Nigeria Times – Page 291

Army Arrests Soldier for Killing Protester in Kaduna

The Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier for the fatal shooting of a protester in Zaria, Kaduna State. According to Army Spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the incident occurred as the soldier attempted to disperse a crowd during a protest.

The soldier, whose name has not been disclosed, fired a warning shot that led to the death of 16-year-old Ismail Mohammed. Nwachukwu explained that troops responded to a distress call about hoodlums gathering, burning tires, and throwing stones at security personnel in Samaru.

The soldier is currently undergoing interrogation. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has sent a delegation to offer condolences to the deceased’s family. Mohammed has been buried according to Islamic rites, with senior military officers in attendance.

Presidency Clarifies Viral Video of President Tinubu as Old Footage

The presidency has confirmed that a video of President Bola Tinubu addressing Nigerians, which went viral on Wednesday, is an old recording. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, clarified on his X account that the video in question is from a broadcast made last year. Onanuga noted that President Tinubu has not made any new public statements since his last address on Sunday.

In related news, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed criticized President Tinubu’s recent nationwide address concerning the #EndBadGovernance protests as an “empty speech.” During the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign launch for the local government election in Bauchi, Mohammed urged the Federal Government to stop making excuses to Nigerians. In his Sunday address, Tinubu called for an end to the protests and reiterated that the removal of the fuel subsidy is non-negotiable.

Egypt Orders Airlines to Steer Clear of Iranian Airspace Amid Tensions

Egypt has directed its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for a three-hour period early Thursday due to heightened tensions following recent escalations with Israel. The notice, effective from 01:00 to 04:00 GMT, prohibits flights over Tehran and reflects concerns over potential Iranian military actions.

The heightened alert follows the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which Hamas and Iran have attributed to Israel, though Tel Aviv has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Additionally, Hezbollah has threatened retaliation against Israel in response to the killing of its commander, Fouad Shukr, in an airstrike.

The situation is further complicated by Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in substantial casualties and destruction, leading to accusations of genocide by the International Court of Justice.

NCAA to Launch Consumer Protection Portal to Enhance Complaints Resolution

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is set to introduce a consumer protection portal by the end of the year to streamline the resolution of air travellers’ complaints. Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director of Civil Aviation, announced this initiative during the start of a two-day training for Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) and airline staff at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

Najomo, represented by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, assured that the new portal will address real-time passenger complaints and improve airline performance tracking. This will be the NCAA’s first consumer protection portal since its inception in 2000.

The portal is expected to enhance transparency by allowing stakeholders to track the number of complaints and their resolutions. It also aims to simplify data collection and reporting, improving overall efficiency in handling consumer issues.

Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, Assistant General Manager for Consumer Protection, highlighted that the portal aligns with NCAA’s modernization efforts and international standards. She emphasized that both NCAA officers and airline staff will receive training to ensure effective use of the new system. The portal will also be accessible to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Director-General of Civil Aviation for continuous oversight.

South African Actress Connie Chiume, Star of Black Panther, Dies at 72

Connie Chiume, the celebrated South African actress renowned for her roles in Black Panther and its sequel, has died at the age of 72. Her family shared the news on Instagram, noting she passed away at Johannesburg’s Garden City Hospital. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Chiume’s career began after working as a teacher and nurse, transitioning into acting in 1977. She gained prominence with her role in the 1989 TV series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa, and later became known for her performance in the musical Sola Sola in Greece. Her notable roles include appearances in Rhythm City, Zone 14, and I Dreamed of Africa.

She reprised her role in the 2022 sequel to Black Panther as an Elder of the Mining Tribe and was also featured in Beyoncé’s Black Is King. Chiume received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the SAFTA Best Supporting Actress award in 2009 and the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in 2000. Her family has requested privacy as they mourn her passing.

NNPCL Leaders Defend Against Economic Sabotage Allegations Before Senate

ABUJA – Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) executives and stakeholders have rejected allegations of economic sabotage in the oil and gas sector during a Senate Ad-hoc Committee investigation.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mallam Mele Kyari, and NMDPRA CEO Engineer Farouk Ahmed presented their defense at the Senate meeting. They denied the claims and emphasized their commitment to transparency and improving the sector.

