IPOB Agitation, Terrorism Require Kinetic, Non-Kinetic Approaches – Shettima

IPOB Agitation, Terrorism Require Kinetic, Non-Kinetic Approaches – Shettima

Nigeria has been experiencing series of attacks by gunmen linked to the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN), bandits and terrorists.

Vice President Kashim Shettima. 

He stated this at the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Security Studies’ Executive Intelligence Management Course 16 which was held in Abuja.

The agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East, the banditry in the North-Central, and terrorism in the North-East and North-West need to be tackled using not just a kinetic approach but also non-kinetic means, Shettima noted.

Attributing the current insecurity in parts of the country to poverty and unemployment, the Vice President harped on the need to improve governance in the country.

“For every Asokoro, there is a Karu. For every Maitama, there is a Dutse Alhaji. We need to create jobs. We need to improve governance in the country,” Shettima said.

Calling for the unity of the country, Shettima assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to bring development to the country, canvassing for support from Nigerians.

Also speaking at the event is the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), who hinted that the agency will soon unveil weapons produced by its personnel.

According to him, the DSS will soon begin to “produce what it eats, and eat what it produces.”

Among the weapons the Secret Service will soon unveil are Unmanned Aeriel Vehicles (UAVs), he stated.

Bichi also assured that the agency will continue to support the National Institute for Security Studies to succeed in its quest to impart knowledge that will enhance security in the country.

He charged the participants to utilise the skills they have acquired to develop the country, urging Nigerians to remain patriotic and shun those whom he described as warmongers who want to set the country on fire.

The Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16 commenced in February 2023 with 89 participants drawn from 35 agencies across Nigeria and four other African countries, namely, Niger, The Gambia, Rwanda and Chad.

Salah’s 200th Liverpool Goal Inspires Fightback To Beat Palace

Salah’s 200th Liverpool Goal Inspires Fightback To Beat Palace

Liverpool's third successive league win moved them one point above second-placed Arsenal ahead of the Gunners' trip to third-placed Aston Villa later on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah scored his 200th goal for Liverpool before Harvey Elliott’s last-gasp winner sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace that sent the Reds to the top of the Premier League on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were in danger of a damaging defeat in the title race after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty put Palace ahead in the second half at Selhurst Park.

But Palace’s Jordan Ayew was sent off with 15 minutes left and Liverpool took full advantage to erase a previously spluttering performance with a blistering finale.

Salah’s 14th goal this term made him the fifth player to score 200 for Liverpool in all competitions after Ian Rush (346), Roger Hunt (285), Gordon Hodgson (241) and Billy Liddell (228).

Despite Salah’s landmark, a point would have been a disappointing result for Liverpool, but young midfielder Elliott came off the bench to seal the points in stoppage time.

Liverpool’s third successive league win moved them one point above second-placed Arsenal ahead of the Gunners’ trip to third-placed Aston Villa later on Saturday.

With home games against Manchester United and Arsenal looming before Christmas, the Reds have a golden opportunity to cement their title credentials heading into the new year.

Klopp had called a television presenter “ignorant” for joking that the 1230 GMT Saturday kick-off was the German’s “favourite” time to play.

The Reds boss has made a habit of complaining about the schedule whenever Liverpool have a match in the early Saturday slot after playing the previous Wednesday.

– Liverpool leave it late –

Initially, it seemed Klopp’s dislike for the kick-off time would be renewed as Liverpool struggled to find any rhythm in wet and windy conditions in south London.

Liverpool were fortunate not to fall behind when Jefferson Lerma’s close-range effort forced a superb save from Alisson Becker, with the rebound hitting the post before it was hacked off the line by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Palace were awarded a penalty when Odsonne Edouard was bundled over Virgil van Dijk, but Will Hughes had clearly fouled Wataru Endo before passing to the forward.

Referee Andy Madley was told to consult the pitchside monitor and overturned his penalty decision.

For the first time in the league this season, Klopp’s side failed to muster a single shot on target in a dismal first-half display that ended fittingly with Alexander-Arnold misplacing a simple pass.

Palace deservedly took the lead in the 57th minute as Jarell Quansah’s challenge on Mateta was deemed worthy of a penalty after Madley checked the monitor.

To Klopp’s bewilderment, VAR only intervened to prompt the decision several moments after the foul.

Liverpool were furious but Mateta was unfazed, barely taking a run-up as he dispatched the spot-kick past Alisson with ease.

But luck was on Liverpool’s side as Palace forward Ayew was dismissed for a soft second booking in the 75th minute and within 60 seconds the visitors were level.

