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Conservative Scott Morrison's victory is a few seats from a majority as final votes are counted.

The corpse of a day-old-baby is missing at the morgue of the Ondo State Specialist hospital in Akure, Sahara Reporter can confirm. 

The new baby had died upon delivery.The mother too lost her life in the throes of labour.

The corpses of both mother and child were deposited at the morgue of Police Clinic  on Wednesday. 

A family source who pleaded not to be named confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Akure on Saturday, adding that it was surprising when they visited the hosptial and could not find the corpse of their relative.  

The source who explained how the corpses of both  mother and child were brought into the hospital said they were due for burial hence their visit to the morgue to retrieve their corpses. 

"We (family members) got into the hospital today (Saturday) to collect the corpses of the deceased but noticed that they could not find the been  body of the baby again.

"They only brought out the body of his mother and the placenta and the naughty mortuary attendants could not explain to us how the baby got missing from their reach.

"In fact, hell would have been let loose in the hospital today becuase we were very angry that we brought in two corpses (mother and child) but they could only bring out the mother alone. 

"So, where did they keep the corpse of the baby but we were begged to exercise patience over the issue as the police has been invited to come investigate how the dead baby got missing from the morgue" he said.

Wahab Adegbenro,  Commissioner for Health in Ondo State confirmed the case of the missing corpse to SaharaReporters on the telephone.

Dr. Adegbenro explained that the case was "strange" noting that the authorities present on duty on the day the corpses were brought in have been queried over the case.

He also added that the all motuary attendants who were on duty when the corpses were brought into the mortuary department have been handed to the police investigations.

"The case happened today and i have talked to some people concerning it but at the hospital  we have started our own internal investigation.

"Also, we have already handed all the mortuary attendants who were on  duty on the day they brought the corpses to the police. I am sure they must have commenced their investigations" he said.

Femi Joseph, the Spokesman of the Ondo State Police Command who also confirmed the case noted that investigation has already started on the case.
 

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Some accounts created by an Israeli firm named Archimedes has been closed by Facebook.

The accounts, before their closure, were used purposely for disseminating smear campaigns against Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and eulogizing President Muhammadu Buhari.

Many of the pages and accounts were discovered to be linked to a Tel Aviv-based political consulting and lobbying firm named Archimedes.

On its sparse website of African stock images, the company advertises its deliberate efforts to conduct disinformation campaigns, boasting that it takes “every advantage available in order to change reality according to our client’s wishes” through “unlimited online accounts operation.”

Facebook banned Archimedes from its platform on Thursday for its “coordinated and deceptive behavior” and conducted a sweeping takedown of dozens of accounts and hundreds of pages primarily aimed at disrupting elections in African countries, with some scattered activity in South-East Asia and Latin America.

As of the time of closure, the misleading counts had reached some 2.8 million users, and the pages had engaged over 5,000 followers, according to Facebook’s estimates

One of the pages that Facebook canceled appeared filled with viral misinformation attacking Atiku, a former Vice-President.

The report further reads, “The page’s banner image showed Abubakar as Darth Vader, the Star Wars villain, holding up a sign reading, ‘Make Nigeria Worse Again’.

“Another page with almost identical visuals, although significantly excluding the Darth Vader mask, purported to support Atiku, with the slogan ‘Team Atiku for President’.

“The report identified the page as a covert attempt to infiltrate Atiku’s audience of potential voters and manipulate their views, gradually spamming them with antithetical content and diverting them to the ‘Make Nigeria Worse’ page.”

According to the report, several of the removed pages attempted to defame candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party.

It said one page with artificially amplified audience engagement, called “Rivers Violence Watch,” pumped out political propaganda while posing as a neutral monitor of election violence, using the page description to mask its efforts.

Most of the pages claimed to be run by local Nigerian users, but in fact, were managed from Israel.

It said fake news flooded Nigerians and played a central role in the recent national election.

The accounts were also found to have been used in spreading rumors and promoting violence in an election which revealed Nigeria’s fault lines along ethnic and religious divides.

Despite the overt political messaging of these inauthentic pages, the Digital Forensics lab could not assign a particular ideological motive to Archimedes’ campaigns, given the diversity and scope of its general operations.

Rather, the company, which poured over $800,000 into deceptive content over the past several years, appeared profit-driven. The report did not probe the origins of its cash flow, and it was not clear whether political actors in Nigeria or other countries where the campaigns took off had paid for the company’s “strategic consulting.”

Facebook has in the last year closed down over one billion accounts used in spreading fake news.

Atiku has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission and the President to court, accusing them of stealing his victory at the poll. He claims the figures on INEC’s servers show that he won the poll, but the results were doctored in favor of Buhari.

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Fela Anikulapo Kuti, even in death, is a household name. The name has outlived the man and in every nook and cranny of the world there lies one or more narratives on who the man was.

