Reps Member Commends Buhari For Signing Nigeria Police Act 2020




A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Nigeria Police Bill 2020, into law.

Sponsor of the Bill in the House of Representatives, Rep. Gagdi, the member representing Kanam/Pankshin/ Kanke Federal Constituency, Plateau State while lauding Mr President’s action, said the Act “will no doubt promote intense security in states across the federation”.

Rep. Gagdi said, ” I want to commend Mr president for this giant stride as this is coming at a time when the country is facing serious security challenges”.

” this for me is a step in the right direction that will address the challenges of structuring, appointments, promotions, discipline, postings, living conditions, pension and retirement benefits of the Nigeria Police Force as identified in the Principal Act”.

He also stated that the Bill was necessitated by “the alarming spate of insecurity and criminality in the country whose negative effects on the economy and socio-political development of Nigeria is well documented”. He said ” Mr president has shown that he has the interest of the people at heart by ensuring that this bill is signed to address these issues”

“The Act repeals the Police Act Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation, 2004, and provides for a more effective and well organized Police Force, driven by the principles of transparency and accountability in its operations and management of its resources”
The Police Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill went through all legislative processes in the House of Representatives with the sponsor of the Bill Hon. Yusuf Gagdi noting that the bill seeks to provide a framework for the Nigeria Police Service; ensure cooperation and partnership between the Police and communities in maintaining peace and combatting insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking further, he had noted that the 2019 edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI), placed Nigeria among the five least where according to the report Nigeria ranked 148th among 163 Independent for the second year in the row, having attained the same unenviable position in 2018.

“Provision of specific objectives that allows for a more efficient and effective Police service”.

“Ensuring that the fundamental human rights of persons in police custody are protected.”

“Reviews the mode of Appointment, Removal, and Tenure of the Inspector General Police (IGP); Defining the limit of powers and functions of the IGP”.

“It also increases the number of persons responsible for the assignment and deployment of Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various States.”

“Establishing Community Police Forums and Boards by CPs of each State, and Prohibiting gender discrimination in the Nigerian Police Force”
Recall that the 8th Assembly had in an attempt to pass the bill which was unsuccessful following controversies surrounding the provisions on appointment, tenure, and dismissal of the IGP.

“Among others, the act also establishes an appropriate funding framework for the Police in line with what is obtainable in other Federal Government key institutions, enhances professionalism in the Force through increased training opportunities, and creates enduring cooperation and partnership between the Police Force and communities in maintaining peace and combating crimes nationwide.

President Buhari had in a memo dated September 16, 2020, communicated his assent to the National Assembly, through the Clerk”.

#vanguard

Edo: INEC Chairman Warns Staff Members Against Partisanship

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has appealed its staff not to accorded any advantage to a political party or candidate over the other in the conduct of Edo governorship election.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in his message issued in Abuja on Friday, urged the staff to be neutral at all times and stick strictly to INEC’s Code of Conduct and Oath of Neutrality to which they all subscribed.

“Let me appeal to all of you to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of the Commission.

“Nigerians and the international community expect so much from us. They are watching.

“It is important that we all remain above board in the performance of our respective duties.

“We must ensure that no political party or candidate is accorded any advantage over the other,” Yakubu said.

He said that as INEC begins the final countdown to the Edo governorship election, it was clear that all eyes were on the INEC to deliver a free, fair, and credible process.

Yakubu said he had no doubt that INEC staff members would rise to the occasion, saying, `we have done it several times before and we can do it again.

“The Commission deeply appreciates the ever ending sacrifices made by our staff at all times, often beyond the call of duty, to ensure that we carry out our mandate.

“The management will continue to improve the welfare and conditions of service of staff within the available resources.

“We must be neutral at all times and stick strictly to our code of conduct and oath of neutrality to which we have all subscribed.

“For at the end of the day, we would have all contributed to the sustenance of democracy and a strong electoral process that all Nigerians can trust,” he said.

#vanguard

Donald Trump Bans TikTok, WeChat From App Stores Beginning From 20th September 2020

Trump administration said it is banning China’s TikTok and WeChat from mobile app stores beginning this Sunday, Sept. 20, in a seemingly unprecedented move that will sharply raise tensions with Beijing.

