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06/05/21
Venice residents in environmental protest against first post-Covid cruise ship.
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Venice residents protest against first post-Covid cruise ship, after ban on large vessels in city centre.
Venice residents protest against first post-Covid cruise ship, after ban on large vessels in city centre.
"We Are Disappointed"—Canada, Ireland, EU, UK, US Release Joint Statement On Twitter Ban In Nigeria
FULL STATEMENT
The diplomatic missions of Canada, the European Union (Delegation to Nigeria), the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America convey our disappointment over Nigeria's announcement suspending #Twitter and proposing registration requirements for other social media.
We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline. Banning systems of expression is not the answer.
These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria's citizens in fulsome dialogue toward unity, peace and prosperity. As Nigeria's partners, we stand ready to assist in achieving these goals.
https://ift.tt/2TJkPW7
"We Are Disappointed"—Canada, Ireland, EU, UK, US Release Joint Statement On Twitter Ban In Nigeria
FULL STATEMENT
The diplomatic missions of Canada, the European Union (Delegation to Nigeria), the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America convey our disappointment over Nigeria's announcement suspending #Twitter and proposing registration requirements for other social media.
We strongly support the fundamental human right of free expression and access to information as a pillar of democracy in Nigeria as around the world and these rights apply online as well as offline. Banning systems of expression is not the answer.
These measures inhibit access to information and commerce at precisely the moment when Nigeria needs to foster inclusive dialogue and expression of opinions, as well as share vital information in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less, communication to accompany the concerted efforts of Nigeria's citizens in fulsome dialogue toward unity, peace and prosperity. As Nigeria's partners, we stand ready to assist in achieving these goals.
https://ift.tt/2TJkPW7
Why Buhari Suspended Twitter – Presidency
The Presidency has explained why President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the operation of Twitter in Nigeria.
Nigeria's information and culture minister Lai Mohammed had on Friday announced Twitter's suspension in a statement by his media aide, Segun Adeyemi.
Garba Shehu, a presidential spokesman in a statement released on Saturday night, explained that the ban was not all about Buhari's tweet deleted by Twitter.
The statement read, "The temporary suspension of Twitter is not just a response to the removal of the President's post. There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real-world violent consequences. All the while, the company has escaped accountability.
"Nevertheless, the removal of President Buhari's tweet was disappointing. The censoring seemed based on a misunderstanding of the challenges Nigeria faces today.
"The President in his address at the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA in 2019 said, "the world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers." See Also 
"This and similar crimes which social media networks have fueled risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture. Major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to the loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.
"President Buhari has therefore been warning against social media's disruptive and divisive influences and the government's action is not a knee-jerk reaction to Twitter's preposterous deletion of his tweet, which should have been read in full. The tweet was not a threat but a statement of fact.
"A terrorist organisation (IPOB) poses a significant threat to the safety and security of Nigerian citizens. When the President said that they would be treated "in a language they understand," he merely reiterated that their force should be met with force. It is a fundamental principle of security services response the world over.
"This is not the promotion of hate, but a pledge to uphold citizens' right to freedom from harm. The government cannot be expected to capitulate to terrorists.
"IPOB is proscribed under Nigerian law. Its members murder innocent Nigerians. They kill police officers and set government property on fire. Now, they have amassed a substantial stockpile of weapons and bombs across the country.
"Twitter does not seem to appreciate the national trauma of our country's civil war. This government shall not allow a recurrence of that tragedy."
https://ift.tt/332GFWi
Why Buhari Suspended Twitter – Presidency
The Presidency has explained why President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the operation of Twitter in Nigeria.
Nigeria's information and culture minister Lai Mohammed had on Friday announced Twitter's suspension in a statement by his media aide, Segun Adeyemi.
Garba Shehu, a presidential spokesman in a statement released on Saturday night, explained that the ban was not all about Buhari's tweet deleted by Twitter.
The statement read, "The temporary suspension of Twitter is not just a response to the removal of the President's post. There has been a litany of problems with the social media platform in Nigeria, where misinformation and fake news spread through it have had real-world violent consequences. All the while, the company has escaped accountability.
"Nevertheless, the removal of President Buhari's tweet was disappointing. The censoring seemed based on a misunderstanding of the challenges Nigeria faces today.
"The President in his address at the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA in 2019 said, "the world was shocked and startled by the massacre in New Zealand by a lone gunman taking the lives of 50 worshippers." See Also
"This and similar crimes which social media networks have fueled risk seeping into the fabric of an emerging digital culture. Major tech companies must be alive to their responsibilities. They cannot be allowed to continue to facilitate the spread of religious, racist, xenophobic and false messages capable of inciting whole communities against each other, leading to the loss of many lives. This could tear some countries apart.
