Category: News

Categories
News

Court Fixes Aug 15 To Hear Case On Emefiele’s Detention

The Federal High Court has fixed August 15 to hear applications regarding the custody of Godwin Emefiele the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The presiding judge, Nicholas Oweibo on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the applications filed by the federal government and counsels to Emefiele.

Emefiele on the 25th of July was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on “illegal possession” of firearms at a federal high court in Ikoyi and was granted bail in the sum of N20 million.

The Judge in his ruling ordered that Emefiele be kept in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

However, the Department of State Services (DSS) insisted that Emefiele must return to its custody.

The development led to a face-off between the secret police and prison officials. After the face-off, DSS rearrested Emefiele on the court premises.

The Secret Service proceeded to file an application before a high court of the federal capital territory seeking to further detain Emefiele.

The application was struck out after it was withdrawn by the service over jurisdictional concerns.

The Federal Government on the 3rd of August filed an application before the federal high court in Lagos, seeking leave to appeal the order granting bail to Emefiele.

In the application filed by a deputy director of public prosecutions of the federation, Nkiru Jones-Nebo, the federal government also sought a stay of execution of the order remanding Emefiele in the custody of the NCoS.

The federal government wants the court to remand Emefiele in the custody of the DSS.

In the application filed by Emefiele’s counsels, they asked the court to restrain the federal government from further prosecuting their client.

They said the federal government is in “brazen disobedience” of the subsisting orders of the court granting Emefiele bail on July 25.

During proceedings on Thursday, K.A. Fagbemi, the prosecuting counsel, asked the court to hear the federal government’s application seeking a stay of execution of the court order on Emefiele’s bail.

Fagbemi said the federal government filed its application first and served it on the defence counsels on August 4.

The counsel to Emefiele, Victor Opara in his response said priority should not be given to the federal government based on the time of filing since the court order was disobeyed.

Opara argued that the applications of both parties should be entertained on the same day.

He added that the federal government has nothing to lose since the defendant is in its custody.

After listening to both arguments, the judge ruled that the applications filed by both parties will be heard on August 15.

Categories
News

Canada Invites Carpenters, Plumbers, Welders From Nigeria, Others

A new immigration pathway for carpenters, plumbers and welders from other countries, including Nigeria, has been unveiled by Canada.

Canada’s express entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to provide permanent residence to skilled workers. It’s the country’s main system for managing skilled worker applications for Canadian immigration.

In a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Tuesday, the country announced a streamlined immigration pathway for skilled workers with specific expertise in carpentry, plumbing and welding.

“Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system is now tailored to provide a streamlined and efficient pathway for individuals with expertise in critical fields.

“By prioritising the invitation of skilled newcomers with experience in the trades, the country aims to meet the increasing demand for talent and fill key positions that contribute to the nation’s economic growth and advancement.

“These category-based selection rounds will continue throughout the year, alongside general invitation rounds, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.”

According to Marc Miller, Minister of IRCC, it is absolutely critical to address the shortage of skilled trades workers in our country, and part of the solution is helping the construction sector find and maintain the workers it needs.

“This round of category-based selection recognizes these skilled trades’ workers as essential, and I look forward to welcoming more of these talented individuals to Canada,” he said.

There are many different ways for professionals and workers to qualify for a Canada immigration permanent resident visa, according to lawyers at First Immigration Law Firm based in Canada.

The most prominent option is through Express Entry, which is Canada’s main pathway for economic class skilled workers. Your best bet to be eligible under the entry is to meet the requirements of either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class.

Categories
News

WhatsApp Introduces Screen-Sharing During Video Calls

WhatsApp has announced a new feature.
WhatsApp introduced a new screen-sharing feature to enhance the video calling experience on its platform.
The announcement was made by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta on Tuesday via Facebook.
The new feature will allow users to share documents, photos, and even their shopping cart with contacts available on video calls.
 
“We are thrilled to introduce the ability to share your screen during WhatsApp video calls,” Zuckerberg said.
In a statement, AT3 Resources, a consulting firm overseeing Meta’s operations in Nigeria, highlighted the versatility of the feature for both personal and professional contexts.
The company said users can now utilise landscape mode on smartphones during video calls.
The statement added that the new feature will help to enhance the visual and sharing experience and create a more immersive interaction.
 
“This feature is particularly useful for both personal and professional scenarios,” the statement reads.
“Also, WhatsApp users can now enjoy video calls in landscape mode on smartphones.
 
