Security Measures: Senate seeks safety of judges, rejects N110bn budget for Judiciary

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November 11, 2020

The Senate on Tuesday called for adequate security measures around Judges and Courts in the country to ensure their safety from spontaneous or premeditated attacks.

The red chamber also frowned on the N110bn budgetary estimates projected for the Judiciary in 2021.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters made the observations when its members engaged the Chief Registrars of all the courts on their 2021 budgetary proposals.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the recent attacks visited on the courts in the country by hoodlums were worrisome and condemnable.

He said such spontaneous or premeditated attacks were more or less potential assaults on Judges and Justices which must be nipped in the bud.

He said, “Worthy of note, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, is the unfortunate and unwarranted recent attack and vandalisation of the Court of Appeal archive office in the Lagos Division, as well as the Lagos State High Court Complex, located at Igbosere, which was set ablaze by hoodlums.

“This action is highly condemnable and a clarion call for provision of adequate security mechanisms, for the safety of Judges and the Courts, generally.”

He, however, added that the N110bn earmarked for the arm of government in the coming fiscal year was grossly inadequate to bring about the needed turnaround

“This committee will do all within its legislative powers to ensure that the funding of the Judiciary is improved upon for dispensation of justice in the country efficiently and appropriately, ” he stated.

CBN Action: Akeredolu says #EndSARS campaigners should explain use of funds

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Itohan Olomu-Agbodo

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November 11, 2020

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Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has said #EndSARS promoters whose bank accounts were frozen recently by the Central Bank of Nigeria should approach a competent court to justify the “legitimate” source and use of funds in the frozen accounts.

Akeredolu, who is also the Ondo State Governor, said it was not the first time bank accounts were frozen by the CBN.

He noted that the matter was discussed last Sunday at the meeting of governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the region held in Lagos in the aftermath of the violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests.

The governor, who spoke Wednesday on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily Programme, said the leaders agreed at the meeting to take certain steps on the frozen accounts.

He stated, “The issue of the accounts that were frozen was discussed but nobody said in the communique that we appreciated the government for freezing the accounts.

“We know that there are ways to get a few things done without putting it in the public glare and start contestation on the pages of newspapers. So, we know what we decided and we know what we want to do about that.

“The issue, when it was raised, generated debate. But it was so clear that some people were getting to fund this for reasons other than #EndSARS. So, if we know money moved from some accounts that were suspicious, do you say the government should keep quiet? It is something we are looking into.”

Akeredolu also urged the youth representatives in the Lagos State Panel of Judiciary Inquiry probing cases of police brutality and the Lekki shootings to resume sitting while they challenge the CBN action in court.

He said, “If I were counsel to those people, I will not advise them not to appear at that panel.

“Accounts are frozen, is that the first time it is done? If your account was frozen, you justify why the money was there. You explain what use you have used the money. If it is, okay, we paid this caterer to give food to these boys when they were there. We spent money before the hoodlums took over, it will be explained, people will know and the accounts will be de-frozen.

“If for instance, my account was frozen, all I will do is to go to court and explain. Politicians’ accounts have been frozen and all they do is to go to court to explain and the court will say, leave the accounts and the accounts will be de-frozen and they get their money.”

It was earlier reported that the apex bank obtained a court order to freeze the account of 20 #EndSARS campaigners. This newspaper also reported that the CBN accused the #EndSARS campaigners of terrorism.

Party Switch: I’m leaving PDP for APC, Umahi tells Secondus, others

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Itohan Olomu-Agbodo

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November 11, 2020

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Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, told the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja on Tuesday that he was leaving the party.

He said he would join the ruling All Progressives Congress which he claimed would protect the interest of the South-East in the 2023 elections.

Umahi told the members of the National Working Committee of the PDP that his decision to join the APC was irrevocable.

The members of the PDP NWC, who were led to the meeting by its National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, were said to have tried in vain to convince the governor not to abandon the party.

Apart from Secondus, among those that were at the meeting at the Ebonyi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja were Deputy National Secretary, Agbo Emmanuel; National Organising Secretary, Austin Akobondu; Financial Secretary, Abdullahi Maibasira; National Women Leader, Mariya Waziri and Senator Sulieman Nazif.

The governor was said to be friendly when he received the PDP delegation, but stuck to his decision to leave the PDP when the issue came up.

It was gathered that the PDP delegation impressed it upon the governor that there was no need leaving the PDP for the APC, which they argued had become unpopular.

Sources at the meeting, however, said the governor was not convinced, insisting that the APC was planning to zone the 2023 Presidency to the South-East.

He was said to have promised to stay in the PDP if the party could make a pronouncement that it would zone the Presidency to the same zone.

