Category Nigeria News

Goodluck Jonathan, the former president of Guinea-Bissau, has explained why he flew back to Nigeria on an Ivorian aircraft as a result of the coup.

He explained that the Ivorian team first obtained landing clearance because of its proximity, while President Bola Tinubu and President Côte d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara made arrangements to evacuate him and his delegation from Bissau.

Read more about Jonathan’s return to Nigeria after being captured in coup-hit Guinea-Bissau.

He stated in an interview that he had always been afraid to speak to the media since he left office. However, in this particular instance, I made the decision to speak with the media in order to thank Nigerians for their support and show of compassion.

While we were in Bissau, we learned that, regardless of religious or political divides, the entire nation was agitated, young and old, and that I sincerely appreciate Nigerians. I also want to thank my president, President Tinubu, and President Ouattara, the Ivorian president, President Ouattara.

Although both presidents planned to fly the aircraft to lift us, you are aware that Guinea-Bissau and the Francophone countries have always had a relationship, and that they are both Francophones.

The former president urged them not to bother because the Ivorian aircraft had already been cleared, even though the Nigerian aircraft was about to depart for Guinea-Bissau.

Before Nigeria could do that, the Ivorians’ authorities were able to break into their system and obtain a landing permit. The Ivorian aircraft was already heading our way.

We therefore instructed the Nigerian aircraft not to bother when we learned that they were about to depart. If you look at the pictures, I was flown by an Ivorian aircraft, he said in the interview Symfoni posted on YouTube on Friday.

After being trapped in Guinea-Bissau for the election observation, Jonathan returned to Nigeria on Thursday.

About two days after military forces in the West African nation took control of the airport, he arrived late on Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The West African Elders Forum Observation Mission was led by the former president to monitor the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections.

When the military struck in Guinea-Bissau, his team, which included members of the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), were still performing their duties.

The former Bayelsa governor was left stranded, raising concerns for his safety along with others on the observation team as a result.

The former president is safe and has left Guinea-Bissau, according to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Total Control

On Wednesday, Guinea-Bissau military officers took complete control of the nation, suspending the country’s electoral process and closing its borders.

A command, which included members of the military’s various branches, took control of the nation’s leadership following the coup, according to General Denis N’Canha, the head of the presidential military office.

Umaro Embalo, who had favored winning the election on Sunday despite traveling to Senegal, was taken into custody by the officers.

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Matthew Adepoju, the country’s director general, has explained why Nigeria’s satellites are unable to provide real-time surveillance data to support its security operations.

Adepoju addressed questions on Friday’s Politics Today interview on Channels Television.

He questioned the legitimacy of Nigeria’s ability to track recent mass abductions in the North, citing a misunderstanding about the functions and limitations of Earth-observation satellites.

“Sometimes, there is misinformation about what the satellites should and can do.

The two that the military has and the agency’s new one are “imagers,” they say. He claimed that they don’t record videos.

Read more about Gen Z in Nigeria who supports coups as security experts:

The current satellites in Nigeria are in orbit and only return after a few days, according to the NASRDA DG.

They “travel the globe,” they say. He said that for instance, it takes three days for NigeriaSat-1 and NigeriaSat-2 to return home.

We must launch numerous satellites into orbit if we want to get coverage everywhere. Another should be arriving as one is going, he continued.

However, Adepoju revealed Bola Tinubu’s approval of four additional satellites.

Depending on the orbital slot, this constellation will cut the time gap by four to six hours.

“But we intend to add more satellites to increase our ability to reach near-real-time.” The NASRDA DG stated that there isn’t yet real-time coverage.

Adepoju confirmed that Nigeria currently only has two active satellites when questioned how many.

One was designated for earth observation, according to the NASRDA DG, and the other for communication.

Accessing Advanced U.S. ‘S Systems ‘

Adepoju claimed the organization had partnered with a major US satellite operator when asked whether Nigeria had any alternative surveillance options.

We reached out to technical partners in America because of the issue we face. He claimed it took 18 months to obtain the necessary security clearance.

Nearly 300 satellites, according to the NASRDA DG, are in operation and could provide advanced intelligence to Nigeria.

The MoU and non-disclosure agreement have been signed by us. Only funding is still available.

It offers signal analytics a robust platform. Some of the actions terrorists are taking are so interesting that we can even hear them, he continued.

He also criticized state actions that make mobile networks unavailable as a security measure.

When mobile communication is interrupted by a state, it breaks my heart. The majority of these terrorists don’t use mobile devices.

The NASRDA DG explained that “they communicate through satellites, and I am aware of this fact.

Adepoju demanded a structural overhaul of security planning when asked what Nigeria must do urgently.

The national security architecture needs to be rejigged first and foremost. When national security issues are discussed, an organization like ours is required to be present.

The interpretation of the information you provide depends on who is present during crucial decisions, he continued.

Growing Uncertainty

In response to numerous abductions in northern states, the NASRDA DG’s remarks came as a result of renewed pressure on security forces.

On November 17, the government girls’ comprehensive senior secondary school, Maga, abducted 24 schoolgirls, who later were released.

However, on November 24, 11 residents of the Isapa community in Kwara were taken, including a pregnant woman.

