Nigeria says the Indigenous People of Biafra is sponsored by certain disgruntled elements to sabotage the Buhari administration, under the guise of fighting for the rights of the people of the South-East.
”IPOB is being sponsored by those I will call the Coalition of the Politically Disgruntled and the Treasury Looters. They believe that by sponsoring this group to destabilize the country and trigger chaos, they will realize their ambition of escaping justice and then be free to dip their hands into the nation’s treasury again,” Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said on Sunday.
Mohammed wondered why the activities of IPOB became heightened with the advent of this Administration, saying: ”If this is coincidental, then that coincidence is uncanny, at the least. Remember that Nnamdi Kanu, who led a protest at the Nigeria House in London against Boko Haram insurgency and in support of Nigeria’s unity, under the Jonathan Administration, has suddenly metamorphosed into an IPOB monster who will rather set the nation ablaze.”
He said that the outlawed organisation was not set up to fight for anyone, but to destabilise the country.
”Nigerians must understand that IPOB was not set up to fight for the right of anyone or group, but as a tool to destabilize the nation, divert attention from the efforts of the Buhari administration and obliterate the laudable achievements of the Government,” he said.
Media caption“We want to be productive, we want to be helpful,” said Mr Tillerson
Donald Trump is open to staying in the Paris accord on climate change, his secretary of state has said, just hours after the White House insisted there would be “no change” to US policy.
Rex Tillerson said the US would stay in the agreement “if we can construct a set of terms that we believe is fair”.
His comments come despite the White House earlier denying reports it was softening its stance on the accord.
In June Mr Trump announced the US would withdraw from the pact.
The president said the move was part of his “solemn duty to protect America”, painting the agreement as one which aimed to hobble the US economy in favour of countries like China and India.
Mr Trump also said he would “begin negotiations to re-enter either the Paris accord or a really entirely new transaction on terms that are fair to the United States”.
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Media captionTrump: The world won’t laugh any more at US
Speaking to US network CBS, Mr Tillerson suggested the US might not leave at all.
Asked if there was a chance the US could stay in the accord, Mr Tillerson said: “I think, under the right conditions, the president has said he’s open to finding those conditions where we can remain engaged with others, on what we all agree is still a challenging issue.”
This backs up reports on Saturday suggesting Mr Trump had softened his attitude towards the agreement.
After a meeting of environment ministers, the EU’s top climate official, Miguel Arias Canete, said Trump officials had indicated the US would not renegotiate the Paris accord but “try to review the terms on which they could be engaged under this agreement.
“It’s a message which is quite different to the one we heard from President Trump in the past,” Mr Canete added.
But later the same day, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said: “There has been no change in the United States’ position on the Paris agreement.
“As the president has made abundantly clear, the United States is withdrawing unless we can re-enter on terms that are more favourable to our country.”
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Media captionCan coal make a comeback under Trump?
Mr Trump’s national security advisor HR McMaster, echoed her words more closely than Mr Tillerson when he appeared on ABC’s This Week programme on Sunday.
“He left the door open to re-entering at some later time if there can be a better deal for the United States,” he said.
However, even an improved deal is likely to be a hard sell to Mr Trump’s base support, many of whom are vehemently opposed to the 2015 agreement.
The Paris accord commits the US and 187 other countries to keeping rising global temperatures “well below” 2C above pre-industrial levels and “endeavour to limit” them even more, to 1.5C.
Opponents say withdrawing from the accord is an abdication of US leadership on a key global challenge.
Note: This story is auto-generated from BBC syndicated feed and has not been edited by AFRICA PRIME NEWS
Media captionAt least 37 Burundian migrants were killed and another 117 were injured
Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo have shot dead 37 Burundian migrants who were protesting after four of their countrymen were expelled, the UN says.
Its peacekeeping mission Monusco said another 117 were injured during the incident in the east of the country.
Government sources said protesters overran a prison where the Burundians were being held for deportation.
