US Speaks on Setting Up Hotlines For Reporting Buhari’s Govt Atrocities By Don Majemite

NewsWorld News The US Speaks on Setting Up Hotlines For Reporting Buhari’s Govt Atrocities. The US embassy in Nigeria claims it has not established hotlines to report crimes committed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime. It slammed a social media post claiming that it had established designated phone numbers for reporting terrorism and government abuses in Nigeria as a hoax. See Why On May 4, it was discovered that a Twitter account known as “Helper” posted a tweet on the timeline claiming that the US Department of State has set up hotlines in Nigeria for reporting terrorism and government abuses. Two phone numbers supposedly belonging to the US Department of State were posted by the Twitter user, who has over 6,000 followers. The lines, according to the handler, were set up for Nigerians to contact and report “government terrorism and atrocities. People were also encouraged to retweet the post extensively. “For Nigerian issues, contact the US Department of State at +1 202 647 6575 or +1 202 647 3469. The phone numbers listed above are for reporting our suffering to the Nigerian terrorist government in Washington, DC,” according to the account. The “Helper,” according to its Twitter bio, backs the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which was founded by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The post has also gone viral on Whatsapp, with individuals being asked to save the number and report any killings in the country to the US. “The State Department of the United States of America. For Nigerian issues, dial +1 202 647 6575 or +1 202 647 3469. The WhatsApp message stated, “Save these numbers.” “ISIS, al Qaeda operatives, and secret Boko Haram agents associated to attacks on indigenous people or villages in Nigeria will be of interest to the US State Department if you phone these numbers to report any atrocities committed by the Nigerian government or acts of terrorism known to you or by ISIS, al Qaeda operatives, and secret Boko Haram agents. “Nigerians from the south, Please put your phones to use. Share this post with all persons from the Middle Belt and South Nigeria, Biafra, Yoruba, and other ethnic groups in the UK, Nigeria, and the United States. God bless you for your patriotism.” WERE THESE ‘HOTLINES’ SET UP BY US? In response to the article, The embassy branded the material circulating on social media as a hoax in a tweet posted on the US Mission in Nigeria’s Twitter page. ads 15 The material purportedly coming from the US Department of State, according to Jeanne Clark, spokesperson for the US Mission in Nigeria, is “false.” “In the United States, there are no public calling lines available for these alleged purposes,” Clark said. “While the United States remains committed to preserving human rights in Nigeria and around the world, we do not use a system like to that described in the disinformation you cite.” Read More at : https://ejesgist.com/us-speaks-on-setting-up-hotlines-for-reporting-buharis-govt-atrocities.html

Buhari leaves Abuja for Paris tomorrow -Agency Reports

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday, 16 May depart Abuja for Paris, France, on a four-day official visit. He will be attending the African Finance Summit, which will be focused on reviewing African economy, following shocks from Coronavirus pandemic and getting relief, especially from increased debt burden on countries. The Summit, to be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron, will draw major stakeholders in the global finance institutions and some Heads of Government, who will, collectively, discuss external funding and debt treatment for Africa, and private sector reforms. During the visit, President Buhari will meet with the French President to discuss growing security threats in Sahel and Lake Chad region, political relations, economic ties, climate change and partnership in buoying the health sector, …. particularly in checking the spread of Covid-19, with more research and vaccines. Before returning to Nigeria, President Buhari will receive some key players in the oil and gas sector, engineering and telecommunications, European Council and European Union Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and Commission, and members of the Nigerian community. The President will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsua Ahmed, Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, and Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire. Also on the trip are: National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Mohammed Monguno (rtd) and Director General of National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. *Aso Rock Statement

APC to release Congresses, National Convention schedule next week - By Jide Orintunsin

