Home Blog Page 38

Million-dollar diamonds up for auction in Geneva

By
tvafrinet
-
0

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but she’ll need deep pockets for this one.

Sotheby’s estimates it will sell for 5.6 M to 6.5 million Swiss Francs ($6.1 M – $7.1 M).

Weighing over 100 carats, the Fancy Vivid Yellow Cartier diamond brooch will be auctioned in Geneva on 14 May.

It’s known as the Allnatt diamond.

“I’m holding here is the wonderful Allnatt diamond mounted by Cartier in 1952. We call it the Allnatt because the first known owner of the stone was a Major Alfred Ernest Allnatt, a British sportsman, collector of Old Master paintings and philanthropist. He brought this stone to Cartier in 1952, where they put together this beautiful flower-inspired mount,” says Catharine Becket, head of sales of Magnificent Jewels at Sotheby’s.

The stone is believed to have been mined in South Africa more than 100 years ago.

It is of such importance that it has appeared in international exhibitions, including at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC.

This is the first time it’s been up for sale in almost 30 years.

“The stone itself weighs 101.29 carats, is fancy vivid yellows, the very top color, and is BS-2 clarity — so a high clarity. What’s particularly notable about this stone is the high crown, as you may see it here, it’s an older cutting style,” says Becket.

The Allnatt is not the only big money jewel on sale at the Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels Sale.

An Internally Flawless, E colour diamond weighing 37.61 carats is expected to fetch between 1,460,000 CHF – 2,370,000 CHF ($1.6 M – $2.6 M).

In total, there are around 120 lots, many with six or seven figure estimates.

The auction will take place on 14 May at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Geneva.

South Africa’s health insurance bill signed into law

By
tvafrinet
-
0

South Africa’s national health bill is ready to be signed in to law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The bill which aimed to ensure health coverage for all citizens, according to the country’s presidency, will be signed on Wednesday

The bill, widely supported by voters, comes just before the May 29 national election, posing a significant test for the ruling African National Congress.

Costing billions, the bill was approved by lawmakers last year and will be rolled out gradually.

It seeks to overhaul the healthcare system, addressing deep racial and social disparities persisting since the end of apartheid. However, business groups oppose it, fearing disinvestment and economic damage. Despite the signing, experts doubt immediate changes.

Nigeria’s education budget is the lowest in West Africa

By
Agency Report
-
0

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said Nigeria’s education budget is the lowest in West Africa.

ASUU based its position on the neglect of the education sector in Nigeria, saying Nigeria academic system rating is very low.

ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said this at a One-Day Workshop on ‘Emerging Areas of Students Needs in Beneficiary Institutions’, organised by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja on Tuesday.

He also reiterated the union’s call for an upward review of education tax to 10%, saying it would increase TETFund funding from the current ₦600 billion annually to ₦3 trillion.

“We have surveyed West African countries. The least budgetary allocation to education by any country in West Africa is 15%. The highest is 32%.

“We are in a country where we give 4.5 to 7%out of which less than 70% is released. But the Awolowo government was allocating over 30% to education,” he said.

He singled out Enugu, Abia, and Oyo states for earmarking more than 20% of their budgets to the sector.

Osodeke berated many Universities’ Vice Chancellors for their failure to carry necessary stakeholders along in the utilisation of TetFund allocation to their schools.

“The TETFund inviting us as stakeholders to this meeting is an example of how it should be.

“But, you remember that when you were allocating money to universities VCs, we agreed that they would call stakeholders meeting before that money is utilised.

We had our National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting some days ago, and less than 10% have called for that stakeholders meeting.

“I want to plead that any university that does not take the stakeholders along, should not be allowed to have access to the fund. The funds belong to the Nigerian people,” he said.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono said funding educational activities required careful consideration of different needs and expectations.

Echono said that funding must also be directed at essential programmes which align with the strategic objectives in terms of outcomes of investment in either physical or content development that the funding usually supports.

“The provision of physical facilities must be accompanied by corresponding programmes that will ensure maximum impact and benefit to the target group.

