Despite Criticism, Biden to Meet Prince Mohammed Bin Salman by Francisca Ogar

Despite Criticism, Biden to Meet Prince Mohammed Bin Salman by Francisca Ogar

US President Joe Biden will meet Palestinian leaders in the occupied West Bank on Friday before he flies to a controversial summit in Saudi Arabia.

His meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is likely to be strained, analysts say, after ties hit a low under the Trump administration.

Later, Mr Biden will travel to Saudi Arabia to meet its de-facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Mr Biden will meet both the prince and his father, King Salman.

Two years ago, Mr Biden had pledged to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” over the 2018 murder of writer Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents.
Saudi Arabia is the world’s biggest oil producer, and the attempted reset of relations follows a spike in oil prices driven by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The US is expected to push Saudi officials to commit to increasing production.

Late on Thursday, Saudi Arabia announced it would open its airspace to commercial Israeli flights – a decision welcomed by the US.

The move will see the kingdom’s airspace open to all carriers that meet its requirements for overflights, and paves the way for more flights to and from Israel.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said it “paves the way for a more integrated, stable, and secure Middle East region”.

Mr Biden will become the first US president to fly directly to Saudi Arabia from Tel Aviv, which is seen as a small but significant sign of Riyadh’s growing acceptance of Israel after decades of boycott in solidarity with the Palestinians.

On Friday evening, Mr Biden will arrive in the Saudi city of Jeddah, where he will meet Prince Mohammed for the first time since taking office.

Up to now, the 79-year-old has insisted on speaking with King Salman, who US officials say is Mr Biden’s direct counterpart.

White House officials have refused to say whether Mr Biden will raise the murder of Mr Khashoggi, who was a Washington Post columnist and lived in the US.

They also declined to say if the pair would shake hands.

The meeting has infuriated some of the US president’s own Democratic Party, who want him to use the summit to challenge Saudi Arabia on its human rights record.

Last week, Adam Schiff, a senior House Democrat, said he wouldn’t have visited the country or met Prince Mohammed if he were in Mr Biden’s position.

“This is someone who butchered an American resident, cut him up into pieces and in the most terrible and premeditated way,” Mr Schiff said. “Until Saudi Arabia makes a radical change in terms of (its) human rights, I wouldn’t want anything to do with him.”

Mr Biden has defended his decision, telling reporters earlier this week in Jerusalem that his “position on Khashoggi has been so clear, if anyone doesn’t understand it in Saudi Arabia or otherwise, they haven’t been around me for a while”.

The US president said his Middle East tour – where he will also meet Egyptian, Iraqi and Jordanian leaders – offers an opportunity to fix the “mistake” of “walking away from our influence in the Middle East”, an apparent attack on the policies of former President Donald Trump.
Source: BBC

Ortom calls for release Of IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

Ortom calls for release Of IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

By Ogechi Okorie

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, for the peace process in the country to be taken seriously.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ortom on Diaspora Affairs, Peters Ichull disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

According to the statement, Governor Ortom made the call when a group under the aegis of American Veterans of Igbo origin paid him a courtesy visit in Washington DC, USA on July 13th 2022.

He stated that Nnamdi Kanu’s issue is a social-political challenge that must be dealt with politically. He argued even members of Boko Haram who pose a greater threat to the country’s unity have often been freed, resettled and some integrated into the armed forces.

Governor Ortom South East of Nigeria must be given a sense of belonging to erase the impression of persecution of a section of the country.

He tasked Igbo veterans in the United States of America to believe in one Nigeria, pointing out that no country on earth is without its challenges.

The Benue State Governor told the group that power shift to the South East is possible, if the people of the region put their differences aside to pursue the objective in unity.

Ortom said his call for freedom of worship was not only to protect the rights of Christians, but so that all Nigerians will be free to practice their faith without intimidation or molestation in any part of the country.

