President Buhari to visit the Netherlands on Sunday, July 15

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday, July 15, depart for the Netherlands to participate in activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

Femi Adesina, the president’s special Adviser on media and publicity made this known in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, July 14.

According to Adesina, President Buhari is the only world leader invited to deliver a keynote address during the solemn hearing to commemorate the anniversary at Courtroom 1 of the ICC’s headquarters at The Hague, The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

He said: “In buttressing Nigeria’s commitment as a member of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, the President, as the current anti-corruption champion for the African Union, will use the global platform to reaffirm Nigeria’s support to the fundamental values of the Rome Statute and to the ideals of the ICC.’’

He said the president would also highlight his administration’s campaign against corruption in Nigeria at the event.

The presidential aide further revealed that, after the event at the courtroom, the president would have a bilateral meeting with the ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda.

He said that Buhari would also attend a dinner hosted by udge Chile Eboe-Osuji, the president of the ICC who is a Nigerian.

“The Nigerian leader, while in The Hague, will meet with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to discuss bilateral issues such as migration, peace and security, and economic cooperation.

“The President and his delegation will have a separate roundtable with some Dutch Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of companies based in Nigeria with a view to urging them to expand their investments, especially in agriculture, oil and gas in Nigeria,’’ Adesina added.

He said President Buhari would also tour the Port of Rotterdam and Shell refinery Pernis, Hoogvliet.

According to Adesina, on the margins of the president’s visit, Nigeria and the Netherlands will sign a memorandum of understanding on bilateral consultations.

He revealed that Buhari’s delegation to the Netherlands would include Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo.

Others are the minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami; the minister of agriculture, Audu Ogbeh and the minister of state, industry, trade and investment, Aisha Abubakar.

The group managing director, igerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru; and the managing director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman are also on the president’s entourage.

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Ooni not happy with happenings in Ekiti

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said he is not happy with what is happening in Ekiti state ahead of the governorship election holding on Saturday, July 14.

A statement on Thursday, July 12, by the directorate of media and public affairs of Ooni’s palace, quoted Oba Ogunwusi as saying this when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Ile Ife.

Our source gthered that the monarch, who expressed worry, said other states would be negatively affected if the Ekiti state governorship election was marred by violence.

The Ooni said: “What I heard happening in Ekiti state during this electioneering period does not make me happy as their father. Enough of the crisis; we do not want any crisis in Yorubaland. Where there is violence, progress and tranquillity will be deprived, but where there is peace, there is progress.

“I specifically warn all youths in Ekiti state to maintain peaceful coexistence before, during and after the election, as brighter future awaits them if they productively discover themselves.

“Youths must refuse to be used for political violence that waste lives because they too can become governor or President of the country in the nearest future.”

The Ooni, who is the co-chairman of the national council of traditional rulers of Nigeria, said political violence could reverse all the gains of development while calling on the people of the state to be peaceful before, during and after the election.

The African foremost monarch lauded the efforts of the British government for giving peace a chance in the country while admonishing him to foster further trade relationship that was capable of improving the socio-economic co-existence between Nigeria and United Kingdom.

Arkwright, who is also the United Kingdom chief observer to Nigeria on the gubernatorial election in Ekiti state, called for a free, fair, credible and peaceful election in Ekiti state.

Meanwhile, an Ekiti based youth socio cultural group, Apapo Odo Ekiti, berated Governor Ayo Fayose for allegedly deceiving Nigerians on a purported attack by the police.

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Police besieges Ekiti Government House, gives reason

The police command in Ekiti on Wednesday, July 11, besieged the state government house, preventing movement in and out of the complex with armoured personnel carrier and Hilux vehicles.

Some armed police officers numbering over 50 have cordoned off the entrance to the Ekiti state Government House, preventing movement in and out of the building.

Our reliable source reported that a police armoured personnel carrier and Hilux vehicles parked at the entrance blocking the pavilion and the area leading to Governor Ayodele Fayose's office.

