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https://www.channelstv.com/2022/07/14/muslim-muslim-ticket-be-mindful-of-your-utterances-ganduje-tells-lawal/ | Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has cautioned Babchair Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, over his utterances on the controversial issue of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor in a statement by his Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, accused Lawal of spreading falsehood and preaching intolerance, saying he should be mindful of his choice of words.
READ ALSO: 2023: Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim Ticket Is ‘A Disastrous Error, Dead On Arrival’ – Babachir Lawal
“Muslim Muslim ticket is not going to in any way resulted in the neglect of Christians in the country,” the statement read.
“The former SGF, Christian party members, and other Nigerians should be mindful of their utterances, especially on religious matters, and support the APC for quality leadership that will deliver the country from its challenges.”
The Kano State governor was responding to Lawal’s statement condemning the decision of the APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu’s decision to pick Kashim Shetima, a fellow Muslim, as his running mate for the 2023 general election.
In the statement, Lawal described Tinubu’s choice as a “disastrous error”.
“I am afraid a Moslem-Moslem ticket will be “Dead on Arrival”. And the arrival date according to INEC’s election timetable is 25th February 2023. This ticket will drag down the whole APC members to the pit. We all should reject it,” he said.
Lawal in his statement also said there was evidence of an Islamic agenda and accused Governor Ganduje of being involved in the agenda.
He said, “Proof of a possible Islamic agenda was leaked when Governor Ganduje, the “Kadmul Islam”, gave advance notice that Tinubu had assured them he would be nominating a Moslem as his running mate.
“For those who might not know, Governor Ganduje has a foundation called “Ganduje Foundation” which purpose according to its website is to “provide selfless service to humanity and Islam” but whose primary purpose it appears is the conversion of Christians to Islam.”
But Ganduje rejected the allegation, saying, “the comment was totally false considering that, while there is no compulsion in religion, Islam gave individuals the freedom to choose their own religion, and also provided non-Muslims with considerable economic, cultural and administrative rights”.
He added, “There was never a time any Christian or non-believer is forced to embrace Islam by the foundation because it negates the teachings of Islam, but (they) are called to Islam at their wish just as the missionaries go to villages in Kano to invite non-believers to embrace Christianity.”
According to him, it is unfortunate that at a time when the country needs to be united for national development and religious tolerance, a man of Babachir’s calibre would spread falsehood without much consideration for his position in the APC and close relationship with the party’s flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Further defending the foundation, the statement said it was set up about 40 years ago and is engaged in philanthropic, humanitarian, and charitable activities that included medical, support and assistance to the needy in the society, particularly the orphans and the physically challenged, medical outreach to attend to those with diabetes, hypertension, malaria, dental as well as ante-natal and maternal care.
“Governor Ganduje always stands for religious harmony in Kano as exemplified by the administration’s creation of the Ministry for Religious Affairs, where the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is a partner and enjoys a good working relationship with the governor as well as the introduction of an Inter-Faith Dialogue that promotes religious harmony between Muslims and Christians in the state,” the statement added.
Controversial ticket
Tinubu had sparked controversy On Sunday when he announced Shetima as his running mate after weeks of speculations about who he would pick.
The announcement which meant that the APC was opting for a Muslim-Muslim ticket drew condemnation and split opinion.
Tinubu, his allies and his party have all tried to allay fears and concerns about his choice. He has said he has deep respect and trust in Islam and Christianity.
He said Shettima was selected because the former Borno State governor is “competent, capable, reliable and able to be picked as a running mate”.
“Religion, ethnicity, and region cannot always and fully determine our path,” he was quoted as saying in a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, spokesman for his campaign organisation.
“To forge ahead as a nation towards development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds. We must recalibrate our political calculations to where competence and fairness matter, more than reducible demographics.” | Muslim-Muslim Ticket: Be Mindful Of Your Utterances, Ganduje Tells Lawal | business | Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has cautioned Babchair Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, over his utterances on the controversial issue of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC). |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/03/06/lagos-spent-n12bn-power-one-year-ambode/ | The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that his administration has spent about N12bn on power in one year.
The Governor made this known while speaking at the Lagos Means Business event which was held at Victoria Island, Lagos state.
He said that the money is used in buying diesel to power street lights which has a total of 31,446 in the state.
He explained that the essence of the street light to ensure that there are security and stability in all areas of the state.
Attributing the success of his administration, he stated that there are over a 100 project ongoing and delivered which includes the ten-lane airport road.
Compensation
The governor noted that in terms of compensation to people whose buildings, shops or offices were destroyed during the construction of Agege flyovers and airport roads, the government has paid almost “N4bn but with all the projects on ground compensation this year is going to be N6bn”.
He added that if these compensations are not paid there will be disagreement between people which will delay development in the progress made so far.
The governor further added that all these cannot be achieved by the government alone, therefore called on the private sector to help in achieveing this.
According to the governor, the private sector can grow the economy of Lagos state and provide needed jobs, by taking advantage of the enabling environment created by government. | Lagos Has Spent About N12bn On Power In One Year – Ambode | politics | The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has said that his administration has spent about N12bn on power in one year. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/06/07/ekeweremadu-defends-six-year-single-tenure/ | Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has said the decision by the Senate Committee on Constitution amendment to recommend a six-year single tenure for the President was taken to avoid accusation of connivance with the President by the National Assembly to elongate his tenure.
Senator Ekweremadu who is also the chairman of the Constitution Amendment committee explained this while briefing Senate correspondents.
He added that if the recommendation is approved, it would take effect as soon as the amended process was concluded. | Ekeweremadu Defends Six-Year Single Tenure | business | Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has said the decision by the Senate Committee on Constitution amendment to recommend a six-year single tenure for the President … Continue reading Ekeweremadu Defends Six-Year Single Tenure |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/12/19/swiss-bank-fined-1-5-billion-pound-sterling-for-rate-rigging/ | Swiss banking giant UBS has agreed to pay $1.5bn (£940m) to US, UK and Swiss regulators for attempting to manipulate the Libor inter-bank lending rate.
It becomes the second major bank to be fined over Libor after Barclays was ordered to pay $450m to UK and US authorities in the summer.
Regulators worldwide are investigating a number of banks for rigging Libor.
Libor tracks the average rate at which the major international banks based in London lend money to each other.
It is the second-largest set of fines imposed on a bank to date, after the $1.9bn that HSBC agreed to pay US authorities earlier this month to settle allegations of money-laundering.
The bank has also agreed to admit to committing wire fraud through its Tokyo office in the case of manipulating Libor rates for loans denominated in Japanese yen, among others.
It said it would seek a non-prosecution agreement with the DoJ covering the rest of the bank’s misbehaviour.
UBS said it has agreed to pay fines to regulators in three different countries: $1.2bn (£740m) in combined fines to the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, £160m to the UK’s Financial Services Authority (FSA), 59m Swiss Francs (£40m) to the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority. | Swiss Bank fined $1.5 Billion For Rate Rigging | politics | Swiss banking giant UBS has agreed to pay $1.5bn (£940m) to US, UK and Swiss regulators for attempting to manipulate the Libor inter-bank lending rate. … Continue reading Swiss Bank fined $1.5 Billion For Rate Rigging |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/10/29/edo-council-election-aggrieved-parties-should-go-to-court-afegbua/ | The government of Edo State, on Tuesday, advised aggrieved parties in the Esan North-east Council By-election to follow due process and seek redress in court.
The State government expressed satisfaction with the election results and insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was trying to muddle up the election process.
Speaking on Channels Television breakfast programme, ‘Sunrise Daily’, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, alleged that the PDP arrested electoral officers when they realised they were losing to make the process cumbersome and discredit the outcome of the election.
“Over 25 persons where put behind bars,” he said, with the help of “the ‘imported’ police officers from Lagos and Abuja.
“One commander of the Mobile Police in Lagos, Patrick Ejededawe, an indigene of Uromi, came with some policemen to supervise elections in Uromi,” he explained.
Considering the fact that the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees is from the Esan North local council, tempers will naturally be high because they wouldn’t want him to lose a local government election, he stated.
He said that the election results were collated at the designated centres contrary to the claims of the PDP.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, Chairmanship candidate, Sam Oboh, was declared winner of the by-election, held on 22 October with 12, 67 votes.
The leadership of the state is of the APC. | Edo Council Election: Aggrieved Parties Should Go To court – Afegbua | business | The government of Edo State, on Tuesday, advised aggrieved parties in the Esan North-east Council By-election to follow due process and seek redress in court. … Continue reading Edo Council Election: Aggrieved Parties Should Go To court – Afegbua |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/04/06/oyo-govt-reveals-plans-for-oyo-economic-summit-2014/ | The Oyo State Government has concluded plans to hold its first economic summit in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan the state capital between April 14 and 15, 2014.
Spearheading the economic summit, the Ministry Of Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, told journalists at a press conference in Ibadan that the IITA was chosen as a partner for the project to show that the government has provided the right terrain, infrastructure, and human resources to drive its comparative advantage in agriculture successfully.
The Commissioner of Trade Investment and Cooperatives, Oyefunke Oworu, who described the summit as long overdue, said that it would open the doors of the state to local and foreign investors on a larger pedestal, with a view to finding practical solutions and developing strategies that would serve as integrated road map for the economic transformation of the state.
With the theme ”Oyo State; Right For Business”, the Commissioner said that the Government had over the past few years made necessary provisions to create conducive atmosphere for investors, adding that Oyo was ready to go back to its glorious days of earnings from agriculture.
The Director-General of the IITA, Ntenraya Sangiga, in his remarks at the conference, said that enormous potentials abound through the active partnership of IITA, the Oyo State Government and the private sector. He noted that being one of the largest producers of cassava in Nigeria, the state had more than enough to leverage in crop production, using the best technology available.
With an expansive arable land area of 27,107.5 square kilometres, a working population of approximately 4.3million people, Gross State Product (GSP) of approximately 1.7billion dollars, per capita income of 276dollars, over 5 research institutes, and an estimated population of over 7.5 million people, blessed with more than 40 outstanding tourist sites, Oyo State appears to be capable of becoming the destination of choice for serious investment.
The summit which starts on April 14 is expected to attract captains of industries, directors of blue chip industries, heads of local and international organisations, top officials of embassies, SMEs among other stakeholders. | Oyo Govt. Reveals Plans For Oyo Economic Summit 2014 | politics | The Oyo State Government has concluded plans to hold its first economic summit in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan … Continue reading Oyo Govt. Reveals Plans For Oyo Economic Summit 2014 |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/04/12/2019-elections-our-votes-were-stolen-diverted-and-suppressed-moghalu/ | The presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has reacted to the outcome of the recently concluded elections, alleging that votes meant for his party were stolen, diverted and suppressed.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the YPP candidate said he was disappointed at the result of the 2019 polls.
“I know for a fact that our votes were stolen, our votes were diverted, our votes were suppressed. For this reason, the numbers attributed to the YPP for example as the final count was a joke,” he stated.
His comments come few weeks after the February 23 presidential election which saw the participation of about 73 political parties.
READ ALSO: Governor Abubakar, Bauchi APC File Petition At Election Tribunal
Few days after, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate winner of the poll.
But Moghalu believes the result was a clear testament that “Nigerians have made a choice with the status quo, I didn’t win the election.”
When asked if he was rigged out of the election, the YPP candidate stressed “I am not claiming that I won the election and was rigged out. I want to be very clear.”
He, however, called for “fundamental reform” of the nation’s electoral system.
Moghalu, who is also a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) believes that Nigeria should work hard to deepen her democratic process ahead of the 2023 general elections. | 2019 Elections: Our Votes Were Stolen, Diverted And Suppressed – Moghalu | business | The presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has reacted to the outcome of the recently concluded elections, alleging that votes … Continue reading 2019 Elections: Our Votes Were Stolen, Diverted And Suppressed – Moghalu |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/10/12/global-energy-prices-to-retreat-in-early-2022-imf/ | Energy prices, which have soared in recent days, are likely to remain high in the coming months but begin to retreat early next year, IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath told AFP in an interview Tuesday.
While energy prices “will be elevated” for the next couple of months, “We expect that to come back down by the end of the first quarter next year and into the second quarter,” she said.
“Once we get past the winter months, we will be in a better place.”
READ ALSO: Georgieva Keeps IMF Helm Despite Scandal
Oil prices soared to multi-year highs on Monday, with the benchmark WTI crude jumping above $80 a barrel for the first time since October 2014, which sent major stock markets tumbling.
WTI moved higher on Tuesday, although Brent crude retreated slightly.
The increase in energy prices has ramped up fears that inflation could tick even higher and hinder the global economic recovery.
Gopinath cautioned that the weather will play a factor, since a very severe winter could lead to broader power outages “that will have a much bigger effect on the world.”
AFP | Global Energy Prices To Retreat In Early 2022 - IMF | politics | Energy prices, which have soared in recent days, are likely to remain high in the coming months but begin to retreat early next year, IMF chief … Continue reading Global Energy Prices To Retreat In Early 2022 – IMF |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/05/20/nigerias-oil-production-shows-further-strain/ | Nigeria’s oil production showed further signs of strain on Thursday as intruders blocked access to Exxon Mobil’s terminal exporting in Qua Iboe, the country’s largest crude stream.
Exxon Mobil said that the terminal continued to operate even as the intruders blocked staff from gaining access from early morning hours.
The incident is the latest in a string of attacks and other problems at the oil infrastructure in Africa’s largest crude producer.
Militant activity in the oil-rich Niger Delta has taken out some 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil production from other companies in Nigeria, pushing oil output in Africa’s largest-producing nation to more than 22-year lows. | Nigeria's Oil Production Shows Further Strain | politics | Nigeria's oil production showed further signs of strain as intruders blocked access to Exxon Mobil's terminal exporting Qua Iboe, the largest crude stream |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/09/21/imo-election-tribunal-dismisses-two-petitions-against-ihedioha/ | The Imo State Election Tribunal has dismissed the petition of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and its governorship candidate Senator Ifeanyi Arareume for lacking in merit.
The tribunal in its sitting today also dismissed the petition of the candidate of the Action Alliance Party, Mr. Uche Nwosu, for incompetence.
READ ALSO: Imo Election Tribunal To Deliver Judgment On Petition Against Ihedioha
Three petitions were filed by the governorship candidates of the Action Alliance, All Progressives Congress, (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), asking the tribunal to nullify the election of Mr Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on the ground that he was unlawfully declared as the governor of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, two of those petitions have now been dismissed.
The governorship election petition tribunal in has dismissed all the applications challenging the victory of governor Emeka Ihedioha for lacking in merit.
But the court is currently ruling on the petition proper.
Senator Hope Uzodinma of the APC had approached the tribunal claiming that governor Ihedioha did not meet the constitutional requirement to be declared governor and that there was no substantial compliance to the law in declaring him as governor.
The chairman of the tribunal Justice Umar Dogondaji said six preliminary objections were filed in the said petition. All the applications have been dismissed for lacking in merit.
They are now considering the petition in the main.
The petition the chairman said was filed on the following grounds
Senator Uzodinma, therefore, asked for an order declaring him the winner of the Imo state governorship election and an order asking to withdraw the certificate of return given to governor Ihedioha.
Governor Ihedioha on his part asked the tribunal to dismiss the petition for lacking in merit.
The tribunal in the final analysis however held that the evidence of over 50 witnesses is of no probative value since they made their statements in Hausa language and the statements are not before the tribunal.
The tribunal chairman said that Uzodinma called several witnesses and also stood for himself, alleging voting in Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.
He also alleged that his polling agents were not allowed to perform their functions during the election.
The chairman of the tribunal said that Senator Uzodinma had to reform the function of a collation agent for his party because of the situation of the day of the election.
He also said in his witness testimony that he wants the tribunal to set aside the election of the first respondent who is governor Emeka Ihedioha.
The petitioner, however, called 53 witnesses.
It is their evidence that the form EC8A were rendered but they could only see the results of their party the APC.
That the other entries on the documentary they represented were not legible and that they could not identify the name of the presiding officer on the said documents that were tendered by their party.
The start witness according to the chairman of the tribunal stated that INEC did not give them the certified true copy of the form EC8A and the copies tendered were the copies collected by their polling agents which were tendered at their party’s national secretariat.
Meanwhile both second and third respondents in the petition did not call any witnesses and closed their case because those who tendered it were not the makers of the document as such their testimony and the said documents are placed with hearsay and in law when a testimony is laced with hearsay it cannot be given a probative value. | [Updated] Imo Election: Tribunal Dismisses Three Petitions Against Ihedioha | business | The Imo State Election Tribunal has dismissed the petition of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and its governorship candidate Senator Ifeanyi Arareume for lacking … Continue reading [Updated] Imo Election: Tribunal Dismisses Three Petitions Against Ihedioha |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/12/29/from-groundbreaking-to-game-changing-12-tech-headlines-of-2023/ | Let’s be honest, the technological advancement and innovations we saw in 2023 were almost inconceivable.
The unprecedented transformations we witnessed, showed that the landscape has evolved from ground-breaking developments to game-changing revolutions.
Perhaps, it must be for this reason that Cambridge chose its word for the year, to be – Hallucinate. It is not out of place to assert that many of our technological encounters in 2023 felt like a dream for some and a nightmare for others.
From easy to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, to contactless commerce, even down to the maturing metaverse; it is clear that tech reshaped to a great extent what we used to know as our reality.
Within the year we monitored the trends and reported the happenings within the tech space, and here now; we reveal our 12 major tech headlines that shaped the narrative for 2023.
1. OpenAI Launches Business Version Of ChatGPT
The chatbot developed by OpenAI was launched on November 30, 2022. By January 2023, it had become the fastest-growing consumer software application in history, gaining over 100 million users and contributing to the growth of OpenAI’s valuation to $29 billion.
With this success recorded, OpenAI went on to unveil a business version of its chatbot, featuring unlimited higher-speed GPT-4 access, longer context windows for processing longer inputs, advanced data analysis capabilities and customization options.
2. Sam Altman Fired And Hired!!
The firing of Sam Altman the CEO of OpenAI in November, was a major talking point but the story took a greater twist when Microsoft put out a statement noting that it would hire Altman.
Microsoft also said it was willing to hire any other OpenAI employees who wanted to follow Altman out the door and this turned out to be almost all staff of OpenAI.
Knowing what this meant for their operations, OpenAI was forced to rethink its action and wasted no time in rehiring the CEO.
3. US Takes On Google In Landmark Antitrust Trial
In what was termed a landmark case, US government went up against Google over the dominance of the company’s world-dominating search engine.
According to the accused US government, Google has been paying out $10 billion a year to Apple and other firms in order to safeguard its monopoly over online search, a set of exclusive contracts that leave rivals no chance to compete.
4. Apple Unveils Vision Pro, Its $3,500 Headset
Mid-2023, Apple unveiled its first-ever mixed reality headset, challenging Facebook-owner Meta in a market that has yet to tempt users beyond videogamers and tech geeks.
5. Chinese Tech Giant Alibaba Names Next CEO
Still in June, Chinese tech giant Alibaba announced that it will replace chairman and CEO Daniel Zhang with current executive vice chairman Joseph Tsai as chairman and Eddie Wu as CEO in September.
Zhang said in a statement it was “the right time” for him to step down as the firm looks to implement a full spin-off of its advanced cloud computing unit.
6. TikTok Chief Faces US Congress As Lawmakers Mull Ban
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew fought for the survival of the hugely popular video-sharing app in the United States, as he faced skeptical Washington lawmakers over the company’s alleged ties to the Chinese government.
The 40-year-old Singaporean addressed the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and endured hours of serious grilling by both Republicans and Democrats who feared that Beijing could subvert the site for spying or to promote propaganda.
7. Meta Hit With Record €1.2bn Fine Over EU Data Rules
Facebook owner Meta was fined a record 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) for transferring EU user data to the United States in breach of a previous court ruling.
The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC), which acts on behalf of the European Union, said the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) had ordered it to collect “an administrative fine in the amount of 1.2 billion euros”.
8.Microsoft Buys Activision Blizzard for $69bn
Microsoft in October completed its $69bn (£57bn) deal to buy Activision Blizzard, the maker of games including Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.
This development took place after the UK’s competition watchdog cleared the acquisition which was earlier blocked following arguments that the deal would harm competition in cloud gaming.
9. FTX Founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, Found Guilty Of Fraud
The former Chief Executive Officer (CE0) of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried, was found guilty of fraud and money laundering following a month-long trial in New York.
Bankman-Fried, 31, was convicted on a seven-count charge by a 12 man jury in Manhattan Federal Court, despite pleading not guilty to two-counts of fraud and five counts of conspiracy.
10. Amazon Cuts 27000 Jobs
At least 27000 jobs were cut by Amazon in 2023.
First in January, Amazon announced it will cut more than 18,000 jobs from its workforce, citing “the uncertain economy” and the fact that the online retail giant had “hired rapidly” during the pandemic.
CEO Andy Jassy in March again said he was cutting additional 9,000 more jobs from Amazon’s workforce.
“Given the uncertain economy… and the uncertainty that exists in the near future, we have chosen to be more streamlined in our costs and headcount,” Jassy said in a memo to staff.
11. Binance To Pay $4.3bn Fines In US, Founder Steps Down
The world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange Binance was asked to pay fines totaling $4.3 billion, even as its chief, Changpeng Zhao stepped down in November.
Zhao pleaded guilty to violating U.S anti-money-laundering requirements, in a deal that might preserve the company’s ability to continue operating, according to court documents.
12. AI Poses Threat Of Extinction, Says Tech Leaders
In May, hundreds of artificial intelligence scientists and tech executives signed a one-sentence letter which stated that AI poses an existential threat to humanity.
According to the open letter, “Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war”.
It was very surprising to realize that Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, as well as executives from Google’s AI arm DeepMind and Microsoft
were among those who supported and signed the short statement from the Center for AI Safety.
Projections
In conclusion, 2023 was a great year for generative Artificial Intelligence but the world yet to see the full power of this tool and 2024 presents an opportunity AI to find its way deeper into all our daily operations, as more individuals will come to a better knowledge of how this simulations can suit their lives.
With the lines between physical and digital operations being continually blurred, experts say we can only expect that 2024 might be the year in which Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) would officially break the boundaries of what we know as existence and norms of operations, especially within the work place.
From more electric vehicles being manufactured and put into use, to sophisticated military drones, it promises to be a very exciting yet somewhat scary future. If put to appropriate use, tech will definitely change our world in ways we can never imagine. | From Groundbreaking To Game-Changing: 12 Tech Headlines Of 2023 | technology | Tech in 2023 reshaped to a great extent what we used to know as our reality, and experts fear that AI could lead to the extinction of humanity. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/02/20/sanusis-suspension-selective-witch-hunt-done-in-bad-faith-cnpp/ | The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, has regarded the suspension of Mr. Lamido Sanusi as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, as selective, witch-hunt and one done strictly in bad faith.
They made this assertion in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, Mr Osita Okechukwu, while also stating that the organisation could not fault the powers of President Goodluck Jonathan, to suspend any official of the Federal Government.
“For the avoidance of doubt, for a long time tongues have been wagging on the way and manner Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had converted the CBN into a charity organization; but Mr President did not take special notice nor was deeply concerned until Malam Sanusi opened the Pandora-Box in what we may term the cash-cow – Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
“CNPP like most patriots will celebrate the day President Jonathan suspends those whom Malam Sanusi had clearly exposed for allegedly squandering billions of United States Dollars (USD) of Crude Oil revenue without due process, lack of transparency and most importantly utter disregard to appropriation by the National Assembly.
“Until then, we regard the suspension of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as selective, witch-hunt and suspension done in bad faith”, the statement read. | Sanusi’s Suspension: Selective Witch-Hunt Done In Bad Faith – CNPP | business | The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, has regarded the suspension of Mr. Lamido Sanusi as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, as selective, … Continue reading Sanusi’s Suspension: Selective Witch-Hunt Done In Bad Faith – CNPP |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/01/13/moghalu-on-nigerias-financial-system-stability/ | Despite a reported N2.37 trillion loss for the year 2012, the Deputy Governor, Financial Systems, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu, has explained how the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has helped to enhance the nation’s financial system stability.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television weekend breakfast show; Sunrise, Mr Moghalu explained how AMCON which he described as a ‘Bad bank’ was set up to above the bad debts of banks that were rescued in 2009.
He further explained that all the nation’s banks are currently contributing a portion of the annual profits to a sinking fund that will offset AMCON’s acquired debts.
PART 2
PART 3
PART 4 | Moghalu on Nigeria's Financial System Stability | politics | Despite a reported N2.37 trillion loss for the year 2012, the Deputy Governor, Financial Systems, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu, has explained how the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has helped stabilised the nation’s financial stability. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/12/21/inec-deregisters-three-more-political-parties/ | Despite the controversies surrounding the deregistration of 28 political parties in Nigeria by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday deregistered three more parties.
