2015-01-30 08:03
Addis Ababa - African leaders meet Friday for their annual summit
with conflict topping the agenda, especially Nigeria's Boko Haram
insurgents, as well as efforts to stem Ebola.
While the official
theme of the African Union meeting will be women's empowerment, leaders
from the 54-member bloc will once again be beset by a string of crises
across the continent.
Preparatory talks this week ahead of the
two-day meeting at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital have
seen promises by AU chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to drum up "collective
African efforts" to tackle the Islamists.
Late Thursday, the AU
Peace and Security Council called for regional five-nation force of
7,500 troops to deploy to stop the "horrendous" rise of the insurgents.
More than 13,000 people have been killed and more than one million made homeless by Boko Haram violence since 2009.
Leaders
are also expected to elect Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to the
organisation's one-year rotating chair, replacing Mauritania's President
Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.
Mugabe, a former liberation war hero who
aged 90 is Africa's oldest president and the third-longest serving
leader, is viewed with deep respect by many on the continent.
But
he is also subject to travel bans from both the United States and
European Union in protest at political violence and intimidation.
- Elections and Ebola -With
over a dozen elections due to take place this year across Africa, the
focus at the talks will also be on how to ensure peaceful polls.
The
Institute for Security Studies, an African think-tank, warns that "many
of these are being held in a context that increases the risk of
political violence".
Wars in South Sudan and the Central African
Republic -- both nations scheduled to hold elections -- as well as in
Libya are also due to draw debate.
South Sudan's warring parties
met Thursday in the latest push for a lasting peace deal, with six
previous ceasefire commitments never holding for more than a few days --
and sometime just hours -- on the ground.
Tens of thousands of
people have been killed in more than a year of civil war, with peace
talks led by the regional East African bloc IGAD due following the
summit.
Also topping the agenda is the question of financing
regional forces, amid broader debates on funding the AU, a thorny issue
for the bloc, once heavily bankrolled by toppled Libyan strongman Moamer
Kadhafi.
African leaders will also discuss the economic recovery
of countries affected by the Ebola virus, setting up a "solidarity fund"
and planning a proposed African Centre for Disease Control.
The
worst outbreak of the virus in history has seen nearly 9,000 deaths in a
year -- almost all of them in the three west African countries of
Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone -- and sparked a major health scare
worldwide.
Friday, 30 January 2015
Man United to fight for top four spot
2015-01-30 08:03
Manchester - Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has warned his team-mates that the hard work starts now in their bid to secure a top four finish in the Premier League.
Louis van Gaal's side hold the final Champions League berth as they prepare for Saturday's home fixture against lowly Leicester, but they are just a point ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal.
The Gunners, on a four-match winning run, face Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and Valencia knows the race is just starting to heat up.
"It's very open and quite tight in those top spots," Ecuador international Valencia said. "We're seven points behind second place and then a couple of teams are three or four points below us.
"We must fight hard in the remaining games to finish as high as possible.
"It's a long season and we've picked ourselves up of late, so we need to keep the results coming for the fans.
"We've got tough games coming up against very good teams and rivals for our position but, if we keep the concentration high, we can achieve our aim of a top-four finish."
United missed out on European football for the first time in 25 years when they finished seventh at the end of a campaign of struggle, largely overseen by previous manager David Moyes.
Despite a sluggish start to the season under van Gaal, Moyes' successor, United have put themselves in contention to end their season-long absence from continental competition with a run of one defeat in 13 matches.
Valencia believes new signings Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo have settled well in to the United set up, despite each suffering injury problems in the first half of the campaign.
"Angel, Rojo and Falcao are terrific. They've all settled quickly into the group and I think they're all really enjoying life here," Valencia said.
"We've got a top bunch of lads. We all get along really well, the atmosphere is great but it's always been great here."
United were held to a disappointing goalless draw by League Two club Cambridge United in the FA Cup fourth round last Friday and van Gaal will hope his players are more incisive against Nigel Pearson's side, who are fighting for survival in the Premier League.
Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata are expected to be recalled to the United squad after being rested for the FA Cup match, while defender Jonny Evans remains a doubt after missing the match through injury.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson admits he wants to sign further players before Monday's transfer deadline but is unsure whether they will materialise.