"President Buhari has therefore been warning against social media's disruptive and divisive influences and the government's action is not a knee-jerk reaction to Twitter's preposterous deletion of his tweet, which should have been read in full. The tweet was not a threat but a statement of fact.
"A terrorist organisation (IPOB) poses a significant threat to the safety and security of Nigerian citizens. When the President said that they would be treated "in a language they understand," he merely reiterated that their force should be met with force. It is a fundamental principle of security services response the world over.
"This is not the promotion of hate, but a pledge to uphold citizens' right to freedom from harm. The government cannot be expected to capitulate to terrorists.
"IPOB is proscribed under Nigerian law. Its members murder innocent Nigerians. They kill police officers and set government property on fire. Now, they have amassed a substantial stockpile of weapons and bombs across the country.
"Twitter does not seem to appreciate the national trauma of our country's civil war. This government shall not allow a recurrence of that tragedy."
https://ift.tt/332GFWi
BREAKING: US Knocks Buhari-led Government Over Suspension Of Twitter’s Operation In Nigeria
The United States has cautioned the Muhammadu Buhari-led government over the recent suspension placed on the operations of Twitter in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s information and culture minister Lai Mohammed had on Friday announced Twitter’s suspension in a statement by his media aide, Segun Adeyemi.
The suspension by the Nigerian government comes days after a post by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 1967 civil war was deleted by the microblogging platform.
The Nigerian government’s spokesman cited “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence” as the reason for the suspension.
A check by SaharaReporters in the early hours of Saturday showed that the platform is no more active within the country.
Reacting to the suspension in a statement on Saturday, the US Mission in Nigeria said such suspension undermines citizens fundamental freedoms and also sends a wrong message to investors.
The statement read, “Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression. The government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses. See Also 
“Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms. As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.
“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity.” See Also
https://ift.tt/2TJkPW7
BREAKING: US Knocks Buhari-led Government Over Suspension Of Twitter’s Operation In Nigeria
The United States has cautioned the Muhammadu Buhari-led government over the recent suspension placed on the operations of Twitter in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s information and culture minister Lai Mohammed had on Friday announced Twitter’s suspension in a statement by his media aide, Segun Adeyemi.
The suspension by the Nigerian government comes days after a post by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 1967 civil war was deleted by the microblogging platform.
The Nigerian government’s spokesman cited “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence” as the reason for the suspension.
A check by SaharaReporters in the early hours of Saturday showed that the platform is no more active within the country.
Reacting to the suspension in a statement on Saturday, the US Mission in Nigeria said such suspension undermines citizens fundamental freedoms and also sends a wrong message to investors.
The statement read, “Nigeria’s constitution provides for freedom of expression. The government’s recent #Twitterban undermines Nigerians’ ability to exercise this fundamental freedom and sends a poor message to its citizens, investors and businesses. See Also
“Banning social media and curbing every citizen’s ability to seek, receive, and impart information undermines fundamental freedoms. As President Biden has stated, our need for individual expression, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater.
“The path to a more secure Nigeria lies in more, not less communication, alongside concerted efforts toward unity, peace, and prosperity.” See Also
https://ift.tt/2TJkPW7
Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Return To Oyo Community, Shoot 28-year-old Farmer
Suspected Fulani herders have again attacked a farmer, Kaptain Kaston, in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State.
The incident was said to have happened in Idiyan, a village near Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state.
File Photo
SaharaReporters gathered that the 28-year-old Kaston was attacked on Friday near his farm.
He was reportedly ordered not to tell anybody that he was attacked, and he agreed with them.
But the gunmen were said not to be convinced that he would not disclose their ethnic origin and this made them shoot him on the shoulder, a source said.
It was learnt that the victim was also injured with a cutlass in some parts of his body.
The Convener of Igangan Development Advocates, Oladiran Oladokun, confirmed the incident.
Oladokun said, "The farmer was reportedly attacked by three criminal Fulani men around his farm at Abojukopo area of ldiyan.
"The victim, who was brutally attacked, was asked never to tell anyone that his attackers are Fulani, and he agreed to cooperate with them. Unfortunately, they were not convinced and decided to injure Kaptain Kaston, Benin Republic, with a cutlass.
"The farmer was later shot by one of the terrorists on the shoulder after inflicting injuries on his body."
The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, could not be reached on his telephone to confirm the attack.
The incident comes few days after a 56-year-old farmer, Muftau Babarinde, was killed in Orita Merin, Konko village in Ibarapa North Local Government Area.
https://ift.tt/3hyZBkh
Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Return To Oyo Community, Shoot 28-year-old Farmer
Suspected Fulani herders have again attacked a farmer, Kaptain Kaston, in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State.
