Iran issues evacuation warning for Israeli news channels after broadcaster attack: state TV
"Iran has issued an evacuation warning for the N12 and N14 channels of Israel. This order comes in response to the hostile attack of Zionist enemy against the Islamic republic of Iran's broadcasting service," Iranian state TV said.
There are indications that Nigerian lawmakers at the National Assembly are under pressure to rectify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.
A reliable source at the country’s National Assembly, who preferred anonymity, confirmed this to DAILY POST on Wednesday night.
The development comes as Tinubu has till today, Thursday, as required by the Nigerian Constitution, to rectify the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State.
Recall that President Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended all democratically elected authorities, including Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state house of assembly.
Tinubu’s decision had sparked condemnations from Nigerians.
The president had cited insecurity and an unresolved crisis in the state as reasons for the state of emergency declaration online with Section 305 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution.
While there are replete interpretations of section 303 of the Nigerian Constitution, part of the section requires that Tinubu’s state of emergency proclamation “must be presented before the National Assembly for approval within two days (if in session) or ten days (if not in session), failing which it ceases to have effect.”
DAILY POST reports that both chambers of the National Assembly did not rectify the Rivers State of Emergency proclamation by President Tinubu during their plenary on Wednesday.
This means Tinubu is under pressure to make sure the emergency rule proclamation in Rivers is rectified by the National Assembly on Thursday.
Reacting to the matters, a reliable source at the National Assembly confirmed that the lawmakers are likely to rectify the emergency rule proclamation in Rivers State on Thursday (today).
“I can reliably tell you that the proclamation will be rectified on Thursday. Many of us have been approached,” the source said.
However, DAILY POST was unable to confirm this claim with the official spokespersons of the National Assembly, who are Akin Rotimi for the House of Representatives and Yemi Adaramodu for the Senate.
Recall that on Wednesday, President Tinubu swore in Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
Organised unions, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, on Wednesday condemned the state of emergency in Rivers and called for its reversal.
Opposition leaders, including the presidential candidates of the People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party in the 2023 election and senior lawyers, have also all condemned Tinubu’s decision.
President Bola Tinubu’s emergency proclamation in Rivers faced a major hurdle on Wednesday after lawmakers failed to attend the plenary.
Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution mandates ratification of the president’s state of emergency directive with two-thirds of votes in the House of Representatives and the Senate, which was be done within two days of the order. Mr Tinubu announced the removal of Governor Simi Fubara of Rivers on Tuesday evening, promptly replacing him with a retired military chief Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
But the lower parliamentary body convened on Wednesday morning with less than 80 lawmakers present, Peoples Gazette can report after obtaining a roll call, falling significantly short of the 120 members needed to form a simple quorum in the 360-member legislature.
The House rules require a one-third quorum to take any binding action that could withstand a legal challenge in federal courts. A plenary that is not attended by up to 120 lawmakers can only pass resolutions, hear petitions, and debate motions and similar activities that carry no enforcement mechanism.
The House has the emergency proclamation listed on its business today under messages from the president, The Gazette found.
Lawmakers said the House could still vote on the matter without a quorum, but it would be an illegal action that could easily struck down in courts.
“People have been debating whether the president has powers to declare emergency rule in the first place,” a lawmaker said. “Purporting to ratify the state of emergency without a quorum of the House will only compound the illegality and make the atrocity even more transparent to all Nigerians.”
The Gazette heard that many lawmakers stayed away to avoid going on the record supporting what constitutional scholars have widely condemned as brazen illegality.
The Nigerian Constitution authorised the president to declare an emergency in all or parts of Nigeria, but no provision allowed the removal of a state governor by the president.
In 2013, former President Goodluck Jonathan invoked similar powers to take over security in Boko-Haram-ravaged Borno and Yobe states. Still, he left their respective elected governors and democratic institutions in place.