 The US Department of Commerce in a press release on Friday said the ban was in response to President Trump’s Executive Orders signed August 6, 2020.


The statement read “

Quote

The department of Commerce today announces prohibitions on transactions relating to mobile applications (apps) WeChat and TikTok to safeguard the national security of the United States.

“The Chinese Communist Party, CCP, has demonstrated the means and motives to use these apps to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and the economy of the U.S. Today’s announced prohibitions, when combined, protects users in the U.S. by eliminating access to these applications and significantly reducing their functionality.

“The following transactions will be prohibited; Any provision of service to distribute or maintain the WeChat or TikTok mobile applications, constituent code, or application updates through an online mobile application store in the U.S.

“Any provision of services through the WeChat mobile application for the purpose of transferring funds or processing payments within the U.S.

“Any provision of internet hosting services enabling the functioning or optimization of the mobile application in the U.S. Any provision of content delivery network services enabling the functioning or optimization of the mobile application in the U.S.

“Any provision directly contracted or arranged internet transit or peering services enabling the function or optimization of the mobile application within the U.S.

“Any utilization of the mobile application’s constituent code, functions, or services in the functioning of software or services developed and/or accessible within the U.S.

“These measures ensure TikTok and WeChat will be removed from iOS and Google Play starting Sunday, preventing users from downloading the apps or updating them in the future.”

It also stated that TikTok has until November 12 to resolve the national security concerns it poses, adding that If this is done, the ban may be lifted.

#naijapals

BBNaija 2020: Kiddwaya’s Mum Finally Speaks With Erica - Details of Their Conversation Revealed


Susan Waya, mother of Big Brother Naija, BBNaija, evicted housemate, Kiddwaya, has finally reached out to ex-housemate, Erica.

Mrs Waya, who spoke with Erica on phone, described the evicted BBNaija housemate as a “sweet lady.”

She disclosed this to The Boss, a newspaper owned by Dele Momodu, on Monday.

Mrs Waya who lives in Essex, United Kingdom said their conversation lasted for about 10 minutes.

“She’s such a sweet lady… I’m looking forward to meeting her and can’t wait to see my son very soon in Lagos,” she said.

Recall that Erica and Kiddwaya were involved in what many termed as a relationship while on the reality show. While Erica got disqualified, Kiddwaya on the hand was evicted yesterday, Sunday from the show.

#naijapals

A High Court in Benue State has order Dangote Coal Mines Ltd to stop its mining activities in the State.

The order was given by a High Court presided over by His Lordship, Honourable Justice D.E. Igoh of the Benue State Judicial Division Holden at Okpoga, Okpokwu LGA, Benue-South Senatorial District of Benue State.

Dangote Coal Mines Ltd was directed to stop its split mining operation at Effeche-Akpali pending the determination of the substantive case.

Justice D.E. Igoh said the interim injunction on 10th September 2020 in the case between Chief Joseph Moro and four others as plaintiffs and Dangote Coal Mines Ltd as sole defendant.

In the suit No. OKP/HC/11/2020, Justice Igoh held that he found merit in the application following a motion ex-parte, the supporting affidavits and exhibits as well as the written address.

Igoh declared that, “I find merit in the application which is granted as follows:

An order of interim injunction shall be restraining the Defendant, his servants, agents, privies or any other person claiming through him, from carrying out any mining activities, exploration on the territory/farmlands of the plaintiffs which has caused contamination of the communal River (Mabel River) that serves several communities, pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice vide OKP/HC/31M/2020, adjourned to 13/10/2020 for hearing.”

#naijapals

Edo Election: Wike Held Hostage In Hotel Room - PDP Raises Alarm 

The Hotel where the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike is lodging while on official assignment in Benin, Edo State has been held siege by over 300 Police men.

Recall that Governor Wike was appointed Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for the Edo Governorship election; this is same position Governor Ganduje of Kano State occupies for his party the APC.

Governor Ganduje and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State are all in Benin, Edo State carrying out their assignment for the APC without any molestation or intimidation.

And in a breach of the pledge they made security agencies have decided to harass and intimidate Governor Wike who has not done any wrong.

Rivers People Warn that we Shall hold the IGP responsible for anything that happens to our Governor.

