Real reason EU is planning to impose visa restrictions on Nigerians

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjM5WpKHgJRtDNgWQaLQgnD4Sz2tdqv87qJ6DHRGycwA8g-i-jcIxApRQqnVNVitHsK3nIf0hzkAnvjH9a7tkeVS5IIXO743MIuhRZ_gfAGmJblaeSassJFQmm0FBdVraMiOEJNy-cC0/s1600/passport1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjM5WpKHgJRtDNgWQaLQgnD4Sz2tdqv87qJ6DHRGycwA8g-i-jcIxApRQqnVNVitHsK3nIf0hzkAnvjH9a7tkeVS5IIXO743MIuhRZ_gfAGmJblaeSassJFQmm0FBdVraMiOEJNy-cC0/s400/passport1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The European Union (EU) is planning to soon tighten the procedures for getting a Schengen Visa for the nationals of Nigeria for failing to play its part in the return and readmission of its nationals staying illegally in Europe.<br /> <br /> According to the EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Virginie Battu-Henriksson, the EU may introduce several measures what will make it more difficult for Nigerians to get a Schengen Visa, as a result of the country’s non-cooperating government.<br /> <br /> “What the EU can do since new rules on short-stay visas to the EU became applicable on 2 February 2020, is to adapt the rules on processing short-stay visa applications, depending on whether a non-EU country cooperates satisfactorily on the return and readmission of their nationals staying irregularly in the EU,” Battu-Henriksson explains while adding that this is by no way a ban on Nigerian nationals, like the one the US President Donald Trump introduced lately on Nigeria.<br /> <br /> The new rules on Schengen visas that Battu-Henriksson mentioned derive from the recently updated Schengen Visa code, which the EU Commission to regularly assess the level of cooperation of non-EU countries on the readmission of irregular migrants.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> If the level of cooperation is insufficient, the commission, together with member states, can decide on a temporary more restrictive implementation of certain provisions of the visa code.<br /> <br /> This could have an impact on the processing time, the length of validity of the visa to be issued, the level of the visa fee to be charged and the fee waivers.<br /> <br /> Spokesperson Battu-Henriksson also claimed that Nigerians are still among the top 10 nationalities detected as staying irregularly in the EU although the number of Nigerians travelling irregularly to the EU had dropped.<br /> <br /> “Nigerians still place among the top 10 nationalities detected as staying irregularly on the EU territory, although the number of Nigerians entering the EU irregularly declined drastically last year,” she said.<br /> <br /> Statistics by SchengenVisaInfo.com show that in 2018, Schengen embassies and consulates in Nigeria processed 88,587 visa applications, 44,076 of which were rejected thus marking the highest rejection rate of 49.8% among all third-countries in need of visas.<br /> <br /> France was the top favourite country for visa submission, as 33,308 of the applications submitted in Nigeria were for Schengen visas to France, followed by Italy with 13,295 and Germany with 10,847 applications.<br /> <br /> In terms of expenditures, in 2018, Nigerians spent €5,315,220 in visa applications to Europe, €2,644,560 of which money was spent by applicants who had their visas rejected.

Latest-News Real reason EU is planning to impose visa restrictions on Nigerians

The European Union (EU) is planning to soon tighten the procedures for getting a Schengen Visa for the nationals of Nigeria for failing to...

Read more »