Mr Tinubu, the opposition leader back then, condemned Mr Jonathan’s action. He, however, now defends his rights to invoke the same constitutional provision in an even more expansive dimension.
Muslims had been killed in Yelwa, Plateau State on May 2, and several reports described it as a religious attack led by Christians of the Tarok tribe. When this story went viral, Muslims in Kano State began killing Christians there in retaliation, leading to a breakdown of law and order.
The Nigerian Red Cross said more than 600 Muslims were killed by Christian militants wielding guns and machetes.
Before the May 2004 incident, Christians and Muslims in Plateau had fought each other and lost over 2,000 people on both sides since 2001. Obasanjo then declared a state of emergency in Plateau State, sacked Governor Joshua Dariye and accused him of failing to act to end the violence.
During a nationwide radio broadcast on May 18, 2004, Obasanjo described Dariye as an indecisive governor and said his failure to intervene firmly to stamp out sectarian violence had led to the Yelwa massacre.
He said, “If anything, some of his utterances, his lackadaisical attitude and seeming uneven-handedness over the contending issues present him as not just part of the problem, but also as an instigator and a threat to peace.
“I hereby declare a state of emergency in Plateau State.”
The latest news on the health of Pope Francis: "The results of the tests carried out in recent days and today have demonstrated a multi-microbial infection of the respiratory tract that has required a further change in medication. All the tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require adequate hospitalization." Let us all continue to pray for for the good health of the Holy Father.
Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said he does not know whether Vladimir Putin plans to congratulate Donald Trump on his election victory, but he recalled that the United States is an unfriendly country involved in a war against Russia. "As for congratulations, I am not aware of the president's plans to congratulate Trump," Peskov told reporters in response to a question on the matter.
At the same time, he noted: “Let’s not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country that is directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state.”
Peskov was asked whether he thought Trump might be offended if Putin did not congratulate him on his victory, and whether this would worsen relations between Russia and the US even more. "It is practically impossible to worsen things further; relations are at their historical lowest point. And what happens next will depend on the next US leadership. President Putin has repeatedly said that he is open to constructive dialogue based on justice, equality and a willingness to take each other's concerns into account. And President Putin maintains this attitude. He has repeatedly confirmed it. At the moment, the US administration is diametrically opposed. We will see what happens in January," Peskov said.
In general, the elections, he noted, are an internal matter for the United States. "We, of course, are closely monitoring all the information flows that are coming from overseas on this matter, we are analyzing the words that are being said, and of course, we will mainly draw conclusions based on the statements, on the topics that are on our agenda, when they come in," the Kremlin representative said.
In addition, conclusions will be drawn based on the first concrete steps, Peskov added.
At the same time, the press secretary reminded that this will have to wait, since the current US president will continue to perform his duties for at least another month and a half.
At the same time, responding to a clarification about what would happen if Trump made friendly statements, Peskov said: “As our diplomats say, eventual discussions are inappropriate here.”
Giorgio Armani - the founder of the luxury Italian fashion house which takes his name - says he plans to retire within the next two or three years.
The 90-year-old, who is Italy's most famous fashion designer, has previously brushed off questions about succession plans for the company.
He has remained firmly in control of his empire since he founded it nearly 50 years ago.
But with no children to pass it on to, there has long been speculation about its long-term future.
Armani told the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera: "I can still give myself two or three years as head of the company. Not more, it would be negative."
When pushed on whether he'd stay longer, he said he would not, before adding: "I can't sleep at night. I no longer know the deep and peaceful sleep I once had. Now I dream at night, and in my dreams, I build my future."
Armani said he sees a work future in which "I no longer have to be the one who says 'Yes' or 'No'".
He said he has received "slightly more insistent" approaches from potential outside investors in his company, but added that "for the moment I do not see any openings".
Keen to maintain the company's future independence, he told the Italian newspaper he had "built a kind of structure, a project, a protocol" to govern his succession, but he did not elaborate on specifics.
