BREAKING: Nigeria Agog As She Marks 57th Independence Anniversary, Today

Nigeria Agog As She Marks 57th Independence Anniversary
_________________________________________________

The history of Nigeria - the acclaimed 'Giant of Africa' -  can be traced to prehistoric settlers living in the area as early as 11000 BC. Numerous ancient African civilizations settled in the region that is today Nigeria, such as the Benin Empire, the Kingdom of Nri and the Oyo Empire.

Islam reached Nigeria through the Hausa States during the 11th century, while Christianity came to Nigeria in the 15th century through Augustinian and Capuchin monks from Portugal.

The Songhai Empire also occupied part of the region. Lagos was invaded by British forces in 1851 and formally annexed in 1861. Nigeria became a British protectorate in 1901. Colonization lasted until 1960, when an independence movement succeeded in gaining Nigeria its independence.

Nigeria first became a republic in 1963, but succumbed to military rule three years later after a bloody coup d'état. A separatist movement later formed the Republic of Biafra in 1967, leading to the three-year Nigerian Civil War. Nigeria became a republic once again after a new constitution was written in 1979.

However, the republic was short-lived, when the military seized power again four years later. A new republic was planned to established in August 1993, but was dissolved once again by General Sani Abacha three months later. Abacha died in 1998.

Thereafter, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar took over the mantle of leadership. Later in 1999, Gen. Abubakar willingly handed over to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to pilot yet another democratic dispensation, which ushered in  a fourth republic in the country. This era ended three decades of intermittent military rule.

The Rostrum had earlier reported that the Nigeria's Federal Government (FG) under the leadership of President Mohammadu Buhari had declared Monday, 2nd October 2017 as public holiday in the spirit of the celebration since the actual day fell on Sunday, a non-working day.

N.B: Stay tuned on Rostrum for further details on "Nigeria Agog As She Marks 57th Independence Anniversary".

Scripted by: Rostrum












Contact:- +234-8028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

INTRIGUING: Pete Edochie Receives Gratuity From Anambra Govt, Thanks Obiano

Pete Edochie Receives Gratuity From Anambra Govt, Thanks Obiano
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Legendary Nollywood actor, Chief Pete Edochie, who retired as the Director of Programmes (DP) at the ancient Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) in 1998, has eventually received his gratuity from the Anambra state government.

Some retirees of the ABS on Wednesday, 27th september 2017 received their long awaited outstanding gratuities from the office of the Anambra State Accountant General.

Former Director General (DG) of the organisation, Boniface Offokaja, who retired in 1984 was among the recipients, while Nollywood legend Chief Edochie who retired from ABS as DP was also a recipient, and was full of praise for Governor Willie Obiano for fulfilling his promise to clear outstanding pensions and gratuities of the organisation.



After receiving his cheque, Chief Edochie disclosed, “Many of us have lost hope that we will ever receive our gratuities. Despite our meritorious service to Anambra State, successive governments chose to neglect us. What Governor Willie Obiano has done today is remarkable. We are praying for him because he is a compassionate governor.”

Responding, the Managing Director and CEO of the ABS, Nze Uche Nworah said that Governor Obiano has lifted a huge burden off the shoulders of the organisation.

“We are delighted that today, some of our retirees including those who retired since 1984 have finally received their outstanding gratuities. We thank Governor Obiano for making this possible.”

Rostrum further gathered that the next batch of retirees would be paid in October.

Scripted by: Rostrum










Contact:- +2348028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

ABOMINATION: Gunmen Slay Royal Father In Plateau

Gunmen Slay Royal Father In Plateau

Unknown gunmen, at midnight, attacked Gyangyang village in Jhar Chiefdom of Kanam Local Government area of Plateau state, killing the acting village head, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman. A family source told newsmen in Jos that the gunmen invaded the house of the deceased at about 1:00 a.m on Friday and killed the traditional ruler. The source said the gunmen who carried sophisticated weapons stationed some of their men outside the house to ensure that nobody interfered with their operation. “We heard when they shot him and when we made efforts to come out, the gunmen stationed outside started shooting sporadically,” the source said. The Chairman of Kanam Local Government area, Mr. Hamidu Bale, confirmed the incident. “I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer and other security agents and they have moved to the area. “They will tell us after their investigation exactly what happened,” he said. However, when contacted, ASP Terna Tyopev, the Plateau Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident. “I will call the DPO in the area and I will get back to you,” Tyopev said

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/gunmen-kill-traditional-ruler-plateau/

----------------------------------------------

Some unidentified gunmen at midnight on Friday, September 29, 2017 attacked Gyangyang village in Jhar Chiefdom of Kanam Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, slaying the acting village head, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman.

