... ... 08/03/21 | IYANDA'SBLOG

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08/03/21

Six people have been reportedly killed by bandits in an attack on several communities in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

 

The bandits, in the raid, also burnt eight houses, six huts, one motorcycle and destroyed maize crops.

Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday.

 

He said the affected communities include Ungwan Magaji, Kigam, Kisicho, and Kikoba villages.

 

The commissioner said reports from the Defence Headquarters’ Operation Safe Haven disclosed that the bandits attacked the communities on Monday morning.

 

Aruwan identified the victims killed as Joseph Maza, Timvan Cibi Ciwo, Monday Titus, Asabe Magani, Laraba Danladi, and Yosi Danladi.

 

“Responding to a distress call, troops arrived at the location and engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat,” Aruwan said.

 

“In addition to the casualties, it was reported that eight houses, six huts, one motorcycle and a generator were razed during the attack. Some maize crops were also destroyed.

 

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his sadness over the attack and condemned it as an act of depraved entities stripped of every shred of humanity.”

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The Nigerian Government has again raised the alarm over what it described as incessant unauthorised disclosure of official documents on social media and other platforms.

It has therefore threatened to dismiss officials caught doing so.

The warning was made in a circular signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, dated Monday, August 2, 2021.

The circular, titled ‘Unauthorised circulation of official documents/information on social media’ was marked HCSF/3065/Vol.1 /94.

The warning by the HOCSF is the second in a year as a similar circular was issued in May 2020.

In the fresh circular, Yemi-Esan said her office would be relying on the provisions of the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402 in dismissing those who continue in what she described as the “reckless action” and “unwholesome practice.”

The circular read, “The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been drawn to the incessant unauthorised disclosure of official documents/information on social media platforms.

“The unwholesome practice involves posting/reposting of secret, confidential, and classified government correspondences, policy drafts, minutes, notes, memos, etc., on social media.

“This reckless action is tantamount to a breach of the Oath of Secrecy public servants swore to, and serious misconduct which may lead to dismissal from the service, as provided in the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402.

“Henceforth, any officer caught posting/reporting government documents on social media and other platforms without authorisation would be severely disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the PSR.

“This circular, therefore, reinforces the earlier circular on the subject, Ref. No/ HCSF/109/S.l/120 dated May 22, 2020, and other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised publishing of official documents.

“Permanent Secretaries and Heads/Chief Executive Officers of extra-ministerial departments are to bring the content of this circular to all staff for compliance.”

SaharaReporters had earlier reported how the Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar had, last Tuesday asked staff members to take oaths of secrecy while threatening whoever is found guilty of leaking inside information with stiff penalties. 

It came a few days after SaharaReporters exclusively reported how President Muhammadu Buhari secretly planned to visit the United Kingdom to avoid rampage or any "embarrassing protest" against him. 

Umar said staff members who disclose confidential information without authorisation will face penalties under the public service rules.

The Permanent Secretary stated this at the administration of Oath of Secrecy and Declaration of Secrecy to 42 staff members of the State House.

The Oath of Secrecy was administered by Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. 

According to Umar, the oaths were administered to staff members who handle classified documents.

‘‘We discovered that due to deployment of officers and retirement, a number of our staff need to be placed under the radar so that they will be aware that their jobs, the kind of documents or information they are handling from day to day and beyond, are so important and must be safeguarded.

‘‘That’s the reason we decided to do the needful by administering the Oath of Secrecy, highlighting the importance of letting them know what information they are managing and the consequences of the breach of such information,’’ he said.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3gtXwqS

The Nigerian Government has again raised the alarm over what it described as incessant unauthorised disclosure of official documents on social media and other platforms.

It has therefore threatened to dismiss officials caught doing so.

The warning was made in a circular signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, dated Monday, August 2, 2021.

The circular, titled ‘Unauthorised circulation of official documents/information on social media’ was marked HCSF/3065/Vol.1 /94.

The warning by the HOCSF is the second in a year as a similar circular was issued in May 2020.