Why religious intolerance persists in Nigeria – Falana

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomMvDmUkDg6_u2L_45VEXKC6SXMTs-ZvKndeVOe-rMZR4ea_jDf8wb6Vhe2T_AyScmCoWsFL1zIH61fVjblV1F2O1B85Zk5Qmh1FqUdR1sOkY8LJiclQaO5ugTF55XKru8UdHfR9yYCg/s1600/Femi-Falana-II-e1485292593993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="412" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomMvDmUkDg6_u2L_45VEXKC6SXMTs-ZvKndeVOe-rMZR4ea_jDf8wb6Vhe2T_AyScmCoWsFL1zIH61fVjblV1F2O1B85Zk5Qmh1FqUdR1sOkY8LJiclQaO5ugTF55XKru8UdHfR9yYCg/s400/Femi-Falana-II-e1485292593993.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Frontline social crusader and Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) on Saturday alleged that some corrupt political elites are responsible for the spate of religious intolerance in the country.<br /> <br /> Falana made the accusation in his speech at the 5th UFUK Dialogue International Conference on Love and Tolerance held in Lagos.<br /> <br /> The theme of the Conference is `Countering Violent Extremism for Peaceful Co-existence.’<br /> <br /> UFUK Dialogue is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded to promote dialogue, culture of co-existence and mutual understanding.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> The NGO also has the mandate to establish a common platform aimed at information and opinion exchange.<br /> <br /> It also focuses on dialogue and peace activities in academic and intellectual levels among different members of the society.<br /> <br /> Falana said that some corrupt political office holders were the ones pitching the citizens against themselves as a cover up to their corrupt practices so as to get an alibi.<br /> <br /> “There are evidences that corrupt political office holders are the one’s fueling religious intolerance in the country just to cover up for their sins against humanity.<br /> <br /> “The political leaders are not sincere with stopping all these vices because that is a way to distract the people from their corrupt cases while the people are battling, engaging themselves.<br /> <br /> “As a person, people often ask me why I am standing in for a Muslim and the answer they get is that I don’t know anyone.<br /> <br /> “I am  defending all the oppressed irrespective of religious affiliation. However our own leaders are busy spreading falsehoods about religion,” he noted.<br /> <br /> Falana said that the two main religions in Nigeria have things in common, hence there should not be division for peaceful co-existence.<br /> <br /> “There are many things the two religions have in common, one is that they believe that there is one God above all, they both fast and other similarities.<br /> <br /> “There is no need not to live peacefully among ourselves if we believe in one supreme God. We should love ourselves because God is love, this is important for us to know.<br /> <br /> “I have been in the position to advise some rich people to invest in education and establishment of industries because that is the way to go to get our youths engaged,” Falana said.<br /> <br /> The president of UFUK Dialogue foundation and the convener of the conference, Mr Kamil Kemanci in his presentation titled “Interreligious Dialogue: If not; what else?,  said that peace remained a necessity.<br /> <br /> “UFUK dialogue serves to stand by societal peace, love, tolerance, and compassion in support of human dignity and the greater good of humanity.<br /> <br /> “Dialogue and peace has always been and still remains a need, a necessity, and a must for us to have a healthy and more productive society.<br /> <br /> “The work for peace needs a dimension that goes beyond any ideology, political system, above any religious movements or religious authority.<br /> <br /> “The most important factor in the creation and promotion of a sustainable peace is the realisation of good governance while promoting justice through increased transparency, accountability, and the rule of law and strengthening of democracy.<br /> <br /> “As sustainable development goal number 16 promotes, without peace, stability, human rights and effective governance, based on the rule of law we cannot hope for sustainable development in a world that is increasingly divided, “he said.<br /> <br /> Kemanci said that violence worldwide was on the rise and becoming increasingly complex and multidimensional, adding that almost half the worlds people had been affected by political violence in recent years.<br /> <br /> “Contrary to, especially all this so-called religion-based hostility, I believe that religions and cultures have strong messages that can contribute to the solutions to these problems, because religions and cultures are certainly a source of peace and well-being.<br /> <br /> “Religious and cultural leaders have a special responsibility to join hands with fellow Nigerians to save our world from the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism.<br /> <br /> “Religious and cultural leaders can start a strong effective collaboration of state authorities, religious leaders, and civil society actors to organise community-wide efforts to address all factors that aid violent extremism.<br /> <br /> “Violence and terrorist recruitment within communities must be fought and countered by working with local communities to set up the necessary framework for identifying at-risk youth,” he said.<br /> <br /> Mr Andy Nkemneme who represented the Director General of Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, (IPCR), Abuja, Dr Bakut Bakut said that structural deficit was responsible for extremism.<br /> <br /> “Structural deficit is responsible for religious extremism in Nigeria because people desire to get justice which they are being denied.<br /> <br /> “If we are talking about peace, we are talking about justice and if people cannot get justice they will complain.<br /> <br /> “When there is poverty, people will be aggrieved and will take up arms at slightest provocation against one another looking for justice.<br /> <br /> “Our security outfit alone cannot stop violence, and that is the reason we have agencies such as IPCR to deal with the soft issues such as creating enlightenment for the public,” he said.<br /> <br /> Panelists at the conference include Prof. Olalekan Sumi-Amidu, Dr Saheed Timeyin, Prof. Lai Olurode, Prof. Alexander Bamigbola, Dr Scott Alexander, Dr Folashade Toyin-Kehinde among others.

Latest-News Why religious intolerance persists in Nigeria – Falana

Frontline social crusader and Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) on Saturday alleged that some corrupt political elites are responsible for the ...

Read more »

How troops repelled Boko Haram terrorists in Garkida

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsfxwptJjqlF46We_PtbZhHt9RYD6XuNbmMs_VnZsqQVfEeWORJFPKpBffEAx5oUkHLncpPnXkBK4VBrKkvOkv1jGtV3O67lfvfTT-5RI-ltDEymqOsNe8Ol_xw0eHFVzniTD2GkSHB0/s1600/Nigeria-Army.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="660" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsfxwptJjqlF46We_PtbZhHt9RYD6XuNbmMs_VnZsqQVfEeWORJFPKpBffEAx5oUkHLncpPnXkBK4VBrKkvOkv1jGtV3O67lfvfTT-5RI-ltDEymqOsNe8Ol_xw0eHFVzniTD2GkSHB0/s400/Nigeria-Army.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Nigerian Army has narrated how its troops of 232 Battalion of 23 Armoured Brigade under Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Garkida, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa repelled the Boko Haram terrorists who attacked Garkida on Friday.<br /> <br /> The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for 23 Brigade, Maj. Haruna Sani gave the narrative in a statement on Sunday.<br /> <br /> Sani disclosed that the terrorists besieged the town in about seven Gun Trucks and a number of motorcycles setting some buildings ablaze and causing unrest within the community.<br /> <br /> He said the gallant troops mobilised and intercepted the criminals’ advance and engaged them with high volume of fire power.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to him, the encounter led to the elimination of several of the criminals while others withdrew in disarray, many of them with gunshot wounds as evident in the trails of blood along their withdrawal route.<br /> <br /> “Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price while another soldier was wounded in action. The wounded soldier has since been evacuated to a military medical facility and is positively responding to treatment,” he said.<br /> <br /> Sani said that the Commander 23 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, on Saturday visited the troops in Garkida and toured the locations of the attack.<br /> <br /> According to him, the Brigade Commander congratulated the troops for their doggedness, vigilance and uncommon fighting spirit that led to the victory against the enemy.<br /> <br /> “He however admonished them to be more vigilant as the criminal elements may plan a reprisal attack due to the casualties they suffered.<br /> <br /> “The Brigade Commander also solicits the citizens’ continuous cooperation in reporting to security agencies any suspicious persons or movement within and adjourning communities.<br /> <br /> “He further reassured the good people of Garkida and indeed Adamawa State of the Brigade’s total commitment to protecting lives and properties within its Area of Responsibility,” he said.

Latest-News How troops repelled Boko Haram terrorists in Garkida

The Nigerian Army has narrated how its troops of 232 Battalion of 23 Armoured Brigade under Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Garkida, Gom...

Read more »

SERAP, others sue Gbajabiamila, Reps over plan to spend N5.04bn on 400 exotic cars

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o7uBtSLBK0EhRZvAp47sjVDTcFFzcfKi9JjepH0VH6kDgwsE389wpk-zQdqM2w6gIhmblyEZlhAzLUvn6mcSsOq-d6X6Nix-spE7gvW00DfujPRlshAacg9jJXiW9TvxrfJS_qF4fFs/s1600/Gbajabiamila+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o7uBtSLBK0EhRZvAp47sjVDTcFFzcfKi9JjepH0VH6kDgwsE389wpk-zQdqM2w6gIhmblyEZlhAzLUvn6mcSsOq-d6X6Nix-spE7gvW00DfujPRlshAacg9jJXiW9TvxrfJS_qF4fFs/s400/Gbajabiamila+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 192 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to “restrain and stop Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives and all members of the House from spending an estimated N5.04 billion to buy 400 exotic cars for principal officers and members.”<br /> <br /> SERAP is also seeking a court order to “restrain and stop the National Assembly Service Commission from releasing any public funds to the House of Representatives to buy 400 Toyota Camry 2020 model cars estimated to cost $35,130 per car, until an impact assessment of the spending on access to public services and goods like education, security, health and clean water, is carried out.”<br /> <br /> In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/205/2020 filed last Friday, SERAP and the concerned Nigerians argue that: “Nigerians have a right to honest and faithful performance by their public officials including lawmakers, as public officials owe a fiduciary duty to the general citizenry. All those who hold the strings of political power and power over spending of Nigeria’s commonwealth have a duty to answer for their conduct when call upon to do so by Nigerians.”<br /> <br /> The plaintiffs also argue that: “It is illegal and unconstitutional for members of the House of Representatives to choose to buy expensive and exotic cars while encouraging Nigerians to tighten their belts and to patronize Nigerian brands. It is also illegal for members to reject cheaper and equally reliable options.”<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to the plaintiffs, “If the members of House of Representatives take their duties to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged among us seriously, including their duties to judiciously spend public funds, they would not have voted to spend over $35,000 per car, especially given the current economic and financial realities of Nigeria.”<br /> <br /> “There is chronic poverty in Nigeria and many state governments are unable to pay salaries of workers and pensions. Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the House of Representatives will spend over N5 billion of public funds to buy the exotic cars at the expense of many Nigerians living in poverty and misery.”<br /> <br /> The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine “Whether the proposed plan and resolution by the House of Representatives to buy 400 exotic cars for principal officers and members amounting to over Five Billion Naira in total, is not in breach of Section 57[4] of the Public Procurement Act 2007, the oath of office, and Paragraph 1 of Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended].”<br /> <br /> The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP and the concerned Nigerians by their lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “Members of the House of Representatives are either unaware of the constitutional and statutory provisions on their fiduciary duties and judicious use of public funds or deliberately glossing over these provisions.”<br /> <br /> “It is also apparent that, besides elevating their personal interests over and above the public interests, members of the House of Representatives have shown insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians, thereby violating section 14 (2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, to the effect that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government and its institutions.”<br /> <br /> “It is public knowledge that members of the House of Representatives receive huge sums of money as monthly allowances and severance pay on conclusion of their respective terms at the National Assembly. It is rational that many Nigerians are calling for a review downward of the sum proposed to buy cars for members.”<br /> <br /> “There is no better time for any government/public institution to take issues of security and welfare/wellbeing of Nigerians seriously due to rampant kidnapping, banditry and terrorism in many parts of the country than now.”<br /> <br /> “This case raises issues of public interests, national interest, public concern, social justice, good governance, transparency and accountability.”<br /> <br /> “The House of Representatives during an executive session held on 5th February, 2020 reportedly passed a resolution that 400 Toyota Camry 2020 cars be purchased as official vehicles for 360 members and other persons, including top management staff, Chief of Staff to the two presiding officers, as well as some of their special advisers and assistants.”<br /> <br /> “About Three Billion was voted to buy cars for members of the House of Representatives in 2016. The sum of N128 billion was budgeted and allocated to the National Assembly in the approved 2019 national budget.”<br /> <br /> The plaintiffs are seeking the following reliefs:<br /> <br /> A DECLARATION that the plan and resolution to buy 400 Toyota Camry 2020 cars for members of the House of Representatives at the estimated cost of $35,130:00 per car is in breach of Section 57[4] of the Public Procurement Act 2007, Paragraph 1, Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 and Oath of Office [Seventh Schedule] of the Constitution<br /> <br /> A DECLARATION that the sum of $35,130 per car proposed and voted to buy 400 Toyota Camry 2020 cars for members of the House of Representatives is a breach of the Defendants’ solemn constitutional obligations to know and follow constitutional oaths and other constitutional and statutory provisions governing their conduct, including their duty of care to Nigerians to faithfully protect and defend the Constitution and improve the lives, well-being and welfare of Nigerians<br /> <br /> AN ORDER OF THE COURT restraining and stopping the National Assembly Service Commission from releasing the money to the House of Representatives until an assessment of the impact of the spending on critical sectors like education, security, health, clean water and safe roads is carried out in the public interest in accordance with their constitutional oaths of office and constitutional provisions<br /> <br /> AN ORDER OF THE COURT restraining and stopping all members of the House of Representatives, their assistants, agents, assign or such other person acting on their behalf from demanding or receiving the sum of $35,130 per car for purchase of 400 Toyota Camry 2020 cars until an assessment of the impact of the spending on critical sectors like education, security, health, clean water and safe roads is carried out in the public interest in accordance with constitutional provisions<br /> <br /> AND FOR SUCH FURHTER ORDER(S)that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit<br /> <br /> No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Latest-News SERAP, others sue Gbajabiamila, Reps over plan to spend N5.04bn on 400 exotic cars

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 192 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in...

Read more »

Tyson Fury to face Anthony Joshua after defeating Deontay Wilder

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="750" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDmQ6y5w09uQjByTwjXSzDGi0dibqbXiSBPpBeROYawuut4ySg04P4NVkv_5ci-qwBMXximTM4sOy4bn-ozjNBENLsK7Vk9iZUYsPab-ieCgW3CPnXfi3Ov7Ld47W4Vi-J_qu3WvHGDwm/s640/Fury+anthony+joshua.png" width="640" /></div> <br /> With the Sunday’s rematch in the books, fight fans will be hoping to see Tyson Fury take on compatriot Anthony Joshua – holder of the IBF, WBA and WBO belts – in a heavyweight unification bout.<br /> <br /> A British former professional boxer who competed from 2002 to 2018, David Haye, also believes Fury will switch his focus to Anthony Joshua after outclassing Deontay Wilder and claiming the WBC heavyweight title.<br /> <br /> The Gypsy King comprehensively defeated his American opponent who was sent crashing to the floor on three occasions before his corner threw in the towel in the seventh round.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Wilder has the option to trigger a third fight but former cruiserweight world champion Haye believes the Bronze Bomber will have no interest in a trilogy given the comprehensive nature of his defeat in Las Vegas.<br /> <br /> Instead, Haye believes all roads lead to a unification match between Fury and Joshua which has the capacity to be the biggest fight in British boxing history, Metro UK reports.<br /> <br /> He said, “I am very sure the clause for a third fight won’t be exercised. That won’t be realised 100 per cent because what chance does Wilder have what more can he do next time?<br /> <br /> “Deontay Wilder does not want any more of that work he doesn’t want that type of action he was outgunned in every department. What confidence can he take from this? Nothing at all.<br /> <br /> “I think it will be the undisputed, undisputed (Joshua next). There’s only one fight to be made and it’s a fight that everybody will have to see whether you are a boxing fan or not.<br /> <br /> “It has never happened before. All of the belts (are up for grabs), it will be the biggest fight in boxing history.”

Latest-News Tyson Fury to face Anthony Joshua after defeating Deontay Wilder

With the Sunday’s rematch in the books, fight fans will be hoping to see Tyson Fury take on compatriot Anthony Joshua – holder of the IBF...

Read more »

