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INEC chief begins five-year second term today

Henry Williams
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INEC chief begins five-year second term today

Affter five years tenure, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, will on Monday (today) begin a fresh term.

He was reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari making him the first INEC chairman to have his tenure extended by another five years.

Yakubu will be handing over to himself at a ceremony to be conducted at the Conference Room of INEC in Maitama area of Abuja.

Since the onset of presidential system of government 41 years ago in 1979, Nigeria has had nine chairmen of the electoral umpire under different names, including Federal Electoral Commission popularly known as FEDECO; National Electoral Commission; National Electoral Commission of Nigeria and INEC in succession.

The chairmen were Michael Ani, Victor Ovie-Whiskey, Eme Awa, Humphrey Nwosu, Ephraim Akpata, Abel Guobadia, Maurice Iwu, Attahiru Jega, and Yakubu.

Opinions had however been divided on the reappointment of Yakubu for another five years.

Total AFCON Cameroon 2021 Qualifiers: Essential guidelines for resumption of competitions and gradual return to the stadiums

Henry Williams
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Total AFCON Cameroon 2021 Qualifiers: Essential guidelines for resumption of competitions and gradual return to the stadiums

The CAF Emergency Committee validated on Friday the specific measures for the resumption of Days 3 & 4 matches of Total Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 ™ Qualifiers.

These rules issued by the Organizing Committee for the African Cup of Nations, in accordance with the FIFA rules of the game, relate in particular to the conditions for holding matches, the number of authorized substitutions and the conditions for postponement or cancellation of matches.

Only the cases not provided for by these special COVID-19 rules and in the competitions regulations would be considered as exceptional cases, which would be decided by the Organizing committee of the competition.

Game and players

•      Each match must be played if the team has at least eleven (11) players (including a goalkeeper) and four (4) substitutes.

•      If a team cannot travel to the host country and/or venue of a match due to any travel or other restriction relating to COVID-19, the team in question will be considered to have lost the match 2-0.

•      If a team does not have the minimum number of players required, at least eleven (11) players (including a goalkeeper) and four (4) substitutes), the team in question will be considered to have lost the match 2-0.

•      The number of authorized substitutions is limited to five (5) players per team. Each team will have three opportunities to make these substitutions during the match.

Spectator attendance

•      According to CAF’s COVID-19 protocol, all matches must be played behind closed doors, without spectators.

•      However, if the government of the host Association wants spectators to be present, then the Association in question will need to obtain CAF’s approval.

In the event of exceptional situations other than those mentioned above, the Organizing Committee will be consulted for a final decision.

The objective of the emergency measures is to supervise the resumption of football on the continent, by defining a plan which places an emphasis on the players and the game. These specific rules may be revised according to developments of the health situation in the world and specifically on the African continent.

Saudi Eases ‘Slave-Like’ Restrictions On Domestic Workers

Henry Williams
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Saudi Eases ‘Slave-Like’ Restrictions On Domestic Workers

Tales of Kenyans being subjected to inhumane treatment in Saudi Arabia may soon fizzle out after the country withdrew stringent restrictions on migrant workers.

The relaxation of labour restrictions, announced on Wednesday by Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources Deputy Minister Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthunain, is part of reforms spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The reforms, which are expected to take effect from next March, are meant to boost the competitiveness of the Gulf kingdom as a labour destination.

The Islamic country has more than 10 million foreign workers, predominantly from poor African and Asian countries.

Saudi Arabia operates under the oppressive ‘kafala’ system, which forbids migrant workers from changing jobs or leaving the country without the employer’s consent.

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi’s Party Claims Victory As Vote Tally Shows Lead

Zoe Maven
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Myanmar’s Suu Kyi’s Party Claims Victory As Vote Tally Shows Lead

Myanmar’s ruling party on Monday said it had won enough seats in parliament to form the next government after reporting a lead based on its unofficial count of votes in the country’s second general election.

Party spokesman Myo Nyunt told News Correspondents that internal reports showed the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, had won the 322 seats in parliament needed.

Although no official results had been announced by the election commission which is expected to announce official results later on Monday.

Sunday’s election was seen as a referendum on the young democratic government led by Suu Kyi and the NLD, which is hugely popular at home but has been criticized overseas amid allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Up for grabs in the election are 315 seats in the 425-member lower house and 161 seats in the 217-seat upper house of parliament.

The military, which ruled Myanmar for nearly 50 years until it began withdrawing from civilian politics in 2011, controls a quarter of seats in both houses of parliament.

