader was to eliminate him.
"Why will they seize his passport? Seizing his passport, they mean bad for Sheik. Since he has bullets in his body system and bullets emit lead poison and lead is very poisonous. It is the only miracle that has made Sheik to survive till this time. 
"He has stroke twice while in detention without proper care. His wife is suffering from a knee problem and other complications."
He explained that the event was also done in solidarity with the people of Palestine, saying they are being terrorised by the Israeli government with support from the USA.
IMN added that the international community has turned a blind eye to the increasingly transparent reality on the ground for too long.
 

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[GIST] SPN Supports Planned Nationwide Protest, Says Buhari Government's Condemnation Of Action Is Illegal, Irresponsible

[GIST] SPN Supports Planned Nationwide Protest, Says Buhari Government's Condemnation Of Action Is Illegal, Irresponsible

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The Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has condemned and rejected the recent claim by the Nigerian Government that the planned nationwide protest scheduled for July 26 and 27, 2022 by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in solidarity with the striking workers in public universities and colleges of education is illegal.  
The SPN, in a statement on Saturday signed by its Acting National Chairperson, Abiodun Bamigboye and National Secretary, Chinedu Bosah said rather, it considers the pronouncement of the government, through Mr Lai Mohammed, the Minister for Information and Culture, as "not only illegal but also irresponsible".


"This is because it is an attack on the democratic right to holding a peaceful protest which the irresponsible Buhari government has made necessary by keeping students at home for more than five months," it said. 
It further said, "Again, the NLC being an umbrella body of trade unions which include Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, NASU, Seniors Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU, currently on strikes for months, has the historical responsibility of organising a solidarity action to strengthen the agitations of its affiliates in struggle regardless of whether or not is directly having a pending issue with the government.
"It is in line with this working-class solidarity that SPN being a pro-working people political party reiterates its support to the various, ongoing strike action of the staff unions in universities as well as College of Education Academic Staff Unions (COEASU). We believe that the demands by these striking trade unions are genuine and in the best interest of public education. 
"SPN strongly advocates adequate funding of education that is linked to human development and gives every Nigerian the opportunity to acquire the fullest human development towards the advancement of the productive forces.
"However, it must be stated that this is possible only when the mainstay of the economy and big industries are publicly owned and democratically run and controlled by the working class people. 
"This is in order to guarantee the generation of adequate resources and their judicious use for the benefits of the vast majority. Unfortunately, the Buhari-led government and other sections of the capitalist ruling elite are incapable of adopting this kind of socio-economic arrangement that guarantees free and quality education for all because of their self-serving, parochial looting and profit first interest as well as the lack of objective to industrialize the economy and make it more productive. 
"The uneven and combined development, as well as the looting of public funds, have made it possible for the ruling elite to be insulated from the poor education system as their children get quality education at a more expensive rate in Nigeria and abroad. Hence, the ruling elite are not bothered even if our schools are closed down for 2 years as a result of legitimate strike actions or the education system is embarrassingly poor as it is in the current situation."
According to the SPN, it welcomes the planned mass protest called by the NLC in solidarity with the striking unions scheduled to take place across the 36 states on July 26 and Federal Capital Territory, FCT on July 27, 2022. 
"We strongly feel that this solidarity action is long overdue, and hence we call on the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to take this solidarity action with seriousness in terms of mobilization and commitment," it said. 
"The NLC leadership should not organize this action with levity just like it did with some other past actions without adequate and proper mobilisation. Neither should the planned actions be unjustifiably called off at the eleventh hour."
The socialist party said the January 2022 botched mass action against the planned removal of fuel subsidy emboldened the government and oil marketers to increase fuel price from N165 to between N175 and N220 depending on the location. 
"The same way the strike action called off in September 2020 emboldened the government and electricity companies to increase electricity tariffs 3 times within a year with commitment for 6month periodic increment," it added. 
It, therefore, called on the "Trade Union Congress (TUC) to join the solidarity action in order to provide stronger class solidarity in support of the striking workers and students. It is important to note that it is a consistent struggle that can force the government to meet the demands of education workers and grant concession for more funding to public education". 
It continued, "Therefore, SPN calls on the NLC and TUC to come together for more sustained solidarity mass action including a 48-hour general strike, as the next stage, as a means of mobilising the Nigerian working people and youth not only in support of students and the striking workers but also against all anti-poor policies. 
"These include but not limited to hike in the price of petroleum products, increment in tax, inflation, hike in electricity tariff, underfunding of education and healthcare, casualization and contract staffing, jumbo salaries and perks for top political office holders, fraudulent contract system etc. This is the only way the trade union movement can adequately checkmate government and private sector attacks as well as defend the interest of workers and the masses.
"We call on all pro-labour and pro-students organisations to give active solidarity to this ongoing strike as well as the planned mass protest taking place on July 26 and 27, 2022. 
"Beyond this is the need to note that the continued stay in power by the self-serving capitalist ruling elite is antithetical to the interest of the working masses and the poor. By the logic of the iniquitous capitalist system especially in a neo-colonial economy with a backward ruling elite, ordinary Nigerians will always be subjected to all manners of socio-economic and political attacks. 
"Hence, there is an urgent need for trade unions, pro-masses organisations, and working people to build a pan Nigerian mass working people’s political party which can build a revolutionary mass movement to usher in a socialist change. This is in order to ultimately put the working class people in power and bring about real democracy wherein society will be planned and organized to meet the needs of all."