Armani initially studied medicine before quitting and joining the army. Moving on to window dressing and sales, he founded his company in 1975, presenting his first ready-to-wear collections under his own name the following year.
A celebrity favourite on red carpets, Armani has developed working relationships with various stars over the years, including Richard Gere, Eric Clapton and Lady Gaga.
Armani's heirs are expected to include his sister, three other family members who work in the company, his long-term collaborator and partner Pantaleo Dell'Orco and a charitable foundation.
The prime minister of Israel has said Iran will suffer for its attack this evening.
"Iran made a big mistake tonight - and it will pay for it," Benjamin Netanyahu said.
"There is also a deliberate and murderous hand behind this attack - it comes from Tehran.
"We will stand by the rule we established: whoever attacks us - we will attack him."
He added that the attack had "failed", amid claims from Tehran that said some 90% of the missiles found their targets.
Reports on the ground and noises coming out of the US suggest that the vast majority of the missiles were successfully intercepted - and no damage, injuries or deaths have been reported by Israel yet.
Israeli officials have already vowed a "painful response" against its enemy, with the IDF's chief spokesman saying the response will come in a manner and at a time of their choosing.
🔴ELIMINATED: Head of the Lebanon Branch of the PFLP terrorist organization, terrorist Nidal Abdel-Aal and Head of PFLP's Military Office in Lebanon, terrorist Imad Odeh, were eliminated in a joint IDF and ISA intelligence-based strike.
Abdel-Aal took part in planning and carrying out terror attacks against Israel and directed terror activities in Judea and Samaria, operating to establish terror infrastructure to use in attacks on Israeli civilians.
Nidal Abdel-Aal directed the bus bombing attack in Beitar Illit on March 9, 2023, and the shooting attack from a passing vehicle at the Huwara Junction on March 25, 2023, during which two IDF soldiers were injured.
The Heartland Football Club of Owerri now has ex Nigerian International, Emmanuel Amuneke as its new Technical Adviser.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma unveiled Amuneke at a ceremony on Monday, held at the Government House, Owerri, the State capital.
Governor Uzodinma urged the former Super Eagles winger to surpass records set by past Coaches of the club and ensure that Imo State return to its rightful place in the Nigerian football space.
He further charged the new Coach to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the development and progress of Heartland FC in order to change the face of the club.
Responding, the new Technical Adviser expressed his desire and readiness to make the Club a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian football league.
Football enthusiasts believe that the unveiling of the former Super Eagles winger will restore the old glory of Heartland FC by putting it on top of the table in the coming season.
Vice President Kamala Harris has secured enough votes from delegates to become her party’s nominee for president, Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison said Friday.
The announcement was made before the online voting process ends on Monday, reflecting the breakneck speed of a campaign that is eager to maintain momentum after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed Harris as his successor less than two weeks ago.
Harris is poised to be the first woman of color at the top of a major party’s ticket, and she joined a call with supporters to say she is “honored to be the presumptive Democratic nominee.”
“It’s not going to be easy. But we’re going to get this done,” she added. “As your future president, I know we are up to this fight.”
Harrison pledged that Democrats “will rally around Vice President Kamala Harris and demonstrate the strength of our party” during their convention in Chicago later this month.
The Democratic National Committee did not provide details of the delegate vote count, including a number or state-by-state breakdowns, during a virtual event that had the flavor of a telethon, with campaign officials keeping tabs on a delegate-counting process whose result is a foregone conclusion.
No other candidate challenged Harris for the nomination, and she swiftly solidified Democratic support in the days after Biden endorsed her.
Democrats still plan a state-by-state roll call during the party’s convention, the traditional way that a nominee is chosen. However, that will be purely ceremonial because of the online voting.
As Harris prepares to face off with Republican nominee Donald Trump, her campaign is reorganizing its senior staff and bringing on a coterie of veterans of President Barack Obama’s successful campaigns.
On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country.
I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.
I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. If you’re with me, add a donation right now.