In a press statement signed by the Secretary of the commission, Abdullahi Kaugama, INEC said it drew its power from the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010 (As amended).
The affected political parties according to the statement are: African Renaissance Party (ARP); National Democratic Party (NDP); National Transformation Party (NTP).
According to Mr Kaugama, the de-registration of both African Renaissance Party and National Democratic Party is premised on the allegations that the composition of National Executive Committee (NEC) of the parties fail to meet the requirements of Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended).
INEC also alleged that the parties have “no verifiable Headquarters office contrary to Section 222(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended)” and have “not won a seat in the National and State Assemblies”
The statement said the National Transformation Party (NTP) was deregistered because the composition of National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party fails to meet the requirements of Section 223(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) and the NTP has not won a seat in the National and State Assemblies. | INEC Deregisters Three More Political Parties | business | Despite the controversies surrounding the deregistration of 28 political parties in Nigeria by the Independent National Electoral ... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/02/27/court-nullifies-election-of-bassey-albert-akpan-as-uyo-rep/ | A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, has nullified the election of Bassey Albert Akpan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as senator representing Uyo senatorial district.
It has also declared his opponent, Mr Basey Etim of the PDP, as the authentic candidate of the party in the 2015 election.
In 2016, Etim took Senator Akpan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to court claiming that he was wrongly substituted in the primary election of PDP in Akwa Ibom State.
Akpan, on the other hand, had petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) seeking the probe of Justice Fatun Riman of the Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom division over allegations of bias, judicial misconduct and arbitrariness. | Court Nullifies Election Of Bassey Albert Akpan As Uyo Rep | business | A Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, has annulled the election of Bassey Albert Akpan of the PDP, as senator representing Uyo. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/01/31/okorocha-formally-declares-for-presidency-says-igbos-wont-leave-nigeria/ | Former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha on Monday officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of Nigeria, saying he will beat the record of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He disclosed this on Tuesday during a World Press Conference in Abuja.
Okorocha while speaking concerning the performance of the Buhari-led administration commended him and said Nigerians cannot blame him for the problems in the country.
He, however, boasted that he will beat the President’s record.
“Buhari has done well, but he will never wish to be the best. I will beat Buhari’s record a billion times,” Okorcha said.
He stated that the problems of Nigeria are bigger than the resources available and that the country needs a leader who can create wealth and turn things around. He, however, stressed that his administration will be better than President Buhari’s a billion times.
He added that the Igbos are the only people who have businesses across the different geopolitical zones of Nigeria and the stance of the Igbos runs contrary to the agitation championed by the Proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).
The lawmaker, who represents Imo West Senatorial District, said his leadership would usher in a new Nigeria where youths would be given the chance to develop their skills and contribute to the development of the country. According to him, his leadership will make education free for all Nigerian children to ensure that everyone is educated.
READ ALSO: APC National Reconciliation Committee Submits Interim Report
“My heart bleeds because of that boy in Maiduguri or Katsina that cannot go to school. I’m not satisfied when poverty becomes the order of the day. Many countries have tagged us as the poverty capital of the world, I do not agree,” he said.
“The truth is that we are a great nation and time will come when it will be made manifest. To the youths, If I become your president, I will hand it over to the next generation. I’m not not-too-young-to-run and not too old to run, I’m only 57.
“We have 14 million out-of-school children. I will declare free education, it is something I have done.” | Okorocha Formally Declares For Presidency, Says 'I Will Beat Buhari's Record' | business | Former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha on Monday said contrary to the agitation championed by the Proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Igbos do not want to leave Nigeria. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/04/07/chinese-teenager-sells-kidney-to-buy-ipad-iphone/ | Five persons alleged to have been involved in illegal organ trading were indicted in Central China following a teenager’s sale of one of his kidneys to get an iPhone and an iPad.
It has however brought to fore the negative impact increasing consumerism is having in the Asian country as concerns kept pouring that enough is not done to guard against such acts as the new generation choose materials over their personal health.
The 17 year old high school student named Wang had the five suspects organize the removal and transplant of his kidney done in the city of Changzhou as Chinese officials confirmed that the suspects were charged and prosecutors in the Changzhou Beihu District People’s Procuratorate were handling the case in Hunan Province and the suspects will be facing a charge of intentional injury
A surgeon, hospital contractor and brokers who are online searchers for kidney donors and also lease operating rooms for the completion of the procedure were the suspects and defendants to the case.
The illegal trade was fuelled by the rate of people in need of a transplant as statistics show that Chinese people needing organ transplants is on the high up to about 1.5 million people and in one year 10,000 transplants are performed.
One of the suspects named Wei said he went into the illegal organ trade because he was broke and owing gambling debts and he liaised with a friend who is also a suspect to get organ donors online and operating room which can lease for the transplant.
Wei said he received 220,000 Yuan ($35,000) for the transplant, gave the student 22,000 Yuan ($3,500) and shared the remaining money with the other defendants and several medical staff involved in the operation which took place April 2011.
After the transplant Wang returned and asked by his mother where he got the money to buy himself the iPhone and iPad, he confessed to the mother that he sold one of his kidneys.
It’s been norm in China as individual consider it as an option of getting out of debt being owed, buying of top-range gadgets among other reasons, a Chinese newspaper reports. | Chinese teenager sells kidney to buy iPad, iPhone | technology | Five persons alleged to be involved illegal organ trading were indicted in Central China following an incident of a teenager |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/07/07/markets-mostly-in-reverse-after-latest-stocks-surge/ | Asian markets mostly fell Tuesday as traders took a step back after their latest rally, with a run of upbeat economic data offset by fears over a spike in new virus infections.
While several countries are suffering a fresh surge in infections — particularly the United States — the ongoing easing of lockdown measures and reopening of economies has been the key driver of a months-long surge across equities.
After the latest advances, which saw Shanghai hit a two-year high and the Nasdaq on Wall Street end at another record, dealers stepped back and took profits.
There was also some trepidation on trading floors after Donald Trump’s top infectious diseases expert warned the US was still “knee-deep” in its first wave of coronavirus infections.
Anthony Fauci said the country was in “a serious situation that we have to address immediately”.
That came as several states reported new daily records for new cases, with some reimposing lockdowns.
On Tuesday, Australian authorities said more than five million residents of Melbourne, the country’s second-biggest city, will be locked down for six weeks after virus cases surged.
Hong Kong shed 1.4 percent after climbing more than eight percent over the previous four trading days, while Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Manila were also in negative territory.
Sydney and Jakarta were flat, while London, Paris and Frankfurt were all down in the morning as the European Union forecast a massive contraction in the eurozone economy this year.
But Shanghai rose 0.4 percent, having surged almost six percent Monday as retail investors piled back into the market.
Observers also pointed to an editorial in the China Securities Times on Monday that said fostering a “bull market” after the virus crisis was crucial to kick-starting the world’s number two economy.
The composite index has risen more than 10 percent in just over a week, though there are worries about another bubble similar to the one that burst four years ago and sparked a global rout.
– More gains to come? –
“China’s army of retail investors seem to be perfectly able to look through the worrying Western media headlines of another global coronavirus record,” said AxiCorp’s Stephen Innes.
“Instead, they are listening to the enthusiastic chorus from the nation’s influential state media, which are universally singing bullish from the same song page.”
He cited reports saying there had been a recent surge in new brokerage account openings.
Wellington, Mumbai and Bangkok also rose.
Traders have for weeks been trying to balance the reopening of economies with worries about the disease as it continues its march across the planet.
On Monday there was more positive data, with an index of the US service sector — which makes up the vast majority of the economy — seeing its biggest-ever jump in June to beat forecasts.
“Investors have recognised that as bad as the economy in the US is, it’s not as bad as what people thought it would look like in March and April,” said Nancy Prial at Essex Investment Management.
“The market has started to sense we might see better-than-anticipated results fairly broadly across a wide spread of companies.”
In a sign that the reporting season could be positive, Samsung Electronics said Tuesday it expects to see operating profit jump 23 percent in the second quarter, which is much better than the single-digit fall that analysts had forecast.
The firm appears to have benefited as lockdowns boosted its chip business with data centres moving to stockpile DRAM chips to meet surging demand for online activities.
– Key figures around 0810 GMT –
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.4 percent at 22,614.69 (close)
Hong Kong – Hang Seng: DOWN 1.4 percent at 25,975.66 (close)
Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.4 percent at 2,245.34 (close)
London – FTSE 100: DOWN 0.8 percent at 6,234.63
West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 1.4 percent at $40.07 per barrel
Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 1.2 percent at $42.58
Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1285 from $1.1308 at 2100 GMT
Dollar/yen: UP at 107.57 yen from 107.39 yen
Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2480 from $1.2489
Euro/pound: DOWN at 90.44 pence from 90.53 pence
New York – Dow: UP 1.8 percent at 26,287.03 (close)
AFP | Markets Mostly In Reverse After Latest Stocks Surge | politics | Asian markets mostly fell Tuesday as traders took a step back after their latest rally, with a run of upbeat economic data offset by … Continue reading Markets Mostly In Reverse After Latest Stocks Surge |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/25/obi-defeats-atiku-tinubu-at-david-marks-polling-unit/ | The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has won the polling units of former Senate President, David Mark, located at the VIP Unit One with the GRA Otukpo, Benue State.
Obi won with one hundred and seventy-eight (178) votes ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar who got twenty-two (22) and eighteen (18) votes respectively.
The chant of “Obi! Obi!!” rented the air upon announcement of the result, many young persons took to the street in celebration.
READ ALSO: EFCC’s Election Monitoring Teams Attacked in Abuja, Imo
In a similar development, Mr Obi has won the first polling unit (PU) to be declared in the Aso Rock, Abuja vicinity.
At PU 131, which is one of the several units around the premises, he polled 17 votes to beat the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu who got six votes, and their counterpart in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who garnered three votes.
Earlier, Obi cast his vote at polling unit 19 in the Agulu area of the Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone.
Obi and his wife Margaret cast their vote around 11:45 am on Saturday after following the voting queue for about 30 minutes.
Addressing reporters after he voted, Obi said the process was “seamless”, adding that | Obi Defeats Atiku, Tinubu At David Mark's Polling Unit | business | Obi won with one hundred and seventy-eight (178) votes. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/04/27/bank-of-japan-expands-easing-measures-cuts-growth-forecast/ | The Bank of Japan on Monday ramped up its emergency monetary easing and cut growth forecasts for the world’s third-largest economy, as the coronavirus pandemic ravages the globe.
After a meeting shortened from two days to one, the central bank said it would shift to unlimited government bond buying and more than double its capacity to purchase corporate bonds and commercial papers — a move to support Japan Inc’s financing as the country grapples with fallout from the virus.
The announcement comes as central banks around the world revert to extraordinary measures — in hand with trillions of dollars of government stimulus — to support their economies, which have been ravaged by long-running lockdowns aimed at preventing the spread of the disease.
Analysts said the announcement was appropriate but were gloomy on the prospects of success.
The move is “largely symbolic, but it’s better than doing nothing”, Taro Saito, senior economist at NLI Research Institute, told AFP ahead of the decision.
“Given the circumstances, no one expects the latest policy can turn the economy around, and the same can be said about fiscal stimulus,” he said.
Even before lifting the 80 trillion yen cap on government bond buying, the BoJ’s purchases were well below the ceiling, Saito noted.
READ ALSO: Merkel Faces Growing Criticism Over German COVID-19 Strategy
In a quarterly economic report issued on Monday, the bank also revised down growth forecasts, projecting the economy will shrink 3.0 to 5.0 percent for the current fiscal year to March 2021, compared with the previous estimate of 0.8-1.1 percent growth.
For the past year to last month, the BoJ estimates the economy shrank 0.1 percent to 0.4 percent, compared with the previously estimated 0.8-0.9 percent growth.
But it revised up the forecast for the fiscal year to March 2022, now estimating growth of 2.8-3.9 percent, against a previous estimate of 1.0-1.3 percent expansion.
– ‘Grim’ economic prospects –
Central bank chief Haruhiko Kuroda warned that the pandemic has had a “serious impact” on the domestic economy, “and the economic prospects are increasingly bleak”.
“We expect that global economic activity will be restrained until the spread of infections heads towards containment and we project that our economy will stay grim for a while,” he said at an afternoon briefing.
“The timing on when the spread of infections is contained or the pace of (economic) improvement after containment is highly uncertain, and we think downwards risks are big.”
The central bank left rates unchanged though Kuroda said it was ready to take “additional easing steps without hesitation”.
“We wouldn’t rule out a cut in policy interest rates,” he added.
The bank also reiterated its longstanding commitment to a two percent inflation target, which has remained stubbornly elusive, while revising down its forecast for core consumer prices.
The central bank’s decisions come ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s meeting later this week to shore up confidence and keep the financial sector running.
The Fed has already unveiled measures to bolster liquidity and cut interest rates to historic near-zero as the coronavirus slammed the US economy, so it is not expected to do much besides project confidence at its policy meeting this week, analysts have said.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government last month unveiled a package of stimulus measures worth around $1 trillion to protect jobs, bolster the medical sector and ease the pain for working families.
Earlier this month, Abe said the government will offer a cash payment of 100,000 yen ($930) to every resident.
“Japan’s economy is likely to remain in a severe situation for the time being due to the impact of” the virus, the BoJ said in its quarterly report.
But “thereafter, as the impact of the spread of the COVID-19 wanes at home and abroad, Japan’s economy is likely to improve, supported by accommodative financial conditions and the government’s economic measures”, it added.
AFP | Bank Of Japan Expands Easing Measures, Cuts Growth Forecast | politics | The Bank of Japan on Monday ramped up its emergency monetary easing and cut growth forecasts for the world’s third-largest economy, as the coronavirus pandemic … Continue reading Bank Of Japan Expands Easing Measures, Cuts Growth Forecast |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/06/16/okowa-brings-immense-electoral-value-to-pdp-ticket-ekweremadu/ | Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, says the choice of Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate to Atiku Abubakar, gives the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) an extra advantage in the forthcoming presidential election.
Ekweremadu made this assertion in a brief statement on his official Facebook page where he joined party leaders, party faithful, and supporters in congratulating Governor Okowa, on his emergence as the vice presidential candidate.
“This is a sound choice by our presidential flagbearer, H.E Atiku Abubakar and our party.
“No doubt, Okowa brings immense electoral value to the PDP ticket and is highly resourceful and he is prepared for the office of the VP,” Ekweremadu stated.
READ ALSO: Why I Chose Okowa As My Running Mate – Atiku
The parliamentarian urged every party leader and member to work to ensure the success of the ticket at the 2023 polls.
In a similar vein, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has congratulated his Delta State counterpart, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa on his emergence as the running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Obaseki, in a statement, said Okowa’s emergence will translate to victory for the party in the forthcoming elections.
“I heartily congratulate you, my friend and brother, His Excellency, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa on your emergence as the Vice Presidential candidate of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“An energetic grassroots mobiliser; Okowa, a two-time governor, senator and commissioner, has the needed experience that would guarantee victory for our party in 2023 elections in our bid to rescue the country and place it on the path of progress and prosperity.”
“As we embark on this all-important mission to rescue Nigeria, we must now all work together in unity, as a people and party, to reclaim our country,” the governor charged. | Okowa Brings Immense Electoral Value To PDP Ticket – Ekweremadu | business | Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, says the choice of Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate to Atiku Abubakar, gives the Peoples Democratic Party … Continue reading Okowa Brings Immense Electoral Value To PDP Ticket – Ekweremadu |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/06/28/sheriff-group-set-for-another-pdp-governorship-primaries-in-edo/ | If things go according to plan, another primary election to determine the flag bearer for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 2016 governorship election will hold on Wednesday June 29.
This is according to the chairman of the state committee put in place by the faction loyal to the embattled leader of the opposition party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’, Mr Ebenezer Alabi.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, Mr Alabi said the leadership of the party under Senator Sheriff invoked section 31, sub section two of the party’s constitution to appoint a seven-man committee to conduct a fresh primary election in Edo State.
The decision to have another primary election after one earlier one organised by the Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP that produced Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu as flag bearer further showed deepened crisis in the party trying to regroup after it lost power in the centre to the All Progressives Congress.
Senator Ali-Modu Sherrif’s faction had issued nomination forms to persons willing to contest in another governorship primary election in Edo State.
A lawmaker representing Egor/Ikpoba Okha Federal Constituency in Edo State, Honourable Ehiozuwa Johnson-Agbonayinma, told reporters that he had picked the nomination form for an election to be organised by the Sherrif’s faction.
Honourable Agbonayinma purchased the form in Abuja.
He later addressed reporters in Benin City on Saturday, stressing that, as a lawmaker he was convinced that the only legally recognised PDP in Nigeria was that headed by Senator Sheriff.
Senator Sheriff had on Thursday set up another committee to conduct primaries for three PDP governorship candidates in Edo State, who have bought forms from his faction. | Sheriff's Group Set For Another PDP Governorship Primaries In Edo | business | If things go according to plan, another primary election to determine the flag bearer for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 2016 governorship election. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/03/15/kwankwaso-visits-tinubu-lashes-out-at-ekiti-governor/ | The Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Sunday, led the Hausa community in Lagos, in a visit to the National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu.
Although the visit was for the group to plan for the forthcoming election, the Kano State Governor used the occasion to react to what he calls the seeming disrespect for elders by his colleague governor in one of the South West states.
“I have this belief that in this part of the country are people who are positively cultured. This part of Nigeria we have very respectful people, ranging from Awolowo, Shonekam, Obasanjo, MKO Abiola, Asiwaju and so on and so forth.
“But anytime I listen to this young man in Ekiti State, I feel terribly embarrassed as a governor and I feel bad for Yoruba people.
“This young man, I don’t know what went wrong, I used to know him, although I was not very close to him. Of course when I was a governor, he was not a governor, he was governor after I left Government House in 2003.
“These days if I look at him, I think many things are wrong with his words and even his mouth. You tell him that he should learn how to respect elders.
“Even those of us who are governors with him are his seniors and in this business of politics, like all other businesses, I think seniority should be respected,” he said.
Former Lagos State Governor and APC leader, Bola Tinubu, in his speech, lauded Governor Kwankwaso for his respect and commitment to change.
He encouraged citizens to vote for change. “You know what PVC means, ‘Please Vote Change’, go and collect your PVC,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections. | Kwankwaso Visits Tinubu, Lashes Out At Ekiti Governor | business | Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Sunday, led the Hausa community in Lagos, in a visit to the National leader of the APC, Mr Bola Tinubu. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/02/03/plateau-rerun-inec-staff-held-hostage-over-ballot-papers-shortage/ | Some ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were on Saturday held hostage at polling unit 052 in Rockhaven Zaria Road of the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The voters complained that there were not enough sensitive materials for the rerun election.
There are 1,728 registered voters in the unit but only 100 ballot papers were released for the House of Representatives while the 1,728 ballot papers were released for the Senatorial rerun.
The voters’ decision to hold the INEC staff hostage was due to non-availability of result sheets and incident form for complainants.
It was also discovered that all polling units in Rockhaven, Zaria had the same challenge of ballot papers shortage for the House of Representatives election. | Plateau Rerun: INEC Staff Held Hostage Over Ballot Papers Shortage | business | The voters complained that there were not enough sensitive materials for the rerun election. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/07/16/ekiti-election-lai-mohammed-hails-outcome-says-nigerians-have-spoken/ | The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has commended the outcome of the just concluded Ekiti governorship election which was held last Saturday.
He said, “The Nigerian people have spoken, they have spoken loudly about their perception of the APC-led Buhari administration”.
The Minister stated this at a press conference on Sunday which was held in Lagos State.
He said that with the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the election was more than one state’s gubernatorial poll. “It was a referendum on the performance of the Buhari Administration. And Nigerians have given their verdict”.
The APC candidate, Kayode Fayemi was declared the winner of the election on Sunday morning by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after he outpolled the Deputy governor of the state, Professor Kolapo Olusola of the PDP, and others in the race to succeed Governor Ayodele Fayose.
He won in 11 out of the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, polling 197,459 votes, and edging out his closest rival Olusola who got 178,121 votes by 19,338 votes.
The Informationation while commending the outcome said, “It’s not just a defeat for the PDP, it’s a defeat for all the naysayers who have made themselves the spokespersons for Nigerians”.
He added that “It is a death knell for fake news! Anyone who monitored the social media before and during the election would think it would be a landslide for the PDP. But the reality is different.
“We want to most sincerely thank the people of Ekiti State for ensuring that the election was free, fair and credible, as attested to by local and international observers and for turning out en masse to exercise their franchise.
“In 2014, the votes of the people of Ekiti did not count as the then PDP-led Federal Government used federal might to hijack the election and concoct the result.
They barred two serving Governors from travelling to Ekiti to support their fellow Governor. They wilfully shut the Akure airport and we, leaders of the opposition APC, were forced to return to Lagos by road in the night.
“With the roles reversed in 2018, we did not pay the PDP back in its own coin, because of our strong belief in the rule of law. The rest is history”. | Ekiti Election: Lai Mohammed Hails Outcome, Says Nigerians Have Spoken | business | The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has commended the outcome of the just concluded Ekiti governorship election which was held last Saturday. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/07/22/former-minister-over-8000-pdp-members-defect-to-apc-in-kogi/ | Former Minister of Police Affairs, Humphery Abba, former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustee, Mrs Halima Alfa and more than 8,000 members of the PDP have defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kogi State.
The defection of the former top government officials and other PDP members is coming few months to the governorship election in Kogi State in Nigeria’s north-central region.
The leader of the APC in Kogi State, Abubakar Audu, received the defected members on Wednesday at a rally held in Ayingba, Eastern Senatorial District of the state.
Audu expressed optimism that the defection of the former top government officials and members of the PDP would boost the popularity and chances of the APC in the November 21 governorship poll in Kogi State.
The APC leader further asserted that the time had come for change in Kogi State, reiterating his party’s determination to take over leadership from the ruling PDP.
On behalf of the defected members, Mrs Alfa said that the PDP government failed to meet the aspirations of the people, which led to their defection.
The former PDP leader then urged the party supporters to come out en-masse to vote for the APC in the forthcoming governorship election.
She also added that the APC was the only party that could bring about the anticipated development and peace in Kogi State. | Former Minister, Over 8,000 PDP Members Defect To APC In Kogi | business | Former Minister of Police Affairs, Humphery Abba, former PDP Leader, Mrs Halima Alfa and over 8000 PDP members have defected to the APC in Kogi State. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/07/20/president-buhari-urges-more-nigerians-to-embrace-farming/ | President Muhammadu Buhari has urged more Nigerians to embrace farming, saying he was surprised to hear that only 2.5 per cent of arable lands in the country is being cultivated.
The President said this while addressing journalists at his residence on Tuesday in Daura, the Katsina State capital, after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers.
According to him, the Presidential Economic Advisory Council had notified him that only a small percentage of the land in the country had been used for farming, directing security outfits to work more with communities to create a more friendly environment for farmers.
The President mandated security outfits to be more relentless in maintaining peace in the country, and ensure a more harmonious relationship with communities so that they can glean intelligence.
He said the security situation had improved considerably overtime in the North East and South-South, and efforts were being made in North Central and North West, assuring that more will be done to fish out those that had been troubling the peace of the nation and citizens.
Earlier at the prayer ground, the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk, called on citizens to be more supportive of the President so that he can actualize his vision of improving security and boosting the economy.
“Since the President came into power we have seen some positive changes in the country,” the Emir said.
“May God continue to strengthen the President with good health and courage to bring peace to the country. God will not allow Nigeria to see shame,’’ he said. “God has been keeping the country and he will keep the country.’’ | President Buhari Urges More Nigerians To Embrace Farming | politics | President Muhammadu Buhari has urged more Nigerians to embrace farming, saying he was surprised to hear that only 2.5 per cent of arable lands in the country is being cultivated. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/03/14/china-wants-nigeria-oil/ | The world’s second largest oil consumer, China, says it would need more crude imports from Nigeria despite recent changes in global prices.
This is according to the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Zao Lingxiang.
Mr Linxiang said that despite Iran’s entry into the oil market, Chinese companies want to the country to export more of the black gold.
He said Nigeria’s total crude export to China was only about one million barrels in 2015, which was just 1.3% of annual oil export.
Nigeria’s current trade volume between both countries stood at $14.94 billion in 2014, making it China’s third largest trade partner in Africa.
Meanwhile, China’s economy faces tougher times ahead following a slowdown in industrial output.