He thanked the group for appreciating his modest contributions to national discourses but challenged South-Eastern Nigerians living abroad that charity begins at home, saying “there is nowhere better than home but only peace and security can guarantee the success of your investments back home”. The governor therefore called on the veterans to support peace efforts in the Sout East region so that both their communities and investments will experience sustainable growth and prosperity.

The group was led by its President, Dr Sylvester Onyia, his vice, Dr Prince Joe Nduka. Other members of the delegation included Dr Ofo, the group’s PRO and Nigeria’s former ambassador to South Africa, Dr Mrs Ajulu. Dr Onyia was full of praise for Ortom’s fearless confrontation of Nigeria’s ills, insisting that only such a stand from leaders could build bridges of understanding and give hope to despairing Nigerians abroad that one Nigeria is possible.

The group however expressed fears for the upcoming general election owing to the spate of insecurity in the country and called on Governor Ortom not to relent on pursuing the best security options.

They assured the Governor of its support in amplifying his voice in peace-building to their representatives in the American Congress “You are not alone; we are with you. Continue speaking the truth; truth is the manifestation of God”, said Dr Onyia, the group’s president.

Obi Replies Tinubu Labourers Remark, Says There’s Dignity In Labour

Obi Replies Tinubu Labourers Remark, Says There’s Dignity In Labour

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and the governorship candidate of the party for the Osun poll, Lasun Yusuff, on Wednesday reacted to the comment credited to the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, over a comment he reportedly made about their party which that they considered derogatory.

Tinubu at the grand rally for the reelection of APC candidate, Adegboyega Oyetola on Tuesday, had said “they said some are in Labour, they will remain labourers till death”.

Obi, who was in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to support Yusuff at the party’s governorship rally, while addressing LP members, advised them that such a comment should be returned with love.

He said, “I listened to our chairman when he said that somebody said that ‘they can labour till death.’ When they show you hatred, Labour Party will show them love. There is dignity in labour.”

He also called on the people of Osun to support the party’s candidate in the governorship poll to give the state better leadership.

Addressing the rally, Yusuff said the comment about the Labour Party by the APC leader was inconsistent with the attributes of a virtuous Yoruba man.

He, however, promised to surprise those saying he would not get votes in Saturday’s election and urged LP members to work hard for victory at the poll.

“He came back yesterday and said we should go and labour till death. That is not an attribute of a virtuous Yoruba person. I described them as people with anonymous background, we don’t know them, their life is anonymous,” Yusuff stated.

Meanwhile, a cultural group, Yoruba Study Group, has adopted Lasun Yusuf as its preferred candidate for the Osun poll.

The president of the group, Comrade Williams Adeosun, while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, said, “Lasun Yusuff is very vibrant, experienced and influential. He is ready to bring his acumen to develop Osun. Look at the governorship debates that were organised in time past, he spoke intelligently, instead of some people who are dancing like a disco.

“We are solidly behind him and we are committed and confident that he will win the forthcoming election,” he added. (The PUNCH)

WAFCON: We will give our all against Cameron Osinachi  Malvins admits. 

Super Falcons defender, Osinachi Ohale says the team knows how important the game against Cameroon in the ongoing 2022 Wafcon is. 

She also stated that she will do well at the back with all the players giving their all and Playing well. 

“Like I said earlier, we all know how important and how tough the game is gonna be. Osinachi Said. 

“We are preparing and working to make sure we carry the day today against the Lioness of Cameroon. 

“We are not failures and we will never fail, we are doing everything possible to pick the ticket for the World Cup. 

Super Falcons will take on the Lioness of Cameroon in the Quarter Finals of the WAFCON today by 6pm. 

A win for the Super Falcons would  see them picking one of the Tickets for the 2023 Women’s FIFA WORLD CUP.

WAFCON 2022: Massive Quarter Finals,With World Cup Spots Up For Grabs

The group stages are done and dusted. Eight teams have progressed to the quarterfinals of the 2022 Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, as we reach the business end of the tournament.

