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Tag: Sanction

  • International Criminal Court condemns U.S. sanctions move

    International Criminal Court condemns U.S. sanctions move

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday condemned an executive order signed by United States President Donald Trump imposing punitive sanctions, countering that the order sought to “harm its independent and impartial judicial work.”

    The court was established by the Rome Statute, negotiated within the UN – but it is a fully independent court set up to try the gravest crimes, including crimes against humanity.

    Thursday’s executive order said the U.S. government would “impose tangible and significant consequences” on ICC officials who work on investigations that threaten national security of the U.S. and allies – including Israel.

    The directive follows the decision by ICC judges to issue arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, which accuses them of alleged war crimes in relation to the conduct of the war with Hamas on Gaza.

    The ICC also issued a warrant for a former Hamas commander, Mohammed Deif.

    Neither the U.S. nor Israel recognise the ICC’s jurisdiction; there are 125 states parties to the Rome Statute, which came into effect in 2002.

    The U.S. executive order says that the ICC actions against Israel and preliminary investigations against the U.S. “set a dangerous precedent, directly endangering current and former” personnel.

    The order details possible sanctions including the blocking of property and assets of ICC officials and barring them and their families from entering the U.S.

    A bid to impose sanctions on the ICC by the US Congress in January prior to the change in administration, failed to garner enough support in the Senate.

    “The ICC condemns the issuance by the US of an Executive Order seeking to impose sanctions on its officials and harm its independent and impartial judicial work,” said the court in a press release.

    “The Court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world, in all Situations before it.”

    The court also called on all parties to the ICC together with civil society and other nations to “stand united for justice and fundamental human rights.”

  • Oborevwori threatens to sanction erring public officials

    Oborevwori threatens to sanction erring public officials

    llllDelta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, warned that he would not fail to sanction any public official found wanting in the discharge of their duties or whose conduct is established to be at variance with the administration’s vision and mandate.

    Governor Oborevwori handed down the warning at the swearing-in/ inauguration of Chairmen and members of some Commissions and Boards in Asaba.

    Those sworn in/inaugurated include; Delta State Sports Commission, Joshua Onoriode Oborevwori as Chairman, while Mr. Okeremute Samuel Sodje; Henrietta Iheakonyen and Oghale Ofremu are members.

    The Delta State Public Procurement Commission has AIG David Igbodo (rtd) as Chairman and Mr. Edwin Eruno Abraka as Director-General, with Comrade Venture Daniels and Fyncountry Goodluck Tamaraebi as members.

    The Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission has Mr. Sunday Ohwo Ebireri as Chairman and Chief Moses Chukwudi Onowu as member, while Dr Ebenezer Okorodudu as Executive Director (Projects), Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

    The Governor said: “today, we continue the process of assembling a winning team for the advancement of our dear state under the MORE agenda.

    “The men and women that have just been sworn in are persons of proven track record of performance who will bring their wealth of knowledge, experience, expertise and wisdom to bear on the running of the government.

    “It is a call to servant-leadership. A servant-leader focuses on identifying and meeting the needs of others, protecting their rights, and being a good example to them.

    “These are the qualities expected of you. When a leader transparently and faithfully serves the needs of others or the organization, he will not only get the best out of people, he will also earn their respect and admiration. The interest and wellbeing of the people is paramount.

    “Furthermore, when service is the focus of leadership, it does not matter who gets the credit or whether you are recognized or not. You are happy as long as the common good is served and the people are uplifted.”

    He warned, “Let me make it clear that this administration will not fail to sanction any public official who is found wanting in the discharge of his duties or whose conduct is found to be at variance with our vision and mandate.”

    The governor said the admonitions equally apply to the Chairmen and members of boards inaugurated, including Delta State Waste Management Board with Mr. Matthew Mofe Edema as Chairman and Ethe Enifome Juliet as member.