The UN has called for an investigation into exactly what happened.
Monusco’s Florence Marchal said her team was “shocked” by the killings.
The Burundian protesters, she said, “were not happy because four of them have been expelled from Congo. A [Congolese soldier] was killed in the clash, and it led to the escalation of violence.
“Congolese defence and security forces then allegedly responded with indiscriminate firing on the protesters.”
The Congolese interior ministry earlier said troops had fired in the air but were overwhelmed by protesters throwing stones.
In the wake of the killings, Burundi’s Foreign Minister Alain Aimé Nyamitwe took to Twitter demanding answers.
More than 400,000 people have fled Burundi since 2015, when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would seek a third term, sparking widespread violence.
Some 40,000 are living in the DRC, the UN Refugee Agency said.
A note on terminology: The BBC uses the term migrant to refer to all people on the move who have yet to complete the legal process of claiming asylum. This group includes people fleeing war-torn countries such as Syria, who are likely to be granted refugee status, as well as people who are seeking jobs and better lives, who governments are likely to rule are economic migrants.
This story is auto-generated from ‘BBC News’ syndicated feed and has not been edited by Africa Prime News staff.
Image copyrightGetty ImagesImage caption In Tanzania, gay male sex is punishable by up to 30 years in jail
Twenty people have been arrested on Tanzania’s semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar for alleged homosexuality, police say.
The 12 women and eight men were picked up in a hotel where they were receiving training about HIV/Aids education programmes.
Earlier this year, authorities banned many private health clinics from providing HIV/Aids services, saying they encouraged gay sex.
Homosexuality is a crime in Tanzania.
Regional police commander Hassan Ali Nasri said on state television: “They are implicated in homosexuality. We arrested them and are busy interrogating them. The police cannot turn a blind eye to this practice.”
On Friday, Deputy Health Minister Hamisi Kingwangalla vowed in front of parliament to “fight with all our strength against groups supporting homosexuality in our country,” AFP news agency reports.
In July 2016, the government banned the import and sales of sexual lubricants, with Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu saying it encouraged homosexuality which led to the spread of HIV/Aids, AFP adds.
Gay male sex is punishable by up to 30 years in jail in the country.
Despite the ban on homosexuality, Tanzania was until recently somewhat more tolerant towards gay people than many other African countries, but a rise in anti-gay rhetoric by the government has led to a spike in discrimination, correspondents say.
In July, human rights group Amnesty International said the authorities were “arresting and prosecuting people on homosexuality-related charges, and subjecting them to forced anal examinations”.
This story is auto-generated from ‘BBC News’ syndicated feed and has not been edited by Africa Prime News staff.
Inspector General of Nigerian Police, Ibrahim Idris, has expressed the need for strategic policing approach to curb the current security challenges evidenced in the escalation of violent conflicts and crimes in the country.
The Inspector General, in an address at the public launch of the community policing re-engagement strategic guidelines and the unveiling of the community policing logo, noted that with the re-launch of the all encompassing community policing strategy, the force would develop a better interactive relationship that will lead to improved and cooperation from various stakeholders.
From herdsmen-farmers clashes, insurgency in North-East, resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta and kidnapping for ransom, he explained that it was obvious that there is a need for a strategic policing approach.
He observed that the community policing was initially introduced in Nigeria on the 27th of April 2004, when the then President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo launched it in Enugu state, stressing that the pilot phase of the program was aimed at establishing a clear departure from traditional policing, that was reactive and incident based, to a problem – solving oriented policing that is proactive with the community as the cornerstone of policing objectives.
“It is on this premise that the Nigeria Police Force has made the decision to review and develop a more inclusive strategic guidelines taking into consideration lessons learned from its pilot phase,” he added.
He noted that past efforts have been made to reform and reposition the Nigeria Police force for enhanced efficiency and professionalism by various Presidential Committees, pointing out that the last of such committees was set up in 2012 and tasked with the responsibility of determining the general and specific causes of the collapse of public confidence in the Police, and recommend ways of restoring public trust in the institution amongst others.
