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  • Southwest assassinations: Bubble may burst soon– Gani Adams writes UN, US, others

    Southwest assassinations: Bubble may burst soon– Gani Adams writes UN, US, others

    Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams sues for global intervention over the killings in the South-West region, saying that “the bubble may burst soon”.

    He made the call in a letter to the Secretary General, United Nations (UN), the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), and the Secretary of State, United States.

    The message copied British Foreign Secretary, the European Union (EU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) among others.

    The letter titled “Urgent need to stop killings by Fulani herdsmen in Yorubaland” called the attention of the international community to the “clear and present danger” threatening Nigeria.

    Adams said the massacre of citizens, almost on a daily basis, was a symbol that the nation is sliding towards anarchy.

    He criticized the inability of the federal government to address the “already gory situation”.

    Mentioning that the world knows what is going on in the most populous black country, Adams appealed for action against the “agenda” and “pogrom gradually being executed in Yorubaland”

    “Yorubaland have been put under serious pressure through payment of ransom – running into millions of naira – demanded by conscienceless, unscrupulous and ruthless murderers.

    “The agitation for them to leave our land has reached an alarming crescendo. The backing (the belief of our people) by the Federal Government that ‘nobody can chase anybody from any part of the country’ is not helping matters.”

    Adams said the peace, stability and tranquility of Yoruba people are being tested by “blood-thirsty maniacs” who rape, kidnap and murder.

    He cited the invasion of Igangan, a rural community in Ibarapaland, Oyo State on June 6, 2021.

    “The massacre of scores of residents by these same band of roving killers, who prefer to stay in the forest because of their murderous intent, seems to be the last straw.”

    The Aare warned that any crisis in Nigeria would have a negative effect on the rest of the world.

    The Yoruba leader said the situation had reached a level where some herdsmen leaders openly threaten governors for banning open grazing.

    “The North has enough land to accommodate the nomadic nature of Fulani herdsmen, so why come down south to destroy people’s farms?

    “I want to say that nobody wants war but our people will not sit idle while they are being slaughtered. I am raising this alarm because what is going on is provocative and the bubble may burst soon”, Adams added.

     

  • Reciprocate FG’s #TwitterBan with visa ban on Buhari, Malami, Lai, PDP tells US, UK, others

    Reciprocate FG’s #TwitterBan with visa ban on Buhari, Malami, Lai, PDP tells US, UK, others

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday asked the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and other members of the International Communities to impose a visa ban on President Muhammadu Buhari and members of his cabinet.

    The opposition party said this should be done immediately, describing suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria as ‘stifling free speech in Nigeria.’

    This was disclosed in a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    “The party also urges the world bodies to also sanction the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami as well as certain leaders of the APC for their individual ignoble roles in the ban imposed on Twitter in addition to associated harassments and threats to Nigerians.

    “The PDP urges the countries to bar President Buhari, Lai Mohammed, Abubakar Malami, and their family members from entering their territories for any private purposes whatsoever,” the statement read in part.

    The PDP said its demand is based on the violation of UN international Charter on Human Rights by President Buhari by banning the use of Twitter in Nigeria.

    The PDP insists that banning Twitter in Nigeria is a clear violation of Article 19 of the UN Charter as well as section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guaranteed freedom of expression to all Nigerians.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Article 19 of the UN Charter on Human Rights provides that Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impact information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

    “In the same vein, section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference,” PDP added.

    The party holds that the trio of President Buhari, Lai Mohammed, and Abubakar Malami and their agents cannot continue to enjoy diplomatic privileges and rights extended by virtue of their offices in Nigeria, while at the same time flouting the UN Charter.

  • US, UK, EU Envoys insist FG’s #TwitterBan is violation of fundamental human rights

    US, UK, EU Envoys insist FG’s #TwitterBan is violation of fundamental human rights

    The envoys of the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union in Nigeria among others, have insisted that the Federal Government’s suspension of Twitter, is a violation of the fundamental human right of freedom of expression.

    The envoys who met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja on Monday, urged the government to protect freedom of expression.

    US ambassador to Nigeria, Mary-Beth Leonards, who spoke on behalf of others said they were delighted to see Nigeria succeed, and that all challenges have solutions.

    “We are here as partners who want to see Nigeria succeed. We want to see this place unified, peaceful and prosperous and that’s how all of our activities are arranged. I think we have to be very clear that we are Nigeria’s strong partners on issues of security and we recognise the daunting times and the array of security challenges that confront Nigeria.

