THE NETWORK

Category: Breaking

  • Breaking: Gun men Abduct the Traditional Ruler of Rann

    Gun men suspected to be bandits have abducted His Royal Highness, Dagyam Bawa, the Dagyam Re of Ran District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night.

    The first class king was returning from Vom, the host community to the famous National Veterinary Research Institute when he was kidnapped a few meters from the gate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

    The Spokesman of the Plateau State Police Command, Mr Uba Gabriel, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, confirmed the kidnap of the Royal father to the media.

  • Breaking: FG LIFTS EMBARGO ON TWITTER OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA

    The Federal Government has lifted the ban on Twitter operations in Nigeria.

    A statement by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, announced the FG decision in a statement on Tuesday.

    He said that the President granted the approval for Twitter to resume its operations in Nigeria from 12 am on January 13, 2022.

    Inuwa added that the approval was given following a memo written to the President by the Honourable Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Isah Pantami.

    The full Statement:

    “The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) directs me to inform the public thatPresident Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,has approved the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operation in Nigeria effective from 12am tonight, 13th January 2022.

    “The approval was given following a memo written to the President by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim.

    “ In the Memo, the Minister updates and requests the President’s approval for the lifting based on the Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement’s recommendation.

    You may recall that on 5th June 2021, the FGN suspended the operation of Twitter through an announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed. Thereafter, the President constituted a seven-man Presidential Committee to engage Twitter Inc. Subsequently, in its wisdom, the Presidential Committee set a 20-member Technical Committee comprising all relevant government agencies. The Technical Committee engaged and worked directly with the Twitter team.
    The immediate and remote cause of the suspension was the unceasing use of the platform by some unscrupulous elements for subversive purposes and criminal activities, propagating fake news, and polarising Nigerians along tribal and religious lines, among others. These issues bordering on National Security, Cohesion and the effects of the abuse of the Twitter platform forced the FGN to suspend the operation of Twitter to address the direct and collateral issues around its operations in Nigeria.
    The new global reality is that digital platforms and their operators wield enormous influence over the fabric of our society, social interaction and economic choices. These platforms can be used as either a tool or a weapon. Every nation is grappling with how to balance its usage efficiently. Without balancing, every citizen’s security, privacy, social well-being, and development are at stake. Therefore, our action is a deliberate attempt to recalibrate our relationship with Twitter to achieve the maximum mutual benefits for our nation without jeopardising the justified interests of the Company. Our engagement has been very respectful, cordial, and successful.
    The process of resolving this impasse between the FGN and Twitter Inc. has helped lay a foundation for a mutually beneficial future with endless possibilities. Twitter is a platform of choice for many Nigerians ranging from young innovators to public sector officials who find it helpful to engage their audience. Therefore, our engagement will help Twitter improve and develop more business models to cover a broader area in Nigeria. Furthermore, the FGN looks forward to providing a conducive environment for Twitter and other global tech companies to achieve their potential and be sustainably profitable in Nigeria.
    While appreciating all Nigerians, especially the vibrant Nigerian youths who have borne with the long wait to resolve this impasse, the FGN is happy to say that the gains made from this shared national sacrifice are immeasurable. Some of the gains include:
    Ongoing economic and training opportunities as the Company continues to consider expanding its presence in Nigeria;
    Getting a better understanding of how to use the Twitter platform effectively to improve businesses;
    Revenue generation from the operation of Twitter in Nigeria;
    Smooth and coordinated relationship between Nigerian Government and Twitter leading to mutual trust;
    Reduction of cybercriminal activities such as terrorism, cyberstalking, hate speech, etc.; and
    Working with Twitter and other global companies to build an acceptable code of conduct following the global best practice.
    The FGN has asked Twitter to fulfil some conditions before restoring its services. These conditions addressed legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws. Twitter has agreed to meet all the conditions set by the FGN. Consequently, the FGN and Twitter have decided on an execution timeline, which has started this week. Our engagement with Twitter opens a new chapter in global digital diplomacy and sets a new operational template for Twitter to come back stronger for the benefit of Nigerians.
    The following are the resolutions agreed with Twitter. Inc.:

    Twitter has committed to establishing a legal entity in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022. The legal entity will register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The establishment of the entity is Twitter’s first step in demonstrating its long-term commitment to Nigeria.
    Twitter has agreed to appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities. The Global Public Policy team is also directly available through a dedicated communication channel.
    Twitter has agreed to comply with applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law.
    Twitter has agreed to enrol Nigeria in its Partner Support and Law Enforcement Portals. The Partner Support Portal provides a direct channel for government officials and Twitter staff to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules. At the same time, the Law Enforcement Portal provides a channel for the law enforcement agencies to submit a report with a legal justification where it suspects that content violates Nigerian Laws. Taken together, these represent a comprehensive compliance apparatus.
    Twitter has agreed to act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws and the national culture and history on which such legislation has been built and work with the FGN and the broader industry to develop a Code of Conduct in line with global best practices, applicable in almost all developed countries.
    Therefore, the FGN lifts the suspension of the Twitter operations in Nigeria from midnight of 13th January 2022. We encourage all users of the Twitter platform to maintain ethical behaviour and refrain from promoting divisive, dangerous, and distasteful information on the platform. As patriotic citizens, we need to be mindful that anything illegal offline is also illegal online and that committing a crime using a Nigerian Internet Protocol (IP) is synonymous with committing a crime within our jurisdiction.
    Considering Twitter’s influence on our democracy, our economy, and the very fabric of our corporate existence as a Nation, our priority is to adapt, not ban, Twitter. The FGN is committed to working with Twitter to do anything possible to help Nigerians align and navigate Twitter algorithmic design to realise its potentials while avoiding its perils.
    In his approval, the President appreciates the Presidential Committee led by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed, for the supervisory role and guidance given to the Technical Committee during the engagement. Similarly, the Presidential Committee commends the Technical Committee for a professional, robust and productive engagement with Twitter Inc. It also appreciates Government Regulatory Agencies and Internet Service Providers who implemented the FGN’s directives during the suspension.
    Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE

    Chairman Technical Committee Nigeria-Twitter Engagement and

    Director-General

    National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

  • BREAKING: Death toll of Ikoyi building collapse hits 36

    The death toll in the Ikoyi building collapse has risen to 36, thenetwork has learnt.

    The Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, said Thirty- three of the deceased are men with three women.

    As of 4 pm on Wednesday, the number of those confirmed dead were 14.

    The number of survivors remains nine at the time of filing this report.

    Two survivors have been discharged from the hospital.

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Protest rocks Lagos on Independence Day

    Protesters under the banner of #TakeItBack Movement and #RevolutionNow on Friday stormed the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos.

    The protesters registered their displeasure against insecurity, poor economy, lawlessness, and other challenges in the country.

    The protest coincides with the nation’s 61st Independence Anniversary.

    The police during the week said no official letter had been received to notify the command of any protest, adding that it ought to be notified so security could be provided to prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the

    Protesters at the scene chanted and displayed banners and placards that read, ‘Buhari Must Go’.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Police disperse #BuhariMustGo protesters in Abuja

    The Nation sighted security operatives including RRS officers, over 10 hilux vehicles of the Nigeria Police Force at the venue of the protest.

    Security operatives were also stationed around Maryland axis to forestall any breakdown of order.

    Festus Ogun, a constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, who spoke to The Nation, said: “Nigerians are still in bondage, there is bad governance, unemployment, poverty and anger in the land.

    “This is a reflection of how bad we’ve been treated. What we are agitating for today is an end to bad governance and insecurity, and the betterment in the situation of the country.”

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Sunday Igboho, Akintoye, others drag Buhari, Malami others to ICC

    The Leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye; Yoruba Nation Agitator Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho and other 49 Yoruba Self-Determination groups have filed a 27-page petition before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    Several leaders of Yoruba Self-Determination groups appended their signatures on the petition sighted by The Nation.

    The Nation learnt the petition was submitted at the ICC on behalf of Yourba leaders by an International Lawyer, Aderemilekun Omojola, Esq.

    In the petition, some Nigerian leaders were accused of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Yoruba People of Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Okun Land in Kogi, and Kwara States respectively.

    Those dragged before the ICC are President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami; former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai and former Inspectors General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and Muhammed Adamu.

    Others petitioned are Comptroller General of Customs, Hammid Alli; Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba; Chief of Army Staff, Farouk Yahaya; former Chief of Air Force, Sadiq Abubakar; former Commandant-General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Mohammed Babandede and the Current Commandant-General of NSCDC, Abdulahi Gana Muhammadu.

    The 27-page petition accused Buhari, Malami, Buratai and others of genocide offences such as killing members of the petitioners group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction in whole or in part.

    The ICC has has formally acknowledged receipt of the petition.

    According to a statement by Communications Manager to Akintoye, Maxwell Adeleye, that those who signed the petition with Akintoye and Igboho were Chief Imam of Yoruba in Ilorin, Kwara State, Shielk Raheem Aduranigba; Leader of Obinrin Oodua Agbaye, Chief Simisade Kuku; Leader of Yoruba Strategy Alliance, Babatunde Omololu; General Secretary of Ilana Omo Oodua, Arc. George Akinola, and 44 others.