In the fresh circular, Yemi-Esan said her office would be relying on the provisions of the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402 in dismissing those who continue in what she described as the “reckless action” and “unwholesome practice.”

The circular read, “The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been drawn to the incessant unauthorised disclosure of official documents/information on social media platforms.

“The unwholesome practice involves posting/reposting of secret, confidential, and classified government correspondences, policy drafts, minutes, notes, memos, etc., on social media.

“This reckless action is tantamount to a breach of the Oath of Secrecy public servants swore to, and serious misconduct which may lead to dismissal from the service, as provided in the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402.

“Henceforth, any officer caught posting/reporting government documents on social media and other platforms without authorisation would be severely disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the PSR.

“This circular, therefore, reinforces the earlier circular on the subject, Ref. No/ HCSF/109/S.l/120 dated May 22, 2020, and other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised publishing of official documents.

“Permanent Secretaries and Heads/Chief Executive Officers of extra-ministerial departments are to bring the content of this circular to all staff for compliance.”

SaharaReporters had earlier reported how the Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar had, last Tuesday asked staff members to take oaths of secrecy while threatening whoever is found guilty of leaking inside information with stiff penalties. 

It came a few days after SaharaReporters exclusively reported how President Muhammadu Buhari secretly planned to visit the United Kingdom to avoid rampage or any "embarrassing protest" against him. 

Umar said staff members who disclose confidential information without authorisation will face penalties under the public service rules.

The Permanent Secretary stated this at the administration of Oath of Secrecy and Declaration of Secrecy to 42 staff members of the State House.

The Oath of Secrecy was administered by Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. 

According to Umar, the oaths were administered to staff members who handle classified documents.

‘‘We discovered that due to deployment of officers and retirement, a number of our staff need to be placed under the radar so that they will be aware that their jobs, the kind of documents or information they are handling from day to day and beyond, are so important and must be safeguarded.

‘‘That’s the reason we decided to do the needful by administering the Oath of Secrecy, highlighting the importance of letting them know what information they are managing and the consequences of the breach of such information,’’ he said.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/3gtXwqS

The Nigerian Government has again raised the alarm over what it described as incessant unauthorised disclosure of official documents on social media and other platforms.

It has therefore threatened to dismiss officials caught doing so.

The warning was made in a circular signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan, dated Monday, August 2, 2021.

The circular, titled ‘Unauthorised circulation of official documents/information on social media’ was marked HCSF/3065/Vol.1 /94.

The warning by the HOCSF is the second in a year as a similar circular was issued in May 2020.

In the fresh circular, Yemi-Esan said her office would be relying on the provisions of the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402 in dismissing those who continue in what she described as the “reckless action” and “unwholesome practice.”

The circular read, “The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been drawn to the incessant unauthorised disclosure of official documents/information on social media platforms.

“The unwholesome practice involves posting/reposting of secret, confidential, and classified government correspondences, policy drafts, minutes, notes, memos, etc., on social media.

“This reckless action is tantamount to a breach of the Oath of Secrecy public servants swore to, and serious misconduct which may lead to dismissal from the service, as provided in the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402.

“Henceforth, any officer caught posting/reporting government documents on social media and other platforms without authorisation would be severely disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the PSR.

“This circular, therefore, reinforces the earlier circular on the subject, Ref. No/ HCSF/109/S.l/120 dated May 22, 2020, and other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised publishing of official documents.

“Permanent Secretaries and Heads/Chief Executive Officers of extra-ministerial departments are to bring the content of this circular to all staff for compliance.”

SaharaReporters had earlier reported how the Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar had, last Tuesday asked staff members to take oaths of secrecy while threatening whoever is found guilty of leaking inside information with stiff penalties. 

It came a few days after SaharaReporters exclusively reported how President Muhammadu Buhari secretly planned to visit the United Kingdom to avoid rampage or any "embarrassing protest" against him. 

Umar said staff members who disclose confidential information without authorisation will face penalties under the public service rules.

The Permanent Secretary stated this at the administration of Oath of Secrecy and Declaration of Secrecy to 42 staff members of the State House.

The Oath of Secrecy was administered by Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court. 