Morocco vs Botswana

The hosts have been perfect in the tournament so far, grinding their way through their Group A matches and amassing nine points, scoring five goals and conceding just once, to top the table and book a place in the quarterfinals.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak is the current leading goal scorer at the tournament with three goals – all from set pieces – two penalties and a free kick that have elevated the Atlas Lionesses as one of the title contenders in this tournament. She is leading by example.

Against Botswana, Chebbak and Morocco will be up against one of the fastest teams at the tournament. The Mares pride themselves in counterattacks with the incredible Refilwe Tholakele at the center of their attacks and she will be hoping to bring her A game to the hosts on Wednesday at the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

Botswana head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutkwisang has been spoken widely about and she likes coming up against big coaches and in this case they don’t come much bigger than Reynald Pedros – a two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Olympique Lyon.

This tactical battle is one to look out for in this fixture.

Cameroon vs Nigeria

As far as football rivalries are concerned, this is one of the richest on the continent and this cuts across both women and men’s categories.

Ahead of this quarter final matchup which is a repeat of the 2016 final in Yaounde, this derby is expected to produce fireworks. Both are physical and athletic teams that will need to dig deep to progress to the next level.

Nigeria come into this one as the favourites to win, courtesy of their pedigree at this tournament – having won nine titles and having also scored the most tournament goals so far – seven to be exact.

On the other hand, Cameroon started slowly with a goalless draw against Zambia, but have since found their feet in the tournament and can now be taken seriously as title contenders.

This one is a must-watch!

Zambia vs Senegal

First timers. Both Zambia and Senegal had never gone past the group stages at the WAFCON, but at this year’s edition their hard work from many years of building and rebuilding has finally paid off.

With places at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand guaranteed for the semifinalists, a lot is at stake for both teams.

Captain Grace Chanda has been in fine form scoring a brace so far at the tournament, but against Senegal the Copper  Queens face one of the best defences in the tournament. The Teranga Lionesses have only conceded once so far – a penalty scored by Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak.

Zambia too have let in just one goal and will be looking to continue with their impressive setup at the back when they face the West Africans.

This is expected to be a very fast-paced team, as both teams like to counter attack and also fall back when they lose the ball.

South Africa vs Tunisia

Thorough. The 2018 finalists South Africa come into this one as one of two sides that won all their group stage games, amassing nine points.

Even without poster girl Thembi Kgatlana, who is out of the tournament due to injury, Banyana Banyana have enough firepower to overcome Tunisia.

Captain Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Andile Dlamini have been some of the standout players for Desiree Ellis’ side, bringing experience and exposure into the team setup and should worry the North Africans.

However, the Carthage Eagles who have found solace in the individual brilliance of Mariem Houji will be out for blood. They are playing at the WAFCON for only the second time and can smell a place at the World Cup. This is a do or die matchup for them as they seek to write history.

The contrast in styles of play will be interesting to look out for on Thursday.

Culled from CafOnline

Eid El Kabir: IPCR Charges Nigerians to Remember the Importance of Unity, Peace, Security

Eid El Kabir: IPCR Charges Nigerians to Remember the Importance of Unity, Peace, Security

As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark this year Eld-el-Kabir, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has enjoined the citizens to remember the importance of unity, peace and security in a nation’s development.

The Director-General of IPCR, Dr Bakut T. Bakut, in a statement, told Nigerians to keep the flag of unity high, as unity and peace are the hallmarks of a progressive nation.

He noted that insecurity is an aberration to any nation that has the drive and desire to grow and break the vicious circle of underdevelopment.

The Director-General urged Nigerians to use this period of eId-el-Kabir celebration to pray for the peace, unity and progress of the nation. He reminded fellow citizens that nation-building is the responsibility of all and therefore, every Nigerian should rise to the occasion to build a Nigeria of our dream.

