₦airaland Forum

The Federal Government has described the planned protest by the Trade Union Congress, TUC over the high profile cases of corruption in some government agencies and the inaction of President Muhammadu Buhari as ill-advised and uncalled for.

A statement from the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Monday, asked the labour body to give room for the investigation by both the executive and National Assembly to run its full course.

The statement reads, “The reported plan by the Trade Union Congress to embark on a nationwide protest over the alleged President Muhammadu Buhari’s inaction over the high-level of corruption uncovered at the Niger Delta Development Commission, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is ill advised and totally uncalled for considering that there are ongoing investigations in the cases by both the executive and legislative arms of government. These processes must be allowed to run their full courses.

“It is against the norm in a democratic society as well as the natural laws of justice to seek “action,” meaning punishment, against offenders before the proper investigation, trial and conviction.

“The President has made it clear that the allegations that have surfaced clearly constitute a breach of trust and as the investigations take hold and closeout, all those found wanting will face the wrath of the law.

“The TUC, as an enlightened group of labour Unionists, should indeed voice their indignation whenever such acts are being unearthed.”

Recall the organised labour earlier frowned at the massive corruption going on in the country and threatened to mobilise its members to stage a nationwide protest.

https://theupdates.net/fg-urges-organised-labour-to-abandon-planned-protest-against-corruption/

The governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has urged serving judges in the state to re-dedicate themselves to their duties and shun acts of corruption.

Nyesom Wike gave the admonition in his remarks at the presentation of cars to judges on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Governor Wike faulted the actions of some judges whom he accused of insubordination and dereliction of duty.

He said, “There should be no more excuses for corruption and indolence in job performance among our judges with the level of incentives and entitlements we are providing.

“The point cannot be over-emphasized that the most important consideration of their calling is to ensure that justice gets to everyone that comes before you within the rule of law.”

According to the governor, procedure and practice, and even the most politically charged dispute should be resolved in a transparent manner that serves justice and no other interest.

He decried the situation where judges recuse themselves from matters brought before them and return the case files to the heads of the court.

Governor Wike believes the decisions of such judges are not far from intimidation and pressure from litigants who try to induce them.

“Clearly, judges become insubordinate, complicit and derelict of duty whenever they come to pressure and intimidation in the course of their duties, or shy away from handling sensitive cases by inducive politicians or litigants as bases for returning the case files to the chief judge for reassignment and indulging in various dodgy acts of self-exaltation at the expense of doing justice,” he said.

The governor added, “I do not think any judge has the power or pleasure to unilaterally return a case file to the chief judge for any reason, more so for every flimsy excuse as it is becoming the common practice these days among judges.”

He assured judges in Rivers that the state government was working to improve their welfare and ensure they perform their duties without fear or worry.

https://theupdates.net/car-gifts-no-more-excuses-for-corruption-nyesom-wike/

“It’s not me. It’s not me,” these were the words of Timothy Hardy in a video recorded by Hardy’s son, his children cry out, watching from the window as Omaha police approached and handcuff their father.

“I was scared. Scared for my family. I didn’t want them to witness me getting gunned down,” said Hardy. He said he heard gunshots in his Benson neighborhood Thursday night. He walked his neighbor’s daughter home to make sure she was safe and returned to his front lawn.

Lt. Sherie Thomas said police then made “contact” with Hardy. “Handcuffed me like I was a fugitive like I was the suspect,” he said.

In a statement, Omaha police said they were in the area near 48th Street and Northwest Radial Highway “looking for an armed suspect that ran from a traffic stop. The suspect was described as a Black Male, dreadlocks, gray tank top, dark shorts, armed with a handgun.”

A commanding officer observed Hardy, and “asked for a repeat of the description and then asked if the suspect was heavyset, and was told ‘yes’ over the radio. The commanding officer then indicated that he had a party fitting that description but wearing white shorts. “I fit the description. Black guy with dreads” said Hardy. “Basically racial profiling.”Police said “the commanding officer approached and held him at gunpoint until Uniform Patrol officers and other gang officers arrived to assist. While being taken into custody advised he had a gun on him.

Shortly after was handcuffed, it was learned that he was not involved and not the suspect officers were looking for. It was determined was a valid CCW holder, officers took the handcuff off of and he was released.

“I fit the description. Black guy with dreads” said Hardy. “Basically racial profiling.”

During all this, Hardy’s fiancee, Alicia Gunter, said their 4-month-old baby was sitting in their car and that police wouldn’t let her get her.

