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Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny denounces slander trial

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Friday appeared in court on slander charges he denounced as politically motivated amid mounting tensions between Russia and the West over his treatment.

Navalny, President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent critic, was jailed last week for almost three years for parole violations he said were trumped up.

The West has condemned the case and is discussing possible sanctions on Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov said earlier on Friday that Moscow was ready to sever ties with the European Union if the bloc hit it with painful economic sanctions.

Navalny paced around inside a glass cage nicknamed the aquarium in the Moscow courtroom, railed against the slander case in several heated exchanges with the judge, and at one point told her she didn’t know the law and needed legal courses.

The judge reprimanded the 44-year-old lawyer at least 15 times and threatened to have him removed from the hearing.

Navalny stands accused of defaming a World War Two veteran who took part in a promotional video backing constitutional reforms last year that let Putin run for two more terms in the Kremlin after 2024 if he wants.

Navalny described the people in the video as traitors and corrupt lackeys. He accuses authorities of using the slander charges to smear his reputation and said his comment was not specifically directed against the veteran in question.

At the hearing, the grandson of the veteran, who is in his 90s, asked Navalny for a public apology, prompting Navalny to refuse, saying the veteran was being exploited for political ends.

“Everyone’s grandfather here fought in the war! But you’re the only one who’s pimping him out,” Navalny said.

Although the charge, if proven, is punishable by up to two years in jail, his lawyer has said that Navalny cannot face a custodial sentence because the alleged crime was committed before the law was changed to make it a jailable offence.

It remains unclear whether the judge in the case agrees with that analysis. News agency RAPSI cited a lawyer as saying he could face up to a 30-day jail sentence.

Security at Friday’s court hearing was heavy. Police and state bailiffs wearing body armour and carrying weapons were deployed inside the court and around it and the state prosecutor arrived for the hearing with three bodyguards.

Navalny’s arrest and jailing has sparked nationwide street protests in Russia.

His allies plan to stage a new kind of protest on Sunday and are urging his followers to gather for 15 minutes in residential courtyards across the country, shining their mobile phone torches and lighting candles.

Reuters

U.N Security Council should consider Myanmar sanctions: rights envoy

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The U.N human rights investigator for the Southeast Asian country on Friday called on the United Nations Security Council to consider imposing punitive sanctions, arms embargoes and travel bans on Myanmar because of the military coup there.

Thomas Andrews also said U.N. member states should impose bilateral sanctions and arms embargoes, and ensure that any assistance goes to aid groups and not to the junta.

“Security Council resolutions dealing with similar situations have mandated sanctions, arms embargoes, and travel bans, and calling for judicial action at the International Criminal Court or ad hoc tribunals. All of these options should be on the table,” Andrews told the U.N. Human Rights Council.

There were “growing reports and photographic evidence” that Myanmar security forces have used live ammunition against protesters, he said.

“This violence violates international law,” he said.

The 47-member Geneva forum is holding a special session at the request of Britain and the European Union to consider a resolution calling for the release of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and for Andrews and other U.N. monitors to visit.

Supporters of Suu Kyi clashed with police on Friday as hundreds of thousands joined nationwide pro-democracy demonstrations in defiance of the junta’s call to halt mass gatherings.

“Myanmar’s democratically elected political leadership, including Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint, have been detained on politically motivated charges,” said Nada al-Nashif, deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

More than 350 political and state officials, activists and civil society members, including journalists, monks and students have been taken into custody, she said, adding that “Several face criminal charges on dubious grounds.”

Myint Thu, Myanmar’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, said Myanmar would maintain cooperation with the U.N. and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and uphold international human rights treaties.

Reuters

NIRSAL facilitates n148b credit for agric/agribusiness investment

Mosunmola Ore
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The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Leading (NIRSAL) have facilitated over N148billion in finance and investments for agriculture and agribusiness. It also aggregated over 3,000 agro geo-cooperatives with 500,000 farmers on 800,000 hectares of land.

This was stated by the Managing Director/CEO of NIRSAL, Mr. Aliyu Abdulhameed in Abuja on Thursday, he revealed that in the course of the last 13 months, the public limited liability company facilitated the flow of over NGN30billion into agricultural value chains from commercial banks and other sources.

Attributing the success to the huge support by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, prudent management of resources and good corporate governance, the CEO added that as enablers of actors in the agricultural value chain, the company remained operational for those who were allowed by the federal government to move around for the purpose of producing food and rendering essential services in the society.

According to him, ‘’By remaining operational, our numbers grew: As of Q4 2020, we had achieved the following: Facilitated over NGN148billion in finance and investments for agriculture and agribusiness.

‘’Aggregated over 3,000 agro geo-cooperatives with 500,000 farmers on nearly 800,000 hectares of land. Enrolled 1.4 million persons onto innovative insurance products designed by NIRSAL in collaboration with a consortium of agricultural insurance underwriters.’’

Abdulhameed added that the company has also been up to some high-level advocacy, saying that in order to curb the dismal levels of post-harvest losses that Nigeria suffers, and create efficient routes for commodity movement and storage, NIRSAL is engaging with and supporting the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in the development of a policy on Secured Agricultural Commodity Transport and Storage Corridors (SATS-C).

