Local News, Sport Updates, Politics, Educational News, Religious etc.
International News
[International News][fbig2]
12/02/18
'Kiwi' nickname not discriminatory, Australian tribunal finds
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A New Zealand woman's complaint of racial discrimination is rejected by an Australian tribunal.
A New Zealand woman's complaint of racial discrimination is rejected by an Australian tribunal.
Michelle Obama and me: How former US first lady changed my life
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Five UK schoolgirls attending the former US first lady's London talk explain what she means to them.
Five UK schoolgirls attending the former US first lady's London talk explain what she means to them.
Sacked man claims discrimination against his 'ethical veganism'
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Jordi Casamitjana wants to have ethical veganism recognised as a philosophical belief, in a landmark legal action.
Jordi Casamitjana wants to have ethical veganism recognised as a philosophical belief, in a landmark legal action.
Angela Merkel's 'PM cheat sheet' amuses Australia
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The German leader appeared to be reading up about Scott Morrison during their first meeting.
The German leader appeared to be reading up about Scott Morrison during their first meeting.
Asia markets rise after US and China agree to trade truce
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The US and China have agreed to halt new tariffs for 90 days to allow for talks to resolve a trade war.
The US and China have agreed to halt new tariffs for 90 days to allow for talks to resolve a trade war.
Buhari: Those Who Thought I Was Dead Begged Osinbajo To Make Them His VP
President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken on the rumours of his death, while he was on medical vacation outside the country in 2017.
Speaking on Sunday in Krakow, Poland, during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in the country, he said his deputy, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who was acting president at the time, received a lot of embarrassment because people came to him (Osinbajo) to lobby for the vice-president position during the said period.
Buhari stated this while responding to the question on if he was cloned.
His words: "One of the questions that came up today in my meeting with Nigerians in Poland was on the issue of whether I‘ve been cloned or not. The ignorant rumours are not surprising. When I was away on medical vacation last year, a lot of people hoped I was dead.
"Poor Professor Yemi Osinbajo, even he had to deal with the rumours — some people reached out to him to consider them to be his Vice-President because they assumed I was dead. That embarrassed him a lot; we discussed it when he visited me while I was convalescing.
"I can assure you all that this is the real me. Later this month, I will celebrate my 76th birthday. And I’m still going strong!"
President Buhari is in Poland to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Politics News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2U59xat
Buhari: Those Who Thought I Was Dead Begged Osinbajo To Make Them His VP
President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken on the rumours of his death, while he was on medical vacation outside the country in 2017.
Speaking on Sunday in Krakow, Poland, during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in the country, he said his deputy, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who was acting president at the time, received a lot of embarrassment because people came to him (Osinbajo) to lobby for the vice-president position during the said period.
Buhari stated this while responding to the question on if he was cloned.
His words: "One of the questions that came up today in my meeting with Nigerians in Poland was on the issue of whether I‘ve been cloned or not. The ignorant rumours are not surprising. When I was away on medical vacation last year, a lot of people hoped I was dead.
"Poor Professor Yemi Osinbajo, even he had to deal with the rumours — some people reached out to him to consider them to be his Vice-President because they assumed I was dead. That embarrassed him a lot; we discussed it when he visited me while I was convalescing.
"I can assure you all that this is the real me. Later this month, I will celebrate my 76th birthday. And I’m still going strong!"
President Buhari is in Poland to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Politics News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2U59xat
Buhari: Those Who Thought I Was Dead Begged Osinbajo To Make Them His VP
President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken on the rumours of his death, while he was on medical vacation outside the country in 2017.
Speaking on Sunday in Krakow, Poland, during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in the country, he said his deputy, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who was acting president at the time, received a lot of embarrassment because people came to him (Osinbajo) to lobby for the vice-president position during the said period.
Buhari stated this while responding to the question on if he was cloned.
His words: "One of the questions that came up today in my meeting with Nigerians in Poland was on the issue of whether I‘ve been cloned or not. The ignorant rumours are not surprising. When I was away on medical vacation last year, a lot of people hoped I was dead.
"Poor Professor Yemi Osinbajo, even he had to deal with the rumours — some people reached out to him to consider them to be his Vice-President because they assumed I was dead. That embarrassed him a lot; we discussed it when he visited me while I was convalescing.
"I can assure you all that this is the real me. Later this month, I will celebrate my 76th birthday. And I’m still going strong!"
