IYANDA'SBLOG

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The Canadian prime minister's photographer has released an image of Mr Trudeau with a new beard. Why?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
After nearly a decade's research, a hydrofoil water bike has gone into mass production.

Thousands of Cameroonian children who fled the fighting in their country’s English-speaking regions are taking refuge in Adagom community in south-central Nigeria, where some have been exploited by people looking to take advantage of their vulnerability Philip Obaji Jr.

 

Facebook on Monday shut down the account of a user, who used the social networking platform to advertise and market children as housemaids.

The move followed a report by SaharaReporters done by investigative journalist, Philip Obaji Jr., in December.

While investigating human trafficking in refugee and displaced persons, Obaji had come across a Facebook account owned by Stan Wantama, who offered three underaged girls to users of the platform as maids and encouraged interested persons to contact him privately for a bargain.

The investigation found that some of Wantama's victims were Cameroonian nationals, who fled the fighting in their country's English-speaking regions to refugee settlements in the Southern part of Nigeria province of Ogoja in Cross River State where he met and told their parents that he could help take their daughters to urban towns to serve as housemaids to families, who will sponsor their education and treat them nicely.

As indicated by the report, parents of the victims were unaware their daughters had to work for a monthly pay that mostly went to Wantama.  See Also CRIME The Child Refugees ‘Sold’ Through Facebook 0 Comments 1 Week Ago

Although it took Facebook more than 24 hours to deactivate Wantama's account during which time the trafficker gained more reactions to his posts from users of the platform, the tech company said it acted based on its zero tolerance for exploitation and that “any form of human trafficking – whether posts, pages, ads or groups is not allowed on Facebook, and will be removed when reported to us."

Spokesperson for Facebook, Kezia Anim-Addo, in an email said, “We’d like to thank Sahara Reporters for bringing this to our attention.

“We have since removed the post and permanently disabled the account belonging to the user reported, due to various violations.

"We have standards and policies against publicising and promoting the smuggling of people and don't allow organisations or individuals engaged in human trafficking or organised violence to maintain a presence on Facebook.”

Earlier, two non-profit organisations – Africans Unite Against Child Abuse, United Kingdom, and Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Protection, Nigeria – criticised Facebook following the revelations in the report.

In a joint statement, the groups admonished Facebook to properly sift its platform to weed out all persons engaged in human trafficking. 

CRIME Human Rights Internet Technology News Reports AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/36eweP3

 

The Students’ Union of Tai Solarin University of Education have asked the Nigerian Government to unconditionally release detained journalist, Agba Jalingo, and withdraw all charges against him.

The union also lamented the increasing rate of rights abuse of citizens across the country under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Citing several cases of unjustly detained citizens, President of the students’ union, Soneye Abdul-Azeez Lekan, in a statement, noted that President Buhari is leading the country to a full-fledged dictatorship with the incursion of military and paramilitary forces against the civilian space.

The statement reads, “As a progressive body, we do not agree with the blame shifting narratives of both the Cross River State Government and Federal Government respectively as far as the case of Agba Jalingo is concerned.

“The charges against this journalist are politically motivated and cannot stand the test of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

“Rather than using state forces, Governor Ben Ayade should have come out open with substantial proof against the report by Agba Alingo.

“The effort and resources being used irresponsibly by these two levels of government should better be channelled to improving the living condition of the people.

“Hence, we stand in solidarity with the course of Agba Jalingo and make an open call for his immediate and unconditional release with all trumped up charges against him withdrawn.”

Free Speech Human Rights Journalism MEDIA News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2nim6mP

 

The United Kingdom has warned its citizens in Nigeria to be more security conscious and vigilant due to rising threat between United States and Iran over the killing of Iranian General, Qasem Soleimani, by an airstrike by America.

Some Muslim groups in Nigerian have held protests in support of Iran in Abuja where they burnt the US flag.

UK, in its latest travel advice via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued on Tuesday, urged its citizens in Nigeria to avoid large gatherings and also stay clear of any unsafe areas.  See Also News Iran VS USA: Muslim Groups Protest In Abuja, Burn United States Flag 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

It said, “Following the death of Iranian General, Qasem Soleimani, in a US strike in Baghdad on January 3, the Nigerian Inspector-General of Police has placed his forces across the country on high alert because of an increased risk of public disturbance.