The bottom of the table Foxes have already signed Mark Schwarzer and Andrej Kramaric in January to aid their pursuit of Premier League survival.
"I don't know if we will see anymore," said Pearson. "Maybe, maybe not. You're not getting nothing more from me.
"I would hope if there is something done it will be done before Monday night. If you have to do it you have to do it but I don't see why deals are done so late.
"All that I think about is what we're trying to do, I'm not interested in other people. We have tried to do the business we wanted to.
"We got two done and if we can strengthen we will. But I don't know.
"It's nice to have options, we've managed to keep a relatively fit squad and hopefully that will continue. If we can add to that we will do."
Manchester - Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has warned his team-mates that the hard work starts now in their bid to secure a top four finish in the Premier League.
Louis van Gaal's side hold the final Champions League berth as they prepare for Saturday's home fixture against lowly Leicester, but they are just a point ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal.
The Gunners, on a four-match winning run, face Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and Valencia knows the race is just starting to heat up.
"It's very open and quite tight in those top spots," Ecuador international Valencia said. "We're seven points behind second place and then a couple of teams are three or four points below us.
"We must fight hard in the remaining games to finish as high as possible.
"It's a long season and we've picked ourselves up of late, so we need to keep the results coming for the fans.
"We've got tough games coming up against very good teams and rivals for our position but, if we keep the concentration high, we can achieve our aim of a top-four finish."
United missed out on European football for the first time in 25 years when they finished seventh at the end of a campaign of struggle, largely overseen by previous manager David Moyes.
Despite a sluggish start to the season under van Gaal, Moyes' successor, United have put themselves in contention to end their season-long absence from continental competition with a run of one defeat in 13 matches.
Valencia believes new signings Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao and Marcos Rojo have settled well in to the United set up, despite each suffering injury problems in the first half of the campaign.
"Angel, Rojo and Falcao are terrific. They've all settled quickly into the group and I think they're all really enjoying life here," Valencia said.
"We've got a top bunch of lads. We all get along really well, the atmosphere is great but it's always been great here."
United were held to a disappointing goalless draw by League Two club Cambridge United in the FA Cup fourth round last Friday and van Gaal will hope his players are more incisive against Nigel Pearson's side, who are fighting for survival in the Premier League.
Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata are expected to be recalled to the United squad after being rested for the FA Cup match, while defender Jonny Evans remains a doubt after missing the match through injury.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson admits he wants to sign further players before Monday's transfer deadline but is unsure whether they will materialise.
The bottom of the table Foxes have already signed Mark Schwarzer and Andrej Kramaric in January to aid their pursuit of Premier League survival.
"I don't know if we will see anymore," said Pearson. "Maybe, maybe not. You're not getting nothing more from me.
"I would hope if there is something done it will be done before Monday night. If you have to do it you have to do it but I don't see why deals are done so late.
"All that I think about is what we're trying to do, I'm not interested in other people. We have tried to do the business we wanted to.
"We got two done and if we can strengthen we will. But I don't know.
"It's nice to have options, we've managed to keep a relatively fit squad and hopefully that will continue. If we can add to that we will do."
Teen with fake gun storms Dutch TV show
2015-01-30 08:03
The Hague - A teenager armed with a fake gun disrupted Dutch television on Thursday evening when he forced his way into the building of public broadcaster NOS and demanded airtime before being overpowered by police.
The 19-year-old, speaking Dutch and carrying a black pistol which police later said was a fake, could be seen pacing next to a desk in an empty studio before being arrested, in footage later shown on NOS.
The NOS building in the central city of Hilversum was evacuated. The incident interrupted NOS's 20:00 newscast, with a message on screen telling viewers no broadcast was "available at this time".
A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said at a press conference that the man, aged 19, came from the town Pijnacker near The Hague and was in police custody.
NOS broadcast a short video of the incident after coming back on air.
Wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie, the young man could be seen speaking calmly to someone off-camera as he claimed to represent a "hackers collective".
He can be heard telling the man that he "wanted to talk about things that are of world importance".
"We were hired by intelligence services. We have heard things that call society into question," he said.
"Once my message has been sent, we'll shake hands and you'll be able to go home."
He immediately dropped his weapon and raised his arms when five armed officers stormed in to restrain him, yelling at him to drop the gun.
"I dropped it, I dropped it," he replied off-screen.