FG denies plan to monitor Nigerians’ calls, social media activities

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4e7zM_LVxBZa_dL5yYce_T52vaQa6PVtfpLTHydvMzgxBeKJZneRFzg1gJ_pWY3uQ60_CT6kwxlrhOZWIYWvxjOOMu-xM11023Wk39Y-_We3KiotyfYpT6wIBe5CHtLzDmoTP3BjsI0A/s1600/social-media-mobile-apps-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4e7zM_LVxBZa_dL5yYce_T52vaQa6PVtfpLTHydvMzgxBeKJZneRFzg1gJ_pWY3uQ60_CT6kwxlrhOZWIYWvxjOOMu-xM11023Wk39Y-_We3KiotyfYpT6wIBe5CHtLzDmoTP3BjsI0A/s320/social-media-mobile-apps-1024x576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has denied reports that the Federal Government is planning to monitor phone calls made by Nigerians.<br /> <br /> The reports, supposedly based on a message authored by the minister, also said the Federal Government was planning to monitor the activities of Nigerians on the social media.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> They stated that all mobile telephone devices in the country had been connected to the system of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.<br /> <br /> However, Pantami on Saturday denied the reports.<br /> <br /> In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman, the minister described the reports as fake news.<br /> <br /> The statement read in part, “The attention of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has been drawn to a misleading message purportedly authored by him, currently trending on social media.<br /> <br /> “The fake news is circulating a message which implies that all devices are now connected to the ministry’s systems and that effective tomorrow, it will commence the recording of phone calls and the monitoring of all social media platforms and fora.<br /> <br /> “The malicious message also further discourages citizens from sharing any messages or videos with political or religious content as it is now officially a crime and could even lead to arrest.”<br /> <br /> The minister explained that he initially ignored the message, which has been in the public domain for some time, so as not to give undue attention to its originators.<br /> <br /> But he further explained that its spread, coupled with attempts by well-meaning members of the public to get clarity and the need to ensure that all Nigerians were properly informed, necessitated the need to refute the reports.<br /> <br /> Pantami suggested that the reports were part of ‘divisive messages’ that sought to distract the ministry from its focus on digitalising the Nigerian economy.<br /> <br /> He added that, as director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency, he initiated and passed the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation, which protects the privacy rights of every individual.

Latest-News FG denies plan to monitor Nigerians’ calls, social media activities

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has denied reports that the Federal Government is planning to monitor...

Read more »

I never reported SIM card issue to DSS – Buhari’s daughter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="596" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_m6NGcdTayadEMLd59XAL8AJb5fas1QWIxFSAZ-l-LJ3KbTZ_m_HWuzhvZNKbeLvnt0keantdiSkF7QDfbeb1Lb7ogsKJNqYvwkylwRC33Vduw_Hfm3Qk2ZB9VpHOM-ecxb36jwpmUWr/s400/Hanan-Buhari-596x470.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> A daughter of the President, Hanan Buhari, has finally responded to allegations that the Department of State Services detained a trader, Anthony Okolie, for 10 weeks for using a telephone line that was earlier used by her.<br /> <br /> Hanan said although she had received complaints from relatives that someone was using her old line to solicit money, she never reported the matter to the DSS.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> The President’s daughter said this in a counter-affidavit to the originating motion filed by Okolie.<br /> <br /> Okolie had sued the DSS, Hanan and telecommunications company, MTN for his 10-week ordeal in the DSS.<br /> <br /> The trader had accused the DSS of detaining him for 10 weeks, denying him bail and access to his lawyers for using a telephone line that was earlier owned by Hanan.<br /> <br /> He alleged that the DSS detained him for 10 weeks because Hanan, who was schooling in the United Kingdom at the time, failed to come forward to clear him.<br /> <br /> In an affidavit deposed to on her behalf by one Idris Abdullahi, the President’s daughter said she should not have been joined in the suit because she had no idea that Okolie was ever arrested.<br /> <br /> The affidavit read in part, “I was informed by the 2nd respondent (Hanan) in our office on February 15, 2020 around 4pm… that she never made any complaint against any Mr Anthony Okolie to any officer in DSS or any other law enforcement agency.<br /> <br /> “That she was not privileged to even know anybody with the name Anthony Okolie and has never reported him or any other person to any law enforcement agency in Nigeria or any other country throughout her life.<br /> <br /> “That although she was not happy with the public complaint that someone had been using her old SIM card to solicit financial assistance using her name, she never complained to any authority and she was not aware that the person’s name was Anthony Okolie until the media published it.”<br /> <br /> The President’s daughter said she didn’t have the powers to give DSS orders to detain anyone.<br /> <br /> She further stated that no one should be punished for using a SIM card that was previously owned by another person as long as he didn’t use it to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.<br /> <br /> The DSS and the MTN have yet to file a counter-affidavit to the suit which is before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of a Federal High Court sitting in Asaba.

Latest-News I never reported SIM card issue to DSS – Buhari’s daughter

A daughter of the President, Hanan Buhari, has finally responded to allegations that the Department of State Services detained a trader, ...

Read more »