He was a man  of many parts; he meant different things to his massive pool of fans in his lifetime.To some who looked up to him for their daily bread, he was a father; to the bevy of  ladies who surrounded him, he was their King; to the oppressed Nigerians living during the unforgettable military regime he was the divine Freedom fighter. At the mention of the name Fela tales abound. 

Aside all this, he was majorly known as that extremely talented Musician who chose to use his music as a weapon against all forms of oppression he and his natives were faced with. The multi-instrumentalist and pioneer of Afrobeat through the sounds of his music and wordings in his lyrics captured perfectly the Nigerian story. This he did so well his music was filled with Prophecy that remains true to this very day.

We bring you four songs of “Abami Eda”(the enigma) as the singer was often referred to. 

International Thief Thief (I.T.T)

At the time of release, I.T.T was the acronym for the fraudulent communication company multi national company named International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation which had a branch in Nigeria and was headed by  the late Moshood Abiola. 

In ancient Nigerian culture and Africa at large, when an individual or persons are caught stealing they are taken round the community by a large crowd who shout “Thief, Thief!” as they take the walk of shame. “International thief thief, I.T.T, International thief, I.T.T” . Modelled on this call and response way of shaming thieves, Fela began this song by singing on slavery and exploitation of Africans saying that if he tells a lie “Make the land punish me.”

In present day Nigeria, neocolonialism is fast becoming an acceptable norm as the Nigerian government keeps signing “deals” that are unfavourable to the Nigerian masses. Although the government takes a large chunk of the blame, foreign corporate and industrial organisation in Nigeria are now known to practise what is called Modern Day Slavery as workers are made to over work under terrible condition only to be given a pittance called Salary. 

Beast Of No Nation

“Basket mouth wan open mouth again, oh” Fela sang upon his return from prison in 1986 where he had served two years from a five years prison sentence. Due to his absence from the musical scene, the people wanted to hear sing so they asked him “‘Fela wetin you go sing about?” whenever they saw him. “Beast of No Nation” tells the story of the singer’s experience in prison.

In the song, Fela referred to life inside prison as the “inside world” where peace and tranquility exist while on the other hand says life outside prison is one  filled with chaos and craziness. Times are hard, every passing day the university churns out graduates into a 'jobless system'. Young Nigerians now see Nigerian as a prison and now go to the extent of crossing the mediterrian sea in search of greener pasture outside of it. 

"My people are us-e-less, My people are sens-i-less, My people are indiscipline" Fela continues to sing about how the Nigerian government demarket the country when they get the opportunity to speak at foreign conference. It will be recalled that in April 2018 there was social media revolt against Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari who while speaking at Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster on Wednesday, 18 April 2018, described Nigerian youth as “lazy and want everything free.’ All thanks to a young Nigerian journalist, Mayowa Tijani who reported the news. 

The song further dwells on how human right has now become an endangered tenet. “Human rights na my property. So therefore, you can’t dash me my property” Fela sings. The Nigeria Police are now wild dogs chasing innocent youths and even gunning down anyone who resists arrest; the Government deals ruthlessly with any journalist or anyone that writes or talks ill of them. Was Fela not right? 

Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense

In this song, Fela talks about the role of the teachers in the society. According to him, when a child is given birth to the father and mother is the teacher as they do their best to put the child in the line they deem right. When the child grows up and begins to go to school the teacher is his teacher at school. Finally, at the university the child’s teacher is the lecturer. However, Fela lays emphasis on that the most important teacher is culture and tradition. 

He talks on the need to perserve and nurture our culture and tradition so the generation years to come can learn from it. The average Nigerian is known to disregard their culture often times referring to it as Evill only to embrace foreign cultures. “Who be our teacher na Oyinbo? Who be our teacher na Oyinbo?” Fela makes a mockery of this decision.

This song can be related to the present day Nigerian Educational system which has become a clear shadow of itself. Students sit on bare floor without roofs over their heads to learn from their master whose salary has not been paid for over 18 months. Lecturers in the university now go on strike in proportion to the number of times the President travels out of the country. “Baba nla nonsense” Fela would’ve yabbed the government if he was alive. 

Alagbon Close

This song is perfect example of what is currently going on in the country. Police brutality is fast becoming a norm in Nigeria and those in power are silent about it. “Alagbon close” sees Fela preach about how important everyone’s path in life is but yet some people still choose to act like they are not humans and misuse the authority given to them all in the name of performing their duty. The people are men of the Nigeria Police force.

“FSARS officers beat young Lagosian for refusing to unlock phone” Everyday the media space is filled with one report or the other about the numerous assaults both young and old Nigerians are subjected to by people paid to protect them. “For Alagbon den go know say you be civil servant den go lock you for jail…Dem no get respect for human being” he sings highlighting the problem of police brutality. This again solidifies Fela’s reputation as a Prophet.

 

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Cody tried to replant a San Diego forest destroyed by wildfire but climate change is making it hard.