At this unprecedented juncture in American history, we must be clear about what just happened. The Democrat Party forced the Democrat nominee off the ballot, just over 100 days before the election.
Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe Biden to be the Democrat nominee for president, the self-proclaimed ‘party of democracy’ has proven exactly the opposite.
The party’s prospects are no better now with Vice President Kamala Harris, who co-owns the disastrous policy failures of the Biden Administration. As second in command and a completely inept border czar, Harris has been a gleeful accomplice — not only in the destruction of American sovereignty, security, and prosperity, but also in the largest political coverup in U.S. history. She has known for as long as anyone of his incapacity to serve.
Regardless of the chaos in the current White House, our adversaries around the globe should be reminded that the U.S. Congress, the U.S. military, and the American people are fully prepared and committed to defend our interests both at home and abroad.
If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign the office immediately. November 5 cannot arrive soon enough.
Vice President Kamala Harris said she will seek the Democratic nomination to replace President Joe Biden, after Biden suddenly ended his campaign and endorsed her earlier Sunday.
“I am honored to have the president’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination,” Harris said in a statement issued by Biden’s campaign. “Over the past year, I have traveled across the country, talking with Americans about the clear choice in this momentous election. And that is what I will continue to do in the days and weeks ahead.”
Biden’s endorsement gives Harris a major advantage ahead of the planned vote from convention delegates next month.
We condemn political violence in the leading democracy of the free world. We are thankful to God for the survival of former President Donald J. Trump without fatal injury. We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased spectator and offer our prayers for the injured. Our prayers remain for a speedy and total recovery of former President Trump.
We applaud the rapid response of the Secret Service and are grateful that the assassination attempt failed. This allows Donald Trump to continue in the democratic process. We salute President Biden for condemning the assassination attempt and for his conversation with Donald Trump.
Our prayers are with both candidates and the democratic process in America. As Africans, we draw inspiration from the American democratic process. Long live American democracy, and may God bless America.
Meta said Friday it's removing any previously imposed penalties and restrictions on former President Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts, as the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election nears.
The company first took action against Trump's social media accounts in 2021, shortly after the Jan. 6 insurrection in Washington, D.C. At the time, Meta suspended Trump's accounts for a two-year period, after it deemed that some of the former president's actions, such as praising the Capitol rioters, were a potential risk for inciting more violence.
In January 2023, Meta said it would reinstate Trump on its platform, and he regained access to his accounts the following month. But Trump was still subject to remaining penalties and restrictions that could have led to his social media accounts facing long suspensions.
Following Meta's latest announcement, if Trump were to violate the company's community guidelines, he would face a much shorter possible suspension that could last only a few days, as opposed to a lengthier suspension under the previously imposed penalties.
Meta's president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, wrote in the Friday blog post that the original suspension and penalties "were a response to extreme and extraordinary circumstances, and have not had to be deployed."
"With the party conventions taking place shortly, including the Republican convention next week, the candidates for President of the United States will soon be formally nominated," Clegg wrote. "In assessing our responsibility to allow political expression, we believe that the American people should be able to hear from the nominees for President on the same basis."
A Meta spokesperson characterized the update as "simply bringing presumptive GOP nominee Trump to parity with President Biden."
'You fought for it, you voted for it and now it has arrived... change begins now' - Incoming PM, Starmer
It is official - the Labour Party has won a majority in the House of Commons and will form the next government.
Sir Keir Starmer has won the magic number of 326 seats and will become the country's next prime minister.
Sky News
Labour Party officially wins 2024 UK general election after reaching the required 326 seats
BBC News
I am sorry: Outgoing UK PM, Sunak concedes defeat
"On this difficult night, I'd like to express my gratitude to the people of the Richmond and Northallerton constituency for your continued support," he says.
"The Labour Party has won this general election, and I've called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory.
"Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides. That is something that should give us all confidence in our country's stability and future.