According to Umar, the oaths were administered to staff members who handle classified documents.

‘‘We discovered that due to deployment of officers and retirement, a number of our staff need to be placed under the radar so that they will be aware that their jobs, the kind of documents or information they are handling from day to day and beyond, are so important and must be safeguarded.

‘‘That’s the reason we decided to do the needful by administering the Oath of Secrecy, highlighting the importance of letting them know what information they are managing and the consequences of the breach of such information,’’ he said.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Months after being rolled out for all users, micro-blogging site, Twitter has shutting down its Instagram Stories-like 'Fleets' feature. 

It shut it down on Tuesday, August 3, mid-day reports. 

Fleets are disappearing tweets that sit in a row at the top of users' Twitter handles on smartphones. These ephemeral tweets expire after 24 hours. 

 

It was launched in November 2020.

 

"In the time since we introduced Fleets to everyone, we haven't seen an increase in the number of new people joining the conversation with Fleets like we hoped," Ilya Brown, Twitter's vice president of product, said in a statement in July.  

 

"We hoped Fleets would help more people feel comfortable joining the conversation on Twitter," Brown added.  

 

From August 3, the Twitter users would only see active Spaces which are live audio chat rooms at the top of their timelines.  

 

During the time that Fleets was available full-fledged, the micro-blogging site had added multiple new features to it, including the possibility of adding GIFs, stickers, change the text colour and more. 

 

According to Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, the company started Fleets not to build a storage product within Twitter, "but to solve the problem of people not wanting to tweet because they appear to be staying around too long".

 

On its website, Twitter said, "Using our learnings from Fleets, we’ll focus on creating other ways for people to join the conversation and talk about what’s happening in their world."

In June, Twitter was suspended in Nigeria by the Muhammadu Buhari-led government after it deleted a comment made by the African leader threatening secessionists. 

 

The comment was adjudged by many Nigerians to be distasteful. 

 

Internet News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Months after being rolled out for all users, micro-blogging site, Twitter has shutting down its Instagram Stories-like 'Fleets' feature. 

It shut it down on Tuesday, August 3, mid-day reports. 

Fleets are disappearing tweets that sit in a row at the top of users' Twitter handles on smartphones. These ephemeral tweets expire after 24 hours. 

 

It was launched in November 2020.

 

"In the time since we introduced Fleets to everyone, we haven't seen an increase in the number of new people joining the conversation with Fleets like we hoped," Ilya Brown, Twitter's vice president of product, said in a statement in July.  

 

"We hoped Fleets would help more people feel comfortable joining the conversation on Twitter," Brown added.  

 

From August 3, the Twitter users would only see active Spaces which are live audio chat rooms at the top of their timelines.  

 

During the time that Fleets was available full-fledged, the micro-blogging site had added multiple new features to it, including the possibility of adding GIFs, stickers, change the text colour and more. 

 

According to Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, the company started Fleets not to build a storage product within Twitter, "but to solve the problem of people not wanting to tweet because they appear to be staying around too long".

 

On its website, Twitter said, "Using our learnings from Fleets, we’ll focus on creating other ways for people to join the conversation and talk about what’s happening in their world."

In June, Twitter was suspended in Nigeria by the Muhammadu Buhari-led government after it deleted a comment made by the African leader threatening secessionists. 

 

The comment was adjudged by many Nigerians to be distasteful. 

 

Internet News AddThis :  Original Author :  Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who rejected electronic transmission of election results should be insulted by their children. 

He stated that the rejection was tantamount to a coup against Nigerians, who are desirous of free, fair, and credible polls.

Rivers Governor Wike

According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, Wike spoke during the official presentation of a letter of nomination to him as “the 2020 Governor of the Year Award” by the management of the Leadership Media Group at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Wike described National Assembly members who voted against transmission of election results electronically as enemies of Nigeria.

He said: “Those who voted against e-transmission of results should be ashamed of themselves. They never mean well for this country. If you are a member of the National Assembly and you voted against electronic transmission of results, your children should call you and say daddy, are you well?

“I can’t believe anybody who went to school in this digital period, will vote against electronic transmission of results. What kind of country is this? What kind of National Assembly members do we have?”