President Buhari is in Poland to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Politics News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2U59xat
Children Kidnapped By Maid In Lagos Found At Seme Border
The Lagos State Police Command has rescued the two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Aneru Mutana of Gbagada Phase 2, Lagos, who were kidnapped by their maid on November 26, 2018.
The children, aged six and three, respectively, were found along Seme border in Benin Republic on Sunday.
The maid, identified simply as Busayo, had gone to pick the children from school on the said date, but rather then take them home, she kidnapped the children.
The statement read: "Investigation so far revealed that Busayo is a member of a kidnap syndicate who gives her out as househelp to unsuspecting parents.
"When she finally lands the job, she warms her way into the children's hearts and wins the trust of her employers. Once she gets to this stage, she bares her fangs.
"The Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, warns households interested in engaging the services of domestic servants to beware of whom they are dealing with. He reiterates his earlier warning that employers ought to carry out a background check of persons they are bringing to homes, and profile them in order to make investigation easy for the Police should the need arise.
"The Command reasonably believes that Busayo may not be her real name. However, it wishes that Nigerians should take cognizance of her face and alert the nearest Police formation of her location and, if possible, arrest and hand her over to the police."
CRIME Police News AddThis : Featured Image :
Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2ATLCSD
Children Kidnapped By Maid In Lagos Found At Seme Border
The Lagos State Police Command has rescued the two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Aneru Mutana of Gbagada Phase 2, Lagos, who were kidnapped by their maid on November 26, 2018.
The children, aged six and three, respectively, were found along Seme border in Benin Republic on Sunday.
The maid, identified simply as Busayo, had gone to pick the children from school on the said date, but rather then take them home, she kidnapped the children.
The statement read: "Investigation so far revealed that Busayo is a member of a kidnap syndicate who gives her out as househelp to unsuspecting parents.
"When she finally lands the job, she warms her way into the children's hearts and wins the trust of her employers. Once she gets to this stage, she bares her fangs.
"The Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, warns households interested in engaging the services of domestic servants to beware of whom they are dealing with. He reiterates his earlier warning that employers ought to carry out a background check of persons they are bringing to homes, and profile them in order to make investigation easy for the Police should the need arise.
"The Command reasonably believes that Busayo may not be her real name. However, it wishes that Nigerians should take cognizance of her face and alert the nearest Police formation of her location and, if possible, arrest and hand her over to the police."
CRIME Police News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2ATLCSD
Letter from Africa: How to get Ghanaians to pay their taxes
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Ghana's government should ban funerals for people who refuse to pay taxes, writes journalist Elizabeth Ohene.
Ghana's government should ban funerals for people who refuse to pay taxes, writes journalist Elizabeth Ohene.
Good genes? The sisters who put the rest of us to shame
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Anne Wojcicki and her siblings Susan and Janet have all got the top of their professions, but is their success down to nature or nurture?
Anne Wojcicki and her siblings Susan and Janet have all got the top of their professions, but is their success down to nature or nurture?
Cowbell dispute rings out in tranquil Bavarian town
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How much cowbell is too much? A German farmer has to defend her cows in court.
How much cowbell is too much? A German farmer has to defend her cows in court.
Fellowship of the ring: Newly engaged thank NYPD
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How an engagement ring was lost -and then found again, thanks to New York police and the public.
How an engagement ring was lost -and then found again, thanks to New York police and the public.
Tamino: The new 'Sound of the Nile'?
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The singer and grandson of celebrated Egyptian star Moharam Fouad on mixing his European upbringing with his middle eastern roots.
The singer and grandson of celebrated Egyptian star Moharam Fouad on mixing his European upbringing with his middle eastern roots.
Yemen war: Wounded Houthis rebels to be evacuated
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The first such move in the bloody four-year conflict is designed to pave the way for peace talks.
The first such move in the bloody four-year conflict is designed to pave the way for peace talks.
Five things to know for the week ahead: Change in Germany and a big debate
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Why this week could be crucial in deciding the future direction of Germany and the UK.
Why this week could be crucial in deciding the future direction of Germany and the UK.
Why the world is becoming more allergic to food
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Food allergy rates among children are on the rise, and Western lifestyles may be to blame.
Food allergy rates among children are on the rise, and Western lifestyles may be to blame.
Spain far-right Vox party gains foothold in Andalusia election
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Vox is the first nationalist party to enter Spanish politics, winning seats in a regional election.
Vox is the first nationalist party to enter Spanish politics, winning seats in a regional election.