According to government data, industrial output has slowed to its weakest growth since the financial crisis, prompting concerns over the global recovery.
Production rose by 5.4% in January and February which is the worst since 2008.
Recent data revealed that Chinese exports fell 25.4% in February compared with the same month in 2015.
It was the biggest monthly decline since 2009, and ahead of the 11.2% fall recorded in January.
Retail sales in the first two months of the year grew by 10.2% – below analysts’ expectations of a 10.9% rise.
China is trying to refocus its economy from investment and export-led growth to consumer spending. | China Wants More Nigeria Oil | politics | The world’s second largest oil consumer, China, says it would need more crude imports from Nigeria despite recent changes in global prices. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/01/13/nigerias-economy-inflation-hits-18-55/ | Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics, shows that Nigeria’s headline inflation has risen to 18.55 per cent its highest in more than 11 years.
According to the statistics office, the 0.07 per cent rise from 18.48 per cent recorded in November 2016, was driven by surges in housing, water and electricity, while the food index also rose to 17.39 per cent, against 17.19 per cent.
The December 2016 report showed that Food Index rose by 17.39 percent (year-on-year) in December 2016, up by 0.20 percent points from rate recorded in November (17.19) percent.
During the month, all major food subindexes increased, with Soft Drinks recording the slowest pace of increase at 7.66 percent (year on year).
Increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yield the Headline Index.
Communication and Restaurants and Hotels recorded the slowest pace of growth in December, growing at 5.33 per cent and 8.91 per cent (year-on-year) respectively.
The rising inflation comes as the country grapples with its first recession in 25 years, largely caused by the fall in global oil prices since 2014.
A second quarter report of the statistics office showed Nigeria’s economy had glided into recession, with its Gross Domestic Product contracting by 2.06 per cent, but the government has continued to assure Nigerians that the recession would be short-lived.
The latest assurance on the recovery of the economy was issued by the World Bank, with its prediction that Nigeria will get out of recession and grow its Gross Domestic Product by one per cent in 2017.
In its January 2017 Global Economic Prospects report released on January 11, the global lender said that sub-saharan African growth is expected to pick up modestly to 2.9 per cent in 2017, as the region continues to adjust to lower commodity prices. | Nigeria's Economy: Inflation Hits 18.55% | politics | Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics, shows that Nigeria's headline inflation has risen to 18.55 per cent its highest in more than 11 years. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/03/24/opposition-parties-disunited-because-they-lack-father-figure-like-buhari-lawan/ | Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Thursday said opposition parties in Nigeria are “disunited” because they lack a father figure like President Muhammadu Buhari.
Lawan disclosed this to newsmen after the leadership of the National Assembly met with President Buhari ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention.
While highlighting the need for party members to be united ahead of the exercise, Lawan explained that Buhari has been able to ensure that rifts within the party are properly mended.
Read Also: President Buhari Mourns First Female U.S Secretary Of State, Madeleine Albright
“I want to say that this meeting with Mr President has given us more energy. We believe that there is a father, at least in our party; there is a president who will ensure that once there are disagreements he is able to call everybody to order and ensure that the family continues to remain united and that is what we have been able to achieve over the years,” Lawan asserted.
“Well, I don’t want to be very partisan. But of course, when you have a father in the family and a mother, then you’re likely to have a stable family. And when you have only one or none in the family, you are not likely to be successful, the family is likely to be disunited, and that is what other political parties probably are facing.
“And I want to add here, finally, to say that we are committed to ensuring that this political party does not only have a successful convention but a very successful, peaceful, and safe electioneering campaign during 2022/2023 general campaigns and the general elections, by the grace of God.
“We’ll see Nigerians voting once again for APC because we have so far done so much in the areas that matter for the people of this country. But that is not to say that we are not facing some challenges we are, but we are squaring up to ensure that we deal with those challenges.”
The Senate President also stated that the party is committed to ensuring that the APC has a successful and peaceful convention and as such a ”Unity List’ of officers to be elected for the party is expected by Friday.
“We hope to achieve a consensus in selecting and electing the officers for the party, we are prepared to come up with a unity list,” he said.
Speaking further, Senator Lawan acknowledged that the country has challenges but that the APC and the 9th Assembly have done well, particularly with the passage of old and salient bills, cooperation with the opposition members in the PDP and APGA to ensure that issues of national interest remain the prime goal. | Opposition Parties Disunited Because They Lack Father Figure Like Buhari – Lawan | business | Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Thursday said opposition parties in Nigeria are “disunited” because they lack a father figure like President Muhammadu Buhari. Advertisement … Continue reading Opposition Parties Disunited Because They Lack Father Figure Like Buhari – Lawan |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/08/29/buhari-woos-foreign-investors-in-japan-says-nigeria-has-attractive-opportunities/ | President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday wooed foreign investors at the ongoing seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) assuring them of good returns.
President Buhari disclosed this while presenting the country’s statement at Plenary Session Three on “Public-Private Business Dialogue” at the conference in Yokohama, Japan.
“Nigeria has very attractive investment opportunities with some of the highest Returns-on-Investment,” he declared.
The President, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said he looked forward to welcoming prospective investors in Nigeria’s power and renewable energy, petrochemical and gas, maritime (shipping and ports), automobiles, mining, agribusiness, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, ICT and railway sectors.
He assured that his administration is committed to removing “all impediments to private sector participation in these sectors by creating policies that will ensure consistency, predictability and a level playing field for all.”
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“I have also established a Presidential Committee on Enabling Business Environment, which is made up of key Ministries and prominent businessmen to promote the Ease of Doing Business and make Nigeria more attractive and competitive for investment.”
Reviewing Nigeria-Japan relations, President Buhari commended existing bonds of friendship and economic cooperation between both countries, describing the Asian country as “a strategic partner for our socio-economic development.”
He disclosed Nigeria’s intention to “further encourage relationships with key public and private sector stakeholders” in both nations.
Buhari expressed delight with the level of discussions on the establishment of the Japan-Nigeria Business Facilitation Council and described TICAD Forum as important to Nigeria in many respects.
He noted that his administration “has put in place measures seeking to diversify the economy by developing agriculture, emphasising on manufacturing and addressing the energy and infrastructure deficit.”
“TICAD is also coming at a time when our government is implementing home-grown and private sector-driven economic measures that are predicated on good governance, infrastructure and human capital development as well as, business climate reform,” he said.
According to him, “Nigeria and indeed Africa, expect much from this Forum in terms of investment, considering the role of Foreign Direct Investment in all economies – developed and developing.”
President Buhari also expressed Nigeria’s gratitude to the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, for his commitment to strengthening trade and investment between Japan and Africa.
See more photos of President Buhari at the Plenary Session 3 during the conference below… | Buhari Woos Foreign Investors In Japan, Says Nigeria Has Attractive Opportunities | politics | President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday wooed foreign investors at the ongoing seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) assuring them of good returns. Advertisement … Continue reading Buhari Woos Foreign Investors In Japan, Says Nigeria Has Attractive Opportunities |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/11/07/u-s-election-global-markets-go-on-a-frenzy/ | Global markets on Monday go on a frenzy as the U.S Federal Bureau of Investigation gave its second Clean Bill of Health to Democratic presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton.
The Asian markets ends on a general positive note, while the European equities were rallying in early trade.
Ahead of wall street open, the Nasdaq futures index was up 1.7 percent, but as the markets open, the world’s number one stock index, the down jumps 1.47 percent or some 250 basis points
At the currencies market, the U.S Dollar was up 1.40 on the British pound while gold, a safe haven decline some 17 Dollars as fears tapers over Hillary Clinton’s much talked-about email scandal. | U.S Election: Global Markets Go On A Frenzy | politics | Global markets on Monday go on a frenzy as the U.S Federal Bureau of Investigation to Democratic presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/11/18/photos-yahaya-bello-supporters-jubilate-over-kogi-election-victory/ | Jubilation is in the air at the Kogi State Government House as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been re-elected.
Governor Bello was returned elected on Monday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having scored the highest number of votes in the keenly contested poll.
The Returning Officer for the election and Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Professor Ibrahim Umar, made the declaration at the INEC office in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
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The APC candidate polled a total of 406,222 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr Musa Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 189,704 votes.
See photos of the Governor and his supporters jubilating at the State House. | Yahaya Bello, Supporters Jubilate Over Kogi Election Victory | business | Jubilation is in the air at the Kogi State Government House as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and incumbent Governor, Yahaya Bello, has been re-elected. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/10/26/misaus-allegation-i-dont-work-aisha-buharis-office-says-garba-shehu/ | As another controversy erupts over the allegation that the Inspector General of Police bought two Sports Utility Vehicles for the wife of the President, one of the President’s spokesperson has clarified his position.
Senator Isah Misau who has been engaged in a running feud with the IGP, Ibrahim Idris, had told the Senate Ethics Committee on Wednesday that he had papers that show that the police chief bough to vehicles for Mrs Aisha Buhari through her ADC.
Mrs Buhari and the IGP have since denied the claims with the former tweeting, “I still use my personal cars” on Thursday.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari skipped the question about the issue by stating that it wasn’t his job and he, therefore, didn’t have the facts.
When asked about the matter, Mr Shehu declared that he had been ambushed before going on to say, “I don’t work in the office of the wife of the President, I am not aware of these issues.”
He said although he had heard about the matter earlier on in the programme, “the Office of the Wife of the President has a spokesperson – she has a little establishment that is taking care of her own. I believe they are in the best position to discuss these elements.”
Meanwhile, the IGP has rejected Senator Misau’s claims, describing them as outright falsehood.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, said the claims were “misleading, unfounded, a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and drag the name of the Wife of the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari and that of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris into a controversy”.
It added, “It is pertinent to state that at no time did the Wife of the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aisha Buhari requested directly or indirectly for vehicles for her use from the Inspector General of Police and no vehicle whether Jeep or SUV has ever been given for her personal use.”
The IGP, however, explained that he is Constitutionally empowered to deploy and “control of the entire Operations of the Force including allocation of Police vehicles for operational use throughout the country”.
According to the statement, based on his powers, but contrary to Senator Misau’s claims, two police vehicles were allocated to police personnel in the convoy of the wife of the President.
“It is within the powers of the Inspector General of Police as stated above that when on the 17th January, 2017, SP Sani M Baba –Inna, the ADC “Wife of the President” Federal Republic of Nigeria requested for two vehicles for Police Personnel in the convoy of Wife of the President for convoy movement and security purposes, two Police Vehicles (i) A Toyota Sienna Bus with Reg. No. NPF 2406D (ii) A Toyota Hiace Bus with Reg. No. NPF 3363D were approved by the Inspector General of Police to the ADC “Wife of the President” SP Sani M Baba –Inna for the purposes requested and not to the person of the Wife of the President or for her personal use as alleged by Misau,” the statement read in part. | Misau’s Allegation: I Don’t Work In Aisha Buhari’s Office, Says Garba Shehu | business | As another controversy erupts over the allegation that the Inspector General of Police bought two Sports Utility Vehicles for the wife of the President, one … Continue reading Misau’s Allegation: I Don’t Work In Aisha Buhari’s Office, Says Garba Shehu |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/11/15/ondo-election-progressives-governors-chair-says-forum-supports/ | The Governor of Imo State, Mr Rochas Okorocha, says there is no division among the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the emergence of the governorship candidate of the party in Ondo state, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Addressing reporters in Ondo State on Tuesday, Governor Okorocha said that the party was united and indivisible.
The governor disclosed that all the APC governors had met and resolved to work for the victory of the party and its candidate, Mr Akeredolu in the forthcoming governorship election.
Governor Okorocha was in the state’s capital to rally votes for Mr Akeredolu from the Igbo community in the state.
The Imo State Governor emphasised that the emergence of Akeredolu as the flagbearer of the party was solely the choice of the people of the state.
He said: “Your majesty, just to announce to you that I am here on behalf of all the APC governors. We are now 23 in number, plus one, twenty four and this includes all the APC governors in the south west, all APC governors in the south east, North central, North east, north-west and south-south. All of us are together.
“We are just here to support our in-coming colleague. Let me correct one impression. All APC governors met and have resolved to support our candidate. There is no division in our family, and APC is still one
“That is why the father of APC, President Muhammadu Buhari, will be coming on Saturday, and will address the people of the state to clear the air on those who doubt the unity of our party. We are united
“What brought us together is not interest to acquire power. It is the interest to bring the necessary change for economic emancipation of our great nation
“So, I am here to inform you that I came and Aketi has been chosen by all of us and we are solidly behind him. We are unshakably behind him
“In the next couple of days, the dust of Akure will raise to usher in the new governor. We believe in Change and believe me, my prayer is that Ondo state should not be outside this change arrangement
“We looked carefully and we did not force anyone to give us a candidate. We want the people to choose who they want and Akeredolu is as a result of that exercise.
“Akeredolu was never imposed by anybody. No party leader gave him any money, We allowed Akeredolu to come here and test his popularity but the people has spoken and since the people has spoken and given him to us, it is now our responsibility to support him and give him success
“Akeredolu is a man who has a heart of gold. He does not believe in primitive accumulation of wealth. He will make a good governor. He is not wealthy. He is not rich, not because he doesn’t have the wisdom to make the money, but because he believed that it should be shared equally”.
In his response, the Deji of Akure and paramount ruler of Akure kingdom, assured the governor that the people of Akure are solidly behind the APC and Akeredolu.
“By the grace of God, Akeredolu will get there, so Akure people are solidly behind him. There is no doubt about that. When we have the state and have the federal , what else do we need?
“Whatever we want, we will get it, so this time, whatever Akure wants, Akure should get – federal appointments and state appointments. We are behind the incoming governor. We will be prepared for the President’s visit.
The IMO State Governor, Rochas Okorocha also visited the Ezendigbo 1 of Ondo State, Igwe Gregory Iloehika and his other leaders of the Igbo people in Akure to seek their support for Barr Rotimi Akeredolu in the November 26 governorship Election. | Ondo Election: Progressives Governors' Chair Says Forum Supports Akeredolu | business | The Governor of Imo State, Mr Rochas Okorocha, says there is no division among the governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the emergence of the governorship candidate of the party in Ondo state, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/08/18/atiku-wike-rift-its-like-some-devil-has-entered-pdp-bode-george/ | A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bode George has lamented the internal crisis in the party, saying it looks like “some kind of devil has entered into the midst of our party.”
There has been an internal crisis in the PDP since its presidential primary. Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who lost to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the poll, claims he was cheated in the election. Atiku’s selection of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State as his running mate further widened the cracks within the party. Atiku had explained the rationale behind the move but Wike accused him of “telling many lies”.
Attempts to reconcile the duo have, however, not yielded the needed result but Bode George has told them to sheathe their swords, saying the rift is a source of concern ahead of the 2023 elections.
“It is a major bother not only for me but to a lot of the committed elders and members of the upper chamber of the party. It looks like some kind of devil has entered into the midst of our party,” he said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
“We have the capacity to resolve our crisis; we have enough experienced leaders, committed followers, who will sit and be able to resolve this crisis once and for all.
“Unfortunately, we have a month and a week before we commence the campaign. My appeal now is that Governor Wike should cool down, the presidential candidate Atiku should also cool down because none of their ambition should be bigger and higher than the ambition of our party. We are appealing to both of them.”
While admitting that conflicts are inevitable, the PDP chieftain noted that “the capacity and the ability to handle the resolution of such crisis would be a measure of how developed, reliable or respectable that organisation is.”
READ ALSO: [Presidency 2023] Bode George Must Learn To Respect Tinubu, Says Fani-Kayode
‘Our Party Is Sacrosanct’
His comments came amid calls for the resignation of the party’s National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu since he is from the same region as Atiku.
Speaking on the matter, Chief Bode said the party should revert to the dictates of its constitution.
“On the issue of Senator Iyocha Ayu, he should know that our founding fathers in their wisdom divided the country into six geopolitical zones so that every political zone will be represented,” he added.
“If the President comes from one zone, the vice president should come from another zone. The same thing applies to the Senate, down to the last position. So, zoning in our party is sacrosanct.
“Ayu was secretary to Gana, so he knows the truth. The North has the president, so, let us have a position to have inclusivity in our party to convince our people in the South why we are members of the party.” | Atiku-Wike Rift: It's Like Some Devil Has Entered PDP - Bode George | business | A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bode George has lamented the internal crisis in the party, saying it looks like "some kind of devil has entered into the midst of our party." |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/09/13/south-african-economy-could-shrink-more-than-forecast-minister/ | South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni warned Sunday the economy could shrink by more than the 7 percent forecast by policymakers and the central bank for 2020, adding that public finances are “overstretched”.
The economy of Africa’s most industrialised nation contracted by more than half in the second quarter of this year, an unprecedented decline caused by anti-coronavirus restrictions.
Looking ahead, there is a “risk that the actual GDP outcome for 2020 could be lower than previously thought,” Mboweni wrote in the local Sunday Times newspaper.
The Treasury and central bank expect the economy to contract by 7.2 and 7.3 percent respectively this year, after the country went into a strict lockdown in March already in recession.
Mboweni noted that public finances, already in an “unsustainable position” before the pandemic, were now “overstretched”.
“The reduction in economic activity in the second quarter has flowed through to lower tax revenue,” the minister wrote, adding that emergency tax relief to keep households and businesses afloat would compound the loss.
Government is expected to fall short of more than 300 billion rand ($18 billion) in tax revenue — over six percent of GDP — Mboweni said, forcing the heavily indebted country to “borrow even more”.
But he also promised reforms to climb out of the hole, writing “we must be bold in confronting what has impeded economic growth and the progress of our nation.”
He wrote that one of government’s priorities would be to ensure “adequate and reliable electricity”, backed by a commitment to unlock private investment in the public sector.
Unreliable electricity supply from state operator Eskom’s fleet of rickety coal-fired power stations is often blamed as a source of economic instability in South Africa.
The country accounts for around half of the continent’s coronavirus cases, with over 648,000 infections and 15,427 deaths recorded to date, although daily increases have been dropping since July.
AFP | South African Economy Could Shrink More Than Forecast - Minister | politics | South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni warned Sunday the economy could shrink by more than the 7 percent forecast by policymakers and the central … Continue reading South African Economy Could Shrink More Than Forecast – Minister |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/10/25/apc-primaries-protesters-storm-niger-gov-house-over-alleged-replacement-of-candidate/ | A crowd of protesters has blocked the road leading to the Niger State Government House, accusing the All Progressives Congress of replacing their candidate.
According to them, Jafaru Illiyasu Auna won the APC ticket to contest for the Magama/Mariga/Rijau Federal Constituency but he was replaced with Shehu Saleh, who had contested for Zone C senatorial ticket in the state.
They alleged that the certificate of return given to Auna had been withdrawn by the National leadership of the APC.
Over the last three weeks, there have been series of protests by APC supporters in Niger State over alleged interference by the national leadership of the party.
This, the aggrieved supporters say, may negatively affect the party’s chances in the 2019 general elections. | 2019: APC Supporters Storm Niger Gov House Over Alleged Replacement Of Candidate | business | A crowd of protesters has blocked the road leading to the Niger State Government House, accusing the APC of replacing their candidate. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/06/24/rivers-apc-denies-inviting-wike-to-join-party/ | The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has debunked reports on social media and some traditional media platforms that it has invited the immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike, to join and lead the party.
This was made known in a statement titled ‘APC Did Not Call For Wike’s Admittance Into Its Fold’, signed by the party’s publicity secretary in the state, Darlington Nwauju, and made available to our correspondent on Saturday.
“The attention of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has been drawn to calls by impostors and sponsored amorphous groupings acting as fronts for the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Mr Nyesom Wike, that APC in Rivers State is calling on him (Mr Wike) to join the same party he had characterised as suffering from cancer,” it read.
“Nothing can be more preposterous than this kite being flown by minions of Wike working hard to justify their pay cheque.
“We wish to unequivocally dismiss any such rumour or sponsored story planted in any medium that Rivers State APC had at any forum invited Mr Wike to join our party none the least calling on Wike to take over leadership of a party he never campaigned for.”
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The party dared anyone to provide video evidence of any campaigns where Wike openly campaigned for the APC.
“The terror unleashed on our party members in the course of his eight years maximum rulership alone is enough evidence to confirm that Wike has no business with Rivers State APC. Asking him to come and take over is asking an enemy to come and finish off his victims,” the statement alleged.
“We are aware of his schemes to escape justice over the looting of the collective patrimony of Rivers people which is the major reason for his romancing top APC members.
“For those who may be suffering from amnesia, a none APC member cannot be cheerleader for the entry of Wike into APC. Nobody can decree his membership of a political party through radio or newspaper publications. All vexatious attempts at distracting our party in Rivers State will keep failing.”
The Rivers APC chapter noted that it had a legally recognised state office where all official business is conducted, adding that also had a standard procedure for convening meetings based on its constitution.
“Therefore, it is expedient for the public to be aware that village meetings or gatherings cannot equate with a stakeholder’s meeting of APC in Rivers State, especially a gathering that took place at a hotel belonging to such a non-APC member,” it said.
“We therefore disassociate the leadership of our party from any so-called stakeholders meeting suggesting that our party be handed over to Mr Wike. We reiterate our party’s resolve to lend 100% support to the policies and programmes of the Federal Government under the indefatigable leadership of our President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“We warn blackmailers and conflipreneurs to desist from the shameless tradition of using the name of our party to curry favour from desperate politicians seeking relevance at the centre.” | Rivers APC Denies Inviting Wike To Join Party | business | The party said that asking Wike to come and take over is "asking an enemy to come and finish off his victims." |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/10/28/elon-musk-tech-genius-social-media-boss-eccentric/ | Elon Musk is at turns ingenious, impulsive and infuriating. He is also a corporate maverick, unafraid to tackle myriad industries by his own rules.
After revolutionizing the auto industry, sending his own rocket to space — with his car on board — and building the world’s biggest fortune, the eccentric billionaire is the new king of social media after he took charge of Twitter on Thursday and fired its top executives.
That will give him control of the network on which the world debates, mobilizes, bickers and throws shade, Musk often first among them.
The deal will also fuel the fire over his political views, business methods, outsized personality and unconventional personal life — flames he does nothing to douse.
He is libertarian, anti-woke and promotes himself as a champion of free speech. He has been accused of being autocratic and bullying.
“The reason I acquired Twitter is because it is important to the future of civilization to have a common digital town square” for healthy debate, Musk said earlier Thursday, while insisting it could not become a “free-for-all hellscape.”
His takeover of the social media juggernaut caps a months-long roller coaster of announcements, counter-announcements and legal maneuvering — which he characteristically punctuated by firing jabs at the company on its own platform.
It is the latest corporate conquest for Musk, after online publishing and payments, space travel and electric cars.
The 51-year-old is the richest person in the world, a title he took last year from Amazon’s Jeff Bezos following the meteoric rise of Tesla, his electric automaker founded in 2003.
– Newsmaker, for better and worse –
Musk’s businesses make headlines for the right reasons: his space transport firm SpaceX is a partner in a three-way venture that sent the first fully private mission to the International Space Station.
But his empire also makes news of a less flattering kind: Tesla has faced a series of lawsuits alleging discrimination against Black workers as well as sexual harassment.
In parallel with the whiplash-inducing stream of business news, Musk’s unconventional private life also keeps the world’s eyebrows raised.
Musk has had two children with his on-again off-again partner, the musician Grimes: a son, X AE A-XII, known as X, and a girl they named Exa Dark Sideræl Musk — although the parents will mostly call her Y.
He also fathered twins with a top executive in Neuralink, a company he co-founded.
One way or another, Musk has become one of the most ubiquitous figures of the era. So how did he get where he is today?
– To Mars… and beyond? –
Born in Pretoria, on June 28, 1971, the son of an engineer father and a Canadian-born model mother, Musk left South Africa in his late teens to attend Queen’s University in Ontario.
He transferred to the University of Pennsylvania after two years and earned bachelor’s degrees in physics and business.
After graduating from the Ivy League school, Musk abandoned plans to study at Stanford University in California.
Instead, he dropped out and started Zip2, a company that made online publishing software for the media industry.
He banked his first millions before the age of 30 when he sold Zip2 to US computer maker Compaq for more than $300 million in 1999.
Musk’s next company, X.com, eventually merged with PayPal, the online payments firm bought by internet auction giant eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002.
After leaving PayPal, Musk embarked on a series of ever more ambitious ventures.
He founded SpaceX in 2002 — now serving as its chief executive officer and chief technology officer — and became the chairman of electric carmaker Tesla in 2004.
After some early crashes and near-misses, SpaceX perfected the art of landing booster engines on solid ground and ocean platforms, rendering them reusable, and late last year it sent four tourists into space, on the first ever orbital mission with no professional astronauts on board.