A family source disclosed in Jos - the State capital - that the gunmen invaded the house of the deceased at about 1:00 a.m and slay the traditional ruler.

The source said that the gunmen who carried sophisticated weapons stationed some of their men outside the house to ensure that nobody interfered with their operation.

“We heard when they shot him and when we made efforts to come out, the gunmen stationed outside started shooting sporadically,” the source lamented.

The Chairman of Kanam LGA, Mr. Hamidu Bale confirmed the incident. “I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer and other security agents and they have moved to the area. They will tell us after their investigation exactly what happened,” he said.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Plateau Police Command, ASP Terna Tyopev said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.

Unknown gunmen, at midnight, attacked Gyangyang village in Jhar Chiefdom of Kanam Local Government area of Plateau state, killing the acting village head, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman. A family source told newsmen in Jos that the gunmen invaded the house of the deceased at about 1:00 a.m on Friday and killed the traditional ruler. The source said the gunmen who carried sophisticated weapons stationed some of their men outside the house to ensure that nobody interfered with their operation. “We heard when they shot him and when we made efforts to come out, the gunmen stationed outside started shooting sporadically,” the source said. The Chairman of Kanam Local Government area, Mr. Hamidu Bale, confirmed the incident. “I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer and other security agents and they have moved to the area. “They will tell us after their investigation exactly what happened,” he said. However, when contacted, ASP Terna Tyopev, the Plateau Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident. “I will call the DPO in the area and I will get back to you,” Tyopev said

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/gunmen-kill-traditional-ruler-plateau/

Scripted by: Rostrum










Contact:- +2348028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

Unknown gunmen, at midnight, attacked Gyangyang village in Jhar Chiefdom of Kanam Local Government area of Plateau state, killing the acting village head, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman. A family source told newsmen in Jos that the gunmen invaded the house of the deceased at about 1:00 a.m on Friday and killed the traditional ruler. The source said the gunmen who carried sophisticated weapons stationed some of their men outside the house to ensure that nobody interfered with their operation. “We heard when they shot him and when we made efforts to come out, the gunmen stationed outside started shooting sporadically,” the source said. The Chairman of Kanam Local Government area, Mr. Hamidu Bale, confirmed the incident. “I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer and other security agents and they have moved to the area. “They will tell us after their investigation exactly what happened,” he said. However, when contacted, ASP Terna Tyopev, the Plateau Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident. “I will call the DPO in the area and I will get back to you,” Tyopev said

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/gunmen-kill-traditional-ruler-plateau/

Unknown gunmen, at midnight, attacked Gyangyang village in Jhar Chiefdom of Kanam Local Government area of Plateau state, killing the acting village head, Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman. A family source told newsmen in Jos that the gunmen invaded the house of the deceased at about 1:00 a.m on Friday and killed the traditional ruler. The source said the gunmen who carried sophisticated weapons stationed some of their men outside the house to ensure that nobody interfered with their operation. “We heard when they shot him and when we made efforts to come out, the gunmen stationed outside started shooting sporadically,” the source said. The Chairman of Kanam Local Government area, Mr. Hamidu Bale, confirmed the incident. “I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer and other security agents and they have moved to the area. “They will tell us after their investigation exactly what happened,” he said. However, when contacted, ASP Terna Tyopev, the Plateau Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident. “I will call the DPO in the area and I will get back to you,” Tyopev said

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/gunmen-kill-traditional-ruler-plateau/

SAD: Railway Stampede In Mumbai Kills At Least 22, Injures 32

Railway Stampede In Mumbai Kills At Least 22 , Injures 32
_____________________________________________

A rush hour stampede during a sudden monsoon downpour at a railway station in Mumbai, India  on Friday, 29th September 2017 has killed at least 22 people and wounded more than 30, police stated.