“It broke me. When they finally let me get her, the first person I called was my dad. I couldn’t even talk. I couldn’t talk. I was hysterical,” she said.

“My youngest son, after it all happened, Timothy was coming outside. And he said, ‘Dad, are the police going to shoot you?” said Gunter.

Hardy said officers walked away and that he hasn’t heard anything from Omaha Police Department since.

“It could happen to any one of us. Any one Black guy with dreads. It could have been anybody,” he said.

Hardy and his fiancee just wish officers had approached calmly with no weapons drawn.

https://theupdates.net/timothy-hardy-omaha-police-handcuffs-wrong-person-at-gunpoint/

Microsoft had on Sunday confirmed it is holding talks with Chinese-based ByteDance to buy the U.S. operations of its TikTok unit. Microsoft said that its CEO, Satya Nadella, has discussed the situation with President Donald Trump, who has previously threatened to ban the service in the U.S. over security concerns.

“Microsoft fully appreciates the importance of addressing the president’s concerns,” the company said in a blog post. “It is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States, including the United States Treasury.”

The company claimed it intends to complete the talk with ByteDance not later than September 15, 2020 and added that it “looks forward to continuing dialogue with the United States Government, including with the president.”

Microsoft (ticker: MSFT) and ByteDance have notified the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (Cfius) of a proposal for Microsoft to buy the TikTok service in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Microsoft said it may invite other American investors to take a minority stake.

“This new structure would build on the experience TikTok users currently love, while adding world-class security, privacy, and digital safety protections,” the company said. “The operating model for the service would be built to ensure transparency to users as well as appropriate security oversight by governments in these countries.”

This move is also believed to ensure absolute security of American users data and it would mean data all data are residual in the United States.

https://ngtimes.net/2020/08/u-s-security-microsoft-confirms-tiktok-acquisition-deal-is-on-the-table.html

The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which was 100% in 2018 ballooned to 130% in 2020. With debt overtaking total economic output, Mozambique has little fiscal space to provide a robust response and recovery from the pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic is just the latest of Mozambique’s woes. The country continues to recover from cyclone Idai which struck in March 2019, and during which 607 people lost their lives and thousands were displaced.

Like Mozambique, many poor and heavily indebted African countries such as Angola, Cabo Verde, Congo, Djibouti and Egypt–all with a higher than 100% external debt-to-GDP ratio–must now, amid a pandemic, decide how to navigate significant financial difficulties.

An African Union, AU study on the economic impact of coronavirus released in April 2020 showed that the continent could lose up to $500 billion and that countries may be forced to borrow heavily to survive after the pandemic.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also warned that some “50 million people risk falling into extreme poverty in 2020 owing to the pandemic[SM1] .” Mr. Guterres has appealed for a “global response package amounting to at least 10% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product. For Africa, that means more than $200 billion as additional support from the international community.”

[SM1]When did he say this? If this is from his June remarks or elsewhere? Also clarify if he said “an additional” 50 million people.

Africa needs at least $100 billion to respond to coronavirus, including for social safety nets for people, and another $100 billion for economic stimulus, according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).[SM1]

African countries’ lack of fiscal space to tackle the pandemic and its aftermath could be attributed to four challenges, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The first challenge is high debt-to-GDP levels, which are unsustainable.

The second is that high fiscal deficits (gaps between spending and revenues) will force countries to explore alternative financing for development projects. Consequently, loans become a recourse, further exacerbating their debt burden.

The third challenge is the high cost of borrowing, with interest rates between 5% and 16% on 10-year government bonds, compared to near-zero to negative rates in Europe and America.

For sub-Saharan African economies, interest repayments constitute the highest expenditure portion– and fastest-growing expenditure–of budgets.

Lastly, the depreciation of many African currencies against major international currencies has triggered inflation. For example, the Botswanan Pula and the South African Rand have lost about 8% of value against the US dollar and the euro since the outbreak of the pandemic.

To recover better, Mr. Guterres has called for debt relief, while advocating for a transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient growth that will create millions of green jobs and ensure sustainable production and consumption.

Addressing these challenges requires bridging inequalities based on income, gender and race, says Mr. Guterres. He continues to advocate for equity in global liquidity and has proposed a set of innovative solutions to financing post-pandemic recovery.

