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Troops guard US Capitol one week after riots

Oluwasola Akintonde
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One week after deadly unrest at the heart of the US government, photographs are going viral of National Guard troops keeping watch over the Capitol.

At least 10,000 members of the National Guard will be in Washington DC by Saturday and police officials say that number could be more than doubled for Joe Biden’s inauguration next week.

The large deployment came shortly before the House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to impeach President Donald Trump for a second time for the role he played in last week’s violence.

Mr Trump was impeached for “incitement of insurrection”. Ten Republicans from his own party joined the opposition Democrats to vote in favour of charging him.

Many of the lawmakers voting on Wednesday were caught up in the events of last week, when thousands of radical pro-Trump supporters broke into the Capitol complex as Congress was certifying the presidential election results.

After the building was secured and rioters cleared, a large fence was erected and thousands of National Guardsmen were brought in to help protect Congress.

Warnings

Recent reports said the Pentagon approved those protecting the Capitol to carry lethal weapons as well as protective equipment.

The House of Representatives is meanwhile introducing fines for members who refuse to go through metal detectors installed after last week’s violence. They will have to pay $5,000 (£3,660) for the first offence, and $10,000 for a second.

Several House Republicans objected to the machines and bypassed them on Tuesday night, reports said.

The highly visible show of force comes amid widespread criticism of the chaotic security situation last week and amid fears of further violence in the run-up to Mr Biden’s inauguration on 20 January.

The FBI, still hunting those responsible for last week’s violence, has issued warnings of possible armed protests and further unrest across the country in the coming days.

 

Olusola Akintonde/BBC

WHO team probing origin of virus arrives in China

Oluwasola Akintonde
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A World Health Organization (WHO) team has arrived in the Chinese city of Wuhan to start its organization into the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The long-awaited probe comes after months of negotiations between the WHO and Beijing.

A group of 10 scientists is set to interview people from research institutes, hospitals and the seafood market linked to the initial outbreak.

Covid-19 was first detected in Wuhan in late 2019.

The team’s arrival on Thursday morning coincides with a resurgence of new coronavirus cases in northern China, while life in Wuhan is relatively back to normal.

They will undergo two weeks of quarantine before beginning their research, which will rely upon samples and evidence provided by Chinese officials.

Research

The probe, which aims to investigate the animal origin of the pandemic, looks set to begin after some initial hiccups.

Earlier this month the WHO said its investigators were denied entry into China after one member of the team was turned back and another got stuck in transit. But Beijing said it was a misunderstanding and that arrangements for the investigation were still in discussion.

China has been saying for months that the outbreak did not originate there.

Professor Dale Fisher, chairperson of the global outbreak and response unit at the WHO said, he hoped the world would consider this a scientific visit. “It’s not about politics or blame but getting to the bottom of a scientific question,” he said.

Prof Fisher added that most scientists believed that the virus was a “natural event”.

On Thursday China reported its first death from Covid-19 in eight months.

The country has largely brought the virus under control through quick mass testing, stringent lockdowns and tight travel restrictions.

But new cases have been resurfacing in recent weeks, mainly in northern Hebei province surrounding Beijing and Heilongjiang province in the northeast.

 

Olusola Akintonde/BBC

Sudan accuses Ethiopia of violating border deals

Olajumoke Adeleke
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Sudan’s National Borders Commission on Wednesday accused Ethiopia of violating the historical border agreements signed by the two countries.

 “The Ethiopian encroachments upon the Sudanese territory have continued since 1957,” head of the Commission, Maaz Tango said.

Ethiopia also evaded its obligations in the border agreements which could be traced back to early 1903, he added.

Tango noted that “Sudan has all the documents” supporting its position and its sovereignty over the lands entered by the Sudanese Armed Forces.

Earlier in the day, the Sudanese foreign ministry said an Ethiopian military plane penetrated the Sudanese border in what it termed as “a serious and unjustified escalation.”

Since September 2020, the Sudan-Ethiopia border has been witnessing rising tensions and skirmishes.

The border area of Fashaga between Sudan and Ethiopia, one of the five localities of Sudan’s Gadaref State, often witnesses deadly attacks by Ethiopian militias during the preparation for agricultural season.

READ ALSO:
Sudan, Ethiopia agree to resume joint border committee meetings

Olajumoke Adeleke

Olympic Swimming Medalist Keller Charged for Capitol Riot

Confidence Okwuchi
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US Olympic swimming gold medalist Klete Keller has been charged by the Justice Department with participating in the January 6 attack on Congress by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Keller was filmed as part of the crowd that illegally entered the huge Rotunda hall of the Capitol after violent protesters broke through police lines and forced their way in.

Police identified the three-time Olympian first by what appears to be an official team jacket bearing the large logo “USA” on the back and an arm patch that read “United States Olympic team.”

He was charged with illegally entering the Capitol, violent or disorderly conduct, and obstructing law enforcement.

Thirty eight years old Keller competed in the Olympics in 2000, 2004, and 2008, taking two golds and a silver in the 4×200 meter freestyle relays, and two bronzes in the individual 400-meter freestyle.

His 2004 relay gold in Athens was one of the most celebrated races in swimming, with a US star team that included Michael Phelps, against an Australian foursome led by the powerful champion Ian Thorpe.

In the anchor position, he was able to hold off a surging Thorpe for the win, ending years of Australian dominance in the event.

In 2018, he told The Olympic Channel in a podcast that his life after the Olympics was rocky, with a divorce, multiple lost jobs, and plunge into homelessness and living out of his car for a time.

 

AFP/ Confidence Okwuchi

FIFA enlists Oshoala for music project

Lateefat Ibrahim
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Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala and singer Tiwa Savage are two Nigerians to feature in a new  Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA initiative to marry sports and music.

The World soccer ruling body on Wednesday launched what it dubbed ‘FIFA Sound’-a strategy to connect with audiences worldwide through shared passions of football and music jointly identified as universal language.

The project according to FIFA includes a new podcast series featuring Liam Payne and world’s leading football players and musicians with such as Ivan Rakitic, Carli Lloyd, Asisat Oshoala, Lele Pons, Tiwa Savage, Wretch 32 and Morat, among others.
FIFA’s vision is to make football truly global, accessible and inclusive.

“The crossover between football and music underscores this wider cultural relevance. Both are universal languages and have the power to create unrivalled emotions. It’s a natural fit to bring them together,” FIFA Director of Marketing, Jean-Francois Pathy said.

“It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm around the launch of this strategy, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to connect people through inspiring human stories.”

“FIFA Sound is kicking off with the launch of an eight-episode podcast series, ” he stated.

It is to be hosted by Universal Music Group’s global chart-topping artist, Liam Payne and co-hosted by sports broadcaster, Jaydee Dyer.

The FIFA PlayOn Podcast pairs star football players with award-winning musicians for unforgettable conversations.

NP/Lateefah Ibrahim

China records first Covid-19 death in eight months

Confidence Okwuchi
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China has recorded its first Covid-19 death in eight months on Thursday, as experts huddled to discuss worrying new strains of the coronavirus that are spreading rapidly around the globe.

The death comes as a politically sensitive investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic finally got underway with the arrival of a 10-strong team in Wuhan, where the virus emerged in late 2019.

The gathering in Geneva of the World Health Organisation’s emergency committee comes as their colleagues landed in Wuhan for a long-delayed mission.

Mission leader Peter Ben Embarek said the group would start with a two-week quarantine at a hotel before the probe begins in earnest.

But, he warned, it “could be a very long journey before we get a full understanding of what happened”.

More than 91 million people have been infected, with almost two million of them dying, according to figures widely thought to be an underestimate.

Much of the planet is enveloped in a second or third wave of the disease, with populations chafing under painful and economically damaging restrictions.

China , where the virus first emerged, has again locked down millions of people as it fights to control a fresh outbreak that has now claimed its first victim.

The hashtag “New virus death in Hebei” quickly ratcheted up 100 million views on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.

Beijing has argued Wuhan might not be where the virus originated, only where it was first identified.

Regardless of the virus’s origins, scientists say large-scale vaccination is the only way to escape its ravages.

 

AFP/ Confidence Okwuchi

Nigerians mourn Ndubuisi Kanu

Confidence Okwuchi
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The Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has joined family and friends to mourn a former military administrator of Lagos and Imo states, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, who died at the age of 77.

President Buhari condoles with all professional colleagues of the gallant military officer, who distinguished himself in all positions and responsibilities during service.

He said; ‘‘the late Kanu took up more daunting, but historically rewarding challenges like speaking up for the weak and vulnerable, and the struggle for the country’s return to democratic government.”

Commendation
President Buhari believes the late Rear Admiral Kanu’s credentials in serving the nation, as a career military officer and as an activist with NADECO in actualising the June 12, 1993 mandate, remains ”commendable and will continue to inspire younger generations on patriotism.”

The President prays for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman.

Other Condolence Messages
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, expressed grief in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Lanre Lasisi.

He said ”the late Kanu would be remembered for his commitment to the development of Lagos State and the other states he governed.”

He condoled with the family and prayed God to grant the soul of Kanu eternal rest.

The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said; ”As one of Nigeria’s advocates of good governance, restructuring and true federalism, the late Kanu will be sorely missed by the people.”

“The death of Rear Admiral Kanu is a colossal loss to the country. He made lots of positive impact and contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Lagos State and Nigeria. He fought tirelessly, along with several other patriots, for a united Nigeria during his days in the Nigerian Navy as well as a member of pro-democracy group after he retired from service,” the Governor added.

Also, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma described the late Kanu as one of Nigeria’s finest and brightest who devoted his energy for the good of the country.

He said ”the late governor got to the pinnacle of his profession by dint of hard work and remained committed to the discipline in the Armed Forces till his death.”

Residents of Ugwunta in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, where he hailed from, also mourned the respected pro-democracy and Igbo leader.

Many others, including Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group, Olawale Oshun, also mourned the former National Democratic Coalition, NADECO chieftain.

In a statement in Lagos, Oshun said: “I learnt with the deepest regret of the passing of Rear Admiral Kanu, a former military governor in Imo, and later Lagos states.

“His greatest legacy, however, is in the area of pro-democracy struggle. A brave officer, and a convinced democrat, he was one of the founding leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), and for a long time NADECO held many of its meetings in his home on Victoria Island and not the direct threat by the Sani Abacha goons would make him distance himself from his coalition colleagues.

“Admiral Kanu had stood up to be counted, even with the return to civil rule in 1999, amongst the civil and pro-democracy activists who deem that the civil rule in process in Nigeria fell far short of the democracy they struggled for. He also has used his great goodwill amongst the Yoruba people to the benefit of his Igbo people resident and making home in Lagos and many other parts of Yoruba land.

“I had, as NADECO Secretary in the intervening period Ayo Opadokun was in Abacha detention, found Admiral Kanu to be one great Nigerian ready to lay down his life to make Nigeria a great country, one in which all the nationalities are equitably treated and there is justice for all.

“May his great soul rest in perfect peace.”

Elder statesman and a NADECO chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, described the late Kanu as a dedicated loyalist to the cause of restructured Nigeria.

Adebanjo, who is also a leader of Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, added: “This is a great loss. He will be greatly missed. He was a gallant soldier, great patriot, nationalist, progressive politician and a dedicated loyalist to the cause of restructured Nigeria.

The nonagenarian, a staunch supporter of the late nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, said the late Kanu would be remembered for being a great nationalist who believed in the restructuring of the country as the only panacea to Nigeria’s progress.

NP/Confidence Okwuchi

Covid-19 vaccine will not cause infertility- Medical Association

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
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The President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Innocent Ujah has said that the Covid-19 vaccine is safe and cannot cause infertility.

According to him, the vaccine will help to stop the spread of the virus and keep everyone safe.

Prof. Ujah stated this in an interview with newsmen. He reacted to a social media post that claimed Covid-19 vaccine could cause infertility.

The NMA president who is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology said that the claim is false, baseless and lacks scientific proof.

“Nigeria is expecting its first batch of Covid-19 vaccine before the end of the month”, he said.

However, contentious discussions, especially on social media platforms, have centred on the safety, efficacy and possible side effects of the vaccine.

But Ujah allaying those fears says there is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine would affect fertility.

The researcher said, “It is untrue that COVID-19 vaccine will cause infertility. We heard this during the polio vaccine eradication programme. 

“That was even terrible. Some people claimed it was meant to reduce the population of the north. But you know that is not true. 

“The truth is that Nigerians are very pessimistic. And we have all sorts of people in Nigeria; where people are wanting something good, others want to destroy it and also to make gain out it for nothing. 

“There is no component or element of contraception or birth control in the vaccine. 