Musk’s jokingly-named The Boring Company is touting an ultra-fast “Hyperloop” rail transport system that would transport people at near supersonic speeds.
And he has said he wants to make humans an “interplanetary species” by establishing a colony of people living on Mars.
To this end, SpaceX is developing a prototype rocket, Starship, which it envisages carrying crew and cargo to the Moon, Mars and beyond — with Musk saying he feels confident of an orbital test this year, possibly in November.
Musk, who holds US, Canadian and South African citizenship, has been married and divorced three times — once to the Canadian author Justine Wilson and twice to actress Talulah Riley. He has nine children. A tenth child died in infancy.
Forbes estimates his current net worth at $222 billion. | Elon Musk: Tech Genius, Social Media Boss, Eccentric | politics | Advertisement Elon Musk is at turns ingenious, impulsive and infuriating. He is also a corporate maverick, unafraid to tackle myriad industries by his … Continue reading Elon Musk: Tech Genius, Social Media Boss, Eccentric |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/05/12/full-list-of-32-candidates-in-ekiti-apc-governorship-primary/ | Voting has commenced to select the candidate to fly the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the July, 14 governorship primary of Ekiti State with 32 candidates currently in the race.
They were initially 33 until the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on political matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who was under the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, withdrew.
He announced his decision on Thursday while addressing reporters in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Senator Ojudu explained that he took the decision for the sake of peace in the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Following the initial election which ended inconclusively last weekend, the presidential aide said he was withdrawing since the race had turned violent and messy.
Ojudu, however, declined to announce his support for any of the remaining 32 aspirants.
Here’s a full list of the 32 candidates.
Ekiti South Senatorial District:
Mr Femi Bamisile, Mr Bamidele Faparusi, Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mr Debo Ajayi, Mr Diran Adesua, Mr Kola Alabi, Dr. Makanjuola Owolabi, Mr Sunday Adebomi, Mr Dele Okeya, Mr Gbenga Aluko, Mr Muyiwa Olumilua, Mr Bisi Aloba, Mr Adekunle Esan, Mr Sesan Fatoba, Mr Ajayi Olowo.
Ekiti Central Senatorial District:
Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, Mr Victor Kolade, Mr Dipo Ogunkoyode, Dr. Oluwole Oluleye, Mr Tosin Olofinluyi, Mr Kayode Ojo, Dr. Adebayo Orire, Mr Bodunde Adeyanju, Mr Charles Dahunsi, Mrs Taye Matesun.
Ekiti North Senatorial District:
Senator Ayo Arise, Mr Bimbo Daramola, Mr Muyiwa Coker, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, Mr Yinka Akerele, Mr Segun Oni and Dr. Kayode Fayemi. | Full List Of 32 Candidates In Ekiti APC Governorship Primary | business | Advertisement Voting has commenced to select the candidate to fly the flag of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the July, 14 governorship primary of Ekiti State … Continue reading Full List Of 32 Candidates In Ekiti APC Governorship Primary |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/06/04/anambra-governorship-election-petition-obiano-wins-at-tribunal/ | Anambra State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Awka, the state’s capital, has dismissed all petitions against Willie Obiano, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and winner of the November 16 governorship polls in Anambra State.
The tribunal chairman, Justice Ishaq Bello upheld the Governor Willie Obiano election and dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Tony Nwoye of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Chris Ngige of the All Progressive Congress, APC and the factional candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chike Obidigbo, as lacking merit and substance.
The Judge also discountenanced the allegations of double registration against Obiano for lack of evidence by the petitioners. Counsels to Willie Obiano and that of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, commended the judgment.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Victor Umeh, declared that APGA had been absolved of all factions and that the victory would determine the success the party would record in 2015.
Following the delivery, a train of APGA members and well-wishers stormed the government house where the governor, Willie Obiano, urged the jubilant crowd to celebrate peacefully as the victory was for the entire Anambra State. | Anambra Governorship Election Petition: Obiano Wins At Tribunal | business | Anambra State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Awka, the state’s capital, has dismissed all petitions against Willie Obiano, the candidate of the All Progressives … Continue reading Anambra Governorship Election Petition: Obiano Wins At Tribunal |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/08/01/facebook-instagram-to-introduce-time-management-tools/ | Do you worry that you, or your children, spend too much time on social media? Facebook and Instagram on Wednesday said they want to help you take control.
In a statement, the social media giants — which are both owned by Facebook — announced: “new tools to help people manage their time” spent on the platforms.
Among the tools are a way to limit notifications and a dashboard that allows users to keep track of how much time they have spent on the platforms.
“We want the time people spend on Instagram and Facebook to be intentional, positive and inspiring,” the statement said.
“Our hope is that these tools give people more control over the time they spend on our platforms and also foster conversations between parents and teens about the online habits that are right for them,” it added.
Facebook said it was introducing a daily reminder, whereby users are alerted when they reach the time limit they set for themselves to spend on the app.
It is also introducing an option to deactivate notifications on smartphones.
Facebook has in recent months introduced a string of changes to its content, including a major plan earlier this year to update its newsfeed to emphasise posts from friends and family.
That shift had prompted fears it could drive away advertisers if people spent less time on the social network.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had announced the changes in 2017, as his firm sought to respond to accusations that it encouraged addiction to its platform.
Earlier this year, Zuckerberg said: “In 2018, we’re focused on making sure Facebook isn’t just fun to use, but also good for people’s well-being and for society.”
Since the measures were introduced, viral videos have seen a significant drop in reach.
The plan, in turn, saw a 5 per cent drop in time spent on Facebook in the last quarter of 2017.
AFP | Facebook, Instagram To Introduce Time-Management Tools | technology | Do you worry that you, or your children, spend too much time on social media? Facebook and Instagram on Wednesday said they want to help you take control. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/08/03/sdr-imf-allocates-3-35bn-to-nigeria/ | Nigeria has been allocated about $3.35 billion as part of a historic general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
This is a result of the approval of a general allocation of about SDR456 billion – an equivalent of $650 billion – by the IMF Board of Governors on Monday.
The allocation which was approved on Monday aims to boost global liquidity at a time when the world is grappling with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“This is a historic decision – the largest SDR allocation in the history of the IMF and a shot in the arm for the global economy at a time of unprecedented crisis,” said IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva.
Although it is not a currency, the SDR is an international reserve asset created by the IMF to supplement the official reserves of its member countries.
It is a potential claim on the freely usable currencies of IMF members and can provide a country with liquidity. The SDR is defined by the US dollar, Euro, Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, and the British Pound.
Supporting Pandemic Recovery
The amount allocated to Nigeria is as a result of the exchange rate of reference which is 0.702283 SDR to a dollar as of July 1, 2021, and Nigeria has 2.4545 billion SDRs.
“The SDR allocation will benefit all members, address the long-term global need for reserves, build confidence, and foster the resilience and stability of the global economy,” the IMF managing director added.
“It will particularly help our most vulnerable countries struggling to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.”
According to the IMF, the general allocation of SDRs will become effective on August 23 and the newly created SDRs will be credited to IMF member countries in proportion to their existing quotas in the Fund.
It stated that about $275 billion (about SDR 193 billion) of the new allocation will go to emerging markets and developing countries, including low-income countries.
Georgieva promised that the fund would continue to engage actively with its membership to identify viable options for voluntary channelling of SDRs from wealthier to poorer, and more vulnerable member countries to support their pandemic recovery and achieve resilient and sustainable growth.
One key option is for members that have strong external positions to voluntarily channel part of their SDRs to scale up lending for low-income countries through the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT).
The IMF said the concessional support through the PRGT was currently interest-free, adding that it was exploring other options to help poorer and more vulnerable countries in their recovery efforts.
A new Resilience and Sustainability Trust could be considered to facilitate more resilient and sustainable growth in the medium term, it stated. | SDR: IMF Allocates $3.35bn To Nigeria | politics | Nigeria has been allocated about $3.35 billion as part of a historic general allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) of the International Monetary Fund … Continue reading SDR: IMF Allocates $3.35bn To Nigeria |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/07/23/nigeria-ask-oil-importer-to-shun-stolen-crude/ | Oil friendly nations to Nigeria have been urged to criminalize oil theft in their various countries to reduce the rising tide of the incidence in the country.
The Minister of State for Defence, Olushola Obada added that oil theft affects the very nerve of Nigeria’s economy hence the need for the country’s allies to cut off the market for such products.
On his part the visiting British Minister for International Security, Andrew Morris assured Nigerians of Britain’s readiness to support the country in the protection of its territorial integrity.
He said like Nigeria, Britain has proscribed the Islamic militant group Boko Haram as a terrorist group and will work with Nigeria to protect it against groups that pose a threat to the nation’s security and economy. | Nigeria Ask Oil Importer To Shun Stolen Crude | politics | Oil friendly nations to Nigeria have been urged to criminalize oil theft in their various countries to reduce the rising tide of the incidence in … Continue reading Nigeria Ask Oil Importer To Shun Stolen Crude |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/03/14/pdp-will-crumble-if-i-leave-kwankwaso/ | Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, is confident that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will crumble if he leaves the party.
Although Kwankwaso says he is not happy with the main opposition party at the present, he affirmed that he has yet to defect from the party.
He made the remarks during an interview on a Channels Television programme, Political Paradigm where he spoke about his political ambitions.
“There is no question about it,” said the former governor in response to what the PDP’s fate would be if he leaves. “Where are the leaders? Who are the leaders? They will crumble.”
Amid rumours and speculations that he has left for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), he insisted that he remained in the PDP, but his new political movement, the National Movement has joined the NNPP.
According to him, the NNPP which is seen as the third force will get stronger than the PDP and become the second force if he joins the party.
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Kwankwaso later went on to speak about some of the reasons for his unhappiness in the PDP, citing the recent zonal congress in the North West.
“Ideally, I should be one of the most important individuals in a party like PDP,” he said. “For many obvious reasons and from what we see, it’s like many people are turning my strength into weakness and that cannot be acceptable.
“Look at the scenario in the North West during the congress, from the things that were taken to Kano, the vice-chairman of the zone was supposed to be given to me to nominate somebody. Just like it was done in Katsina, (Former Governor Ibrahim) Shema nominated what was allocated to him, in Kaduna (Former Governor Ahmed) Makarfi did that, in Jigawa (Former Governor) Sule Lamido did that, in Kebbi Kabiru Turaki did that, in Sokoto (Governor Aminu) Tambuwal did that.
“It is only in Kano that they thought I was too small to be given that position and that’s what triggered the whole thing, and everybody kept quiet and were so happy that maybe Kwankwaso is not needed in the party.”
Watch former Governor Kwankwaso’s full interview on Political Paradigm at 9am on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. | PDP Will Crumble If I Leave – Kwankwaso | business | Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, is confident that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will crumble if he leaves the party. Advertisement Although … Continue reading PDP Will Crumble If I Leave – Kwankwaso |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/09/24/presidential-race-saraki-makarfi-at-pdp-secretariat-for-screening/ | Presidential Aspirants, Bukola Saraki and Ahmed Makarfi are currently at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja for the screening exercise, ahead of the party’s primaries.
Saraki arrived at the office on Monday morning where other aspirants will be participating in the exercise.
The Senate President took to his Twitter handle to pledge his support for whoever emerges as the Presidential Candidate of the party.
The level of camaraderie between all the @OfficialPDPNig aspirants is reassuring. I have no doubt that we will work together to support whoever emerges as our party’s candidate to #GrowNigeria. pic.twitter.com/9JbrHSKUr4
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) September 24, 2018
Also at the screening is the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal. | Presidential Race: Saraki, Makarfi At PDP Secretariat For Screening | business | Presidential Aspirants, Bukola Saraki and Ahmed Makarfi are currently at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja for the screening exercise, ahead of the party’s primaries. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/02/21/akwa-ibom-assembly-ratifies-state-audited-accounts-2016/ | Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has ratified the audited accounts of the state government which ended on December 31, 2016.
The ratification, which took place on Tuesday, followed the adoption of the report of the Public Accounts Committee of the House, as presented by the committee chairman, Mr Friday Iwok.
Submitting his report, Mr Iwok explained that the findings and recommendations in the audit report by the State Auditor-General were published in one volume.
“At the end of the painstaking exercise, the committee upheld and confirmed the state Auditor General’s recommendations in respect of 10 cases involving the sum of N259,435, which was fully recovered from the affected persons and remitted to government revenue accounts accordingly,” he told the House.
“The committee also reconciled and waived 55 cases amounting to N3, 368,400,160, while nine cases amounting to N437, 900 representing 0.013% were still pending as inconclusive cases.
“The committee in its observation noted that Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government have embraced the arts of prompt retirement of imprest and proper records keeping, as recommended by the committee,” the lawmaker added.
He further advised the State Accountant General to always ensure that qualified and experienced accounting personnel are assigned to head the accounting departments, in order to minimise errors occasioned by inexperienced and unqualified staff.
In its resolution, the House commended the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, for prudent management of state funds as appropriated by the legislative, and the zeal in ensuring that both the recurrent and capital expenditures of the state for the year were within the limits of the approved budget.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Onofiok Luke, hailed the governor for his transparency in the management of state funds.
He said: “The legislature has ensured that through the instrumentality of its oversight responsibilities, Akwa Ibom people get nothing less than accountability from the government. Transparency and accountability were at the heart of the campaign by this administration when it sought the people’s mandate in 2015.”
According to the Speaker, almost three years down the road, there are clear pointers to the fact that this government has lived true to its promises.
He added that the state government has taken relatively bold steps to ensure it remains open and fiscally responsible to the people on the state
Mr Luke noted further that on the part of the lawmakers, “The 6th Assembly, particularly, has leveraged every legislative machinery to promote probity and due process in the management of our resources.
“Accordingly, the consideration of the Auditor-General’s report by the Public Accounts Committee was a measure we adopted to ensure decency in the disbursement and use of public funds by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of state government, as stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Speaker also explained that the consideration of the House Committee on Public Account on Audited Account was aimed at ensuring prudence in the management of the state’s resources in line with Section 128 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
He said the House is encouraged by the law to exercise its powers in a bid to ensure that the financial expenditure of MDAs are made public for assessment.
“Following a thorough work done by the Public Accounts Committee and the subsequent ratification of the report of the audited account of government for 2016 by this honourable House today, I want to thank His Excellency, the governor for the independence which he has availed this House to perform its constitutional responsibilities.
“The report of the Public Account Committee and the recommendations adopted today indicates how much we have committed ourselves as a House to ensuring accountability,” Luke added.
The Speaker was optimistic that Governor Emmanuel would assent to the Fiscal Responsibility Bill passed by the House, to further strengthen transparency and accountability in the state.
He also asked the Auditor-General to afford the House the opportunity to act more promptly on the 2017 audited report of the state by sending it in early enough. | Akwa Ibom Assembly Ratifies State Audited Accounts For 2016 | politics | Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has ratified the audited accounts of the state government which ended on December 31, 2016... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/11/05/sp-index-nigerias-fg-bonds-rally-16-4-ytd/ | The Federal Government bonds tracked in the Standard and Poor’s index has rallied 16.4% in naira terms so far in 2015, a new data released by the U.S. based global rating agency has shown.
The report reveals that FGN bonds gained some seven% in US dollar terms in the current year.
In the month of October alone, Nigerian bonds returned more than 5%, beating the stock market by nearly 24 percent in US dollar terms since the new year started.
The S&P report shows Nigerian government bonds has beaten South Africa and Kenyan government bonds in US dollar terms in 2015.
While Nigerian bonds returned seven% positive on the index, South Africa and Kenya bond indices had been negative by 13%. | S&P Index: Nigeria's FG Bonds Rally 16.4% YTD | politics | Nigerian bonds in the S&P index has rallied 16.4% in naira terms so far in 2015, a new data released by the U.S. based global rating agency has shown. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/02/18/travails-of-small-businesses-in-nigeria-without-power/ | The need to empower small businesses to flourish in a diversified economy becomes more imperative as the forecast of doomsday in the oil sector becomes vivid.
The major snag on the road to recovery, however, remains the erratic nature of electricity supply to power businesses across Nigeria.
Added to this, is the hazard inherent in a dry season without electricity supply for hospitals and other critical service providers.
This feature examines the travails of small businesses without power supply and the challenges of healthy living.
The rhythmic sound emanating from electricity generating sets were indicators of a society that has adopted a suicidal coping mechanism to face the challenges before it.
A society where noise pollution and environmental degradation has become the norm against a better alternative that should have been provided by stable power supply.
Small business owners groan daily as it becomes increasingly difficult to feed their families, with so much funds spent in fueling generating sets to keep their business going.
Even in hospitals where silence and constant power supply should be given, this noisome pestilence is the order of the day.
Expert analysis indicates that the country presently, produces and distributes a little above 3,000 megawatts instead of more that 9,000 megawatts it needs to function effectively.
Economic Managers and Financial Pundits all agree that the economy must be sufficiently diversified to stabilise the country in the face of impending economic disaster from oil misfortune.
Diversification of the economy and the inclusive growth envisaged can only succeed with adequate support for Small and Medium Scale Businesses.
Many shop owners have closed down while others are barely holding on. They do not have electricity supply but they must pay heavy and crazy bills.
The MD Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Mr Fortunato Leynes, told Channels Television that the issue of crazy bills and unmetered customers was being addressed.
No meaningful growth can be achieved without electricity supply no matter how much incentives the government dole out. Better effort must be made to power up communities and cities otherwise no sense would be made of the huge investment that government is still pumping to the power sector it had already sold. | Travails Of Small Businesses In Nigeria Without Power | politics | The need to empower small businesses to grow in a diversified economy becomes more imperative as the forecast of doomsday in the oil sector becomes vivid. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2017/10/05/reps-members-dump-pdp-for-apc/ | The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained two more seats in the House of Representatives.
This follows the announcement of the defection of two lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Speaker of the House, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, at Thursday’s plenary in Abuja.
One of the lawmakers who exited the PDP is Honourable Bitrus Jisalo who represents Amac/Bwari federal constituency of the Federal Capital Territory.
Jisalo and his colleague, Yusuf Tijjani, who also represents Okene/Ogori-Magogo federal constituency of Kogi State, referred to a division in the PDP as the reason for their defection.
Minority Leader of the House, Honourable Yakubu Barde, and other PDP members at the Lower Chamber, however, frowned at the actions of the lawmakers.
Honourable Barde raised a point order and cited Section 68 of the Constitution, demanding that the defected members vacate their seats. | Reps Members Dump PDP For APC | business | The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained two more seats in the House of Representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/05/16/pdp-expresses-worry-over-alleged-plots-against-saraki/ | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Wednesday that it is deeply concerned over reports by Senate President Bukola Saraki of alleged plots to implicate him and the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed.
Senate President raised an alarm on Wednesday over an alleged plot by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris to implicate him and Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatai Ahmed.
PDP in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan said this is alarming and described the situation as an assault on the National Assembly.
“The PDP, as a party, has taken judicious note of assertions by the Senate President that the said plot is allegedly being hatched by the Inspector General of Police, Mr Idris Ibrahim, “to settle scores” with the Senate over its recent declaration that he is not fit to hold public office.
“The PDP is alarmed by the trend of brazen assaults on the institutions of democracy, particularly the National Assembly and the judiciary,” the statement read in part.
According to PDP, it had earlier alerted of plots to arrest, harass, detain dissenting voices and opposition members on trumped-up charges, as well as intimidate institutions of democracy.
The party also cited the invasion of the Senate chambers by thugs, and hoodlums violent attack of a High Court in Rivers state as bids to stop the judiciary from excising their duties
The PDP, therefore, charges the National Assembly to defend the nation’s democracy by sparing no energy in pursuing its resolution of engaging President Muhammadu Buhari on these assaults and alleged plot in order to curtail all excesses in government before the situation finally gets out of hand. | PDP Expresses Worry Over Alleged Plots Against Saraki | business | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Wednesday that it is deeply concerned over reports by Senate President Bukola Saraki of alleged plots to implicate him and the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/11/29/kogi-west-we-are-constitutionally-obliged-to-conclude-election-says-inec/ | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has firmed up preparations to conclude the Kogi West senatorial district rerun for Saturday, November 30.
The November 16 election in the senatorial district was declared inconclusive by the returning officer, Professor Olayinde Lawal, because the margin between the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Smart Adeyemi and that of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Dino Melaye was 20,570.
Professor Lawal explained that the total margin between both candidates was lower than the 43,127 registered voters in 53 polling units of 20 registration areas in the zone where elections were cancelled.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics, the Chairman, Voter Education, and Information, Festus Okoye, stated that the commission is constitutionally obliged to conclude the elections.
“The supplementary elections in Kogi West will go ahead tomorrow because it was the collation/returning officer for that particularly senatorial district that declared the election as inconclusive and we have a constitutional and legal obligation to conclude that election and we are going to conclude it tomorrow.”
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He clarified allegations of unfair usage of the smart card reader during the election while adding that the electoral umpire will continue to use the device in all elections.
“The smart card reader is innovative, creative and novel and was designed to bolster the credibility of the accreditation process. It is incumbent on every presiding officer to use the smart card reader for the purposes of accreditation.
Mr Okoye revealed that the commission received complaints of card reader malfunction in some polling units, and if the usage is resisted, zero votes will be recorded.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that in a few places, there were reports of smart card reader malfunction and we had sufficient redundancies and we intervened speedily and restored the smart card readers in the polling unit.
“We also received a few reports of attempts to bypass the use of the smart card readers and all the presiding officers have very clear instructions that if there is over-voting in any polling unit, the result should be cancelled.
“If any community or political force resists the use of the smart card reader, zero votes should be recorded for that particular polling unit,” he stated. | Kogi West: We Are Constitutionally Obliged To Conclude Election, Says INEC | business | Advertisement The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has firmed up preparations to conclude the Kogi West senatorial district rerun for Saturday, … Continue reading Kogi West: We Are Constitutionally Obliged To Conclude Election, Says INEC |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/11/21/statistics-bureau-revises-nations-gdp-downwards/ | The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revised the nation’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the fiscal year downwards to 6.61 per cent from the earlier projection of 6.85 per cent.
This indicates that the economy is encountering growth challenges not previously anticipated plus lower output from the non-oil sector.
According to the bureau, the estimates reveal a real GDP growth rate of 6.48 per cent in the third quarter of 2012, up from 6.39 per cent in the second quarter but lower than the 7.37 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2011.
In the meantime, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says broad money supply grew by 8.23 per cent in October while aggregate domestic credit declined by 3.48 per cent in the same month.
The regulator pointed out that the decline in credit to government between June and October implies that the federal government is increasingly becoming a net creditor to the banking system owing to the impact of better fiscal management including the introduction of treasury single account. | Statistics bureau revises nation's GDP downwards | politics | The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revised the nation’s real Gross Domestic Product GDP growth for the fiscal year downwards to 6.61 per cent from the earlier projection of 6.85 per cent. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/03/23/dapchi-playing-politics-with-innocent-children-disgraceful-ogundamisi/ | Political Analyst, Kayode Ogundamisi, has criticised the government over what he describes as “playing politics” with the lives of innocent girls who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists from their school in Dapchi, Yobe state.
While analysing the circumstances of their abduction and subsequent release, he said the Federal Government ought not to celebrate their ‘victory’, as the girls should not have been kidnapped in the first instance.
He made the comments on Thursday, when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“For the Nigerian Government to even celebrate the release of these girls, they should hide their heads in shame, these girls should not have been kidnapped in the first place.
“The government should have lived up to its responsibility and learnt from the mistake of the PDP government in the case of the Chibok Girls,” Ogundamisi said.
Speaking further, the analyst also took a swipe at the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had accused the APC of ‘scripting’ the abduction of the schoolgirls.
He also criticized the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who had accused the Government of complicity in the abduction of the Dapchi Girls.
Ogundamisis said: “Watching Governor Fayose, personally as a father of three girls, it is shameful.
“It is disgraceful, then hearing the PDP, the opposition party treat real tragedy of human beings, in this way, I feel so uncomfortable and I cannot believe I come from the same country as those elements.
“To play politics with the lives of helpless, harmless innocent children in our country is disgraceful and I think the supporters of the PDP should knock sense into the head of people like Governor Fayose.”
He, however, stressed the need for all political and ethnic groups to unite at a crucial time for the nation such as this.
“As a country, this is the time we need to unite whether you’re PDP, APC or whoever you are, whether from the south or north because if there is fire in Maiduguri or Yobe, there is fire all over Nigeria.
“We need to drop our political differences and come together.” | Dapchi: Playing Politics With Innocent Children Disgraceful – Ogundamisi | business | Political Analyst, Kayode Ogundamisi, has criticized the government over what he described as “playing politics” with the lives of innocent Dapchi school girls who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/04/05/governor-ikpeazu-signs-abia-2016-budget-into-law/ | Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, on Tuesday signed the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law.