LIONEL MESSI SLAMMED BY ANTOINE GRIEZMANN’S FORMER ADVISOR FOR DEPLORABLE ATTITUDE AT BARCELONA

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Emenike Agu

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November 10, 2020

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Antoine Griezmann’s former advisor has let loose on Lionel Messi, saying his “attitude has been deplorable” and that at Barcelona you are either “with him or against him”. Griezmann has struggled to settle at Barca since his big-money move in 2019 from Atletico Madrid, with questions over whether he is compatible alongside Messi.

Lionel Messi has been slammed by Antoine Griezmann’s former advisor for having a “deplorable” attitude and leading a “regime of terror” at Barcelona.

Griezmann has struggled to adapt at Barca since joining in 2019 and there have been questions over whether he can fit into the same team as Messi.

Olhats, who scouted Griezmann when he was 13 and worked as his advisor until a few years ago, believes Messi is playing a role in making things difficult.

“Antoine arrived in a struggling club where Messi has a view on everything,” Olhats told France Football.

HE’S AT THE SAME TIME EMPEROR AND MONARCH, AND HE DIDN’T SEE ANTOINE’S ARRIVAL WITH A GOOD EYE. HIS ATTITUDE HAS BEEN DEPLORABLE, HE MADE HIM FEEL THAT. I’VE ALWAYS HEARD ANTOINE SAY THERE’S NO PROBLEM WITH MESSI, BUT NEVER THE OTHER WAY AROUND. IT’S A REGIME OF TERROR. YOU’RE EITHER WITH HIM OR AGAINST HIM.

“In my eyes, Messi said he wanted to leave [in the summer] to see what role he still had as a decision-making player, regarding the players who arrived and those who left, but he eventually stayed. Classic Messi! As good on the pitch as he is bad off it.

“Barcelona has been suffering for a while. There was a cancer in that club, and it obviously leaves some marks.”

Griezmann scored 15 goals for Barcelona in his debut season and has netted twice in seven La Liga appearances this campaign. Olhats believes the problems at the club have made it tough for Griezmann to settle.

“It’s the club that’s sick, not him,” he said.

“Last year, when Antoine arrived, Messi didn’t talk to him, didn’t pass him the ball. He created a real trauma for a more than negative adaptation.

“That clearly left its mark. It was clear and visible. Add to that the president stepping down, the club conceding eight against Bayern and three different managers, the conditions aren’t good.”

IPOB can’t represent, speak for Igbo, Umahi insists

By

Emenike Agu

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November 10, 2020

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Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum (SEGF), Chief David Umahi on Tuesday insisted that the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) does not represent the interest of Ndiigbo and cannot speak for Igbos.

Umahi, in an audio clip of his speech when he led other Southeastern governors to visit his colleague in Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, in Government House, Port Harcourt, queried the reason behind the agitation of the outlawed group.

Addressing Wike, he said: “We can claim here and show leaders back home that all we read in the social media from your own account are all lies. We did not come to verify your claims. You did not report to us.

“I have lived in Rivers State for a very long time. My six children out of seven were all born here in Rivers State. We have never had any form of discrimination here. We must call a spade a spade.

“We have 11.5million Igbos living in the north. We have three million Igbos that are of voting age in Lagos State not to talk about other parts of this country. And somebody wants to start a war for us so that the Igbos will be slaughtered.

“During the civil war, we lost three million Igbos. Most of them were killed when they were running away from the north back to the southeast. Everywhere you go in this country, you see our infrastructure. Think about the percentage of infrastructure of Ndigbo in Lagos and in Abuja. Who brings war upon itself?

“We, Ndiigbo, we do not support criminalities. Do not buy into any criminal that is from our side. I find it very funny when somebody is going to be claiming that part of Benue State must descend into his territory and part of Rivers State must descend into his territory. What sort of madness is that?

“Even if there is referendum, people must freely say where they want to belong to. You can’t force them. No matter the history you have, you can’t force people to belong to where you want them belong. They want to belong to where they want to belong.

“Why I am telling you this is that we should be wise not to support what is wrong. Let’s go back and tell ourselves the truth. What is happening cannot be said to be for Ndiigbo. Those people are not speaking for us. What are you agitating for and you are destroying the properties of Ndiigbo? Won’t that tell you that they are looking for something?

“They came to my state, the beautiful streetlights and beautiful infrastructures you are destroying them. You are burning tyres on the tarred road. Is it part of the agitation? Let us rise up and defend our name.”

Also, the President-General, Ohaneze Ndiigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, said Niger Delta and the Igbo had the same issues confronting them and had adopted the same approach in resolving their common Problems.

He said: “We have come today to reinforce a creation of affinity, of brotherhood and cordiality between Ndiigbo and not just Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta region. We have the same issues confronting us in this country.

“We have the same attitude to the solution of these issues and I have not seen a more active fighter for this than the governor of Rivers State. You have been fearless in championing the goals of the southern and middle-belt leadership forum.