“This enhancement offers a wider and more immersive viewing and sharing experience during video calls.”
The new feature not only positions itself against traditional video conferencing apps like Microsoft Meet, Google Meet, and Zoom but also competes with Apple’s FaceTime.
Last month, WhatsApp introduced an instant video messaging feature.
The chat locking feature was unveiled in June, offering users an additional layer of privacy and security.
Categories
News

Emefiele Moves To Stop FG From Further Prosecution

An application has been filed by Godwin Emefiele, the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, to stop the Federal Government from further prosecuting him on the charge of illegal firearm possession and ammunition.

Emefiele, through his lawyers led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), filed the application to Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos, who granted him bail.

Emefiele’s application was filed on Tuesday, Aug 8, and has been served on the federal government on Wednesday, August 9.

He is also seeking an order of the court discharging him of all offenses prosecuted by the Government who is in “brazen disobedience” of the subsisting orders of the court granting him bail on July 25, 2023.

Emefiele also asked for a further order prohibiting the FG from continuing to enjoy any form of indulgence from the courts except and unless it complies with the bail ruling.

He asked the court to stay further proceedings in the present charge until he exhausts all the remedies available to him in law to compel the government and the DSS to obey the order of the court admitting him to bail or remanding him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Centre until he perfects his bail terms.

The applicant also says that the processes seeks to preserve and protect the efficacy, majesty and integrity of the court as well as the rule of law in our democracy.

Recall that the federal Government, last week, filed an application before the court seeking leave to appeal against the order granting bail to the suspended CBN governor.

In the application filed by a deputy director of public prosecutions of the Federation, Nkiru Jones-Nebo, the government also asked the court to stay the execution of the order remanding Emefiele in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Services and to make an order remanding him instead in the custody of the DSS.

Categories
News

Tinubu Meets With Wike, El-Rufai In Aso Rock

President Bola Tinubu currenlty in a meeting with former governors of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.
The meeting is taking place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The two former governors are ministerial nominees.
However, while Wike was screened and confirmed by the Senate, the nation’s upper legislative chamber did not confirm el-Rufai because of an alleged security report.
The former governors arrived the State House separately.
While Wike came at about 1:40p.m., el-Rufai entered the presidential wing of Aso Rock at 2p.m.
Sources at the Presidential Villa hinted that efforts are being made to ensure that the Senate confirms Mallam el-Rufai.
Categories
News

Gov Adeleke Approves N2.1 Billion Bond Certificates For Pensioners

Gov Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has approved the release of bond certificates worth N2.1 billion to pensioners.

The approved bond certificates cover retirees under the contributory pension scheme at the state and local government levels.

The Osun State Head of Service, Samuel Ayanleye Aina, in a statement on Wednesday, made this revelation.

Aina said beneficiaries should be presented with the bond certificates at the LG service commission hall on Thursday.

Aina explained that the beneficiaries of bond certificates are retired Staff of Local Government Areas, Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils, Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs), Secondary Schools, Tertiary Institutions and Parastatals.

He noted that “The Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has graciously approved the release of bond certificates worth N2.1bn for the payment of accrued right benefits of another batch of Retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme at the State and Local Government levels.”

Aina said the governor’s move aligned with one of the campaign promises, adding that Adeleke wants to guarantee that the welfare of pensioners and active workers in the state is given adequate attention during his tenure.

“Accordingly, His Excellency, the Governor, will preside over the presentation of the Bond Certificates to the beneficiaries tomorrow, Thursday, 10th August, 023,t the Local Government Service Commission Hall, Abere at 10.00 a.m,” Aina added.

Categories
News

Niger Republic: Nigeria Not Pushover, Shouldn’t Be Afraid To Use Military – Reno Omokri

Reno Omokri, the popular Nigerian social critic, has explained that Nigeria is not a pushover or should be afraid of using its military-industrial complex to advance the cause of democracy and the rule of law in Niger Republic, even as Nigerians fervently and consistently pray against war.

According to Omokri, Nigeria has a vested interest in what happens in Niger Republic, the way Russia has a vested interest in what happens in Ukraine and America in Cuba.

In a tweet, the social critic boasted that Nigeria’s defence budget is larger than every other ECOWAS state combined.

He added that Nigeria intervening to reestablish the rule of law in Niger might be better than building a wall.