“It is just misinformation on social media. People should disregard such information. It is just speculative and has no evidence. I don’t see why anybody would think about such a thing.”

The professor further said, “Europe and America are all taking the vaccine. If we can get the vaccine, it is something we must embrace and accept because it will certainly reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

“We do not have any other option now apart from the vaccine and observance of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control protocols.”

According to the World Health Organisation, vaccine hesitancy – the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines – threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.

The WHO identifies complacency, inconvenience in accessing vaccines, and lack of confidence as key reasons underlying hesitancy.

The World health body affirms that health workers, especially those in communities, remain the most trusted advisor and influencer of vaccination decisions, and they must be supported to provide trusted, credible information on vaccines.

Recall that the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, had during a recent briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, disclosed that Nigeria would take delivery of 100,000 doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of January.

NPHCDA boss had said the country is planning to start administering the COVID-19 vaccine on Nigerians before the end of March.

According to him, Nigeria expects to receive free 42 million doses of vaccines in the second phase through the COVAX facility being administered by 10 Global Vaccines Alliance.

Also, the Federal Government, he said, has opened talks with the Peoples Republic of China to have access to COVID-19 vaccines for Nigeria.

Prof Ujah called on the NPHCDA and the National Orientation Agency to mount a very effective and intensive public campaign and sensitisation on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.

He noted that many people are skeptical about the vaccine and therefore, need to be properly educated to allay their fears and concerns.

 

N/P Dominica Nwabufo

S.Korea court upholds jail for ex-president Park

Oluwasola Akintonde
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South Korea’s top court upheld on Thursday a 20-year jail sentence for former President Park Geun-hye on graft charges that led to her downfall, bringing an end to the legal process and so for the first time raising the possibility of a pardon.

Park became South Korea’s first democratically elected leader to be thrown out of office when, in 2017, the Constitutional Court upheld a parliament vote to impeach her over a scandal that also landed the heads of two conglomerates in jail.

The daughter of a military dictator, Park took office in 2013 as South Korea’s first woman president. She was brought down after being found guilty of colluding with a confidante to receive tens of billions of won from major conglomerates to help her family and fund non-profit foundations she owned.

Legal process

Her case has been heard in different courts, including a retrial in July last year, but the Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday to uphold a 20-year jail term and fine of 18 billion won ($16.38 million) exhausts her legal avenues.

Park, 68, who has been in jail since March 31, 2017, has denied wrongdoing. She was not present in court.

The end of the legal process clears the way for a presidential pardon, which her supporters called for.

“President Park Geun-hye is innocent,” the right-wing Our Republican Party said in a statement.

“The members of Our Republican Party want President Park to be freed as soon as possible.”

Lee Nak-yon, the chief of the ruling Democratic party, has floated the idea of a pardon for Park and another ex-president, Lee Myung-bak, also in jail on corruption charges, in the name of national unity.

Park is a divisive figure in a country where old Cold War fault lines between right and left can still define political rivalry.

A top aide to President Moon Jae-in, who is a liberal, said the president would make a decision on the question of a pardon for Park that reflects the will of the people.

Society appears split down the middle.

A survey revealed that 47.7% of respondents in favour of a pardon and 48% against.

 

Olusola Akintonde/Reuters

“Why I dropped Iheanacho for Ayoze”- Rodgers

Confidence Okwuchi
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0

Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers, has explained why he picked Ayoze Pérez ahead of Kelechi Iheanacho against Stoke City on Saturday.

The Foxes had Jamie Vardy out with a hip problem and Perez was the manager’s choice to take on Stoke and the Spanish player did not disappoint as he registered his name on the score sheet as Leicester qualified for the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The manager said he felt Ayoze was better, during his post-match interview with Leicesterlive.

“I thought he (Ayoze) was excellent,” Rodgers said.

“With Stoke playing with three centre-halves, and three strong centre-halves who are good in the duel, and then with the system they were playing with the three midfield players, we thought we could have a striker who could detach himself from the defenders to give us an extra man in midfield.

 “Ryan Shawcross and Harry Souttar and the boys were very strong and very aggressive, so taking one of the players off that forward line and come in and play in midfield, to give us that four versus three.

“Whereas, Kelechi is more a player who plays on the last line and behind it.

“So, I thought Ayo did very well. He deserved his goal and worked very hard,” he explained.

 

 

NP/Confidence Okwuchi

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