While commending the media for their social responsibility – in helping to drive NIRSAL’s policies and programmes, he said that the company has used the media to communicate its plans and accomplishments to good effect.

Abdulhameed said that NIRSAL is a vehicle that promises much to Nigeria and is currently delivering remarkably, advising that distractions from vested interests are unwelcome to the work of supporting the building of a resilient economy in Africa’s most populous nation.

MTO/ThisDay

 

Nigeria sets up N1 trillion company to tackle infrastructure deficit

Zainab Sa'id
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Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a Public-Private Partnership company named Infra-Co to address infrastructure deficit in Nigeria.

The president also approved an initial seed capital of N1 Trillion for the company.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the President, Laolu Akande, said in a release that it is envisaged that, over time, the entity will grow to N15 Trillion in assets and capital.

“Infra-Co will be one of the premier infrastructure finance entities in Africa and will be wholly dedicated to Nigeria’s infrastructure development,” Akande said in the release, adding “the entity has been developed with concept designs from the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

According to Akande, the President had asked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to chair a Steering Committee tasked with setting up the company.

“The initial seed capital for the entity will come from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, and the Africa Finance Corporation.

“The board of Infra-Co will be chaired by the Central Bank Governor and include the Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, President of the Africa Finance Corporation, as well as representatives of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning. The Board will also have 3 independent directors from the private sector.

“To address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, the Buhari administration continues to explore innovative options, including through financing initiatives such as the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) designed to cater for the 2nd Niger Bridge, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, and other projects.

“There is also the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme which is being used for the funding of the Bodo-Bonny Bridges and Road (with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG), and the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway (with Dangote Group), among others.” Akande said.

Akande said that Infra-Co would finance public asset development, rehabilitation and reconstruction as well as invest in cutting edge infrastructure projects for Roads, Rail, Power and other key sectors.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Poland raises age limit for AstraZeneca vaccine to 65

Lantana Nasir
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Poland is raising the maximum age limit for people receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to 65, the minister in charge of the vaccination programme has said on Friday.

The country had previously said that the vaccine would be used for people aged 18-60.

“The medical council accepted guidelines saying that the AstraZeneca vaccine can be used for people aged 18-65,” Michal Dworczy told public broadcaster Polskie Radio Program III.

 

NHIS e-system to monitor its activities

Lantana Nasir
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National Health Insurance Scheme has introduced electronic verification system e- NHIS to ensure monitoring of all activities especially in the remote areas of  the country.

The Zonal Coordinator, North Central Zone of the agency , Mr Adelaja Abereoran, stated this in Minna Niger state capital, during the stakeholders sensitization and interactive forum to ensure effective and efficient implementation of achieving Universal Health Coverage for 2030.

Mr Adelaja,Who said the ongoing reforms by the National Health Insurance Scheme which includes system and structure reforms was for better service delivery across the nation, explained that Niger state has enrolled about 13,388 persons under only Basic Health Care Provision Funds (BHCPF) for the vulnerable group while encouraging citizens to take advantage of the scheme.

While commending the Niger state government for its efforts in partnering with the agency, The NHIS Zonal director further urged enrollees to insist on quality service and report any service provider.

“The enforcement department in place will ensure the HMOs and Health Care facilities do their work effectively, just as 1% Federal government consolidated funds contribution for the vulnerable group is commendable”.

Abdullahi Adamu, Niger State Coordinator of NHIS Niger State, who emphasized the rights of the beneficiaries of the scheme, warned that service providers are liable to face sanction or revocation if found underperforming.

He further urged beneficiaries to always report to the agency when not satisfied or shown nonchalant attitude by staff of any medical center or hospital in the course of service delivery.

Jakande: Guild of Editors mourns its pioneer president

Zainab Sa'id
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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has described its pioneer President, the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande as a pillar of the journalism profession.

The NGE stated this in a Press Release jointly signed by its President, Mustapha Isah and General Secretary, Mary Atolagbe.

The body of Editors noted that Pa Jakande’s death is particularly painful because it came at a period when the NGE had already lost many of its members and founding fathers, including Mallam Wada Maida, Mr Ben Egbuna and Prince Tony Momoh.

“The NGE is, however, consoled by the fact that Pa Jakande left an indelible mark on the sands of time as a Journalist of repute, Publisher, Media Entrepreneur, Politician, astute Administrator, Governor, Minister, as well as a Statesman and Conscience of the nation.

“The NGE recalls with nostalgia and gratitude, the role of Jakande, not only in the empowerment of journalists, through his John West Publishing Group, but also in the establishment and sustenance of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ).” It said.

Read More: President Buhari mourns former Lagos State Governor, Jakande

The Guild lauded Jakande’s achievements as the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, especially his impactful projects in Public Housing, Education and infrastructure development, which remain a reference point for good governance to date.