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The contest's highlights - from singing in the shower and bendy poles to the Netherlands' triumph.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, popular Hollywood star has been attacked by a man at a show in South Africa. 

The incident happened on Saturday at a sporting event.

The AFP reports that the former politician was conversing with fans at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg when a man took a flying leap and kicked him high in the back.

Schwarzenegger confirmed the incident on Twitter saying “Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about.

“I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat."

Schwarzenegger was in Johannesburg for the annual Arnold Classic Africa, an international multi-sports festival.

“He was sadly and unexpectedly attacked by a crazed fan as he was doing a walk-through to support athletes,” the organizers said, adding the attacker — who was immediately apprehended — was known to police for similar incidents in the past.

Schwarzenegger told organizers he would not press charges.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger, popular Hollywood star has been attacked by a man at a show in South Africa. 

The incident happened on Saturday at a sporting event.

The AFP reports that the former politician was conversing with fans at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg when a man took a flying leap and kicked him high in the back.

Schwarzenegger confirmed the incident on Twitter saying “Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about.

“I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot. I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat."

Schwarzenegger was in Johannesburg for the annual Arnold Classic Africa, an international multi-sports festival.

“He was sadly and unexpectedly attacked by a crazed fan as he was doing a walk-through to support athletes,” the organizers said, adding the attacker — who was immediately apprehended — was known to police for similar incidents in the past.

Schwarzenegger told organizers he would not press charges.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress has advised the Nigerian Government to withhold the parceling out of the last tranche of Paris Club refund to states until after the inauguration of incoming governors on May 29.

The Paris Club refund was said to be in the tune of N649bn.

The advice followed the disclosure by Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, on Thursday that the Nigerian Government was set to disburse the outstanding N649.434bn to states. Speaking at a press conference on the activities of her ministry, Ahmed said the money  was the last tranche of the refund.

She said, “For the final phase of the Paris Club debt refund, the total sum of N649.434bn was verified by the ministry as the outstanding balance to be refunded state governments.

“The payments made by the Central Bank of Nigeria as of March 2019 is N691.56bn.

The increase in CBN payments partly arose from the exchange rate differential at the point of payment. Although some states still have outstanding balances, they will be refunded in due course.”

But reacting to the development, the President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba said that the union’s recommendation to the  Federal Government would be to delay the disbursement of the money till after May 29, when the newly elected governors would have been sworn in. He said the reasons border on accountability and the manner the previous refunds were used by some governors.

Wabba said, “The incumbent governors have a few days to go, so I am of the strong view that the money should actually be given to the incoming governors who would start on a clean slate and address substantial issues in governance.

“Clearly, some of the outgoing governors would like to use the money to pay severance allowances, which I think is not a priority,  and you know that some of the states have spent a huge amount of money on  their  build-up for the 2019 elections.”

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The Nigeria Labour Congress has advised the Nigerian Government to withhold the parceling out of the last tranche of Paris Club refund to states until after the inauguration of incoming governors on May 29.

The Paris Club refund was said to be in the tune of N649bn.

The advice followed the disclosure by Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, on Thursday that the Nigerian Government was set to disburse the outstanding N649.434bn to states. Speaking at a press conference on the activities of her ministry, Ahmed said the money  was the last tranche of the refund.

She said, “For the final phase of the Paris Club debt refund, the total sum of N649.434bn was verified by the ministry as the outstanding balance to be refunded state governments.

“The payments made by the Central Bank of Nigeria as of March 2019 is N691.56bn.

The increase in CBN payments partly arose from the exchange rate differential at the point of payment. Although some states still have outstanding balances, they will be refunded in due course.”

But reacting to the development, the President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba said that the union’s recommendation to the  Federal Government would be to delay the disbursement of the money till after May 29, when the newly elected governors would have been sworn in. He said the reasons border on accountability and the manner the previous refunds were used by some governors.

Wabba said, “The incumbent governors have a few days to go, so I am of the strong view that the money should actually be given to the incoming governors who would start on a clean slate and address substantial issues in governance.

“Clearly, some of the outgoing governors would like to use the money to pay severance allowances, which I think is not a priority,  and you know that some of the states have spent a huge amount of money on  their  build-up for the 2019 elections.”

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Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture has said the Federal Government is in possession of strong evidence that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and it's candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is putting plans in place to truncate Nigeria's democracy. 

Mohammed said this Saturday in Oro, Irepodun local government area of Kwara state during the annual twelfth Ramadan lecture.

According to him, “Our interventions are based on credible evidence, and no government with the kind of evidence that we have, of plans to subvert the power of the state, attack the nation’s economic live wire and generally unleash mayhem on the polity, will keep quiet.

“The security agencies are all alert to their responsibilities and will not sit by and allow anyone to reverse the gains of our democracy under any guise. 

He added that "Since our intervention, pseudo and partisan analysts have teamed up with the spokesmen for the main opposition party and its presidential candidate to either exhibit their ignorance or to engage in red herring and name-calling."