"The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight, there is much to learn... and I take responsibility for the loss.
"To the many good, hard-working Conservative candidates who lost tonight, despite their tireless efforts, their local records and delivery, and their dedication to their communities. I am sorry."
More than 1,300 pilgrims died amid scorching heat during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia’s health minister said Sunday.
Speaking to state-owned television, Health Minister Fahd bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel said that 83% of the fatalities were among unauthorized pilgrims who walked long distances under soaring sun heat.
The fatalities included more than 660 people from Egypt, according to two officials in Cairo.
NCC says telcos not to blame for data depletion, blames malwares, background apps, GPS, others
The Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified seven factors causing data depletion for mobile subscribers in Nigeria.
This comes amidst an increase in complaints from subscribers about how their data subscriptions are getting drained quickly.
While many subscribers have been blaming the service providers for stealing their data, information released by the Commission suggests otherwise.
Specifically, mobile network operators comprising MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile have been at the centre of consumer complaints about data depletion.
According to the Commission, there are several factors causing data depletion for most subscribers and these include:
Background apps: NCC observed that some apps continue to consume data even when the users are not actively using them. “Background data usage can quickly add up and deplete your data allowance,” the Commission said.
Automatic updates: The Commission added that automatic updates for apps, operating systems, and other software can also use up a significant amount of data. Location services: GPS and other location services can consume a lot of data, according to NCC, especially if you use navigation apps like Google Maps.
Advertisements: Some apps display ads that use data. “These ads can consume data even if you don’t interact with them,” the Commission stated.
Roaming: The telecom regulator also identified roaming as one of the factures that could lead to data depletion. “If you travel abroad and use your phone, you may be subject to data roaming charges, which can quickly add up and deplete your data allowance.”
Malware: The Commission added that malware and viruses can consume data without your knowledge. “If you suspect that your phone has been infected, it’s important to remove the malware as soon as possible.”
Hunter Biden has been convicted of all three felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018 when, prosecutors argued, the president’s son lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.
Hunter Biden faces up to 10 years in prison on the first count, five years on the second count and another 10 years on the third count when he is sentenced. It’s not clear how long a sentence he could receive. The sentence is up to the judge and Hunter Biden is a first-time offender.
Judge Maryellen Noreika noted that sentencing typically is 120 days out, but no sentencing date was set.
Hunter Biden left the courthouse holding hands with the first lady and his wife, Melissa. They did not speak to reporters, got into waiting SUVs and drove off.
The former Ajax Superstar was involved in a ghastly accident that claimed the lives of his son and younger brother
Today, I visited the Ex-Super Eagles star, Tijiani Babangida, who was involved in a fatal road accident last month in Kaduna. I went to condole with him on the sad loss of his son and his younger brother, Ibrahim Babangida, former Under 17 World Champion, to the tragic accident.
His wife was also injured in the unfortunate incident. I encouraged him not to be despirited by the present painful challenges but continue to rest his hope in God Almighty. One cannot question God.
As a fan who follows the trajectory of our sports stars, I believe they deserve our care and love, having made the nation proud and made us happy by deploying their talents for the good of society.
I was happy to know that his colleagues are in solidarity with him with the former Atlanta 96 Olympic football medalist, Emmanuel Babayero by his side. I pray God Almighty to grant him and his wife quick recovery, forgive the sins of the dead and grant them eternal rest. -PO
Claudia Sheinbaum was elected Mexico’s first woman president by a landslide Sunday, preliminary official results showed, making history in a country plagued by rampant criminal and gender-based violence.
In her first remarks after being confirmed as the winner, Sheinbaum vowed that she would not let Mexico down,
“I won’t fail you,” she said.
The 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor, a scientist by training, won around 58-60 percent of votes, the National Electoral Institute announced after a quick count.
That was more than 30 percentage points ahead of her main opposition rival Xochitl Galvez, and some 50 percentage points ahead of the only man running, long-shot centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez.