Wike also described the rejection of electronic transmission of election results by APC lawmakers as tantamount to a coup against Nigerians.

Wike also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari was not committed to delivering transparent elections in 2023.

The governor said he had expected Buhari, who had openly declared that he respects former President Goodluck Jonathan, for not compromising the 2015 general elections, to build on the electoral legacy of his predecessor.

He said: “If Jonathan did not believe in the transparency of the election, he would not have allowed card reader to be used. So, he introduced the card reader as a sitting President, knowing fully well that that could be an albatross to him. But he said no, I want us to move to the next level.

“Mr. President cannot tell us that sincerely he wants to conduct a free, fair, credible election. Let nobody deceive you. It is very clear that there is no sure intention at all.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who rejected electronic transmission of election results should be insulted by their children. 

He stated that the rejection was tantamount to a coup against Nigerians, who are desirous of free, fair, and credible polls.

Rivers Governor Wike

According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, Wike spoke during the official presentation of a letter of nomination to him as “the 2020 Governor of the Year Award” by the management of the Leadership Media Group at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Wike described National Assembly members who voted against transmission of election results electronically as enemies of Nigeria.

He said: “Those who voted against e-transmission of results should be ashamed of themselves. They never mean well for this country. If you are a member of the National Assembly and you voted against electronic transmission of results, your children should call you and say daddy, are you well?

“I can’t believe anybody who went to school in this digital period, will vote against electronic transmission of results. What kind of country is this? What kind of National Assembly members do we have?”

Wike also described the rejection of electronic transmission of election results by APC lawmakers as tantamount to a coup against Nigerians.

Wike also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari was not committed to delivering transparent elections in 2023.

The governor said he had expected Buhari, who had openly declared that he respects former President Goodluck Jonathan, for not compromising the 2015 general elections, to build on the electoral legacy of his predecessor.

He said: “If Jonathan did not believe in the transparency of the election, he would not have allowed card reader to be used. So, he introduced the card reader as a sitting President, knowing fully well that that could be an albatross to him. But he said no, I want us to move to the next level.

“Mr. President cannot tell us that sincerely he wants to conduct a free, fair, credible election. Let nobody deceive you. It is very clear that there is no sure intention at all.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2O4PZ40

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who rejected electronic transmission of election results should be insulted by their children. 

He stated that the rejection was tantamount to a coup against Nigerians, who are desirous of free, fair, and credible polls.

Rivers Governor Wike

According to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, Wike spoke during the official presentation of a letter of nomination to him as “the 2020 Governor of the Year Award” by the management of the Leadership Media Group at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Wike described National Assembly members who voted against transmission of election results electronically as enemies of Nigeria.

He said: “Those who voted against e-transmission of results should be ashamed of themselves. They never mean well for this country. If you are a member of the National Assembly and you voted against electronic transmission of results, your children should call you and say daddy, are you well?

“I can’t believe anybody who went to school in this digital period, will vote against electronic transmission of results. What kind of country is this? What kind of National Assembly members do we have?”

Wike also described the rejection of electronic transmission of election results by APC lawmakers as tantamount to a coup against Nigerians.

Wike also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari was not committed to delivering transparent elections in 2023.

The governor said he had expected Buhari, who had openly declared that he respects former President Goodluck Jonathan, for not compromising the 2015 general elections, to build on the electoral legacy of his predecessor.

He said: “If Jonathan did not believe in the transparency of the election, he would not have allowed card reader to be used. So, he introduced the card reader as a sitting President, knowing fully well that that could be an albatross to him. But he said no, I want us to move to the next level.

“Mr. President cannot tell us that sincerely he wants to conduct a free, fair, credible election. Let nobody deceive you. It is very clear that there is no sure intention at all.”

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2O4PZ40

The UK government has reiterated its stance "against cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment and punishment". 

 

This came in response to a report by UN investigators into the treatment of Kenyans by the British colonial authorities in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, BBC News reports. 

The report, which was made public on Monday, highlighted the horrific abuses people in a part of western Kenya - now Kericho county - were subjected to.