Kolapo Kolade, the attorney general of Ekiti state, told journalists that the police officers took over the place in the early hours of Wednesday, July 11.

“The governor had planned to meet with civil servants from grade level one to seven at 9am on Wednesday,”Kolade explained.

He further said: “The meeting was also to stage a road show with the workers wearing white shirts, but before anyone could get there, the police had arrived with over 50 vehicles and blocked the place.”

Kolade stated that the governor who wanted to drive out of the office was hindered by the policemen who threw teargas to ensure that the governor drove back into his office.

“They fired teargas canisters and the governor had to return to the office. He is still there now and cannot go out. Nobody can drive in or out, but those who are trekking can do so around the area,” Kolade added.

The police public relations officer in Ekiti state, Caleb Okechukwu, told newmen the police were stationed at the government house to provide security for all citizens. “Our job is to provide security for everybody and that is what we are doing,”Okechukwu said.

Asked whether the barricade at the government house was to safeguard the governor, Okechukwu only stated that the police were drafted to protect the citizens.

Earlier, there was a drama in Fajuyi Park in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Wednesday, July 11, when the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fled for their lives having heard that security operatives were firing gunshots into the air.

The dispersed PDP members at the the venue of the party’s rally ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Our source gathered that the party supporters ran for their lives when the police reportedly fired gunshots into air.

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Security operatives reportedly disperse PDP supporters from rally venue

There was a drama in Fajuyi Park in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Wednesday, July 11, when the supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fled for their lives having heard that security operatives were firing gunshots into the air.

Channels TV reports that the dispersed PDP members at the the venue of the party’s rally ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Our source gathered that the party supporters ran for their lives when the police reportedly fired gunshots into air.

Governor Ayo Fayose was sitting down at Ekiti Government House he was allegedly teargassed by the security agencies. Photo source: PDP

It was learnt that Governor Ayodele Fayose attempted to lead the supporters back to the park but the move was thwarted security operatives who reportedly fired gunshots into the air again.

Governor Ayo Fayose was sitting down at Ekiti Government House he was allegedly teargassed by the security agencies. Photo source: PDP

The development resulted in the relocation of the rally to the government House premises, where Governor Ayodele Fayose and other PDP leaders are expected to address the party members.

Security operatives reportedly storm Government House: PDP: Photo credit: PDP

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Joshak Habila have reportedly confirmed the incident.

Habila explained that the move by the law enforcement agents was to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state capital and other parts of Ekiti ahead of the July 14 governorship election.

PDP also released photos claiming that Governor Ayo Fayose was teargassed by the security agents during the incident. Transview magazinecould not independently confirm the authenticity of this allegation.

Meanwhile, a high-profile member of the APC in Ekiti, Ojudu Babafemi, has reported that Governor Ayodele Fayose allegedly opposed President Buhari's visit to the state.

Babafemi took to his Facebook page to reveal that Fayose allegedly shut down transportation in the state, demanding that commercial vehicles should stay off the roads in a bid to hinder President Buhari's visit which is supposed to take place on Tuesday, July 10.

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Japan floods: 155 killed after torrential rain and landslides

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 About two million people were evacuated after rivers burst their banks

At least 155people have died in floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain in western Japan, says the government.

It is the highest death toll caused by rainfall that Japan has seen in more than three decades.

Rescuers are now digging through mud and rubble in a race to find survivors, as dozens are still missing.

About two million people have been evacuated from the region after rivers burst their banks.

Authorities have opened up school halls and gymnasiums to those who have been displaced by the rainfall.

There remains a risk of landslides, with rain-sodden hilltops liable to collapse.

"I have asked my family to prepare for the worst," 38-year-old Kosuke Kiyohara, who has not heard from his sister and her two sons, told AFP.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has cancelled an overseas trip to deal with the flood crisis.

More than 70,000 rescue workers, including the fire service and the army, are involved in the relief effort.

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionMore than 70,000 emergency workers have been deployed across western Japan

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionAround 12,000 people are staying in evacuation centres across 15 prefectures

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionCars and houses were left wrecked by heavy rains, leaving areas covered in debris and thick mud

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionThousands of homes are flooded and cut off from water and electricity

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionSince last Thursday, parts of western Japan have received three times the usual rainfall for the whole of July

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionThough persistent rains have ended, officials have warned of sudden showers, thunderstorms and landslides

Flood warnings are still in effect for some of the worst hit areas, including the Okayama prefecture in the southern part of Japan.

But more settled weather is expected over the next few days which is likely to help with rescue efforts.

"We are checking every single house to see if there are people still trapped inside them. We know it's a race against time, we are trying as hard as we can," an official with the prefecture's government told AFP.

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President Buhari’s supporters clash over free souvenirs in Abuja

Supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari clashed in Abuja on Tuesday, July 10 over free souvenirs, Channels Television reports.

The supporters mainly from the Buhari Youth Organization (BYO) were attending a rally at the popular Eagles Square in Abuja.

According to the report, the rally which is in preparation towards President Buhari’s 2019 presidential race could not hold as a fight broke out during the distribution of the branded souvenirs.

Dignitaries who came to support the rally were seen driving out of the venue along with their security officials as the clashes escalated.

The clash which lasted for over two hours reportedly made it impossible for the organisers to commence the rally.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) national youth leader, Sadiq S. Abubakar, on Monday, July 9, dismissed the newly formed Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and its sponsors, describing them as 'brief case political parties.'

He said the sponsors of the coalition as serial election losers, who specialize in jumping from one party to another, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari won't be perturbed by their existence.

Abubakar went on to say the postulation that his party will suffer defeat in the 2019 elections only exists in the figment of imagination of members of the coalition.

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PDP’s coalition, act of opportunism - Balarabe Musa

Balarabe Musa has reacted to the coalition of 39 political parties in Nigeria

Former governor of Kaduna state, Balarabe Musa, says the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by 39 political parties and groups ahead of the 2019 general elections is an act of “opportunism”.

Musa said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said, “I don’t think a coalition like this which is opportunistic will be able to defeat the governing party that is, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

NAN reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and 37 other political parties and groups had on Monday, July 9, signed the MoU ahead of 2019 general elections.

National chairmen of the political parties signed the MoU pledging to work together under “Coalition for United Democratic Parties (CUDP)’’ to produce a presidential candidate for the forthcoming election

Musa who is the national chairman, Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) said his party was not part of the coalition.

“Remember, the reason for coming together is simply because they have lost the opportunities for sharing power.

“It is not because of anything which they can do which APC didn’t do. No, it is not because they have a different ideological position.

“There is no fundamental difference between them and the APC; they are just an electoral gang to defeat the APC. I don’t think the coalition is enough,” he said.

According to him, what is needed is an alliance which is ideologically more focused than the APC and not just an aberration of what APC stands for.

“In any case also, they have to contend with other alliances. I don’t think it will make any difference at all.

“Between now and August, we will know whether they can make qualitative difference and do what APC is able to do,” Musa said.

On the 2019 election, Musa said that Nigerians were now more enlightened more than before, adding that Nigerians would want to see a qualitative difference.

“We should know that there should be some way we can reconcile all Nigerians to be united as one united, democratic Nigeria based on credibility, national unity and even development of the whole country.

“Secondly, we must ensure there is free, fair and transparent election leading to a legitimate government.

“Thirdly, this disabling level of stealing and criminal waste of resources must stop by any means.

“If we fail to do this, the situation now as it is today is so negative. If we fail to do anything, for instance, if we fail to correct the situation constitutionally, then we should be prepared for the worse.

“At the moment, the Executive and the Legislature are after each other, they are fighting to the finish.

“They have been doing that right from the beginning of this government since 2015. That has to stop,” Musa said.

Meanwhile a political party, the Action Peoples Party has revealed why the coalition of over 30 political parties led by PDP took place on Monday, July 9.

