Metro

Again, Tinubu talks tough, vows justice for slain Nigerian soldiers

Published

2 months ago

March 22, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has once again vowed that killers of Nigerian soldiers while on a peace-keeping mission to warring communities in Delta State, South-South Nigeria, will face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

Tinubu, who said this when he hosted the leadership of the Nigerian Senate to a dinner to break the Ramadan fast on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, insisted that his administration would get justice for the slain military personnel who were killed in active service.

The Nigerian leader added that the military would continue to enjoy the support of his administration in neutralising security threats across the country.

“Our armed forces are working hard, and we will not allow attackers to undermine the integrity and value of our armed forces and its leadership,” he insisted.

“We will continue to encourage and fight for our sovereignty, our individual rights to exist, and we will succeed in banishing poverty from our land,’’ the President stated.

This is the second time in one week that Tinubu would make the vow of making sure the killers of the 16 soldiers are arrested and brought to book.

In a statement last Sunday, an angry Tinubu gave the military a mandate to comb the warring communities and bring the killers of the soldiers to book.

In the statement he personally signed titled “Killing of Nigerian soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State”, Tinubu declared that “the cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”

“The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people,” he had said.

The abduction and subsequent murder of the soldiers comprising of including a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, a Captain, and 12 other rank and file soldiers who were on a peace mission to the Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, has continued to draw condemnation from different quarters including politicians and retired military officers who have all called the arrest and prosecution of the killers of the Army personnel.

Related Topics:#SOLDIERS Featured Justice Murder President Bola Tinubu

Click to comment

Metro

Disability rights group says Cyber Security Act protects politicians more than vulnerable citizens

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

In Kasama, the Disability Inclusion-Friendly Barn Development Foundation, dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, says the Cyber Security Act primarily benefits politicians rather than ordinary citizens, particularly those with disabilities.

Amos Chileshe, the Chief Executive Director of the organisation, conveyed these concerns in an interview with Zambia Monitor.

Chileshe emphasized the Foundation’s focus on child welfare, including screening and assessment programmes tailored to children with disabilities.

He highlighted the alarming prevalence of cyberbullying targeting this vulnerable demographic, often overlooked by mainstream media.

“Despite our efforts to provide counseling and support services,” Chileshe lamented, “many instances of cyberbullying against individuals with disabilities remain unaddressed, unlike cases involving public figures.”

He underscored the disparity in media coverage, noting the tendency to portray persons with disabilities negatively, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, perpetuating stigma and shame, particularly in rural areas.

Calling for the safeguarding of individuals with disabilities online, Chileshe urged authorities to take decisive action against cyberbullying, stating its detrimental impact on their well-being.

Regarding media freedoms, Chileshe advocated for unrestricted licensing of media outlets to ensure comprehensive nationwide coverage.

“Media freedom is essential for democracy, development, and human rights.

“When people are denied the freedom to express themselves, constructive criticism becomes impossible, hindering progress and accountability,” he said.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.

Metro

Nigerian govt denies bribery allegation by Binance CEO

Published

8 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Nigerian government has countered allegations by the CEO of cryptocurrency exchange giant, Binance, Richard Teng, that some government officials demanded a $150m bribe to settle the ongoing criminal charge filed against the firm.

In a publication carried by by the New York Times on Tuesday, Teng had alleged that unknown persons made the bribe demand to Binance officials shortly after they held a meeting with Nigerian lawmakers on January 8.

In the article, Teng accused the unidentified individuals of acting on behalf of government officials to demand $150m in cryptocurrency to resolve the tax evasion and money laundering case against the company and its officials.

Teng also claimed that the purported agent demanded “a significant payment in cryptocurrency to be paid in secret within 48 hours to make the issues go away.”

But in a statement on Wednesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the allegations as blackmail aimed at tarnishing the image of the country.

The Minister further dismissed the claims as “baseless and part of a wider attempt by Binance to evade accountability for alleged criminal activities.”

The minister noted that ongoing investigations against Binance in Nigeria centred on allegations of money laundering, terrorism financing, and illegal trading activities facilitated through its platform, stressing that it would not succumb to blackmail or coercion.

“This claim by Binance CEO lacks an iota of substance. It is nothing but a diversionary tactic and an attempted act of blackmail by a company desperate to obfuscate the grievous criminal charges it is facing in Nigeria,” Idris said.

“They lack any evidence and are merely a diversionary tactic employed by Binance to deflect attention from the serious charges it faces in the country.

“We would like to remind Binance that it will not clear its name in Nigeria by resorting to fictional claims and mudslinging media campaigns. The only way to resolve its issues will be by submitting itself to unobstructed investigation and judicial due process.

“The Nigerian government, therefore, pledged to address the legal issues surrounding Binance operations in the country.

“The government of Nigeria will continue to act within its laws and international norms and will not succumb to any form of blackmail from any entity, local or foreign,” the Minister added.