USA v North Korea? Will the US attack North Korea?

NORTH Korea has warned that it will defend itself against US aggression with a "powerful force of arms". But is there a risk that the US could attack North Korea? 

Tensions have escalated after America sent an aircraft carrier to waters off the Korean peninsula in response to several provocative missile launches by Kim Jong-un's regime.
North Korea's state-owned news agency KCNA quoted the Foreign Ministry as saying Trump’s deployment showed “reckless moves for invading” that had now “reached a serious phase”.
The statement added: "We will hold the US wholly accountable for the catastrophic consequences to be entailed by its outrageous actions.”
Although the US Navy strike group has been sent towards the Korean peninsula, Washington has previously leaned towards sanctions and pressure to deter North Korea.

The US is highly unlikely to launch an attack on North Korea because the move could possibly escalate tensions all the way to nuclear war.
But the Trump administrations is keeping all options on the table, with Donald Trump tweeting: "North Korea is looking for trouble.
"If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them!"
Neverthless America recognises that the importance of having a joint approach with China, which remains North Korea’s most important trading partner and ally in the region.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Donald Trump and Xi Jinping had “extensive discussions around the dangerous situation in North Korea” at a summit at in Florida last week.
“President Xi clearly understands, and I think agrees, that the situation has intensified and has reached a certain level of threat that action has to be taken,” he told CBS’s Face the Nation.
Mr Tillerson did not elaborate on what those actions might be but his comments suggest that the Trump administration’s position may be hardening on North Korea’s nuclear programme.

On Monday China and South Korea agreed to slap tougher sanctions on North Korea if the country carries out nuclear or long-range missile tests, according to an official in Seoul.
International tensions have been heightened after the US President ordered missile strikes on a Syrian airbase in response to a deadly chemical attack by the Assad regime in Syria.
Iran and Russia - key allies of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad - have indicated that the US strike on Friday crossed 'red lines' and they would respond to any new aggression. 

North Korea is still struggling to develop nuclear-headed airborne missiles, it is fast increasing its underwater military power.
The country possesses numerous submarines, which it has used with devastating effect in the past, with fears they are now being adapted to fire nuclear weapons.
Even more worrying is the submarines’ ability to 'disappear' and avoid detection. In 2015 around 50 went missing, setting alarm bells ringing in Seoul and Tokyo.

Former MI6 head Sir John Sawers has warned that tensions with North Korea were actually a much bigger threat to world peace than the war in Syria.
“If you are looking for a world crisis which could bring about the dangers of a clash between great powers then North Korea is a bigger concern than Syria,” he told BBC Four’s Today programme.
“I think what the Chinese are beginning to understand is that if this can’t be solved peaceably through negotiations, through pressure, then there is serious risk that the US will have only one option left, which is the military option.”
He said that the Americans have strengthened forces in the Korean Peninsula, deployed a battle group and demonstrated that the “US was willing to use force against another state to uphold international order”.
He added: “This is all part of a move, part of a calculation by the Trump administration that North Korea has to be treated very seriously, a very high priority.

“And ultimately it needs a joint US Chinese approach to deal with this if we are to avoid a further conflict on that peninsula.”

 

North Korea threatens USA with ‘miserable end’ amid fears of missile TODAY

NORTH Korea has threatened the USA with a “miserable end” amid fears Kim Jong-un’s rogue state is plotting a missile launch TODAY. 

North Korea, in a ferocious article in one of North Korea’s propaganda channels, have accused America of attempting to force a final “shown” with Kim Jong-un.
The article, published in a Pyongyang-based newspaper, described the US as “imperialists” and said they only responded to “actions, not polite words”.
The piece, entitled ‘U.S. Should be Mindful of DPRK [North Korea]’s Warming’, concluded with a horrifying warning about the country’s growing nuclear strength.
The piece said: “If the U.S. persists in its hostile policy towards the DPRK and makes a showdown with the latter to the end, while denying the strategic position of the DPRK, it will only face the final miserable endNorth Korea, in a ferocious article in one of North Korea’s propaganda channels, have accused America of attempting to force a final “shown” with Kim Jong-un.
The article, published in a Pyongyang-based newspaper, described the US as “imperialists” and said they only responded to “actions, not polite words”.
The piece, entitled ‘U.S. Should be Mindful of DPRK [North Korea]’s Warming’, concluded with a horrifying warning about the country’s growing nuclear strength.
The piece said: “If the U.S. persists in its hostile policy towards the DPRK and makes a showdown with the latter to the end, while denying the strategic position of the DPRK, it will only face the final miserable end

 

We warned Buhari not to appoint Alhassan – El-Rufai

Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State says President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Aisha Alhassan as a minister despite complaints by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress.
El-Rufai lambasted the Minister of Women Affairs for being disloyal to the President, adding that she was never a Buhari supporter but a loyalist of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
The governor said this while speaking with State House Correspondents at the Villa on Friday.
El-Rufai said Alhassan did not also vote for Buhari during the APC presidential primary.
He advised Nigerians not to be surprised or shocked at her outburst.
He, however, said her retention or otherwise as a cabinet minister should be at the discretion of the President.
Details later…