“The British High Commission is not aware of specific threats against British nationals but you should continue to avoid large crowds and public demonstrations as they can turn violent unexpectedly and at short notice.

“If you become aware of any nearby unrest or disturbances, you should leave the area immediately.”

International News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/39Y270C

The Elites Network for Sustainable Development, a Kwara State-based civil society organisation known for its #FollowKwaraMoney activities, has written the Kwara State House of Assembly to repeal the Kwara State governor and deputy governor (Payment of Pension) Law 2010.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, jointly signed by its Coordinator, Alagbonsi Abdullateef, and Director of Legal Services, Lukman Raji, and voluntarily supported by 263 Kwarans who joined the advocacy, ENetSuD prayed the KWHA to repeal the law and outlaw payment of pension, gratuity and other allowances to past governors and deputy governors other than the statutory 300 per cent severance allowance provided for by Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act. 

ENetSuD also urged the KWHA to allow provision of personal staff and health insurance to past governors and deputy governors on compassionate ground as an appreciation of the services rendered to the state.

The groups held that the statutory 300 per cent of annual basic salary payable to past governors and deputy governors as severance allowance after completing their tenure (as provided in the RMAFC Act) is enough as a financial reward to them from the State.

They recalled that the governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, as a gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress, vowed to repeal the law while campaigning in Omuaran and Pategi local government areas of the state.

The groups said, “Additional pension and gratuity for past governors and deputy governors is not sustainable due to the economic reality and infrastructural need of Kwara State.

“Payment of pension for life to past governors and deputy governors is grossly against public interest, as it does not reflect a judicious use of taxpayers’ money.

‘The huge reward after office for past governors and deputy governors that serve for just four or eight years compared to career civil servants that serve with hard work for about 35 years does not reflect justice and is demoralising and demotivating for the general workforce of Kwara state.” 

They added that public office should be made less attractive as much as possible and the attached benefits should not be too enticing.

They urged the Kwara State Assembly to emulate Zamfara State by repealing the law.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/35wjUsb

Rights activist, Olawale Bakare widely known as Mandate, who is standing trial alongside pro-democracy campaigner and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, in a case brought against them by the Nigerian Government, has written a petition to the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, narrating his bitter experience in custody of the agency. 

Bakare, who was arrested on August 5, 2019 by DSS operatives for participating in a peaceful demonstration calling for a better country in Osogbo, Osun State, was kept in detention until December 5 when he was released on bail. 

 

In his petition to the DSS DG, Bakare said he was tortured both in Osun and Abuja by officers of the secret agency to make false confessional statement to indict Sowore. 

 

He said, “I was illegally detained at the DSS Osun State Command where my interrogation officer physically and mentally tortured me and subjected me to two weeks solitary confinement before I was transferred in chains and blindfolded for several hours to the headquarter in Abuja on Monday, August 19, 2019. 

“On August 21, I was summoned by one Mr Mansur B. with Service code 253333 who was to be my case officer in Abuja to give my first statement. 

"A few days later, I was once again summoned to make an additional statement by the same officer, when another so-called senior officer descended on me and not only brutalised me but also used every instrument of torture at his disposal to make the pains as intense as possible just to force me to admit and make wrong declarations that will indict Sowore Omoyele.

“More shockingly, I was illegally detained without a detention order for 56 days by the DSS before it was finally legitimised by a judge of the Federal High Court on September 30, 2019. 

"However, It is a pitiable remark that several suspects like myself are currently at the headquarter for weeks, months, and even years suffering the same fate.  

"They neither have a detention order against them nor given access to a proper legal consultation or representation in a bid to eclipse justice.”

Condemning the act of the DSS, Bakare demanded that Bichi ensure there is a change in the operations of the agency and also release all Nigerians being detained illegally in its centres.

He added, “I hereby submit to you (Mr Yusuf Magaji Bichi, DG DSS)  without fear of contradiction, that this condemnable act of injustice has been perceived to be standard manner of operation of the Department of State Services both at the headquarters in Abuja and the state commands.

“Therefore, I emphatically demand that the mode of operation of the DSS be changed to suit the constitutional nature for which it is designed.