100 Women: Freedom Trash Can project
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Which object would you trash to help women achieve their full potential?
Which object would you trash to help women achieve their full potential?
Photo contest celebrates creativity in the construction industry
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The Art of Building photography competition has revealed its 12 finalists from around the world.
The Art of Building photography competition has revealed its 12 finalists from around the world.
Climate activist: 'It's high time that Poland phased out coal'
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Almost 80% of Poland's electricity is generated by burning coal. Patryk Bialas says its high time that changed.
Almost 80% of Poland's electricity is generated by burning coal. Patryk Bialas says its high time that changed.
Afenifere, Akeredolu, Mimiko, Mourn Fasehun
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described the demise of the founder and National Leader of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC), Dr. Federick Fasehun, as shocking and a great loss to Ondo State and the entire country.
83-year-old Fasehun died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. See Also 
A statement issued at the weekend by the goveronor's spokesperson, Segun Ajiboye, noted that the late Fasehun would be greatly missed by the people.
The statement read: “Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), mourns the founder of Oodua People's Congress, Dr. Federick Fasehun who died December 1, 2018.
“Governor Akeredolu describes the late Fasehun as a disciplined citizen, nationalist to the core and intelligent medical practitioner who used his energy and other resources to fight for the interests of the common man.
“As a politician, the governor is of the opinion that the late Fasehun’s argument for egalitarian society where merit and equity are made parametric conditions for selecting leaders or people’s representatives will continue to dominate socio-political discourse."
Akeredolu also noted that social scientists will remember Fasehun as a detribalised Nigeria "whose place in the nation’s political history cannot be wished away”.
Also, former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, described the death of the OPC leader as the departure of a committed patriot and a worthy elderstatesman with love and passion for the progress of the nation.
A statement by Mimiko read: "Death took Baba Fasehun away at a time the nation needed him to help provide workable contributions to the restructuring of Nigeria, now that majority of the people have seen the need for restructuring, which is one of his utmost agitations.
"While his death will rightly be seen as a great loss to his immediate family, the people of Ondo State and the nation at large, it will no doubt create a vacuum in Yorubaland and the nation."
Meanwhile, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on its own described Fasehun's death as "shattering news".
Yinka Odumakin, the Afenifere Publicity Secretary, said the deceased would be greatly missed.
“He was a prominent Yoruba and Nigerian citizen who dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity. We will surely miss his great works, which will continue to speak for him forever. He lived for the cause of the poor. May God be with his family at this period and comfort them," he said.
Politics News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2DWvgvB
Afenifere, Akeredolu, Mimiko, Mourn Fasehun
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described the demise of the founder and National Leader of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC), Dr. Federick Fasehun, as shocking and a great loss to Ondo State and the entire country.
83-year-old Fasehun died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. See Also
A statement issued at the weekend by the goveronor's spokesperson, Segun Ajiboye, noted that the late Fasehun would be greatly missed by the people.
The statement read: “Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), mourns the founder of Oodua People's Congress, Dr. Federick Fasehun who died December 1, 2018.
“Governor Akeredolu describes the late Fasehun as a disciplined citizen, nationalist to the core and intelligent medical practitioner who used his energy and other resources to fight for the interests of the common man.
“As a politician, the governor is of the opinion that the late Fasehun’s argument for egalitarian society where merit and equity are made parametric conditions for selecting leaders or people’s representatives will continue to dominate socio-political discourse."
Akeredolu also noted that social scientists will remember Fasehun as a detribalised Nigeria "whose place in the nation’s political history cannot be wished away”.
Also, former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, described the death of the OPC leader as the departure of a committed patriot and a worthy elderstatesman with love and passion for the progress of the nation.
A statement by Mimiko read: "Death took Baba Fasehun away at a time the nation needed him to help provide workable contributions to the restructuring of Nigeria, now that majority of the people have seen the need for restructuring, which is one of his utmost agitations.
"While his death will rightly be seen as a great loss to his immediate family, the people of Ondo State and the nation at large, it will no doubt create a vacuum in Yorubaland and the nation."
Meanwhile, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on its own described Fasehun's death as "shattering news".
Yinka Odumakin, the Afenifere Publicity Secretary, said the deceased would be greatly missed.
“He was a prominent Yoruba and Nigerian citizen who dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity. We will surely miss his great works, which will continue to speak for him forever. He lived for the cause of the poor. May God be with his family at this period and comfort them," he said.