For example, the UN Chief has urged the IMF to increase its financial support to African countries under its Special Drawing Rights facility – a monetary reserve currency that countries in financial stress can draw from.

https://theupdates.net/external-debt-mars-africas-post-coronavirus-recovery/

Gold hit an unprecedented hike on Monday as a softer US dollar and fears over the global economic fallout from surging coronavirus cases spike demand for the safe-haven metal.

This is an all-time high record, spot gold was up 0.1% at $1,976.47 per ounce by 0028 GMT, after hitting a record high of $1,984.66 in early Asian trade.

US gold futures rose 0.5% to $1,996.30.

COVID-19 has infected 4.6 million people in the United States and more than 17.96 million people globally.

The United States is in a new phase of the novel COVID-19 outbreak with infections “extraordinarily widespread” in rural areas as well as cities, White House COVID-19 experts said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said he was not optimistic on reaching agreement soon on a deal for the next round of legislation to provide relief to Americans hit hard by the pandemic.

The dollar index held close to a more than two-year low against its rivals, making gold less expensive for holders of other currencies.

Asian shares made a cautious start to the new month on Monday.

On the physical side, Chinese gold dealers were forced to offer the steepest-ever discounts last week as demand plunged.

Speculators reduced their bullish positions in COMEX gold and silver contracts in the week to July 28, the US. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said on Friday.

Silver eased 0.1% to $24.35 per ounce, platinum

fell 0.8% to $899.90 and palladium dropped 1.1% to $2,068.98.

https://theupdates.net/covid-19-gold-hits-record-hike-as-weaker-dollar-boost-demand/

The addicted viewers of the ongoing Big Brother Naija, BBNaija Lockdown Edition are blaming Lilo for her eviction in the house.

Some viewers are of the opinion that she may have caused her eviction for being too attached to Eric.

The eviction routine in the reality TV show began last week, two persons have so far been evicted in the house, namely Ka3na and Lilo.

Below are reactions of some Nigerians;

One Twitter user, @CO_Chiamaka wrote; “Lilo wey suppose dy the same league with Nengi and Erica. Mtchewww”


@Queenyetty1_: On goddddd! She just ruined her chances! People didn’t get to see her beauty, vibes and awesomeness. Na kiss she dey kiss upandan.

@Gent2soul2: Eric 6 pack attract her & lost d game….u said u have bf B4 coming into d house, y do u glue to Eric alone in d house.U are out now without Eric..how do u want d outside bf to feel…it show that u go BBN house bcoz of man

@Sisi_Nene101: I swear! I went through her IG and I’m like see this hot babe, came to give us nonsense love vibes! She played herself.

https://theupdates.net/bbnaijalockdown-eviction-nigerians-blame-lilo-for-her-eviction/

Edo Governorship: Obaseki Family Massively Supports APC Ize-Iyamu

https://theupdates.net/edo-governorship-obaseki-family-massively-supports-pdp-ize-iyamu/

The latest report has it that UAE confirmed 239 new coronavirus cases and 360 recoveries on Sunday. No deaths were reported.

The latest update takes the total confirmed coronavirus cases to 60,999 while recoveries so far are 54,615. The death toll remained at 351.

Authorities added that 42,428 additional tests were conducted over the past few days which led to the detection of the new cases.

https://theupdates.net/covid-19-uae-record-another-239-new-cases-360-recoveries/

A United States Federal Court has suspended President Donald Trump’s immigration policy that affects poor immigrants in America.

Immigrants cannot get green cards or visas if immigration officials establish they would depend on public benefits like food stamps.

The permanent residency aspect is being implemented by Department of Homeland Security, while the Department of State handles visa application.

On Thursday, Justice George Daniels of the District Court in New York, ordered authorities to stop the implementation of the immigration policy.

Daniels ordered the rule to be put on hold for immigrants residing legally in America until the coronavirus crisis is over.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in March, explained that immigrants seeking treatment for coronavirus would not be affected.

Daniels called the clarification “plainly insufficient”.

“This chilling effect, in turn, undoubtedly hampers efforts to contain the virus and protect the public health of residents across the country,” the judge wrote.

Daniel stated that the Trump administration went too far ineffectively redefining what it means to be a “public charge.”

https://theupdates.net/u-s-immigration-policy-trump-loses-battle-in-court/

Big Brother Naija, BBNaija is getting much more interesting as the day rolls by, a conversation ensued between Laycon and Nengi who hinted to Laycon that she noticed he was sad.

Laycon in quick response said that he is not okay with the way everyone is saying he is in a sad mood because of the things happening in the house. He then maintained that although it was part of it but he is not really bothered.