If the sending off had an element of good fortune for Liverpool, there was more to come as Cody Gakpo’s cross was only cleared to Salah, whose shot from 10 yards took a wicked deflection as it flashed past wrong-footed keeper Sam Johnstone.

Liverpool finally had some momentum and their late siege produced a winner in the first minute of stoppage time.

Elliott took possession 30 yards from goal and swerved away from his marker before unleashing a superb strike that beat Palace substitute keeper Remi Matthews at his near post.

In the final seconds, Alisson had to save from Joachim Andersen to preserve Liverpool’s hard-fought success.

Three Dead, 11 Injured As Mining Pit Collapses In Zamfara

Three Dead, 11 Injured As Mining Pit Collapses In Zamfara

Three Dead, 11 Injured As Mining Pit Collapses In Zamfara

Most of the artisanal miners operating in the state are operating without licences and permissions to explore minerals.

No fewer than three artisanal miners have died while 11 others were injured 

when a mining pit collapsed in Dan Kamfani, Anka Local Government of Zamfara State.

According to an eyewitness who also works around the area, the incident happened on Thursday around 4 pm.

The eyewitness who pleaded anonymity because of security reasons told Channels Television on Saturday that three artisanal miners were confirmed dead while 11 others were critically injured.

He said the injured are currently receiving treatment at the Anka General Hospital

“The mining collapsed a few minutes to 4 pm on Thursday, we don’t know the exact number of people inside the mining pit, but three dead bodies were recovered, and 11 others are seriously wounded.

“The three people that died are from Yar Tsabaya district of Anka local government. Up till now, we don’t have the actual figure of the people inside, and we cannot confirm the number of people because the mining pit is about 275 meters deep,” he stated.

Zamfara is rich in solid minerals which include gold, iron ore, limestone, and granite, among others.

The Federal Government and the state government had banned any forms of mining activities and ordered security agencies to enforce the ban.

Most of the artisanal miners operating in the state are operating without licences and permissions to explore minerals.

U.S. Envoy To Meet Tinubu, ECOWAS Leaders Over Niger Republic

U.S. Envoy To Meet Tinubu, ECOWAS Leaders Over Niger Republic

U.S. Envoy To Meet Tinubu, ECOWAS Leaders Over Niger Republic

ECOWAS highest authority led by the Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, slapped a range of sanctions on Niger in a desperate bid to restore constitutional order.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, has visited Nigeria to mediate on the political situation in Niger Republic, which has been under military rule since July 26.

This was disclosed in a statement on the website of the US Secretary of State.

According to the statement, the US envoy arrived in Nigeria on Friday and will hold talks with the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, as well as leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The meeting with regional leaders gathering for the ECOWAS Heads of State Summit is slated for Monday, December 10, the statement read.

“During her visit, she will consult with West African leaders on how the United States can best support regional efforts to return Niger to a democratic path and to promote security, stability, prosperity, and democracy in the Sahel,” a statement from the U.S. Department of State said.

Phee’s visit to Nigeria comes four months after some Nigerien military officers led by Abdourahmane Tchiani toppled President Mohamed Bazoum.

The July 26 coup has since been condemned, with Western countries supporting the efforts by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc led by President Tinubu.

In a pushback to the military takeover, the ECOWAS highest authority, led by the Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, slapped a range of sanctions on Niger in a desperate bid to restore constitutional order.

Niger holds strategic economic and geopolitical significance internationally considering its two natural resources, uranium and oil, which are sought after in the international market.

Junta leaders have justified toppling the democratic government of Bazoum, who was accused of not containing the incessant insecurity situation in some parts of the country.

Ondo Commissioner Writes Aiyedatiwa, Raises Alarm Over Akeredolu’s ‘Forged’ Signature

Ondo Commissioner Writes Aiyedatiwa, Raises Alarm Over Akeredolu’s ‘Forged’ Signature

Ondo Commissioner Writes Aiyedatiwa, Raises Alarm Over Akeredolu’s ‘Forged’ Signature

The commissioner said that after his discovery, the forensic expert had confirmed that the governor’s signature was forged.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razak Obe, has alleged that the signature of the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on a ‘certain document’ was forged.

In a letter dated December 7 and addressed to the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the commissioner explained that the irregularities were first noticed when a file from his ministry, out of the five submitted to the governor’s office for approval, was returned.

The letter was obtained by Channels Television on Saturday.

“I write to bring to your attention a critical matter that requires immediate action. It has been confirmed that the signature of Mr. Governor on a certain document has been forged,” the letter partly read.

The commissioner said that after his discovery, a forensic expert had confirmed that the governor’s signature was forged.

“The irregularities in the signature were first observed when a file from my ministry was returned through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). This is the only file that has been returned so far out of the five files that were sent for Mr. Governor’s approval about two months ago.