Politics News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2DWvgvB
Afenifere, Akeredolu, Mimiko, Mourn Fasehun
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described the demise of the founder and National Leader of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC), Dr. Federick Fasehun, as shocking and a great loss to Ondo State and the entire country.
83-year-old Fasehun died in the early hours of Saturday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja. See Also
A statement issued at the weekend by the goveronor's spokesperson, Segun Ajiboye, noted that the late Fasehun would be greatly missed by the people.
The statement read: “Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), mourns the founder of Oodua People's Congress, Dr. Federick Fasehun who died December 1, 2018.
“Governor Akeredolu describes the late Fasehun as a disciplined citizen, nationalist to the core and intelligent medical practitioner who used his energy and other resources to fight for the interests of the common man.
“As a politician, the governor is of the opinion that the late Fasehun’s argument for egalitarian society where merit and equity are made parametric conditions for selecting leaders or people’s representatives will continue to dominate socio-political discourse."
Akeredolu also noted that social scientists will remember Fasehun as a detribalised Nigeria "whose place in the nation’s political history cannot be wished away”.
Also, former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, described the death of the OPC leader as the departure of a committed patriot and a worthy elderstatesman with love and passion for the progress of the nation.
A statement by Mimiko read: "Death took Baba Fasehun away at a time the nation needed him to help provide workable contributions to the restructuring of Nigeria, now that majority of the people have seen the need for restructuring, which is one of his utmost agitations.
"While his death will rightly be seen as a great loss to his immediate family, the people of Ondo State and the nation at large, it will no doubt create a vacuum in Yorubaland and the nation."
Meanwhile, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on its own described Fasehun's death as "shattering news".
Yinka Odumakin, the Afenifere Publicity Secretary, said the deceased would be greatly missed.
“He was a prominent Yoruba and Nigerian citizen who dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity. We will surely miss his great works, which will continue to speak for him forever. He lived for the cause of the poor. May God be with his family at this period and comfort them," he said.
Politics News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2DWvgvB
'This Is The Real Me' — Buhari Speaks in Poland On Being Cloned
President Muhammadu Buhari has responded to speculations on being cloned.
He spoke on the subject on Sunday in Kraków, Poland, according to Bashir Ahmad, his Personal Assistant on New Media.
A factcheck published by AFP on Friday, November 30, 2018 had disproved speculations that Buhari had died and been replaced by a look-alike.
Speaking on the speculations, Buhari said a lot of people had hoped for his death when he was sick, but he remains strong.
He was also optimistic on celebrating his birthday; he will be 76 years old on December 17, 2018.
The post on his response to being cloned was published in a tweet that read: JUST IN: "A lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. It is real me... I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong.” — President @MBuhari this evening in Kraków, Poland. His response to a question of him being cloned".
JUST IN: "A lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. It is real me... I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong.†— President @MBuhari this evening in Kraków, Poland. His response to a question of him being cloned. pic.twitter.com/JL9QfUF3PL
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) December 2, 2018
Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2P9Tswp
'This Is The Real Me' — Buhari Speaks in Poland On Being Cloned
President Muhammadu Buhari has responded to speculations on being cloned.
He spoke on the subject on Sunday in Kraków, Poland, according to Bashir Ahmad, his Personal Assistant on New Media.
A factcheck published by AFP on Friday, November 30, 2018 had disproved speculations that Buhari had died and been replaced by a look-alike.
Speaking on the speculations, Buhari said a lot of people had hoped for his death when he was sick, but he remains strong.
He was also optimistic on celebrating his birthday; he will be 76 years old on December 17, 2018.
The post on his response to being cloned was published in a tweet that read: JUST IN: "A lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. It is real me... I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong.” — President @MBuhari this evening in Kraków, Poland. His response to a question of him being cloned".
JUST IN: "A lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. It is real me... I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong.†— President @MBuhari this evening in Kraków, Poland. His response to a question of him being cloned. pic.twitter.com/JL9QfUF3PL
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) December 2, 2018
Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2P9Tswp
'This Is The Real Me' — Buhari Speaks in Poland On Being Cloned
President Muhammadu Buhari has responded to speculations on being cloned.
He spoke on the subject on Sunday in Kraków, Poland, according to Bashir Ahmad, his Personal Assistant on New Media.
A factcheck published by AFP on Friday, November 30, 2018 had disproved speculations that Buhari had died and been replaced by a look-alike.
Speaking on the speculations, Buhari said a lot of people had hoped for his death when he was sick, but he remains strong.