A police voice was then heard saying: "The situation is under control."
Claimed hacker link
Speaking live on NOS, general director Jan de Jong said that "thank God" nobody had been injured.
Police combed the building, which was declared safe shortly after 22:00.
The man had also given a threatening letter to staff, which NOS posted on its website. The note said he was "heavily armed" and not working alone.
"There are five plus 98 hackers ready for a cyber-attack," it read, also warning of "eight heavy explosives placed in the country that contain radioactive material" and would be set off if he was prevented from making a live televised announcement.
Hilversum mayor Pieter Broertjes said extra measures had been taken to protect media workers since two gunmen killed 12 people at the Paris offices of French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo earlier this month.
Despite the increased security, the man still managed to force his way into the NOS studios, allegedly after threatening a security guard with the fake gun.
"We know that since the Paris attacks the press itself has been the focus of attention. You never know when it can happen," Broertjes said at a press conference.
Johan Bac, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, said police and prosecutors had launched an investigation into the incident.
Police were considering charges of hostage-taking and illegal possession of a gun.
Dutch Justice and safety minister Ivo Opstelten said from initial information it seemed the man was acting on his own.
Meanwhile, local reports suggesting he had recently lost his parents had been proved incorrect, the NOS reported.
The man, identified only as "Tarik", has an Egyptian father and Dutch mother.
He is a student at the Delft Technical University outside south of The Hague and was described by one man interviewed by the NOS as a "normal guy".
The worst incident to date in the sprawling media hub of Hilversum happened in May 2002 when flamboyant anti-immigration politician Pim Fortuyn was assassinated by an animal rights activist.
The murder shocked the tolerant-minded Netherlands. Volkert van der Graaf was later sentenced to 18 years in jail for Fortuyn's murder. He was released in May 2014 after serving 12 years.
The Hague - A teenager armed with a fake gun disrupted Dutch television on Thursday evening when he forced his way into the building of public broadcaster NOS and demanded airtime before being overpowered by police.
The 19-year-old, speaking Dutch and carrying a black pistol which police later said was a fake, could be seen pacing next to a desk in an empty studio before being arrested, in footage later shown on NOS.
The NOS building in the central city of Hilversum was evacuated. The incident interrupted NOS's 20:00 newscast, with a message on screen telling viewers no broadcast was "available at this time".
A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said at a press conference that the man, aged 19, came from the town Pijnacker near The Hague and was in police custody.
NOS broadcast a short video of the incident after coming back on air.
Wearing a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie, the young man could be seen speaking calmly to someone off-camera as he claimed to represent a "hackers collective".
He can be heard telling the man that he "wanted to talk about things that are of world importance".
"We were hired by intelligence services. We have heard things that call society into question," he said.
"Once my message has been sent, we'll shake hands and you'll be able to go home."
He immediately dropped his weapon and raised his arms when five armed officers stormed in to restrain him, yelling at him to drop the gun.
"I dropped it, I dropped it," he replied off-screen.
A police voice was then heard saying: "The situation is under control."
Claimed hacker link
Speaking live on NOS, general director Jan de Jong said that "thank God" nobody had been injured.
Police combed the building, which was declared safe shortly after 22:00.
The man had also given a threatening letter to staff, which NOS posted on its website. The note said he was "heavily armed" and not working alone.
"There are five plus 98 hackers ready for a cyber-attack," it read, also warning of "eight heavy explosives placed in the country that contain radioactive material" and would be set off if he was prevented from making a live televised announcement.
Hilversum mayor Pieter Broertjes said extra measures had been taken to protect media workers since two gunmen killed 12 people at the Paris offices of French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo earlier this month.
Despite the increased security, the man still managed to force his way into the NOS studios, allegedly after threatening a security guard with the fake gun.
"We know that since the Paris attacks the press itself has been the focus of attention. You never know when it can happen," Broertjes said at a press conference.
Johan Bac, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, said police and prosecutors had launched an investigation into the incident.
Police were considering charges of hostage-taking and illegal possession of a gun.
Dutch Justice and safety minister Ivo Opstelten said from initial information it seemed the man was acting on his own.
Meanwhile, local reports suggesting he had recently lost his parents had been proved incorrect, the NOS reported.
The man, identified only as "Tarik", has an Egyptian father and Dutch mother.