Kyari, representing NNPCL, asserted that the company, owned by over 200 million Nigerians, is dedicated to national interests. He highlighted recent increases in oil production and described the company’s performance as a significant turnaround from previous years of losses. He also expressed support for a live broadcast of the planned public hearing to ensure transparency.

Farouk Ahmed of NMDPRA echoed calls for a live public hearing to clear misconceptions about the agency’s regulatory role. He criticized the negative narratives about NMDPRA and called for a platform to present their side of the story.

Dangote Refinery, which sources 60% of its crude from NNPCL, acknowledged the support but emphasized the need for broader stakeholder support. Conversely, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliyu from DAPMAN and Alhaji Abubakar Shettima from IPMAN criticized potential monopolies in the sector and called for improvements in product supply and market accessibility.

Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, clarified that the investigation aims to identify and address issues of sabotage without targeting individuals or groups. The committee’s public hearing is scheduled for September 10-12, 2024.

Defence Minister Badaru Urges Stronger Security Cooperation in ECOWAS

ABUJA – Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has called for enhanced security cooperation among ECOWAS member states to bolster their defense capabilities against security threats.

Speaking at the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja, Badaru stressed the importance of collective efforts to combat terrorism, cross-border crimes, and hybrid threats.

The meeting, which began on Wednesday, brought together top military leaders from West Africa to address pressing regional security concerns. Badaru emphasized the need for regional security cooperation to safeguard nations and promote sustainable development.

Key topics of discussion included the proposed ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone, ongoing peace operations, and the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force. The Minister urged for open dialogue, shared expertise, and collaborative solutions to strengthen security cooperation and enhance regional defense capabilities.

Reaffirming the commitment to achieving peace and security in West Africa, Badaru highlighted the complex security challenges in the region and called for joint efforts to counter terrorism and manage cross-border crimes.

UEFA Bans Spain’s Alvaro Morata and Rodri for Gibraltar Chant

Spain national team players Alvaro Morata and Rodri have received a one-game ban from UEFA for chanting “Gibraltar is Spanish” during their Euro 2024 victory celebrations. This decision follows a formal complaint by the Gibraltar Football Association about the players’ conduct.

UEFA cited the players for “failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, violating the basic rules of decent conduct, using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature, and bringing the sport of football and UEFA into disrepute.”

As a result, Rodri, who plays for Manchester City, and Morata, who recently transferred from Atletico Madrid to AC Milan, will miss Spain’s upcoming game against Serbia on September 5, 2024.

The incident occurred during celebrations of Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in the Euro 2024 final at Cibeles Square in Madrid, where the chant was made in front of a large crowd of Spanish fans.

The Gibraltar FA condemned the chant as “extremely provocative and insulting,” stating that such behavior is unacceptable in football. Gibraltar, under British rule since the 18th century, has been a UEFA member since 2013.

Chelsea Abandons Osimhen Pursuit, Shifts Focus to Omorodion

Chelsea have decided to completely give up on their chase of Napoli star Victor Osimhen, switching focus to Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion.

The Blues had been in close contact with the Partenopei for a number of weeks now as the two clubs discussed a possible swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku and a hefty lump sum of cash. Negotiations proved complicated and slow, causing some anxiety in Campania.

Napoli are still seriously targeting Lukaku, regardless of the Osimhen situation, as they look to keep new coach Antonio Conte happy, but need to sell the Nigerian striker before they can invest in a new centre forward.

Tinubu Appoints Governing Councils for Aviation and Maritime Colleges

President Bola Tinubu has appointed 10 individuals to the governing councils of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State. The appointments were announced on Wednesday in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

The appointed members for the Maritime Academy of Nigeria are:

Kehinde Akinola — Chairman
Shehu Maigari Doguwa — Member
Samuel Isichei — Member
Faisal Lawal Halidu — Member

For the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, the appointees are:

Anthony Manzo — Chairman
Ngozi Okuoma — Member
Durungunwa Abdulmalik — Member
Biodun Taiwo — Member
Florence Toyin Olorunfemi — Member

The President urged the newly appointed board members to “serve with integrity and devotion to the enhancement of their structural, academic, and all-around standards.”