He was also optimistic on celebrating his birthday; he will be 76 years old on December 17, 2018.
The post on his response to being cloned was published in a tweet that read: JUST IN: "A lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. It is real me... I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong.” — President @MBuhari this evening in Kraków, Poland. His response to a question of him being cloned".
JUST IN: "A lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. It is real me... I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong.†— President @MBuhari this evening in Kraków, Poland. His response to a question of him being cloned. pic.twitter.com/JL9QfUF3PL
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) December 2, 2018
Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2P9Tswp
Niger Deltans Suffer More Than Anyone Else In Nigeria, Says Group
The Niger Delta Support Group (NIDSG) has lamented the state of underdevelopment of the region, stating that candidates and their political parties are paying "lip service" to the issue of restructuring in the wake of the 2019 elections.
While clamouring for a critical stakeholders' forum to address the issue of restructuring, the group called on the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency on the economy in the Niger Delta region.
Leading a protest on Saturday round some major streets of Warri, Delta State, the convener of the group, Vincent Udume Odogbor, noted that the call for a critical stakeholders' forum to address the issue of restructuring and a call for the state of emergency became imperative "given that it is the fundamental ill upon which other ills such as marginalisation, corruption and underdevelopment of the Niger Delta rests".
Bearing placards with various inscriptions such as 'Niger Delta Support Group Demands for Justice, Equity and Fair Play'; 'We Demand True Fiscal Federalism'; 'Provide Jobs for our Graduates'; 'Corruption is Killing Nigeria'; Probe $2billion NLNG Missing Fund', among others, lamented the state of neglect and unemployment in the region.
In his address, Odogbor said: "The word restructuring has become a political slogan of those contesting for the office of the president. The truth is, we are not swayed by this rhetoric because restructuring does not mean privatisation or commercialisation. Handing resource control and management to the original owners of such resources is the truest definition of restructuring.
"We are all witnesses to never-ending news of stolen or missing oil and gas money without any proper accounting for the monies and without consequence as nobody has been sanctioned or prosecuted for these grave crimes against people’s future. We in the Niger Delta suffer more than anyone else in Nigeria — the brunt from the life-threatening environmental hazards from oil and gas exploration, but the oil wells are owned mostly by our neighbours from the North who have dominated Nigeria’s political landscape since 1960.
"The abnormalities in the political structure of Nigeria ranging from economic, political and security cannot continue to remain. The ethnic minorities of the Niger Delta have been taken for a ride for too long and it is now an act of provocation. We demand a fair share of the returns from our oil and gas resources and 13% is not the fair share we need. We demand a return to the principles of derivation and need as revenue sharing formula given the extreme despoliation of our environment and its effects on our livelihoods today and in decades to come.
"We are convinced that if oil was produced in the Northern or Western regions of Nigeria, they will not be in the state the Niger Delta is today in terms of the environment, economic and political development. The bottom line is, if this present administration really desires to fight corruption, it should be willing to restructure Nigeria and grant resource control to the Niger Delta region, given its contributions to the national income and GDP of Nigeria.
"Corruption is also perpetuating social and economic injustice which is reflected in the oppression of the goose that lays the golden egg of Nigeria and in the nepotism of this government in terms of core appointments. And if the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate and other party candidates are sincere and serious about restructuring, they should as a matter of urgency put machinery in place to engage the stakeholders in the region and this is not limited to PANDEF and the Chief E.K. Clark dynasty."
Speaking on the peculiarities of the region, he continued: "Niger Delta is bigger than what one individual or group will decide for. We have tons of ethnic groups such as the Isokos, Urhobos, Ijaws, Itsekiri, Ikweres, Anioma, the Efiks, Calabar, Binis, Kalabari and the Igbos across Abia and Imo states. We also have civil society groups in the region, the NANS zonal body, youth organisations such as the Not Too Young To Run, women groups, traders union, civil servants, religious bodies, the oil and gas sector, professionals, entrepreneurs and, of course, the political class.
"If we truly desire change, there is an urgent need for a critical stakeholders meeting to re-strategise and change the way we have handled the issue of resource control and, by extension, fiscal federalism. Restructuring is not just a statement of convenience, but a deliberate move to ensure justice is served and the scale of inequality deposed.
"Any agenda short of this, will definitely make us become exasperated and to continue in our quest through every legal means to extinguish the mercantile rule of a kleptocratic political class who use ethnicity and religion to perpetuate their ignoble rule. We remain resolute to our earlier call for restructuring to a true fiscal federal state, as well as the creation and implementation of state police to ensure effective communal protection of lives and property.
"We want the country restructured so that true fiscal federalism can be implemented. We don't want lip service on the issue, so we are challenging all presidential aspirants and the federal government to a critical stakeholders' meeting to discuss the issues before 2019 elections. More region wide protests loom if no concrete arrangement is put in place for restructuring.
"The Federal Government does not waste time in declaring state of emergency whenever there is a threat to its national security in the region as we have in recent times seen in the securitisation actions such as Operation Crocodile Smile 1 and 2 and Operation Python Dance 1and 2. In the same vein, it should declare an economic state of emergency because from a human security perspective, poverty is the highest level of insecurity that threatens the people of the Niger Delta more than armed conflict and war.
"The deplorable state of the region and its people ought to be the major concern of the Federal Government and the political elite, if they are sincere with the 'One Nigeria' project. What we see instead is a deliberate attempt to strangulate and snuff out the economic oxygen of the region by undermining the economic potentials of its ports for example.
"The NNPC and NLNG have become like bullion vans for transferring wealth from the region to unknown destinations outside it. This is evidenced in recent news of missing $1.05bn from NLNG a week after another $1.151bn was reported missing. Sadly, these corrupt practices are happening right under the watch of President Buhari who happens to be the Petroleum Minister, itself another evidence of the lopsided economic structure of the country."
Human Rights Niger Delta News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2zGozux
Niger Deltans Suffer More Than Anyone Else In Nigeria, Says Group
The Niger Delta Support Group (NIDSG) has lamented the state of underdevelopment of the region, stating that candidates and their political parties are paying "lip service" to the issue of restructuring in the wake of the 2019 elections.
While clamouring for a critical stakeholders' forum to address the issue of restructuring, the group called on the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency on the economy in the Niger Delta region.
Leading a protest on Saturday round some major streets of Warri, Delta State, the convener of the group, Vincent Udume Odogbor, noted that the call for a critical stakeholders' forum to address the issue of restructuring and a call for the state of emergency became imperative "given that it is the fundamental ill upon which other ills such as marginalisation, corruption and underdevelopment of the Niger Delta rests".
Bearing placards with various inscriptions such as 'Niger Delta Support Group Demands for Justice, Equity and Fair Play'; 'We Demand True Fiscal Federalism'; 'Provide Jobs for our Graduates'; 'Corruption is Killing Nigeria'; Probe $2billion NLNG Missing Fund', among others, lamented the state of neglect and unemployment in the region.
In his address, Odogbor said: "The word restructuring has become a political slogan of those contesting for the office of the president. The truth is, we are not swayed by this rhetoric because restructuring does not mean privatisation or commercialisation. Handing resource control and management to the original owners of such resources is the truest definition of restructuring.
"We are all witnesses to never-ending news of stolen or missing oil and gas money without any proper accounting for the monies and without consequence as nobody has been sanctioned or prosecuted for these grave crimes against people’s future. We in the Niger Delta suffer more than anyone else in Nigeria — the brunt from the life-threatening environmental hazards from oil and gas exploration, but the oil wells are owned mostly by our neighbours from the North who have dominated Nigeria’s political landscape since 1960.
"The abnormalities in the political structure of Nigeria ranging from economic, political and security cannot continue to remain. The ethnic minorities of the Niger Delta have been taken for a ride for too long and it is now an act of provocation. We demand a fair share of the returns from our oil and gas resources and 13% is not the fair share we need. We demand a return to the principles of derivation and need as revenue sharing formula given the extreme despoliation of our environment and its effects on our livelihoods today and in decades to come.
"We are convinced that if oil was produced in the Northern or Western regions of Nigeria, they will not be in the state the Niger Delta is today in terms of the environment, economic and political development. The bottom line is, if this present administration really desires to fight corruption, it should be willing to restructure Nigeria and grant resource control to the Niger Delta region, given its contributions to the national income and GDP of Nigeria.
"Corruption is also perpetuating social and economic injustice which is reflected in the oppression of the goose that lays the golden egg of Nigeria and in the nepotism of this government in terms of core appointments. And if the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate and other party candidates are sincere and serious about restructuring, they should as a matter of urgency put machinery in place to engage the stakeholders in the region and this is not limited to PANDEF and the Chief E.K. Clark dynasty."