“As an Institute, we are aware of the enormous challenges bedevilling our country, nevertheless, we should keep hope alive and continue to have faith that a new Nigeria will rise from the ashes of these challenges. Let our thoughts and actions be peaceful, tolerant, and receptive towards one another as this is the only organic means to change the dangerous narrative that has eaten deep into our social fabrics and national cohesion”, Bakut added.

IPCR also urges Nigerians to take a sober reflection, and connect their hearts to God in the spirit of the season for the restoration of our dear country.

The Director-General observed that if over 200 million Nigerians will stand for peace henceforth, then the implication is that a circle of peace would encircle the nation and fill up not only the violent spaces but also, reposition the country on the path of peace and progress.

The Director-General implored Nigerians to continue supporting the effort of the President and security agencies by providing the right and timely Intel to the appropriate authorities to enforce action.

The Director-General wishes all Muslim Faithfuls a Happy Eid-el Kabir Celebration.

Super Falcons Set to Clash against Cameron in a Quest to win a Tenth Title

Super Falcons of Nigeria and Nine time Champions of African Women Nations cup,now stand a chance of beating the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon to advance for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals, following last night 4-0  victory against Burund

This came after the Falcons who are the defending champion trashed Burundi in their final match of Group C WAFCON.

The win took Nigeria to six points and five goals advantage, but South Africa’s 1-0 win over Botswana meant the Banyana Banyana finished on maximum nine points and topped the group, setting up a clash with Tunisia in the last eight.

Goals from Rasheedat Ajibade, (penalty) 25th min, Peace Efih 28th min, and Uchenna Kanu, 29th min and 46th min, made sure Nigeria qualified for the quarter finals of the tournament holding in Morocco.

Nigeria next game against rivals Cameron comes up on Thursday by 6pm

OTHER WAFCON QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES:

Zambia Vs Senegal

Morocco Vs Botswana

Cameroon Vs Nigeria

South Africa Vs Tunisia

IPOB Fumes, Warns That Nothing Bad Must Happen To Kanu In Prison

The Indigenous People of Biafra has said it is not oblivious of an alleged plot to attack its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Kuje Prison, by men of the Department of States Services.

This was as the group blamed the United Kingdom for the perpetual incarceration of the IPOB leader, saying the aim was to scuttle the actualisation for the liberation of Biafra.

The IPOB’s Director of Media and Publicity, Emma Powerful, stated this in a statement, a copy of which was made available to The PUNCH on Sunday.

The group said it was worried by the spates of jailbreaks in the country under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying the ugly trends signposted a failed nation.

The group claimed the information was revealed by its Intelligence arm, the M-Branch.

The statement partly read, “We, the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra, under the command and leadership of our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to reiterate our earlier emphasis over intended make-believe plan to attack the DSS facility in Abuja by already drawn up stunt actors (the DSS agents) at the very location where our leader, Mazi Nnamdi, is incarcerated having successfully tested such plans with Kuje Prisons, without consequences.

“The plan was hatched by the Nigerian Government with strategic and tactical input of the UK Government. The reason for the UK and Nigeria alliance in such cowardice and evil plan is due to their disdain for allowing Indigenous People across the world to enjoy freedom such as the British enjoys Brexit from the European Union.

“This alliance perceives Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a stumbling block for their modern day oppressive tendencies and, therefore, wants him dead, having tried several unsuccessful attempts in Afaraukwu, London, USA, Kenya and even in Abuja for which Chukwu Okike Abiama had always proven himself. The IPOB intelligence unit, the M. Branch, intercepted this purported plan by Britain and Nigeria to stop Biafra agitation and freedom from Nigeria, and Nigeria and its allies have decided to replicate what they did in 1967-1970 and still on the way to do it again against the innocent citizens of Biafra. The world should take note.

“The world should take note because if anything untoward happens to our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu…in the DSS custody, nobody should blame IPOB for inevitable and uncontrollable boundless calamitous consequences that would befall anyone. Know it that your silence hardens our conscience towards the pursuit of this great nation called Biafra. IPOB needs unconditional release of our leader because there is no prison in the South that is safe for him. Therefore, we still need him released unconditionally to avoid dangerous terms IPOB may take against Nigeria.”