Signed:
Ambassador Akawor Desmond, Chairman
PDP Rivers State
https://twitter.com/GovWike/st....atus/130702498256488

Less than 24 hours to Edo state governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday cried out that its governors are being held hostage by police in the state.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the National Chairman of the Party, Prince Uche Secondus, who raised the alarm said that police have surrounded the Westend Hotel occupied by the PDP governors.

Secondus called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, to order his men to vacate the hotel immediately.

He added that the governors lives are in danger, noting that the APC governors, who are also in Benin are not harassed.

Secondus alleged that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege are presently in the home of former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole.

He said: “The Policemen have surrounded the hotel and their lives are in danger. We call on IGP to ask the police to leave the place because their lives are in danger.

“If APC governors are in Benin, the PDP governors should be in Benin. Our governors would remain in Benin, no one can intimidate us.

“We are bringing this to the attention of the international community. Elections must be free and fair. Elections must be allowed to hold. You cannot allow APC governors in Edo and bar PDP governors.”

#independentnews #twitter

Malaysian Monkey Steals Man's Iphone, Takes Selfies & Dumps It In The Jungle 

A man discovered a cheeky monkey had stolen his iPhone when he recovered it and found a selfie on his camera roll.

The pesky primate took the phone from student Zackrydz Rodzi's house in Johor, Indonesia while he slept. When the 20-year-old woke up, he thought he had been burgled, but couldn't see any signs of a break-in.

He was even more confused to find his phone casing under his bed but not his phone. Having no luck with the Find My iPhone app, he tried calling his mobile on another device.

The following day, Saturday, September 12, he was shocked to find his phone after hearing a ringtone coming from a jungle near his house. It was muddied and lying under a palm tree, but otherwise undamaged.

Stunned to discover it again, he looked through his camera roll to try and uncover more about the thief.

To his surprise, he found a series of pictures and even a couple of "selfies" taken by the apparent culprit – a monkey. The animal even unwittingly filmed itself trying to eat the phone.

An amused Zackrydz shared the images in a Twitter thread on Sunday, September 13. "I didn't know there was a monkey living in my housing area but damn you monkey, you've made my life miserable for the past couple of days," he said.

He tried to lure the "thief" with another phone, but the monkey burglar has yet to return.

Apparently, he has something of a criminal record, with Zackrydz's neighbours telling him their phones had been snatched by the primate in the past.

As humans encroach further and further into monkey's territory, they are interacting more with humans than ever before.

Last month in Malaysia, a terrifying army of rampaging monkeys invaded a town and even tried to kidnap children.

The long-tailed macaques live in a forested area next to a neighbourhood in Puchong in the south of the country, but often breach the compound and enter built-up areas.

#dailystar

Osinbajo: How FG Delegation To Silicon Valley Benefited Nigerian Startups 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has outlined how is trip to the Silicon Valley in the United States has benefitted Nigerian start-ups, some of whom have gotten funds to grow their business.

Osinbajo disclosed this milestone when he spoke on the Fire Side Chat with Nick Clegg, Facebook VP of Policy and Communication, a former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

He explained that there have been active partnerships between Nigerian start-ups and some US tech firms, assuring Nigerians that more investment is expected to pour in.

“Both tours were extremely successful. At the Silicon Valley, Nigerian start-ups got a chance to pitch their products to tech sector investors, that was very good, in fact before we left Silicon Valley, one of our venture platforms was able to sign a deal of about $10m with the Nigerian US Council, even before we left,” he said

“Since then we have seen tremendous activities post-trip. We were also at the Facebook campus, which was an absolute delight, we enjoyed being around there, seeing the excitement and a great deal of energy that was encouraging for many start ups seeing at close quarters what a comparable giant was doing, and I think this was very helpful.”

He explained that the entertainment sector has also benefitted from his trip to Hollywood. “Asides from that, we think that the visit helped in showing our seriousness of the tech sector and through the entertainment industry also, we did quite a few meetings also with the entertainment industry.”

“In fact, as of 2018/2019, we had gotten about $377million in investments in the tech sector. This is excellent even though it is still scratching the surface if one considers the size of our economy and the size of the country, but there were very significant gains and I am very happy to have been able to do it.”

“Of course, two visits or one visit doesn’t ever answer the various challenges, but I think we started the interactions that have been very useful and we will continue to engage.”