• The stampede took place after a heavy downpour took commuters off guard
• Other police said the stampede was triggered by a rumour that a pedestrian bridge collapsed
• A witness says emergency services were slow to respond

The cause of the stampede on a bridge at the city's central Elphinstone station during the rainstorm was being investigated, a police official at the accident site disclosed.

"There were too many people on the bridge, and the people were in hurry and wanted to move out," said Brijesh Upadhyay, one of the many caught in the crowd.

"There was nobody helping, it was very suffocating, and we just wanted to get out of there — and fell on each other."

The stampede took place after the cloudburst caught commuters off guard, prompting scores to scurry for cover under the roof of the station's pedestrian over-bridge, one of the injured Mr. Akash Koteja disclosed.

"Trains were rolling in and some people wanted to get out of the station, but others were not making way," Mr. Koteja further lamented. "When a few tried, it led to a stampede."

Hospitals were treating 32 injured people, including 19 women and 13 men.

As Mumbai police appealed to citizens to donate blood to help the injured, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those killed.

The bridge is usually crowded at that time of day, as it also serves as an exit route for passengers getting off trains at an adjoining railway station, he added.

Mumbai police official Gansham Patel said some falling concrete had hit part of the bridge railing, leading people to surge forward out of panic at the thought that the bridge was collapsing.

One rescuer told Indian broadcaster NDTV that the stampede trapped dozens in the narrow passage, forcing rescuers to break the railing to pull people out.

Scripted by: Rostrum











Contact:- +2348028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

BREAKING: China Serves Quit Notice To North Korean Firms

China Serves Quit Notice To North Korean Firms
_____________________________________

All North Korean companies have been ordered to stop doing business in China.

After the United Nations (UN) Security Council passed new sanctions two weeks ago, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said North Korean firms and joint ventures in China would be closed within 120 days.

Following North Korea's sixth and largest nuclear test this month, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to expand sanctions on Pyongyang. It has halted the country’s textile exports and capped fuel supplies.

It is the ninth UN Security Council sanctions resolution over North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programs since 2006.

Last week, China’s central bank told the country's lenders to strictly implement UN sanctions against North Korea. They were ordered to stop providing financial services to new North Korean customers and to wind down loans with existing customers. Chinese banks have been accused of transferring funds to and from Pyongyang.

Sources told Reuters the banks were warned of the economic losses and risks to their reputation if they did not comply.

On Tuesday, 26th September 2017, the US announced sanctions against eight North Korean banks and 26 individuals. The new punitive measures followed President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting North Korea’s access to the international banking system.

Washington repeatedly raised concerns that Beijing has not been tough enough over Pyongyang’s nuclear tests, warning that any threat from North Korea would trigger an "overwhelming" response.

China's President Xi Jinping assured President Trump that Beijing remains committed to denuclearizing North Korea and remains firm in its wish to resolve the issue through talks leading to a peaceful settlement.

Recently tension has been escalating between the US and North Korea. Washington and Pyongyang have exchanged a series of threats, vowing to destroy one another.

Last week, North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un threatened to launch a nuclear strike against Washington after President Trump threatened to “totally destroy” North Korea if it attacks the US or its allies.

Pyongyang said the US has declared war, and “will have every right to take countermeasures, including the right to shoot down US strategic bombers even when they are not inside the airspace of our country.”

The threat came after Trump tweeted that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un “won’t be around much longer.” The White House later denied the US had declared war on North Korea

Scripted by: Rostrum








Contact:- +2348028608056

BREAKING: Trump's Border Wall Goes Into Prototype Phase

Trump's Border Wall Goes Into Prototype Phase
____________________________________

President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico came a step closer to reality on Tuesday, September 26 2017 as construction and testing of prototype structures that will influence the design of the divisive project began.

"Today marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the President's executive order on border security and immigration improvement," said acting Chief border patrol agent, Mr. Roy Villareal at the construction site.

