The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has successfully apprehended 55 individuals allegedly involved in a range of criminal activities across the state. The suspects were paraded at the corps headquarters in Akure on Thursday, as announced by Adetunji Adeleye, the state Commander of the Corps. Commander Adeleye revealed that the arrests took place at different locations within the state and included individuals accused of offenses such as arson, stealing, kidnapping, and robbery. The crackdown is part of the corps’ efforts to ensure a crime-free yuletide season, prompting the commencement of a 24-hour operation and…
Author: Editor Francis
In a joint statement released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS Africa Focus Group, underscored its commitment to tackling the persistent threat posed by ISIS affiliates in West Africa. The statement follows the group’s meeting on November 15 in Cotonou, Benin. Key Points: Collaborative Mechanism: The Africa Focus Group, co-chaired by Italy, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, convened in response to an invitation from the Republic of Benin. This collaborative mechanism aims to coordinate civilian-focused counterterrorism…
In a noteworthy development, following the meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Joseph R. Biden in Bali, Indonesia, the United States and China have reiterated their pledge to collaboratively address the global climate crisis. U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and China Special Envoy for Climate Change Xie Zhenhua conducted discussions in Beijing from July 16 to 19, 2023, and further deliberated at Sunnylands, California, from November 4 to 7, 2023. Key outcomes and commitments arising from these discussions include: 1. Both nations recall and commit to advancing the effective implementation of the April 2021 U.S.-China Joint…
In a recent session of the UN Third Committee, U.S. Adviser, Timothy Johnson, expressed gratitude to Mexico and Egypt for their ongoing efforts within the UN system to address the crucial intersection of human rights protection and counterterrorism. While acknowledging the continuous work on the resolution, Johnson raised concerns that it fails to incorporate important updates or language agreed upon by Member States in other UN bodies, particularly highlighting the eighth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted in June. He emphasized the risk of the resolution becoming outdated without incorporating these critical updates. Additionally, the United States disassociated itself…
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced the resumption of food assistance for people across Ethiopia. This decision comes after months of diplomatic engagement and negotiations, resulting in substantial reforms in the food assistance structure by the Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners. According to Jessica Jennings, Spokesperson for USAID, these comprehensive reforms aim to enhance oversight and beneficiary selection, instilling confidence that food assistance will effectively reach the most vulnerable populations as intended. The reforms mark a fundamental shift in Ethiopia’s food aid system, addressing acute food insecurity issues. In Ethiopia, we remain committed to delivering…
Senator Dino Melaye Expresses Displeasure, Seeks Repayment Amidst Allegations of Misappropriation in Election Expenditure Senator Dino Melaye has voiced frustration over what he perceives as a betrayal in the recent elections, demanding reimbursement after allegedly doling out N250,000 per polling unit for vote-buying. The PDP’s election expenditure breakdown reveals N87 million allocated for “voter’s mobilization,” a thinly veiled term for vote-buying. I Melaye is reportedly aggrieved, accusing a PDP Local Government Chairman, his campaign Director-General, and others of failing to secure the desired election outcome. Sources claim that Melaye released N3,510,000 per polling unit for local security, only to…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) declared that its ongoing monetary policy reforms are demonstrating positive outcomes for the country’s economy. Isa AbdulMumin, the Director of the CBN’s Corporate Communications Department, made this statement in Abuja, specifically addressing the latest inflation rate figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday. The NBS revealed that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 27.33% in October, a 0.61% increase from the 26.72% recorded in September. Despite this uptick, AbdulMumin asserted that the current inflation rate indicates the gradual positive impact of the CBN’s monetary policy reforms on the economy. According to…
Reacting to the report of denying access to 246 passengers, their visa had been cancelled when they landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Hajj Terminal Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, 13th November, 2023. Saudi Arabia has released a statement explaining the deportation of Nigerians from the Saudi Kingdom. On Wednesday, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja made a clarification about the situation. “The passengers whom were denied entry and subsequently deported to their initial destinations didn’t fulfil the entry conditions and requirements in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Kingdom,” a statement from the…
The Joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has taken the decision to suspend the ongoing strike. The primary catalyst for this decision was the intervention of the Federal Government, facilitated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). The suspension comes amidst the backdrop of concerns, including the recent incident involving the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero. Despite the pause in the strike, discussions on the pressing labour demands are set to persist in ongoing negotiations.
The Appeal Court has dismissed a challenge against Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the Lagos State gubernatorial elections by the Labour Party (LP), and its candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. In a unanimous judgement on Tuesday, the court affirmed the lower tribunal’s decision that Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy were qualified to contest the March 18 polls won by the incumbent. The LP and Rhodes-Vivour had appealed Sanwo-Olu’s victory on claims that he was unqualified for the election. But the Appeal Court ruled that the lower tribunal was right to reject those allegations. The ruling puts to rest allegations against Sanwo-Olu’s candidacy over…
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in San Francisco, U.S., to attend a Summit with President Joe Biden.The Summit is also the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Economic Leaders’ Meeting that started on November 14 and will end on November 17. In a statement on Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, said that Xi arrived on Tuesday afternoon local time. The statement said: “Xi was warmly greeted by many overseas Chinese, including Chinese students studying abroad, who waved both Chinese and American flags along routes from the airport to welcome the Chinese President. “Cai Qi, member of the…
The National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu formally apologized to the organized labor for the disturbing assault on Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which transpired in Owerri, Imo State’s capital, on November 1. Ajaero, who had travelled to Owerri to lead a peaceful protest, was subjected to severe beatings and detained for an extended period of time. Responding to this egregious incident, the labour union issued a stern ultimatum to the government, demanding the prompt arrest of those responsible for the attack on Ajaero. Additionally, they threatened to initiate a nationwide strike if their demands were…