“Upon closer inspection, I noticed significant differences between the suspicious signature and handwriting and Mr. Governor’s known signatures and handwriting in the file.

“Concerned about the gravity of the situation, I decided to seek a forensic review before disclosing my discovery. I sent the suspicious signature, handwriting samples, and copies of the old regular signatures to forensic experts, who have now confirmed that the suspicious signature and handwriting were indeed forged.

“Despite the inherent risks involved, I have chosen to fulfil the obligations of my office by reporting this alarming development to you as the highest-ranking member of the State Executive Council after Mr. Governor.

“I firmly believe that this is the course of action our esteemed leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, would take in such a situation.

“Considering the possibility that such forgery may be widespread, this heads-up is of utmost importance to the government and people of Ondo State. I have attached a copy of the forensic report and relevant pages from the file for your reference,” he stated.

The Ondo governor has been absent from the state since June due to medical reasons. Upon returning to Nigeria after a three-month medical leave in Germany, Akeredolu has been in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

Look Away From National Politics If You Want To Succeed, Group Tells Fubara

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Look Away From National Politics If You Want To Succeed, Group Tells Fubara

“Nobody should cajole him to dabble into national politics if he wants to write his name in gold,” he added.

River State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. 

 

As the political crisis in Rivers  State persists, Governor Siminalayi  Fubara has been advised to look away from national politics and concentrate on Rivers State to bring the desired development to the oil-rich state.

The National Co-ordinator of Ogoni Solidarity Forum Celestine Akpobari handed the advice while speaking with journalists on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

“He should stay away from national politics because that is the drain; conduit that has eaten deep into the resources of Rivers State,” Akpobari said.

“Nobody should cajole him to dabble into national politics if he wants to write his name in gold,” he added.

Akpobari, who is also a renowned environmental activist, noted that instead of exhausting energy into the political tussle and federal politics, the Governor should maximise the support he is presently enjoying from Rivers people and harness the untapped treasures that lie in the green economy and tourism in Rivers State.

He urged the Rivers governor to spread development to other parts of the state instead of just the capital, Port Harcourt.

“There are a lot of things he can do in this state. The first is to ensure that the one-city state syndrome is destroyed,” he added.

Earlier, the Leader of the Ogoni Peoples Assembly, Reverend Probel Williams, appealed to genuine elders in the state to wade into the crisis in the state,  admonishing some persons he alleged are fueling the crisis to allow peace to reign.

While condemning the political crisis, he described the development as avoidable and an embarrassment.

“We are using this opportunity to call on elders of Rivers State to wade into the crisis in the state and give all necessary support to the Governor [Sim Fubara],” he said

UK Mobile Phone Giants Face Class Action For Alleged Overcharge

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UK Mobile Phone Giants Face Class Action For Alleged Overcharge

The big four operators allegedly overcharged on up to 28.2 million contracts, resulting in damages sought totalling £3.285 billion.

Britain’s biggest mobile phone operators are facing a class action lawsuit that seeks damages of almost £3.3 billion ($4.1 billion) after lawyers on Friday alleged that customers had been overcharged.

Vodafone, EE, Three and O2 are accused of “loyalty penalties”, leaving existing customers paying more than new customers for the same services, stated law firm Charles Lyndon, which has brought the case along with an adviser on consumers’ legal rights, Justin Gutmann.

In reaction, the accused refuted the claim and said they were awaiting more detail.

The claim relates to contracts whereby a customer had bought a phone together with airtime services.

It alleges that the firms failed to reduce the overall amount charged once the minimum contractual term expired, despite the fact that consumers had fully paid for the phone.

The class action has been filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, with all qualifying consumers are automatically included in the claim for free unless they decide to opt out.

The big four operators allegedly overcharged on up to 28.2 million contracts, resulting in damages sought totalling £3.285 billion.

Gutmann said if successful, a consumer who bought a contract made up of a mobile phone and services such as data, minutes and calls with one of the mobile operators could receive as much as £1,823.

“I’m launching this class action because I believe these four mobile phone companies have systematically exploited millions of loyal customers across the UK through loyalty penalties, taking over £3 billion out of the pockets of hard-working people and their families,” Gutmann said in a statement.

“These companies kept taking advantage of customers despite the financial crisis of 2008, Covid and now the cost-of-living crisis. It’s time they were held to account.”

Responding, EE said “we strongly disagree with the speculative claim being brought against us”.

Vodafone said it had yet to “have sufficient detail for our legal team to assess”.

An O2 spokesman added: “To date there has been no contact with our legal team on this claim. However, we are proud to have been the first provider to have launched split contracts a decade ago which automatically and fully reduce customers’ bills once they’ve paid off their handset.”