Nengi in a dramatic response said that she understands but she is sure his sadness is not unconnected to his crush because she – Nengi saw what transpired between him and Erica in the afternoon.

Nengi: I know but I also noticed you were sad because of your crush
Laycon: Erica?
Nengi: Yeah and I believed it
Laycon: Yes, but that’s not entirely the reason behind the mood, she said somethings in the afternoon that made me off a bit but that’s not the reason

Laycon explained to Nengi that he is being careful because he doesn’t want to put Erica in a position where she will lose focus on what she came to do in the house. He also doesn’t want to complicate things for her to the point where she starts feeling like he is unhappy because she is talking to the other guy or the other guy is unhappy because she is talking to him. He doesn’t want to mess things up to the point where he and the other guy starts fighting for her and her attention.

I can do all that if i want to but its not okay for her cause I don’t want her to loose focus……when we get out of the house we can do all that”

Source: https://theupdates.net/bbnaija-erica-is-my-crush-laycon-opens-up-to-nengi/

MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon CEO and World richest man, Jeff Bezos has announced on Tuesday that she has donated around $1.7 billion (Dh62 billion) to groups involved in philanthropic causes such as healthcare, LGBT rights and racial justice.

Scott, who said she changed her surname after her divorce from Bezos last year, wrote in a post shared on Medium – an online publishing platform – said she pledged to give a majority of her wealth “back to the society that helped generate it”, The Hill reported.

The 50-year-old’s net worth is $60.4 billion, making her the 13th wealthiest person on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

“Like many, I watched the first half of 2020 with a mixture of heartbreak and horror. Life will never stop finding fresh ways to expose inequities in our systems or waking us up to the fact that a civilisation this imbalanced is not only unjust but also unstable. What fills me with hope is the thought of what will come if each of us reflects on what we can offer,” she said.

“Opportunities that flowed from the mere chance of skin colour, sexual orientation, gender or zip code may have yielded resources that can be powerful levers for change,” she added.

Scott said she instructed a team of non-profit advisors last fall to identify “organisations having a major impact on a variety of causes”.

Her post included a break-up of where the money, which has been allocated, with over USD 586 million focussed on racial equality and $125 million dedicated to fighting climate change.

https://theupdates.net/world-richest-bezos-ex-wife-scott-changes-name-donates-1-7-billion/

The Nigerian government has been advised to stop banks in the country from selling airtime or recharge cards.

Doyin Okupe, a former aide to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, believes that by retailing it, banks are contributing to the already high rate of unemployment in the country.

In a tweet, the former presidential aide pointed out that recharge card business is worth about N10 billion per day and is capable of providing jobs for 5 million youths nationwide.

— Doyin (@doyinokupe) wrote;
“Govt must stop Banks from selling of recharge cards,” he said.

“This business is worth about N10B/day and can provide jobs for 5m youths nationwide and reduce unemployment.

“Banks should not be in the retail business where they strangulate small individual traders. Government must protect MSMEs,” he said.

Details: https://theupdates.net/recharge-cards-nigerian-banks-told-to-stop-selling/

Again, Boko Haram Terrorists Attack Magumeri in Borno State

“Magumeri is currently under Boko Haram siege, they came into the town few minutes ago and started shooting sporadically,” said one of the sources.

SAD

https://theupdates.net/again-boko-haram-terrorists-attack-magumeri-in-borno-state/

Japanese Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has on Monday forecast its second straight year of losses, this plunge in sales could be in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mitsubishi Motors, Japan’s No. 6 automaker anticipates an operating loss of 140 billion yen ($1.33 billion) for the year ending March 2021 just as it embarks on a plan to shrink its workforce and production, and close unprofitable dealerships to cut 20 percent of fixed costs in two years.

This would be Mitsubishi’s biggest loss in at least 18 years according to company financial records dating back to 2002.

“To pave the way to recovery, the top priority of all executives is to share a sense of crisis with employees to execute cost reductions,” Chief Executive Takeo Kato told reporters.

The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated struggles at the company that had already been battling falling sales in China and Southeast Asia, its largest market which accounts for a quarter of its sales.

As part of its restructuring plan, Mitsubishi, a junior member of the Nissan-Renault auto making group, said it would stop making the Pajero SUV crossover model next year, and close the plant in Japan which makes the vehicle. The maker of the Outlander SUV said it would reduce its presence in Europe and North America and focus on growing in Asia.

The restructuring plan is designed to lift the company’s operating profit to 50 billion yen in 2022/23 and boost the operating margin to 2.3 percent from -9.5 percent now.