Governor Ikpeazu assented to the law at the executive chambers of the Government House in Umuahia, southeast Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that Abia State would depend less on Federal Allocation with the fall in oil price in the global market, stressing that the people of the state must rise above others in driving the economy.
The Governor hinted that, with the resolution of the confusion between the Geometric Power Plant and the Enugu Distribution Company, the state would soon enjoy regular power supply which would encourage Small and Medium Enterprises and focus on infrastructural development.
The budget of 101.4 billion Naira tagged “Budget of Restoration through Enterprise”, is a figure that represents a decrease from the 2015 Budget of 102.4 billion Naira.
The 2016 budget expectation, made up of 59.2 billion Naira recurrent expenditure and 42.1 billion Naira capital expenses, was designed to deliver the much expected dividend of democracy.
The Governor had earlier sent to the House of Assembly for passage, a draft budget estimate of 96.7 billion Naira made up of 58.9 Naira recurrent expenditure and 37.7 Naira capital expenditure on December 31, 2015 which was amended by the House.
Presenting the appropriation law to the Governor for signing, the Speaker of the House, Honourable Martins Azubuike, stated that Internally Generated Revenue remained the option to the implementation of the year 2016 budget and that early passage of the appropriation law was key to the implementation of the budget.
He recommended the implementation of revenue generating laws which had earlier been passed by the House and the Abia Security Fund Law, the Abia Advertising and Signage Law, the Public, Private Partnership Initiative Law, Abia Quary and Dredging Site Law among others.
Mr Azubuike also urged the executive to ensure that taxable Abians were brought into the tax net by the Board of Internal Revenue, as a way of realising the budget and commended the Governor for his efforts at driving sustainable development in the state. | Governor Ikpeazu Signs Abia 2016 Budget Into Law | politics | Abia State Governor has signed the 2016 Appropriation Bill into law t the executive chambers of the Government House in Umuahia. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/03/02/accord-party-rally-disrupted-in-oyo-state/ | A violent clash at the Accord party rally in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has left three dead and at least 12 others critically injured.
The incident took place at Odinjo, Ibadan South-east Local Government Area of Oyo State on Sunday.
While the really was on, some thugs descended on supporters of the Accord Party, a Channels Television’s correspondent reported.
The thugs were said to have stormed the rally and opened fire on the gathering while the supporters rushed away from the scene with varying degrees of injuries.
A team from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) led by a police Inspector, reportedly arrived at the scene and made an arrest of three suspected thugs with pump action rifles.
Speaking in an interview with journalists at the Police State Headquarters, Eleyele in Ibadan, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 11, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, described the latest violence as unfortunate, noting that thorough investigation would be done to bring the culprits to book.
Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Musa Katsina, also confirmed the violent attack and casualty figures.
However, he sounded a serious warning to politicians that zero tolerance for violence was not just a memorandum on paper, stressing that it would be put into action in the state.
Leaders of various political parties also condemned the attack, calling for decisive action on the part of the police in the state. | Accord Party Rally Disrupted In Oyo State | business | The violent clash at the Accord party rally in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, has left 3 dead, at least 12 others critically injured. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/08/09/breaking-we-do-not-have-power-to-sack-a-rec-inec-clarifies-statement-on-briyais-resignation/ | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified its statement on the resignation of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River State, Dr Frankland Briyai.
Amid reports that the REC was sacked, INEC’s National Commissioner and Director of Voter Education, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said the commission does not have the power to take such action.
He, however, explained that INEC could only delegate power, duties, and responsibilities, saying that was exactly what it did.
READ ALSO: INEC ‘Withdraws All Powers’ From REC Who ‘Resigned’ To Join Bayelsa Governorship Race
“I don’t think we have the power to sack a REC,” Mr Osaze-Uzzi said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
“I don’t think we have the power to sack a REC,” Mr Osaze-Uzzi said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
He added, “The REC’s duty, powers, and responsibility have been delegated by the commission. What the commission just have power to do is delegate his power, delegate his duty, delegate responsibility.
“In this particular case, we have withdrawn that delegated power such that Dr Brayai no longer functions as the REC of Cross River State. He has said he has even resigned anyway.”
On Thursday, Dr Briyai addressed reporters in Calabar, where he declared to contest for the governorship election in Bayelsa State.
He also announced his resignation as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, saying he would run on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16 poll.
In a statement, INEC said it has yet to receive any resignation letter from the REC, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.
According to the commission, Dr Briyai failed to follow laid down procedure for resignation as such can only take effect on receipt of the resignation letter by the appointing authority.
It also condemned the use of the premises of the electoral body for expression of political interest, saying it was unlawful.
INEC, thereafter, directed its administrative secretary in Cross River to take over the responsibilities of the REC until further notice.
Read the full statement from the electoral umpire below: | ‘We Do Not Have Power To Sack A REC’, INEC Clarifies Statement On Briyai’s ‘Resignation’ | business | Advertisement The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified its statement on the resignation of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River … Continue reading ‘We Do Not Have Power To Sack A REC’, INEC Clarifies Statement On Briyai’s ‘Resignation’ |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/09/11/water-discovered-for-first-time-on-potentially-habitable-planet/ | Water has been discovered for the first time in the atmosphere of an exoplanet with Earth-like temperatures that could support life as we know it, scientists revealed Wednesday.
Eight times the mass of Earth and twice as big, K2-18b orbits in its star’s “habitable zone” at a distance — neither too far nor too close — where water can exist in liquid form, they reported in the journal Nature Astronomy.
“This planet is the best candidate we have outside our solar system” in the search for signs of life, co-author Giovanna Tinetti, an astronomer at University College London, told AFP.
“We cannot assume that it has oceans on the surface but it is a real possibility.”
Of the more than 4,000 exoplanets detected to date, this is the first known to combine a rocky surface and an atmosphere with water.
Most exoplanets with atmospheres are giant balls of gas, and the handful of rocky planets for which data is available seem to have no atmosphere at all.
Even if they did, most Earth-like planets are too far from their stars to have liquid water or so close that any H2O has evaporated.
Discovered in 2015, K2-18b is one of hundreds of so-called “super-Earths” — planets with less than ten times the mass of ours — spotted by NASA’s Kepler spacecraft.
Future space missions are expected to detect hundreds more in the coming decades.
‘Is Earth unique?’
“Finding water in a potentially habitable world other than Earth is incredibly exciting,” said lead-author Angelos Tsiaras, also from UCL.
“K2-18b is not ‘Earth 2.0’,” he said. “However, it brings us closer to answering the fundamental question: is the Earth unique?”
Working with spectroscopic data captured in 2016 and 2017 by the Hubble Space Telescope, Tsiaras and his team used open-source algorithms to analyse the starlight filtered through K2-18b’s atmosphere.
They found the unmistakable signature of water vapour. Exactly how much remains uncertain, but computer modelling suggested concentrations between 0.1 and 50 percent.
By comparison, the percentage of water vapour in Earth’s atmosphere varies between 0.2 percent above the poles, and up to four percent in the tropics.
There was also evidence of hydrogen and helium as well. Nitrogen and methane may also be present but with current technology remain undetectable, the study said.
Further research will be able to determine the extent of cloud coverage and the percentage of water in the atmosphere.
First of many
Water is crucial in the search for life, in part because it carries oxygen.
“Life as we know is based on water,” said Tinetti.
K2-18b orbits a red dwarf star about 110 light years distant — a million billion kilometres — in the Leo constellation of the Milky Way, and is probably bombarded by more destructive radiation than Earth.
“It is likely that this is the first of many discoveries of potentially habitable planets,” said UCL astronomer Ingo Waldmann, also a co-author.
“This is not only because super-Earths like K2-18b are the most common planets in our galaxy, but also because red dwarfs — stars smaller than our Sun — are the most common stars.”
The new generation of space-based star gazing instruments led by the James Webb Space Telescope and the European Space Agency’s ARIEL mission will be able to describe exoplanet atmospheres in far greater detail.
ARIEL, slated for a 2028 launch, will canvas some 1,000 planets, a large enough sampling to look for patterns and identify outliers.
“Over 4,000 exoplanets have been detected but we don’t know much about their composition and nature,” said Tinetti. “By observing a large sample of planets, we hope to reveal secrets about their chemistry, formation and evolution.”
AFP | Water Discovered For First Time On Potentially Habitable Planet | technology | Water has been discovered for the first time in the atmosphere of an exoplanet with Earth-like temperatures that could support life as we know it, … Continue reading Water Discovered For First Time On Potentially Habitable Planet |
https://www.channelstv.com/2012/10/20/why-materials-arrive-late-on-election-days-inec-commissioner/ | The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River state, Mike Igini on Saturday blamed the lack of trust for the perpetual delay of electoral materials in all the nation’s election.
Speaking on the late arrival of electoral materials in the on-going Ondo governorship election, Mr Igini, who was a guest on Channels Television’s weekend show, Sunrise, said that the lack of trust of electoral officers is the main reason why electoral materials are always delayed before they are deplored to the various polling booths.
According to the INEC official, “a lot of people that should be in prison in public offices in Nigeria and they are also aspiring to make their way into public offices.”
“The electoral materials for this Ondo election had arrived Akure over a week ago but because there is no trust for the electoral officers, we have to ensure that adequate security is provided before the materials move.”
“We have to do this because if we leave the officials alone, we don’t know what they might do with the materials. They might probably take it to their homes” he alleged.
He likened this experience to a similar one during the last elections in Cross-River state, where he stated that the election materials were ready to be deployed but the delay in arrival of police officers that will accompany the materials and the electoral officers led to the late arrival at polling booths.”
This he explains is why “trust is a major issue we have to work on in this country.”
Mr Igini also added that about 9,230 ad-hoc staff was recruited for the governorship election in Ondo state because the electoral commission has just about 300 staff in the state..
He however noted that the deployment of 7,000 officers of the Nigerian Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and 11,000 police and military officers is a good sign that the election will be free of violence and other security challenges as this is a good enough guarantee for a good election exercise. | Why materials arrive late on election days - INEC Commissioner | business | The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Cross River state, Mike Igini on Saturday blamed the lack of trust for the perpetual delay of electoral materials in all the nation’s election. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/03/13/supreme-court-dismisses-suit-against-gov-wada/ | The Supreme Court has dismissed a suit filed by the governorship candidate of the now defunct Congress for Progressive Change in Kogi State, James Ocholi (SAN), seeking an order sacking the state governor, Captain Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Apex Court held that the appeal
by Ocholi, who had asked the court to nullify Wada’s election and he be declared the validly elected governor, lacked merit.
The plaintiff had instituted the suit asking for Wada’s removal on the grounds that he (Wada) was not qualified to contest in the December 3, 2011 governorship election since he (Wada) was not a candidate for the election earlier scheduled to hold on April 26 of the same year.
Ocholi contended that the election earlier scheduled for April 26, 2011 was not cancelled but only postponed to December 3, 2011, on the account of a court order.
The petitions arising from the December 3, 2011 election filed by the now defunct parties, the Action Congress of Nigeria and the All Progressives Congress – had earlier been decided in favour of Wada by the Supreme Court.
In a unanimous judgment on Friday, the apex court’s appeal panel presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, affirmed the concurrent judgments of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which had both dismissed the appellant’s case.
Justice Kekere-Ekun held that the Federal High Court, Lokoja had in its judgment delivered on July 10, 2013, rightly dismissed Ocholi’s suit for lack of jurisdiction.
The Apex Court also affirmed the judgment of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, delivered on September 24, 2012, upholding the Federal High Court’s verdict that the appropriate court where the appellant ought to have instituted his suit was the election petition tribunal.
Justice Kekere-Ekun held that the prayers sought by Ocholi, in substance and in nature, was a matter that could be entertained by the election petition tribunal.
She held, “The aim of the appellant’s suit was the nullification of the victory of Wada at the election held on December 3, 2011 and a declaration that he is the lawful winner of the election and the person validly entitled to be sworn in as the governor of Kogi state.
“The Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to entertain his claims. The concurrent decisions of the two lower courts in this regard cannot be faulted.
“The appellant has not advanced any cogent reasons to warrant interference by this court.”
The court held that Ocholi waited for more than three months after the conduct of the election that produced Wada as governor before raising the issue of qualification of the candidates who participated in the election.
“It had become a post election matter that could only be determined by an election tribunal,” she added.
She also held, “I agree with the learned senior counsel for the respondent (Wada) that having regard to the facts and circumstances of this case, the appellant had every opportunity to institute his action before the conduct of the election.
“Not only did he fail to challenge any of the steps taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission such as the publication of a new timetable for the conduct of primaries, the new election date and the list of qualified candidates for the December 3rd 2011 election, he fully participated in the new primaries and contested the election.”
Other Justices on the panel headed by the CJN agreed with the judgment. Other Justices on the panel were Afolabi Fabiyi, Dantijo Muhammad, Clara Ogunbiyi, John Okoro and Centus Nweze. | Supreme Court Dismisses Suit Against Gov. Wada | business | The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed the suit filed against the Kogi state governor, Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) by James Ocholi of the All Progressives Congress (APC). |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/09/11/inec-list-of-rec-nominees-is-constitutionally-defective-says-falana/ | Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has faulted the nomination of 14 persons for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement on Sunday, Falana said President Muhammadu Buhari failed to comply with the provisions of the Constitution in nominating the 14 persons.
According to him, the President had previously consulted the Council of State to appoint the Chairman and members of INEC in compliance with the provisions of Section 154 (3) of the Constitution.
“On each occasion, the President consulted the Council of State before submitting the names of nominees to the Senate for confirmation in line with Section 154(1) of the Constitution,” he said.
“But for some undisclosed reasons, the President has forwarded the nominations of 14 persons for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners without any prior consultation with the Council of State.”
The nominations have since generated controversy as some of the nominees have been accused of being members of the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress.
Some groups, including civil society organisations, have also condemned the nominations, saying they amounted to discrimination against women.
According to Falana, the move also contradicted the promise of the President to ensure a free and fair general election next year.
“Apart from the constitutional infraction, the list of the nominees has been challenged on the ground that some of them are card-carrying members of the ruling party,” he said.
“At least two other nominees are alleged to be under investigation for serious electoral malpractice. Instead of subjecting the nominees to integrity test, the Federal Government has dismissed such grave allegations with a wave of the hand.”
Another issue the Senior Advocate had with the nominations was the percentage of women on the list.
He said, “In view of the opposition to the list of nominees by a number of women’s groups on (the) ground of gender discrimination, it is pertinent to draw the attention of the President to the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court on April 10, 2022, in the case of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid & Ors v Attorney-General of the Federation (Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/ 2021) wherein the Honourable Justice Donatus Okorowo ordered the federal government to comply with the 35 per cent affirmative action for women, which allows women to occupy 35 per cent of all appointments.
“Since the judgment is binding on all authorities and persons in Nigeria pursuant to section 287 of the Constitution the President should ensure that the women in the list of nominees should not be less than 35 percent.”
Read his full statement below:
Since 2015, President Buhari had consulted the Council of State whenever he wanted to appoint the Chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission including Resident Electoral Commissioners in strict compliance with the provisions of Section 154(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. On each occasion, the President consulted the Council of State before submitting the names of nominees to the Senate for confirmation in line with Section 154(1) of the Constitution. But for some undisclosed reasons, the President has forwarded the nominations of 14 persons for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners without any prior consultation with the Council of State.
Apart from the constitutional infraction, the list of the nominees has been challenged on the ground that some of them are card-carrying members of the ruling party. At least two other nominees are alleged to be under investigation for serious electoral malpractice. Instead of subjecting the nominees to integrity test, the Federal Government has dismissed such grave allegations with a wave of the hand.
Curiously, the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed (who had been in the forefront of the campaign for electoral reforms before 2015) said last week that, “As to the nominees that are being challenged by social media warriors and by some critics, I don’t think it is the business of the President to immediately throw out a nominee based on allegations which have not been proven.”
Having repeatedly assured the Nigerian people that the Administrators will support the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct credible elections in 2023 we call on President Buhari to withdraw the controversial list from the Senate and ensure that the nominees are investigated by relevant security agencies. After security clearance, the President is advised to comply with section 154(3) of the Constitution by consulting the Council of State with respect to the qualification and competence of the nominees. It is after the consultation that the names of the nominees that are qualified should be presented to the Senate for confirmation.
However, in view of the opposition to the list of nominees by a number of women’s groups on ground of gender discrimination it is pertinent to draw the attention of the President to the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court on April 10, 2022, in the case of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid & Ors v Attorney-General of the Federation (Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/ 2021) wherein the Honourable Justice Donatus Okorowo ordered the federal government to comply with the 35 per cent affirmative action for women, which allows women to occupy 35 per cent of all appointments. Since the judgment is binding on all authorities and persons in Nigeria pursuant to section 287 of the Constitution the President should ensure that the women in the list of nominees should not be less than 35 percent.
Femi Falana SAN,
Chairman,
Alliance on Surviving Covid 19 and Beyond (ASCAB).
September 11, 2022. | INEC: List Of REC Nominees Is Constitutionally Defective, Says Falana | business | Advertisement Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has faulted the nomination of 14 persons for confirmation as Resident Electoral Commissioners for the Independent … Continue reading INEC: List Of REC Nominees Is Constitutionally Defective, Says Falana |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/08/04/edo-assembly-crisis-reflection-of-immature-politics-says-odigie-oyegun/ | The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, says the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly is a reflection of immature politics.
Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke to journalists in Benin, criticised the National Assembly’s order directing Governor Godwin Obaseki to issue a fresh proclamation of the state’s parliament.
He noted that while President Muhammadu Buhari’s office is sovereign, the office of the state governor is sovereign and should be treated as such.
According to the APC chieftain, anyone who treats the governor with disdain is indirectly questioning the legitimacy of the people on him.
READ ALSO: Atiku, SERAP, Others Condemn Sowore’s Arrest
“Our politics has to start maturing. Our politics has to start being civilised. Our politics has to move from killings, maiming, thuggery and the rest of it.
“Our politics has to move to a stage where you can differ with somebody and state the good reasons for differing. I don’t think it has ever happened in this country that the National Assembly will issue instructions to a sovereign government.
“People don’t seem to realise it, there are two sovereignties. We have the President who represents the sovereignty of this nation and the governor reflects the sovereignty of the state,” he said.
Odigie-Oyegun also advised APC leaders to stop heating up the polity with unguarded utterances, stressing that anyone who doesn’t want the governor for a second term can do that through the ballot in the party’s primaries. | Edo Assembly Crisis, Reflection Of Immature Politics, Says Odigie-Oyegun | business | The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, says the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly is a … Continue reading Edo Assembly Crisis, Reflection Of Immature Politics, Says Odigie-Oyegun |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/05/28/fendi-unveils-new-ceo/ | Italian luxury apparel brand Fendi, owned by the LVMH group, said on Monday that Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou has been appointed its new CEO as of June 1.
The global leader in luxury wear said Angeloglou will succeed Serge Brunschwig who, after six years in post, “will assume new responsibilities within the LVMH group which will be announced shortly.”
LVMH announced the news in a press release to confirm information from specialised site Women’s Wear Daily (WWD).
Angeloglou remains managing director of LVMH Fashion Group, which brings together groups brands including Celine, Givenchy, Loewe, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs, Patou, Pucci and Rossimoda).
Bernard Arnault, LVMH CEO, said the group “would like to thank Serge for his contribution to the significant growth of Fendi since 2018.”
LVMH rarely reveals the turnover of its 75 brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine and Guerlain.
During an annual results presentation in January, Arnault indicated, however, that “Fendi is continuing its momentum”.
“The next growth drivers for fashion leather goods are, in order of importance, Vuitton, Dior, Celine, Fendi, etc,” commented LMVH financial director Jean-Jacques Guiony during a conference with financial analysts.
The Fendi brand was created in 1925 in Rome.
In 1965, the brand recruited Karl Lagerfeld, then a young German designer.
He created the brand’s logo — two Fs, one inverted — and remained as artistic director until his death in 2019.
In 2001, LVMH became the majority shareholder of the brand. | Fendi Unveils New CEO | politics | Italian luxury apparel brand Fendi, owned by the LVMH group, said on Monday that Pierre-Emmanuel Angeloglou has been appointed its new CEO as of June 1. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/11/22/senator-bwacha-appeals-judgment-sacking-him-as-taraba-apc-governorship-candidate/ | The former Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha on Tuesday said he has appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court that nullified the primary election that produced him as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State.
Briefing journalists in Jalingo, Bwacha said he is optimistic that the APC will take over Taraba State in 2023 for the first time despite its numerous litigations.
READ ALSO: I Will ‘Recharge’ Lake Chad If Elected President – Tinubu
“I am aware of the anxiety and curiosity created because of the happenings within our party and I thought it wise to speak to you that our people receive our assurances that things will work out well,” he said.
“The litigations in court understandably are as a result of the long-awaited need for an APC government to be established in Taraba State.
“When you see competing interests in a situation like this, you will know that it is where it is going to happen and as such we are comforted and believe that at the fullness of time, this thing will be brought to an end and the people will rejoice ”
“The people here at home want to form a government. They are tired of operating as opposition, but unfortunately, we have few among us who still want to continue with the normal business of contesting and losing just to look for juicy appointments thereafter in Abuja.
“We are trying to put an end to this and recreate a new narration and basically, that is why you’re seeing these struggles for power, and we are trusting God that it will come to an end as soon as possible.
“We are law-abiding citizens; we obey court orders. Though we are in court, we are trusting God that we will overcome.”
The lawmaker alleged that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State is the major cause of the APC’s problems, describing it as a sinking ship which has succeeded in penetrating the APC to also sink with it.
He added, “At the onset, the party actually interacted with us and we were getting the cooperation of some of our members. I can tell you for free that the matter is largely exacerbated by activities of the local PDP here which is sitting as an overload.
“You know what it means when a ship is sinking, by mere association with the ship, you begin to sink too and that is why some of our members have taken to this inglorious path of journey.
“The pressure from PDP appears to be having an overwhelming significance upon a few of them, but I am trusting God for a change because the APC hurricane that is coming across the land will definitely create understanding for them to see reasons to honour the mission statement of the party.”
Bwacha insisted that he will not flag off his gubernatorial campaign in the state until all court cases are over.
He also used the opportunity to speak on the crisis rocking the PDP as well as the activities of the five PDP governors, popularly known as the G5.
According to the lawmaker, the actions of Governor Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) isn not surprising.
The lawmaker noted that the G5 governors are against their party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu and the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar since they are from the same northern part of the country. | Senator Bwacha Appeals Judgment Sacking Him As Taraba APC Governorship Candidate | business | Bwacha insisted that he will not flag off his gubernatorial campaign in the state until all court cases are over. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/07/16/edo-guber-race-nrm-drags-inec-apc-to-court/ | The National Rescue Movement (NRM) and its candidate in the forthcoming Edo State Septemeber 19, 2020 Gubernatorial election, Steve Nash Ozono, have dragged the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressive Congress (APC), Osagie Ize -Iyamu and Gani Audu to the Abuja Federal High Court; saying the APC does not have a candidate for the September 19, 2020, gubernatorial election.
In a suit FHC/ABJ/CS/743/2020 filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja by its lawyer Valentine Offia, the party prayed the court for the determination of the following:
“Whether after due construction of section 177c of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sections 31 and 153 of the Electoral Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and the Guidelines for the submission of candidates of political parties issued by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) can the 1st Defendant (INEC) lawfully deem that the list of candidates of the 2nd Defendant (APC) for the Edo Gubernatorial election to be held on September 19, 2020, has been submitted to it by virtue of the letter dated 29th June 2020 signed by John Akpan Udoedeghe and Mai Mala Buni when the said letter was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the 2nd Defendant
“Whether after due construction of Section 153 of the Electoral Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and the Guidelines for the submission of nomination forms of candidates issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), can the 1st Defendant lawfully deem that the list of candidates of the 2nd Defendant for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on September 19, 2020, has been submitted to it by virtue of the letter dated 29th June 2020 signed by the National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extra – Ordinary Convention Committee and National Chairman of the Caretaker/Extra – Ordinary Convention Committee of the 2nd Defendant?
“Whether after due construction of Sections 183, 222a and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, can the 1st Defendant lawfully deem that the list of candidates of the 2nd Defendant for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on September 19, 2020, has been submitted to it by virtue of the letter dated 29th June 2020 signed by John Akpan Udoedeghe and Mai Mala Buni when the said letter was signed by the Governor of Yobe State?