We sold body parts of ACOED students for N15m – Killers

AKURE-THREE men, who kidnapped and killed three female students of Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo State, yesterday, confessed selling their body parts for N15 million to a merchant in ljebu Igbo, Ogun State.
Meanwhile, only two decomposing corpses of two of the butchered students have so far been recovered by the Police from a forest.
Parading the suspects in Akure yesterday, the new Commissioner of Police, Gbenga Adeyanju, said the suspects-John Adenitire, alias Emir, the butcher; Fasayo Fasanu, alias Abore, and a herbalist, Alfa Abdulrafiu Tijani, who took custody of the body parts before selling them.
The leader of the gang, identified as Sile, who reportedly hunt for buyers and collect payment on behalf of the gang, had gone underground following the arrest of his gang members.
Also, 15 other suspected robbers and cult members were paraded by the Police Command.
The Police boss said the suspects chopped off the left hand and breast of each of the students, who were kidnapped after they left school on their way home.
The three students, according to him, flagged down commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, only to be kidnapped and taken to an unknown destination, where they were killed and butchered.
Initially, the girls were declared missing and after about a week a report was lodged at the Ondo Divisional Police Station and later transferred to the anti-robbery squad.
Acting on a tip-off, detectives arrested John Adenitire, the butcher, who led them to other members of the gang.
Police detectives were later led to the bush where the decomposing corpses of the three students were recovered.
Only the identities of two of the three victims were known-Blessing Oladepo and Mary Oluwasemilore.
In an interview, one of the suspects, John Adenitire, said the price attached to the sale of the human parts attracted them to the illicit business. According to him, the three hands and breasts were sold for N15 million.
He said the parts were handed over to Abdul Rafiu Tijani, the herbalist, who in turn took the package to Sile, now at large. He lamented that they were yet to collect their share of the money before they were rounded up by Police detectives.
Police Commissioner Adeyanju said it was total war on criminals and solicited the cooperation of the public by giving adequate information to the Police.

UK resident Nigerian midwife under probe over alleged false medical qualification

A renowned campaigner against female genital mutilation is under investigation after apparently exaggerating her qualifications, MailOnline has reported.
Comfort Momoh, a midwife, set up United Kingdom's first FGM clinic and was awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to women's healthcare.
She has regularly offered advice to the Crown Prosecution Service and given talks to hundreds of British schoolgirls.
But a BBC report has found that Mrs. Momoh has overstated her professional qualifications.
The 55-year-old has repeatedly described herself as 'Dr. Momoh' despite not being a qualified medical doctor.
She has an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University, but this does not give her the right to use the title 'doctor.'
Mrs. Momoh, who grew up in Nigeria, is even called a doctor on the website of Guys' and St. Thomas' NHS Trust in London where she ran the FGM clinic until recently.
The Nursing and Midwifery Council confirmed that she is under investigation but declined to comment on the details.
According to the BBC programme Newsnight, Mrs. Momoh has also examined children for FGM at least five times, despite not having the relevant qualifications. Official medical guidelines state that only a doctor with specialist training should examine child abuse victims.
In 2014, a judge described Mrs. Momoh as 'not a reliable witness' during a court case in Leeds in which a girl was alleged to have undergone FGM.
The judge said that she merited 'harsh criticism' and had 'difficulty in providing answers about even the simplest factual question.'
After examining the girl, Mrs. Momoh originally said there was evidence to suggest that the child had been subjected to 'some form of FGM.' But in oral evidence in court, she changed her findings.
Sir James Munby, president of the Family Division, described her report as 'a remarkably shoddy piece of work' and 'worse than useless.'
Judge Munby concluded there was not enough evidence to suggest that the child had undergone FGM, after Mrs. Momoh's examination was reviewed by an expert.
Mrs. Momoh was also due to be a key expert witness in a high-profile case in 2015 when a doctor was charged for the first time in the UK over FGM.
However, she was dropped before the trial for reasons which remain unclear. The accused was acquitted and so far, no one has been successfully prosecuted over FGM.
Mrs. Momoh, of Barnet, North London, has carried out a survey claiming that more than half the GPs in London have treated FGM victims in one year. But some doctors said they do not believe it is taking place on the scale that has been suggested.
Clinical Director at St. Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, Dr. Catherine White, said: “We're just not seeing the number that we would have thought we would see, given the demographics that we cover now. Perhaps newer generations, younger generations, aren't perpetuating it in the same way.
“I think if certain types of FGM were being done at the rates that we were perhaps led to expect, we would be seeing cases coming through with infection or bleeding - they would be ending up in front of healthcare professionals and then being referred to us.
“That just hasn't happened - not here in Greater Manchester anyway.”
The Nursing and Midwifery Council, which regulates midwives, said an investigation into Mrs. Momoh was opened last month. It declined to comment on the details of the case.

Suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyi Dike, who murdered eight-year-old girl rearrested 800 miles away in jos

The suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyi Dike, who murdered an eight-year-old girl, Victory Chikamso Nmezuwuba, has been rearrested.
Dike, who was rearrested in Jo’s, Plateau State capital, by security operatives on Thursday, was said to have been immediately brought to Port Harcourt.
Details later…