 

The authors had handed it over at the end of May and gave the UK authorities 60 days to respond.

 

There has not yet been a response and the UN investigators - known as special rapporteurs - said they were disappointed that there was no apology for what had happened and no move for compensation.

 

In a response sent to the BBC, a government spokesperson said:

 

“A UK Government statement made in 2013, recognising the victims of torture and ill-treatment during the emergency period, was part of the settlement by the UK Government of claims made by Kenyan citizens.

 

“We regret that these abuses took place, and that they marred Kenya’s progress towards independence.”

 

However, the 2013 statement specifically referred to the British treatment of suspected Mau Mau members and others and not the broader context of what happened in the colonial era.

International News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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The UK government has reiterated its stance "against cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment and punishment". 

 

This came in response to a report by UN investigators into the treatment of Kenyans by the British colonial authorities in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, BBC News reports. 

The report, which was made public on Monday, highlighted the horrific abuses people in a part of western Kenya - now Kericho county - were subjected to.

 

The authors had handed it over at the end of May and gave the UK authorities 60 days to respond.

 

There has not yet been a response and the UN investigators - known as special rapporteurs - said they were disappointed that there was no apology for what had happened and no move for compensation.

 

In a response sent to the BBC, a government spokesperson said:

 

“A UK Government statement made in 2013, recognising the victims of torture and ill-treatment during the emergency period, was part of the settlement by the UK Government of claims made by Kenyan citizens.

 

“We regret that these abuses took place, and that they marred Kenya’s progress towards independence.”

 

However, the 2013 statement specifically referred to the British treatment of suspected Mau Mau members and others and not the broader context of what happened in the colonial era.

International News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has sued the world football governing body, FIFA, at a United States court.

Siasia filed a case against FIFA at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, according to PREMIUM TIMES.

The former Nigeria international is, among other things, seeking compensation for the ‘damage’ done to his reputation by FIFA with their investigation of an alleged bribery case against him.

"Here, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”), the worldwide governing body of soccer, exercised governmental function when FIFA investigated and adjudicated a charge of bribery, a crime, against Samson Siasia (“Siasia”), a United States citizen, which function has traditionally been exclusively the domain of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice, (USDOJ) and the Judicial branch of government or the State government.

"After finding Siasia guilty, FIFA then imposed a fine of 50,000 Swiss Francs and lifetime ban from using his professional coaching license that was issued by the U.S. Soccer Federation. As a result, defendant is in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, (“Section 1983”) among others, for depriving plaintiff of his constitutional rights under color of state law,” a part of the case filed read.

Siasia, who was initially banned for life, has seen his punishment reduced to a five-year ban and his initial 50,000 Swiss Francs fine totally reversed.

While the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ruled that Siasia did not receive any bribe and did not fix any match, the court said he erred by not reporting the matter when he was asked to fix matches by a club official at a club he sought to coach.

Apart from the compensation being sought by Siasia, he is also seeking a global retraction of the guilty verdict of accepting the bribe that FIFA placed on him.

The former Super Eagles player also wants an annulment of the lifetime ban or any ban on his Coaching License.
Siasia, who had at different times handled various Nigeria national teams, was approached by a match-fixer, Wilson Perumal, in 2010, while seeking a job with an Australian club.
 

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

Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has sued the world football governing body, FIFA, at a United States court.

Siasia filed a case against FIFA at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, according to PREMIUM TIMES.

The former Nigeria international is, among other things, seeking compensation for the ‘damage’ done to his reputation by FIFA with their investigation of an alleged bribery case against him.

"Here, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”), the worldwide governing body of soccer, exercised governmental function when FIFA investigated and adjudicated a charge of bribery, a crime, against Samson Siasia (“Siasia”), a United States citizen, which function has traditionally been exclusively the domain of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice, (USDOJ) and the Judicial branch of government or the State government.

"After finding Siasia guilty, FIFA then imposed a fine of 50,000 Swiss Francs and lifetime ban from using his professional coaching license that was issued by the U.S. Soccer Federation. As a result, defendant is in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, (“Section 1983”) among others, for depriving plaintiff of his constitutional rights under color of state law,” a part of the case filed read.