Addressing the alarm raised by the Defence Headquarters and The Department of State Services, he said: "As you are aware, a few days ago we raised the alarm that either by themselves or via their proxies, the PDP and it’s presidential candidate are doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari Administration, generally overheat the polity and make Nigeria seemingly ungovernable.

"Of course you are aware of similar alarms that have been raised by the police, the military, and the DSS.

The minister called on Nigerian to in the spirit of Ramadan, shun 'anti-democratic forces' in the country. 

"I make this request against the background of those who are daily plotting to exploit our national fault lines of religion and ethnicity, those who masquerade as Democrats but can’t take electoral defeat, those who will not hesitate to collude with anti-democratic forces and dead-enders to fan the embers of violence in the country and those who have elevated their personal ambition over and above our survival as a nation.”

DSS Warning 
Similarly, the Department of State Services (DSS) issued a warning to those it said were calling for a revolution Nigeria Continuity and Progress (NCP).

The DSS in a statement on Friday said: “It is evident that the misguided group and its cohorts have also planned to instigate widespread violence against the government in order to actualize their infamous agenda of forceful change of regime.

“The DSS not only supports the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria but will leave no stone unturned in rooting out persons or groups desirous of truncating the process or undermining the country’s peace and corporate existence.

“The service will, therefore, not condone any form of extra-judicial activities or methods designed or adopted by persons or groups to subvert constituted authorities.

“Instructively, defaulting persons will surely be brought to book."

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Lai Mohammed, the minister of information and culture has said the Federal Government is in possession of strong evidence that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and it's candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is putting plans in place to truncate Nigeria's democracy. 

Mohammed said this Saturday in Oro, Irepodun local government area of Kwara state during the annual twelfth Ramadan lecture.

According to him, “Our interventions are based on credible evidence, and no government with the kind of evidence that we have, of plans to subvert the power of the state, attack the nation’s economic live wire and generally unleash mayhem on the polity, will keep quiet.

“The security agencies are all alert to their responsibilities and will not sit by and allow anyone to reverse the gains of our democracy under any guise. 

He added that "Since our intervention, pseudo and partisan analysts have teamed up with the spokesmen for the main opposition party and its presidential candidate to either exhibit their ignorance or to engage in red herring and name-calling."

Addressing the alarm raised by the Defence Headquarters and The Department of State Services, he said: "As you are aware, a few days ago we raised the alarm that either by themselves or via their proxies, the PDP and it’s presidential candidate are doing everything possible to sabotage the Buhari Administration, generally overheat the polity and make Nigeria seemingly ungovernable.

"Of course you are aware of similar alarms that have been raised by the police, the military, and the DSS.

The minister called on Nigerian to in the spirit of Ramadan, shun 'anti-democratic forces' in the country. 

"I make this request against the background of those who are daily plotting to exploit our national fault lines of religion and ethnicity, those who masquerade as Democrats but can’t take electoral defeat, those who will not hesitate to collude with anti-democratic forces and dead-enders to fan the embers of violence in the country and those who have elevated their personal ambition over and above our survival as a nation.”

DSS Warning 
Similarly, the Department of State Services (DSS) issued a warning to those it said were calling for a revolution Nigeria Continuity and Progress (NCP).

The DSS in a statement on Friday said: “It is evident that the misguided group and its cohorts have also planned to instigate widespread violence against the government in order to actualize their infamous agenda of forceful change of regime.

“The DSS not only supports the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria but will leave no stone unturned in rooting out persons or groups desirous of truncating the process or undermining the country’s peace and corporate existence.

“The service will, therefore, not condone any form of extra-judicial activities or methods designed or adopted by persons or groups to subvert constituted authorities.

“Instructively, defaulting persons will surely be brought to book."

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Ben Murray-Bruce, senator representing Bayelsa East Consituency has been busted on Twitter for posting a picture he claimed was from Rwanda.

Tweeting @benmurraybruce on Thursday, he said, "This picture is not from Europe or America. This is Rwanda. They have e-bikes in the street that you locate with a mobile app. You Use them and return them. They are charged with solar panels. They are saving Rwandans both time and money. Rwanda is becoming a small giant of Africa".

However, another user of the social app noticed a disparity in the claims the Senator was making and the truth about the picture he posted.

Henry Okelue tweeting @4eyedmonk said "Ben Murray Bruce has refused to limit his mischief to Nigeria. He has found a way to drag Rwanda into it. Dear@benmurraybruce, stop embarrassing your self. The image in that tweet of yours is actually from North America, Califonia to be precise. Do better research."

Fact Check

Although Senator Ben Murray Bruce lied about the picture he used in his tweet, Rwanda has just entered the electric bike and scooter service.

Gura, a transportation network company based in Rwanda in May launched electric bikes and scooters to tap into the country's mobility and ride-sharing industry.

The service is owned by a Nigerian called Tony Adesina.