Mitsubishi reported a 53.3 billion yen operating loss in the first quarter ended June 30, its second operating loss in three quarters after vehicle sales more than halved to 127,000 units from a year earlier.

The company booked extraordinary losses of 116 billion yen in the period and expects such losses to total 220 billion yen this year.

However, Mitsubishi Motors said it would not pay a dividend this year, it would enable it preserve cash.

https://theupdates.net/revenue-losses-mitsubishi-motors-to-cut-job-may-suspend-pajero-suv/

Another set of the IBERIBERISM we parade in Nigeria are hitting the street... Sad someone's father is saying this.

Rinu your MATTER go soon be settled https://theupdates.net/

A happy mother of a set of quadruplets, three girls and a boy who a decade ago delivered these beautiful kids are presently in a celebratory mood as they mark 10th birthday in style.

The mother of four identified as Sofieye Abam took to her social media page to share old and adorably stunning new photos, showing how much they’ve grown in style.

While sharing the photos, she wrote: https://theupdates.net/10th-birthday-happy-mother-celebrates-shares-new-photos-of-her-quadruplets/

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Monday issued a warning to the Nigerian government and its Army over the release and reintegration of 601 repentant members of Boko Haram terrorists back into the society.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB warned that it won’t tolerate what it termed “heinous crime,” from both the federal government and the Nigerian Army.

Recall a few day ago the Federal government announced the graduation and the reintegration of about 601 repentant members of the blood sucking militia group group, Boko Haram.

A statement signed by the IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful claimed that such evil can’t be allowed to become a norm.

According to IPOB; https://theupdates.net/boko-haram-ipob-blasts-buhari-over-601-repentant-members-reintegration/

Chelsea secured maximum points and Champions League qualification against Wolves thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Olivier Giroud in first-half stoppage-time.

Two goals in first-half stoppage time from Mason Mount and Olivier Giroud left Wolves wondering what had hit them at the end of an otherwise uneventful first half.

But Lampard’s achievement in finishing fourth – despite a transfer ban and the loss of Eden Hazard is a commendable exploit as he looks to build a new Blues dynasty.

The new £45 million arrival Timo Werner saw the game from the posh seats as his teammates secured him a Champions’ League stage to strut his stuff on when he returns after a mini close season.

In another match, Leicester led Man United by 14 points when the Portuguese midfielder arrived from Sporting Lisbon on January 30 – yet the Reds have overhauled them.

But United kept their heads and Fernandes slotted home his 10th goal of the season to calm nerves, even though a draw here would have been enough to edge out Leicester.

Though Man United have been awarded a staggering 20 penalties this season – 14 of them in the Premier League – has certainly proved a major factor in their campaign.

Leicester had their chances to win this final-day shoot-out for a place in Europe’s elite club competition – with Jamie Vardy coming closest by heading against the bar.

But United kept their heads and Fernandes slotted home his 10th goal of the season to calm nerves, even though a draw here would have been enough to edge out Leicester.

This was a bitter pill for Leicester to swallow but they have won just four times in the Premier League since New Year’s Day and injuries to key players such as James Maddison, Ben Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira have hindered them badly.

While there has been much talk of Leicester’s collapse over the second half of the season, United’s recent form had not been convincing either.

Just one win from their previous four matches, including an FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea had taken some shine off their impressive resurgence either side of the lockdown.

Aston Villa secured Premier League safety thanks to Arsenal’s win over Watford on the final day.

https://theupdates.net/villa-survives-relegation-as-chelsea-man-united-secure-champions-league/

FC Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, wants to hire Leeds United boss, Marcelo Bielsa, as their new manager, according to the Sun.

Bielsa is Messi’s favoured candidate to replace the embattled Barcelona manager, Quique Setien.

The 65-year-old, Marcelo Bielsa has just guided Leeds United back to the Premier League after winning the Championship title, but his contract at Elland Road expires this month.

Setien is under increasing pressure at the Nou Camp, after Real Madrid snatched the LaLiga title from Barca this season.

The Catalans were leading at the top of the league with two points before the COVID-19, but threw away their advantage after the restart.

Recall after Barcelona’s 2-1 loss to Osasuna at home this month, Leo Messi branded Barca “weak” and “inconsistent”.

The Argentine superstar also said performances since January – when Setien replaced Ernesto Valverde – had been very bad.

https://theupdates.net/marcelo-bielsa-emerges-messi-choice-for-setien-replacement/