Siasia, who was initially banned for life, has seen his punishment reduced to a five-year ban and his initial 50,000 Swiss Francs fine totally reversed.

While the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ruled that Siasia did not receive any bribe and did not fix any match, the court said he erred by not reporting the matter when he was asked to fix matches by a club official at a club he sought to coach.

Apart from the compensation being sought by Siasia, he is also seeking a global retraction of the guilty verdict of accepting the bribe that FIFA placed on him.

The former Super Eagles player also wants an annulment of the lifetime ban or any ban on his Coaching License.
Siasia, who had at different times handled various Nigeria national teams, was approached by a match-fixer, Wilson Perumal, in 2010, while seeking a job with an Australian club.
 

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

Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has sued the world football governing body, FIFA, at a United States court.

Siasia filed a case against FIFA at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, according to PREMIUM TIMES.

The former Nigeria international is, among other things, seeking compensation for the ‘damage’ done to his reputation by FIFA with their investigation of an alleged bribery case against him.

"Here, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (“FIFA”), the worldwide governing body of soccer, exercised governmental function when FIFA investigated and adjudicated a charge of bribery, a crime, against Samson Siasia (“Siasia”), a United States citizen, which function has traditionally been exclusively the domain of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Department of Justice, (USDOJ) and the Judicial branch of government or the State government.

"After finding Siasia guilty, FIFA then imposed a fine of 50,000 Swiss Francs and lifetime ban from using his professional coaching license that was issued by the U.S. Soccer Federation. As a result, defendant is in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 of the Civil Rights Act, (“Section 1983”) among others, for depriving plaintiff of his constitutional rights under color of state law,” a part of the case filed read.

Siasia, who was initially banned for life, has seen his punishment reduced to a five-year ban and his initial 50,000 Swiss Francs fine totally reversed.

While the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ruled that Siasia did not receive any bribe and did not fix any match, the court said he erred by not reporting the matter when he was asked to fix matches by a club official at a club he sought to coach.

Apart from the compensation being sought by Siasia, he is also seeking a global retraction of the guilty verdict of accepting the bribe that FIFA placed on him.

The former Super Eagles player also wants an annulment of the lifetime ban or any ban on his Coaching License.
Siasia, who had at different times handled various Nigeria national teams, was approached by a match-fixer, Wilson Perumal, in 2010, while seeking a job with an Australian club.
 

Sports News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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An investigation that went on for five months has found that New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, 63, sexually harassed multiple women in violation of federal and state law. 

The investigation also found out that the governor's actions created a "climate of fear" within his office, state Attorney General Letitia James said on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

The independent inquiry showed that Cuomo engaged in unwanted groping, kissing and hugging, and made inappropriate comments to a total of 11 women, James told a news briefing.

James added that the Democratic governor's office had become a "toxic workplace" that enabled harassment to occur.

The findings, detailed in a scathing 168-page report, could deal a devastating blow to Cuomo's political future and hinder his administration, although the probe was civil in nature and will not directly lead to any criminal charges against him.

"These 11 women were in a hostile and toxic work environment. We should believe women," said James, a Democrat.

"What this investigation revealed was a disturbing pattern of conduct by the governor of the great state of New York," James added.

There was no immediate comment from the governor's office. Cuomo has however denied any wrongdoing.

Carl Heastie, Speaker of the Democratic-controlled New York Assembly who has authorised an impeachment investigation into Cuomo's conduct, in a statement called the report's findings "disturbing" and said they pointed to "someone who is not fit for office."

Investigators spoke to 179 people, including complainants and current and former members of the executive chamber, James said. 

According to her, the probe resulted in a "clear picture" of what she called a "climate of fear" in which Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, many of them young.

James launched her investigation into the allegations after receiving a formal request from Cuomo's office on March 1 to do so as the number of publicly reported allegations mounted.

She named two veteran outside attorneys to run the investigation: Joon Kim, a former federal prosecutor and acting US attorney in Manhattan, and Anne Clark, an employment lawyer with experience in sexual harassment cases.