“One of the reforms outlined to address this was the need for community policing to be mainstreamed and fully adopted by the Nigeria Police Force. This was further emphasized by the recently issued Presidential directive for a nationwide rollout of community policing across the country,” he explained.
Idris said that he force was not oblivious to the public perception of its activities, and the unwillingness of citizens’ to make use of the formal criminal justice system.
To change people’s experience and the perception of the Force for the better, he noted, the program would build sustainable partnerships with local communities, authorities and agencies such as civil society, informal security actors, and educational authorities amongst others.
“This is necessary for a wider partnership approach to solving community problems where the combined skills, expertise and resources of the partnership as a whole can be utilized to positive effect.
“We understand that the response to crime and reduction of disorder will not be effective unless it is based on robust analysis of the underlying problems and their causes, allowing for the recognition of links, patterns and trends specific to each community.
“The program will work with various community police interactive platforms or initiatives such as the Eminent Persons Forum, which is an initiative currently being employed by the police. These platforms allow opinion leaders from various communities to collaborate with the Police, and contribute to issues relating to the Police and policing in their communities.
“Under the re-engagement plan, access to the Police will be accentuated through the deployment of ICT tools / mechanism including social media platforms and building robust relationship with community grassroots.
“We believe that proactive approach to policing will assist to reduce crime and anti-social behavior. The community will be encouraged and provided the opportunity to actively participate in its own policing; and when we work together we will be able to mobilize resources to solve problems affecting public safety for the longer term.
“As one of the major steps in this direction, we are setting up the Community Policing Management Committee made up of professionals that would work closely with me and my management team to monitor this roll out plan,” ldris explained.
He said the members of the committee are CP Community Policing representing IGP, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, Mrs Kemi Okenyodo, Lt. Col. U.F Abubakar, representative of Ministry of Justice, Mrs Ovibiagele A. Efelomon and Mr Adeniran Akingbolahan.
Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai of Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, has assured residents that the state is safe to every law abiding citizen.
He commended the people for preserving peace and harmony, while enjoining them to maintain the status quo by keeping the state safe.
Governor in statement said, “I wish to commend the people of Kaduna State for preserving peace and harmony. As your Governor, I reiterate that Kaduna State is a safe place for every law abiding citizen.
“Let us work together to keep our state safe. Everyone should go about their lawful business with vigilance and concern for their neighbors.
“As you are aware, there are threats to peace in certain parts of the country. Let us not listen to or encourage anybody or group that seeks to set one group against the other.
“We must report all suspicious movements and activities to the numbers that our government has circulated. The police and other security agencies are working hard to safeguard every citizen. Let there be no fear. Let us live in confidence and faith, upholding each other and trusting in the mighty protection of Almighty God.
“Our state has suffered from violence, and we know that we cannot permit any repeat. We have endured the pain and loss that come with division and violence.
“Our state has anchored its present and future on an uncompromising rejection of violence. We must preserve peace, we must strengthen harmony and firmly reject the agenda of those who thrive on the misery that violence causes.
“We warn once again against hate speech, incitement and the irresponsible production and circulation of fake news, images and audio messages. This state will protect every citizen and will punish anyone who tries to threaten peace.
“The laws of our land entitle everyone to live in peace wherever they choose. We shall preserve this right for all.”
The All Blacks scored four tries in each half at North Harbour Stadium
Rugby Championship, Auckland
New Zealand: (31) 57
Tries: Ioane, Milner-Skudder 2, S Barrett, Retallick, Tu’ungafasi, Sopoaga, Taylor; Pen: B Barrett; Cons: B Barrett 7
South Africa: (0) 0
World champions New Zealand ran in eight tries as they thumped South Africa 57-0 in Auckland, their biggest winning margin against the Springboks.
Victory extended their lead in the four-team Rugby Championship to eight points with two matches remaining.