 

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[GIST] IPOB Commends UN Working Group For Calling For Immediate Release, Compensation For Nnamdi Kanu By Nigerian, Kenyan Governments

[GIST] IPOB Commends UN Working Group For Calling For Immediate Release, Compensation For Nnamdi Kanu By Nigerian, Kenyan Governments

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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has commended the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNHCR) for condemning the arrest of the leader of the separatist group, Nnamdi Kanu, through its International Working Group. 
The group also commended Kanu's international lawyer, Bruce Fein for his efforts in drawing the attention of the body to the plight of the IPOB leader. 


An international Working Group had declared the arrest of Kanu as unlawful and an infringement on his international human rights.
It also called for the immediate release of the IPOB and compensation by the Nigerian and Kenyan governments for the way he was treated. 
The Working Group on arbitrary detention, under the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), disclosed this in a statement published on its website.
The group comprises scholars and experts who specialise in human rights issues and related laws.
Fein, the American lawyer of the IPOB leader had petitioned the group over an alleged gross violation of his client’s rights.
The UN group in its report also described Kanu’s repatriation from Kenya in June 2021 as “illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional extradition.”
In a statement on Sunday, IPOB commended the Working Group, Fein and everyone working to get victory for the detained IPOB leader. 
The IPOB leader was detained after he was arrested in Kenya and repatriated in June 2021.
He was arrested over his agitation for Biafra and by extension, Nigeria’s breakup.
He has since been detained by Nigeria's secret police, Department of State Services (DSS) and his trial for terrorism-related offences commenced in a Federal High Court in Abuja, the country's capital. 
IPOB, in the statement from its publicity secretary, Emma Powerful on Sunday, said, "We, the global and noble family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hereby commend Attorney Bruce Fein for the professional job in regards to the recently issued United Nations Opinion, condemning the extraordinary rendition of our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and directing the Government of Nigeria to release him unconditionally and to compensate him.
"In the same vein, we commend all those who quietly labored and assisted in achieving this landmark victory. It is indeed a great milestone for our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB and Biafrans worldwide.
"We also express our profound gratitude to the United Nations and its Working Group for their courage in reaching this decision and issuing an opinion that comports with the tenets of international laws.
"It is our hope that Nigeria, as a member of the United Nations, will take heed and promptly obey and implement the UN directives to the letter. We caution that this is not a Nigerian court order that is often disobeyed without consequences." 
The statement by the working group said, “The Working Group is mindful that article 9 (2) of the Covenant requires that anyone who is arrested is not only informed of the reasons for the arrest but also promptly informed of any charges against them. 
"As explained by the Human Rights Committee in its general comment No. 35, the obligation encapsulated in article 9 (2) has two elements: information about the reasons for the arrest must be provided immediately upon arrest and there must be prompt information about the charges provided thereafter. Failure to do so violates article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant, and principle 10 of the Body of Principles, and renders the person’s arrest devoid of any legal basis.