    “While they are daunting, they are not insurmountable and part of the way to surmount them is through partnership of the people you see represented here,” Leonards said.

    “Not only in physical security but in terms of expanding opportunities and promoting mediation and dialogue; this is all very important and we look forward to continuing that partnership and continuing our conversation around important issues like media freedom.

    “We re-affirm our position that free access to the ability to express oneself is actually very important and perhaps more important in troubled times,”

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government says it would restore Twitter operations in Nigeria if the platform would be used responsibly by the citizens.

    While highlighting that the responsibility of the government is to protect law, order, and human lives, Onyeama made it clear that there is no definite time for lifting the ban.

    “The condition would be a responsible use of the social media and that really has to be it.”

    “We are not saying that Twitter is threatening the country or any such thing; why we have taken this measure is to stop them to be used as platforms for destabilization and facilitation of criminality or encouragement of criminalities,” Onyeama stated.

  • US court dismisses MFM Olukoya’s N500m suit against UK-based blogger

    The United States District Court, Northern District of California, has dismissed the N500m damages registered in the United Kingdom on behalf of the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (Worldwide), Dr Daniel Olukoya, and the church against a UK-based blogger, Maureen Badejo.

    The court also declined personal jurisdiction over the defendants and denied plaintiffs’ motion for default judgment.

    Badejo was said to have published a libellous publications against Olukoya and MFM for which Justice Abiodun Akinyemi of an Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta, awarded a N500,000m damages.

    But the US Court District Judge 1, Haywood Gilliam Jr., in his judgment obtained on Monday, denied the motion for default judgment and dismissed the case “for lack of personal jurisdiction.”

    The document was titled, ‘Defendants. Case No. 20-cv-08001-HSG Order denying motion for default judgment and dismissing case’

    “The case is dismissed. The Clerk is directed to terminate the case. It is so ordered,” Gilliam, said.

    He added, “For the following reasons, the court denies the motion for default judgment and dismisses the case for lack of personal jurisdiction.

    “Plaintiffs allege only that Ms Badejo is a Nigerian-born blogger who resides in the United Kingdom; that she operates an online news site, Defendant Gio TV, with an emphasis on Nigeria; and that this online news site is accessible on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

    “The allegations are insufficient to establish general personal jurisdiction over defendants. Plaintiffs argue that the court has specific personal jurisdiction over defendants because the defendants’ minimum contacts with California satisfy the Ninth Circuit’s three-prong test.

    “This is a state law defamation case against defendant Maureen Badejo, a foreign national who appears to be a Nigerian citizen and resides in the United Kingdom. Plaintiffs filed a motion for entry of default on February 3, 2021, and entry of default was noticed by the Clerk on February 4, 2021. Dkt. Nos. 16, 17.

    “At the initial case management conference on February 16, 2021, the court expressed to plaintiffs’ counsel concern that the court lacked subject matter and personal jurisdiction over this matter.

    “Counsel responded that he would consult with his clients to either file a notice of dismissal or a motion for default judgment that set out the basis for the court to exercise jurisdiction.”

    The judge said in determining whether the exercise of personal jurisdiction over a non-resident defendant was proper, a district court must apply the law of the state in which it was sitting when there was no applicable federal statute governing personal jurisdiction.

    “District courts in California may exercise personal jurisdiction over a non-resident defendant to the extent permitted by the due process clause of the constitution,” he added.

    According to him, unless plaintiffs establish all three of the Calder elements, “their purposeful-direction showing fails.

    “The Court finds that the plaintiffs’ allegations are sufficient to satisfy the first element of the Calder effects test.

    “Plaintiffs allege that Ms. Badejo posted defamatory posts on Gio TV over Facebook, YouTube, and Snap Chat. This constitutes an intentional act. However, the court finds that plaintiffs have not established that defendants’ conduct meets the second element of the Calder effects test.

    “This analysis can be difficult when applied to material freely available on the internet. Notably absent is any allegation of conduct by Ms Badejo that has anything to do with California.

    “None of the allegedly defamatory statements quoted by plaintiffs in the complaint make any mention of California or show any attempt by Ms Badejo to directly target California.

    “Despite the lack of explicit connection between Ms Badejo’s statements and the forum state, plaintiffs argue that Ms Badejo expressly aimed her conduct at California because she made statements about the Maryland state court litigation.

    “Plaintiffs’ argument seems to be that because the Oakland branch of Mr Olukoya’s religious organisation was responsible for importing books into the United States, statements made by Ms. Badejo about the Maryland litigation, which involved allegations of tax fraud arising from that importation, constitute conduct deliberately targeting the Oakland branch.”