Man in Police net for allegedly strangulating to death wife

Yenagoa – Mr Stephen Akpata. a Nigerian who used to live in Australia has been arrested by the police for allegedly strangling his new wife Onyinye Eze, Bayelsa Commissioner of Police Mr Asuquo Amba has said.
Vanguard gathered that the 33 year-old victim was an employee of Globacom Nigeria Limited.
Delta state born Akpata, popularly called Bishop, who claimed in a statement that he was 40 years old, allegedly on August 16, 2017 killed the woman in her Yenagoa residence. Police doubted Akpata's age as he also claimed that he had spent 27 years in Australia, meaning that he went there when he was 13 years-old.
The Police Commissioner said Akpata murdered his wife by strangling her with the cable of an electric iron. He then also stabbed her with a knife.
The Police Chief said the incident became known when one of Onyinye's colleagues, Moses Awo, reported at Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa that Onyinye did not report for work as expected.
According to Amba, Awo had reportedly told the police that when he and another colleague went to Onyinye's residence in Kpansia area of Yenagoa, they discovered that the apartment was locked. They also found that the television set in her room was working.
Some Policemen from Ekeki Police Division in Yenagoa went to the deceased's apartment and forced her door open. They found Onyinye dead in a pool of her blood.
According to Bayelsa Police Commissioner Akpata was the prime suspect in the murder.
He was arrested by police in Badagry, Lagos State, after about two weeks on his trail.
Parading the suspect on Thursday at the state command's headquarters, Amba, said that his operatives discovered that the deceased room was scattered.
Amba said the exhibits recovered at the scene of crime were a knicker; a pair of canvas shoes, one damaged electric iron, one jean jacket, one pen knife, one pink singlet, a Nokia mobile phone and a damaged wristwatch.
He said the exhibits were stained with blood.
The Police chief said the body of the victim was removed and deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for autopsy.
Narrating how the suspect was arrested, Amba said that discreet investigations revealed that the suspect absconded to Ghana after allegedly committing the murder in Yenagoa.
The commissioner, who said the suspect returned to Badagry, Lagos a few days after, added that Akpata was tracked and arrested in Badagry on September 1 and brought to Bayelsa the same day.
"When our operatives went into the apartment of the deceased, we meticulously searched the environment and we saw a three-quarter knicker that was well hidden, tucked somewhere in the room that one would not suspect that something was hidden there.
"We discovered there was a blood stain on the knicker. By this time, we tried to find out who was with the lady because we knew that they had just contracted a registry marriage.
"We got in touch with Akpata who is the purported husband. He gave us the impression that he was out of town, implying that he travelled out of town before the incident.
"So, we were still communicating with him, at least to break the news to him that his purported wife was dead. He told us he was on his way back and this took us some days.
"As we were communicating with him, he was just giving us the impression that he was coming back, not knowing that he was plotting his own escape.
"We found out that prior to that time of her murder, the suspect had spent so much money on the lady and they were moving from one hotel to another.
"Still, we were playing along with him to enable him to come to us. But since he said he was in Lagos, we suspected that Ghana or Republic of Benin would be a likely point of escape.
"We got in touch with the embassies there and the Ghanaian Embassy was on the alert. From our radar, we found out that he slept in Ghana.
"He escaped back to Badagry in Lagos. He did not know we were still following him up. We got in touch with the police in Badagry. Eventually he was arrested at the Badagry border. So, we brought him back." Amba said.
Amba added that the police command got vital information on him, particularly on his Facebook page where they saw many pictures of him with his murdered wife during their court marriage.
He assured that the suspect would be charged to court while the case would be diligently prosecuted as soon as investigations were concluded. (NAN)

ASUU Strike: Lecturers reach agreement with Nigerian govt

The striking university lecturers, ASUU, have agreed to consider the federal government’s offer and suspend their strike.
The agreement comes after 12 hours, 30 minutes of a closed door meeting between ASUU and a government delegation in Abuja.
The leadership of ASUU, however, said though it accepted the proposal presented by the government, it will take the proposal to its members and get back to the government in a week.
Biodun Ogunyemi, the national president of ASUU, told journalists after the meeting that the union will come back after one week to take its final decisions.
“Now we have some concrete proposal that we will take back to our members for consideration,” he said.
On his part, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said ASUU’s demands have been addressed and the union will get back to the government in a week after consulting with its principals.
The meeting started 1:38pm on Thursday and ended 2:15 a.m. on Friday.

LASU sacks 17 staff, demotes two others

The Lagos State University has dismissed 15 academic Staff and two non-academic staff for different acts of misconduct.


The school’s governing council also demoted one academic staff and one non-academic staff.

A statement on Friday by LASU’s Acting Head, Centre for Information Press and Public Relations, Ademola Adekoya, said the decision was taken at the governing council’s meeting on Thursday 7 September 2017.

It said the decision was in line with Section 6(1) and (2) of the Lagos State University Law 2004 (as amended), the Council of the Lagos State University as the governing authority of the University, and exercises general oversight over the Institution and its affairs.

The statement said, “Dr. Isaac Akinloye, OYEWUNMI, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, Faculty of Education was established to have demanded the sum of N50, 000 (Fifty Thousand Naira only) from 2003 modular year students of Political Science Education on the sandwich Programme to process their results. He was found culpable of attempt to obtain money for himself as an inducement to carry out his duties, and consequently DISMISSED from the service of the University.

“Dr. Adebowale ADEYEMI-SUENU, Senior Lecturer and Acting Head, Department of History and International studies, Faculty of Arts was established to have unilaterally altered the results of 12 (Twelve) students already advised to withdraw by Senate in the Department of History and International Studies in the 2015/2016 academic session, thereby changing their status from “withdrawn” to “good standing”. He also changed the results of some final year students and stragglers outside the scope of the Departmental decision. Dr. ADEYEMI-SUENU also awarded grade point of 2.0 to two (2) students in an examination from which they were absent. This is tantamount to manipulation of Students results in contravention of provisions of the Conditions and Scheme of Service for Senior Staff. He was therefore DISMISSED from the service of the University.

“Mr Olatoye Mubin RAJI, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Religions, (Islamic Studies Unit), Faculty of Arts, was established to have falsified his November /December 2000 WAEC O’Level certificate. He was therefore DISMISSED from the services of University.

