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Tag: Ban

  • Montana becomes first U.S. state to ban TikTok

    Montana becomes first U.S. state to ban TikTok

    Montana has become the first U.S. state to ban the Chinese-developed social media app TikTok, as its Republican governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill into law on Wednesday.

    “To protect Montanans’ personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party, I have banned Tiktok in Montana,’’ Gianforte tweeted after signing the bill.

    The new rule prohibits app stores from offering the video-sharing app from Jan. 1, 2024 and prevents TikTok from operating as a business in the state.

    For every day the social media platform is still available, app providers would have to pay a 10,000 dollars fine.

    Users do not face a fine and those who already have the app on their own device are not affected.

    TikTok did not initially respond to the legal change.

    Lawsuits challenging the ban based on the right to freedom of expression are expected.

    Owned by Chinese company Byte Dance, TikTok has already been banned on government-issued devices in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and the U.S., amid cyber security concerns.

    The app has more than a billion users worldwide and is widely used in the U.S. and Europe.

    It is fueling fears that Chinese authorities and secret services might use the app to collect information from users or to spread influence.

    The company has rejected such allegations.

  • UK to ban TikTok on govt. phones

    UK to ban TikTok on govt. phones

    Britain said on Thursday it would ban TikTok on government phones with immediate effect, a move to follow other Western countries who have barred the Chinese-owned video app over security concerns.

    TikTok has come under increasing scrutiny due to fears that user data from the app owned by Beijing-based company ByteDance could end up in the hands of the Chinese government, undermining Western security interests.

    Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre has been reviewing whether TikTok should be barred from government phones, while the United States, Canada, Belgium and the European Commission have already banned the app.

    Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden told parliament that government devices would only be able to access third-party apps from a pre-approved list.

    “We are also going to ban the use of TikTok on government devices, we will do so with immediate effect,” he said.

    The ban does not include personal devices and there would be limited exemptions where TikTok is required on government devices for operational reasons, Dowden added.

    “This is a proportionate move based on specific risk with government devices.”

    Earlier, when the prospect of such a ban was reported, TikTok said it would be disappointed by such a ban.

  • FIFA bans four Uruguay players

    FIFA bans four Uruguay players

    Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera and Jose Maria Gimenez were hit with four-match bans by FIFA on Friday.

    While Diego Godin and Edinson Cavani were suspended for a game each after they confronted the referee following their World Cup match against Ghana.

    FIFA launched proceedings against the players who angrily harangued the referee after crashing out of the tournament in Qatar, in spite of beating Ghana 2-0 in their final group match on Dec. 2.

    In the Group H deciders, Uruguay had one foot in the last-16 before South Korea scored in stoppage time to beat Portugal 2-1 and went through by virtue of scoring one goal more than the South Americans over their three matches.

    German referee, Daniel Siebert, decided not to award penalties for tackles on Darwin Nunez in the opening half and Cavani in the dying minutes, with striker Luis Suarez saying after the game that FIFA was “against Uruguay”.

    The players will also have to carry out football-related community service, and will pay fines of up to 20,000 Swiss francs ($21,701).

    The Uruguayan FA was additionally fined 50,000 Swiss francs for the behaviour of its supporters and team members, FIFA said.

    Uruguay were also ordered to partially close their stadium for their next FIFA “A” international match as hosts.

  • 2023: U.S. announces visa ban on Nigerians

    2023: U.S. announces visa ban on Nigerians

    The United States of America government has threatened to  impose visa restrictions on individuals found in acting of undermining the Nigerian 2023 general elections

    U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken made the announcement in a statement released by the U.S Mission in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Blinken said that the action was in line with its commitment to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. 

     “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian elections.  

    “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria. 

    “Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.  Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

    “The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. 

    “The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” he stated.

    This is not the first time the U.S has placed such visa restrictions to deter people from disrupting the elections.

  • Lagos State Govt to ban sale of bottled drinks exposed to sun

    Lagos State Govt to ban sale of bottled drinks exposed to sun

    The Lagos State Government says plans are underway to ban the sale of plastic bottled drinks exposed to the sunlight.

    The General Manager, Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mr Afolabi Solebo made this known in an interview with NAN in Lagos on Friday.

    “Plastic bottled drinks exposed to continuous sunlight are dangerous to health and very cancerous. Therefore, it will be part of our public enlightenment between now and the end of the year.

    “So that by 2023, we will not only confiscate sucj drinks but we will prosecute people that are displaying those products under sunlight.