The Caretaker Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to release the timetable for the conduct of congresses and the National Convention of the party before the end of next week. A party source told The Nation that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee to perfect their acts, as he (President) was not ready to entertain any tenure extension. To this end the Caretaker Committee is slated to meet any moment from now to ratify the timetable and the list of members of various committees drawn for the conduct of the congresses and the National Convention. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party at its last meeting in December 8, last year gave the Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee till 30th of June to conduct congresses and the National Convention for the election of new leaders to run the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. The CECPC which was constituted in June last year following the dissolution of the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee was initially given six months to reconcile all the various fractions in the party, ensure aggrieved members of the party in court withdrawal all litigations and conduct a National Convention for the emergence of a new NWC. But the Caretaker Committee had to embark on the conduct of a new party register through membership registration, revalidation and update exercise as a precursor for the conduct of a credible national convention. It also used the exercise to clamour and secure additional six months at the December 8, 2020, NEC emergency meeting. A chieftain of the party who spoke in confidence to our Correspondent in Abuja said that the Caretaker Committee in the last two weeks has been compiling names of members of various committees for the conduct of the congresses and the convention. ADVERTISEMENT It was further gathered that the ward, local government and state congresses of the party are tentatively slated for the first two weeks in June, while the national convention is billed for the last weekend of the same month. According to our source, “I can tell you that the coming weeks are loaded for the Caretaker Committee. They (Caretaker Committee) are to release the timetable for congresses and the National Convention after the Sallah break. “Already the list of various committees and sub-committees for the congresses and the National Convention have been drawn. This will also be released after the necessary consultations may have been concluded by the party with those to serve on the committees.” Giving an insight into the schedule for the congresses and the National Convention, our source disclosed, “the tentative arrangement is for the ward, local government and state congresses to hold within the first two weeks of June, while the National Convention is billed for the last weekend of the month. “In the weeks ahead, the Caretaker Committee will be receiving reports of the just concluded nationwide membership registration, revalidation and update exercise from Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello Committee, while the Prof. Tahir Mamman led Constitution Review Committee will also be submitting his report.” READ ALSO: PDP, APC trade words over ex-gov’s aide’s kidnap This development has foreclosed all speculations that the Caretaker Committee may be spoiling for another tenure extension. For members of a pressure group in the party – The Concerned APC Members, the release of the timetable and other activities that will lead to the conduct of the congresses and the National Convention were long overdue. The Bauchi-based spokesperson for the group, Comrade Abdullahi Dauda in a telephone interview on Saturday said party members have been expecting the timetable. “The fact is, many party members have been expecting the timetable since President Muhammadu Buhari told the Caretaker Committee that he will not sit in any meeting for tenure extension for the Mai Mala Buni led Committee. We learnt that Baba’s decision may have forced them to act,” he added.

Insecurity: FG not overwhelmed, has capacity to crush bandits, terrorists –Lai Mohammed. By Kayode Oyero

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says contrary to widespread belief, the Federal Government is not overwhelmed with the escalating insecurity in the country. Mohammad, who spoke at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, also said the government and its security agencies have the wherewithal in terms of personnel and fire power to crush bandits, insurgents, criminals and other enemies of the Nigerian state. He said, “It is no longer news that our dear nation is facing security challenges. However, I have read comments saying the Federal Government is overwhelmed and doesn’t have a clue as to how to tackle the challenges. Some have even gone as far as suggesting a truncation of the democratic order, a clearly treasonable stance. “Well, I am here today to assure all Nigerians that while the government acknowledges the security challenges we face at this time, from terrorism to kidnapping, banditry and farmer-herder conflict, it is definitely not overwhelmed and indeed it has the wherewithal, as you will see in the days ahead, to confront the challenges headlong and restore law and order, peace and security.” Continuing, the minister said, “One of the most difficult things to do, for a democratically-elected government, is to use the instruments of coercion against its own people. For example, while the nation’s military have superior firepower over the rag tag band of Boko Haram and ISWAP, the terrorists most often than not operate among the populace, either in our villages or towns, hence the military, in tackling them, is usually careful to avoid collateral damage. The same applies to the kidnappers who abduct our school children. “Usually, the location of the kidnappers is not unknown to the security forces, but they still have to exercise caution in order not to hurt the same children they are trying to rescue. Despite these inhibitions, the security forces have the wherewithal to decisively tackle the challenges.” “For the avoidance of doubt, the government retains total confidence in the ability of our security forces to tackle the security challenges we are facing now, whether it is terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or even the farmer-herder conflict. “We therefore appeal to all Nigerians to continue to support our security agencies, who today face the added task of having to watch their backs while working to protect us. The least we can do is to give them our unalloyed support,” he added.

Buhari, security chiefs meet after robbery attempt in Aso Rock - by Sodiq Oyeleke