Crude oil prices on steroids, gains 10% per barrel

Henry Williams
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Crude oil prices on steroids, gains 10% per barrel

Brent crude prices were up about 9.25%, breaking out of its strong resistance level of $43/Barrel.

Crude Oil prices advanced to about 10% at the pre-open of the U.S trading session, over news that a COVID-19 vaccine is in play and more stimulus packages would boost a global fragile economy – sparking a buoyant mood across energy markets.

At the time of writing this report, Brent crude prices were up about 9.25%, breaking out of its strong resistance level of $43/Barrel, and West Texas Intermediate gaining over 10% to trade over 40.90/Barrel.

Also, OPEC energy ministers talked openly about the possibility of adjusting their oil-cuts deal, the latest signal that OPEC+ is reconsidering plans to hike production in January.

Fani-Kayode under attack for calling Kamala ‘Jezebel’

Cleopatra Okohai
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Fani-Kayode under attack for calling Kamala ‘Jezebel’

Former Nigerian Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, sparked outrage on Monday over his expressed disappointment at the outcome of the United States presidential election when he took to Twitter to tag US vice-president-elect, Kamala Harris, as ‘Jezebel’.

Fani-Kayode, an unapologetic supporter of incumbent President Donald Trump who lost the election to Democrat Joe Biden, said it was not over yet for the Republican candidate until the Supreme Court decided on the election which major western media said Biden won last Saturday.

Fani-Kayode, however, lauded Russian President, Vladimir Putin, for waiting for the official results before congratulating the winner of the keenly contested poll.

Kamala Harris, who is the first female vice-president-elect in the history of America, has been praised locally and globally by social and political figures including former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who said she has the Nigerian DNA.

The former minister tweeted on Monday, alleging, “I know Jezebel when I see her. Look into Kamala’s eyes. Kaballa + Kundalini = Kamala. Biden is a puppet and a smokescreen. A Biden presidency is a Kamala Presidency. A Kamala Presidency is satan’s Presidency. May God deliver. #CountEveryLegalVote”

Fani-Kayode’s label on Harris as Jezebel, an unpopular biblical character and wife of King Ahab, who ruled the kingdom of Israel, sparked the outrage of Nigerians on Twitter who lambasted the ex-minister.

Abtwitter user, @renzeldabawse replied, “I m highly disappointed in you sir….this is totally uncalled for.”

@Billzee2010 said, “A serial divorcee has now become a seer and prophet. God help us in this country.”

@the_realabolade wrote, “It doesn’t matter if one is a graduate of Cambridge, foolishness knows no place of institution. So you now know Jezebel by looking into her eyes, referring to Kamala. This man here can’t take care of his household but knows who Jezebel is.”

@darlwright77 tweeted, “So disrespectful to call someone’s mother and wife a Jezebel! No matter our political inclination, there are certain words or statement that shouldn’t be used to address women mostly responsible mothers!”

@WahabGrace wrote, “Why are you so bittered about @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris win? Must @realDonaldTrump win? You are taking this too personal.”

@__adddyyy tweeted, “You probably said same about your ex-wives. Leave this one out. Leave her eyes alone.”

@SalaamYusuff1 stated, “Were you promised appointment if @realDonaldTrump returns or he’s the one bankrolling you?”

Kamala Harris ran with the Democratic candidate and the former US vice president, Joe Biden, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump in what is viewed as the tightest race in US election history.

The 56-year old was elected to the US Senate under the Democratic ticket in 2016 to represent California. With her Senate victory, Harris became the first Indian-American to serve as a US senator as well as the second African American woman to hold that position.

Fani-Kayode, an unapologetic supporter of incumbent President Donald Trump who lost the election to Democrat Joe Biden, said it was not over yet for the Republican candidate until the Supreme Court decided on the election which major western media said Biden won last Saturday.

Fani-Kayode, however, lauded Russian President, Vladimir Putin, for waiting for the official results before congratulating the winner of the keenly contested poll.

Kamala Harris, who is the first female vice-president-elect in the history of America, has been praised locally and globally by social and political figures including former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who said she has the Nigerian DNA.

The former minister tweeted on Monday, alleging, “I know Jezebel when I see her. Look into Kamala’s eyes. Kaballa + Kundalini = Kamala. Biden is a puppet and a smokescreen. A Biden presidency is a Kamala Presidency. A Kamala Presidency is satan’s Presidency. May God deliver. #CountEveryLegalVote”

Fani-Kayode’s label on Harris as Jezebel, an unpopular biblical character and wife of King Ahab, who ruled the kingdom of Israel, sparked the outrage of Nigerians on Twitter who lambasted the ex-minister.