    Also inaugurated is Chief Joe Arausi as Chairman, Delta State Urban Water Board; the Delta State Traffic Management Authority which has Chief Peter Idion as Chairman and Hon. Okiemute Essien Benjamin as Director-General, while Ogagaoghene Otikpo; George Okafor and Charles George are members.

    The Traditional Medicine Board has Chief Dr. Ogbogodorm Ogumu as Chairman and Dr. Faith Odis; Dr. Ezekiel Alihomuwe; Dr. Nwaka Godwin; Dr. Iwale Christopher; Dr. Mrs Akpogene Eiwebunakiti and Dr. Nelson Idiakpona as members.

    Rt. Hon. Christopher Ochor heads Delta State Tourism Board as Chairman, while Chief Mrs Esther Okotie Eboh; Chief Shedrack Imonioro and Dr. Genevieve Uzoma M. Mordi are members.

    Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed officials, Rt. Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for the opportunity to serve and pledged their collective commitment to servant leadership and to upholding the governor’s vision for the state.

  • WAR: United Kingdom joins US, Canada to sanction Iran

    WAR: United Kingdom joins US, Canada to sanction Iran

    The United Kingdom has  joined the United States and Canada to announce a fresh set of sanctions against Iran’s drone and missile industries after its recent attack on Israel.

    It would be recalled that Tehran launched its first direct military assault on Israeli territory nearly two weeks after an April 1 air strike — widely blamed on Israel — that killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Damascus.

    Iran’s large-scale attack involved more than 300 drones and missiles, most of which were shot down by Israel and its allies including Washington and London, causing little damage.

    Iran was hit by sanctions from the United States and Britain last week targeting individuals and companies involved in the Iranian drone industry.

    The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office said the latest sanctions would target two individuals and four companies closely involved in Iran’s network of drone production.

    Trade sanctions against Iran would also be expanded by introducing new bans on the export of components used in its produce of drones and missiles, it added.

    “The Iranian regime’s dangerous attack on Israel risked thousands of civilian casualties and wider escalation in the region,” Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement.

    “Alongside our partners, we will continue to tighten the net on Iran’s ability to develop and export these deadly weapons.”

  • Ex-ECOWAS President urges leaders to lift sanctions on Mali, B/Faso, Niger

    Ex-ECOWAS President urges leaders to lift sanctions on Mali, B/Faso, Niger

    Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, pioneer President, ECOWAS Commission, has urged the bloc’s leaders to lift the sanctions slammed on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic following the military coups in the countries.

    Chambas, currently the African Union’s (AU) High Representative for ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa,’ made the call in a telephone interview with NAN on Friday.

    Speaking ahead of the ECOWAS Summit slated for Abuja during the weekend, he also called on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger military leaders to withdraw their threat to exit from the sub-regional bloc.

    He called on all stakeholders in the West African sub-region to heed the recent call of former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), to end the prevailing conflicts and unite the people in the area.

    “I very heartily join Gen. Gowon’s appeal for the lifting of sanctions and also appeal to the three countries that are threatening to withdraw from ECOWAS to, indeed, come back to the fold.

    “They haven’t quit yet because the ECOWAS Protocols are there. They know it and the protocols have to be followed for any country to withdraw.

    “So I can only call it at this point, a threat and I think that with Gowon himself stepping in, they should heed his appeal.

    “ECOWAS Heads of State too should listen to Gen. Gowon’s appeal and reach out to these three countries for them to reconsider their threats to withdraw from ECOWAS because we are stronger united than divided.

    “And the time is now for ECOWAS to come together,” Chambas said.

    The former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel stressed the need for ECOWAS member states to stand together to face the challenges that have been bedeviling the sub-region.

    “No one denies that we are facing some serious challenges. But we can overcome them and we can only overcome these challenges united, and not divided,” he added.

    Chambas lauded the pioneering and visionary role of Gowon in the establishment of ECOWAS nearly 50 years ago and described him as the Founder of ECOWAS, whose legacy should be protected by its current leaders.

    “The remaining 15 members of ECOWAS will all be there to participate in this celebration of its 50th anniversary.

    “Now, I think that this is exactly what is motivating Gen Gowon as he cannot just sit there idly watching, so to speak, as ECOWAS disintegrates.

    “The people of West Africa, which in his words, are a ‘community of peoples sharing the history, culture, and tradition,’ are one common people in West Africa.

    “And it is for this reason that he expressed deep concern and sadness.

    “All other elders should join him in his campaign to immediately restore ECOWAS’ unity and shared purpose,” he said.

    Chambas also expressed confidence in ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu in its ability to effectively articulate the conflict during the Abuja summit to be held during the weekend, and find sustainable solutions.

    He said that at the summit, President Tinubu should be able to get his colleagues to lift what he described as the “crippling sanctions” on Mali and others, and the freezing of these countries’ bank accounts in the central bank of West African francophone countries.

    “Let me say that President Bola Tinubu’s democratic credentials need not be proved because all his life, he has stood on the side of democracy.

    “His personal experiences are also a testimony.

    “We also know President Tinubu to be a practical person and politician, who has his ideals and principles and will do what is necessary to keep ECOWAS united.

    “I’m aware that he is already working actively with the ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touré, to ensure that every diplomatic step is taken to keep ECOWAS united,” Chambas said.

  • Germany threatens Niger coup plotters

    Germany threatens Niger coup plotters

    The German government has issued a strong warning to Niger coup plotters not to commit acts of violence against the detained President Mohamed Bazoum.

    A spokesman for the Foreign Office made it clear in Berlin on Monday that they were worried about the politician.

    “I would like to emphasise once again at this point our message to the coup plotters that they must expect harsh personal consequences should anything happen to the democratically elected President Bazoum and his family,’’ the spokesman said.

    “We would perceive that as an escalation, so would our African partners.’’

    The foreign office spokesman said sanctions and also national or international prosecution are possible steps to be taken if violence act is taken against the detained president.

    Furthermore, the German government hopes that the coup plotters will respond to mediation efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Earlier, an ultimatum issued by ECOWAS to the military junta that has ruled Niger since a coup d’état at the end of July expi

  • TCN threatens to sanction erring electricity market participants

    TCN threatens to sanction erring electricity market participants

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has threatened to sanction erring electricity market participants, having given them notices and time to comply with the market rules.

    The market participants in the power sector are the generation, transmission, and distribution companies.

    TCN’s Market Operator (MO), Mr Edmund Eje, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, warned that one of the fallouts of the sanctions would be the partial or complete disconnection of defaulters from their point of connection to the grid.

    According to the MO, it is natural that some of the sanctioned players may attempt to politicise the action to score cheap points and whip up unnecessary sentiments.

    He, however, advised that consumers should be sensitive to the real issues, which is efficiency and survival of the Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

    ”NESI is governed by rules which are absolutely necessary for the viability and sustainability of the sector. As such these rules are sacrosanct and must be complied with by all existing or new players in the sector.

    ”Essentially, the players in the power sector are the generators, transmission, and distribution companies.

    ”For all the players to interact effectively and create the requisite harmony for growth, efficiency, profitability and of course, continued sustenance of the sector.

    ”The rules set for governance and regulation of relationship between all in the sector must be obeyed and upheld,” he said.

    Eje said that some of these rules are domiciled with the MO, adding that adherence to the Market Rule is below expectation.

    He said that NESI market indiscipline was one of the major factors dealing a disastrous blow to the scalability and growth of the market.

    ”Participation Agreement is signed by all participants, but to comply with them is usually an uphill task for many.

    ”If the rules of every game are observed, there would be no need for sanctions,” he said.

    On the suspension procedure, he explained that when a participant violate the market rules the MO would first notify the participant in writing, specifying the violation and requesting that corrective action be taken within a specified period.

    Eje said that if the participant failed to comply with the notice, the MO may issue a notice of intention to suspend a participant’s access to
    the market.

    ”This notice will specify the reasons for the intended suspension, the proposed duration of the suspension, and the conditions for lifting the suspension.

    ”If the participant still fails to comply with the “Notice of Intention to Suspend’, the Market Operator may issue a ‘Notice of Suspension’, which may last for 30 business days.

    ”After the suspension period, the participant may apply for reinstatement by providing evidence of compliance with the market rules and any other conditions specified in the ‘Notice of Suspension’.

    ”The MO will review the application and make a determination on whether to lift the suspension or not,” the statement read in part.

  • NBC sanctions 25 stations for contravening broadcast code

    NBC sanctions 25 stations for contravening broadcast code

    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sanctioned 25 stations for contravening the Nigeria Broadcasting Code during the Feb. 26 presidential and National Assembly elections.

    It served warning letters to 16 other erring stations.

    It’s Director-General, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, made these known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said some of the stations allowed their platforms to be used by guests, callers, and analysts to score unhealthy political points inimical to the corporate existence of the country.

    He cautioned broadcast stations to be professional in the discharge of their duties.

    “Prior to and during the recently-concluded presidential and National Assembly elections, the Commission sanctioned 25 broadcast stations.

    “Sixteen others were given final warnings over contravention of the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

    “Seventeen stations received sanctions for broadcast of partisan content during the 24 hours prior to election.

    “One station was sanctioned for announcing result before authorised returning officers made them public, while three stations were sanctioned for inciting comments.

    “Four stations were sanctioned for divisive, ethnic and religious content, while 16 stations were given final warnings for various infringements,’’ he said.

    Ilelah cautioned broadcasters against the violation of the code during the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections coming up on March 18.

    “The Commission re-emphasises that as the gubernatorial and Houses of Assembly elections approach, all broadcasters must adhere strictly to the provisions of the code.

    “They must also adhere to the National Broadcasting Act CAP N11 Laws of the Federation, 2004.

    “The code admonishes broadcasters to ensure that the broadcast of a political campaign, jingle, announcement, and any other form of partisan identification or symbol ends not later than 24 hours before polling day.

    “It states that any vote obtained at a polling station or from an exit poll should not be used to project or speculate on the chances of a candidate.

    “Very importantly, it states that election results or declaration of winner can only be made by the authorised electoral officer for the election.

    “Broadcasters shall be responsible for the content of the station’s broadcast,’’ Ilelah said.

    He commended the media for the very positive role they play in the society, particularly in the democratic process and in national development.

  • Ayade threatens to sanction erring civil, public servants

    Ayade threatens to sanction erring civil, public servants

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has threatened to sanction erring civil and public servants in the state’s establishment to achieve enhanced productivity.

    The governor made this known in a statement signed by his Deputy Press Secretary, Mr Linus Obogo on Tuesday in Calabar.

    Ayade said he had directed Mr Timothy Akwaji, the state’s Head of Service, to step up monitoring of civil and public servants to entrench discipline and efficiency in the workforce.

    He said effective monitoring became necessary to achieve the desired productivity in the state’s Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA) as well as curtailing the excesses of officers.

    “This directive which is to ensure punctuality as well as deal with issues of truancy among civil and public servants, is intended to reawaken the zeal and virtues that make the service unique.

    “In light of this, any member of staff found wanting shall face appropriate sanction in line with the provisions of the civil service rule,” he said.

    In an interview with NAN a civil servant who preferred anonymity, said civil servants in the state were coping in spite being owed salaries.

    “It is sad that the state government would always want to pick on the civil servants who are actually sustaining the state.

    “We are in August and some workers in the state are still being owed June salary and no one has received anything for July, yet workers are still going to work.

    “I think the governor should rather commend the workforce,” he stated.

    Another civil servant from the Ministry of Education, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said no one should give the civil servants in the State a bad name.

    He said that civil servants in the state were trying their best in spite not getting their legitimate salary as and when due.