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and Nigeria’s security chiefs on Tuesday met at the State House, Abuja. The meeting came over 24 hours after armed robbers attempted to attack the residence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, on Monday. The Presidency announced the meeting via its Twitter handle but did not give details of its agenda. However, the meeting is expected to review the current security situation in the country. Before the meeting, there had been previous security meetings on Friday, April 30, and Monday, May 4. The meeting, which started at 10 am, held at the Conference Hall of the Office of the First Lady. “Security Meeting ongoing, at the State House. President @MBuhari presiding, Vice President, SGF, NSA, Ministers, Service Chiefs, IGP, Intelligence Chiefs in attendance. #AsoVillaToday #SecuringNigeria,” the presidency tweeted. Among others at the meeting are the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; and the National Security Adviser, Major-General Babagana Monguno. Also attending the meeting are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; Minister of Defense, Major-General Bashir Salihi Magashi (Retd.) and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The PUNCH had reported there was an attempt by armed robbers to burgle the residence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, early Monday morning. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Monday confirmed “a foolish attempt” to burgle the residence of the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He claimed that the incident that happened around 3 am was not successful. The presidential aide wrote, “The Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has confirmed that there ‘was a foolish attempt’ to burgle his residence at 3am this morning, but it turned out to be unsuccessful. “Prof Gambari, whose house is on a street next to the Villa, has assured that there is nothing to worry about from the incident.” An online newspaper, Peoples Gazette, had earlier in the day reported that armed men suspected to be robbers invaded the residences of two senior aides to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), inside the precinct of the Presidential Villa. The medium reported that the incident forced Gambari and the administrative officer, Abubakar Maikano, to abandon their residences. “Their houses were robbed and the robbers packed money and other valuable assets from both houses,” the medium had quoted a source as saying.

Mbaka shuts Adoration Ministry - by Raphael Ede

Following the desecration of the Catholic Cathedral Church by the supporters of the Spiritual Director, Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, AMEN, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, he has announced the immediate shutdown of all activities in the ministry till June 10, 2021. Mbaka’s supporters had on Wednesday last week attacked the Bishop’s Court and diocesan cathedral, destroying valuables, property and desecrating the Holy Altar of the church. But Mbaka in a release he personally signed, and made available to our correspondent through his Media team on Tuesday morning, said he would be embarking on private prayer retreat for penance and atonement. Fr Mbaka had on Sunday apologised to the Catholic Church in Enugu and his Bishop for the desecration of the church. But in the statement titled “notice to all adorers”, said the private prayer would last till June 10, 2021. The statement partly read, “Our Spiritual Director, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka wishes to inform his beloved adorers that he has embarked on a private prayer retreat that will end on 10th June 2021. “Consequently, no ministry activities shall be held in the ministry ground pending his return. “He directs that members of the ministry are to observe this period of his retreat as they used to do during the usual January breaks of the ministry, by praying at their homes, being charitable and fasting according to their ability. “Adoration! Holy Spirit is our Power.” Meanwhile, following the violent attack on the church, Catholic Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev Callistus Onaga, has declared a seven- day fasting and prayer for the atonement and reparation of the “evil committed” against the church.

COVID-19: FG extends work-from-home directive for workers till June 11 - by Kayode Oyero

As part of measures aimed at preventing the spread of deadly strains of COVID-19 in the country, the Federal Government on Monday extended its work-from-home directive for civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below. According to the Presidential Steering Committee On COVID-19 domiciled in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, civil servants will continue to work from home till June 11, 2021, after which the directive may be reviewed. Amid concerns about deadly COVID-19 strains in India, South Africa, Turkey and Brazil, the government also reintroduced some measures which were put in place during the second COVID-19 wave in Nigeria which include restricted gatherings at worship centres and banned night clubs. The PUNCH had earlier reported that the World Health Organisation Regional Virologist, Dr Nicksy Gumede-Moeletsi had said B.1.351 variant of the coronavirus, first found in South Africa, was spreading in 23 African countries. As of Sunday, Africa had recorded 4,673,466 cases. South Africa with 1.59 million cases has the highest number of infections in the continent. Nigeria has so far recorded 165,419 cases of the virus out of which 2,065 have died while 156,300 have been discharged. India, whose cases have attracted global attention following shortage of oxygen and hospital spaces, has recorded 22,991,927 infections. To prevent a similar occurrence in Nigeria, the National Incident Manager, Mukhtar Mohammed at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday said a nationwide curfew would be introduced from midnight of Monday. He said the curfew would run from 12 midnight till 4am daily. He also said gatherings for worship or weddings should not be more than 50 per cent capacity. For civil servants, he said, “All Government staff on GL. 12 and below are to continue to stay at home until 11th June, 2021; “Ensure that all NPIs are observed. Mandatory and proper use of face masks in all government premises.” For non-government workers, the official said, “Encourage virtual meetings by offices. Avoid large meetings, decongest offices and ensure they are well-ventilated; “Encourage staff to work from home where possible; “Mobile courts to enforce on-the-spot fines and close premises that repeatedly violate rules; “Mandatory use of face masks and other NPIs. no face mask, no entry; “Personalised services to ensure face masks are worn when selling goods or providing services and ensure provision of sanitizers and appropriate PPEs to all workers; and “Encourage the use of approved Ag-Rapid Diagnostic Tests as recommended in the guidance for the use of approved COVID-19 AG-RDTS in Nigeria (on NCDC website).” Mohammed said security agents had been saddled with the responsibility of enforcing all the non-pharmaceutical measures put in place by the government.