“That all suspect be allowed access to legal representation and consultation in due course and all suspect that has been illegally detained for more than 48 hours be immediately and unconditionally released.”

ACTIVISM Human Rights News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2QY3G5J

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
A Ukrainian plane has crashed in Iran, with 180 people on board, according to local media.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Around 310,000 cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo since early 2019.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Mr Ghosn is set to speak to media on Wednesday in Lebanon after his surprise escape from Japan ahead of his trial.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The device rapidly chills packaged drinks meaning they do not need to be refrigerated before use.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Iran said the attacks were in retaliation for the death of the country's top commander Qasem Soleimani.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
At least two airbases housing US troops in Iraq are hit by more than a dozen ballistic missiles.

Victim

Six-year-old son of Bayelsa State Commissioner for Water Resources, Nengi Talbot Tubonah, has been rescued after three weeks in captivity. 

The boy was kidnapped at his father’s resident at Opolo area of Yenagoa, the state capital. 

The rescue operation was carried out by operatives of Puff Adder attached to the Bayelsa Police Command in the creeks of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.  Suspected kidnapper

The command has also paraded the suspected kidnappers behind the act. 
 

CRIME Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2T1fdnD

Victim

Six-year-old son of Bayelsa State Commissioner for Water Resources, Nengi Talbot Tubonah, has been rescued after three weeks in captivity. 

The boy was kidnapped at his father’s resident at Opolo area of Yenagoa, the state capital. 

The rescue operation was carried out by operatives of Puff Adder attached to the Bayelsa Police Command in the creeks of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.  Suspected kidnapper

The command has also paraded the suspected kidnappers behind the act. 
 

CRIME Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2T1fdnD

Rivers State governor,  Nyesom Wike, has called on judges to show more commitment in the administration of justice. 

Speaking during the swearing-in of judges of Rivers State High Court and Customary Court at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the capital, on Tuesday,  Wike urged the judges to observe their oath of office as they work for the state.

He said, "It is easy to take oath of office and difficult to abide by the oath of office.  

"As judges, show commitment in the administration of justice. 

"Wherever you serve, it is important for you to show commitment."

The Rivers State governor charged judges to be fearless, firm and steadfast in the dispensation of justice for the good of society. 

He added, "This country can be better if the judiciary plays its role. 

"The judiciary is the the most powerful.  When the executive is wrong, the judiciary is there to correct it. Anything done by the executive, can be upturned by the judiciary if they are firm."
 

Legal Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Vm57vp

Rivers State governor,  Nyesom Wike, has called on judges to show more commitment in the administration of justice. 

Speaking during the swearing-in of judges of Rivers State High Court and Customary Court at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the capital, on Tuesday,  Wike urged the judges to observe their oath of office as they work for the state.

He said, "It is easy to take oath of office and difficult to abide by the oath of office.  

"As judges, show commitment in the administration of justice. 

"Wherever you serve, it is important for you to show commitment."

The Rivers State governor charged judges to be fearless, firm and steadfast in the dispensation of justice for the good of society. 

He added, "This country can be better if the judiciary plays its role. 

"The judiciary is the the most powerful.  When the executive is wrong, the judiciary is there to correct it. Anything done by the executive, can be upturned by the judiciary if they are firm."
 

Legal Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Vm57vp

Rivers State governor,  Nyesom Wike, has called on judges to show more commitment in the administration of justice. 

Speaking during the swearing-in of judges of Rivers State High Court and Customary Court at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the capital, on Tuesday,  Wike urged the judges to observe their oath of office as they work for the state.

He said, "It is easy to take oath of office and difficult to abide by the oath of office.  

"As judges, show commitment in the administration of justice. 

"Wherever you serve, it is important for you to show commitment."

The Rivers State governor charged judges to be fearless, firm and steadfast in the dispensation of justice for the good of society. 

He added, "This country can be better if the judiciary plays its role. 

"The judiciary is the the most powerful.  When the executive is wrong, the judiciary is there to correct it. Anything done by the executive, can be upturned by the judiciary if they are firm."
 

Legal Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Vm57vp

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Troops have been on alert after the US killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani on Friday.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Sir Darius Brown, 13, makes canine bow ties so unwanted dogs in shelters can get a "second chance".

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The furniture giant reached the settlement after a two-year-old was crushed by falling drawers.