Saturday, 14 November 2015

About 128 Killed And Scores Injured In Paris Multiple Attack!

About 129 people were killed, and over 415 injured and receiving treatments in hospitals, in a deadly Friday night's, November 13th multiple attacks in six sites namely the Bataclan Concert Hall on boulevard Voltaire,  Pariswhere fans gathered to see their favorite bands, the Eagles of Death MetalStade de France at Commune of Saint-Denis, where they was an on-going- match between the host country France and Germany, Restaurants and Bars across the French capital, Paris.


French president, François Hollande in his speech stated that the attacks which he described as "an act of war" was planned abroad. 


The eight gunmen were killed by Police, although it is believed that some terrorists might still be on the loose. Information revealled that the stadium bomber was part of a group passing as Syrian refugees.


French Police men found an abandoned car at the outsketch of Paris with AK47 riffles.


Islamic state claimed responsibility for the action.


France has declared a state of emergency and a three-day national mourning.



There have been raids and arraest in Belgium, seven people linked with the attack have been arrested. During the raid, it was discovered that two of the attackers were of French nationals, but living in Brussel, Belgium. Three brothers were also linked to the attack, one died during the attack, ones was arrested in the Belgium raid, while the third is still at large.  


As part of its support to France, the United States have been sharing intelligence information with France..


..to the effect that France conducted air strickes on Isis held city and training camp in Raqqa. 

Pope Francis condenmed the attack, describing it as "a piecemeal of the 3rd world war".




 The Pope reinterated his condemation of the act in his message on Sunday, November 15th,  saying that "To use the name of God to justify this path is a blasphemy”.



May God's Peace, Which passes all human understanding rest in Paris, and every other parts of the world.


  

Friday, 13 November 2015

President Buhari In A Group Photo With Newly Sworn In Cabinet!

Nigerian President Buhari, Vice President Yomi Osinbajo in a group photo with the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries and some Ministers after the swearing in ceremony on Thursday, November 12th.

Embedded image permalink

Embedded image permalink

Thursday, 12 November 2015

The Army Is Duty Bound To Intervene In Any Situation To Avoid A Breakdown In Peace - Nigerian Army To Protesters!

The Nigerian Army has sent out a warning to members of a sect threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, that officers and men of the Nigeria Army had been cautioned not to take sides in any conflict, but to work objectively in the interest of the country, but if the situation is escalated beyond what it is at the moment, the Army will not hesitate to apply ROE to the fullest.


Stating that the core duty of the military is to defend the unity of the country, the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, while addressing the press in Damaturu, Yobe state capital,  said it is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies for the restoration of peace, Colonel Usman however prayed that such circumstance does not arise.
“It is however, hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be deployed on such operations, because let nobody make any mistake, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the fullest,” he said.
Pointing out that it is inexcusable for troops to stand aside and watch the security situation deteriorate leading to loss of lives or damage to property without intervening, the Colonel said the Troops “are duty bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace, stability or law and order of an area where they are deployed”.
Such intervention should be strictly based on sound judgement and within the ambit of the code of conduct for Internal Security Operations while exhibiting good professional ethics”. Usman added.
He emphasised that fire would only be opened as a last resort as a measure to avoid collateral damage. This he said is because the use of lethal force would only be resorted to if all other means to control the situation had failed, or in case of unexpected attack or suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack during which a delay could lead to loss of life or serious injury to personnel among others.
The Colonel listed the application of the Principle of Minimum Force and Proportionality at all times while every reasonable effort would be made to control the situation through measures short of using force, including personal contact and negotiations whenever operational situation permits as the Rule Of Engagement that could be employed by the Army.

U.S Trains Nigerian Government's Spokespersons!

In light of creating an effective government press operations which is critical to communicating clear and timely information to the public, and coming in response to President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for help in training spokespersons, at both the federal and state level in effective press office operations with particular emphasis placed on countering radical narratives, and helping spokespersons create a strong network of colleagues throughout the country; the United States on Monday, conducted a two-day training in assisting the spokespersons attached to the Nigerian government enhance their press operations. The program ran through Monday, November 9 and Teusday November 10, in Abuja.

The messaging center, spokespersons’ workshops, and other related activities reinforce facilitated by Mr. Eduardo Cue, an expert in government communications, is part of the U.S government's  commitment to the deep partnership the two countries enjoy.  
Mr Cue, who is on his second training trip to Nigeria, trained most of the elections reporters who covered the 2015 elections in Abuja and Lagos respectively.


Offensive Odour Forces Nigerian House Of Rep. To Suspend Seating!

This is rather embarrasing....the Nigerian House of representatives on Wednesday, November 11, suddenly postponed its seating to November 17 due to foul odor within and outside the premises. 
 As­sured his colleagues that the House Services Committee has the situation under controlSulai­mon Yussuff Lasun, the House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, who presided at plenary, suspended the sitting till Novem­ber 17, when necessary repairs would have been carried out.
Micheal Etaba, a House member represent­ing Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  raised a Point of Order where he lamented that the entire environ­ment, both within and out­side the chamber, was full of offensive odour and that water was not running in his office.
The stench was cause by leaking roof and lack of water to clean and flush the conviniences. 


Wednesday, 11 November 2015

Addis Ababa Introduces First Sub- Saharan Metro Railway!

To curb heavy traffic situations and transportation problems for low income earners in the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, the city on Friday, November 6th, opened its metro railway, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The metro transports about 60,000 people daily, but it is anticipated that by the time the second phase is completed, the number should increase to 100,000.
who would otherwise have to spend more to travel to and from their work places, or be faced with the alternative of getting stuck in traffic. 

Senator Ben Bruce Tasks Nigerians To Hold Ministers Accountable!

Ben Murray-Bruce
As president Muhammadu Buhari swears in his Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, Nigerian Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce,  who represents Bayelsa East constituency, has urged Nigerians to hold the newly elected stewards accountable. 

His message below:

Ben Murray-Bruce:
4 hours ago
I respect @mbuhari, but he cant save money with ministers without portfolios because whether or not they get portfolio we'll still pay them.

"Congrats to our new Min of Aviation. Lets #Challengeourminister to confirm neither he nor his aides will fly 1st Class at tax payer expense".

"Congrats to @Gov_Rajifashola. Lets #Challengeourminister of power to confirm he wont use generator so he'll feel what Nigerians are feeling".

"Congrats to @ChibuikeAmaechi. Lets #Challengeourminister of transport to confirm he will use various public transport at least once a month".

"Congrats to Ogbonaya Onu. Lets #Challengeourminister of Science to ensure govt promotes & uses made in Nigeria technology eg Zinox computers".

"Congrats to Isaac Adewole. Lets #Challengeourminister of health to confirm he'll use Nigerian hospitals & encourage colleagues to do so".

"Congrats to Audu Ogben. Lets #Challengeourminister of agric to confirm he will eat and encourage colleagues to eat grown in Nigeria foods".



Ealier in the week, on Monday, November 9, to be precise, Senator Ben Bruce challenged Nigerians to hold public office holders answerable: 
"3-If you see ministers abusing power (beat red light, security harassing citizens), send to me. @SilverbirdTV will air it #Keepingthemhonest".