He is a student at the Delft Technical University outside south of The Hague and was described by one man interviewed by the NOS as a "normal guy".
The worst incident to date in the sprawling media hub of Hilversum happened in May 2002 when flamboyant anti-immigration politician Pim Fortuyn was assassinated by an animal rights activist.
The murder shocked the tolerant-minded Netherlands. Volkert van der Graaf was later sentenced to 18 years in jail for Fortuyn's murder. He was released in May 2014 after serving 12 years.
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Traffic snarls expected for APC Lagos rally
Abuja - The Lagos State Government has announced traffic
management measures to ensure minimum disruption of traffic flow during
the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally slated
for today.
According to government officials, the early morning Friday traffic will not be affected likewise the afternoon traffic but heavy traffic was expected around Lagos especially along Funsho Williams, Eko Bridge, Ikorodu Road, the entire Surulere and the Teslim Balogun Stadium Area.
Priority will be given to pedestrians and mass transit vehicles conveying people to the rally.
Vehicular traffic (non-rally related) would be diverted from Funsho Williams at Ojuelegba towards Itire to link Ogunlana Drive to connect Eko Bridge via Bode Thomas, Eric Moore and Adelabu as at when necessary, while from Eko Bridge, traffic would be diverted to Ojuelegba, Agege Motor Road and Ikorodu Road via Costain, Eric Moore, Bode Thomas, Adelabu and Ogunlana Drive, Itire Road, Mabo, Fashoro and Bishop Street all in Surulere or better still to use the Third Mainland Bridge, officials of the state transport ministry said.
The State Government regretted any inconveniences and directed all relevant traffic agencies to ensure free flow of traffic. It also appeals to residents to tune to Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM for traffic information every 15 minutes.
“The State Government appeals for caution and cooperation from all road users by obeying all traffic regulations and ensuring traffic flow during the campaign period.”
APC is seen offering the ruling stiff competition to the ruling People’s Democratic Party in next month’s elections.
Lagos is the former’s stronghold.
According to government officials, the early morning Friday traffic will not be affected likewise the afternoon traffic but heavy traffic was expected around Lagos especially along Funsho Williams, Eko Bridge, Ikorodu Road, the entire Surulere and the Teslim Balogun Stadium Area.
Priority will be given to pedestrians and mass transit vehicles conveying people to the rally.
Vehicular traffic (non-rally related) would be diverted from Funsho Williams at Ojuelegba towards Itire to link Ogunlana Drive to connect Eko Bridge via Bode Thomas, Eric Moore and Adelabu as at when necessary, while from Eko Bridge, traffic would be diverted to Ojuelegba, Agege Motor Road and Ikorodu Road via Costain, Eric Moore, Bode Thomas, Adelabu and Ogunlana Drive, Itire Road, Mabo, Fashoro and Bishop Street all in Surulere or better still to use the Third Mainland Bridge, officials of the state transport ministry said.
The State Government regretted any inconveniences and directed all relevant traffic agencies to ensure free flow of traffic. It also appeals to residents to tune to Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM for traffic information every 15 minutes.
“The State Government appeals for caution and cooperation from all road users by obeying all traffic regulations and ensuring traffic flow during the campaign period.”
APC is seen offering the ruling stiff competition to the ruling People’s Democratic Party in next month’s elections.
Lagos is the former’s stronghold.
- CAJ News
Shettima demands elections go on despite terrorism
Abuja - Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, has
opposed calls for the postponement of the general elections in
terror-stricken the deferment would be unconstitutional.
His area, as well as Adamawa and Yobe States, are under emergency rule owing to terror the Boko Haram sect is waging.
The governor said if the election did not hold, the present administration in the states would be given another six months “to continue in the saddle.”
“It is unfortunate that some sons and daughters of Borno are agitating for postponement of election in the state wholly for political reason,” he said.
He asked them to have a rethink as there is no constitutional provision for a military sole administrator if elections were postponed in troubled states.
“In case election is not held in Borno Governor Kashim Shettima’s government would be extended for six months,” he said.
The governor claimed that those calling for extension of election are political opponent that are aware they could not win elections.
“That is why they are calling for postponement of elections in the state.”
He said elections had been conducted in troubled countries before and Nigeria should not be an exception.
