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I’ll leave the White House if electoral college formalizes Biden – Trump

Chris Ottah
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I’ll leave the White House if electoral college formalizes Biden – Trump

President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will leave the White House if the Electoral College formalizes President-Elect Joe Biden’s victory — even as he insisted such a decision would be a “mistake” — as he spent his Thanksgiving renewing baseless claims that “massive fraud” and crooked officials in battleground states caused his election defeat.

“Certainly I will. But you know that,” Trump said Thursday when asked whether he would vacate the building, allowing a peaceful transition of power in January. But Trump — taking questions for the first time since Election Day — insisted that “a lot of things” would happen between now and then that might alter the results.

 “This has a long way to go,” Trump said, even though he lost.

The fact that a sitting American president even had to address whether or not he would leave office after losing reelection underscores the extent to which Trump has smashed one convention after another over the last three weeks. While there is no evidence of the kind of widespread fraud Trump has been alleging, he and his legal team have nonetheless been working to cast doubt on the integrity of the election and trying to overturn voters’ will in an unprecedented breach of democratic norms.

Trump spoke to reporters in the White House’s ornate Diplomatic Reception Room after holding a teleconference with U.S. military leaders stationed across the globe. He thanked them for their service and jokingly warned them not to eat too much turkey, then turned to the election after ending the call. He repeated grievances and angrily denounced officials in Georgia and Pennsylvania, two key swing states that helped give Biden the win.

Trump claimed, despite the results, that this may not be his last Thanksgiving at the White House. And he insisted there had been “massive fraud,” even though state officials and international observers have said no evidence of that exists and Trump’s campaign has repeatedly failed in court.

Trump’s administration has already given the green light for a formal transition to get underway. But Trump took issue with Biden moving forward.

“I think it’s not right that he’s trying to pick a Cabinet,” Trump said, even though officials from both teams are already working together to get Biden’s team up to speed.

See Also: Trump appears to admit election defeat as he finally lets Biden begin presidential transition

And as he refused to concede, Trump announced that he will be traveling to Georgia to rally supporters ahead of two Senate runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate. Trump said the rally for Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler would likely be held Saturday. The White House later clarified he had meant Dec. 5.

One of the reasons Republicans have stood by Trump and his baseless claims of fraud has been to keep his loyal base energized ahead of those runoffs on Jan. 5. But Trump, in his remarks, openly questioned whether that election would be fair in a move that could dampen Republican turnout.

“I think you’re dealing with a very fraudulent system. I’m very worried about that,” he said. “People are very disappointed that we were robbed.”

As for the Electoral College, Trump made clear that he will likely never formally concede, even if he said he would leave the White House.

“It’s gonna be a very hard thing to concede. Because we know there was massive fraud,” he said, noting that, “time isn’t on our side.”

“If they do,” vote against him, Trump added, “they’ve made a mistake.”

Asked whether he would attend Biden’s inauguration, Trump said he knew the answer but didn’t want to share it yet.

But there were some signs that Trump was coming to terms with his loss.

At one point he urged reporters not to allow Biden the credit for pending coronavirus vaccines. “Don’t let him take credit for the vaccines because the vaccines were me and I pushed people harder than they’ve ever been pushed before,” he said.

As for whether or not he plans to formally declare his candidacy to run again in 2024 — as he has discussed with aides — Trump said he didn’t “want to talk about 2024 yet.”

All states must certify their results before the Electoral College meets on Dec. 14, and any challenge to the results must be resolved by Dec. 8. States have already begun that process, including Michigan, where Trump and his allies tried and failed to delay the process, and Georgia and Pennsylvania.

Vote certification at the local and state level is typically a ministerial task that gets little notice, but that changed this year with Trump’s refusal to concede and his unprecedented attempts to overturn the results of the election through a fusillade of legal challenges and attempts to manipulate the certification process in battleground states he lost.

Biden won by wide margins in both the Electoral College and popular vote, where he received nearly 80 million votes, a record.

Lai denies announcing N5m hate speech fine despite video evidence

Chris Ottah
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Lai denies announcing N5m hate speech fine despite video evidence

The minister of information, Lai Mohammed, has denied announcing the increment of hate speech fine from N500,000 to N5 million.

The minister’s position was contained in a counter-affidavit in response to a suit filed against him at a federal high court in Lagos.

In August, the minister unveiled the amendment to the country’s broadcasting code in Lagos where the increment of the new fine was announced.

Inibehe Effiong, human rights lawyer, is currently challenging the fine by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Nigeria Info FM.