“Revered as the Father of Modern Lagos, Pa Jakande arguably laid the foundation for the massive development that Lagos State is witnessing today. That administration was anchored on the five-cardinal programmes of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

“Alhaji Jakande remains a reference point for austere lifestyle and uprightness in public office. He also demonstrated the fact that journalists do make very good administrators and nation builders.” The NGE noted.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors prayed for the eternal repose of Alhaji Jakande’s soul in Aljannah while also extending its sincere condolences to his immediate family, the Lagos State Government and the Awoist political family, for the irreplaceable loss.

Alhaji Jakande passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at the age of 91.

 

PR / Zainab Sa’id

Human Rights Violations: Nigerian Police cautions Panel against fraudsters

Zainab Sa'id
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The Nigerian Police has cautioned the Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian police to be mindful of dubious persons that may take advantage of the panel to make money.

Counsel to the Nigerian Police, James Idachaba made the submission during the hearing on the alleged threat to life brought before the panel by Mr Bello Akubuokwu against the Nigerian Police.

The complainant, Mr Bello Akubuokwu in his testimony said while on his way to his bank in Abuja on the 22 of July 2020, he boarded a vehicle and alighted close to the court of Appeal intending to board another vehicle to Garki, the location of his bank.

Mr Bello said he had to walk towards the Police Headquarters, to enable him to get to the next bus stop.

Unknown to him, there was an altercation between the Nigerian Police and the members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria which resulted in the use of firearms, unfortunately, he was hit by a stray bullet on his left hand.

According to Mr Bello, he was taken to the National Hospital after being rejected by Garki hospital for treatment.

He is seeking compensation for the cost of his treatment, inconveniences, and loss of his phone including the pain he suffered.

Responding, Counsel to the Nigerian Police, James Idachaba stated that the complainant has failed to establish any proof because he did not identify the source of his injury in his testimony before the panel.

According to him, it is not only the police that bears arms; therefore, the complainant must clearly identify the Police Officer who is responsible for the injury he is alleging.

Mr Idachaba also averred that the complainant is only wishfully thinking and speculating about his case hence urged the Panel to be mindful.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Nigerian Governors agree to end nomadic cattle rearing

Mosunmola Ore
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Nigerian Governors have agreed to end the practice of nomadic rearing of cattle in view of its increasing adverse security effects on the country and the need to transition into modern systems of animal husbandry.

This was disclosed by the governors during the 25th teleconference meeting ‘Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), held on Wednesday in Abuja.

The consensus, according to the communique, was reached following an update from governors on the various initiatives taken by state governments to address the rising insecurity in the country due to the activities of herdsmen.

It stated that state governments were encouraged to put in place systems to accelerate the grazing initiative of the National Livestock Transformation Plan and ranching in the country.

“The Forum respects the right of abode of all Nigerians and strongly condemns criminality and the ethnic profiling of crime in the country in an effort to frame the widespread banditry and the herders-farmers crisis.

“In the light of the economic and security risks that have arisen from these circumstances, the Forum resolved to urgently convene an emergency meeting of all governors.”

It quoted the Chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Plateau State, Mr Simon Lalong, as cautioning against the tagging of ethnic groups based on the misbehavior of a few criminally-minded individuals.
Lalong called on State governors to address the matter head-on in their various States.

Fans Face 5-Day Australian Open Lockout

Nnenna Okoronkwo
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The next five days of the Australian Open will be played behind closed doors after the Victorian Government implemented strict new lockdown rules following several positive COVID-19 tests linked to a Melbourne airport hotel.

Victorians will only be allowed to leave home for essential work, education that can’t be done remotely, care giving, brief exercise and to buy food and supplies, conditions that don’t permit attendance at the year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament.

Players will only be allowed to move between their hotels and Melbourne Park. Everyone in Victoria will be required to wear a mask outside their home.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the strong move was in response to 13 positive COVID-19 tests connected to the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport. With the stage-four lockdown conditions not beginning until 11.59pm Friday night Melbourne time, fans will be able to attend the Australian Open today. The lockdown is set to end Wednesday at 11.59pm.

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley addressed reporters around 3.30pm local time, saying that the closed-door scenario had always been among the tournament’s contingency plans. “All along we have said our number one priority is the safety and health of the community as well as all our guests from around the world,” Tiley said. “We have a series of contingency plans, ranging from the cancellation of the event to what we’ve been experiencing. One of the plans has been to compete in a bubble and do it in a safe way. There has been a playbook for this and we started operationalising based on the decisions made today by the Premier.”

Tiley does not believe that the statewide lockdown will have a significant impact on player preparations for the remainder of the event. “Players will be under the same restrictions as all Victorians when they leave the [Melbourne Park] precinct. [But] I imagine they will spend all of their time here. They’ve got to practise, they’ve got to prepare… This is how the majority of the players do it year-round. They go from the hotel to the site. This is something they are very used to.”

If the lockdown ends as scheduled, fans will be able to attend the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday, the women’s singles final on Saturday and the men’s singles final Sunday.

“We hope the lockdown does its job, and if that’s the case we’ll be able to have fans back for the last four days of the event and showcase to everyone a great finish to what’s been so far a great event,” .

“[The lockdown] will have a financial impact. It has been a very expensive exercise to put this on, but it’s also been an opportunity to support jobs and provide economic value to the community and also to the sport of tennis globally.”

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