Month: August 2020

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COVID-19: FG says August 29 int’l flight resumption date not guaranteed

The Federal Government has revealed that the August 29 date for resumption of international flights is not sacrosanct and is subject to change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was disclosed by the Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu.

Specifically, Dr. Aliyu says the date, as announced at the PTF COVID-19 briefing, is not sacrosanct. Aliyu, who made the clarification, at the PTF on COVID-19 briefing on Monday in Abuja; explained that the date would be for consideration of resumption of flights. According to him, Aug. 29 is not sacrosanct. But if aviation authorities meet the criteria for resumption on the 29th, they will be given the green light to resume.

The coordinator said: “We will spend a whole day to discuss international travel and how this will be done. We are grateful to CACOVID and its partners for helping to support this process; because it would help us to expedite action of the airport.

“And if I may clarify, we said from the 29th of August. We didn’t say on the 29th of August. So, very similar to what we did for the domestic flights. Don’t come back and say that we promised we will open on the 29th…That date is not sacrosanct but we will work towards it.

“We will seriously try and deliver it but from the 29th as far as the PTF is concerned; if aviation comes to us and say they are ready from the 29th, we will say please go ahead. If they come back on the 28th, it is too early.”

Earlier,1st News had reported that the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said that international flights; which were suspended by the nation’s aviation authorities in the country as a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, would resume August 29, 2020.

Sirika said the Nigeria’s international airports had reached advanced stages of preparedness for the resumption of international flight operations.

The minister disclosed that like it was done during the resumption of domestic flights across the country; the international flights would commence with the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Emphasis, he said, would be placed on the observation of all the safety and technical guideline; as prescribed by global and health authorities, which would be communicated in due course.

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Google says Australian law would put search and YouTube at risk

Google has attacked a new Australian law forcing tech giants to pay local news outlets – saying it could threaten search services in the country.

In an open letter, the firm warned that its YouTube and Search features could be “dramatically worse” if new rules were brought in.

It also added that users’ data could be shared.

But the Australian competition regulator said Google’s letter was “misinformation”.

Over the past few months, the Australian government has been preparing legislation; which will make Google and Facebook pay local publishers for their content.

Today, Google has said it will fight the regulation which the government says is designed to create “a level playing field” for news outlets.

In an open letter, Google’s Australia managing director Mel Silva, wrote:

“The way Aussies search every day on Google is at risk from new regulation.

“You’ve always relied on Google Search and YouTube to show you what’s most relevant and helpful to you.

We could no longer guarantee that under this law.”

Google Search and YouTube services would be “dramatically worse” and the new regulation

“could lead to your data being handed over to big news businesses”, Ms Silva said.

What are the proposals?

Last month, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission published draft legislation which called on internet companies such as Facebook and Google to pay for content.

It would allow news companies to negotiate as a bloc with tech giants for content which appears in their news feeds and search results.

The draft code covers other matters too, including notifying news companies of changes to algorithms.

Penalties could be up to A$10m (£5m; $7m) per breach, or 10% of the company’s local turnover.

Today, the competition regulator said Google’s open letter “contains misinformation” about the proposed law.

“Google will not be required to charge Australians for the use of its free services such as Google Search and YouTube; unless it chooses to do so,” Rod Sims, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman said in a statement.

Google will not be required to share any additional user data with Australian news businesses unless it chooses to do so.

Mr Sims said the new regulations would “address a significant bargaining power imbalance” between Australian news media and internet organisations.

“A healthy news media sector is essential to a well-functioning democracy,” he added.

Source: BBC

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CAN rejects Sharia Council’s suggestion towards curbing Kaduna killings

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Sunday, August 16, criticised the suggestion of the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria on what would bring a lasting solution to the killings in Southern Kaduna.

CAN explained that peace could not be achieved by calling for more deaths.

This stance by CAN was a reaction to the claim by the Muslim scholars that a revisit to the death sentence handed to a retired Major General, Zamani Lekwot, and others, who were found complicit in the 1992 bloody riot in Zango-Kataf would end the crisis in Southern Kaduna.

The President of CAN, Dr Samson Ayokunle, who spoke at an interdenominational service and indoor protest organised by the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association said:

“When you are talking about peace and you say it is about killing somebody, is that peace? It is to bring further violence to the nation because Zamani Lekwot has his own people; they will not allow that. A government that attempts that is looking for greater trouble.”

Describing killings in southern Kaduna as a genocide, Ayokunle said the development has given Kaduna a bad name.

Further noting that the killings in the state and other parts of the country must stop, he said he was in Kaduna to identify with the oppressed people of the southern part of the state and to also meet with the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

“My coming today is to identify with the oppressed people of Southern Kaduna whether Christian or Muslims. I come here not to see you alone but I will see the governor on Monday,” the CAN President said.

Meanwhile, the presidency has described as “a publicity stunt”, the widely circulated reports alleging that former Speaker Umar Ghali Na’Abba has been invited by the Department of State Service over his alleged comments on President Muhammadu Buhari.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, who stated this in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, August 16; urged the general public to ignore the claim regarding the alleged comments about Buhari.

”Our findings have revealed that Na’Abba’s invitation has nothing to do with his alleged utterances which; in any case, did not catch the attention of the Presidency, or of any serious politician for that matter.

”There are serious politicians who talk and the Presidency responds because such politicians make statements that must get attention.

”Flash-in-the-pan politicians and those who fabricate political relevance don’t bother anyone.

”We advise Na’Abba to distance the presidency from the situation he has found himself and sort himself out accordingly,” the statement said.

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TikTok: Trump gives new sale deadline, 90 days instead of 45

US President Trump issued an executive order Friday giving ByteDance 90 days to either sell or spin off its TikTok business in the US.

“There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that ByteDance might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States,” Trump wrote in the order, which references national security concerns. ByteDance is based in China; and the Trump administration has recently suggested that the company could share information about Americans with the Chinese government. The company has denied it does so.

The move gives TikTok a bit of a reprieve from Trump’s August 6th order that would have blocked all US transactions with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent corporation, due to what the president referred to as an effort to “address the national emergency with respect to the information and communication technology supply chain.” Originally, TikTok had a September 20th deadline; now, it has until November 12th.

The latest executive order requires ByteDance to destroy any TikTok data from US users; and report to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States once all the data has been destroyed. ByteDance must also destroy any data collected from TikTok precursor app Musical.ly; which the company bought in 2017.

The original order with the 45-day deadline didn’t include those requirements.

“As we’ve said previously, TikTok is loved by 100 million Americans because it is a home for entertainment; self-expression; and also connection,” TikTok said in an email statement to The Verge on Friday. “We’re committed to continuing to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform for many years to come.”

Microsoft has been in talks to acquire TikTok; though co-founder Bill Gates has since called the potential deal a “poisoned chalice”; and reports last week suggested Twitter also was interested. It’s not clear how Friday’s executive order affects a potential sale; but Microsoft said it expected to complete the discussions; “no later than September 15th, 2020.” Theoretically, Trump’s original timeline would have been enough for Microsoft, so we’re curious if anything has changed.

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NORTHERN GOVERNORS CELEBRATE IBB AT 79

The Northern Governors Forum has joined other Nigerians as well as the family of former military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida to rejoice with him on his 79th birthday.

In a message of felicitation, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described the elder statesman as a loyal and patriotic Nigerian leader who has continued to serve the nation with passion.

Lalong said General Ibrahim Babangida over the years has made sacrifices towards the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria and also impacted the political landscape by offering wise counsel particularly on critical national issues.

He said “as you clock 79, we cannot forget your contributions to the human and infrastructural development of Nigeria as well as in mentoring of many persons who are today serving Nigeria in different areas”.

Lalong said as a Forum, the Northern Governors shall continue to benefit from his wealth of experience in tackling some of the challenges facing the region.

He urged General Babangida not to be tired of availing the nation his reservoir of knowledge for the progress of the country.

The Northern Governors wish him good health, God’s divine protection and personal fulfilment.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.

16th August 2020

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NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN WILBERFORCE JUTA, FORMER GONGOLA STATE GOVERNOR.

Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong has expressed sadness over the death of the Former Governor of defunct Gongola State and former High Commissioner of Nigeria to Zimbabwe, Wilberforce Juta.

Governor Lalong in a message on behalf of the Forum described the late Governor as a politician who served his people with loyalty and courage.

Lalong said the deceased contributed immensely to the development of the defunct Gongola State particularly in the areas of education and human capital development during his term as Deputy Governor from 1979 and then Governor in 1983.

He commiserated with his family, friends and political associates as well as the entire people and Governments of Adamawa and Taraba States.

He also prayed God to grant his soul rest and comfort the family.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
16th August 2020.

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MUSIQ: Zeepee – No Intro The EP + Zip

This Is Our Business (T.I.O.B) presents it’s very own remarkable music maestro, the one and only Zeepee with a massive hit in a making project that has been anticipated for a long time now, the project is tagged “No Intro” The EP, an amazing compilation for your listening.

Download & Enjoy…

Tracks:

  1. Dance
  2. E don Tey
  3. Kiss And Tell
  4. Marry
  5. Odeshi
  6. Appreciation

Bonus:

V.I.P

Wait Ft Curious

DOWNLOAD MP3: Zeepee – No Intro The EP

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Kano Police rescue man locked up in his parents’ garage for 3 years

A Nigerian man has been rescued from the garage of his parents’ house in of Kano State; where he had been locked up for three years, police say.