“Whether after due construction of Sections 177, 222a and 223 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, can the 1st Defendant lawfully deem that the list of candidates of the 2nd Defendant for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on September 19, 2020, has been submitted to it by virtue of the letter dated 29th June 2020 signed by John Akpan Udoedeghe and Mai Mala Buni when the said letter was signed by John Akpan Udoedeghe who is not a member of the 2nd Defendant?”
READ ALSO: Alleged N34bn Fraud: Court Dismisses Case Against Akpobolokemi, Tompolo’s Company
NRM’s claim against the defendants as follows:
“A Declaration that the list of candidates of the 2nd Defendant for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on September 19, 2020, can only be received by the 1st Defendant through a letter jointly signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the 2nd Defendant.
“A Declaration that the list of candidates of the 2nd Defendant for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on September 19, 2020, jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the 2nd Defendant was not received by the 1st Defendant.
“A Declaration that the 1st Defendant lacks powers to receive the list of candidates of the 2nd Defendant for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on September 19, 2020, from the Governor of Yobe State.
“A Declaration that the 2nd Defendant has no candidates for the Edo State gubernatorial elections to be held on September 19, 2020, by virtue of the non – submission of her list of candidates before the deadline on 29th June 2020..
“An Order voiding the decision of the 1st Defendant to include the 2nd – 4th Defendants as candidates in the gubernatorial elections pertaining to Edo State to be held on September 19, 2020.
“An Order disqualifying the 2nd – 4th Defendants as candidates in the gubernatorial elections pertaining to Edo State to be held on September 19, 2020.
“An Order nullifying the participation of the 2nd – 4th Defendants where the said election has already been conducted”. | Edo Guber Race: NRM Drags INEC, APC To Court | business | The National Rescue Movement (NRM) and its candidate in the forthcoming Edo State Septemeber 19, 2020 Gubernatorial election, Steve Nash Ozono, have dragged the … Continue reading Edo Guber Race: NRM Drags INEC, APC To Court |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/05/06/ikeja-electric-slashes-electricity-tariff-for-band-a-customers/ | The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has ordered the downward review of electricity tariff for Band A customers to N206.80 per kilowatt-hour from the N225/kWh.
In a statement on Monday, the electricity market operator said the development was due to the appreciation of the naira in the official exchange window.
“Effective from May 6, 2024, Band A end-user tariffs have been reviewed to NGN206.8/ kWh under MYTO 2024. This is largely driven by the relative appreciation of the Naira in the official foreign exchange window,’ According to the statement.
READ ALSO: Customers Not Enjoying 20 Hours Electricity Will Not Pay New Tariff – Adelabu
To this effect, electricity Distribution Companies also known as the DisCos, have commenced a reduction in tariffs for Band A customers.
In notices to customers on Monday, the DisCos said the move was in support of improved service delivery to customers under the specified category.
The Ikeja Electric (IE) had in an earlier notice, said the reduced electricity tariff payable by its Band A customers had been slashed to N206.80 per kilowatt-hour from the N225/kWh, as approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
“Please be informed of the downward tariff review of our Band A feeders from N225/kwh to N206.80/kwh effective 6th May 2024 with guaranteed availability of 20-24hrs supply daily,” the statement said.
Subsequently, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), and the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), also sent similar notices to their customers, saying the development was in alignment with the cost-reflective tariffs framework introduced in 2020.
The tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E customers remain unchanged.
Also, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC) confirmed a review of tariff for Band A customers.
Dear Customers, This is for your information. #AEDC #Abujadisco #PowerofCommitment pic.twitter.com/I0PVDKxtAY
— aedcelectricity (@aedcelectricity) May 6, 2024
The decision to crash the tariff may not be unconnected with public outcry over the increase in electricity which industry observers, Civil Society Organisations, and labour unions have described as insensitive. | NERC Orders Downward Review Of Electricity Tariff For Band A Customers | politics | The tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E remain unchanged. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2014/09/23/bound-supreme-courts-judgement-ngige/ | One of the governorship contestants in the Anambra State election, Senator Chris Ngige, says he is bound by the judgement of the Supreme Court since it was given by the highest court in the land.
Senator Ngige’s reaction is coming a day after the court upheld Governor Willie Obiano’s victory in the November election.
Several comments have trailed the judgement of the Supreme Court.
Senator Ngige, who contested the election under the All Progressives Congress said even though he is not comfortable with the ruling, he had to accept it.
He, however, made a case for the amendment of the Electoral Act to make provision for the burden of proof to rest with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to him, the practice of the appellant proving its case will only continue to allow for injustice and political manipulation of the independent national electoral commission. | I Am Bound By Supreme Court's Judgement – Ngige | business | One of the governorship contestants in the Anambra State election, Senator Chris Ngige, says he is bound by the judgement of the Supreme Court since it was given by the highest court in the land. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/03/09/ondo-state-house-of-assembly-members-impeach-speaker/ | The Ondo State House of Assembly members have impeached the Speaker, Hon Jumoke Akindele and her deputy, Hon Fatai Olotu.
18 out of the 26 members of the House carried out the impeachment in the official residence of one of them at about 10PM last night.
They elected Hon Iroju Ogundeji as new Speaker and Ayo Arowele as Deputy Speaker.
The aggrieved legislators say their interest were not well protected by the former leadership.
The 26 member House is dominated by the PDP with 21 and APC with 5 members.
4 out of the APC members signed the notice.
The premises of the House of Assembly has been barricaded with armed policemen stationed at the entrance to forestall any breakdown of law and order as a result of the development.
The names of members that signed the former speaker and deputy’s impeachment are:
1. Hon Arowele Ayodeji – Owo const 1
2. Hon Iroju Ogundeji – Odigbo 1
3. Hon. Olusola Oluyede – Ose
4. Hon. Akindiose Olusoji – Ondo East
5. Hon. Akintimehin Tuyi – Idanre
6. Hon. Akinruntan Abayomi – Ilaje 1
7. Hon. Fajolu Abimbola – Ileoluji –Okeigbo
8. Hon. Araoyinbo Olugbenga – Akoko NE
9. Hon. Olusegun Ajimotokin – Irele
10. Hon. Jamiu Suleiman Maito – AKoko NW 1
11. Hon. Felemu Olusegun – Akoko SW 2
12. Hon. Coker Adeniyi Malachi – Ilaje 2
13. Hon. Towase O Kuti – Akoko SE
14. Hon Kazeem M O S -Akoko SW1
15. Hon. Obadiah Vincent – Ese Odo
16. Hon. Ade Adeniyi – Ondo West 1
17. Hon. Olamide George – Akure North
18. Hon. Mukaila Musa – Owo 2 | Ondo State House Of Assembly Members Impeach Speaker | business | The Ondo State House of Assembly members have impeached the Speaker, Hon Jumoke Akindele and her deputy, Hon Fatai Olotu. 18 out of the 26 … Continue reading Ondo State House Of Assembly Members Impeach Speaker |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/07/03/there-is-no-crisis-in-the-apc-no-fight-to-reconcile-tinubu/ | Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu says there is no crisis rocking the party, and as such, there is no reason for a reconciliation exercise.
Tinubu revealed this after members of the Caretaker Committee of the APC met with him on Thursday, behind-closed-doors with.
After the meeting which held on Thursday at the residence of the former Lagos State governor in the Ikoyi area of the state, Tinubu said the visit was a consultation to move the party forward following the recent disagreements among some aggrieved members.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: APC Caretaker Committee Members Meet Tinubu
He, however, denied any report of differences or rancour, although he said there was no way there would not be dissent in a political association.
Yobe State Governor and APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, as well as his Kebbi State counterpart and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Atiku Bagudu, led other members to the meeting.
Others in attendance were the Secretary of APC Caretaker Committee, Senator Akpan Udo-Edehe, as well as the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. | There Is No Crisis In APC, No Fight To Reconcile – Tinubu | business | Advertisement Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu says there is no crisis rocking the party, and as such, there is … Continue reading There Is No Crisis In APC, No Fight To Reconcile – Tinubu |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/12/20/apple-risks-iphone-ban-in-germany-after-court-case-loss/ | A German court on Thursday found in favour of US chipmaker Qualcomm in a patent dispute case against Apple, which could lead to a ban on sales of iPhones in Germany.
“The ruling effectively outlaws the offering and placing on the market of the finished product in Germany, including the sale. The iPhones 7plus, 7, 8, 8plus and X are affected,” said the regional court in Munich in a statement.
Given that Apple can appeal the initial ruling, the court said the injunction banning sales of affected iPhones could only be imposed immediately if Qualcomm laid down a security deposit amounting to 668.4 million euros ($765 million).
The court said it had sought the large sum as that could be the amount awarded to Apple in terms of revenue losses if the iPhone maker manages to get the Munich ruling overturned by a higher court.
Thursday’s ruling marks a second major win for Qualcomm in a month after a court in China on December 10 ordered a prohibition on iPhone sales over a separate patent dispute there.
The two Californian tech giants have been locked in a long-running battle over patents and royalties that has played out in courts and administrative bodies worldwide.
At the heart of the dispute in the German case are chips made by one of Apple’s suppliers used in iPhones, with both parties at loggerheads on how the chips actually work, said the court.
Among the functions of the chip is the conservation of battery power.
The court said it had to go with Qualcomm’s explanation of how the chip worked as Apple would not give details on its functioning, citing the industrial secrecy interests of its supplier.
“If the defence can only be carried out when one reveals a secret,” then one must either do so, “or one can keep the secret and then possibly lose the case, as has happened today,” said the judge Matthias Zigann, according to remarks carried by national news agency DPA.
Larger battle
Earlier in December, a China court also ruled in favour of Qualcomm in a dispute based on patents which enable consumers to adjust and reformat the size and appearance of photographs, and to manage applications using a touchscreen.
The two cases are an extension of a wider battle between the two IT giants.
Apple has claimed that Qualcomm is abusing its market power over certain mobile chipsets in order to demand unfair royalties, joining a string of antitrust actions against the chipmaker.
Qualcomm has countersued Apple and earlier this year escalated its legal fight, claiming the iPhone maker stole trade secrets and shared them with mobile chip rival Intel.
According to Qualcomm’s US lawsuit, Apple’s goal was to buy mobile chips from Intel instead of depending on Qualcomm.
Qualcomm itself is meanwhile facing antitrust probes in South Korea, the European Union and the United States over its dominant position.
Qualcomm in 2015 agreed to pay $975 million to settle antitrust charges in China.
AFP | Apple Risks IPhone Ban In Germany After Court Case Loss | technology | A German court on Thursday found in favour of US chipmaker Qualcomm in a patent dispute case against Apple, which could |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/05/27/i-wont-let-the-nation-down-buhari-assures-nigerians/ | President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja gave assurances on security in the country, stressing that he will not let the nation down.
Speaking at a meeting with the Northern Governors Forum, NGF, led by the outgoing Chairman, Kashim Shettima of Borno State at the State House, President Buhari said:
“The security of the country is on my mind 24 hours of the day. I get daily and weekly situation reports. I have listened to your brief. I will look into your recommendations. I am acutely aware of the situation, but I have learnt more today.”
The President bemoaned the ravaging effect of unchecked corruption in the past on the country’s Armed Forces, saying: “The terrible effects of mismanagement were prevalent, and these are the consequences.”
According to him, “If you follow the efforts we are making within the system, you will see that we have curbed much of the corruption that is there. See the recoveries that we have made – money, landed property. We are not going as fast as we want under the system, but we will keep trying to improve it.”
President Buhari promised to increase the frequency of his meetings with security chiefs and keep updating himself.
READ ALSO: Pipeline Vandals Hurt Host Communities More Than Government – Buhari
He also expressed interest in getting reports from governors who have difficult relationships with security heads in their States.
In their presentations, the governors drew the President’s attention to specific challenges they each faced in their respective States.
They commended the Federal Government’s efforts in curbing Boko Haram terrorism and farmers/herders clashes, which they said had been dealt with.
While noting that normalcy had virtually returned to the North-East, the governors however, warned that armed banditry was posing a dangerous threat and needed to be tackled with equal swiftness. | Security: I Will Look Into Your Recommendation, Buhari Tells Northern Governors | business | Advertisement President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja gave assurances on security in the country, stressing that he will not let the nation down. … Continue reading Security: I Will Look Into Your Recommendation, Buhari Tells Northern Governors |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/12/10/buhari-pledges-credible-elections-in-2023-peaceful-transfer-of-power-to-winners/ | President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians and the international community of free and fair elections when citizens go to the polls to elect a new leader in 2023.
He gave the assurance on Friday at a Virtual Summit for Democracy organised by President Joe Biden of the United States, saying necessary mechanisms would be strengthened to ensure Nigeria witnesses another peaceful transfer of power.
“As we countdown to our next general elections in 2023, we remain committed to putting in place and strengthening all necessary mechanisms to ensure that Nigeria will not only record another peaceful transfer of power to an elected democratic government but will also ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.
“Your Excellencies, Nigeria will continue to actively support the democratisation processes in our region West Africa and the African continent at large. But regrettably, our democratic gains of the past decades are under threats of unconstitutional takeover of power.
“This unwholesome trend, sometimes in reaction to unilateral amendments of constitutions by some leaders, must not be tolerated by the international community. Nigeria fully supports the efforts by ECOWAS to address this growing challenge and appreciates the support of both the African Union and the United Nations.”
READ ALSO: FG Begins Administration Of COVID-19 Booster Shots
President Buhari lamented that Nigeria has continued to face security challenges that pose a threat to democracy, and called on global partners to support the government’s efforts in tackling insurgency and terrorism.
The country, he said, has had over two decades of uninterrupted democratic governance and has unequivocally remained committed to upholding the core values and principles of democracy.
“Since assuming office in 2015, we have been able to introduce mechanisms to ensure free, fair, and credible elections,” he told the summit. “We have strengthened our key anti-corruption agencies in collaboration with international partners and have undertaken several anti-corruption measures and initiatives.”
Safeguarding Democratic Values
The President thanked his American counterpart, as well as the government and people of the United States for hosting the summit.
Noting that democracy has remained the most popular and universally recognised way of governance, he believes it is the only system of governance that guarantees freedom of speech, rule of law, respect for human rights, and inclusiveness in governance.
Democracy, he added, also promotes social justice, economic and social development, and national and global peace.
“However, in spite of these laudable qualities, more is required from us as members of democratic societies, particularly in ensuring that democratic institutions and processes are strengthened, particularly during this period of a global pandemic which has threatened social cohesion in most democracies.
“We, therefore, must remain resolute and enhance cooperation, so that together, we build back better democratic institutions and sustainable democratic values,” President Buhari stated.
According to him, the summit is taking place at a time when democratic institutions around the world were facing several challenges.
The President was hopeful that the event would help promote a positive agenda for democratic renewal by focusing on some of the major challenges faced by democracies in recent times.
Through collective action, he is confident that countries can safeguard democratic values and principles.
President Buhari also decried the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which made it impossible to convene a physical meeting, saying it has taken a heavy toll on economies, health, and democratic processes around the world.
“Nevertheless, we have witnessed the resilience of democratic institutions in many countries that have held free, fair, and transparent democratic elections under very challenging conditions,” he said. | Buhari Pledges Credible Elections In 2023, Peaceful Transfer Of Power To Winners | business | President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians and the international community of free and fair elections when citizens go to the polls to elect a … Continue reading Buhari Pledges Credible Elections In 2023, Peaceful Transfer Of Power To Winners |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/07/16/i-dont-lose-battles-fayose-reacts-to-ekiti-election-result-attacks-buhari/ | Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has rejected and condemned the outcome of the governorship election held in the state over the weekend.
In a series of tweets on Monday, he accused President Muhammadu Buhari of using the security operatives to win the poll for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
READ ALSO: INEC Declares Kayode Fayemi Winner Of Ekiti Governorship Election
“On this Ekiti election, President Buhari demonstrated truly that he is not a Democrat, but a dictator and fascist per excellence,” Fayose claimed a day after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their candidate, Professor Kolapo Olusola lost to the APC.
He alleged further, “It is only Buhari that will pride himself with the security shooting sporadically at polling centres, scaring people to pave the way for the APC thugs to snatch ballot boxes.
“The President should bury his head in shame for using the Police, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and INEC to snatch the mandate given to Olusola and deliver it to Fayemi ‘whom Ekiti people rejected’.”
INEC Announces Ekiti Governorship Election Results [Full List]
The governor, who insisted that his party was cheated in the election, claimed there was no jubilation in Ekiti after Fayemi was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He further described the victory of the APC as pyrrhic, insisting that his party would not be silenced but would work tirelessly until they get the justice they deserved.
“We will reclaim the stolen mandate in the court by the power of God,” Fayose vowed. “As for me, I am Peter Ayodele Fayose, I hold with my head high.”
“I can never be suppressed. I don’t lose battles and I will not lose this. By the power of God, I will laugh last.”
Announcing the election results on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, INEC’s Chief Returning Officer for the poll, Professor Idowu Olayinka, returned Fayemi elected having scored the highest number of votes in the poll.
The former minister defeated his PDP opponent and Ekiti Deputy Governor and more than 30 other aspirants in the keenly contested election.
Fayemi was victorious in 11 out of the 16 local government areas of the state, polling 197,459 votes to beat his closest rival Olusola who got 178,121 votes.
A Daylight Robbery?
Following the declaration, President Buhari praised his former cabinet member, the APC, as well as party supporters for the hard-fought victory.
He, however, asked the governor-elect to be magnanimous in victory in his bid to unfold a new lease of life for the Ekiti people through purposeful and responsible governance.
The PDP national leadership are also on the same page with Governor Fayose on the outcome of the election.
While it took Fayose more than 24 hours to react, the party swiftly condemned the poll results as falsified and described Fayemi’s victory as “a daylight robbery, a brazen subversion of the will of the people and a direct assault on our democracy.”
But the APC insisted that with the success, Ekiti people have demonstrated their trust in Fayemi’s ability to deliver on his campaign promises.
They attributed the feat to the fact that “Mr Fayemi ran an effective and positive campaign focused on his agenda of rebuilding the economy of the state and returning its lost values of integrity, prudence, and decency”. | 'I Don't Lose Battles': Fayose Reacts To Ekiti Election Result, Attacks Buhari | business | Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has rejected and condemned the outcome of the governorship election held in the state over the weekend... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/12/07/rivers-re-run-police-restrict-movement-in-state/ | Movement of persons and vehicles between 12:00 midnight on Friday and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday has been restricted in Rivers State to ensure a hitch-free conduct of a legislative re-run election.
The restriction was announced by the Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Police Force on Wednesday ahead of the December 10 election.
The force said the restriction on land and waterways was placed after due consultation with relevant interest groups.
In a statement by the spokesman for the command, Mr Omoni Nnamdi, the Rivers State Police Command also barred important personalities and Politicians from going to any voting centre with their security details.
“They are also warned to desist from moving from one place to another on the Election Day, as provided under the Electoral Act.
“Movement is strictly restricted from place of abode to voting centres and back,” the statement read.
The police said it would move together with other Security Agencies to ensure strict compliance.
The Commissioner of Police Rivers State, Mr Francis Odesanya, also appealed for the continued support and cooperation of residents, pointing out that the restriction is “intended to provide a conducive atmosphere to conduct free, fair, and violence free election that will stand the test of time”. | Rivers Re-run: Police Restrict Movement In State | business | Movement of persons and vehicles between 12:00 midnight on Friday and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday has been restricted in Rivers State to ensure a hitch-free conduct of a legislative re-run election. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/05/19/buhari-asks-senate-to-confirm-new-sec-dg-three-commissioners/ | President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr Lamido Yuguda as the new Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The President’s request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, during plenary on Tuesday in the upper chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.
He also urged the lawmakers to screen and confirm three nominees as full-time commissioners of the Commission.
They are Reginald Karausa, Ibrahim Boyi, and Mr Obi Joseph.
The letter read, “Pursuant to Section 3 and 5(1) of the Investment and Securities Act 2007, I write to request for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the following four nominees as Director-General and Commissioners of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Their CVs are attached herewith.” | Buhari Asks Senate To Confirm New SEC DG, Three Commissioners | politics | Advertisement President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr Lamido Yuguda as the new Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission … Continue reading Buhari Asks Senate To Confirm New SEC DG, Three Commissioners |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/02/12/el-rufai-kicks-against-deployment-of-soldiers-for-elections/ | The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has kicked against the deployment of soldiers for the March 28 and April 11 elections or subsequent elections in Nigeria.
EL-rufai said that the military have no reason to be at polling centres or collation centres during elections, insisting that only the Police is constitutionally empowered to monitor elections in the country.
In an exclusive interview with Channels Television in Kaduna, the former FCT Minister pointed out that a Federal High Court in Sokoto State had delivered a judgement restricting military personnel from taking part in elections.
El-Rufai called on the military authorities to abide by the court judgement and dedicate their energy to flush out the Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast.
The former FCT Minister also alleged plot by the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cancel the forthcoming polls and install an interim government with a view to truncating the victory of the APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), whose growing popularity, he said, has overwhelmed the ruling party.
He warned that any attempt to cancel the elections would create political crisis across the country and truncate the peace accord earlier signed by political parties and their candidates in Abuja.
According to El-Rufai, the PDP and the Presidency masterminded the postponement of the elections because of apparent fear of losing the election, and had also devised another method of rigging by buying off Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the electorate in states and areas considered as APC strongholds.
The APC candidate also described those calling for the removal of the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, as desperate politicians who have lost out in their bid to influence the INEC Chairman. | El-Rufai Kicks Against Deployment of Soldiers for Elections | business | APC governorship candidate in Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has kicked against the deployment of soldiers for the forthcoming elections. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/03/12/apc-looking-for-support-with-nothing-to-show-says-secondus/ | The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has challenged the All People’s Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to show Nigerians evidence of its developmental impact on the country within the last three years.
Speaking as a special guest at the commissioning of the 8.4 kilometers reconstructed Ughelli-Afiesere-Ofuoma, road project in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta state, Saturday, Secondus noted that the APC had not only failed to fulfil its campaign promises to Nigerians but had succeeded in inflicting untold hardship on the people because they took over power at the centre using propaganda.
“I believe and as the whole country can see that while we are here to commission projects that are directly affecting the lives of the people, the other party is somewhere up-north looking for support with nothing to show.
“I believe that at this stage for three years, the Federal Government should show clearly what they have done like what we have witnessed here today.
“They should go to commission projects and not to look for support and people who will decamp,” he added.
Secondus, therefore, praised Okowa’s efforts in developing his state, noting that he has proven to be among the best governors in the country.
He also encouraged Deltans to intensify their support for him.
In response, Governor Okowa thanked the Governor, while noting that the construction of roads will have a multiplier effect on the economy and engender ethnic integration among groups in the state.
“This is one of the several roads of over 150 of them we are constructing across the state with several of them around the riverine areas.
“We believe that we need to continue to open up our communities to connect themselves and to connect outside the states,” he said.
Meanwhile the APC in the state has launched the one man one vote campaign stating that the era where politicians manipulate elections dishonestly for personal gain is over.
The aim, according to the party, is to sensitize the people against rejecting any attempt by corrupt politicians to coheres them on selling their votes.
Read Also: PDP Is Dead And Buried – Oyegun
Speaking to journalists at the end of the event, Delta state APC Party chieftain and governorship aspirant, Dr Cairo Ojuogbo faulted the frequent visit of the PDP national chairman to Delta state insisting that Okowa’s administration has done nothing to improve the welfare of an average Deltan.
Ojuogbo said; “one man one vote campaign is a process of burying the PDP style of electoral malpractice in Delta state. The delta state government under the administration of Okowa, has no capacity to govern so we must take power back from Okowa.
“They don’t have ideas and that is why you see that the government is a government of nepotism and misappropriation of the state funds through an inadequate budget. But the APC has gotten a better program to move Delta state forward just like the peer states”.
Furthermore, he assured the people that the arrangements on ground would not be abused if voted into power.
“I am not contesting this election because I am from Delta north neither am I claiming superiority over any person. I believe the APC must take power so that there will be change in Delta state.
“The party is supreme, therefore, there must be synergy between the government and the party from the ward level to the state level and that is the way to go”.
“The gubernatorial aspirant further called on all Deltans to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order to elect candidates of their choice to represent them at all levels of government”. | APC Looking For Support With Nothing To Show, Says Secondus | business | The National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party, (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has challenged the All People's Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to show Nigerians evidence of its developmental impact on the country within the last three years. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/04/05/buhari-prepares-with-his-team-in-jordan-ahead-of-world-economic-forum-participation/ | President Muhammadu Buhari and his team in Jordan have met as part of final preparations ahead of the president’s presentation at the World Economic Forum (WEF)
The President and his team met earlier today ahead of the WEF on the Middle East and North Africa holding on Saturday at the Dead Sea, Amman.