    “We also want to have a stakeholders’ meeting with manufacturers of those bottled drinks so as to get alternatives for dummy of the products for distributors to display.

    “The essence of displaying those products in the sunlight is to attract consumers to come buy. So if you can put dummies in the sun it has no effect since dummies look like the real thing,” Solebo said.

    He said consumables that kill bit-by-bit should be avoided.

    Solebo also urged consumers to always ensure they get value for their money on all products and services rendered to them.

    He said consumers had a right under the law to complain if they are not getting value and satisfaction for their money, they could seek redress.

    The general manager said consumers, much as they had rights under the law, should also know that they had responsibilities to choose, to look well at what they were buying and obtain receipt for every product bought.

    “So the consumers do have responsibilities much as they have a right to safety, to be informed, right to clarity and quality of products, the right to choose and the right to be heard.

    “Also, they have the right to consumer education and especially the right to seek redress in court or in our office and when we cannot resolve the matter amicably, we resort to litigation.

    He said the agency has been able to recoverover N25 million from the Ikeja Distribution Company (IKEDC) as credit adjustment granted to consumers since he assumed office.

    “As at September 2020, we recovered N28.46 million from the IkEDC through credit adjustment for consumers through the agency and till date another N7.02 million.

    “We have also been able to recover from online transactions, POS using ATM. We were able to get transactions reversals to the tune of N10.41 million.

    ”We were able to reclaim over 25,000 dollars from a complainant after mediation and deliberations because he was wrong,” he said

  • Betting sites not banned in Anambra – Commissioner

    Betting sites not banned in Anambra – Commissioner

    Mr. Don Onyenji, Anambra Commissioner For Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, has called on operators of Lottery and Betting activities to carry on their businesses as allowed by the extant law.

    Onyenji urged the operators to disregard the information in circulation that the Anambra government has placed a ban on their activities in the state.

    The latest directives are contained in a press release signed by the Commissioner in Awka on Saturday.

    “The attention of the Anambra state Government has been drawn to the various misinterpretations of its directives to operators of Casino Games domiciled in hotels and restaurants in the state to suspend their operations.

    “This was as a result of written and video petitions on suspected fraudulent practices, lack of transparency and non-payment of Game winnings to players.

    “Part of the directives reads ‘The Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, And Tourism in collaboration with the Anambra state Internal Revenue Service AIRS and the Ministry of Homeland Affairs hereby directs all operators of Casino Games within Hotels, Restaurants and Bars to suspend all operations with immediate effect.

    “The suspension will last until the conclusion of investigations,” he said.

    The commissioner said that all Hotel Owners and Bars in the State have been invited to a meeting to discuss security and other services and policy issues.

    However, he said, “it is grossly unfortunate that some mischief makers added lottery and Betting activities and organisations to the ban.”

    He said that the Government at this moment states categorically that the suspension was only directed at Casino Games operators in the hotels and hospitality outfits, excluding all other betting centers in the state.

    Onyenji said that the government has identified the owners of the particular casino machine and has advanced investigations on the complaint.

    He said that the sites involved in the complaint have temporarily shut down their machines.

    Onyenji assured that Government would conclude investigations in a record time when the reported case is fairly handled and discharged.

    He said the organisation will be allowed to return to its business quickly when all assurances to protect the players’ interest are made.

    The commissioner assured that the government is on ground to protect all such operators, guarantee the safety of their business in the State.

    He appealed to all business operators in the state to go about their operations undisturbed and discountenance the false reports of ‘fifth columnists’.

  • Group Congratulates Pharm. Asuku on appointment As Kogi DG Asiwaju/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council

    Group Congratulates Pharm. Asuku on appointment As Kogi DG Asiwaju/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council

    The Bello Ambassadors Network (BAN) has sent a heart-felt message of felicitations to Pharm Abdulkareem Jamiyu Asuku, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State, on his appointment as the state Director General of the Asiwaju/Shettima Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.

    Following Governor Bello’s appointment as the National Youth Coordinator of the All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign Council and the party’s leader in Kogi State, Bello appointed the young pharmacist to lead the campaign in the state in order to ensure that the APC will the state seamlessly.

    In the congratulatory message signed by BAN’s National Coordinator, Anthony Edogbo, the group stated that Asuku’s appointment by Governor Bello has put the party in a better position to win the state without stress.

    According to the group, the Chief of Staff has demonstrated his leadership capacity through his contributions to the government and dedication to the duties of serving his boss, which have culminated in the governor’s massive progress in his second term.