  • Nigeria’s constant sentencing of citizens over blasphemy worrisome —US

    Nigeria’s constant sentencing of citizens over blasphemy worrisome —US

    The United States has expressed displeasure at how Nigerian courts continue to convict citizens of blasphemy, sentence them to long-term imprisonment and death.

    US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, made this known during the release of the 2020 International Religious Freedom Report this week.

    He also said the Nigerian government has not brought anyone to justice for the “massacre” of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria also known as Shiites.

    “In Nigeria, courts continue to convict people of blasphemy, sentencing them to long-term imprisonment or even death. Yet the government has still not brought anyone to justice for the military’s massacre of hundreds of Shia Muslims in 2015,” Blinken quoted the report.

    He further noted that religious freedom is a human right and the freedom is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adding that America will continue to defend freedom of faith globally.

    “Religious freedom, like every human right, is universal. All people, everywhere, are entitled to it no matter where they live, what they believe, or what they don’t believe.

    “Religious freedom can’t be fully realised unless other human rights are respected, and when governments violate their people’s right to believe and worship freely, it jeopardizes all the others,” the US State Secretary noted.

     

  • DISTINCTION: 17-year-old Nigerian, Victory Yinka-Banjo gets 19 scholarship offers from US, Canada

    DISTINCTION: 17-year-old Nigerian, Victory Yinka-Banjo gets 19 scholarship offers from US, Canada

    A 17-year-old Nigerian, who scored straight As in WASSCE, has received 19 full-ride scholarship offers from universities across the United States and Canada.

    Victory Yinka-Banjo, who is a secondary school graduate, was offered more than $5 million dollars’ worth of scholarship money for an undergraduate program of study, according to admission documents and estimates of financial aid awards.

    “It still feels pretty unbelievable. I applied to so many schools because I didn’t even think any school would accept me,” Victory told CNN.

    Born to Nigerian parents, mother Chika Yinka-Banjo, a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, and Father Adeyinka Banjo, a private sector procurement and supply chain executive, Victory was given potential full scholarships from the Ivy League schools, Yale College, Princeton University, Harvard College, and Brown University.

    Other US scholarship offers included those from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Virginia.

    In Canada, Victory was offered the Lester B. Pearson scholarship from the University of Toronto and the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow (KMILOT) scholarship from the University of British Columbia.

    Victory, who was a senior prefect in secondary school, added: “Their admissions processes are extremely selective. They only accept the best of the best. So, you can imagine how, on a daily basis, I have to remind myself that I actually got into these schools. It is surreal!”

    Victory rose to national prominence in late 2020 after she scored straight As in her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    Months earlier, the Nigerian teen had been rated as the “Top in the World” in English as a second language (speaking endorsement) by the University of Cambridge International Examination (CIE). Victory aced the Cambridge IGCSE exam — acquiring A in all six subjects she sat for.

    Victory told CNN her remarkable achievements are borne out of hard work.

    “They have made me truly feel proud about the hard work I have put into several areas of my life over the years. I am slowly beginning to realize that I deserve them,” she said.

    The teenager remarked that her multiple scholarship offers “have made me stand taller, smile wider, and pat myself on the back more often.”

    Victory said she hopes to study Computational Biology. However, she is still weighing up her options on which school to choose, having been wooed by many prestigious institutions.

    “I am still doing research on some schools that are at the top of my list, like Stanford, Harvard, MIT, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and just trying to compare and contrast all of them thoroughly,” she told CNN.

  • US announces priority visa appointments for Nigerian students

    US announces priority visa appointments for Nigerian students

    The United States authorities have announced “priority visa appointments” for Nigerian students who will resume studies during the Fall.

    In a statement on Friday, Susan Tuller, U.S Mission Country Consular Coordinator, said the two visa processing centres in Nigeria – the U.S Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General office in Lagos – will assist student visa applicants in a timely fashion while keeping personnel and customers safe.

    She warned applicants against the use of third-party services, including touts, and fixers who broker visa appointments.

    “As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and customers, processing student visas remains a high priority for the U.S. Mission in Nigeria,” Tuller said.

    “We will increase the number of student visa appointments in May and June to ensure that we can offer appointments to as many students as possible. If your U.S. studies are scheduled to begin this Fall, we encourage you to schedule your appointment as quickly as possible.”