The radio station was fined for alleged hate speech. Obadiah Mailafia, former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had alleged that a northern governor is one of the leaders of Boko Haram.

However, in the affidavit deposed by Sunday Ojobo, an official of the Information ministry, the minister said he never announced the increase of the hate speech fine.

“Paragraph 19 is denied. The 2nd defendant (Mohammed) did not announce an increment in any fine for hate speech from N500,000 to N5,000,000 or any other because there is a governmental body or institution mandated to regulate and enforce the Nigerian Broadcasting Code,” Ojobo said in the affidavit.

“The constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria provides for derogation from fundamental rights in the interest of public safety, public order and for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons.

“The first respondent (NBC) has powers in determining and applying sanctions including revocation of licences of defaulting stations which do not operate in accordance with the broadcast code and in the public interest.

“A public affairs commentator, anchor of programmes and the media are not to use their platform to incite public violence or disorder or in a manner detrimental to the national interest.

“It is within the purview of the federal government of Nigeria to maintain public safety, public order in the interest of all citizens of Nigeria to avoid breakdown of law and order.”

On its part, the broadcasting commission said it has the right to sanction any media outfit that does not conform to the broadcasting code.

Why we deliberately shut down refineries – NNPC GMD opens up

Chris Ottah
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Why we deliberately shut down refineries – NNPC GMD opens up

The group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, has said that the nation’s refineries were deliberately shut down because operations were no longer sustainable.

He disclosed this when he appeared before the house of representatives committee on petroleum resources (upstream) on Thursday in Abuja.

Kyari, who noted that the NNPC was unable to supply crude oil to the refineries, added that the Excravos pipeline is the only one the NNPC managed to sustain through contracting process.

“For instance, to run the Kaduna and Warri refineries, you need to deliver 170,000 barrels of oil per day so that both will operate at 70 percent capacity,” he said, adding that NNPC currently has only around 5,000 kilometres of pipelines with 13 fuel depots.

“And I can tell you today that except the Atlas cove to Ibadan line, and also the Port Harcourt to Aba line, none of these pipelines is serviced,” he said.

“We cannot flow product into these lines. The cheap one is to say they are aged, but the real reason is that the level of activities of vandals on these lines is gross, monumental and profound.

“At every point within a month, we fix 80 vandal points. The option is to shut them down and the result of having one depot is what we have seen in Lagos.”

According to NAN, the GMD lamented the activities of vandals, noting that from January to June, the corporation lost petroleum product worth about N43 billion.

Kyari said to protect the pipelines, the NNPC had to engage the services of security agencies.

He also urged the house of representatives to urgently pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), as that would encourage investors in the sector.

FG To prioritize Poverty Reduction, Social Inclusion, Business Growth through Clean Nigeria Campaign – Osibajo

faith Jegede
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FG To prioritize Poverty Reduction, Social Inclusion, Business Growth through Clean Nigeria Campaign – Osibajo

As the main goal of the Buhari administration is ending open defecation across the country, it is prioritizing its Clean Nigeria Campaign which in turn will enhance social inclusion; poverty reduction; business growth, and entrepreneurship; greater access to quality education and affordable healthcare, among others.
The vice president Yemi Osibajo, made this known in a virtual anniversary celebration of the clean Nigeria Campaign.
The vice president said, “we are aware that access to adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services is a critical factor in the socio-economic development of any nation and contributes to human capital outcomes such as early childhood survival, health and educational attainment. Access to WASH services is also one of the key preventive measures in the raging global COVID-19 pandemic.”
Speaking on the importance of other sectors, Prof. Osibajo said that “the initiative of the Organized Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPS-WASH) tagged ‘FLUSHIT’ which aims at promoting private sector-led innovative financial strategies in WASH, is a welcome development.”

He also emphasized that “the role of the private sector is critical in building a virile sanitation economy which will drive the sustenance of the results being achieved under the Clean Nigeria Campaign.”

Scotland Becomes First Country In The World To Make Sanitary Products Free

faith Jegede
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Scotland Becomes First Country In The World To Make Sanitary Products Free

Scotland has become the first country in the world to make period sanitary products available free of charge.

The Scottish Parliament voted unanimously in favor of the Period Products bill on Tuesday, months after lawmakers had initially signaled their support.

This is a landmark victory in the fight against period poverty worldwide as Scotland’s ability to make this a reality has proven that it is possible in other countries as well.

The argument for free sanitary products has been around for years, on the backbone of the availability of free condoms and other sexual health products even though sex is a choice and periods are not.