“Consequently, Mr. Kanu’s arrest without an arrest warrant and with no explanation as to the reasons for his arrest violated his rights under article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 9 of the Covenant and principles 2, 4, 10, and 36 (2) of the Body of Principles,” it said.
The UN group in its report also described Kanu’s repatriation from Kenya in June 2021 as “illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional extradition.”
It read, “On 30 December 2021, the Working Group transmitted the allegations from the source to the Governments of Nigeria and Kenya under its regular communications procedure. The Working Group requested the Governments to provide, by 28 February 2022, detailed information about the current situation of Mr. Kanu and to clarify the legal provisions justifying his continued detention, as well as its compatibility with the obligations of Nigeria and Kenya under international human rights law, and in particular with regard to the treaties ratified by the two States. Moreover, the Working Group called upon the Government of Nigeria to ensure Mr. Kanu’s physical and mental integrity.
“On 25 January 2022, the Government of Nigeria submitted a reply in which it stated that, given that the case is on-going in national courts, “any reaction by the Federal Government of Nigeria will be unconscionable.”
“The Working Group regrets that it received no reply from the Government of Kenya and that it also did not seek an extension in accordance with paragraph 16 of Working Group’s methods of work.
“The Working Group has maintained from its early years that the practice of arresting persons without a warrant renders their detention arbitrary. This lacks any valid legal basis under any circumstance.
"Judicial oversight of any detention is a central safeguard for personal liberty and is critical in ensuring that detention has a legitimate basis. In the circumstances attending the detention of Mr. Kanu at an unknown location, the Working Group finds that his right to an effective remedy under article 8 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 2 (3) of the Covenant were violated. 
"He was also placed outside the protection of the law, in violation of his right to be recognised as a person before the law under article 6 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 16 of the Covenant.
“The Working Group also considers that Mr. Kanu’s time in detention following his arrest constitutes pre-trial detention, which violated the prescriptions of article 9 (3) of the Covenant in so far as Mr. Kanu was not presented before a judicial authority within 48 hours and no individual assessment of the appropriateness of his pre-trial detention took place.
“The source asserts and the Government does not contest that on or about 29 June 2021, Mr. Kanu was subjected to extraordinary rendition to Abuja, Nigeria, with no prior judicial hearing before a judicial or administrative body. The source emphasizes that Mr. Kanu was not given access to counsel and was denied any judicial proceedings all together whilst in Kenya. The source notes that, according to Nigeria’s Attorney General, Mr. Kanu was apprehended and transported to Abuja with the cooperation of Nigerian intelligence officials and Interpol.
“The source claims that, in the present case, there was no fair and public hearing concerning Mr. Kanu’s removal from Kenya to Nigeria. The source stresses that involuntary expulsion to a foreign State without a hearing by judicial authorities does not conform with due process considerations. 
"It is clear from the facts as narrated by the source and not contested by the Government that Mr. Kanu was never presented to a court before leaving Nairobi. Instead, he was unwillingly taken, outside any legal process and without any legal protection. He was forcibly conveyed from Nairobi to Abuja under an arrangement between the Kenyan and Nigerian Governments, and with the cooperation of the Nigerian Intelligence officials and Interpol, as confirmed by Nigeria’s Attorney General.