Voters had flocked to polling stations across the Latin American nation, despite sporadic violence in areas terrorized by ultra-violent drug cartels.
Thousands of troops were deployed to protect voters, following a particularly bloody electoral process that has seen more than two dozen aspiring local politicians murdered.
Earlier, Sheinbaum hailed what she called a “historic” election day.
After casting her ballot, the presidential front-runner revealed she had not voted for herself but for a 93-year-old veteran leftist, Ifigenia Martinez, in recognition of her struggle.
Born to a Professor mother and a chemical engineer father, the 61-year-old leftist becomes Mexico's first President of Jewish descent.
Claudia holds a Doctorate degree in Energy, Sustainability and Environment Engineering. She was part of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change team that shared a Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore in 2007.
She is an avowed feminist, supporter of LGBT rights, gender and women equality. Claudia served as Environment Minister, then first female mayor under mentor and outgoing President, Lopez Obrador.
Under Mexican Constitution, she is to serve only a term of six years.
"The cause of the crash, of course, isn't clear -- at least not clear to us," White House spokesperson John Kirby tells us about helicopter crash that killed Iran's Raisi.
"But I would note that Iranian official sources are out there citing poor flying conditions as a cause for concern -- specifically fog. And every country, no matter who they are, has a responsibility, their own responsibility to ensure the safety and reliability of its equipment, and that includes civil aviation."
"It's not surprising -- sadly, but not surprising -- that the Iranian regime wouuld once again find a way to try to blame the United States for problems of its own making," Kirby said.
Jennifer Jacobs
“Expressing condolences is a generally accepted procedure. Raisi is responsible for atrocities in his country and violence against protesters. He was also responsible for Iran's support of terrorist networks around the world, including support for Hamas. There was no doubt that this was a man who had a lot of blood on his hands. However, as we always do, we usually regret the loss of life and therefore express our condolences."
The US expresses its official condolences for the death of Iranian President Raisi, FM & other officials. As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people & their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood stood for a moment of silence for Islamic Republic President Raisi.
The ZiG is the country's sixth currency since independence in 1980
Zimbabwe is replacing its collapsing local currency with a new one backed by gold and foreign currencies that it hopes will be more stable and help bring down inflation, the central bank said on Friday.
The Southern African country relaunched its own currency in 2019 after a decade of dollarisation, but it struggled to win public trust and more than 80% of domestic transactions are now conducted in foreign currency.
A more than 70% slide in the Zimbabwean dollar since the start of the year pushed price rises beyond 55% in annual terms in March (ZWBCPY=ECI), opens new tab, evoking bitter memories of hyperinflation under former leader Robert Mugabe.
The new currency - called Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) - will circulate alongside foreign currencies, central bank governor John Mushayavanhu told a press conference in the capital Harare.
The central bank also said it was "recalibrating" its main interest rate and setting it at 20%, without elaborating, a drastic cut from the previous rate of 130%.
In a monetary policy statement, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said the new currency's starting exchange rate would be determined by the closing interbank exchange rate on April 5 and the London PM Fix price of gold on April 4.
The bank referred to the new currency as "structured", saying it would be "anchored by a composite basket of foreign currency and precious metals (mainly gold) held as reserves for this purpose by the Reserve Bank".
"If we implement these measures, we expect them to have an impact on inflation," Mushayavanhu told reporters.
Banks are to convert their current Zimbabwean dollar balances into ZiG with immediate effect, while people will have 21 days to exchange their old notes and coins for new ones, the monetary policy statement said.
Friday's announcements are the culmination of months of deliberations between the central bank and finance ministry on currency reforms.
The central bank also said on Friday that it had $100 million in cash and 2.52 tonnes of gold worth $185 million in reserve assets.
Foreign Affairs › Iran Issues Evacuation Warning For Israel's News Channels by HonNL(op): 8:07pm On Jun 16, 2025