"Construction of the eight wall prototypes began today here in San Diego," he said, adding that four of the structures will be made of concrete and four others will be comprised of other materials he didn't name.

Mr. Trump has insisted Mexico should pay for building the wall, which experts said could cost about $22 billion and take more than three years to complete. With Mexico refusing to pay, Mr. Trump has said since taking office in January that the wall would initially need U.S funding but that he would find a way to make Mexico ultimately pay for it.

Last month the Trump's administration said it had selected four construction companies to build concrete prototypes for a wall, which would be 30 feet (9 meters) tall and about 30 feet wide and would be tested in San Diego.

According to Mr. Villareal, the prototype phase is expected to last 30 days and that he expects protests at the site during that time.

"We expect that there may be protesting and we are going to do everything to make sure that we provide that opportunity and we maintain civility and lawfulness along the border," he landed.

Scripted by: Rostrum










Contact:- +234-8028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

JUST IN: Fayose Declares Intention To Run Come 2019

Fayose Declares Intention To Run Come 2019, Says Buhari Has Failed Nigerians
____________________________________________________________

The serving Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Ayodele Fayose has declared his interest to run for President of Nigeria in 2019, boasting he would “take power out of Buhari’s hand”.

The governor spoke at a meeting with political office holders at the Government House, Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, September 27, 2017.

“Just because Ayo Fayose has won a second term to become governor of Ekiti, some people also think they can come back now, but I want to tell them that it is not possible,” the governor stated, apparently taking a swipe at his predecessor and current minister of solid minerals, Kayode Fayemi.

“I am the man wholeheartedly loved by Ekiti people because of the many developmental projects that have brought great infrastructural and developmental advancement to Ekiti,” he stressed.

“If you go around Ekiti, you will see my handiwork dotting every nook and cranny of the state. This is why I am the man who every Ekiti people will follow in 2018.

“I have penchant for taking powers; that one in Buhari's hand, I will take it. I’m going straight to that villa. I’m the next president," he boasted.

“I want to be the next president of Nigeria. My own won’t be this change that has brought nothing, we are going to represent the people well and tell them the truth,” he declared.

It would be recalled that this would be the umpteenth time the said governor would declare his interest to vie for Nigeria's Presidency position. Sometime in June this year, he publicly announced such intention to his delight of his teeming fans.

 

Scripted by: Rostrum 

Contact:- +234-8028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

OPINION II Today Is World Tourism Day!

RESUSCITATING NIGERIA’S TOURISM INDUSTRY AS WE CELEBRATE THE 2017 WORLD TOURISM DAY

By Fred Doc Nwaozor

        

The last time I checked, every September 27 remained World Tourism Day. This unarguably implies that today being Wednesday, the world over is celebrating the 2017 edition of the World Tourism Day. 

At its third session held in Torremolinos, Spain in 1979, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly mandated its Member States to observe September 27 each year as the World Tourism Day having reached a unanimous resolution.

        

The day was chosen to coincide with an important historic milestone in the world’s tourism sector, which is the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Tourism Statutes on 27^th September 1970. The first commemoration of the World Tourism Day took place in 1980; suffice it to say that this year’s anniversary marks the 38^th edition of the laudable annual event.

       

The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Sustainable Tourism: a tool for development’. It is in line with the 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. It is dedicated to exploring the contribution of tourism to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

         

The last time I checked, observing a beautifully-looking environment remained one of the prime desires of every sane being. This is the reason every able-bodied man works assiduously to ensure that his/her immediate surroundings appear enticingly. Tourism as an area of life or human endeavour is a sector that has over the decades pays an optimum attention to how attractive our surroundings look; this makes the sector to be globally recognized.

         

Concisely, tourism is the business activity connected with provision of accommodation, entertainment, and other hospitable services for people who are visiting a place for pleasure. In other words, a tourist can be described as a person who is travelling or visiting a certain locality for the sake of pleasure. Tourism has been proven to be an outstanding industry that can guarantee absolute relaxation for mankind irrespective of background.