The incident was said to have happened in Idiyan, a village near Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state.
SaharaReporters gathered that the 28-year-old Kaston was attacked on Friday near his farm.
He was reportedly ordered not to tell anybody that he was attacked, and he agreed with them.
But the gunmen were said not to be convinced that he would not disclose their ethnic origin and this made them shoot him on the shoulder, a source said.
It was learnt that the victim was also injured with a cutlass in some parts of his body.
The Convener of Igangan Development Advocates, Oladiran Oladokun, confirmed the incident.
Oladokun said, "The farmer was reportedly attacked by three criminal Fulani men around his farm at Abojukopo area of ldiyan.
"The victim, who was brutally attacked, was asked never to tell anyone that his attackers are Fulani, and he agreed to cooperate with them. Unfortunately, they were not convinced and decided to injure Kaptain Kaston, Benin Republic, with a cutlass.
"The farmer was later shot by one of the terrorists on the shoulder after inflicting injuries on his body."
The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, could not be reached on his telephone to confirm the attack.
The incident comes few days after a 56-year-old farmer, Muftau Babarinde, was killed in Orita Merin, Konko village in Ibarapa North Local Government Area.
https://ift.tt/3hyZBkh
Buhari, Biafra And Twitter, By Ozodinukwe Okenwa
President Muhammadu Buhari as a "kind bully" (apology to Femi Adesina) has bared his dictatorial fangs recently by banning or suspending indefinitely the operations of the popular global microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria. Nigeria, contrary to what Adesina, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, believes, does not need the combination of General Buhari and
President Buhari. Whether as a General or President Buhari has proven himself to be a failure.
According to the shocking statement emanating from the office of the Minister of Information and Culture the Federal Government cited "persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence" as a basis to shut out permanently Twitter. Twitter enjoys a large following in Nigeria given the mobile young generation the country boasts of.
Besides, the statement equally "directed the National Broadcasting Commission to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria". Whatever that meant but suffice to say here that Nigeria has scored another low in the eyes of the civilized world. If this directive did not violate Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution then trouble lies ahead.
Days prior to the extreme decision primarily aimed at stifling freedom of expression the embattled President had incurred the wrath of the American social media giant following a reckless 'genocidal' comments he posted on its platform. He was openly threatening those clamouring for self-governance or glorified secessionists.
Buhari had gracelessly reminded them of the Biafran war and how those of them that fought in it went through hell for three years to keep the nation one. Following complaints by some concerned Nigerians, at home and abroad, who read connotations into the ominous outburst the Twitter management acted swiftly by taking down the offensive tweet.
Even the megalomaniacal former President of the United States, Donald Trump, had suffered worse fate following the storming of the Capitol in January by his partisan followers as Congress was in full session to validate the controversial victory of President Joe Biden in last year November's presidential poll. Trump was banned indefinitely from using and abusing Twitter to foster his political ambition.
And just recently breaking news had it that Facebook had moved against Trump banning him from using the platform for two years. Censoring Trump (then) and Buhari now could be said to be in order. The 'genocidal' tweet in question violated Twitter's regulations. No leader should be allowed to use Twitter to incite a mob or threaten his people no matter the circumstances.
If there is justice and equity in Nigeria then Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho would not have been thrown up to champion the cause of their respective peoples. If Buhari leads responsibly by being fair and just to every region, religion and ethnic group then no one should be complaining of marginalisation or inequity. If Nigeria is working for all of us then the Igbos and Yorubas would not want to go their seperate ways.
Twitter is no respecter of personalities. It respects and encourages freedom of expression and the concomitant fertilisation of ideas in its best tradition and standard. But it applies sanctions whenever necessary.
By reaching the draconian abhorrent decision to ban Twitter from our national space Buhari has demonstrated yet again his primitiveness and lawlessness. With that we are faced with a creeping loading dictatorship that could culminate in the shrinking of the social media space, gagging of the independent press and criminalisation of free speech. We must resist this with determination!
Buhari has never hidden his disdain for the media or free speech. Taciturn and reclusive in a civilised digital age this dictator from Daura has continued to be a source of embarrassment to Nigeria. Apart from setting the federal house of commotion he met on fire he is now trying to use coercion to put down every agitation for a better society.
Recently a secret memo surfaced online in which the corrupt Attorney-General of the (Fulani) Federation (AGF), and Minister of (In)Justice, Abubakar Malami, was advocating strongly for his principal to impose a state of emergency in order to crush the opposition. He urged Buhari to suspend Nigeria's Constitution and enforce martial law citing Chapter IV of the Constitution.