It added, “There are many jailbreaks in Nigeria since Buhari and his APC party took over power and nothing was done…the number of prison breaks was so alarming…(that) no country in the world experienced the kind of jail breaks in history.

“All these prison breaks and Buhari and his government never found out the reasons (for the breaks) or brought the attackers or perpetrators to face the law. Therefore, we want them to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally because his life in the DSS custody is not safe and they will attack there and blame it on bandits and terrorists.

“We urge the British Government to jettison pretence and direct the Nigerian Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally or send him back to the UK where he lives, or for him to return to Amaechi Mbazuruike or Professor George Obiozor, for his safety.”(Punch).

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Race For Tory New Leader Expands to Nine With Early Focus on Tax by Francisca Ogar

Race For Tory New Leader Expands to Nine With Early Focus on Tax by Francisca Ogar

Former UK defence secretary Penny Mordaunt on Sunday became the ninth Conservative MP to launch a bid to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as the already fractious race promptly focused on tax.

Mordaunt, 49, an ex-navy reservist who has also held several senior ministerial roles, is not among the frontrunners to succeed Johnson in recent polls of Tory party members ultimately set to choose their new leader.

But such contests are notoriously unpredictable, and with more than a dozen lawmakers from multiple factions of the ruling party potentially set to run, political commentators say few contenders can be discounted.

The early favourite is former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who launched his campaign Friday after helping to kickstart the cabinet revolt that led to Johnson’s forced resignation Thursday. He is now drawing early fire from Johnson loyalists and rival candidates.

Sunak and former health minister Sajid Javid — who has also declared his candidacy — both resigned late Tuesday, prompting dozens of more junior colleagues to follow suit.

That forced Johnson to then quit as Tory leader 36 hours later.

But the 58-year-old leader, whose three-year premiership has been defined by scandal, the country’s departure from the European Union and the Covid pandemic, said he would stay on until his successor is selected.

Crowded field

Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, who finished runner-up to Johnson in the last contest in 2019, announced he will stand again late Saturday.

Current finance minister Nadhim Zahawi — only appointed to the post Tuesday — and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps have also launched bids.

They join attorney general and arch-Brexiteer Suella Braverman, the relatively unknown former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, and backbench Tory MP Tom Tugendhat on the growing candidate list.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, a frontrunner in recent surveys, is among those expected to still announce.

But Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who has impressed in the role and been one of Tory members’ favourites, said Saturday he would not stand after a discussion with colleagues and family.

Taxation is already a key dividing line in the race, as Britain faces the toxic combination of high inflation and rampant cost-of-living increases alongside stagnant growth and relatively high tax rates.

Source:The Guardian

Buhari Donates N1m, 10 Rams To Corps Members In Daura For Sallah Celebration

Buhari Donates N1m, 10 Rams To Corps Members In Daura For Sallah Celebration

Katsina – President Muhammadu Buhari has donated 10 rams, two cows and N1 million to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC ) members serving in his home town, Daura, in Katsina State.

The President made the donation during the Sallah celebration with the NYSC members on Saturday in Daura.

He commended the scheme for keeping up the dreams of its founding fathers as it was established to ensure unity and national integration.

Buhari said that the scheme was one of the weapons to unite Nigerians, saying that most of the corps members serving in Daura are from far away southern states.

He said that none of the corps members serving in Daura is from Katsina State, and if there is any, it must be on health grounds.

The president urged the management of the scheme to make frantic efforts to sustain the objectives of which it was established in 1973.

He advised the corps members who he described as true patriots to be vigilant and be security conscious anywhere they find themselves.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari has made it part of his Sallah celebration every year to meet with NYSC members in Daura.

It was gathered that after the Eid-El-Kabir prayer, the president walked to his residence where he received and greeted residents who lined up by the road sides. (NAN)