“Dr. Olugbenro Bankole ODOFIN, Senior Lecturer, Department of Education Foundation and Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education was established to have altered One Hundred and Eighteen (118) students results and also awarded scores to students who did not sit for the examination in a certain course. He was therefore DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Dr. Adebowale Adebayo ADEMESO, Senior Lecturer, Department of Theatre Arts and Music, Faculty of Arts, was established to have altered grades in sixteen (16) courses. He was therefore DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Dr. John Olufemi ADEOGUN, Associate Professor, Department of Human Kinetics, Sports and Health Education, Faculty of Education was found culpable of acts of dishonesty which is tantamount to misconduct. He was therefore DEMOTED from the rank of Associate Professor to Senior Lecturer.

“Dr. Scholastica Ebarefimia UDEGBE, Lecturer 1 Department of Marketing, Faculty of Management Sciences was established to have effected corrections on One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-five (1995) results of students during her tenure as Acting Head, Department of Marketing between August 2012 and July 2016, in breach of laid down procedure for effecting correction on students results. In the circumstance, she was DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Dr. Olufemi Olugbenga SOYEJU, Lecturer ll in the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, Faculty of Law was established to have defaulted on conditions of his Training Leave bond, and also abandoned his duty post. Consequently, he is to refund the sum of #7,919,972. 84 (Seven Million Nine Hundred and Nineteen Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy Two Naira Eighty Four kobo) within 30 (Thirty) days of this decision of the Council. He was also DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Dr. OLAWALE Ganiyu RAIMI, Senior Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science was established to have defaulted on conditions of his Training Leave bond, and also abandoned his duty post. Consequently, he is to refund the sum of #1,622,727.94 (One Million Six hundred and Twenty Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty Seven Naira Ninety Four kobo only) within 30 (Thirty) days of the decision of the Council. He was also DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Mr Ademola Olusola ADESINA, Lecturer ll, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, was established to have defaulted on conditions of his Training Leave bond, and also abandoned his duty post. Consequently, he is to refund the sum of #6,688,204.74 (Six Million Six Hundred and Eighty Eight Thousand Two Hundred and Four Naira Seventy Four kobo only) within 30 days (Thirty) days of the decision of Council. He was also DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Dr. Shamisudeen Olusesan BADMUS, Lecturer ll, Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, was established to have defaulted on conditions of his Training Leave bond, and also abandoned his duty post. Consequently, he is to refund the sum of #11,124,991. 40 (Eleven Million One Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety One Naira Forty kobo only) within 30 days (Thirty) days of the decision of Council. He was also DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Dr. Christiana Ibidun OBAGBUWA, Lecturer ll, Department of Computer Science, , Faculty of Science, was established to have defaulted on conditions of her Training Leave bond, and also
abandoned her duty post. Consequently, she is to refund the sum of #8,663,869.04 (Eight Million Six Hundred and Sixty Three Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira Four kobo only) within 30 days (Thirty) days of the decision of Council. She was also DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Dr. Emmanuel Sesofia ASAPO, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, was established to have defaulted on conditions of his Training Leave bond, and also abandoned his duty post. Consequently, he is to refund the sum of #2,610,269.57 ( Two Million Six Hundred and Ten Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira Fifty Seven kobo only) within 30 days (Thirty) days of the decision of Council. He was also DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Mr Lateef Babatunde SALAMI, Lecturer ll, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, was established to have defaulted on conditions of his Training Leave bond, and also abandoned his duty post. Consequently, he was also DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Olubukola Adetoun OYENIYA, Assistant Research Fellow, Center for Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development, was established to have defaulted on conditions of her Training Leave bond, and also abandoned her duty post. Consequently, she is to refund the sum of #6,180,233.04 (Six Million One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty Three Naira Four kobo only) within 30 (Thirty) days from the date of the decision of Council. She was also DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Dr. Fatimat Oluwatoyin BAKARE, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering was established to have defaulted on conditions of her Training Leave bond, and also abandoned her duty post. Consequently, she is to refund the sum of #9,125,341.29 (Nine Million One Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Three Hundred and Forty One Naira Twenty Nine kobo only) within 30 (Thirty) days of the decision of Council. Council also DISMISSED her from the services of the University.

“Mr Ernest ODILI, Assistant Security Officer was established to have illegally collected the sum of #120,000 (One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira only) with the intention of upgrading the result of a part time B.Sc Computer Science student in 2012. He was accordingly DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Mr Ramon Ajose ALLI (former Head Machine Operator) was established to have collected the sum of #20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira only) from Achilike Kingsley to assist the latter substitute the falsified result in his personal file with another result. He was therefore DISMISSED from the services of the University.

“Mr Emmanuel Baoku BABATUNDE, Senior Security officer, was established to have been engaged in deliberate sabotage of the University security operations. Consequently, he is to be DEMOTED with effect from 13th February, 2015 to the next applicable level below his substantive post.”

According to the statement, the Joint Council /Senate (Academic) Disciplinary Committee and the Joint Council (Administrative and Technical Staff) Disciplinary Committee which heard the cases strictly followed all laid down procedures, and duly gave opportunity to the individuals involved to defend themselves.

Why I conceded 2015 presidential election to Buhari – Goodluck Jonathan

Immediate past President, Goodluck Jonathan, has disclosed what influenced his decision to concede the 2015 Presidential election to his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

Jonathan said his decision to concede defeat to Buhari was informed by the fact that he was “inspired to lead by his conscience.”

He made this disclosure at the World Peace Summit currently holding in Malaysia.

Delivering a paper titled, “Conscience Based Leadership: The Secret to Global Peace and Security,” Jonathan recalled how he once declared that his “political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigeria.”