          

In the past, our various heritages were being used by our ancestors as a means of entertaining themselves, and their guests. Presently, the tourism industry has shown that these endowments can equally be utilized as business venture by upgrading them to international standard. Noting the positive impact of the tourism industry the world over, it is of no need reiterating that it has contributed massively to the socio-economic development of most nations. Analysts are of the view that the industry represents about nine percent (9%) of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and that it is a key revenue sector for developing and emerging economies.

         

Indeed, tourism plays a very vital role in building blocks of a more sustainable future for all, which is community development. Above all, it is widely acknowledged for its capacity to respond to global challenges. In view of this, there is an urgent need for Nigeria to follow suit to ensure that the world tourism industry, that helps to foster global unity and complete rest of mind, is granted a preferential treatment at all cost.

          

Nigeria can encourage the commendable crusade by ensuring that her countless socio-cultural resources are optimally rejuvenated. This proposed measure would not only help to encourage the world tourism industry, but would go a long way to elevate the country’s Gross National Product (GNP), thus strengthening her ongoing sagging economy. Nigeria as an independent state is made up of over two hundred and fifty ethnic groups, and each of these groups is tremendously blessed with various socio-cultural endowments. These cultural resources including dancing, masquerading, dressing, hunting, fishing, wrestling, and molding of sculptures, just to mention but a few, if well harnessed, would definitely help to revive the nation’s tourism sector, thereby boosting her socio-economic and political ego.

         

The timing of the World Tourism Day is appropriate, because it comes at the end of the high season in the Northern hemisphere and at the beginning of the season in the Southern hemisphere, when tourism is of topical interest to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The UN Conference on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held in 2012 emphasized that well-designed and appropriately managed tourism can make a significant contribution to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

           

The then Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon further highlighted that, tourism which remains one of the world’s largest economic sectors, is specially well-placed to promote environmental sustainability, green-growth, and human struggle against climate change through its relationship with energy.

          

Ever since its inception, the World Tourism Day is celebrated to foster awareness among the global community on the essence of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The celebration seeks to highlight tourism potential as regards promotion of the SDGs, as well as how it addresses some of the most pressing challenges the global society is currently faced with.

         

So, as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the remarkable day, we are all expected to contribute our quota toward ensuring that our respective environments or surroundings become globally recognized as attractive and human friendly localities, so that, generations yet unborn would  live to remember that an attractive environment is a society we all yearn for.

          

The truth remains that everywhere in Nigeria bears tourism potentials, thus all that is required of the government among other concerned stakeholders is to swing into action headlong with the sole aim of doing the needful. Hence, it’s high time we quit retrogressive debates and discussions regarding tourism towards focusing solely on progressive ones. Think about it!

Comrade Nwaozor, public Affairs Analyst & 

Civil Rights Activist, is the Executive Director,

Docfred Resource Hub - Owerri 

(frednwaozor@gmail.com)

N.B:- You can forward your opinion articles for publication via: rostrummedia@gmail.com, or call: +2348028608056          

BUSINESS: CBN Retains Interest Rate At 14%, CRR - 22.5%

CBN Retains Interest Rate At 14%, CRR - 22.5%
_____________________________________

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of NIgeria (CBN) on Tuesday, 26th September 2017 retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14 per cent due to uncertainties in the global market.

The Governor of the CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the 258th meeting of the MPC in Abuja.

He said: “MPC decided to retain MPR at 14 per cent, retain CRR at 22.5 per cent, retain the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent, retain assymetric corridor at +200 and -500 bases point around the monetary policy rate.’’

He stressed that the MPR was not eased at this time because it would signal the committees’ sensitivity to growth and employment concern by encouraging the flow of credit to the real economy.

Mr. Emefiele added: “The MPC noted the liquidity suffering in the banking system and continuous weakness in financial intermediation.

“It agreed on the need to support growth without jeopardising price stability or offsetting other recovering macroeconomic indicators, particularly the relative stability in the Foreign Exchange (Forex) market.

“The MPC thinks that easing at this point would signal the committee’s sensitivity to growth and employment concern by encouraging the flow of credit to the real economy.

“It observed that easing at this time would reduce the cost of debt service which is actually crowding out government’s expenditure.