President @MBuhari and his team in Jordan, getting ready for their participation in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa holding on Saturday at the Dead Sea, Amman. pic.twitter.com/dB6t6XGuVC
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 5, 2019
The President departed Abuja on Thursday for Amman to honour an invitation by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement.
READ ALSO: Onnoghen’s ‘Resignation’: I Can’t Say Yet That The President Is Aware – Femi Adesina
President Buhari is to deliver an address at the opening of the plenary alongside King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as well as join world economic leaders in an informal gathering at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre.
President Buhari is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with some world leaders on the sidelines of the forum.
He will subsequently depart Amman on Sunday for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to participate in the ninth edition of the Annual Investment Meeting scheduled for April 8-10, 2019.
Invited by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rachid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the President, as Guest of Honour, will deliver the keynote address under the theme, “Mapping the Future of Foreign Direct Investment: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalisation.”
According to the organisers, the meeting is “the largest gathering of corporate leaders, policymakers, businessmen, regional and international investors, entrepreneurs, leading academics and experts showcasing up-to-date information, strategies and knowledge on attracting FDI.”
The meeting seeks to explore investment opportunities in more than 140 countries, connect businesses and countries willing to engage in sustainable partnerships with investors. | Buhari Prepares With His Team In Jordan Ahead Of World Economic Forum Participation | politics | Advertisement President Muhammadu Buhari and his team in Jordan have met as part of final preparations ahead of the president’s presentation at the World … Continue reading Buhari Prepares With His Team In Jordan Ahead Of World Economic Forum Participation |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/02/11/appeal-court-nullifies-nyakos-impeachment/ | A five-man panel of Appeal Court judges presided over by Justice Jummai Sankey sitting in Yola has nullified the impeachment of former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako.
In a judgement delivered by Justice Tunde Owoloye, the court set aside an earlier ruling of a lower court that upheld the impeachment. All the five judges unanimously ruled that the Adamawa State House of Assembly fragrantly abused tenets of law by infringing on the fundamental rights of Nyako by removing him from office illegally.
The Appeal Court maintained that Nyako was not served with an impeachment notice as stipulated by law before the legislators embarked on the impeachment process which they now termed as “wrong, sad, unfortunate and unconstitutional”.
The Appeal Court went further to frown at the manner in which the State Assembly went ahead with the impeachment process by serving Nyako through a substituted means which they say was wrong.
The judgment further described the proceeding that ousted Nyako as “a sham and a kangaroo sitting” that was stage managed and cannot be allowed to stand.
The judgement stated that it did not matter whether Nyako committed the alleged offenses but that since he was not given right to any fair hearing and having his fundamental human rights trampled upon, the assembly acted in affront to the rule of law and such an illegality cannot stand as legal.
The impeachment was therefore reversed to mean that Nyako remained the Governor of Adamawa State until the elapse of his tenure.
The judge, however, posited that the issue of tenure elongation for Nyako cannot stand as his term has elapsed.
Responding to the Judgement, the Adamawa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bala Sangha, described the judgement as an absurdity that can only empower a governor to evade being served notices of allegation.
He said that the legal counsel to the Adamawa State House of Assembly would appeal the matter. | Appeal Court Nullifies Nyako's Impeachment | business | A five man panel of Appeal court sitting in Yola has nullified the impeachment of former Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/09/05/by-election-odey-wins-pdp-senatorial-ticket-in-cross-river/ | A former chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey has emerged the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Cross River North Senatorial bye-election.
Odey polled 450 votes to defeat his closest rival and member of the House of Representatives, Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who garnered 90 votes.
The exercise, which took place at Ogoja council headquarters, was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The chairman of the electoral panel, Hon Olorogun Taleb Tebite, described the process as peaceful and orderly.
He declared Odey as the winner of the primary election having scored the highest number of votes.
One of the INEC officials who observed the primaries, Mr. Amula Timotheus expressed satisfaction with the exercise.
He said the exercise was conducted in line with INEC guidelines and was therefore, satisfactory.
On his part, the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.
The governor, who spoke moments after casting his vote lauded the peaceful atmosphere under which the election was held.
He also commended INEC for playing their observatory role adequately.
Governor Ayade said the election was a family affair as all the candidates are members of the PDP family in the state.
He assured that the party will work together in their collective interest to win the general election. | By-Election: Odey wins PDP Senatorial Ticket In Cross River | business | A former chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey has emerged the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) … Continue reading By-Election: Odey wins PDP Senatorial Ticket In Cross River |
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/02/07/wikipedia-back-online-in-pakistan-after-blasphemy-ban/ | Wikipedia was back online in Pakistan on Tuesday, after the country’s prime minister ordered authorities to lift a block imposed on the online encyclopedia over “blasphemous content.”
Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, and Facebook and YouTube have previously been banned for publishing content deemed sacrilegious.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb tweeted a copy of the order that stated: “The Prime Minister is pleased to direct that the website (Wikipedia) may be restored with immediate effect.”
The Wikimedia Foundation — the non-profit fund that manages Wikipedia — told AFP on Monday that it “was made aware that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) had been directed to restore access to Wikipedia” and hoped to see online traffic in Pakistan “resume soon.”
Last week, the PTA gave Wikipedia 48 hours to remove content deemed “blasphemous”, before it blocked the website.
An agency spokesman had said Saturday that Wikipedia would “remain blocked until they remove all the objectionable material”, without specifying what content was at issue.
On Tuesday, the website was once again accessible.
– ‘Share knowledge’ –
According to the order published Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had instructed a committee made up of three government ministers to examine the PTA’s decision to block Wikipedia.
The committee found that the “unintended consequences of this blanket ban… outweigh its benefits”, according to the document, signed by principal secretary to the prime minister Syed Tauqir Shah.
Another ministerial committee would be established to further examine the issue, it added.
“The people of Pakistan rely on Wikipedia both as a knowledge resource and as a pathway to share their knowledge with others,” a Wikimedia spokesperson said.
“Lifting this ban means that the people of Pakistan can continue to benefit from and participate in its growth within a global movement that strives to spread and share knowledge that is verified, reliable and free.”
The organisation did not immediately respond to an AFP query on if it had taken any action to remove certain content.
It said in a previous statement that “the Wikimedia Foundation does not make decisions around what content is included on Wikipedia or how that content is maintained.”
“We respect and support the editorial decisions made by the community of editors around the world,” it added.
Free speech campaigners have highlighted what they say is a pattern of rising government censorship of Pakistan’s printed and electronic media.
Pakistan blocked YouTube from 2012 to 2016 after it carried a film about the Prophet Mohammed that led to violent protests across the Muslim world.
In recent years, the country has also blocked the wildly popular video-sharing app TikTok several times over “indecent” and “immoral” content. | Wikipedia Back Online In Pakistan After 'Blasphemy' Ban | technology | The PTA gave Wikipedia 48 hours to remove content deemed "blasphemous" before it blocked the website. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2021/03/19/high-court-in-owerri-grants-application-restraining-inec-from-recognizing-senator-ararume/ | A State High Court in Owerri the Imo state capital has granted an application of motion exparte filed by Mr. Frank Ibezim restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC from issuing a certificate of return to Senator Ifeanyi Ararume or recognizing him as the winner of the December 5th Imo north senatorial district bye-election.
This injunction is pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction.
According to the judge, Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, the order was given after hearing the application of one Martin Aguda counsel to Mr. Frank Ibezim, the court took into consideration the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction and the originating summons filed respectively on the 18th day of March 2021.
The notice and grounds of appeal and motion on notice for a stay of execution filed and pending at the Supreme Court in appeal number S.C/C.V/182/2021 and appeal number S.C/C.V/183/2021 by the applicant and APC respectively, were also considered.
The latest order regarding the senatorial tussle in Imo North comes just one day after the State High Court in Owerri issued an order of interim injunction to the Independent national electoral commission restraining it from recognizing Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the winner of the December 2020 Imo North Senatorial candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC).
The injunction also restrained INEC from issuing Ararume a certificate of return or any other instrument in his favor in respect of the said election pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice in the suit.
According to Justice E.O Agaba of the Owerri High Court, this followed an application by motion exparte brought to it by The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), one Mr. Kelechi Soribe a member of the Imo State working committee of APGA, and five others against Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, INEC and the APC.
This order on Thursday came few hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered INEC to issue a certificate of return to Ifeanyi Ararume based on the result of December 5, 2020, Imo North Senatorial bye-election, having been declared as the valid candidate of the All Progressives Congress.
Justice Taiwo Taiwo who delivered the judgment ordered INEC to issue the certificate of return within 72 hours.
According to him, with regard to the Appeal Court judgment in Abuja, the third defendant (Chukwuma Ibezim) remained disqualified.
The Judge held in a judgment that Senator Ararume remains the authentic candidate of the APC and should be declared the winner of the election.
Earlier, Justice Taiwo dismissed the Preliminary Objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain Senator Ararume’s suit filed by the APC and Chukwuma Ibezim.
Justice Taiwo, who described the application as “an attempt to arrest the judgment,” dismissed it for lacking in merit.
Ararume had, through his counsel told Justice Taiwo Taiwo to invoke the judgments of a Federal High Court and that of an Appeal Court to disqualify Ibezim and declare him as the rightful candidate for APC.
Prior to the bye-election held on December 5, 2020, Ibezim and Araraume had fielded themselves as APC candidates.
– Long Legal Tussle For Senatorial Seat –
Tunde Falola, who is the Counsel to Senator Ararume told journalists after the court ruling that the judgments of the High Court and later the Court of Appeal have conclusively disqualified Ibezim and therefore he cannot claim to be an aspirant or candidate in the Imo North Senatorial election.
In opposing Senator Ararume’s suit, APC had told the court that it never fielded him for the December 5, 2020, senatorial bye-election for Imo North Senatorial District of Imo State.
The party had, insisted that Senator Ararume lacked the locus standi to lay claim to the candidacy and urged the court to dismiss his suit.
Senator Ararume then dragged INEC, APC, and Mister Ibezim before the Federal High Court praying for an order to compel INEC to recognise him as an APC senatorial candidate in the election won by the party.
He claimed that Ibezim, having been disqualified by a Federal High Court on account of supplying false information to INEC to secure clearance and same disqualification having been upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja had knocked off Ibezim from laying any claim to the outcome of the by-election.
But, the APC, through its counsel, Osho Daudu asked the court to discountenance Ararume’s claims insisting that his name was never forwarded to INEC but that of Chukwuma Francis Ibezim.
The counsel submitted that a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Owerri, Imo State which erroneously conferred locus on Ararume had been voided by Supreme Court and cannot confer any advantage on the plaintiff.
Emma Osayomi, representing Ibezim, in his own submissions, said that his client has approached the Supreme Court to challenge his disqualification on account of variation in his name.
The counsel argued that as at the election day, the name of his client was on the INEC list and not that of Ararume and urged the court to dismiss Ararume’s claims and hold that Chukwuemeka Ibezim remains the APC candidate. | High Court In Owerri Grants Application Restraining INEC From Recognizing Senator Ararume | business | Advertisement A State High Court in Owerri the Imo state capital has granted an application of motion exparte filed by Mr. Frank Ibezim restraining … Continue reading High Court In Owerri Grants Application Restraining INEC From Recognizing Senator Ararume |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/01/05/buharis-statement-on-overseas-treatment-is-self-indicting-says-pdp/ | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s comment on overseas treatment as self-indicting and raises public apprehensions on high-level deceits in governance.
The PDP said the comment is ‘ridiculous’, owing to what they say that President Buhari leads on the medal table of persons who patronize foreign hospitals for treatment and even check-ups.
According to a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan on Sunday, the administration of President Buhari has failed to provide adequate healthcare in the country, stressing that he cannot turn around to preach to other citizens against foreign treatment.
“While the PDP does not approve of proliferated foreign medical tourism, especially by leaders and public office holders, our party holds that a leader who has failed to lead by example and whose government has neglected and wrecked our healthcare systems lacks all rectitude to issue directives against foreign treatment.
“Consequently, the PDP urges President Buhari to show an example by patronizing a Nigerian public hospital on his next medical appointment so that he can experience the healthcare reality that our citizens have been subjected to under his government.”
READ ALSO: Publish Your Assets Within Seven Days, SERAP Asks Buhari, Osinbajo, 36 Governors
The party stated that the current administration has not done enough to improve the healthcare sector in the country after the PDP had introduced ‘robust’ programmes.
“Mr. President can then discover that our health system has suffered untold neglect under his watch, leading to dilapidated infrastructure, empty drug shelves, decrepit and worn-out equipment, brain drain and a demoralized workforce worse than his 1983 recollections.
“It is even more disheartening that all the investments and robust programmes of successive PDP administration, including the comprehensive National Strategic Health Development Plan, Saving One Million Lives Initiatives, National Health Insurance Scheme, among others, have been degraded and impaired by the dysfunctional APC administration.
“Nigerians recall that under the PDP administration, new technologies and modern medical equipment were available in most federal medical institutions where cases such as cancer, kidney, heart and brain ailments for which Nigerians are now mostly seeking overseas treatment were effectively handled in our country.”
The party decried the budgetary allocation for healthcare since the APC took over administration in the country, stressing that the N427.3bn captured in the 2020 budget cannot meet the needs of over 186 million Nigerians.
“Under the PDP administration, the dreaded Ebola outbreak was managed without grave consequences. If such a medical emergency, God forbid, breaks out today, it would be devastating to our nation given the poor handling of our healthcare system by the APC administration.
“Even in the 2020 budget, only N427.3bn (4.5% of the budget) is provided for the health need of over 186 million Nigerians. Indeed, this is not the way to go,” the party added. | Buhari’s Statement On Overseas Treatment Is Self-Indicting, Says PDP | business | Advertisement The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s comment on overseas treatment as self-indicting and raises public apprehensions on high-level deceits … Continue reading Buhari’s Statement On Overseas Treatment Is Self-Indicting, Says PDP |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/05/29/democracy-day-sowunmi-ekechi-differ-on-buharis-first-year-in-office/ | As Nigeria marks Democracy Day on Sunday, May 29, mixed reactions have been trailing questions about the performance of the President over the last one year.
Speaking on a special coverage of 365 days of Buhari on Channels Television, former Director, Planning and Research for the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign organization, Dr. Toe Ekechi, described efforts being made by the President to save the nation from further plunging into socio-
economic problems as commendable.
He argued that rather than focus on the current challenges of hike in fuel price, naira depreciating and higher cost of living, Nigerians should consider the factors that brought the country to its current state.
“My opinion is that we were heading for a ship wreck – a colossal disaster but God in his infinite mercy, who never wanted Nigeria to be destroyed provided at the right time a captain that has managed to steer the ship off the course of a ship wreck trying to stabilise it.
“It is not very well fully stabilised, that is where we are now. So I will like to say, it could have been worse if we did not have Buhari.”
Meanwhile, former director of the Jonathan-Sambo Campaign Organization, Mr Segun Sowunmi, accused the APC-led federal government of making excuses and blaming past administrations for the challenges facing the nation.
“If they had not come to Nigerians with a huge promise that a whole lot of our people believed, all of these ‘it could have been ship wreck’ could have been tolerated.
“From the minute this government got in charge, they have only given us excuses,” Sowunmi said.
He recalled that when the PDP took over from the military in 1999, ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo did not give excuses about past military regimes but rather worked hard to revive the economy.
“What has happened in the last one year is that everything has gone bad,” he maintained. | Democracy Day: Sowunmi, Ekechi Differ On Buhari's First Year In Office | business | #Buhari365Days As Nigeria marks Democracy Day on Sunday May 29, mixed reactions trail questions about President Buhari's performance over the last one year |
https://www.channelstv.com/2015/03/24/cbn-raises-concerns-over-economys-partial-dollarisation/ | The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, has raised concerns over the partial dollarisation of the nation’s currency and called on commercial banks in the country to take appropriate measures to check the trend.
Responding to questions from reporters after the Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Abuja, Mr Emefiele said that the apex bank may also be left with no option than to clamp down on the activities of Nigerians who insist on doing transactions with foreign currencies.
He, however, expressed optimism that the naira would rebound after the elections.
Meanwhile, the Monetary Policy Committee meeting left the interest rate unchanged at 13% while liquidity ratio was pegged at 30%. | CBN Raises Concerns Over Economy's Partial Dollarisation | politics | CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has raised concerns over the partial dollarisation of the nation's currency |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/02/25/abba-moro-wins-benue-south-senatorial-district-defeats-apcs-lawani/ | Former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the Benue South Senatorial District, defeating All Progressives Congress (APC) Steve Lawani.
Returning Officer, Professor Paul Annune declared the former interior minister as the winner on Monday.
READ ALSO: Stella Oduah Returns To Senate, Wins Anambra North Senatorial Zone
He said Mr. Moro polled 85, 165 votes to beat Mr. Lawani who got 47, 972 votes.
While the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) polled 29, 901 votes. | Abba Moro Wins Benue South Senatorial District, Defeats APC's Lawani | business | Former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has won the Benue South Senatorial District, defeating All Progressives Congress (APC) … Continue reading Abba Moro Wins Benue South Senatorial District, Defeats APC’s Lawani |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/02/01/the-youths-are-coming-ambode-breaks-long-silence-asks-youths-to-get-pvcs-ready/ | The immediate past governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode after a long silence since leaving office in 2019, has asked Nigerian youths to register and get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2023 elections saying power is in their hands.
Ambode made this known in a post shared on his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
He also appreciated Lagosians for endorsing his contributions to the development of the state
READ ALSO: ‘I Will Run For President If PDP Zones Ticket To South,’ Says Peter Obi
“The youths are coming. The power is in their hands. Go and get your Permanent Voters Card (PVC) ready. Your future is NOW!
“After all we have been through, God has been faithful. Thank you for the overwhelming endorsement of our modest contributions to the growth of Lagos. It can only get better for Lagos, and indeed Nigeria,” Ambode said.
After all we have been through, God has been faithful. Thank you for the overwhelming endorsement of our modest contributions to the growth of Lagos. It can only get better for Lagos, and indeed Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/HuuQHazaF4
— Akinwunmi Ambode (@AkinwunmiAmbode) February 1, 2022
Since he left office in 2019, Ambode has been missing at political functions. preferring the quiet ambiance.
Ambode served as the governor of Lagos State from 2015 to 2019 and lost his re-election to Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary.
He was the first governor of Lagos State to stay in office for four years since the return to democracy in 1999.
Before Ambode, the current Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, was Lagos governor between 2007 and 2015 while Tinubu was governor from 1999 to 2007.
Although Ambode has not announced his intention to contest any political office in 2023, he is constitutionally permitted to be in office for one more term of four years if the electorate so decides. | 'The Youths Are Coming,' Ambode Breaks Long Silence, Asks Youths To Get PVCs Ready | business | The immediate past governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode after a long silence since leaving office in 2019, has asked Nigerian youths to register … Continue reading ‘The Youths Are Coming,’ Ambode Breaks Long Silence, Asks Youths To Get PVCs Ready |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/09/16/dogaras-return-is-patriotic-courageous-pdp/ | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, back into its fold, describing his return to the party as patriotic and courageous.
The PDP said this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Sunday.
“The party describes Hon. Dogara’s decision to abandon the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) as a patriotic and nationalistic move that demonstrates that he is a statesman, who is committed to the progress of our nation, particularly at this trying time,” Ologbondiyan said.
He further stated that Dogara’s decision to defect was reflective of the wishes and aspirations of his larger constituency and in tandem with the determination of Nigerians across board.
According to him, the return of Dogara and other leaders who had earlier left the PDP is “a clear testament that the issues that led to their exit in the first place have all been addressed under the repositioned and rebranded PDP”.
The spokesperson, therefore, said the party was confident that his (Dogara’s) return will contribute immensely to the return of the PDP to power at all levels. | Dogara’s Return Is Patriotic, Courageous – PDP | business | The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, back into its fold... |
https://www.channelstv.com/2022/07/25/peter-obi-decries-worsening-insecurity-backs-creation-of-state-police/ | The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, decried the nation’s worsening insecurity as bandits and terrorists continue to wreak havoc in parts of the country.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Obi, a former Anambra State Governor, backed up calls for the creation of state police.
: Insecurity: My Solution Will Be Decisive And Immediate, Says Peter Obi
He said all 36 states should be responsible for the security of their residents within their domain.
“This security situation has become a complete worrisome situation for everybody concerned. I feel the Federal Government should do more,” he said.
“If I have the opportunity, every state will be responsible for their own security. I will make sure that the governors are given the powers to secure their states. Even if we have federal police, they will be responsible and report to the governor.
“For me, I have said it repeatedly that if I have the opportunity, we will deal with the situation head-on. There are so many things that we want to put in place in order to ensure that we secure the country.”
The LP candidate insisted that state governors should have every security apparatus to protect lives and properties within their domain.
Stating that security is top on his agenda, Obi explained that he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of seeking technic assistance from advanced countries to help fix Nigeria’s security challenges.
As part of his plans, Obi said if elected as President next year, he will pull millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
According to him, empowering the masses is the means of solving the security challenges as people will not indulge in criminal activities.
He also decried the continued strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), asking the government to invest in the nation’s education sector.
While lamenting the prolonged absence of Nigerian tertiary students from the classroom since February 14, Obi criticised the Federal Government for failing to honout the 2009 agreements reached with the striking lecturers.
He also called for the review of Professors, saying it doesn’t make sense for councilors to earn more than university lecturers. | Peter Obi Decries Worsening Insecurity, Backs Creation Of State Police | business | Mr Peter Obi has decried the nation's worsening insecurity in the country. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2019/09/21/imo-election-tribunal-to-deliver-judgment-on-petition-against-ihedioha/ | Imo state election tribunal will today deliver the judgment in the petitions filed by three political parties against the election of Emeka Ihedioha as the governor of the state.
The judgment is being delivered at the FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja after a briefing in Owerri, the Imo State capital, where it had received and entertained several petitions.
The governorship candidates of the Action Alliance, All Progressives Congress, (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), had filed petitions at the tribunal asking it to nullify the election of Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on the ground that he was unlawfully declared as the governor of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). | Imo Election Tribunal To Deliver Judgment On Petition Against Ihedioha | business | Imo state election tribunal will today deliver the judgment in the petitions filed by three political parties against the election of Emeka Ihedioha as … Continue reading Imo Election Tribunal To Deliver Judgment On Petition Against Ihedioha |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/05/28/secondus-opposes-calls-for-inec-to-conduct-lg-elections/ | A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, has kicked against clamours for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct local government elections.
Secondus who spoke at the first South-South Leadership Conference of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) held in Port Harcourt, argued that the commission is already overburdened.
He said it was wrong for anyone to think of ceding more powers to the Federal Government at a time when citizens are advocating for decentralisation of power, and are bordered about the conduct of national elections by the same INEC.
Speaking from his experience as a long-standing politician, Secondus alleged that the national elections conducted by INEC are yet to be credible.
He also advocated for the writing of a new constitution to reflect the desires of the citizens of the country, criticising the current constitution as being fundamentally flawed and inconsistent with the aspirations of Nigerians.
The IPAC conference was chaired by an Ijaw Elderstatesman, Anabs Sara-Igbe who called for a more active role for traditional rulers in the region.
He criticised the lack of constitutional provisions for traditional rulers in the governance of the country.
He advocated for the region’s industrialisation, and urged a united front to voice regional demands amid Nigeria’s economic shift from oil to gas.
Sara-Igbe also emphasised the potential for enhancing food security through agriculture, noting the region’s capacity to supply fish to Africa.
The event, themed “Good Governance and Security As Panacea to Grassroots Development,” is attended by the National leadership of IPAC, as well as Chairmen of Political Parties in the six States of the region.
Other notable attendees included former Minister of Transport, Abiye Sekibo, former Governor, Celestine Omehia, Niger Delta activist, Ann Kio-Briggs, and other personalities. | Secondus Opposes Calls For INEC To Conduct LG Elections | business | He alleged that the national elections conducted by INEC are yet to be credible. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/11/04/woman-invents-warm-water-refrigerator/ | In the ever-evolving world of technology, a Chemical Engineering student, Julia Romer, has created a refrigerator that runs on warm water as opposed to electricity.
The innovation which she came up with together with her team, is one that requires neither grease nor freezing agent.
Julia who is a student at the Technical University of Berlin, said although her idea was technology-driven, it is also mission-driven.
She explained that the project which her company, ‘Coolar’, had been working on for about two years, was to be powered by heat instead of electricity and could help preserve medication.
“We are highly focusing on regions that don’t have access to electricity because they need to cool down medicine.