We are now confronted with a throwback to the dark days of the Jackboot. All values hitherto held dear are under assault. The days, weeks and months ahead could be a defining or redifining moments in our tortured trajectory as a nation-state. We shall survive Buharism as we survived Babangidaism. And the gory era of the late despotic madman from Kano, Sani Abacha.
There is tension everywhere. And the President does not have what it takes to take the nation back from the brink. In the south-east there is an undeclared Biafran war being waged on the fringes. The so-called unknown gunmen are running berserk attacking critical federal institutions and facilities.
And to deal with the violence and terrorism the Buhari administration has gone for broke intimidating and molesting the innocent. Folks are being dehumanized, framed up as ESN operatives and arrested and thrown into gulags. Even churches are not spared of the brutal clampdown.
Somewhere in Enugu state recently some church attendants were marched out of the church by heavily-armed security forces and taken to unknown destination. They were accused falsely of belonging to IPOB or being ESN agents! It is now dangerous to be a young man in the east. Most people live dangerously as war looms in the horizon.
Biafra could be said to be an oriental 'paradise', our 'paradise'! A land metaphorically flowing with milk and honey; a blessed land where natural resources are in abundance; a land of the rising sun inhabited by great enterprising souls. Yet there is trouble in this 'paradise' presently. But whether it is now a 'paradise' lost is left in the womb of time and circumstances.
Upon realisation, however, this 'paradise' could rival Dubai, Hong Kong and Japan in terms of economic and infrastructural greatness. Could this be the reason for its delay? The will is there, the power is there, the human resources are there and the sophistication is there. Above all, God is there in the detail!
Biafra, as an idea whose time has come, ought to be realised by negotiation and referendum rather than war. The late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu tried war but failed. Yet nothing proves that fifty years after, if he were to be alive and undertook that horrible path again, success would not be his.
However, in our reckoning war cannot solve the problem but would make things worse. Let reason prevail!
SOC Okenwa
soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr
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G7 tax deal doesn't go far enough, campaigners say
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G7 finance ministers have agreed to work together to create a "level playing field" on global taxation.
G7 finance ministers have agreed to work together to create a "level playing field" on global taxation.
Turkey president Erdogan vows to solve 'sea snot' outbreak
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A thick, slimy layer of mucus-like matter is spreading along Turkey's southern coast.
A thick, slimy layer of mucus-like matter is spreading along Turkey's southern coast.
Peru election: Country on edge ahead of unpredictable run-off
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A left-wing teacher faces the conservative heir of the powerful Fujimori family in a divisive election.
A left-wing teacher faces the conservative heir of the powerful Fujimori family in a divisive election.
French Open 2021: Roger Federer through at Roland Garros
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Roger Federer finds a way to beat Germany's Dominik Koepfer in the French Open, despite being far from his best in a scrappy third-round match.
Roger Federer finds a way to beat Germany's Dominik Koepfer in the French Open, despite being far from his best in a scrappy third-round match.
Three police killings in the US: Is there a better way?
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We asked experts to walk us through three different instances of police shootings in the US.
We asked experts to walk us through three different instances of police shootings in the US.
Black fungus: Is diabetes behind India's high number of cases?
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India has seen rising cases of the serious fungal infection, mostly in Covid patients.
India has seen rising cases of the serious fungal infection, mostly in Covid patients.
Canada's residential schools: 'There's no reconciliation without truth'
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Geraldine Lee Shingoose was sent to a Canadian residential school as a child. Here's her story.
Geraldine Lee Shingoose was sent to a Canadian residential school as a child. Here's her story.
Budapest protest against China's Fudan University campus
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Opponents say a Chinese university in the Hungarian capital could increase Beijing's influence.
Opponents say a Chinese university in the Hungarian capital could increase Beijing's influence.
11 people died in police bombing of activists' house
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11 people died, including five children, when a Philadelphia police helicopter dropped explosives on a house belonging to black activists.
11 people died, including five children, when a Philadelphia police helicopter dropped explosives on a house belonging to black activists.
Freddie Figgers: The millionaire tech inventor who was 'thrown away' as a baby
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Entrepreneur Freddie Figgers says life has taught him that the important thing is people, not profits.
Entrepreneur Freddie Figgers says life has taught him that the important thing is people, not profits.
Why Sicilians still turn to Mafia to settle scores
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Italy has reduced the Sicilian Mafia's violence, but it still wields power in crime and business.
Italy has reduced the Sicilian Mafia's violence, but it still wields power in crime and business.
Letter from Africa: How Zimbabwe is still haunted by Robert Mugabe
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Long-serving ruler Robert Mugabe, who died in 2019, seems to be causing trouble from beyond the grave.
Long-serving ruler Robert Mugabe, who died in 2019, seems to be causing trouble from beyond the grave.
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