The All Blacks will secure the trophy for a 15th time by beating Argentina in Buenos Aires on 30 September.
In Canberra, Australia scored six tries as they overturned a 13-10 half-time deficit to beat Argentina 45-20.
All Blacks rack up half-century – again
Saturday’s match was the second in succession in which the All Blacks have scored more than 50 points against the Springboks, with their 57-15 win in Durban last year their previous biggest victory against them.
Despite the one-sided nature of the scoreline, the visitors – unbeaten in their six previous Tests this year – created several opportunities but were met by a resilient All Blacks defence.
Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Scott Barrett and Brodie Retallick all went over for tries in the first half.
Milner-Skudder, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Lima Sopoaga and Codie Taylor also crossed, with Beauden Barrett kicking 17 points.
Tu’ungafasi’s try at the North Harbour Stadium in Albany was his first in a Test match.
South Africa coach Allister Coetzee said: “I’m very disappointed and the players are hurting. It’s not through lack of effort.
“It is a challenge for us emotionally. I have great faith that these players will never give up. Never.
“We have no option but to fight back in South Africa. We will get stronger from this learning experience.”
The Springboks face Australia in Bloemfontein on 30 September.
Rugby Championship table
Played
Won
Drawn
Lost
Pts difference
Bonus pts
Points
N Zealand
4
4
0
0
+100
3
19
S Africa
4
2
1
1
-17
1
11
Australia
4
1
1
2
-1
2
8
Argentina
4
0
0
4
-82
0
0
Wallabies hit back to see off Pumas
Saturday’s second match brought together two sides who were without a win in the tournament, and Australia soon found themselves seven points adrift against Argentina.
But five tries in the second half took the Wallabies comfortably ahead, with Bernard Foley maintaining a 100% kicking record in his 17-point contribution.
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Image copyrightEPAImage caption Equifax’s share price has fallen by more than a third
US credit report giant Equifax has replaced two senior staff after revealing last week it had suffered a massive data breach.
Data on up to 143 million Americans, about 400,000 Britons and a number of Canadians may have been stolen by hackers between mid-May and July.
The chief information officer and chief security officer have both stood down.
Equifax faces dozens of legal claims over the breach, which the US Federal Trade Commission is investigating.
Social security numbers, birth dates, addresses and driving licence numbers for up to 143 million Americans were exposed, the Atlanta-based firm says.
Credit card numbers for about 209,000 Americans and “certain dispute documents with personal identifying information” for some 182,000 Americans were also accessed by the hackers, it adds.
Lenders use data amassed by firms like Equifax to assess the credit worthiness of customers seeking to acquire houses, cars and credit cards.
Susan Mauldin, chief security officer, retired and was replaced by Russ Ayres in an interim role, while chief information officer David Webb left and was replaced by Mark Rohrwasser in an interim capacity, the firm said.
The changes, made as part of the firm’s review of the cyber security incident breach, were “effective immediately”, Equifax said in a statement.
The company added that its external investigation was ongoing and it was working closely with the FBI in its criminal probe.
Equifax holds data on more than 820 million consumers as well as information on 91 million businesses.
Its share price has fallen by more than a third since it revealed the breach on 7 September, Reuters news agency reports.
Image copyrightReutersImage caption Senator Warren wants answers
US Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has built up a reputation as a consumer champion, is demanding to know how the firm’s security systems failed.
“Equifax has failed to provide the necessary information describing exactly how this happened, and exactly how your security systems failed,” she said in a letter to the company.
“Equifax’s initial efforts to provide customers information did nothing to clarify the situation and actually appeared to be efforts to hoodwink them into waiving important legal rights.”
The credit rating firm’s chief executive, Richard Smith, has openly apologised for the breach and will testify at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing in the US Congress on 3 October.
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Nigeria says the Indigenous People of Biafra is sponsored by certain disgruntled elements to sabotage the Buhari administration, under the guise of fighting for the rights of the people of the South-East.