“We tested our technology with this small fridge prototype and we would soon advance to creating bigger ones.
The project comes in good time and can be a life-saver, as over 1.2 billion people worldwide have been said to have no access to electricity while international health organisations working in big camps, are looking for alternatives. | Woman Invents 'Warm Water' Refrigerator | technology | In the ever-evolving world of technology, a Chemical Engineering student, Julia Romer, has created a refrigerator that runs on warm water. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2020/02/11/lokpobiri-vs-lyon-supreme-court-decides-winner-of-bayelsa-apc-primaries/ | The Supreme Court of Nigeria is currently hearing the appeal filed by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri against David Lyon.
Lokpobiri is contending that he is the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election held on September 4 for the 2019 Bayelsa Governorship election.
He claims that the party wrongly gave the ticket to Lyon who eventually contested and won the governorship election.
READ ALSO: Contempt: Secondus, Others Appear In Court
Lokpobiri who is a former Minister of State for Agriculture had approached the court, asking it to declare him, and not Lyon the authentic candidate of the APC.
He told the court that the governorship primary conducted by the APC in Bayelsa State was not done in compliance with the guidelines and the constitution of the party, and therefore, concluded that the party had no candidate.
However, the Court of Appeal, in Port Harcourt, upturned the High Court’s decision last month, declaring that the APC had a candidate in the governorship election.
The decision of the apex court today will determine whether or not Lyon would be sworn in on Friday, February 14 as the Governor of Bayelsa State. | Lokpobiri Vs Lyon: Supreme Court Decides Winner Of Bayelsa APC Primaries | business | Advertisement The Supreme Court of Nigeria is currently hearing the appeal filed by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri against David Lyon. Lokpobiri is contending that he … Continue reading Lokpobiri Vs Lyon: Supreme Court Decides Winner Of Bayelsa APC Primaries |
https://www.channelstv.com/2018/07/04/facebook-responds-to-us-regulators-in-data-breach-probe/ | Facebook acknowledged Tuesday it was facing multiple inquiries from US and British regulators about the major Cambridge Analytica user data scandal.
The leading social network offered no details but its admission confirmed reports of a widening investigation into the misuse of private data by Facebook and its partners.
“We are cooperating with officials in the US, UK and beyond,” a Facebook spokesman said in response to an AFP query.
“We’ve provided public testimony, answered questions, and pledged to continue our assistance as their work continues.”
The Washington Post reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Trade Commission and FBI as well as the Justice Department are looking into the massive breach of users’ personal data and how the company handled it.
Facebook shares closed the shortened Nasdaq trading day down 2.35 percent to $192.73, heading into an Independence Day holiday with investors mulling what effect the investigations may have on the California-based internet giant.
Facebook has admitted that up to 87 million users may have had their data hijacked by British consultancy Cambridge Analytica, which worked for US President Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign.
Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg apologized to the European Parliament in May and said the social media giant is taking steps to prevent such a breach from happening again.
Zuckerberg said at a hearing in Brussels that it became clear in the last two years that Facebook executives didn’t do enough to prevent the platform “from being used for harm.”
Zuckerberg was grilled about the breach in US Congress in April.
It remains unclear what if any penalties Facebook may face from the latest requests but the tech giant is legally bound to comply with a 2011 consent decree with the FTC on protecting private user data.
Any SEC inquiry could look at whether Facebook adequately disclosed key information to investors.
AFP | Facebook Responds To US Regulators In Data Breach Probe | technology | Facebook acknowledged Tuesday it was facing multiple inquiries from US and British regulators about the major Cambridge Analytica user data scandal. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2016/07/28/edo-governorship-poll-prince-erediauwa-warns-against-hate-campaign/ | Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, HRH Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, has urged political parties in the 2016 governorship election in Edo State to promote peace rather than attacking each other during campaigns.
The Edaiken of N’Uselu gave the advice when the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) visited him at his Uselu palace in the Edo State capital, south-south Nigeria.
He assured the PDP delegation of playing a non-partisan role in matters concerning the coming September 10 governorship polls.
“I have tried to reiterate and re-emphasise (that) position of the crown in Benin is non-partisan.
“My appeal (to you is) to please maintain peace and tranquility when you are campaigning,” Prince Erediauwa said.
The PDP governorship candidate, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu, said that the party faithful were at the palace to pay homage to the monarch.
“The paramount ruler of this entire kingdom is the Oba of Benin, symbolised by the Crown Prince, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, the Edaiken N’Uselu.
“We have come this morning to pay homage to him and to inform him formally of our intention to begin campaign in his domain,” he said. | Edo Governorship Poll: Prince Erediauwa Warns Against Hate Campaign | business | Crown Prince of the Benin Kingdom, HRH Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, has warned political parties in Edo State against hate campaigns. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2013/01/21/cbn-maintains-12-percent-interest-rate-tightens-liquidity/ | The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has left its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 percent as expected, but said it has taken measures to tighten liquidity to support the weakening of the naira.
Addressing journalists after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja, the CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said the MPC raised banks’ cash reserve requirement to 12 percent from 8 percent and reduced net open foreign exchange positions to one percent from three percent to support the naira.
He added that consumer inflation rose to 12.9 percent year-on-year in June, up from 12.7 percent in May say that the CBN expects it to peak around 14 percent later this year.
Below if the full text of Mr Sanusi’s speech:
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on, January 21, 2013 with ten (10) out of the twelve (12) members in attendance. The Committee reviewed the domestic economic conditions in 2012 and the challenges therefrom against the backdrop of the international financial and economic environment in order to chart the course of monetary policy in 2013.
The International Economic Situation
The Committee noted that global economic growth remained largely uneven and subdued in most economies in 2012. Latest data from the IMF indicate that global output was weaker than previously forecast due to continued contraction in the Euro zone and Japan as well as the less than anticipated growth in Brazil and India. The fragility in the global economy was further compounded by the uncertainties surrounding resolution of the “fiscal cliff” and debt ceiling challenges in the US and the difficulties associated with China’s attempts to “rebalance” its growth.
These developments adversely affected private sector confidence, worsened the unemployment situation and further tightened financing conditions in both the periphery and core economies. In the euro area, economic and financial conditions remained severely weak. Although the European Central Bank (ECB) attempted, through its intervention scheme, to halt the downward trend in economic activities in the zone, the effort did not record much success. Overall, global output was estimated to have expanded by 3.2 per cent in 2012 against the earlier projection of 3.3 per cent made in the October 2012 IMF World Economic Outlook.
Growth in the advanced economies was estimated at 1.3 per cent in 2012 and projected at 1.5 per cent in 2013, reflecting an upward revision of 0.2 percentage point, respectively, from the initial estimates. The Committee noted that the decline in global investment was mainly traced to the fiscal standoff in the US and its implications for the paltry expansion of 2.0 per cent in output in Q3, 2012. Emerging European economies, which had previously shown signs of strong rebound from the credit crisis, have now been hit hard by slow exports growth and a halt to real GDP growth. On the whole, the Committee is of the view that while the decisions of the ECB considerably reduced the probability of a Eurozone-wide financial crisis, the condition of country-level financial systems remained difficult and could constitute significant challenge to output expansion in 2013.
Latest data from the Asian economies suggest that a gradual recovery may be underway. China’s economy, which had previously recorded a slowdown over seven consecutive quarters to Q3, 2012, witnessed improved economic activity in Q4, 2012. Recent fiscal and monetary easing operations have increased investment in infrastructure with signals of further spending into 2013. The Indonesian economy, after recovery from the severe flooding in 2011, continued to show resilience against the global slowdown as investment and strong domestic demand contributed more to growth. It is expected that these twin drivers of growth would further sustain output expansion in 2013, although recent reports indicate that severe flooding has once again hit the economy during January 2013. The sub-optimal performance of the Japanese and Indian economies, however, was a major drag on recovery in the region. The Indian economy was hampered by slow approvals for new projects, deterioration in business sentiment largely due to the rising current account deficit, uncertainty over the selling of government stakes in state owned enterprises, fiscal deficits, depreciation of the Rupee and a high debt burden, as well as slow implementation of structural reforms. Japan’s drawback was largely due to a combination of declining exports and sluggish domestic demand. There are, however, expectations that the growth decline would bottom-out in 2013 as anticipated rebound in major trading partner economies like China and the US would translate to a recovery in the demand for Japanese goods and services.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continued to record mixed performance, evidenced by the divergence between the economies of oil-exporting and oil-importing countries. Oil-importing countries experienced subdued economic performance with an estimated growth of 2.0 per cent in 2012 while the oil-exporting countries grew at an average rate of 6.6 per cent. Growth in oil-exporting countries was driven largely by high oil output and prices coupled with the early post-conflict recovery of Libya. Growth for the entire region in 2013 has been projected at 3.75 per cent, which is 1.35 percentage points below the estimate for 2012. The Committee noted that the challenges confronting these countries is how to strengthen the resilience of their fragile economies against major oil price shocks through diversification and expansion of the private sector.
Economic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa remained generally robust despite the sluggish growth in the global economy. Prudent policies and improved fundamentals in most countries provided additional impetus for increased economic activity in the region. The Committee noted that the main risks to the outlook for the region come from their trading partners including the possible intensification of the financial stress in the euro zone and a sharp fiscal adjustment in the US.
In light of the uncertainty about the direction of fiscal policy in the US, particularly with regard to the yet to be resolved issue of debt ceiling, and the persisting euro zone financial and economic crises, the Committee was of the view that the global economic environment was still fragile and highly vulnerable to a further contraction, although the downside risks appeared to be less severe relative to conditions in the last two years.
Domestic Economic and Financial Developments
Output
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) projected real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate to 6.61 per cent for 2012, which is lower than the level recorded in 2011 by 0.84 per cent. The estimated real GDP growth rate at 7.09 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2012, was higher than the 6.48 per cent in the third quarter but lower than the 7.68 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2011. The non-oil sector remained the major driver of growth recording 8.23 per cent increase in contrast to the oil sector, which contracted by 0.17 per cent during the period. The Committee expressed concern about the continued decline in the contribution of the oil sector to growth due to lower production relative to the corresponding period of 2011 and enjoined the Federal Government to fast track the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to halt the trend.
The relatively robust growth projections despite the slowing global economy reflected the relatively favourable performance of wholesale and retail trade; the services sectors; outcome of banking sector reforms; and initiatives by government to stimulate the real economy. Despite the developments in the international oil market where the US is now the second largest oil producer, the Committee observed that the growth projection remained promising, anchored on the recent improvements in power supply. The Committee noted with satisfaction the Federal Government’s efforts to sustain the current initiatives to boost power generation, particularly the progress made in reforming the power sector.
The Committee, however, observed that the severe flooding in several parts of the country in 2012, which damaged housing, agricultural and oil assets, could pose downside risks to growth and feed into food supply deficits and inflation in the near term. Also, the continuing security challenges as well as delays in reform of the oil sector could undermine investor-confidence and output growth in the near-term.
Prices
The Committee observed that, on the average, inflationary pressure was elevated in 2012. The year–on–year average headline inflation rate in 2012 stood at 12.24 per cent, while the average core and food inflation year-on-year stood at 13.87 and 11.32 per cent, respectively. The major drivers of headline inflation in December 2012 included food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity and transport. The pickup in food inflation in the later part of 2012 was accounted for by imported food items and food shortages due to the impact of flood on farmlands along the major agricultural belt of the country. However, the Committee was of the view that the pass-through effects of imported food inflation to domestic prices may have been subdued owing to the relatively stable exchange rate during the period under review.
Monetary, Credit and Financial Markets Developments
Broad money supply (M2) grew by 13.72 per cent in December 2012 over the level at end-December 2011. Aggregate domestic credit (net) grew by 1.98 per cent in December 2012, which was substantially below the benchmark of 52.17 per cent for the year. Credit to Government contracted between September and December 2012 occasioned by the sustenance of government as a net creditor to the banking system, reflecting more prudent fiscal measures, including the introduction of the Treasury Single Account.
Interest rates in all segments of the money market moderated between 19th November 2012 and 3rd January, 2013. This reflected in increased liquidity in the banking system including the release of statutory revenue to sub-national governments, absence of repo transaction during the review period, repayments of matured CBN Bills and banks’ desire to maintain optimum liquidity position on their balance sheets at the end of their common financial year. The interbank call and OBB rates, which opened at 13.99 and 13.95 per cent on November 19, 2012, closed at 10.32 and 10.45 per cent, respectively, on January 3, 2013. The average interbank call and OBB rates for the period were 11.09 and 11.03 per cent, respectively. The average prime lending rate increased slightly to 16.54 per cent in December 2012 from 16.48 and 16. 51 per cent in October and November 2012, respectively. In contrast, the average maximum lending rate fell marginally to 24.61 per cent in
December 2012 from 24.65 and 24.70 per cent, respectively, in October and November, respectively while the weighted average savings and term deposits rate decreased to 5.50 per cent in December from 5.57 per cent in the preceding month. The Committee, therefore, encouraged the Bank to fast track the financial inclusion strategy to improve financial intermediation and the effectiveness of the transmission mechanism of monetary policy and to adopt ways of moderating the high spread between deposit and lending rates.
The Committee observed that the rally in the Nigerian capital market continued as equities market indicators trended upwards in the review period. The All-Share Index (ASI) increased by 35.45 per cent from 20,730.63 to 28,078.80 between December 30, 2011 and December 31, 2012. Market Capitalization (MC) also increased, by 37.38 per cent, from N6.53 trillion to N8.97 trillion during the same period. The positive performance of the ASI and MC was due to the sustained increase in the demand for blue-chip stocks particularly in the banking and consumer goods sectors following improvements in earnings and growing investor-confidence. The Committee, however, noted that the significant factor responsible for the recovery was strong portfolio flows and cautioned that the capital market remains structurally vulnerable to external shocks until its funding basis is changed.
External Sector Developments
At the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (wDAS), the exchange rate opened at N157.31/US$ on November 20, 2012 and closed at N157.33/US$ on December 31, 2012 representing a depreciation of N0.02 or 0.01 per cent. The average wDAS exchange rate during the period was N157.32/US$. At the BDC segment of the foreign exchange market, the selling rate opened at N160.00/US$ on November 20, 2012 and closed at N159.50/US$ on December 31, 2012, representing an appreciation of N0.50 or 0.31 per cent for the period. At the interbank segment, the selling rate opened at N157.95/US$ on November 20, 2012 and closed at N156.25/US$ on December 31, 2012, representing an appreciation of N1.70 or 1.08 per cent. Overall, the relative stability recorded in the foreign exchange market could be attributed to the combined effects of improved supply of foreign exchange by oil companies and enhanced capital inflows from portfolio investors during the period under review. Also, oil revenue increased at an average of 2.73 per cent monthly throughout 2012. In the first eleven months of 2012, oil receipts totaled US$40.087 billion.
The Committee noted with satisfaction that the premium between wDAS and the interbank rate narrowed towards the end of the review period.
However, the premium between the wDAS and BDCs widened towards the end of the review period from N1.682/US$ to N2.172/US$ suggesting the need to sustain and further complement existing measures to discourage speculative activities in the foreign exchange market. In general, the Committee noted that decisions at previous MPC meetings were yielding the desired results.
The Committee expressed satisfaction with the sustained accretion to external reserves which stood at US$43.849 billion as at December 31, 2012, representing an increase of US$1.682 billion or about 3.98 per cent from the level of US$42.167 billion at end-October 2012. Relative to the end-December 2011 level of US$32.915 billion, the external reserves at the end of December 2012, had risen by US$10.934 billion or 33.21 per cent. The increase in the level of foreign reserves was driven mainly by proceeds from crude oil and gas exports and crude-oil related taxes as well as reduced funding of the wDAS on account of the huge inflow of foreign portfolio investments, which was about 77.0 per cent of total inflows through the CBN. The foreign reserves level could finance about 9 months of imports.
The Committee’s Considerations
The Committee observed that the performance of the global economy remained largely subdued and was characterized by uncertainty and contraction in the Euro zone and Japan, as well as lower than expected growth in the large emerging and developing economies. The Committee notes with caution that the partial resolution of the Fiscal Cliff in the US offers some hope for gradual global economic recovery as indicated by the rebound of many global financial markets in the wake of the staving off of automatic tax increases and expenditures cuts on 1st January, 2013. The Committee further observed that the robust prospects for energy independence of the US could pose downside risk for global oil prices in the medium-to-long term which could threaten fiscal sustainability in many oil- dependent economies around the world.
The Committee noted that in spite of the slow progress made in the resolution of the Euro zone crises, the prospect of recession has not yet been completely averted in the near term. Developments in the domestic economy in the past three months highlighted some new pressure points to macroeconomic stability. The Committee was of the view that shocks to the economy could come from significant fall in the demand for oil, leading to a fall in oil prices and government revenues, weaker exchange rate, rising inflationary pressures and depletion in external reserves. The Committee also noted the drop in headline inflation in December 2012, although it also recognized that core inflation had risen; driven mainly by cost-push factors even in the face of sluggish growth in the monetary aggregates.
With regard to the budget of the Federal Government, the Committee cautioned against complacency over government revenues; despite the high level of oil prices. The Committee noted uncertainty in global demand and supply of crude oil, and weak performance of non-oil and VAT revenues. The Committee, however, noted with satisfaction the efforts the Federal Government aimed at keeping deficits within the threshold prescribed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act and advocated sustenance of the effort. On expenditure, the Committee noted that there was still the need to continue to drive down recurrent expenditure in favor of capital expenditure in view of the infrastructure deficit that continued to constrain growth performance. The Committee noted that the oil price benchmark for the 2013 budget which was increased from US$75 to US$79 may pose downside risk to the inflation objective and, therefore, constituted a pressure point for the low inflation objective and effective monetary policy in 2013. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to respond appropriately if panic spending in 2013 ultimately adds to inflationary pressures.
In view of these developments, the Committee was faced with three choices:
(i) An increase in the MPR in response to the higher oil price benchmark for fiscal 2013;
(ii) A reduction in MPR in view of the declining GDP growth trajectory and headline inflation; and
(iii) Retaining the current monetary policy stance in view of the conflicting price signals, global uncertainties and the need to preserve the stability of the system.
The Committee’s Decisions
Given the stability achieved in the last twelve months with average year-on-year headline inflation rate at 12.24 per cent, in 2012, the MPR of 12 per cent was considered to be just about right. The Committee considered the calls for a reduction in the MPR because of the benign inflation outlook other things being equal. However, this may be undermined by the increased sub-national government spending and Federal Government high expenditure in 2013, the higher benchmark oil price in the 2013 budget and the US debt ceiling with possible impact on commodity prices.
In view of the foregoing, the Committee decided that it was prudent to hold and monitor developments between now and the next meeting of the MPC. The Committee, therefore, decided by a majority vote of 8:2 to maintain the current policy stance i.e., to retain the MPR at 12.0 per cent with a corridor of /- 200 basis points around the midpoint; retain the CRR at 12.0 per cent; and to retain the Liquidity Ratio at 30.0 per cent. Two members voted for a reduction of the MPR by 25 basis points.
Thank you.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CON, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, 21st January, 2013 | CBN Maintains 12 Percent Interest Rate; Tightens Liquidity | politics | The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has left its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 percent as expected, but said it has taken measures … Continue reading CBN Maintains 12 Percent Interest Rate; Tightens Liquidity |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/06/13/oil-mafia-tried-to-sabotage-refinery-project-says-dangote/ | The Chairman of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote has accused those he described as oil mafia of trying to sabotage the refinery project.
Dangote who was speaking at the Afreximbank annual meetings (AAN) and AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Nassau, The Bahamas, on Wednesday, said the group he labelled as stronger than the mafia in drug tried several times to stop the project from becoming a reality.
“Well, I knew that there would be a fight. But I didn’t know that the mafia in oil, they are stronger than the mafia in drugs,” he said.
When asked if the group is local or foreign, he said, “Both. There is a local one and a global one. It is all mixed up. They tried all sorts but you know, I’m a person that has been fighting all my life. So, I think it’s part of my life to fight.”
READ ALSO: Falling Diesel Prices Will Bring Down Inflation — Dangote
‘We’ll End Up Winning’
Despite the battles, Dangote believes victory is assured.
“I think we will end up winning because the population and the government will be on our side because what we are doing is right,” Dangote said during the event.
In January, the Dangote refinery started production in an event the company described as a “big day for Nigeria”.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel,” the group said. “This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone.”
The 650,000 barrel-per-day Dangote refinery is expected to be a game changer when fully operational by helping end Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports.
It sits on 2,635 hectares (6,500 acres) of land at the Lekki Free Zone on the edge of Lagos and costs an estimated $19 billion.
Though one of Africa’s largest oil producers and the continent’s top economy, Nigeria relies almost totally on imported fuel and diesel because of a lack of refining capacity.
The refinery, first scheduled to open in 2021, was officially inaugurated by then-president Muhammadu Buhari last year. | Oil Mafia Tried To Sabotage Refinery Project, Says Dangote | politics | In January, the Dangote refinery started production in an event the company described as a "big day for Nigeria". |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/05/31/oil-exploration-to-begin-in-ogun-as-gov-abiodun-receives-fg-delegation/ | Ogun is set to join the league of oil-producing states in the country with the receiving of a delegation from the Federal Government in Abeokuta, the state capital.
This is even as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will soon begin oil and gas exploration in the Gateway State.
On Friday, the state governor, Dapo Abiodun played host to the FG delegation comprising the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; the Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Mr. Osagie Okubor; Chief Executive, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe and NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mele Kyari.
Speaking at the governor’s office in Abeokuta, Lokpobiri said Ogun State has always been part of the Dahomey Basin with the prospect of having a huge deposit of hydro-carbon.
“We decided that we are going to resume exploration in the different Basins; we decided to come to Ogun State to reassure the people that we have very high potential of discoveries here. Ogun has always been part of the Dahomey Basin and our presence underscore the seriousness the federal government attaches to the exploration activities that we want to carry out in Ogun State,” the minister said.
Lokpobiri said oil and gas remain the quickest way to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, stressing that his team is in the state in continuation of the campaign for exploration activities.
According to the minister, the visit was also to demonstrate the seriousness and commitment of the federal government to shore up its revenue through the oil and gas sector.
“Today we are here to tell the people of the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that we continue our campaign and exploration activities across the country. We are doing this exploration activities in several places across Nigeria and today we are in Ogun after which we will proceed to Sokoto State,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun said Ogun State is part of the OPLs 302,303 306, 307, saying the acreages present unique opportunities for the qualification as a Frontier Exploration State as defined in the PIA section 9.
He stated that the history and studies over the years allow any investment under the frontier exploration basin funding to not only realize the oil and gas potentials, but also acquire data that would aid Bitumen exploration and exploitation in Nigeria.
“It is noteworthy that this is a region of the country that provides ease of access, low entry and operating costs, a safe and welcoming community and a very active state government support and participation,” he said.
“Ogun State therefore presents some unique opportunities towards the realization of the full intentions of the PIA section 9 on frontier exploration as it will contribute to guarantee additional petroleum production of additional petroleum products for the country and afford more supply to potential refineries in the area.
“As a low hanging result, this area also presents the opportunity for Bitumen extraction, thereby reducing import dependency and bringing with its savings in foreign exchange expenditure on this single line item.” | Oil Exploration To Begin In Ogun As Gov Abiodun Receives FG Delegation | politics | Lokpobiri said oil and gas remain the quickest way to Nigeria's economic prosperity. |
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/06/08/tinubu-never-interfered-with-my-work-as-fct-minister-wike/ | Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, said President Bola Tinubu has never interfered with the affairs of his office since he assumed office last August.
The minister stated this during the commissioning of the Guzape Lot II Infrastructure Project in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
“Since I assumed office in August 21, 2023, you have never one day interfered in my work,” Wike said to the applause of the gathering.
“Never one day have you called me that this is what you want, you have never. Sometimes, I pretend I will come to you and say, ‘Are there people complaining?’ You will tell me ‘Have I ever called you one day? So don’t bother yourself, go and do your job.’
“I must say I and the Minister of State, we are sincerely happy that you gave us the free hand to work and this is what we are seeing today.”
READ ALSO: Wike’s Appointment One Of My Administration’s Best, Says Tinubu
The minister also pledged the FCT Administration’s commitment to complete the projects in the diplomatic area of Abuja.
He assured the President that the projects would be completed by next year, describing the area as a preferred residential choice for most Nigerians.
In his remarks, the President commended Wike for delivering on the infrastructure renewal promises of the Federal Government to the people of the FCT. | Tinubu Never Interfered With My Work As FCT Minister — Wike | business | The minister stated this during the commissioning of the Guzape Lot II Infrastructure Project in Abuja, the nation’s capital. |