    Tuller explained that all student visa appointments must be booked through the U.S. Travel Docs website at www.ustraveldocs.com/ng/.

    She said Nigeria sends more students to American colleges and universities than any other country in Africa and is the eleventh largest source worldwide of international students to the United States.

    “In academic year 2019-2020, a record-breaking number of nearly 14,000 Nigerians pursued graduate and undergraduate degrees in the United States.

    “Both Nigeria and the United States benefit when Nigerian students study at one of our world-class educational institutions.”

  • Insecurity: Buhari begs US for support, says crisis may affect all nations

    Insecurity: Buhari begs US for support, says crisis may affect all nations

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday stressed the need for the support of the United States and other “important and strategic partners” in combating the security challenges facing Nigeria.

    He said the support was necessary because the consequences of insecurity in Nigeria would affect all nations.

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President made the call during a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State, Mr Anthony Blinken.

    The statement was titled ‘Security: President Buhari asks US to relocate headquarters of AFRICOM to Africa, warns of likely spillovers.”

    Apart from seeking the assistance of the US, according to the Presidency’s statement, Buhari also called on the US to consider relocating US Africa Command from Stuttgart, Germany, to Africa, nearer the Theatre of Operation.

    He also admonished the international community to support Nigeria and the sub-region in tackling growing security challenges to avoid spillovers.

  • U.S. warns citizens to avoid 14 Nigerian states in travel advisories

    U.S. warns citizens to avoid 14 Nigerian states in travel advisories

    The United States, in its latest travel advisories warned its citizens to avoid some 14 Nigerian states, rife with terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

    Although it approved travel to other parts, it urged its citizens to “Reconsider travel to Nigeria”.

    In the updated advisory, the U.S. State Department added at least 116 countries this week to its “Level Four: Do Not Travel” advisory list.

    The UK, Canada, France, Israel, Mexico, Germany and others are on the list, citing a “very high level of COVID-19.”

    Before Tuesday, the State Department listed 34 out of about 200 countries as “Do Not Travel.” The State Department now lists 150 countries at Level Four.

    Nigeria is categorised as Level 3.

    Unlike countries categorised as Level 4, based on the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nigeria has a good rating on COVID-19 prevalence.

    “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Nigeria due to COVID-19, indicating a low level of COVID-19 in the country”, the State Department said.

    It then listed areas the American visitor should avoid, while in Nigeria.

    These are: Borno, Yobe, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping.

    It also banned American citizens from going to Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and maritime crime.

    In a country summary on Nigeria, the U.S. State Department wrote:

    “Violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country.

    “Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.

    “Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria, especially in the Northeast.

    “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather. Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.

    There is civil unrest and low-level armed militancy in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region. Armed criminality, including kidnapping and maritime crime, is also pervasive in this region.

    Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.

    There is frequent maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea.

    The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.

    It offered its citizens security tips, while in Nigeria. These are;

    *See the U.S. Embassy’s web page regarding COVID-19.

    *Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.

    *Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.

    *Use caution when walking or driving at night.

    *Keep a low profile.

    *Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability.

    *Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

    *Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

    *Monitor local media for breaking events, and be prepared to adjust your plans.

    *Be aware of your surroundings.

    *Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.

    *Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings.

    *Review your personal security plans.

    *Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

    Borno, Yobe, and Northern Adamawa states – Do Not Travel

    The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

    Terrorist groups based in the Northeast routinely target humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road travelLers. Approximately two million Nigerians have been displaced as a result of the violence in Northeast Nigeria.

    The security situation in these states is fluid and unpredictable due to widespread inter-communal violence and armed criminality, especially kidnapping and roadside banditry. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.

    Coastal areas of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) – Do Not Travel

    Crime is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, and there is a heightened risk of kidnapping and maritime crime, especially in the Gulf of Guinea. Violent civil unrest and armed militancy persist in these areas.

  • U.S. COVID-19 cases rise as more states ease restrictions

    U.S. COVID-19 cases rise as more states ease restrictions

    In spite of the country’s vaccine rollout, a significant number of U.S. cities and states remain hotspots where the coronavirus continues to spread at higher rates than before.

    This is according to the Guardian on Tuesday.

    At least, 21 states have seen a minimum of 10 per cent increase in daily positive coronavirus cases as more states loosen public health restrictions, the Guardian reported, quoting recent Johns Hopkins University data.

    The U.S. has 31,738,228 COVID-19 cases and 567,694 deaths, surpassing any other country in both figures, according to Johns Hopkins data as of Tuesday.