Kim told the briefing that the Cuomo's workplace was "rife with bullying, fear and intimidation" and one in which crossing the governor or his senior staff meant you would be "written off, cast aside or worse."

The report shows that investigators did not find Cuomo's explanations about his encounters to be credible. It said Cuomo's "blanket denials and lack of recollection as to specific incidents stood in stark contrast to the strength, specificity, and corroboration of the complainants' recollections."

It was a swift fall from grace for the governor. Cuomo became nationally popular last year in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic by presenting himself as an authoritative figure in daily televised press conferences. 

The complaints about sexual harassment emerged after broader criticism by Democratic politicians in the state that Cuomo governed through intimidation.

Cuomo, the divorced father of three adult daughters, was elected to three terms as governor, as was his late father, Mario Cuomo. 

Andrew Cuomo, like his father, resisted the temptation to run for US president despite much speculation about possible national ambitions.

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The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has asked northern members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to halt the process of passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). 

CNG said this was necessary to save the Northern economy which the group claimed the PIB was designed to destroy.

The group said the PIB would have a devastating effect on the economy of the North because its people would be compelled to buy fuel at “disabling inflated prices.”

The statement was made by the group's spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman. 

Suleiman said, “The CNG, having been convinced that the Bill, if passed and implemented would be the final nail that will permanently seal the fate of the North economically and socially, hereby resolves to: 

"Categorically declare the continuation of the process that may lead to the passage of the PIB as another clandestine move to further weaken the northern economy and therefore unacceptable.

“Demand the immediate halt of the process for the PIB in its present construction as it would invariably impact negatively on the livelihood of northern communities especially those of the far northeast and northwest who would be forced to buy fuel at a disabling inflated price.”

Also according to the group, lawmakers of northern extraction in the National Assembly will be held accountable should the region face any hardship as a direct implication of the passage of the bill. 

It said, “Warn all Northern representatives in the National Assembly that they will be held responsible for the mass sufferings that the PIB will force on northerners if they allow it to pass.

“To demand a comprehensive investigation into the alleged underhanded deals between the private operator of the refinery in Lagos and some members of the National Assembly to influence the success of the Bill which would hand the total monopoly of production, transportation, marketing and more dangerously, pricing of petroleum products.

“To invite the attention of all segments of northern leadership and the credible section of northern elders and all civil society organisations in the North to rise to defend the people of the region by rejecting the PIB.

“Declare that the CNG will not hesitate to go to any length to challenge the passage of the Bill including taking legal action.”

Meanwhile, the bill has been largely condemned by Southerners, who feel short-changed by its provisions for the region despite being the oil-rich area and the part ravaged by the attendant environmental challenges. 

For instance, Southern Governors and Niger Delta groups have condemned the bill as the Senate gave host communities only three percent equity holding in Host Communities Trust Fund as against the 10 percent demanded by the people of the oil-rich areas.

The House of Representatives, on its part, passed the bill, granting host communities five percent equity stake in the Host Communities Trust Fund, as against the demand for 10 per cent by host communities.

Another controversial area passed was the fund exploration of frontier basins, which the Senate left at 30 percent, while stakeholders in the Niger Delta had demanded that it should be reduced to 10 percent.

Governors of the southern states of Nigeria have rejected that 30 per cent of the profit from oil revenue by the proposed Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) should be dedicated to oil exploration efforts in the oil basins, and other major sections of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The NNPC has oil exploration activities in the Chad basin in Borno state, Niger, Sokoto, Benue Trough and other inland basins in Nigeria, which means the 30 percent will benefit the North. 

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A popular Ghanaian cleric, Bishop Sam Owusu says the founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations, Prophet T. B. Joshua did not die a natural death but was killed by some conspirators. 

Owusu, in a video that had now gone viral, told his congregation that he has the details of the circumstances surrounding Joshua's death but would not reveal them yet.

According to him, Joshua was the most famous Christian minister in the history of Black Africa. 

He compared the deceased prophet to Bishop David Oyedepo, presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel. 