 

 

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Ben Murray-Bruce, senator representing Bayelsa East Consituency has been busted on Twitter for posting a picture he claimed was from Rwanda.

Tweeting @benmurraybruce on Thursday, he said, "This picture is not from Europe or America. This is Rwanda. They have e-bikes in the street that you locate with a mobile app. You Use them and return them. They are charged with solar panels. They are saving Rwandans both time and money. Rwanda is becoming a small giant of Africa".

However, another user of the social app noticed a disparity in the claims the Senator was making and the truth about the picture he posted.

Henry Okelue tweeting @4eyedmonk said "Ben Murray Bruce has refused to limit his mischief to Nigeria. He has found a way to drag Rwanda into it. Dear@benmurraybruce, stop embarrassing your self. The image in that tweet of yours is actually from North America, Califonia to be precise. Do better research."

Fact Check

Although Senator Ben Murray Bruce lied about the picture he used in his tweet, Rwanda has just entered the electric bike and scooter service.

Gura, a transportation network company based in Rwanda in May launched electric bikes and scooters to tap into the country's mobility and ride-sharing industry.

The service is owned by a Nigerian called Tony Adesina.

 

 

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Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, has said decisiveness is key if Nigeria wants to win the war against insecurity.

The Owu-born retired general said those at the helm of affairs, must tackle insecurity squarely without minding if they step on toes.

He made the admonishment while speaking at the second session of the Synod held at the Cathedral Church of St.Paul’s Anglican Church, Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Speaking on the topic, "Mobilizing Nigeria’s human & natural resources for national development and stability", Obasanjo said the twin evils of Boko Haram and marauding cattle herders were initially treated with kid gloves.

According to him, “They have both incubated and developed beyond what Nigeria can handle alone. They are now combined and internationalized with ISIS in control.

“It is no longer an issue of lack of education and lack of employment for our youths in Nigeria which it began as, it is now West African fulanization, African Islamization and global organized crimes of human trafficking, money laundering, drug trafficking, gun trafficking, illegal mining and regime change.

“Yet, we could have dealt with both earlier, and nip them in the bud, but Boko Haram boys were seen as rascals not requiring serious attention in administering holistic measures of stick and carrot.

“And when we woke up to the reality, it was turned to industry for all and sundry to supply materials and equipment that were already outdated and that were not fit for active military purpose.

“Soldiers were poorly trained for the unusual mission, poorly equipped, poorly motivated, poorly led and made to engage in propaganda rather than achieving results.

“Intelligence was poor and governments embarked on games of denials while paying ransoms which strengthened the insurgents and yet governments denied payments of ransoms. Today, the insecurity issue has gone beyond the wit and capacity of Nigerian Government or even West African Governments”.

Obasanjo continued, “Government must appreciate where we are, summon each group that should make contributions one by one and subsequently collectively seek the way forward for all hands on deck and with the holistic approach of stick and carrot.

He stressed, “There should be no sacred cow. Some of the groups that I will suggest to be contacted are: Traditional rulers, past heads of Service Chiefs (no matter how competent or incompetent they have been and how much they have contributed to the mess we are in), past heads of paramilitary or organizations, private sector, civil society , community leaders particularly in the most affected areas, present and past governors, present and past local government leaders, religious leaders, past Heads of States, past Intelligence Chiefs, past heads of Civil Service and.relevant current and retired diplomats, members of opposition and nay groups that may be deemed relevant.

“After we have found appropriate solution internally, we should move to bilateral, multinational, regional, continental and global levels. With ISIS involvement, we cannot but go global.

"Without security and.predictable stability, our development , growth and progress are in period.

“Let me hasten to add that we must be at the appropriate seat at the table of international discourse, deliberations, agenda and action.”

 

 

 

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Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria, has said decisiveness is key if Nigeria wants to win the war against insecurity.

The Owu-born retired general said those at the helm of affairs, must tackle insecurity squarely without minding if they step on toes.

He made the admonishment while speaking at the second session of the Synod held at the Cathedral Church of St.Paul’s Anglican Church, Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Speaking on the topic, "Mobilizing Nigeria’s human & natural resources for national development and stability", Obasanjo said the twin evils of Boko Haram and marauding cattle herders were initially treated with kid gloves.

According to him, “They have both incubated and developed beyond what Nigeria can handle alone. They are now combined and internationalized with ISIS in control.

“It is no longer an issue of lack of education and lack of employment for our youths in Nigeria which it began as, it is now West African fulanization, African Islamization and global organized crimes of human trafficking, money laundering, drug trafficking, gun trafficking, illegal mining and regime change.

“Yet, we could have dealt with both earlier, and nip them in the bud, but Boko Haram boys were seen as rascals not requiring serious attention in administering holistic measures of stick and carrot.

“And when we woke up to the reality, it was turned to industry for all and sundry to supply materials and equipment that were already outdated and that were not fit for active military purpose.