“You have spoken out for restructuring and you have spoken out that justice must be done to everywhere. I have heard you say, ‘we Niger Delta have had President, Ndiigbo should have President.”

Just In: Access To Markets, Banks, Communications Cut Off For Civilians In Ethiopia’s Tigray Region

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Angel Gimalo

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November 10, 2020

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Civilians in Ethiopia’s Tigray region have no access to markets, banks or communications.

The UN warns millions are at risk of being displaced by the escalating conflict.

An Ethiopian military official says the air force is “pounding targets with precision” as the federal government continues its offensive against the defiant northern region of Tigray and no clear route to peace is yet seen.

The United Nations and others have warned of a brewing humanitarian disaster affecting up to 9 million people.

Communications remain almost completely cut off in Tigray, with airports and roads closed, complicating efforts to verify either side’s assertions. Each accuses the other of starting the fighting.

BUA Cement has received approval to export cement through the country’s borders

By

Henry Williams

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November 10, 2020

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BUA Cement has received approval to export cement through the country’s borders.
According to TheCable this is coming after it was revealed that Dangote Cement had received approval to export cement through the land borders to Niger and Togo.

Michel Puchercos, chief executive officer of Dangote Cement, told investors on Monday that the company is now exporting cement in a controlled manner following the government’s approval.

A June 18 letter signed by Victor Dimka, comptroller (enforcement headquarters) for deputy comptroller-general, seen by TheCable said the approval was from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

In October 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a closure of the land borders to curb the smuggling of arms, food items, and hard drugs into the country.

The closure, which is meant to boost local production and strengthen security, has taken a significant toll on neighbouring countries such as Togo, Ghana, and Cote D’Ivoire that rely on Nigeria’s market of over 200 million people.

Nigerian businesses have also not been able to export their products through the land borders as a result of the closure.

Married Women Undergoing FGM in Tharaka Nithi

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Henry Williams

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November 10, 2020

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She said the perpetrators are not sparing even the young girls and warned that those arrested will also face child abuse charges.

The officer said that her office had information on those who have circumcised their girls and investigations were ongoing to make sure they are arrested and charged.

She said some administrators could be collaborating with the criminals engaging in the outdated cultural practice.

During this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, Ms Opwora said 311 teenage girls had also been impregnated in the county during the pandemic period.

Many people are practicing FGM secretly, avoiding the ceremony that traditionally involved songs and drinking local brew.

Some residents of Kathngacini in Tharaka North sub-county who spoke to correspondents said more than 30 girls and five married women had been circumcised in the last few months in the area.

The residents who sought anonymity for fear of victimisation said the circumciser comes from Gatunga area, noting that some of those circumcised in the early months of Covid-19 have already been married off.

EU Imposes Retaliatory Tariffs On US Over Boeing-Airbus Spat

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Zoe Maven

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November 10, 2020

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The European Union says it will impose tariffs on up to $4 billion worth of U.S. goods and services over illegal aid for plane maker Boeing.

EU Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said in spite of best efforts, they can confirm that the European Union would impose counter-measures awarded them by the WTO.

In response, .S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer expressed disappointment by the tariffs enters into force on Tuesday

The WTO had ruled that Boeing was given an unfair edge over Airbus by tax breaks from Washington, where Boeing once had headquarters.

But after the WTO decision, the state repealed the tax breaks, making the EU’s complaint obsolete in the view of U.S. officials.

European trade ministers agreed on the move a few weeks after international arbitrators gave the EU the green light for such punitive action.

The World Trade Organization had deemed illegal some U.S. support for Boeing, a bitter rival to Europe’s Airbus, and said the EU could make up for that with a limited amount of penalties on U.S. trade.

Nigeria loses $5.1m daily as communities shut eight flow stations in Delta

By

Henry Williams

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November 10, 2020

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Nigeria has been losing over $5.1m daily since Friday, November 6, 2020, as the OML 30 cluster communities shut down eight flow stations that produce 80,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

The OML 30 oil fields operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) is said to be the most viable and largest oil block in the country.

Cluster Management Committee (CMC) of OML 30 and presidents-general of the 112 communities, told journalists that the flow-stations were shut down over HEOSL’s failure to honour agreed obligations to the host communities.

Chairman of the committee, Dr. Harrison Patrick Oboghor and Secretary, Ibuje Joseph, disclosed that HEOSL was indebted to the communities to the tune of over N2.4b, adding that the firm had not been honouring Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with the host communities.

With these host communities to the Nations rich oil installations it raises concerns why such communities still remain in a decadent state with wide spread poverty.

Analyst say better attention should be paid to the goose that lays the golden egg by ensuring that such payouts from oil companies go into the development of the host communities and are not frittered away by corruption.