The Ghanaian cleric also claimed Joshua was more popular than American preachers such as T.D Jakes and Kenneth Hagin. 

In the video, Owusu said, “T. B. Joshua was killed, he didn't die. He was killed because, by history, there is no black man of God in the world that on YouTube, his followers are more than a country.

“Yes, the followers of T. B. Joshua, there is no president in the world, no President in the world has followers as compared to T. B. Joshua. In the world, there is no single man that Presidents submit to. In the whole world, it has never happened, that there is a certain man of God that Presidents will leave their Presidency and come to his church. T. B. Joshua was killed, he has finished his work. I have the details, I will not share that one now. 

“T. B. Joshua was the highest rewarder of YouTube currency in the whole world, there is no human being that gets paid by YouTube as much as T. B. Joshua because of how people follow and watch his videos.

“They killed T. B. Joshua because, in the history of the black race, there is no black man that is popular as compared to T. B. Joshua, he is popular than T. D. Jakes, he was more accepted than Kenneth Hagin, he is popular and accepted than Bishop David Oyedepo. 

”By the history of mankind, there is no black man in Africa who has properties, a school in Israel, a school, land and property in the Philippines... there is no black man...T. B. Joshua didn't die, they calculated his death. What they used to kill him, I know and the person they sent, I saw.”

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A picture of an unidentified Nigerian soldier getting treatment while an Intravenous therapy was being passed to him from a tree has gone viral online.

Intravenous therapy is a medical technique that delivers fluids, medications and nutrition directly into a person's vein.

The intravenous route of administration is commonly used for rehydration or to provide nutrition for those who cannot consume food or water by mouth.

In the picture, the soldier is seen lying on a bed that is supported by the branches of a tree while the IV fluid being given to him is hung from the tree. 

However, the date and place the incident took place could not be ascertained.

In spite of billions of naira budgeted yearly for security and the Nigerian army, soldiers at the end of the chain have not been feeling the effect.

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The apex socio-cultural Igbo organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has said the next President of Nigeria to emerge in 2023 will come from the South-East.

 

The group also stated that the region will not fall for the blackmail of political enemies using the Biafra agitation in the region against it.

Ohanaeze enumerated diverse agitation and militia groups that emanated from other regions which did stop the ambition of their people to rule the country.

 

According to Vanguard, it stated that the movement of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) did not prevent Olusegun Obasanjo from becoming Nigeria's President nor did the Niger Delta militia groups stop Goodluck Jonathan from becoming Nigeria's leader.

 

The group also said Boko Haram insurgency in the North was not used against President Muhammadu Buhari when he wanted to become the President.

 

It then reiterated that there are no activities or agitations from the South-East that can be used against the region from fielding the President to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

 

The group in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo World, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, condemned what he termed as attempts by critics of Ndigbo to blackmail her with the activities of Biafran agitators over Igbo presidency.

 

It said, “The South-West has no strong claim for the presidency in 2023. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo led Nigeria as President from 1999 to 2007 while Professor Yemi Osibanjo will conclude 8 years as Vice President from 2015 to 2023. So, 2023 will be the turn of the Igbo to occupy the exalted office of the president.

 

“Ohanaeze condemns attempts to blackmail the Igbo with activities of Biafra agitators resurrect the rhetorical questions about the activities of other ethnic militia’s activities in the past. Did the activities of OPC stop Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s emergence in 1999? Did the activities of the Niger Delta militants stop Dr Goodluck Jonathan from emerging the President in 2011? Did Boko Haram insurgents and bandits stop General Muhammadu Buhari in 2015?

 

“Since the activities of these groups did not stop the people from the aforementioned areas from emerging Presidents of Nigeria at different times, the rise of self-determination agitators from the South-East will not stop the zone from producing the president in 2023. Igbo Presidency in 2023 will rather assuage the burning flames of Biafra agitation and put Nigeria back on track for greater heights.”O

 

Ohanaeze Ndigbo also tasked Igbo presidential aspirants to reach out to all political parties and geopolitical zones and build bridges of friendship and support ahead of the 2023 election. 

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