“Soldiers were poorly trained for the unusual mission, poorly equipped, poorly motivated, poorly led and made to engage in propaganda rather than achieving results.

“Intelligence was poor and governments embarked on games of denials while paying ransoms which strengthened the insurgents and yet governments denied payments of ransoms. Today, the insecurity issue has gone beyond the wit and capacity of Nigerian Government or even West African Governments”.

Obasanjo continued, “Government must appreciate where we are, summon each group that should make contributions one by one and subsequently collectively seek the way forward for all hands on deck and with the holistic approach of stick and carrot.

He stressed, “There should be no sacred cow. Some of the groups that I will suggest to be contacted are: Traditional rulers, past heads of Service Chiefs (no matter how competent or incompetent they have been and how much they have contributed to the mess we are in), past heads of paramilitary or organizations, private sector, civil society , community leaders particularly in the most affected areas, present and past governors, present and past local government leaders, religious leaders, past Heads of States, past Intelligence Chiefs, past heads of Civil Service and.relevant current and retired diplomats, members of opposition and nay groups that may be deemed relevant.

“After we have found appropriate solution internally, we should move to bilateral, multinational, regional, continental and global levels. With ISIS involvement, we cannot but go global.

"Without security and.predictable stability, our development , growth and progress are in period.

“Let me hasten to add that we must be at the appropriate seat at the table of international discourse, deliberations, agenda and action.”

 

 

 

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Eduardo Kobra, aka Kobra, is a Brazilian street artist known for his colourful depictions of historical figures and places.

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Activists and the film crew of Que Sea Ley documentary wore green and chanted 'solidarity' in a pro-choice protest.

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The environment is a hot topic in Europe now - so can Green parties turn that into more votes?

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Voting takes place in the prime minister's seat at the end of a long, bruising election.

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The Netherlands' Duncan Laurence wins the contest with his song Arcade, but the UK comes bottom.

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Ultra-orthodox Jews in Jerusalem are angry that the contest was scheduled on the Jewish Sabbath.

RAMADAN WEEK 2

Drug addiction in Nigeria is a disease that is branded and disregarded. And as long as society, government and the medical community continue to ignore it and fail to identify it for what it is, it will continue to be an epidemic that is on the increase.

Notwithstanding the fact that this epidemic is essentially a disease, the victims are stigmatized and criminalized by the court of public opinion and there is no public policy in place for treating it or halting the spread of this disease. Unfortunately, our reaction to drug abuse is fraught by our failure to recognize addiction as a disease that needs wide-ranging health solutions.  It is completely misunderstood by the public, who see it as a personal or moral weakness of those who suffer from it. Those afflicted with this illness continue to be victimized by the shame against the disease, a stigma that stems from misinformation.

The epidemic has become so widespread in Nigeria and the unyielding destruction it leaves in its wake, is felt by so many families and communities. Because there is no set of authenticated rules accessible for outlining how to manage this all-consuming crisis, families become overwhelmed when drug addiction exists in their lives. Those living with people that are tormented with this disease do not really know how to act or what to do.

Research tells us that drug addiction is an intergenerational disease, just as rampant in the family tree as cancer or diabetes. It doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age limits, geographic location or socioeconomic placing. It is a serious brain disease that can strike anyone. When drug addiction happens, it takes over the key functions of the brain, substituting our innate instincts with the urge for the drugs it has become dependent on.It captures the very parts of the brain that is in charge of reason, the part that gives the human being motivation. It completely devours a sufferer. 

The problem in Nigeria is made worse because we have few drug treatment facilities and programs and the existing ones we have are not properly structured and regulated. The difficulty here is that those who are providing treatment that is not consistent with medical standards and proven treatment practices are not held accountable. This could invariably lead to a slippery slope.

It is a fact that the majority of those who are giving treatment to drug addicts in Nigeria are not medical professionals with the training, knowledge or skills to implement evidence-based services. This results in a situation where addicts seeking treatment are left to rely on a number of physicians who may not have the required medical standards needed for drug rehabilitation.

In spite of the considerable data authenticating that drug addiction is a reversible, treatable and controllable illness through prevention and treatment techniques, we still somehow seem to turn a blind eye. Meanwhile, substance abuse continues to cause illness, injury, death and crime, it continues to savage our children, overwhelm our societies and impede education. We must adjust our reasoning and convert new ideas on drug addiction into transformative actions. We must wake up and truly attend to fighting the scourge of drug addiction before it spreads even further.

Unless we overhaul the whole drug treatment facilities and programs in Nigeria while supporting the few authentic treatment centers we have, most of the medical professionals who are currently being used to give treatment and manage drug addiction remain insufficiently trained and inexperienced to diagnose or treat the illness. 

Just like drug addiction itself, our medical community needs to be rehabilitated in a way that the immediate life-threatening situation of addiction is treated at the same time as steps to prevent its recurrence is taken.