“As the Working Group has previously observed 9 international law regarding extradition provides procedures that must be observed by countries in arresting, detaining and returning individuals to face criminal proceedings in another country and in ensuring that their right to a fair trial is protected. This is also an explicating obligation arising from article 13 of the Covenant which requires that the person who is to be expelled “be allowed to submit the reasons against his expulsion and to have his case reviewed by, and be represented for the purpose before, the competent authority or a person or persons especially designated by the competent authority”.
The Working Group finds that all these requirements were ignored in the present case and the removal of Mr. Kanu from Kenya amounted to extraordinary rendition.
“Further, the Working Group notes that this was preceded by the secret detention of Mr. Kanu. As the Working Group and other experts have stated regarding State responsibility in the joint study on global practices in relation to secret detention in the context of countering terrorism: Secret detention, involving the denial or concealment of a person’s detention, whereabouts or fate has the inherent consequence of placing the person outside the protection of the law. 
"The practice of “proxy detention”, where persons are transferred from one State to another outside the realm of any international or national legal procedure (“rendition” or “extraordinary rendition”) for the specific purpose of secretly detaining them, or to exclude the possibility of review by the domestic courts of the State having custody of the detainee, or otherwise in violation of the well-entrenched principle of non-refoulement, entails exactly the same consequence. 
"The practice of “proxy detention” involves the responsibility of both the State that is detaining the victim and the State on whose behalf or at whose behest the detention takes place.
“It is aimed at avoiding all procedural safeguards, is not compatible with international law. The Working Group has previously found a violation of article 9 of the Covenant and the detention to be arbitrary where individuals were transferred to another country outside the confines of any legal procedure, such as extradition, were not allowed access to counsel. This is precisely what happened to Mr. Kanu.
“Secret detention, involving the denial or concealment of a person’s detention, whereabouts or fate has the inherent consequence of placing the person outside the protection of the law. The practice of “proxy detention”, where persons are transferred from one State to another outside the realm of any international or national legal procedure (“rendition” or “extraordinary rendition”) for the specific purpose of secretly detaining them, or to exclude the possibility of review by the domestic courts of the State having custody of the detainee, or otherwise in violation of the well-entrenched principle of non-refoulement, entails exactly the same consequence. 
"The practice of “proxy detention” involves the responsibility of both the State that is detaining the victim and the State on whose behalf or at whose behest the detention takes place.
“In the light of the foregoing, the Working Group renders the following opinion: In relation to Kenya and Nigeria; The deprivation of liberty of Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu, being in contravention of articles 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and articles 2, 9, 13, 14, 16, 19 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is arbitrary and falls within Categories I, II, III and V.
“The Working Group requests the Governments of Kenya and Nigeria to take the steps necessary to remedy the situation of Mr. Kanu without delay and bring it into conformity with the relevant international norms, including those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
“The Working Group considers that, taking into account all the circumstances of the case, the appropriate remedy would be for the Government of Nigeria to release Mr. Kanu immediately and for both Governments to accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law. In the current context of the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the threat that it poses in places of detention, the Working Group calls upon the Government of Nigeria to take urgent action to ensure the immediate unconditional release of Mr. Kanu.
“The Working Group urges the two Governments to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. Kanu and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights."

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July 24, 2022

[GIST] African Action Congress' Presidential Candidate, Sowore Publicly Declares Assets

[GIST] African Action Congress' Presidential Candidate, Sowore Publicly Declares Assets

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The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has publicly declared his assets ahead of the 2023 general elections.
A civic organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had challenged the activist to publish details of his assets and to publicly commit to rejecting vote-buying and electoral bribery before and during the elections.


“Dear ‪@YeleSowore‬ Ahead of the February 2023 presidential election, we're again calling on you to show leadership by urgently publishing details of your assets and publicly rejecting vote-buying and electoral bribery before and during the elections,” SERAP had tweeted.


Responding, Sowore said he had two cars, a house in his hometown in Ondo State worth N5million among other assets.
He added that he had never operated any offshore account(s) or worked with a tax haven to hide any asset.
“I have 2 used cars: a Toyota Camry & Lexus RX 350, a home in my village worth maybe N5m, three iPhones, a Galaxy Note 10 Lite (if you could call those assets), SaharaReporters Media Group (don’t know the worth as of today), a four bedroom bungalow in New Jersey & nothing more,” Sowore said.
“The Federal government of Nigeria froze my bank accounts since 2019 after I was arrested over ‪#RevolutionNow‬ protest on August 3rd 2019. A ‪@gtbank‬ account I operated in Nigeria had N4,800 left in before my arrest, I managed to open a ‪ @kudabankhelp‬ with N463.00 as of this evening.
“I reject vote-buying on or before 2023 election date. I also recently opened a ‪@capitalone‬ US bank account that has in it about $300, I have a ‪@ZenithBank‬ campaign account for the ‪#Sowore2023‬ Presidential account. I have nothing more besides financial support that I occasionally get from friends and family (if those count as assets).
“I have never operated any offshore account(s) or worked with a tax haven to hide my assets. These are the assets I have in my entire life.”
 Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, new York Disable advertisements : 
[GIST] 2023 Elections Will Determine If Nigeria Would Sink Or Not – Northern Elders Forum

[GIST] 2023 Elections Will Determine If Nigeria Would Sink Or Not – Northern Elders Forum

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The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) says the 2023 general elections would the most decisive since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.
NEF spokesman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, stated this on his verified Twitter handle on Saturday.