“Also, the risk to easing would further pull the real interest rate down into negative territory.”
Emefiele said the argument for holding was to ensure workability of the past policies in the economy.

According to the CBN boss, the MPC factored that the high banking system liquidity level, the need to continue to attract foreign investment inflow to support the forex market and economic activity would cause a jump in the system liquidity.

He further highlighted that, the expansive outlook for fiscal policy in the rest of the year and the prospective election related spending will also cause a jump in the system liquidity among other things.

The Rostrum Financial Crew gathered that the committee expressed concern over the increasing fiscal deficit estimated at over N2.51 trillion in the first half of 2017 and the crowding out effect of high government borrowing.

Scripted by: Rostrum










Contact:- -234-8028608956, rostrummedia@gmail.com

CRIME: Police Arrest Fleeing Boko Haram Commander In Ondo

Police Arrest Fleeing Boko Haram Commander In Ondo
___________________________________________


A top member of the dreaded Boko Haram group, who has been on the wanted list of the Nigeria Army has been arrested in Isua, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Boko Haram member, Mr. Idris Ibrahim Babawo was arrested by vigilante group and handed over to the Nigeria Police.

The Police spokesperson in the state, Mr. Femi Joseph confirmed the arrest of Mr. Babawo. He disclosed he had been handed over to the Military.

       

Narrating how the top Commander of the dreaded Boko Haram was arrested, Mr. Joseph explained that the kingpin was coming from Bornu State and headed for Ibafo in Ogun State when the vehicle conveying him developed fault at Isua.

Mr. Joseph stressed that, the driver told his passengers to wait in the vehicle while he got mechanic to repair the vehicle. According to him, it was when the suspect was wandering that a vigilante group arrested him and handed him to the police.

The spokesman further disclosed that the police decided to hand him over to the military for further interrogation.

Confirming the development, the Spokesperson of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Capt. Ojo Adenegan said the suspect was on number 155 on the list of top Boko Haram members declared wanted by the military.

"The military authorities had earlier announced that a high-value target in the Boko Haram has been captured by the police in the Ondo State." The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka made the announcement in a statement in Maiduguri.

According to the said P.R.O, Mr. Idris Babawo - a top Boko Haram commander - was identified as number 156 in the Boko Haram wanted list.

It's noteworthy that Mr. Babawo, 42, who also goes by the name Idoko or Nagada, was captured while trying to evade arrest.

Brig-Gen. Kukasheka said that the jihadist had since been handed over to the military. He stated, “The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Police on Sept. 24 at about 2: 00 p.m., arrested a wanted Boko Haram terrorist, Idris Ibrahim Babawo, believed to be number 156 on the wanted Boko Haram terrorists list.

“He was handed over to the 32 Brigade, 2 Division, Nigerian Army at about 2:00 p.m. on Sept. 25 by the Ondo State Police Command.”

Brig-Gen. Kukasheka said that preliminary investigations showed that the terrorist hails from Chinade village in the Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The army boss went further to highlight that Mr. Babawo escaped from the North-East because of what he described as sustained military onslaught on the jihadists.

 Scripted by: Rostrum











Contact:- +234-8028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

BREAKING: US Unveils New Travel Ban, Shocks Chad, North-Korea, Venezuela, Et al

US Unveils New Travel Ban
--- Shocks Chad, North-Korea, Venezuela, et al
_____________________________________

The administration of Mr. Donald Trump has announced new restrictions Sunday, 24th September 2017 on visitors from eight countries; an expansion of the pre-existing travel ban that has spurred fierce legal debates over security, immigration and discrimination.

Officials had said they wanted the new rules to be both tough and targeted. The move comes as the key portion of President Trump’s travel ban, which bars the issuance of visas to citizens of six majority-Muslim countries, is due to expire.

“These restrictions are necessary and conditions-based, not time-based,” a senior administration official said.

The new travel restrictions represent the third version offered by the Trump administration.
Three new nations were added to the list of countries whose citizens will face the restrictions; they include, Chad, North Korea and Venezuela, although the restrictions on Venezuela target the country’s leadership and family members.