Speaking on the peculiarities of the region, he continued: "Niger Delta is bigger than what one individual or group will decide for. We have tons of ethnic groups such as the Isokos, Urhobos, Ijaws, Itsekiri, Ikweres, Anioma, the Efiks, Calabar, Binis, Kalabari and the Igbos across Abia and Imo states. We also have civil society groups in the region, the NANS zonal body, youth organisations such as the Not Too Young To Run, women groups, traders union, civil servants, religious bodies, the oil and gas sector, professionals, entrepreneurs and, of course, the political class.
"If we truly desire change, there is an urgent need for a critical stakeholders meeting to re-strategise and change the way we have handled the issue of resource control and, by extension, fiscal federalism. Restructuring is not just a statement of convenience, but a deliberate move to ensure justice is served and the scale of inequality deposed.
"Any agenda short of this, will definitely make us become exasperated and to continue in our quest through every legal means to extinguish the mercantile rule of a kleptocratic political class who use ethnicity and religion to perpetuate their ignoble rule. We remain resolute to our earlier call for restructuring to a true fiscal federal state, as well as the creation and implementation of state police to ensure effective communal protection of lives and property.
"We want the country restructured so that true fiscal federalism can be implemented. We don't want lip service on the issue, so we are challenging all presidential aspirants and the federal government to a critical stakeholders' meeting to discuss the issues before 2019 elections. More region wide protests loom if no concrete arrangement is put in place for restructuring.
"The Federal Government does not waste time in declaring state of emergency whenever there is a threat to its national security in the region as we have in recent times seen in the securitisation actions such as Operation Crocodile Smile 1 and 2 and Operation Python Dance 1and 2. In the same vein, it should declare an economic state of emergency because from a human security perspective, poverty is the highest level of insecurity that threatens the people of the Niger Delta more than armed conflict and war.
"The deplorable state of the region and its people ought to be the major concern of the Federal Government and the political elite, if they are sincere with the 'One Nigeria' project. What we see instead is a deliberate attempt to strangulate and snuff out the economic oxygen of the region by undermining the economic potentials of its ports for example.
"The NNPC and NLNG have become like bullion vans for transferring wealth from the region to unknown destinations outside it. This is evidenced in recent news of missing $1.05bn from NLNG a week after another $1.151bn was reported missing. Sadly, these corrupt practices are happening right under the watch of President Buhari who happens to be the Petroleum Minister, itself another evidence of the lopsided economic structure of the country."
Human Rights Niger Delta News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2zGozux
JUST IN: Arrested NURTW Boss 'Names' Sponsors Of Attack On Ondo Lawmakers
Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, with NURTW Chairman, Jacob Adebo a.k.a., 'Idajo'
Jacob Adebo, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State, has named those who sponsored the attacks by himself and other NURTW members on the Ondo State House of Assembly.
He has also been released from Police custody, SaharaReporters just learnt.
Adebo, popularly known as 'Idajo', was released on Saturday evening, after spending a night at the Force Criminal Investigative Department, Alagbon, Lagos State where he was briefly detained and quizzed by the security operatives.
The Ondo State NURTW boss was arrested on Friday by security agents who stormed Akure, the Ondo State capital after a petition was written against him about an attack on lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly. See Also 
Sahara Reporters BREAKING: Idajo, Ondo NURTW Chairman, Arrested And Whisked To Lagos 0 Comments 2 Days Ago
Confirming his release on Sunday, an official of the NURTW said Adebo was released after he was "thoroughly quizzed" over his role and involvement in the attacks on lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly.
The official, who preferred not to be named, explained that the NURTW boss confessed to leading members of the NURTW to the Assembly and mentioned the names of those who had been sponsoring him on such similar attacks in the state.
He revealed further that despite the release, the Ondo NURTW boss was also instructed to report back to the FCID on Monday in continuation of the case.
"He (Idajo) was released on Saturday after sleeping over at FCID office in Alagbon, Lagos where he spent one night following the petition written against him by some people in the state. The Police detectives interrogated, and asked him questions which were mainly on his role in the recent attack at the State House of Assembly," the source said.
"In fact, he was faced with evidence — audio — on how he instructed his boys from the union to invade the House of Assembly and and kill anyone in sight. When he was shown the evidence, even with video and pictures of him and his boys destroying properties at the Assembly, he confessed the names of those who sent him and footed his bills for the attack.