Shortly before the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announced the results of the 2015 presidential election in 2015, Jonathan had put a call across to his successor, congratulating him for the victory and conceding defeat in the process.

Jonathan said, “Since you specifically invited me to share my experience as a political leader and President, with the forum, I will, therefore, like to mention some of the things I did in office, to build a peaceful society.

“I can confidently say that in all my public life, I was inspired to lead by conscience. This is in agreement with my personal philosophy which I first proclaimed while running for the office of the Governor of my home state Bayelsa in 2006, and re-echoed when I ran for the office of the President of Nigeria in 2011 and 2015.

“Then, I made it clear that my political ambition is not worth the blood of anybody. Ever since I said that in November of 2006 in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, I have always lived by it. This philosophy informed my 12 decision to concede the 2015 Presidential election, even while the results were still being collated.”

Nigerian Army to begin exercise Python Dance II in South East

The Nigerian Army, Friday, said it would commence its second phase of Exercise PYTHON DANCE, tagged Python Dance II, otherwise known as EGWU EKE II, in the South Eastern part of Nigeria, comprising states such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, from Friday 15 September to Saturday 14 October 2017.

It said the Exercise Python Dance II “is conceptualised to transit into real time operations…against violent criminals and agitators when called upon.”

A statement signed on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, by the Army Chief of Training and Operations, said the conduct of the exercise Python Dance II in the South East states has become even more expedient due to the “mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and   violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the South Eastern part of the country.”

It said, during the exercise, emphasis will be placed on raids, cordon and search operations, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

It also said that the “Operation EGWU EKE II is set to be another epoch making exercise that would make the nation proud of the Nigerian Army’s determination at sustaining its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the nation as well as its commitment to aid the civil authority to bring about peace and security in the south eastern part of our dear country.”

It said, “In this regard, members of the public especially the residents of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States are enjoined not to panic as their safety and well-being is guaranteed at all times. The general public is requested to remain vigilant and be security conscious, as suspected criminals may be fleeing from military operations in these areas and finding safe haven amidst our communities.

“The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activity or movement to the nearest military formation or other security agencies for prompt action. In order to ensure cordial civil-military relations, we shall make contact phone numbers of all Brigade Commanders public in addition to the Nigerian Army short code Information and Call Centre 193.”

 

Donald Trump’s draft letter lays out a different rationale for firing FBI Director James Comey

THE man leading the probe into Donald Trump’s alleged links with Russia has obtained a draft letter that could change everything.

Special counsel Robert Mueller’s team of investigators is in possession of a letter drafted by President Donald Trump and an aide, but never sent, that lays out a rationale for firing FBI Director James Comey, according to a person familiar with the investigation.
The letter was written in the days before the May 9 firing of Comey, but was held after objections from the president’s lawyer and others, according to two other people familiar with the process who were not authorised to discuss it publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
On that day, the White House released a different letter announcing Comey’s firing, one signed by Deputy Attorney-General Attorney Rod Rosenstein that cited the handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation as a basis for Comey’s dismissal.

 

 A copy of the termination letter to FBI Director James Comey from US President Donald Trump is seen at the White House on May 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. Picture: AFP

Trump had been fuming about Comey for weeks, upset that he would not say publicly that the president was not under investigation, which Trump said Comey had assured him privately.
That was in the earlier letter and was part of the president’s rationale for firing Comey. It was later excised — only to be partially restored in the final letter at Trump’s behest.
The earlier letter could serve as key evidence to Mueller’s team, which is now investigating whether Trump fired Comey to impede the FBI investigation into his campaign associates’ ties to Russia.
The White House has said Trump was acting on the Justice Department’s recommendation when he fired Comey, though the president said in a television interview days later that he was thinking of “the Russia thing” when he made the move and had planned to fire “regardless of recommendation.”

US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC. Picture: AFPSource:AFP

Trump had been fuming about Comey for weeks, upset that he would not say publicly that the president was not under investigation, which Trump said Comey had assured him privately.
That was in the earlier letter and was part of the president’s rationale for firing Comey. It was later excised — only to be partially restored in the final letter at Trump’s behest.
The earlier letter could serve as key evidence to Mueller’s team, which is now investigating whether Trump fired Comey to impede the FBI investigation into his campaign associates’ ties to Russia.
The White House has said Trump was acting on the Justice Department’s recommendation when he fired Comey, though the president said in a television interview days later that he was thinking of “the Russia thing” when he made the move and had planned to fire “regardless of recommendation.”
The new letter, which was first reported by The New York Times, could provide additional context on Trump’s thinking and motive as he prepared to oust Comey. The Justice Department turned the letter over to Mueller’s team, according to a person who was not authorised to publicly discuss the situation and spoke on condition of anonymity. A statement from the Justice Department said the department had been fully cooperative with Mueller’s investigation and would continue to do so.
One week after Comey was fired, Rosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel to oversee an investigation into potential co-ordination between the Trump campaign and Russia. That investigation, which had been overseen by Comey, is also looking into the financial dealings of several Trump associates. During a May weekend at the president’s New Jersey golf club, Trump asked White House aide Stephen Miller to draft a letter outlining a case for Comey’s firing, according to two people familiar with the situation.
But the letter, which contained a rationale for the dismissal, was not sent after White House counsel Don McGahn objected, thinking some of its contents were problematic, according to one of the people familiar with the letter.

 

Jonathan’s ex-Minister, Oduah denies buying $1.2m house in England

Senator representing Anambra North, Stella Oduah has debunked report that she bought a $1.2m house in England while she was a Minister.