    The Bello Ambassadors stated that they have no doubt in Asuku’s delivery, noting that it is already a win for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate Kashim Shettima in Kogi State because Asuku’s good image will automatically sell the APC to the people, giving the party a 100% victory.

    The message read in part, “I congratulate you, Pharmacist Abdukareem Asuku Jamiyu, on your appointment as the Director General of the Asiwaju/Shettima Presidential Campaign, on behalf of myself and all Bello Ambassadors across our chapter in the country.

    “Sir, your appointment by Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello is yet another astute move that has effectively silenced opposition in Kogi State. We believe in your ability, as evidenced by your numerous contributions to the development of the state and service to your boss.

    “We have no doubts about your performance because we are confident that the APC will win with flying colors in Kogi State as your good name will automatically sell the party to the people in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “We would also like to thank Governor Bello for making this wise decision. He is the pillar who will ensure that the APC receives the votes and support of Nigerian youths.

    “Once again, Sir, congratulations.”

  • WAR: UEFA bans Russia from participating in Euro 2024 qualification series

    WAR: UEFA bans Russia from participating in Euro 2024 qualification series

    UEFA has banned Russia from taking part in the Euro 2024 qualifying series which will begin on  the 9th of October.

    The Russian national team and club sides have been banned from participating in international football following the ongoing war with Ukraine.

    Russia was disqualified from partaking in the World Cup play-offs in Europe owing to the activities of the country in Ukraine.

    “All Russian teams are currently suspended following the decision of the UEFA Executive Committee of February 28, 2022, which has further been confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on July 15, 2022,” European football’s governing body said in a statement.

    “Russia is therefore not included in the UEFA European Football Championship 2022-24 qualifying draw.”

    Meanwhile, Russia appealed the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sports, (CAS) but it was ruled out by the court.

    “The Union is currently awaiting for the full text of the CAS decision, following the study of which a decision will be made on further steps,” the Russian Football Union said.

    Recall that Portugal replaced the Russian senior female team at this year’s Euro in England.

    The 2024 European Championship will be hosted by Germany, with the qualifying draw set for October 9 in Frankfurt.

    Germany’s interior minister has also asked for Belarus to be banned from the tournament due to the country’s backing of Russia.

    The 2018 FIFA World Cup,was held in Russia with the finals played in Moscow but the ongoing war with Ukraine has hampered Russia’s chances in world football.

  • JUST IN: Lagos extends Okada ban to more LGA’s

    JUST IN: Lagos extends Okada ban to more LGA’s

    The Lagos State Government has extended the ban on commercial motorcycles to four more Local Government Areas and five Local Council Development Areas.

    The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, confirmed this on Thursday.

    According to Oladeinde, the decision was taken after a review of the earlier ban on commercial motorcycles operation in six local councils.

    The additional councils where the total Okada ban is pronounced include Kosofe Local Government, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Shomolu Local Government, and Mushin Local Government.

    Others are Ikosi-Isherri LCDA, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Isolo LCDA, Bariga LCDA, and Odi-Olowo LCDA.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered full enforcement from September 1, 2022.

  • ASUU drags Edo Govt to court over ban on union activities

    ASUU drags Edo Govt to court over ban on union activities

    The Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has dragged the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Edo Government and the Attorney General of the state to court over last week’s ban on union activities in the state-owned tertiary institutions.

    The union filed an originating summon in Suit No NICN/BEN/40/2022 before the Benin Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

    The Chairman and Assistant Secretary of the union, Dr Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele and Dr William Odion, asked the court to determine whether the government and other defendants had the power under section 40 of the Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the Trade Unions Act, to suspend or prohibit trade union activities in the institution.

    They said in the event that the parts of the constitution did not give such powers to the defendants, the court should declare the defendants’ order on the ban of ASUU activities in the institution as unconstitutional, illegal, null and void and same is ultra vires of the powers of the defendants.

    They also want an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, employees and/or agents from interfering with or intermeddling in the claimants’ exercise of their fundamental right to engage in trade union activities at AAU.

    The claimants further sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, agents and/or privies from taking any form of disciplinary action against them on account of their trade union activities at the institution.

    The state government had, following a protest by students of AAU over the lingering nationwide strike by ASUU, suspended all union activities across state-owned institutions of higher learning.

    The government listed unions affected by the ban to include ASUU, Non Academic Staff of Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Non Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, and all allied unions operating across state-owned tertiary institutions.

    No date has, however, been fixed for hearing.