The wonder of modern medicine has produced new antidotes to manage and treat drug addiction and new machineries to help recovery. As a nation, we need to utilize these in a comprehensive attempt to address how we treat this disease, focusing on an international medical model of care for addicts that tackle their long term needs to assist them in realizing and sustaining recovery.

We need to educate ourselves more about drug abuse because the shame that society imparts on it results in our inability to eradicate the disease. The stigma of drug abuse creates ingredients of discrimination. This in turn obstructs recovery because it leaves sufferers with feelings of guilt, shame, rejection, and leaves them feeling excluded by society, destroying their self-esteem.

We need to embrace the stories of the families living with this disease as much as the experts in the field. That way, we can establish our very own localized tools and identified resources that will make an impact in addressing substance disorders. In order to help the millions of Nigerians suffering from this affliction and end Nigeria’s critical trajectory, these efforts need to be expanded.

To have any real impact on reducing addiction in Nigeria, our government must pump more resources towards prevention and treatment channels. Authentic public and private rehabilitation centers should be supported and those that are run down should be restored. The provision of capital for treating addiction is needed to ensure that the medical profession's ongoing inadequacy of providing sufficient education and training is corrected.

Unless we devote a considerable amount of funds to treat drug addiction, improving addiction medicine education for doctors and correcting societal stigmas toward the sufferers, this disease will continue to destroy millions of people and communities in this country.

Furthermore, to end the drug crisis, we need to educate ourselves about the dangers of drugs, encourage drug users to seek medical treatment and vehemently prosecute the traffickers who are providing the drugs. Public drug treatment facilities should be funded by the government, so that they are accessible to every Nigerian who may need to utilize them. The few authentic private drug rehabilitation centers in Nigeria such as Cognition Rehabilitation Center in Abuja ran by Dr Dramola needs to be supported. 

Our youth make foremost health choices at a young age. These decisions could be whether to smoke or to use drugs. In order to get in front of this, information on drugs must be given to them early and effectively by using well-informed mentors that understand the slide that may drag experimentation to dependence. We have to provide more drug education in our schools and train all teachers on how to emphasize the relevant information and statistics.

Our children watch hours of TV and have access to the Internet before graduating from school. A lot of the content from these sources ensures that drugs pervade into our homes. Communications firms broadcasting on our airwaves should take some measure of responsibility where the entertainment provided is coherent with health and research information. For the reduction of drug abuse to be maintained, parents, schools, government, industry, courts and television must work in conjunction. 

When enough Nigerians care to adjust what is seeping into our living rooms, schools and offices, what we watch on TV and what we tolerate in our communities, a reliable and intense obligation will take hold, and our children and this country's future will be the better for it.

When the Ebola pandemic broke out in this country some years ago, the nation effectively organized itself, contained the outbreak and successfully treated the sick. With the Flu pandemic, new vaccinations were developed, public health protocols were put in place, physician education and awareness was raised on how to prevent the disease. I truly believe that we need to take the same approach with drug addiction. We need the same kind of medical urgency in tackling addiction as we have for any other illness that we have mobilized a national response to. 

From the science and interventions point of view, we have at our disposal the tools required to treat drug use disorders. There is no time like the present for us to advance with resolve to apply them.

This is a medical emergency practically without precedent in our country and it must to be attended to appropriately, from the doctor’s exam room to the legislature. Laws can be passed that regulate drug treatment facilities and support sufferers. We can save millions of Nigerian lives if we respond to drug addiction as a medical conundrum that is as deserving of compassion and care as any other illness.

Those suffering from drug addiction need all the help they can get; new research and more support from our local communities, the medical community, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary backed by citizens because the data on the matter is clear- it is not some stranger at risk of addiction, it’s the children in our homes. We must be updated on the most feasible alternatives for understanding and treating addicts.

“Ya Allah, My Du’a is for Drug abuse to stop!”

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Hannatu Musawa Drugs Islam Opinion AddThis :  Original Author :  Hannatu Musawa Disable advertisements : 
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After three years of trying to enter  the Nigerian Stock Exchange in fulfilment of a 2016 fine reduction settlement with the federal government of Nigeria, Pascal Dozie, Chairman MTN Nigeria, was cryptic on when the firm will carryout its Initial Public Offering.

The South African based telecommunication multinational listed its shares on a crowded Nigeria Stock Exchange trade floor at the close of trading Thursday.

Speaking to brokers and the media amidst congrats and cheers, Dozie said: We were to have an Initial Public Offering (IPO) today but due to unforeseen circumstances we could not. However half bread is better than none,”.

The firm, which is now MTN Nigeria PLC, put 20.33 billion ordinary shares up for purchase on the secondary floor of the NSE at a value of N90 per share. Th is puts the value of the Nigerian arm of the company at $5 billion or N1.8 trillion- second to Dangote cement PLC.. The NSE listed the telecommunication’s shares on its premium board, bringing the total number of premium companies in the NSE to six.