Uduah is alleged to have procured the property using someone else’s name.

But speaking in Abuja, on Thursday, Oduah said, “Of course, the allegation is not true, it cannot be true.”

She said, “It is unfortunate that we have a country where journalists will copy a story without verifying the authenticity of that story.

“When you read my statement on it later, then it will be for you to make up your mind. But, categorically it is untrue and it is unfair.”

Oduah recalled how she was once accused of purchasing two BMW cars when she was a Minister.

She said, “In fact, bullet proof cars were never a transaction that was not approved.

“They were two vehicles that were on higher purchase by the agency and the ministry directed that because of the need as proposed by the agency, they should go ahead and do the higher purchase.

“Suddenly, for the online medium, higher purchase turned into procurement; I don’t know if there is a similarity between higher purchase and procurement.

“So, I now realise and sympathise with anybody that works or tries to work for the government, because you will have the likes of Sahara Reporters thrive on making your life difficult.

“I rise above that at all times because I know that what they say is never the truth, particularly in my case, it is not true.

“It cannot be true; why will I purchase vehicles on higher purchase and then it is on the ministry’s and agency’s name, why?

“That same vehicle, I never drove it for one day and when I was leaving the ministry, I didn’t take it along with me?

“The question should be `where are those bullet proof cars today?”

CHINA’S XI ASKS MACRON FOR HELP

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on France to help ease the situation in North Korea during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, state media said, days after Pyongyang’s largest ever nuclear test.
The conversation came one day after statements from China supporting stronger sanctions against Pyongyang and “necessary measures” at the UN Security Council, where China and France both hold vetoed.
“China hopes that France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will play a constructive role in easing the situation and restarting dialogue” on North Korea, Mr Xi said, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
North Korea triggered global alarm on Sunday with its most powerful nuclear blast to date, claiming to have successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.
During the call, the Chinese leader expressed his desire for the “denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula,” which he had also noted during a conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel hours earlier.
Mr Macron told Mr Xi that France is willing to strengthen co-operation with China to promote the proper settlement of the nuclear issue.
Mr Macron “reiterated the international community’s condemnation of North Korea’s provocations,” the French president’s office told AFP.
“These provocations call on the international community to place new pressure towards the goal of bringing Pyongyang back to negotiations and avoiding dangerous escalations,” it said.
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said: “China agrees that the UN Security Council should respond further by taking necessary measures.” Earlier, Ms Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert said the German leader and Mr Xi both agreed to support tougher sanctions against North Korea.
China, which is the North’s biggest ally and accounts for 90 per cent of its trade, is seen as key to efforts to convince Pyongyang to abandon its weapons program.
Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States are the other veto-wielding permanent members of the security council.
Mr Xi also spoke to Mr Trump over the phone on Wednesday, telling his American counterpart that China remains firm in its wish to resolve the situation through talks leading to a peaceful settlement.
The US has accused North Korea of “begging for war” and pushed for the “strongest possible measures” against Pyongyang.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who held talks with Mr Xi in eastern China during the BRICS summit earlier this week, has repeatedly insisted that further economic pressure on Pyongyang will not work.

TRUMP SAYS MILITARY ACTION AN OPTION

In Washington, President Donald Trump reiterated that military action is “certainly” an option against North Korea, as his administration tentatively concurred with the pariah nation’s claim to have tested a hydrogen bomb.
A senior administration official said the US was still assessing last weekend’s underground explosion but so far noted nothing inconsistent with Pyongyang’s claim.
“Military action would certainly be an option,” Mr Trump told a White House news conference. “I would prefer not going the route of the military, but it’s something certainly that could happen.”
Pressed on whether he could accept a scenario in which the isolated nation had nukes but was “contained and deterred,” Mr Trump demurred.
“I don’t put my negotiations on the table, unlike past administrations. I don’t talk about them. But I can tell you North Korea is behaving badly and it’s got to stop,” he said.
North Korea broke from its pattern of lofted launches last month when it fired a powerful new intermediate range missile, the Hwasong-12, over northern Japan.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un then called the launch a “meaningful prelude” to containing the US Pacific island territory of Guam and called for his military to conduct more ballistic missile launches targeting the Pacific Ocean.
Meanwhile, Sweden urged its citizens to refrain from unnecessary trips to North Korea.
The announcement by the Swedish Foreign Affairs Ministry came hours after Mexico’s government said it declared North Korean Ambassador Kim Hyong Gil as persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 72 hours in response to Sunday’s nuke test.
The United States has already banned Americans from travelling to North Korea following the death of Otto Warmbier, a 22-year-old college student from Ohio who was released from North Korea in June in a coma after being detained there for more than a year.
Sweden has had diplomatic relations with North Korea since 1973.
The Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang also provides consular services for the United States, Australia and Canada.

RUSSIA SAYS TOO EARLY TO HAVE VOTE ON SANCTIONS

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said it was too early to talk about a vote at the UN Security Council on new North Korea sanctions, insisting any pressure should be balanced against restarting talks.
“Work is currently going on over a new resolution in the Security Council and it is still early to make predictions about its final form,” Mr Lavrov said at a news conference with French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian.
“Along with pressure on the North Korean regime to induce it to abandon provocations in the implementation of its nuclear and missile programmes, it is necessary to emphasize and increase the priority of efforts to resume the political process,” Mr Lavrov said.
The United States has presented a draft UN resolution calling for an oil embargo on North Korea, an assets freeze on leader Kim Jong-Un, a ban on textiles and an end to payments of North Korean guest workers.

SOUTH KOREA is bracing for another possible missile test by Kim Jong-un, but one event could take his hand off the launch button.