With 20% of Scottish women living in poverty, the new law would provide free safe and secure sanitary products for those who couldn’t afford it and improve women’s health in general.

The sanitary products would be available in schools, hospitals, libraries.

PHOTOS: Argentina mourns Maradona

Emenike Agu
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PHOTOS: Argentina mourns Maradona

Heartbroken fans of Diego Maradona gathered on the streets of Buenos Aires to mourn the Argentine soccer legend’s death on Wednesday, praying, laying flowers and singing patriotic and sport chants.

President Alberto Fernandez declared three days of national mourning after Maradona, 60, died at home following a heart attack, after battling a series of health problems.

At Maradona’s childhood home in Villa Fiorito, a largely impoverished city in the suburbs of the capital, people gathered to pray in front of an Argentine flag adorned with a black ribbon.

Others gathered in the San Andres neighborhood where he lived and in the nearby city of La Plata where he had lately been technical director for local team Gimnasia y Esgrima. Crowds of people also sang Argentina’s national anthem outside the hospital where officials are expected to perform Maradona’s autopsy.

People gather to mourn the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona, outside the Diego Amrando Maradona stadium, in Buenos Aires
People gather to mourn the death of soccer legend Diego Maradona, outside the Diego Amrando Maradona stadium, in Buenos Aires

Next to Maradona’s former club, Boca Juniors, in the gritty Buenos Aires neighborhood of Boca, they laid bouquets of flowers.

“I came because I felt him. He’s from here, from us,” said Juan Jose Quinteros, 50, a Boca supporter who came to mourn Maradona outside the club.

“With that hand of God he gave the soul back to the people,” Quinteros said, a reference to a goal Maradona scored with his hand against England in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico..

Digital signs used for public transportation updates were illuminated around the city with the message “Thank you, Diego.”

As Wednesday evening came, some fans stood outside the Casa Rosada presidential palace, ahead of Maradona’s wake due to begin on Thursday. Near the Obelisco downtown, a traditional focus of sporting celebrations, fans gathered in Argentina soccer jerseys to sing songs in his honor.

“Diego is the greatest there is, the best. I met my wife in 1986 when Diego scored the goal with his hand,” said 53-year-old Buenos Aires resident Jose Luis Shokiva.

“The truth for me is that Diego is everything. As a Boca fan, as an Argentine, he is the greatest. What has happened is an immense sadness,” said Shokiva, wearing a t-shirt with Maradona’s image.

Maradona was globally famed as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, but at home was idolized as a god. Fans have long referred to him as ‘El Dios’ – which means ‘The God’, but is also a play on words on his number 10 shirt, ‘El Diez.’

“I am very sad, he was someone who was part of our childhood and adolescence,” said Mariela Barg, a lawyer in Buenos Aires. Thinking of him brought back memories of celebrating the World Cup win in 1986, she said.

“He was intertwined with something so Argentine as soccer, and now he is gone.”

Tributes pour in for Diego Maradona

Tributes have poured in from across the world after Diego Maradona died at the age of 60.

A legend of the game, Maradona’s passing has been met with huge sadness across the world but many have also been remembering all of the incredible moments one of the greatest players in history delivered.

Diego Armando Maradona reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, as three days of national mourning have been declared in his homeland. His body has been placed in the presidential palace in Buenos Aires and over one million are expected to pay tributes to Argentina’s favorite son as lines to get into the building snaked across the center of the Argentine capital.

The biggest names from across the soccer world have paid tribute to Maradona, as his former club Napoli have suggested they will rename their stadium in his honor. Lionel Messi said that Maradona is ‘eternal’ while Pele has stated that he looks forward playing with him ‘in the sky’ in the future.

Boca Juniors, Maradona’s boyhood club who he played for across two spells, turned all of the lights off in their La Bombonera stadium except for one light which shined brightly from Maradona’s box on the halfway line.

The loss of Maradona has swept sadness across the soccer world, and below is a look at the scenes and tributes from around the world.

Maina’s Trial: Court Rules On Ndume’s Bail Application Friday

Itohan Olomu-Agbodo
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Maina’s Trial: Court Rules On Ndume’s Bail Application Friday

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Friday for ruling on the bail application filed by Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, who has been detained in prison since Monday over his suretyship for Abdulrasheed Maina believed to have jumped bail.

Justice Okon Abang adjourned for ruling after Ndume’s lawyer, Marcel Oru, argued the bail application, which was opposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar.