After two years of delay, caused by the recession of  the Nigerian economy, a year of tax and illegal forex repatriation battles, a court settlement was reached with the Nigerian government in January 2019, paving the way for the listing.

It is hoped that MTN Nigeria PLC’s forced listing on the floor will attract more International Oil Companies (IOC’s and the other two telecommunication firms- Airtel and Globacom into the NSE. By listing its shares and not doing an IPO, Nigerians can only purchase the firm’s shares from private owners of the company’s stock.

Analysts say a unit of MTN Nigeria PLC’s shares will trade for as high as N150 when an offer is made to the public.

Meanwhile, a day after the listing, MTN shares is trading at N18 higher than the start price of N90 which brings the company's  valuation to N2.21trillion.

Business News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2QdpXMf

 

After three years of trying to enter  the Nigerian Stock Exchange in fulfilment of a 2016 fine reduction settlement with the federal government of Nigeria, Pascal Dozie, Chairman MTN Nigeria, was cryptic on when the firm will carryout its Initial Public Offering.

The South African based telecommunication multinational listed its shares on a crowded Nigeria Stock Exchange trade floor at the close of trading Thursday.

Speaking to brokers and the media amidst congrats and cheers, Dozie said: We were to have an Initial Public Offering (IPO) today but due to unforeseen circumstances we could not. However half bread is better than none,”.

The firm, which is now MTN Nigeria PLC, put 20.33 billion ordinary shares up for purchase on the secondary floor of the NSE at a value of N90 per share. Th is puts the value of the Nigerian arm of the company at $5 billion or N1.8 trillion- second to Dangote cement PLC.. The NSE listed the telecommunication’s shares on its premium board, bringing the total number of premium companies in the NSE to six.

After two years of delay, caused by the recession of  the Nigerian economy, a year of tax and illegal forex repatriation battles, a court settlement was reached with the Nigerian government in January 2019, paving the way for the listing.

It is hoped that MTN Nigeria PLC’s forced listing on the floor will attract more International Oil Companies (IOC’s and the other two telecommunication firms- Airtel and Globacom into the NSE. By listing its shares and not doing an IPO, Nigerians can only purchase the firm’s shares from private owners of the company’s stock.

Analysts say a unit of MTN Nigeria PLC’s shares will trade for as high as N150 when an offer is made to the public.

Meanwhile, a day after the listing, MTN shares is trading at N18 higher than the start price of N90 which brings the company's  valuation to N2.21trillion.

Business News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Asia El Rufai, one of the three wives of the governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai and her kid is currently facing deportation from Indonesia.

Asia is the sister of popular journalist and activist, Kadaria Ahmed.

A source who spoke to SaharaReporters said, "although she had a valid visa, she is currently having issues about and additional document".

"The Nigerian government has intervened to resolve the issue.

"At the moment, they are trying to resolve the issue with the Indonesian government" the source added.
 

Politics Travel Exclusive News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Ohaneze Ndigbo
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo socio-cultural group on Saturday fired back at Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation for saying the South-East cannot produce a President in 2023.

Ameachi while speaking in an interview with The Sun had said that the Igbo have nothing to bring to the table in 2023.

He said: “I don’t know what they will do now for voting against the APC.

“For refusing to support the APC, they cannot come to the table to demand the presidency slot.

“For people like us in the APC, if the Igbo had come and voted Buhari, they would boldly tell Mr President and the National Chairman of the party that presidency should go the Southeast since the South-south; South-west and North-west have produced president. What argument would the Southeast come up with now to convince anybody that they deserve the slot for 2023 president?”

Ohanaeze Reacts

Chuks Ibegbu, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze however fired back at the minister in an interview with Daily Post saying: “It’s very unfortunate that an Igbo man of that calibre could make such a statement in public, it’s very bad.

“There is no Yoruba or Hausa man that would say his people would not produce president for one reason or the other. Whether we voted for Buhari or not it’s not for Amaechi to make such statement.

“It’s a very big affront on the political dignity of the Igbo people. Let me tell you it’s not for Amaechi to tell Igbos where to learn politically.

“He can advise but it’s a tragedy for him to go to the public to make such a statement. If he is not happy with the way Igbos voted he should have kept it to himself or advised them quietly, I’m disappointed by that statement.

“Besides, Rotimi Amaechi is not God to decide the political future of anybody including the Igbos, it’s a very disgraceful , unexpected of him and besides some Igbos voted for Buhari just like some Hausas and Yorubas did so there is no essential tribalising the political scenario. It’s not a tribal thing Atiku won in Oyo and Ondo States and almost won Lagos State so is it not Yorubas that voted for Atiku. In the North Atiku made a very strong presence so what will Amaechi say about the Yoruba and Hausas that voted for Atiku.

“This is very disgraceful and many Igbo elites are found of doing this, condemning their people publicly. It’s very unfortunate”.
 

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