"Already, he (Idajo) has mentioned the names of some politicians who have been sponsoring him, and four of them are close to the incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and one is a popular politician in Akure. I am aware he would report back to the FCID in Alagbon, Lagos for the continuation of the case and he is likely to go with two persons who are his boys and had also been fingered in the attack."
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters learnt that there is palpable fear among members of the NURTW in the state following Adebo's arrest by security operatives.
Some union members, particularly the executives who are very loyal to the NURTW boss, have already fled Ondo State over possible arrest by the Police on the ongoing case.
An source loyal to Adebo, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday, said some of those implicated have also fled the state.
"Some of us fled because we heard the Police would surely come after us over this ongoing case and some other cases which include the attack on a radio broadcaster, who was almost lyched at the park by some thugs sent by Idajo.
"I was told that the Chairman (Idajo) was just confessing like a bird when he was threatened with jail terms at the FCID in Alagbon, Lagos where he has mentioned many names of those sponsoring him. Even, the Ondo State Chairman of the APC has been implicated in the case because there was consistent phone interaction between him and Idajo with some of the union boys.
"For me, I have been given the best advice which is to leave the state for now, and I know two others who have also fled because of the fear of an impending arrest. We cannot spend our Christmas and New Year in jail."
CRIME Politics News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2PeWwqQ
JUST IN: Arrested NURTW Boss 'Names' Sponsors Of Attack On Ondo Lawmakers
Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, with NURTW Chairman, Jacob Adebo a.k.a., 'Idajo'
Jacob Adebo, the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State, has named those who sponsored the attacks by himself and other NURTW members on the Ondo State House of Assembly.
He has also been released from Police custody, SaharaReporters just learnt.
Adebo, popularly known as 'Idajo', was released on Saturday evening, after spending a night at the Force Criminal Investigative Department, Alagbon, Lagos State where he was briefly detained and quizzed by the security operatives.
The Ondo State NURTW boss was arrested on Friday by security agents who stormed Akure, the Ondo State capital after a petition was written against him about an attack on lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly. See Also Sahara Reporters BREAKING: Idajo, Ondo NURTW Chairman, Arrested And Whisked To Lagos 0 Comments 2 Days Ago
Confirming his release on Sunday, an official of the NURTW said Adebo was released after he was "thoroughly quizzed" over his role and involvement in the attacks on lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly.
The official, who preferred not to be named, explained that the NURTW boss confessed to leading members of the NURTW to the Assembly and mentioned the names of those who had been sponsoring him on such similar attacks in the state.
He revealed further that despite the release, the Ondo NURTW boss was also instructed to report back to the FCID on Monday in continuation of the case.
"He (Idajo) was released on Saturday after sleeping over at FCID office in Alagbon, Lagos where he spent one night following the petition written against him by some people in the state. The Police detectives interrogated, and asked him questions which were mainly on his role in the recent attack at the State House of Assembly," the source said.
"In fact, he was faced with evidence — audio — on how he instructed his boys from the union to invade the House of Assembly and and kill anyone in sight. When he was shown the evidence, even with video and pictures of him and his boys destroying properties at the Assembly, he confessed the names of those who sent him and footed his bills for the attack.
"Already, he (Idajo) has mentioned the names of some politicians who have been sponsoring him, and four of them are close to the incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and one is a popular politician in Akure. I am aware he would report back to the FCID in Alagbon, Lagos for the continuation of the case and he is likely to go with two persons who are his boys and had also been fingered in the attack."
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters learnt that there is palpable fear among members of the NURTW in the state following Adebo's arrest by security operatives.
Some union members, particularly the executives who are very loyal to the NURTW boss, have already fled Ondo State over possible arrest by the Police on the ongoing case.
An source loyal to Adebo, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday, said some of those implicated have also fled the state.
"Some of us fled because we heard the Police would surely come after us over this ongoing case and some other cases which include the attack on a radio broadcaster, who was almost lyched at the park by some thugs sent by Idajo.
"I was told that the Chairman (Idajo) was just confessing like a bird when he was threatened with jail terms at the FCID in Alagbon, Lagos where he has mentioned many names of those sponsoring him. Even, the Ondo State Chairman of the APC has been implicated in the case because there was consistent phone interaction between him and Idajo with some of the union boys.
"For me, I have been given the best advice which is to leave the state for now, and I know two others who have also fled because of the fear of an impending arrest. We cannot spend our Christmas and New Year in jail."
CRIME Politics News AddThis : Featured Image : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : https://ift.tt/2PeWwqQ
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