ALSO READ: US Election: Biden and Harris begin transition as Trump refuses to concede defeat

Abtwitter user, @renzeldabawse replied, “I m highly disappointed in you sir….this is totally uncalled for.”

@Billzee2010 said, “A serial divorcee has now become a seer and prophet. God help us in this country.”

@the_realabolade wrote, “It doesn’t matter if one is a graduate of Cambridge, foolishness knows no place of institution. So you now know Jezebel by looking into her eyes, referring to Kamala. This man here can’t take care of his household but knows who Jezebel is.”

@darlwright77 tweeted, “So disrespectful to call someone’s mother and wife a Jezebel! No matter our political inclination, there are certain words or statement that shouldn’t be used to address women mostly responsible mothers!”

@WahabGrace wrote, “Why are you so bittered about @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris win? Must @realDonaldTrump win? You are taking this too personal.”

@__adddyyy tweeted, “You probably said same about your ex-wives. Leave this one out. Leave her eyes alone.”

@SalaamYusuff1 stated, “Were you promised appointment if @realDonaldTrump returns or he’s the one bankrolling you?”

Kamala Harris ran with the Democratic candidate and the former US vice president, Joe Biden, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump in what is viewed as the tightest race in US election history.

The 56-year old was elected to the US Senate under the Democratic ticket in 2016 to represent California. With her Senate victory, Harris became the first Indian-American to serve as a US senator as well as the second African American woman to hold that position.

China Offers Support To Guinea’s President After Disputed Election

Zoe Maven
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China Offers Support To Guinea’s President After Disputed Election

China has offered its backing of Guinea’s President Alpha Conde, congratulating him on his re-election despite fraud allegations by the opposition.

During a News briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China and Guinea are good friends who value the tradition of friendship and stand ready to work with the Guinean side to advance cooperative partnership.

Guinea’s top court on Saturday confirmed Conde’s victory in last month’s election, rejecting accusations of fraud and handing him a third term his opponents said is unconstitutional.

China has mining interests in Guinea in iron ore and bauxite, used for making steel and aluminum respectively and is the top world producer of both metals.

In 2017 China agreed to loan Guinea $20 billion over nearly 20 years in exchange for concessions on bauxite which the West African country has in abundance.

Gold prices down more than $70/ounce on COVID-19 vaccine

Henry Williams
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Gold prices down more than $70/ounce on COVID-19 vaccine

Gold futures traded at $1,890/ounce, losing over 3% in value after trading as high as $1966/ounce on Monday morning.

Gold prices have lost more than $70/ounce within 90 minutes, after trading as high as $1966/ounce at Monday morning trading session in London, based on the news that a phase 3 trial showing the COVID-19 vaccine developed by leading American pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and BioNTech was more than 90% effective – which weighed down on the precious metal momentarily.

At the time of writing this report, gold futures traded at $1,890/ounce, losing over 3% in value.

Officials Cite Covid-19 For Barring Media Coverage Of Nigeria vs Sierra Leone Game

Henry Williams
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Officials Cite Covid-19 For Barring Media Coverage Of Nigeria vs Sierra Leone Game

The Nigeria Football Federation officials have given reasons why journalist will not be allowed into the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium Benin, Edo State to cover the AFCON qualifier game between the Super Eagles and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.

The NFF Director of Communications, Demola Olajire, on Monday cited prevention of Covid-19 as reason, saying the decision was taken in
compliance with CAF Covid 19 guidelines.

“No journalist will be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City for Friday match. This is in accordance to CAF’s guidelines.”

He also stated that journalists would not be allowed to cover warm matches and training sessions prior to the game, and that press conference for the match would be done online.

In recent times, there has been a resurgence of the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria as the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control reported a daily high of 300 on Sunday, taking the total infections to 64,000 and 1,154 fatalities.

New cases reported on Sunday was the highest in the last 3 months, suggesting a spike in cases.

The Super Eagles top the group L and have hopes of finishing top.

Cititrust’s Asset Management arm secures approval to operate in Kenya

Henry Williams
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0
Cititrust’s Asset Management arm secures approval to operate in Kenya

Lagos-based CFS Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of Cititrust Holdings Plc, has been granted operating license by the Kenyan Government to operate in the East African country as a funds manager.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the company and seen by Nairametrics on Monday.

According to the company’s Chairman, Michael Monari, the Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority had sent a letter of the regulatory approval.

In the meantime, the CEO of the asset management firm, Mr. Femi Alli, said the management is optimistic of the opportunities presented by the Kenyan market.

He also assured investors in the East African country of “great values and superior returns on their investments” should they rely on CFS Asset Management Ltd to manage their assets.”

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