    In a letter to the petitioners’ Lawyer, the ICC’s Head of Information and Evidence Unit of the Office of the Prosecutor, Mr. Mark P. Dilon, wrote: “As soon as a decision is reached to formally commence investigation into this petition, we will inform you, in writing, and provide you, with reasons for this decision.

    “This communication has been duly entered in the Communications Register of the Office.

    “We will give consideration to this communication, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of
    the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,” the letter reads.

  • Breaking: Famous Nigerian preacher Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua commonly referred to as T. B. Joshua is dead.

    Famous Nigerian preacher Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua commonly referred to as T. B. Joshua is dead.

    According to his TB Joshua ministries, the 57-years-old televangelist died in Lagos, Nigeria on Saturday evening shortly after concluding a programme at his church.

    “God has taken His servant Prophet TB Joshua home – as it should be by divine will. His last moments on earth were spent in the service of God. This is what he was born for, lived for and died for,” read part of the statement.

    May his soul rest in peace. 😢

    Photo: TB Joshua Ministries (Facebook)

  • BREAKING: Gunmen attack Imo prison, free over 1500 inmates

    Gunmen on Monday morning attacked the Owerri Correctional Prison in the Imo State capital and freed over 1500 inmates, The PUNCH has learnt.

    The attackers also razed the Imo State Police Command headquarters situated in Owerri and burnt almost all the vehicles parked at the command headquarters.

    The hoodlums further freed the suspects in almost all the cells at the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command.

    The PUNCH gathered that the gunmen operated from 1am till 3am on Monday.

    They sang solidarity songs at the Government House Roundabout for about 30 minutes before attacking the facilities, a security source confided in our correspondent.

    On breaking into the prison facility with the aid of explosives and dynamite, the attackers told the inmates to go home.

    When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the attacks.

    He, however, assured the people of the state that the security agencies were on top of the matter.

    Details later…

  • JUSTIN: Police rescue seven abducted travellers in Osun

    The Osun State Police Command on Saturday morning confirmed the release of the seven abducted travellers along Osogbo/Obokun road.

    The Nation reports that suspected herdsmen on Tuesday night around 7:30pm stormed the road after Ajenbandele village in Ibokun Council Area of Osun State and abducted an unknown number of travellers.

    During the attack, a yet-to-be-known man was shot dead while two women sustained injuries.

    The Commissioner of Police, Osun State, Mr Olawale Olokode, had said his men, Amotekun Corps, Vigilante and Hunters are combing the forest to secure the release of those that were abducted.

    A statement by the spokesperson of Osun Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola stated that, with the frantic efforts of Police and support from other security outfits, they have secured the release of seven kidnapped along Ibokun/Osogbo road on 2nd March 2021.

    “The victims were released due to the pressure mounted on the abductors by the Police and other security agencies. The victims will soon be reunited with their families.

    “The Commissioner of Police appeals to the good citizens of the State to collaborate with Police to get rid of all criminal elements from the State while assuring the members of the public/commuters of their safety as security measures have been put in place to forestall future occurrence,” she added.

  • BREAKING: PDP leaders meet Jonathan

    As part of efforts to resolve the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, former President Goodluck Jonathan has met with the party’s Reconciliation and Strategy Committee.

    The party last year appointed former Senate President, Bukola Saraki to head its national reconciliation committee.

    The committee also has one-time Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, and ex-governor of Cross River State Liyel Imoke as members.

    Other members of the committee include former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo; ex-Katsina Governor Ibrahim Shema and Hon. Mulikat Akande.

    Saraki announced the meeting on his verified Twitter handle, @bukolasaraki on Tuesday afternoon.

    Last year, top shots of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were jittery over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s meeting with some chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Governors.

    “As part of our efforts to listen to the concerns of key stakeholders across our great party, this afternoon, the @OfficialPDPNig Reconciliation & Strategy Committee is meeting with our immediate past President, H.E. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (@GEJonathan),” Saraki tweeted.

    Saraki had assured that the committee would embark on genuine reconciliation in order to strengthen the party structures across the nation.

  • JUST IN: Ex-military gov, Ndubuisi Kanu, dies at 77

    A former Military Governor of Lagos and Imo States, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd.), has died at the age of 77.

    Kanu’s associate and ally, Mrs Joe Okei-Odumakin, confirmed this to The media on Wednesday.

    “I can confirm that he has passed on. This is very sad news. A statement will be issued soon,” she said.

    The cause of his death could not be immediately confirmed.

    Kanu, who was appointed into the Supreme Military Council headed by the late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed in 1975, later became a human rights activist after leaving the military.

    He joined the pro-democracy movement, NADECO, and played a leading role in the agitation for the actualisation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

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