Baba-Ahmed said the 2023 elections would show if Nigerians have decided to reverse the journey to destruction.
He pointed out that the next general election would show if Nigeria would sink towards destruction.
Baba-Ahmed added that Nigerians would decide the fate of the country at the polls next year.
He said, “2023 elections are the most decisive since 1999. They will show whether we have decided to reverse the journey to destruction, or we will sink irretrievably towards destruction. Will you be part of those who will decide, or will you watch others do it. Register and vote. Seven days left.”

 
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[GIST] PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Challenges APC Rival, Tinubu To One-hour TV Interview

[GIST] PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Challenges APC Rival, Tinubu To One-hour TV Interview

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The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, to an hour-long Television interview.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Tinubu camp lambasted Atiku, saying he was ill-prepared for the Nigerian presidency and bungled a TV interview, and couldn't address specific issues thrown at him.


Reacting to the allegation of Tinubu Campaign Organisation that he was not prepared to lead the country because of some of the issues discussed during his last Television interview, the former vice president dared Tinubu to take up the challenge.
“‘We would like to challenge Bola Tinubu to subject himself to an hour long interview, like the Waziri did, and if he is able to be as articulate and mentally present as our candidate, then he can talk. Until then, we will only want to remind him and his yes men that they are not in a position to point fingers when they have not sat on the hot seat,” Atiku said in a statement which Paul Ibe, his Media Adviser, issued on his behalf.
Ibe added that the former vice president was “amused to read the knee jerk response from the Tinubu Campaign Organisation to the wave making interview granted by Atiku Abubakar.”
He said the Tinubu campaign “exposed its gross desperation and vacuousness by citing the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 1999, to declare Waziri Atiku Abubakar’s stance on engaging in a side business while he was a young custom officer as a breach of the law. It is pertinent to educate the Tinubu campaign organisation that Nigeria is not under a military regime and our Constitutions are not retroactive in nature.”
“Atiku Abubakar has earned Master’s degree from Anglia Ruskin University. We challenge any of the present Presidential candidates to present an equal or higher degree. Moreover, his university attendance is a matter of verified record. Can we say the same about some other persons?”

 
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[GIST] PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Challenges APC Rival, Tinubu To One-hour TV Interview

[GIST] PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Challenges APC Rival, Tinubu To One-hour TV Interview

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The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, to an hour-long Television interview.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Tinubu camp lambasted Atiku, saying he was ill-prepared for the Nigerian presidency and bungled a TV interview, and couldn't address specific issues thrown at him.


Reacting to the allegation of Tinubu Campaign Organisation that he was not prepared to lead the country because of some of the issues discussed during his last Television interview, the former vice president dared Tinubu to take up the challenge.
“‘We would like to challenge Bola Tinubu to subject himself to an hour long interview, like the Waziri did, and if he is able to be as articulate and mentally present as our candidate, then he can talk. Until then, we will only want to remind him and his yes men that they are not in a position to point fingers when they have not sat on the hot seat,” Atiku said in a statement which Paul Ibe, his Media Adviser, issued on his behalf.
Ibe added that the former vice president was “amused to read the knee jerk response from the Tinubu Campaign Organisation to the wave making interview granted by Atiku Abubakar.”
He said the Tinubu campaign “exposed its gross desperation and vacuousness by citing the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) 1999, to declare Waziri Atiku Abubakar’s stance on engaging in a side business while he was a young custom officer as a breach of the law. It is pertinent to educate the Tinubu campaign organisation that Nigeria is not under a military regime and our Constitutions are not retroactive in nature.”
“Atiku Abubakar has earned Master’s degree from Anglia Ruskin University. We challenge any of the present Presidential candidates to present an equal or higher degree. Moreover, his university attendance is a matter of verified record. Can we say the same about some other persons?”

 
Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, new York Disable advertisements : 
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