APP said that the coalition is not a merger but was created to re-unify Nigerians ahead of the 2019 general election.

The national chairman of APP, Ikenga Ugo-Chinyeri, declared.

Source: NAN

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Osinbajo visits Google headquarters in Silicon Valley

Nigeria's Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Monday, July 9, visited the headquarters of Google in Silicon Valley during his working visit to the US.

Osinbajo during his visit met with the CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, who welcomed the vice president and his entourage to the Googleplex.

The CEO of Google led a team of executives to a meeting with the vice president and other Nigerian officials.

Osinbajo who was also part of a series of investment forums in Silicon Valley interacting with key US technology firms promoting Nigeria tech firms, met and interacted with Nigerians working in Google headquarters.

Osinbajo arrived California where he will be headlining a number of investment forums in the San Francisco area & Los Angeles, promoting tech innovation and entertainment industries.

The vice president on this trip, was accompanied by Dr Okey Enelemah; Amb. Dipe Olu and other govt officials.

See photos from the visit below:

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai. Photo credit: Novo Isioro

Vice President Osinbajo on Monday, July 9, paid a working visit to the Google headquarters in Silicon Valley. Photo credit: Novo Isioro

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Osinbajo who was received by Google CEO, Sundar Pichai,met and interacted with Nigerians working in Google headquarter. Photo credit: Novo Isioro

The CEO of Google led a team of executives to a meeting with the vice president and other Nigerian officials. Photo credit: Novo Isioro

Earlier before traveling.Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday evening, June 29, visited Lagos state, to convey the condolences of the federal government on the tragic tanker explosion at the Otedola Bridge.

Osinbajo, who spoke shortly after a closed door meeting with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said the federal government was deeply saddened by the incident.

He said: “I am here to commiserate with the government and people of Lagos state on the tragedy that occurred just yesterday. It’s a very terrible thing and all of us were deeply saddened by it.", Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday evening, June 29, visited Lagos state, to convey the condolences of the federal government on the tragic tanker explosion at the Otedola Bridge.

Osinbajo, who spoke shortly after a closed door meeting with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said the federal government was deeply saddened by the incident.

He said: “I am here to commiserate with the government and people of Lagos state on the tragedy that occurred just yesterday. It’s a very terrible thing and all of us were deeply saddened by it."

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NYSC speaks on Kemi Adeosun’s certificate scandal

National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) on Monday, July 9, reacted to the alleged forgery of NYSC discharge certificate by the minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun.

The NYSC’s director of public relations, Adenike Adeyemi, said the service is working towards verification of Adeosun’s certificate.

Our source gathered that Adeyemi on Monday, Jouly 9, attributed the delay to the need by the organisation to “get a little more time to get the records straight.”

Below is the text of the director’s interview:

I agree with you, the request has been received at the NYSC headquarters, and you would want the NYSC to verify that certificate which you said was submitted by the honourable minister.

The NYSC as a public institution and organisation where some information is domiciled for public interest will definitely not hoard any information.

But whatever we are releasing from this organisation, from our tables, must definitely be subjected to every test so that when we say this is verified or not verified we stand by our words.

Your request has been received and is being worked upon and the moment the verification process is concluded you will be given the right response. At no point in time will the NYSC, being a public institution, not respond to public enquiry.

Any enquiry will be responded to and, definitely, everything that would come from our organisation would have been subjected to every test of integrity and having passed the test of integrity, which we uphold very dearly, the response will be given.

You may just need to give a little more time so that the verification process goes through every stage and at the end of the day when anything is being said on the verification we can stand by it. We can say we have done every test of integrity.

There are occasions when you need to…we are talking about records of the past. There are occasions where some information you may have to search very well and through different places; particularly too, the organisation moved sometimes from Area 3 (in Abuja) to the present headquarters.

So there are various times when (for) some information, you need a little extra time to get your record straight. But we don’t want ever to give out information when every test has not been carried out. Just give us a little more time and we will get back to you.

Source: Naija.ng

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