He wrote, “Nigeria’s defence budget is larger than the defence budgets of every other ECOWAS state combined. Our military personnel are more than the military of all fourteen other ECOWAS nations combined. ECOWAS has a combined annual Gross Domestic Product of $760 billion. Nigeria generates almost $500 billion of that amount or 63%.

“So, while we fervently, strenuously, and consistently pray against war, that does not mean Nigeria should be a pushover, or be afraid of using its military-industrial complex to advance the cause of democracy and the rule of law. We have a vested interest in what happens in the next-door Niger Republic, the way Russia has a vested interest in what happens in Ukraine and America in Cuba.

“Gone are the days when President Obama would destabilise Libya and then hand off and leave Nigeria to bear the consequences in the form of Boko Haram, which were essentially a spillover effect of the Libyan crisis.

“Political instability in the Sahel will not be the direct burden of France, NATO or Russia. Libya and Chad, which share a border with Niger, are somewhat in a crisis. Algeria is dead set against opening its borders to non-Arab, and non-Amazigh persons. Mali is facing hydra-headed issues, including a power struggle, an Islamist insurgency, and a population growth rate higher than her GDP growth rate.

“Therefore, if there is political and economic instability in Niger, the influx of refugees and migrants will naturally be to Nigeria.

“And that is why it is in Nigeria’s interests to reestablish the rule of law in Niger. Either that or we build a Trump-style wall between us and them.

“Singapore is perhaps the least mineral-resourced nation on Earth. Yet, she has the world’s strongest passport, according to the Henley Index, and one of the highest per capita incomes in the world at almost $90,000. And the reason is that Singapore has an unassailable commitment to the rule of law.

“The above means intervening to reestablish the rule of law in Niger might be the better option than building a wall.

“And for those who are thinking that this is a Western imperialist action, please give Nigeria some credit. We have come of age. We know our right from our left. And we can pursue our own agenda and asset our own interests. And Russia is not the saviour here. Neither is the US or NATO. Nigeria is the Black saviour!”

Categories
News Uncategorized

Niger: Be Careful, Don’t Weaponise Electricity – Shehu Sani Advises Tinubu

Shehu Sani, a former Nigerian lawmaker, has sent a message to President Bola Tinubu.

He urged Tinubu not to weaponise electricity supply against Niger Republic in handling the leadership crisis in the West African country.

According to Sani, the President should be careful not to be the new apprentice of French neo-Colonialism in the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, sub-region.

In a tweet on Sunday, the social critic is of the view that Nigeria shouldn’t be the vigilante of imperialism in West Africa.

He said that Nigeria should seize the moment and seek a new independent West Africa.

He wrote, “President Tinubu should not weaponise electricity supply to Niger Republic. Nigeria shouldn’t be the vigilante of imperialism in West Africa.

“The President should be careful not to be the new apprentice of French neo-Colonialism in our subregion.

“This is a moment we should seize for a new Independent West Africa; beginning with killing the CFA,Cedi and Naira and adopting a common West African Currency.”

Categories
News

Why Osinbanjo Was Absent At APC Caucus Meeting — Aide

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, has talked about why his principal was absent at the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday.

He said Osinbajo was absent from the meeting because he was out of Nigeria for some engagements to which he had long been committed.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Akande, however, reaffirmed Osinbajo’s commitment to the party.

He said: “In a letter of apology for his absence addressed to the Acting Chairman of the party (Abubakar Kyari), the former VP explained that he was already abroad for engagements to which he had long been committed, when he received the invitation to the meeting,” the statement partly read.

“He had in fact cancelled some of his engagements abroad to be available for the two previously scheduled caucus meetings of the party which had to be postponed due to exigencies.

“While wishing the party fruitful deliberations, he expressed his commitment to the Party and his availability for future meetings and activities of the party.”

Also absent from the meeting was former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

The former president through his spokesman, Garba Shehu, however, explained he was unable to attend the meeting due to commitments he earlier made.

The APC caucus meeting is a prelude to Thursday’s National Executive Committee meeting where the perennial crisis rocking the party, the nomination of former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and Spokesperson for the ninth Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru, are expected to be on the front burner.

Categories
News

What President Tinubu Said At APC NEC Meeting In Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that despite claims by the opposition parties that the 2023 presidential elections were not credible, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won the polls.

The Nigerian leader stated this on Thursday while addressing the 12th National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling party at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

The President asserted that it is now time to deliver the promises of good governance to the Nigerian people stating that the 2023 election was the best election in Nigeria’s history.

Present at the NEC meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas; Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters