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They say Sebastián de Belalcázar represented five centuries of genocide and slavery in South America.

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The presidential candidate says peace in Northern Ireland cannot become a "casualty of Brexit".

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The country saw early success in keeping out the virus, but strict measures have taken a toll.

Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, has said that the President inherited a terribly divided country from his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, in 2015.

Speaking during a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, Adesina described Nigeria as an inconvenient amalgamation, which has always been divided.

He was reacting to comments made by Wole Soyinka, playwright and Nobel laureate, who said that Nigeria was more divided than ever before.

See Also Politics Soyinka Slams President Buhari, Says Nigeria Divided Like Never Before Under Him 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

The President’s spokesperson said in a country of 200 million people, it would be impossible for everyone to agree and perceive things the same way.

He said, “Nigeria had always been divided right from amalgamation in 1914. Nigeria is an inconvenient amalgamation but we have kept at it and we have worked at it.

“And I tell you that there is no time in the history of this country that the country was not divided. But then, we have kept at it and we are trying to make it work.

“As at 2015 when President Buhari came, Nigeria was terribly divided; divided along ethnic, religious and political lines; divided along language; divided hopelessly and terribly.”

The President’s aide said in 2015, Soyinka did not support Buhari but only tagged him as slightly better than Jonathan.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, has said that the President inherited a terribly divided country from his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, in 2015.

Speaking during a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, Adesina described Nigeria as an inconvenient amalgamation, which has always been divided.

He was reacting to comments made by Wole Soyinka, playwright and Nobel laureate, who said that Nigeria was more divided than ever before.

See Also Politics Soyinka Slams President Buhari, Says Nigeria Divided Like Never Before Under Him 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

The President’s spokesperson said in a country of 200 million people, it would be impossible for everyone to agree and perceive things the same way.

He said, “Nigeria had always been divided right from amalgamation in 1914. Nigeria is an inconvenient amalgamation but we have kept at it and we have worked at it.

“And I tell you that there is no time in the history of this country that the country was not divided. But then, we have kept at it and we are trying to make it work.

“As at 2015 when President Buhari came, Nigeria was terribly divided; divided along ethnic, religious and political lines; divided along language; divided hopelessly and terribly.”

The President’s aide said in 2015, Soyinka did not support Buhari but only tagged him as slightly better than Jonathan.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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A Zamfara State law firm, Abubakar A. Ashat & Co, has volunteered to assist Kano State Government in prosecuting and ensuring the killing of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a musician alleged to have produced a song deemed to be blasphemous against Prophet Mohammed.

The law firm in a letter to the Kano State Attorney-General said it was acting on behalf of one Muhammed Lawal Gusau, who noted that he desired to render a “selfless service towards the advancement and upliftment of the goals and ideals of Islam in all positive spheres”.

Gusua stated that he was ready to dedicate all resources to ensure that the musician was hanged for blasphemy.

The law firm also condemned Fakhrriyya Hashim, a Muslim, who spoke against the death sentence of the musician.

“Our client in the discharge of his duties/obligations felt the need to provide/render support to the office of the Honorable Attorney-General morally and or in other spheres to ensure that the judgment is affirmed by Appeal Court.

“Our client desires that Yahaya Shariff-Aminu goes to the gallows in accordance with Islamic injunctions,” the law firm said.

Hashim has been receiving death threats from Muslim, who are apologetic to Sharia law.

She said her family members, who live in Kano, are being harassed.

Sharif-Aminu, aged 22, was on August 10, 2020 sentenced to death for committing blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam in a song he circulated via WhatsApp.

He was accused of committing the offence in March 2020 after which protesters burnt down his family house.

Appealing the death sentence in a suit filed on Thursday at the Kano State High Court by his lawyer, Kola Alapini, Sharif-Aminu said he was dissatisfied with the judgment of the Sharia court.

He described the Kano State Penal Law 2000 as unconstitutional, null and void, having grossly violated and conflicted with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended and has violated the Human Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights respectively.

 

See Also Human Rights Musician Accused Of Blasphemy Chained In Underground Cell At Kano Prison, Denied Access To Lawyer, Family 0 Comments 1 Month Ago

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A Zamfara State law firm, Abubakar A. Ashat & Co, has volunteered to assist Kano State Government in prosecuting and ensuring the killing of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a musician alleged to have produced a song deemed to be blasphemous against Prophet Mohammed.

The law firm in a letter to the Kano State Attorney-General said it was acting on behalf of one Muhammed Lawal Gusau, who noted that he desired to render a “selfless service towards the advancement and upliftment of the goals and ideals of Islam in all positive spheres”.

Gusua stated that he was ready to dedicate all resources to ensure that the musician was hanged for blasphemy.

The law firm also condemned Fakhrriyya Hashim, a Muslim, who spoke against the death sentence of the musician.

“Our client in the discharge of his duties/obligations felt the need to provide/render support to the office of the Honorable Attorney-General morally and or in other spheres to ensure that the judgment is affirmed by Appeal Court.

“Our client desires that Yahaya Shariff-Aminu goes to the gallows in accordance with Islamic injunctions,” the law firm said.

Hashim has been receiving death threats from Muslim, who are apologetic to Sharia law.

She said her family members, who live in Kano, are being harassed.

Sharif-Aminu, aged 22, was on August 10, 2020 sentenced to death for committing blasphemy against the Prophet of Islam in a song he circulated via WhatsApp.

He was accused of committing the offence in March 2020 after which protesters burnt down his family house.

Appealing the death sentence in a suit filed on Thursday at the Kano State High Court by his lawyer, Kola Alapini, Sharif-Aminu said he was dissatisfied with the judgment of the Sharia court.

He described the Kano State Penal Law 2000 as unconstitutional, null and void, having grossly violated and conflicted with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended and has violated the Human Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights respectively.

 

See Also Human Rights Musician Accused Of Blasphemy Chained In Underground Cell At Kano Prison, Denied Access To Lawyer, Family 0 Comments 1 Month Ago

Legal News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Nigeria Labour Congress has given the Nigerian Government a two-week ultimatum to reverse the recent hike in electricity tariff and the pump price of petrol or face civil unrest nationwide.

NLC in a communiqué by its President, Ayuba Wabba, said the ultimatum takes immediate effect, warning that at the end of its expiration on September 28, it would mobilise its members nationwide for civil unrest.

SaharaReporters recall that various groups have kicked against government’s decision to halt electricity and petrol subsidies.

They argue that the timing was not right given that jobs and livelihoods had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said the country will save N1trn annually from fuel subsidy removal that can be used to improve the lives of Nigerians.

LABOR/WORKERS' RIGHTS Oil News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Nigeria Labour Congress has given the Nigerian Government a two-week ultimatum to reverse the recent hike in electricity tariff and the pump price of petrol or face civil unrest nationwide.

NLC in a communiqué by its President, Ayuba Wabba, said the ultimatum takes immediate effect, warning that at the end of its expiration on September 28, it would mobilise its members nationwide for civil unrest.

SaharaReporters recall that various groups have kicked against government’s decision to halt electricity and petrol subsidies.

They argue that the timing was not right given that jobs and livelihoods had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said the country will save N1trn annually from fuel subsidy removal that can be used to improve the lives of Nigerians.

LABOR/WORKERS' RIGHTS Oil News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Take It Back Movement has called on Nigerians to organise themselves to resist extra-judicial activities and killings by security agencies.

The Osun State chapter of the movement made the call following the killing of two boys by Joint Task Force of Osun State.

It was gathered that the boys were involved in an accident after a hot chase by some officers of the state's JTF.

Three of them were said to have been rushed to the hospital while two others died on the spot.

The movement, in a statement by the state Coordinator, Owoeye Olaoluwa, said Nigerians should voice out against all odds and machineries being used to oppress the people by security agencies.

The statement reads, “Yesterday's demonstration that happened as a reaction to the death of Idris and his friend is a pointer to what is looming. It is an inevitable way of registering displeasure in a system that mobilises security forces to gag and extort the citizens.

“The Take it Back Movement in coalition with civil rights bodies is demanding a sane society for all and this we will keep pushing towards. Our revolutionary demands remain and we will harness every quarter to smash this oppressive system to install a pro masses system that works for all.

“We must start organizing massively to resist the brutality and oppression of the security forces as our number is our strength.”

The movement urged the people to come out to join the protest scheduled for 1st of October.

“Let's pull out for massive resistance as injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere,” it added.

Human Rights News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The Take It Back Movement has called on Nigerians to organise themselves to resist extra-judicial activities and killings by security agencies.

The Osun State chapter of the movement made the call following the killing of two boys by Joint Task Force of Osun State.

It was gathered that the boys were involved in an accident after a hot chase by some officers of the state's JTF.

Three of them were said to have been rushed to the hospital while two others died on the spot.

The movement, in a statement by the state Coordinator, Owoeye Olaoluwa, said Nigerians should voice out against all odds and machineries being used to oppress the people by security agencies.

The statement reads, “Yesterday's demonstration that happened as a reaction to the death of Idris and his friend is a pointer to what is looming. It is an inevitable way of registering displeasure in a system that mobilises security forces to gag and extort the citizens.

“The Take it Back Movement in coalition with civil rights bodies is demanding a sane society for all and this we will keep pushing towards. Our revolutionary demands remain and we will harness every quarter to smash this oppressive system to install a pro masses system that works for all.

“We must start organizing massively to resist the brutality and oppression of the security forces as our number is our strength.”

The movement urged the people to come out to join the protest scheduled for 1st of October.

“Let's pull out for massive resistance as injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere,” it added.

Human Rights News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The United Kingdom is considering prosecuting Nigerian politicians, who perpetrate or involve in violence in the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

The British High Commission in a statement on Wednesday said it is against election-related violence and would be taking actions against any politician caught engaging in a violent act in the governorship elections.

"The UK takes a strong stand against election-related violence and, just as we did in the general election in 2019, will continue to take action against individuals we identify as being responsible for violence during the elections.

“This could include restrictions on their eligibility to travel to the UK, restrictions on access to UK based assets or prosecution under international law,” the UK said.

The British High Commission also said that the governorship elections will be an essential element of effective governance within both states and an indicator of the strength of Nigeria's democratic institutions.

The commission stated that it will be observing the Edo and Ondo states elections as it urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and police to ensure that the elections were free and fair.

“We will be deploying observation missions to both the Edo and Ondo elections and
supporting civil society led observation.

“The UK will continue to provide support and engagement as we move towards these elections. We urge INEC, the Police and all other agencies involved to work together to deliver free, fair and credible elections,” the UK said.

Elections News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The United Kingdom is considering prosecuting Nigerian politicians, who perpetrate or involve in violence in the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections.

The British High Commission in a statement on Wednesday said it is against election-related violence and would be taking actions against any politician caught engaging in a violent act in the governorship elections.

"The UK takes a strong stand against election-related violence and, just as we did in the general election in 2019, will continue to take action against individuals we identify as being responsible for violence during the elections.

“This could include restrictions on their eligibility to travel to the UK, restrictions on access to UK based assets or prosecution under international law,” the UK said.

The British High Commission also said that the governorship elections will be an essential element of effective governance within both states and an indicator of the strength of Nigeria's democratic institutions.

The commission stated that it will be observing the Edo and Ondo states elections as it urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and police to ensure that the elections were free and fair.

“We will be deploying observation missions to both the Edo and Ondo elections and
supporting civil society led observation.

“The UK will continue to provide support and engagement as we move towards these elections. We urge INEC, the Police and all other agencies involved to work together to deliver free, fair and credible elections,” the UK said.

Elections News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Nigerians on Twitter have warned President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the harassment of young people by officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad or face a nationwide revolt.

The demand comes after SARS officers in Osogbo, Osun State, chased two young boys to their death in an attempt to extort them.

SARS has a long history of brutality, harassing well-dressed young Nigerians and incriminating them by planting evidence in a bid to extort them. 

Despite these excesses and numerous protest by Nigerians, the special squad mandated to respond to robbery incident has been allowed to carry out violations unchecked.

Rights group, Amnesty International, in a tweet accused the officers of getting rich through brutality.

 

Lecturer, Dipo Awojide, wondered why the Nigerian Government was allowing “murderers” and “extortionists” waste young lives.

He said, “Criminals, extortionists and murderers handed guns by the state, wasting young lives, extorting citizens and openly stealing from people they should be protecting. Such absurdity. #EndSARS

Love Dapsi @ifedapsi said, “Special Armed robbery squad. Killers in unform. They come to steal, to kill and to destroy. Tell them to face bandits, Boko Haram, kidnappers, they won't. They only see innocent, unarmed defenceless Nigerians and their blood pressure will rise. God will punish all you #EndSARS.”

 

A few other Nigerians narrated their personal ordeal in the hand of SARS officers, who harassed them for no reason.

Omolola Omo Ologo @Uncle_Scholes said, “Dem hold me for trouser like say I be thief. It wasn't funny because if you know Ojota bus stop then, you would know there is a market close by. They roughed me up in front of only God knows how many people. I told them to be gentle with me, say I be youth corp member.#EndSARS

“It was like I was talking to deaf people. They collected my bag and searched, when they saw the laptop, they were so sure they hit jackpot! They shouted at me, unlock this laptop you fraudster. At that point I knew I had won. I unlocked it, they started to search for what was not missing, they checked and checked and found nothing. All they saw was my sister and mum's photos.”

Another Twitter user, @ProsperSouth said, “The kind harassment police in Delta State Asaba did to me today without seeing anything in my hand. Imagine a policeman saying he is going to tell them in station that am a cultist so they can damage my body that how can I dress well like this.”

Yugo @Smog20 narrated his recent experience, saying, “On my way home yesterday from the market were I went to buy stuffs to cook eguisi soup, they stopped the keke that was carrying me home at Geneva Junction, Awka, and started questioning me like I'm a common convicted criminal already...i feared for my life. #EndSARS.”

EndSARS advocate, Según Awosanya, warned that Nigerians would revolt in no time if the rights violations do not end.