As of November 28th, the situation in Niger State, where 12 teachers and more than 260 students were abducted by bandits, is still in imprisoned, is dire.

Olayemi Cardoso, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), stated on Friday that the country’s economy is now stronger.

He specifically noted that Nigeria and Ethiopia are a major contributors to the continent’s economic recovery, noting that the country can withstand external shocks more than ever in its history.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Approves Committee To Drive Implementation Of New Law

Additionally, Cardoso added that the financial stability of the Nigerian banking sector is anticipated to grow into 2026 as a result of the most recent stress tests conducted within the subsector.

At the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)’s 60th annual dinner in Lagos, the CBN governor made the statement during his keynote address.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to combating insecurity by urging regional and international allies to work together more closely to combat insecurity.

When a powerful delegation from the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop Leonard Kawas, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, Senator George Akume, the secretary of the Federation, delivered the assurance.

Read more: Nigeria’s Problem Did Not Begin With Tinubu’s Government – Akume.

The Bola Tinubu-led administration, according to the SGF, was working with international allies to secure the security of lives and property, as well as seek cooperation from them.

The director, information and public relations, Segun Imohiosen, cited as saying, “But the government is seriously committed to eradicating insecurity… We need support from our allies to be able to fight terrorists in the land.”

Akume applauded the administration’s decision to grant him the confidence that showed how diligently the administration worked to address insecurity and other issues facing the nation.

He continued, “The present administration has been working with traditional leaders, businessmen, the private sector, political leaders, and religious leaders to create a strong and prosperous Nigeria for all.”

A 400-level University of Port Harcourt student was hanged for the murder of his girlfriend, according to a sentence issued by the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt.

The incident took place on October 20, 2023, inside the convict’s apartment in Mgbuosimini, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, according to court records.

READ MORE: NDLEA Refuses Attack By Suspected Cultists During Drug Raid In Rivers.

Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student at the same institution, was killed, according to the prosecution, but also dismembered her body and put the parts in a wheelbarrow in an effort to dispose of them before he was apprehended.

The prosecution had established every conceivable doubt in a detailed judgment, according to Justice Chinwe Nsirirm-Nwosu, the trial judge.

The judge noted that the witness testimony and exhibits in court “left no room for contradiction,” calling Okoligwe’s actions “intentional, calculated, and chillingly coordinated.”

After the sentence was issued, Justice Nsirirm-Nwosu mandated that Okoligwe be hanged by the neck until proven dead.

The prosecution’s attorney, Charles Mbaba, applauded the verdict, claiming it represented justice for both Justina and her battling family.

He expressed confidence that the judgment would effectively deter other people.

In connection with Justina Otuene’s gruesome murder, justice has been shown to have been committed.

Desmond Okoligwe brutally murdered Justina in circumstances reminiscent of ritual intentions despite that she was the only child of her parents.

We only hope that Justina’s soul can rest peacefully now that he has been found guilty of the murder of her, he continued.

Further, the attorney continued, “I think this decision will deter youths who think shortcuts in life are the only way to become wealthy as quickly as possible.”

Members of the victim’s family both expressed relief and sorrow over the decision, while the convict’s attorney declined to comment.

Osatawaji Otuene, Justina’s brother, said the family now experiences some sense of closure after months of agony.

I really want to commend the judge for his thoroughness of judgment. Today’s court hearing was flawless, and I’m happy to see that the judgment was made.

He said, “It’s a relief that my sister didn’t just die for nothing; therefore, the judgment was given and the judgment was deserved, so it’s a relief to the family.”

In Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area (LGA), the state’s Ogun government, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), seven battery recycling facilities were shut down for lead emissions, among other risky practices. &nbsp,

According to NESREA, the factories were sealed as a result of the operators’ failure to adhere to the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024.

The organizations committed to managing ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound, and socially responsible manner, as well as to prioritize staff health and safety, including providing Personal Protective Equipment and conducting annual blood lead testing, according to a statement released on its website.

In addition to their obligations to the host community and their environmental responsibility, recyclers are required to conduct annual environmental impact audits of the surrounding communities, switch to cleaner recycling methods, and take part in pilot projects for slag reuse for brick and cement raw materials.

Ola Oresanya, the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, said the action became necessary to safeguard the public’s health.

According to Oresanya, the government takes proactive measures to lessen the impact of the emissions.

He assured the commissioner that there was no reason to be alarmed. ORESYNA directed all businesses on the state’s axis to adopt best international practices for their operations.

The state has also pushed for an immediate ban on lead-ingot export from the state.

OGUN DESPERATES THE TEMPORARY SUPPORT OF LEAD INGOT EXPORTS, SHUTS SEVEN RECYCLING PLANTS, AND SUSPENSIONS OF OTHER PLANTS

In a bid to conduct an in-depth investigation into alleged lead contamination in the Ogijo region of Sagamu, the Ogun State Government has requested an immediate, temporary suspension of lead ingot exportation. twitter.com/czoZNT1QZb

According to Oresanya, who led a team of experts from the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in the industrial town, the government will conduct a health and process audit of the industries and test for the level of lead in the air, water, and soil.

While questioning the previous test’s design, the commissioner made the promise to make the findings known to the general public.

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