“Elections were held in Afghanistan, election were held in Somalia, elections were held in Mali, elections were held in Iraq, I see no reason elections should not hold in Borno, so elections must hold in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States,” Shettima argued.
The governor asked all Nigerian to vote for APC in other to realize the desired change for the country.
“Change is in the air. As such, all Nigerians should unite irrespective of race, region, religion and tribe to secure it as presented by APC. It is not because I am in APC, but the People’s Democratic Party has failed.”
His area, as well as Adamawa and Yobe States, are under emergency rule owing to terror the Boko Haram sect is waging.
The governor said if the election did not hold, the present administration in the states would be given another six months “to continue in the saddle.”
“It is unfortunate that some sons and daughters of Borno are agitating for postponement of election in the state wholly for political reason,” he said.
He asked them to have a rethink as there is no constitutional provision for a military sole administrator if elections were postponed in troubled states.
“In case election is not held in Borno Governor Kashim Shettima’s government would be extended for six months,” he said.
The governor claimed that those calling for extension of election are political opponent that are aware they could not win elections.
“That is why they are calling for postponement of elections in the state.”
He said elections had been conducted in troubled countries before and Nigeria should not be an exception.
“Elections were held in Afghanistan, election were held in Somalia, elections were held in Mali, elections were held in Iraq, I see no reason elections should not hold in Borno, so elections must hold in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States,” Shettima argued.
The governor asked all Nigerian to vote for APC in other to realize the desired change for the country.
“Change is in the air. As such, all Nigerians should unite irrespective of race, region, religion and tribe to secure it as presented by APC. It is not because I am in APC, but the People’s Democratic Party has failed.”
- CAJ News
PDP hits back at suggestions it is not ready for poll
Abuja - The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has denied
accusations by the main opposition party it plotted to scuttle the
holding of general elections next month.
The former said instead, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is seen as its main rival in the polls, was not ready for the election hence the unfounded claims of plots to scuttle the poll.
“These are a clear confirmation that the opposition party is not ready for the polls,” PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said.
“The APC and its Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari are now frustrated that they could not present an alternative to the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan and as such have resorted to fabrication of baseless stories in an attempt to heat-up the polity and divert attention from their failure.”
Metuh added that the ruling party has run a superior campaign with its record of achievements and roadmap for a more prosperous Nigeria.
He said the party reassured that it is ready for the elections and urged Nigerians to turn out en-masse and vote for it on February 14.
Metuh also advised the APC to concede defeat.
“Its campaigns have already exposed its emptiness and lack of integrity to Nigerians.”
APC has mainly expressed readiness to contest the polls despite some challenges around preparations for the process.
The major issue has been the failure by some potential voters to receive their permanent cards from the Independent National Electoral Commission and terror in some parts of the country displacing scores of people.
The former said instead, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is seen as its main rival in the polls, was not ready for the election hence the unfounded claims of plots to scuttle the poll.
“These are a clear confirmation that the opposition party is not ready for the polls,” PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said.
“The APC and its Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari are now frustrated that they could not present an alternative to the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan and as such have resorted to fabrication of baseless stories in an attempt to heat-up the polity and divert attention from their failure.”
Metuh added that the ruling party has run a superior campaign with its record of achievements and roadmap for a more prosperous Nigeria.
He said the party reassured that it is ready for the elections and urged Nigerians to turn out en-masse and vote for it on February 14.
Metuh also advised the APC to concede defeat.
“Its campaigns have already exposed its emptiness and lack of integrity to Nigerians.”
APC has mainly expressed readiness to contest the polls despite some challenges around preparations for the process.
The major issue has been the failure by some potential voters to receive their permanent cards from the Independent National Electoral Commission and terror in some parts of the country displacing scores of people.
- CAJ News
Thursday, 29 January 2015
Group splits over Jonathan’s endorsement
Lagos - Tuesday’s endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re- election bid by the Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, has created a crack in the group, reports Daily Independent.
A faction in the group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has disassociated itself from the endorsement.
Kunle Famoriyo, ARG’s Publicity Secretary, noted that the group was not a party to the endorsement and does not in fact think the performance of President Jonathan since May 2010 is worth the endorsement of any patriotic citizen.
He noted that the group does not dictate to the generality of the Yoruba people, rather it gives voice to their feelings and aspirations.
Read more at Daily Independent.
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