Ahmed Aminu, 30, was discovered after a police raid on the family’s residence in Kano.

Neighbours had alerted a local NGO about his plight, and the police were then called.

Mr Aminu’s father and step-mother have been arrested and police say further investigations are underway.

In a horrific video shared on social media; an emaciated Mr Aminu, too frail to walk, was assisted into a vehicle as he was taken to hospital.

He had visible calluses on his knees. His bones were apparent through the little flesh left on him.

“We found Aminu in a terrible situation, urinating and excreting in the same spot without [being] given any food and looking like he was going to die at any moment,” Haruna Ayagi, head of the Human Rights Network NGO, told the media

Police said the man had been locked up by his parents on suspicion of drug abuse. He was left without proper food and health care.

Some reports said he had been locked up for seven years.

Meanwhile, this is the second time this week a victim has been rescued from horrific conditions in their parents’ house in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, police in Kebbi state rescued a 10-year-old boy from an animal pen; where he had been kept for two years by his parents.

Equally important, 1st News gathered that northern Nigeria has a drug addiction problem but with few state-funded facilities, some parents are resorting to self-help for their troublesome children.

Some parents have sent their children with drug problems to private religious rehabilitation centres, but some of those have been raided by officials who described them as “torture houses”.

Also, an investigation in 2018 exposed horrifying conditions at a state centre in Kano, where patients with mental health issues were chained to the ground.

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Facebook merging IG, Messenger chats

Facebook appears to flipping the switch on integrating the chat systems for Instagram and Messenger. On Friday evening, several editors at The Verge across the country — on both iOS and Android devices — noticed an update screen popped up in Instagram’s mobile app with the message “There’s a New Way to Message on Instagram” with a list of features including a “new colorful look for your chats,” more emoji reactions, swipe-to-reply, and the big one: “chat with friends who use Facebook.”

Once you hit update, the regular DM icon in the top right of Instagram is replaced by the FB Messenger logo. Chats on Instagram are indeed more colorful than before; with the sender’s messages shifting between blue and purple as you scroll. However, at least for right now, it’s still not possible to message Facebook users from Instagram.

But FB has made clear its plans to unify the messaging platforms of its hugely popular apps; to allow cross-messaging among Messenger; Instagram; and WhatsApp. Facebook was said to be rebuilding the underlying infrastructure so users who were on only one of its apps could connect to others using different Facebook apps. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also said he wants the system to be end-to-end encrypted. By integrating its most popular apps, FB may be able to compete more directly with Apple’s iMessage.

Facebook acquired Instagram for $1 billion in 2012, and bought WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion. The company did not immediately reply to a request for comment Friday evening.

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Mailafia: DSS debunks ‘lies’ by former CBN Gov. over Boko Haram

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday, August 14, criticised the statement by a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr Obadiah Mailafia, linking an unnamed Northern governor to Boko Haram.

1st News had reported that Mailafia insisted that the anonymous governor is the commander and financier of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

He was subsequently invited by the Plateau State office of the DSS for questioning and later released.

This rebuttal was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, National Headquarters, Abuja of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya.

Afunanya explained that this was an indication of an earlier warning about desperate efforts by some notable personalities to use their exalted positions to cause total breakdown of law and order.

The DSS official further stated that Mailafia had “profusely apologised” during his visit to the Service’s Plateau State Command for his comments, only to announce that he stood by them afterwards.

Excerpt from the statement reads, “Dr. Obadiah Mailafia’s recent outburst aimed at playing to the gallery and creating unnecessary tension is a confirmation of his group’s desperation to breach the peace.

“Mailafia, as a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and currently, a Directing Staff at Nigeria’s foremost Policy Research Institute, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, has unhindered access to government platforms. It is expected that he should be conversant with official information management protocols.

“It is disappointing that he never took advantage of these to reach any of the security or related agencies to share the so called information at his disposal.

”This, he has agreed to be a grievous error on his part. It, however, suggests his mischief and determination to use the fake news he spewed to incite the people under his control.

“It is even more condemnable that Mailafia, who had profusely apologized during his visit to the Service’s Plateau State Command for his ignoble statement, would, afterwards, announce to the world that he stood by his misguided eruption.

“The Service will not stand idly and watch disgruntled and aggrieved elements take laws into their hands and cause mayhem in the polity.

“In line with its mandate of detecting and preventing threats and crimes against the internal security of Nigeria, the Service hereby reiterates its previous warning that it will henceforth not condone unruly conducts of persons and groups that ought to know better.

“In this regard, it will not hesitate to, within the confines of the law, decisively deal with such persons and/or groups, no matter how highly placed, that may wish to test its resolve.”