SOUTH KOREA is bracing for another possible missile test by Kim Jong-un, but one event could take his hand off the launch button.

SOUTH KOREA is closely watching North Korea over the possibility it may launch another intercontinental ballistic missile as soon as Saturday when it celebrates its founding anniversary.

Seoul’s Unification Ministry spokeswoman Eugene Lee said on Friday that Pyongyang could potentially conduct its next ICBM tests this weekend or around October 10, another North Korean holiday marking the founding of its ruling party.
However solar storms may disrupt any plans to test missiles.
Eruptions of mass and energy from the sun pose a threat to electronics meaning missiles could lose data or ancillary equipment.
Lance Gatling, an aerospace consultant with Nexial Research in Tokyo, told Bloomberg that this may be enough to stop Kim Jong-un unleashing another intercontinental ballistic missile.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s space weather prediction center, the current solar storm is a G4 level, which is considered severe.
It could affect power systems, spacecraft operations and other systems. It ccould cause Auroras to appear in the sky.
NASA has revealed a ‘mid-level solar flare’ peaked at 3.49am EDT today.
“This is the sixth sizable flare from the same active region since September 4,” NASA said.
The NOAA’s space weather prediction center states: “G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm levels were observed at 2350 UTC (19:50 Eastern) on 07 September, again at 0151 UTC (21:51 Eastern) on 08 September and 1304 UTC (09:04 Eastern) due to effects from a coronal mass ejection.
“A G3 (Strong) or greater warning continues to be in effect until 1500 UTC (11:00 Eastern) on 08 September.”
But Gatling said that the US and Japan may wish to see a missile fired in order to test their tracking equipment in a solar storm.
North Korea has previously marked key dates with displays of military power, but now its tests appear to be driven by the need to improve missile capabilities.
The North is just coming off its sixth and the most powerful nuclear test to date in what it claimed was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for its ICBMs.

The country tested its developmental Hwasong-14 ICBMs twice in July and analysts say the flight data from the launches indicate the missiles could cover a broad swath of the continental United States, including major cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago, when perfected.
North Korea fired the ICBMs at highly lofted angles in July to reduce ranges and avoid other countries. But South Korean officials say the next launches could be conducted at angles close to operational as the North would seek to test whether the warheads survive the harsh conditions of atmospheric re-entry and detonate properly.
MISSILE DEFENCE LAUNCHERS ADDED
South Korean President Moon Jae-in says more launchers were added to a contentious high-tech missile defense system because his country faces an unprecedented security threat from North Korea.
Moon also expressed regret over clashes between protesters and police that left dozens injured Thursday when the U.S. military added the four launchers to the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense System in rural Seongju.
A THAAD battery normally consists of six launchers that can fire up to 48 interceptor missiles, but only two launchers been operational at the site, on a former golf course.
Local residents worry about rumored health hazards related to the system’s high- powered radars and the possibility of being targeted in North Korean attacks.
The U.S. began installing the THAAD system under South Korea’s previous government. Moon temporarily halted the installation after taking office to conduct more environmental reviews and ease residents’ concerns. Since then, North Korea has launched two intercontinental ballistic missiles and conducted its sixth nuclear test. Moon said in a statement Friday that those created an unprecedented security threat for South Korea.

Nigerian Air Force Military & Secondary Schools’ Shortlisted Candidates for Admission Interview 2017/18

12 July 2017

Nigerian Air Force List of Shortlisted Candidates For Military Secondary Schools Admission Interview 2017/2018 Released.

The Nigerian Air Force wishes to inform the general public and especially applicants that the results of Entrance Examination into Air Force Military School, Jos and other Air Force Secondary Schools for 2017/2018 Academic Session have been released.

The NAF presently have a total of 12 secondary schools plus the famous Air Force Military School, Jos.

Nigerian Air Force List Of Shortlisted Candidates:

Candidates are to download the Screening results in pdf format from the link below;

• AFMS RESULTS 2017

1. AFSS SHASHA
2. AFSS PORT-HARCOURT
3. AFSS MAKURDI
4. AFSS IKJ
5. AFGCS JOS
6. AFGCS ABUJA
7. AFCS YOLA
8. AFCS UYO
9. AFCS KANO
10. AFCS KADUNA
11. AFCS IBADAN
12. AFCS ENUGU

Niger Delta militants suspend planned bombings, withdraw quit notice to northerners,Yoruba

Militant groups under the aegis of Niger Delta Agitators have withdrawn the quit notice issued to the Yoruba and Northern indigenes resident in the region.

The agitators also declared their support for the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), whose leadership they had previously disowned, to lead the Niger Delta region in the ongoing negotiations with the federal government.

They also announced the suspension of the planned attacks on oil and gas installations in the region and set aside their intention to declare the Republic of Niger Delta on October 1.

In a statement issued by the agitators Thursday, the coalition led by ‘General’ John Duku said that the withdrawal of the quit notice, among other threats, was a sequel to the intervention of PANDEF and Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF), led by its acting National Chairman, Mr. Imoh Okoko.

The statement said: “After a series of meetings yesterday (Wednesday) between the high command of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators led by General John Duku and the leadership of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF) led by the Acting National Chairman, Comrade Imoh Okoko, coupled with the intervention of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators, which comprises over 250 groups with their leaders and representatives present at yesterday’s meeting, officially withdraw our quit notice issued to the Northerners and Yorubas living in Niger Delta region; call off planned resumption of attacks on oil and gas installations across the Niger Delta region and beyond from September 10, 2017; suspend the October 1, 2017 declaration of the Niger Delta Republic; declare support for the Pan Niger Delta Forum.