    The source said that it was also difficult for civil servants to get their gratuity and pension when they retire from service.

  • China imposes sanctions on U.S. house speaker Pelosi

    China imposes sanctions on U.S. house speaker Pelosi

    China has imposed unspecified sanctions on Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and her immediate family members, the Foreign Ministry said in Beijing on Friday.

    “In disregard of China’s grave concerns and firm opposition, Pelosi insisted on visiting China’s Taiwan region.

    “This constitutes a gross interference in China’s internal affairs,’’ the ministry statement said.

    “It gravely undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity seriously tramples on the one-China principle, and severely threatens peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.’’

    “In response to Pelosi’s egregious provocation, China decides to adopt sanctions on Pelosi and her immediate family members in accordance with relevant laws of the People’s Republic of China.’’

    Pelosi had visited the self-governing democratic island earlier in the week, prompting Beijing to launch air and sea military drills with live fire in the waters off Taiwan.

  • Policemen arrested for extorting man N300,000 summoned to Abuja for possible sanction

    The four policemen, who allegedly extorted a man, Uche Anthony, of N300,000 on Wednesday in Lagos, have been arrested and summoned to Abuja for proper investigation and possible sanction.

    Policemen
    Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi

     

    This was disclosed by the 25th indigenous Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

     

    According to the victim, the policemen cocked their guns and forced him to an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, to withdraw N280,000, which they added to the N20,000 cash he had on him and took with them.

     

    Anthony, who took to social media to lament his ordeal with the policemen, said his only offence was having finance technology (fintech) apps on his phone and foreign numbers in his contact.

     

    He wrote: “I just got accosted by the police and I was extorted of N300,000 in Lagos. Simply because I have Binance and Trust wallet on my phone. I use an iPhone13 pro max and I am in a lot of crypto groups and I am talking to foreign numbers who happen to be my uncles and cousins abroad.

     

    “They (policemen) seized my phone and won’t let me even explain. For the first time in my life someone cocked a gun at me and said I should enter the car. I’m still in the trauma of the experience. I could quickly pick up the name of one of the police officers.

     

    “They (policemen) insisted I must pay them more than half of what is in my account. They (policemen) went to my message inbox and saw my GTB balance. I said I wasn’t paying a dime and they (policemen) said I’ll sleep in the cell and no one will know because they were with my phone.

     

    “I was so scared of my life as I have read stories of people shot dead and abandoned somewhere. They (policemen) drove me about for hours and we started negotiating. They (policemen) said N500,000or nothing. Omo, I started thinking that these guys might just kill me and I don’t want to trend with the hashtag #justiceforuche.

     

    “They (policemen) drove me to a bank in Maryland and asked me to go and withdraw cash. All the while they had my phone so I could not make any recording or take any pictures.

     

    “They (policemen) took the money from me and destroyed the withdrawal receipt. They (policemen) had me order a bolt driver before letting me go.”

     

    Anthony’s cry for help attracted the attention of the Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), CSP Muyiwa Adejobi who contacted the Lagos command and demanded an investigation into the claims.

     

    A few days later, Adejobi through his Twitter handle confirmed that the policemen responsible for the extortion had been identified and arrested.

     

    “He reported and we have identified them in Ikeja Area F. We have summoned them with their team leader to Abuja for proper investigation and possible sanction,” he said.

     

    Meanwhile, the policeman caught singing and dancing to a cult song in a viral Tiktok video, Isaac Matthew, has been demoted from the rank of corporal to constable.

     

    Force spokesman CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that the demotion followed the outcome of an Orderly Room trial of the offender and a review of the recommended punishment for the offences of discreditable conduct, promoting secret cults as well as the violation of the social media policy of the Nigeria Police Force.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Matthew, who was attached to the Ebonyi State Police Command, was seen in a viral Tiktok video on May 7 dressed in full police uniform, singing, dancing, and brandishing an AK-47 rifle in praise of a secret confraternity.