One country, Sudan, fell off the travel ban list issued at the beginning of the year. Senior administration officials said a review of Sudan’s cooperation with their national security concerns and information-sharing showed that it was appropriate to remove the nation from the list.

"The new restrictions will be phased in over time," officials said, and the restrictions will not affect anyone who already holds a U.S. visa."

The original travel ban was created as a temporary measure, designed to give officials a few months to assess the vetting of visa applicants and what information other countries could and couldn’t provide.

“The restrictions either previously or now were never, ever ever based on race, religion or creed,” one senior administration official said. “Those governments are simply not compliant with our basic security requirements.”

It would be recalled that the original version, signed as an executive order in January, blocked citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries – Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Yemen and Syria – as well as all refugees across the globe.

When that measure was blocked in court, Mr. Trump signed a revised order removing Iraq from the banned list and only barring the issuance of visas to citizens of the six remaining countries and all refugees.

The second order, too, was blocked by judges, but the Supreme Court in June allowed it to go into effect with a significant caveat. The administration, the court said, could not block from entering the country those with a “bona fide” connection to the United States, such as family members or those with firm offers of employment.

The ban on citizens of the six countries was to last 90 days; the ban on refugees was to last 120 days. The latter is due to expire Oct. 24.

The Supreme Court has scheduled arguments for Oct. 10 on whether the measure, at its core, is legal. It is unclear how any new restrictions might affect that case, and it is possible that they could spark fresh legal challenges.

"Many countries," officials said, "already met U.S. requests – using secure biometric passports, for example, and willingly passing along terrorism and criminal-history information. Others agreed to make changes and share more data. But some were either unable or unwilling to give the United States what it needed."

Rostrum Political Crew gathered that citing an attack in London earlier this month, Mr. Trump seemed to call for an expansion of the travel ban, writing on his official Twitter handle, “The travel ban into the United States should be far larger, tougher and more specific – but stupidly, that would not be politically correct!”

This is coming barely a few hours after the end of the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) held penultimate in New York, U.S.A.

Scripted by: Rostrum









Contact:- +234-8028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

JUST IN: IPOB, Not A Terrorist Group - US Gov't

IPOB, Not A Terrorist Group - US Gov't
______________________________

The United States Government has said it does not consider the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist group.

It would be recalled that penultimate week, the Federal High Court in Abuja gave a judicial backing on the executive order of President Muhammadu Buhari, outlawing the group and its activities in the country. The court granted the order to proscribe the group on Wednesday, 20th September 2017. The event followed after the Nigerian Army declared the said group a 'terrorist organisation', stating that activities of the group constituted acts of terrorism.

The Federal Government also accused France and the United Kingdom of aiding IPOB activities.

The spokesman for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks said on Friday, 22nd September 2017 that the US government does not view IPOB as a terrorist group.

Mr. Brooks stated further that the US was committed to Nigeria’s unity and would support a peaceful resolution of any crisis in the country.

He said, “The United States Government is strongly committed to Nigeria’s unity.  Important political and economic issues affecting the Nigerian people, such as the allocation of resources, are worthwhile topics for respectful debate in a democracy.

“Within the context of unity, we encourage all Nigerians to support a de-escalation of tensions and peaceful resolution of grievances.  The Indigenous People of Biafra is not a terrorist organisation under US law.”

The US embassy, however, declined to comment on whether the Federal Government had asked it to treat IPOB as a terrorist organisation and to block money sent to IPOB from the US.

Mr. Brooks also did not state the US’ position on the agitation for a Biafran state.

Speaking after the court judgment last week, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, said the Federal Government would proceed to gazette the order proscribing the group

Share on Facebook Send via email - The United States government says it does not consider IPOB a terrorist organisation - The spokesperson for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, spoke on behalf of the US - Brooks however said his country is committed to the unity of Nigeria The United States has declared that it does not consider the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist organisation as claimed by Nigeria. The Punch reports that the status of the agitating organisation was revealed by the spokesperson for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks. READ ALSO: Your agitation is too late - Igbo lawmaker in Lagos tells Kanu, IPOB According to Brooks, the US government does not think IPOB is a terrorist group. The report quoted Brooks as saying further that the US was committed to Nigeria’s unity and would support a peaceful resolution of its crisis. “The United States Government is strongly committed to Nigeria’s unity. Important political and economic issues affecting the Nigerian people, such as the allocation of resources, are worthwhile topics for respectful debate in a democracy. Read more: https://www.naij.com/1126853-we-categorisd-ipob-a-terrorist-organisation-us-government.html