He said, “Shutdown the terrorist squads preying on the innocent for ransom now. We may have to brace ourselves for a nationwide revolt against the police generally if the IGP fails to address this madness effective immediately. Shutdown all the tactical squads for overhaul. #EndSARS

“President @MBuhari is aware of the impunity of the @PoliceNG and the Presidency knows that the officers including the IGP are victims in the system being blamed for what they can’t fix. A single order from the President can shut down the cancer but do our lives matter? #EndSARS.” 

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

Nigerians on Twitter have warned President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the harassment of young people by officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad or face a nationwide revolt.

The demand comes after SARS officers in Osogbo, Osun State, chased two young boys to their death in an attempt to extort them.

SARS has a long history of brutality, harassing well-dressed young Nigerians and incriminating them by planting evidence in a bid to extort them. 

Despite these excesses and numerous protest by Nigerians, the special squad mandated to respond to robbery incident has been allowed to carry out violations unchecked.

Rights group, Amnesty International, in a tweet accused the officers of getting rich through brutality.

 

Lecturer, Dipo Awojide, wondered why the Nigerian Government was allowing “murderers” and “extortionists” waste young lives.

He said, “Criminals, extortionists and murderers handed guns by the state, wasting young lives, extorting citizens and openly stealing from people they should be protecting. Such absurdity. #EndSARS

Love Dapsi @ifedapsi said, “Special Armed robbery squad. Killers in unform. They come to steal, to kill and to destroy. Tell them to face bandits, Boko Haram, kidnappers, they won't. They only see innocent, unarmed defenceless Nigerians and their blood pressure will rise. God will punish all you #EndSARS.”

 

A few other Nigerians narrated their personal ordeal in the hand of SARS officers, who harassed them for no reason.

Omolola Omo Ologo @Uncle_Scholes said, “Dem hold me for trouser like say I be thief. It wasn't funny because if you know Ojota bus stop then, you would know there is a market close by. They roughed me up in front of only God knows how many people. I told them to be gentle with me, say I be youth corp member.#EndSARS

“It was like I was talking to deaf people. They collected my bag and searched, when they saw the laptop, they were so sure they hit jackpot! They shouted at me, unlock this laptop you fraudster. At that point I knew I had won. I unlocked it, they started to search for what was not missing, they checked and checked and found nothing. All they saw was my sister and mum's photos.”

Another Twitter user, @ProsperSouth said, “The kind harassment police in Delta State Asaba did to me today without seeing anything in my hand. Imagine a policeman saying he is going to tell them in station that am a cultist so they can damage my body that how can I dress well like this.”

Yugo @Smog20 narrated his recent experience, saying, “On my way home yesterday from the market were I went to buy stuffs to cook eguisi soup, they stopped the keke that was carrying me home at Geneva Junction, Awka, and started questioning me like I'm a common convicted criminal already...i feared for my life. #EndSARS.”

EndSARS advocate, Según Awosanya, warned that Nigerians would revolt in no time if the rights violations do not end.

He said, “Shutdown the terrorist squads preying on the innocent for ransom now. We may have to brace ourselves for a nationwide revolt against the police generally if the IGP fails to address this madness effective immediately. Shutdown all the tactical squads for overhaul. #EndSARS

“President @MBuhari is aware of the impunity of the @PoliceNG and the Presidency knows that the officers including the IGP are victims in the system being blamed for what they can’t fix. A single order from the President can shut down the cancer but do our lives matter? #EndSARS.” 

Police News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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After borrowing vast sums for infrastructure projects, can the tiny island nation pay it back?

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From 20 September a curfew will be eased, bigger gatherings allowed, and alcohol will be on sale.

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Sales of whale meat rise in Norway, helped by more Norwegians going on staycations.

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Nujeen fled war in Syria, and crossed Europe in her wheelchair in 2015, but where is she now?

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Officers in North Rhine-Westphalia sent Hitler photos and a depiction of a refugee in a gas chamber.

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The OECD now forecasts a decline of 4.5% in 2020, but says the damage will still be "unprecedented".

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Lamine Diack, the disgraced former head of athletics' governing body, is sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of corruption.

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The footage shows a naked women being beaten then shot dead by men wearing army uniforms.

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The EU Commission head, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered her maiden address. Here's what we learned.

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Human rights investigators say authorities have committed "egregious violations" since 2014.

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The safety driver of an Uber autonomous car is charged with negligent homicide.

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The New York rapper says her relationship with the Migos star is "irretrievably broken".

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Smoke from the West Coast fires casts a haze over the eastern cities of Washington DC and New York.

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Authorities warn of "historic and catastrophic flooding" as Sally makes landfall.

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The government of Barbados says the time has come to leave the colonial past behind.

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A fresh round of violence between Palestinian militants and Israel follows a ceremony in Washington.

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A new bronze statue takes the place of the former wooden one, which was set on fire last year.