Speaking on how government will fix the challenges and manage the peculiarities of Nigeria’s tech and creative industry, he said, “With regulation, we are dealing with uncharted territory, because quite a few of what we are seeing are entirely new, and I must say that the regulatory authorities have done quite a decent work, trying to grapple with some of the newness of the things that they are seeing.

“For example, we worked on the payment services licenses, these are licenses for fintech companies that are doing some kind of banking type jobs but are not deposit banks, we had to create some room for them, and what has happened is that a collaborative effort of government, and the tech and entertainment sector worked on this and set up a technology and creativity advisory group, and these are young innovators, entrepreneurs etc. who worked with us on the industrial and competitiveness council to craft some of these regulations and to think through some of these problems.”

“Those licenses were particularly important because it carved out space that was previously dominated entirely by deposit money banks. Of course you know that they are the least willing to have their lunch taken away from them.”

“There have been other ways that the government is trying to fix the issues such as access to credit, which we have worked very hard to ensure that there is some access to credit for innovators, we’ve spoken a bit about foreign investments in Nigeria, but more importantly, what the Bank of Industry is doing is creating a tech fund, the CBN has also established a technology fund and we are working with the AfDB which has a $500m fund which we are at the final stage of trying to bring that into existence.”

“So there is quite a bit going on in order to ensure that there is access to funding while we are improving the environment for business as well as the environment for tech companies to operate. I think that one thing that is certain is the change in the technology space which is so rapid that you know, regulators are practically chasing after the innovation, to see how best to regulate without stifling these companies.”

Speaking on the amended National Broadcasting Commission code, he said, “The NBC code you mentioned is one where there is activity around and we are trying to take a second look at it, there are those who say it is anti-competitive and there are those who claim that it is pro competition.”

“It is one which I think we should take a second look at. Basically what it says is that if you have a licensed product, for TV or film, you are expected to share it with other platforms.”

“I understand the argument of those who say it is a violation of copyrights and intellectual properties in other ways which is a very strong point and which is why I think it deserves to be given a second look and see where there are ways of mod.

#punchng

FCTA Demolishes Brothels, Illegal Structures In Abuja 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration on, Wednesday, demolished makeshift houses and brothels in Daki biyu community, Jabi District, Abuja.

The operation was led by the Director, Development Control Department, Muktar Galadima, accompanied by security personnel and vigilante groups.

Galadima said the operation was necessitated by the rising cases of security challenges in the FCT.

The director also said the exercise was in pursuance of the 13-point Next Level mandate of the FCT Administration to ensure orderliness and sanitation in the city.

He said all the plots of land occupied by the illegal inhabitants in the Daki biyu community were designed for certain purposes.

He disclosed that the department would ensure that the FCT Health and Human Service Secretariat builds hospitals on the land.

He said, “This exercise is necessitated by the rising case of security challenges and in the course of our operation, we discovered some jackknives in one place called Sambisa. These can be used to lynch a person.”

The director also urged allottees of the undeveloped plots in the area to develop them or risk revocation.

The Daki Biyu Palace Secretary, Mr Andy Sanga, said the operation is “very painful but we have to take it in good faith because we can’t fight the government.”

Meanwhile, the administration has commenced the removal of illegal signage and outdoor advert infrastructure within the nation’s capital.

The Director of the Department of Outdoor Advertising and Signage, FCT, Dr Babagana Adam, said about 2,747 of such signage had been removed from different parts of the city.

#punchng

FG Adds Emirates To List Of Banned Airlines 

The federal government has withdrawn the approval granted to Emirates to conduct international flight operations in the country.

Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, disclosed this via a post on his Twitter handle on Friday.

The ban will take effect on September 21, 2020.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had, in a memo earlier in September, included Emirates in the list of approved airlines for international flights for both Abuja and Lagos airports.

But the minister said the decision to reverse the approval was taken after a meeting of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 with European Union ambassadors on Friday.

Sirika also said there were discussions on the ban on Lufthansa and Air France-KLM.

“The PTF sub committee met today with EU Ambassadors to discuss Lufthansa, Air France/KLM ban. The meeting progressed well. Emirates Airlines’s situation was reviewed & they are consequently included in the list of those not approved, with effect from Monday the 21st Sept. 2020,” the minister wrote

#thecable #nairaland