“We have also resolved to work with PANDEF and give it our maximum support and we urge the federal government to continue dialogue and implement the 16-point demand presented by PANDEF on behalf of the Niger Delta region.

“This comes after extensive consultations across the Niger Delta region, which we discovered that it is only PANDEF that has been working round the clock to resolve the Niger Delta issues and has people of proven integrity.

“It is a clear fact that working with any rival group such as the Pan Niger Delta Congress (PNDC) is not in the interest of the Niger Delta.

“The meeting also resolved that the oil and gas companies should relocate their headquarters to Niger Delta region. We also resolved to put on hold the issue of the return of oil blocks owned by Northerners and the Yoruba to the Niger Delta people and demand that the NNPC should revisit their recent appointments, and urge the federal government to replace the GMD of NNPC with an indigene of the Niger Delta in the interest of peace, equity, fairness and justice.

“We also thank the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum and the Pan Niger Delta Forum for the major roles they played during the series of meetings which resulted in our withdrawal of the quit notice and we therefore agree that from now on the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum should be our representatives, mediators and contact point.

“We mandate them to liaise with the oil, gas, marine and service companies operating in Niger Delta region. We also use this medium to declare total support for the current board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and we warn all groups calling for the removal of the MD, Mr. Nsima Ekere, to desist from it as such a plan is evil and detrimental to the development of the Niger Delta region.

“We therefore appeal to the federal government to release funds owed the NDDC for the development and sustenance of peace in the Niger Delta region. The NDDC has a major role to play in sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.

“Finally, we call on all our partners, groups within and outside the Niger Delta region, as well as all the agitating groups in the Niger Delta region to support PANDEF and give them all the needed support to enable them continue to dialogue with the federal government, in order to move the Niger Delta forward.

“Meanwhile, we wish to appeal to the Pan Niger Delta Congress to work with PANDEF for the interest of the Niger Delta region, and we want to assure all the indigenes of Niger Delta and the general public that while we await the outcome of the dialogue between PANDEF and the Nigerian government, we shall not fail to respond to any issue that may threaten the collective well-being of the Niger Delta people.”

Those who signed the statement were General John Duku (Niger Delta Watchdogs and Convener, Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators); General Ekpo Ekpo (Niger Delta Volunteers); General Osarolor Nedam (Niger Delta Warriors); Major-Gen. Henry Okon Etete (Niger Delta Peoples Fighters); Major-Gen. Asukwo Henshaw (Bakassi Freedom Fighters); and Major-Gen. Ibinabo Horsfall (Niger Delta Movement for Justice).

Others included Major-Gen. Duke Emmanson (Niger Delta Fighters Network); Major-Gen. Inibeghe Adams (Niger Delta Freedom Mandate); Major-Gen. Abiye Tariah (Niger Delta Development Network); Major-Gen. Joshua Ebere (Renewed Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta); Major-Gen. Jeremiah Athony (Movement for Actualisation of Niger Delta Republic); Major Francis Okoroafor (Niger Delta Freedom Redemption Army); and Colonel Nelson Okochi Walter, among other representatives of groups across the Niger Delta.

Nigerian Army warns IPOB, MASSOB, others on national security

The Nigerian Army on Friday told agitators in the Southeast to keep the peace.



It vowed to deal with any act capable of breaching the peace of the region.

The army didn’t mention any group by name but the Nnamdi kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have been holding rallies to demand a Republic of Biafra.

The IPOB has also threatened to stop the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State from taking place.

But the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, while speaking on the forthcoming second phase of Exercise Egwu Eke II (Python Dance II) in the Southeast, said on no account would kidnapping, cultism, violent agitations, theft of weapons, armed banditry and other security challenges which have become a daily phenomenon in the area be condoned henceforth.

The military operation is scheduled to commence on September 15, according to Buratai who spoke through the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Major General David Ahmadu.

It will run for a month and involve raids, cordon and search, anti-kidnapping drills, road blocks, check points and show of force, as well as humanitarian activities such as medical outreach.

Buratai said Exercise Egwu Eke II has become expedient in view of “the mindless assassinations (even in religious places), attack on security personnel, theft of weapons, armed banditry, kidnapping, cultism and violent agitations, as well as other security challenges that have recently become prevalent in the Southeast part of the country.”

19 killed, 5 injured in plateau village attack

The Plateau Police Command has confirmed 19 persons killed and five others injured in an attack on Ancha village, Bassa Local Government, on Friday.


Its Commissioner, Mr Peter Ogunyanwo, who briefed newsmen on Friday in Jos, said that preliminary investigation had indicated that the attack was carried out by Fulani gunmen.

“We are investigating the matter, but from our findings so far, the attack was carried out by Fulani herdsmen to avenge the killing of a young boy.

“We have been told that a Fulani boy resident in the village was reported missing on August 3. We are told that his body was later found without the head,” he said.

According to Ogunyanwo, the attackers invaded the village in the early hours of Friday and unleashed mayhem on innocent citizens, killing 19 persons and injuring five others.

“Of the 19 persons that died, 13 are adults comprising seven males and six females, while six are children.

“The five persons injured have been taken to the hospital and are responding to treatment,” he said.

He said that the attack was believed to be a reprisal because it came three days after the body of the missing Fulani boy was found.

The Commissioner said that five suspects were arrested over the missing Fulani boy, but that no arrest had been made in respect of the Friday morning attack.

He said that security personnel had been deployed to the area to forestall another reprisal attack, and cautioned the people against taking the law into their hands.