Maina, a former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reformed Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, is being prosecuted by the EFCC on charges of money laundering involving N2bn.

On November 18, 2020, Justice Abang revoked the bail granted him, ordered his arrest, and directed that his trial would proceed in absentia.

The judge also on Monday remanded Ndume in prison until he produced Maina or paid the sum of N500m bail bond to the Federation Account.

Ndume, through his lawyer, Marcel Oru, had on Tuesday filed an appeal against the remand order at the Court of Appeal, along with an application for the bail of the defendant filed before Justice Abang.

Zimbabwe Mishap: Dozens Trapped As Mine Collapses

Itohan Olomu-Agbodo
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Zimbabwe Mishap: Dozens Trapped As Mine Collapses

At least 40 informal miners in Zimbabwe have been trapped underground after a shaft in a disused gold mine collapsed, the country’s miners’ federation said Thursday.

The incident occurred late Wednesday in the town of Bindura, around 70 kilometres (43 miles) north of the capital Harare, said Wellington Takavarasha, head of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation.

Takavarasha told AFP the miners were working inside the disused Ran Gold Mine when a shaft caved in.

Six miners have since been pulled from the rubble and taken to hospital.

“Those who were rescued said there were about 40 people in the mine shaft at the time of the incident,” said Takavarasha, adding that rescue efforts were ongoing.

Mining is a major source of foreign currency for Zimbabwe, where gold alone accounts for 60 per cent of exports.

The landlocked southern African country is home to vast gold and mineral reserves, including diamonds and platinum.

READ ALSO: Buhari will set Nigeria on fire if he doesn’t implement people’s demands —Wike

The gold sector provides jobs to nearly 10 per cent of the country’s population, according to the International Crisis Group.

Small-scale miners often operate illegally to avoid selling their bullion to the state-owned buyer, Fidelity Printers and Refiners, as they are paid only 55 per cent in foreign currency.

The remaining 45 per cent is paid in Zimbabwean dollars, which is notorious for its weakness.

Accidents are relatively common in decommissioned mines, particularly when the ground is loosened by rain.

Dolly Parton Plays Angel In Christmas Musical

Angel Gimalo
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American country singer and legend, Dolly Parton says her upcoming holiday musical, “Christmas on the Square,” teaches that forgiveness, and asking for forgiveness, are essential to blossoming both emotionally and spiritually.

Hitting Netflix on Nov. 22, “Christmas on the Square” follows Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski), a curmudgeonly and wealthy woman who returns to her small hometown after her father’s death.

It’s not long before her intentions are clear: She plans to evict everyone from the town and sell the land to a mall developer.

“The deadline to be out of your homes is now Christmas Eve,” Regina tells heartbroken townsfolk as they huddle in the local church.

But after listening to stories of the local townsfolk — including a young pastor and his wife — reconnecting with an old love, and accepting the guidance of an angel, Regina’s heart begins to soften.

In an interview, Parton, who plays an angel in “Christmas on the Square,” said the film’s message of restoration and forgiveness, although relevant at all times, is “certainly” needed in today’s divided society.

 “There’s a lot to be said about forgiveness; it cleans you for other good stuff to come in,” Parton said. “If you go around with a bunch of hate and anger and bottled up stuff in you, you can’t blossom, as a person, you’re not doing yourself any favors or anyone else. It’s just so much better to forgive.”

“And of course, we can’t forget; we still remember things. But I think when they say ‘forgive and forget,’ that just means to forget about that now and move on,” she added. “I really think that that’s so important to cleanse your own heart and your own soul, to be able to forgive and to ask forgiveness. You never should be too proud to ask for forgiveness.”

“Christmas on the Square” features 14 original songs, all penned by Parton, a nine-time Grammy Award-winner. The songs touch on topics of love, the power of prayer, and caring for others.

Northern Coalition Backs ACF, Says Buhari Has Failed

Henry Williams
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Northern Coalition Backs ACF, Says Buhari Has Failed

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has backed the position of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) over the growing security challenges in northern Nigeria, saying President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to address his most primary responsibility of providing security.

The spokesman for the coalition, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, while reacting on Tuesday, said communities in northern Nigeria must mobilise to protect themselves.

The ACF had on Monday expressed the anger and frustration of northerners to President Buhari on the growing security challenges in the region.

The ACF National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, said northerners had expected much more from the present administration.

The presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, did not react to message sent to him by our correspondent.

Similarly, the Northern Elders Forum has said there is no doubt that the administration of President Buhari does not care about the people of the north, their economy and security.

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