Share on Facebook Send via email - The United States government says it does not consider IPOB a terrorist organisation - The spokesperson for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, spoke on behalf of the US - Brooks however said his country is committed to the unity of Nigeria The United States has declared that it does not consider the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist organisation as claimed by Nigeria. The Punch reports that the status of the agitating organisation was revealed by the spokesperson for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks. READ ALSO: Your agitation is too late - Igbo lawmaker in Lagos tells Kanu, IPOB According to Brooks, the US government does not think IPOB is a terrorist group. The report quoted Brooks as saying further that the US was committed to Nigeria’s unity and would support a peaceful resolution of its crisis. “The United States Government is strongly committed to Nigeria’s unity. Important political and economic issues affecting the Nigerian people, such as the allocation of resources, are worthwhile topics for respectful debate in a democracy. Read more: https://www.naij.com/1126853-we-categorisd-ipob-a-terrorist-organisation-us-government.html

Share on Facebook Send via email - The United States government says it does not consider IPOB a terrorist organisation - The spokesperson for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, spoke on behalf of the US - Brooks however said his country is committed to the unity of Nigeria The United States has declared that it does not consider the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist organisation as claimed by Nigeria. The Punch reports that the status of the agitating organisation was revealed by the spokesperson for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks. READ ALSO: Your agitation is too late - Igbo lawmaker in Lagos tells Kanu, IPOB According to Brooks, the US government does not think IPOB is a terrorist group. The report quoted Brooks as saying further that the US was committed to Nigeria’s unity and would support a peaceful resolution of its crisis. “The United States Government is strongly committed to Nigeria’s unity. Important political and economic issues affecting the Nigerian people, such as the allocation of resources, are worthwhile topics for respectful debate in a democracy. Read more: https://www.naij.com/1126853-we-categorisd-ipob-a-terrorist-organisation-us-government.html

.

 Scripted by: Rostrum











Contact:- +234-8028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

#GermanyDEcides: Merkel Gets Fourth Term As German Chancellor

Merkel Gets Fourth Term As German Chancellor
_____________________________________

Mrs. Angela Merkel has won a fourth term as German Chancellor, but with her party's lead in parliament cut and the country facing a surge in support for the far right.

Rostrum gathered that exit polls predicted the hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) would become the third-largest group in the national parliament, the Bundestag, as German voters delivered a stinging blow to the traditional parties.

Mrs. Merkel's center-right CDU and its sister CSU had their share of the vote slashed. Germany's oldest party, the center-left SPD, which had been in a "grand coalition" with Merkel, was consigned to opposition.

Addressing her supporters, a subdued Mrs. Merkel said the result gave her a "mandate" to govern but that the AfD's success would require "thorough analysis" to understand the concerns of their voters.

Grab the summary of the elections' latest below:

CDU/CSU: 33%

SDP : 20.6%

AfD: 12.8%

FDP: 10.6%

Die Linke: 9.1

Grune: 8.9%

Others: 5%

Scripted by: Rostrum

Contact:- +234-8028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com

BREAKING: Black Stars Win WAFU Cup, Humiliates Super Eagles

Black Stars Win WAFU Cup, Humiliates Super Eagles
_______________________________________

The Black Stars of Ghana emerged as Champions of the 2017 West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup of Nations on Sunday, 24th September 2017 after they thrashed the Super Eagles 4-1 at the Cape Coast Stadium.

Stephen Sarfo who was voted as man-of-the-match scored a brace for the Ghana side while Atinga and Cobbinah scored a goal each, respectively for the hosts.

Rabiu Ali of the NIgeria side scored a stunning free kick late in the game, but it could not change anything as the Super Eagles settled for second place.

Scripted by: Rostrum










Contact: -234-8028608056, rostrummedia@gmail.com