As such, the Fund is constantly and critically reviewing its operations and interventions with a view to ensuring that the interventions meet the actual goals that are intended at conception,” he said.

The executive secretary noted that new programmes and intervention lines were introduced, and some innovations or alterations were carried out regarding some existing ones, adding that, where necessary, non-performing ones were dropped.

“In the year 2024 disbursement cycle, the Career Services Centre was introduced to complement other programmes in tertiary institutions.

“The Fund considers the establishment of these centres necessary for the development of students’ careers and their employability, which is the raison d’etre for establishment of tertiary educational institutions.

“Career services centres have helped students in advanced nations to make informed decisions regarding their career paths.

“The centers provide information for students on trends in the job market, opportunities, and requisite skills as well as linkages with the employment industries including the alumni of the institutions,” he said

Echono said the centres also provide students with tools for self-assessment to identify their interests, strengths, weaknesses, and prospects as well as counseling, guidance, and support to all students.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Immunity clause for President, Governors & deputies should be removed – Pat Utomi

By
Agency Report
-
0

A political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has canvas the removal of immunity clause for President, Governor and Deputies. He has also backed calls for the creation of state police to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday, Utomi said the creation of sub-national police would improve security in the country significantly.

According to him, the country should copy the example of the U.S., which effectively runs a decentralised police system.

“I have always supported the idea of state police.

“I believe state police is a very important part of the process of decentralising authority in Nigeria.

“I live in a university town called Bloomington, Indiana in the United States. The university has its own police(university police) that carry guns.

“When we go outside of the university campus, the town-the city of Bloomington-has its own police and they also carry guns.

“Then, the county in which Bloomington is located also has its county police force. There is also the Indiana state police .This model shows that policing is more effective when it is decentralised”, he said.

Utomi said the fear of possible abuse by state governments should not be a reason to oppose or reject the idea of state police. According to him, mechanisms should be put in place to check abuse or manipulation by state governments, if state police is adopted.

“What the Americans have done over the years to the so-called problem of local abuse of people’s rights by police is to ensure that wherever there is a problem relating to breach of rights, the FBI automatically steps in.

“So that is how the Americans have tried to manage it. We can do the same. We cannot have effective security without a sub-national police force”, he added.

He urged the country to use the opportunity of the ongoing constitutional amendment process to adopt state police. Utomi also called for the removal of the clause in the constitution which protects the president, governors and their deputies from prosecution.

Utomi said that the immunity clause had been much abused and needed to be obliterated. He, however, said that the nation could come up with a commission that would adjudge merits of matters before the President or governor could be sued to guard against frivolities.

“It (immunity) should in principle be removed, but we need a citizens’ jury (of highly placed citizens) which would be able to determine whether or not there is merit in pursuing issues against an incumbent.

It is a double -edged sword. It has been abused very badly in Nigeria, making it problematic to continue,” he stated.

He, however, said if everybody is allowed to sue governors and the President and their deputies for every action they take in their position, they would not have the time to get the job done.

“Therefore, that commission will have approving rights over whether a matter is of the nature that can cause the President or governor to be prosecuted or sued.” he noted.

NAN reports that the 10th National Assembly has begun the process of amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

The Senate had, in February, constituted a 45-member Constitution Review Committee, headed by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau. Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, while inaugurating members of the committee in Abuja, said the review of the constitution had become imperative “in order to put certain things right”.

Also, the House of Representatives has inaugurated its constitutional review committee for the amendment of the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended. The Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, while inaugurating the committee, said that the step marked another significant moment in the democratic journey towards a more “perfect union”.

He said that it was expected that the sixth alteration under the tenth National Assembly would be the most comprehensive areas listed for possible consideration including creation of state police, local government autonomy, and reform of the electoral system.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Stevie Wonder granted Ghanaian citizenship

By
tvafrinet
-
0

Music legend Stevie Wonder has become a Ghanaian citizen, taking the Oath of Allegiance and receiving his Certificate of Citizenship at a ceremony in Ghana’s Jubilee House.

Wonder’s decision to become a citizen of Ghana follows his announcement three years ago, citing a desire for a brighter future amidst political turmoil in the US.

His passion for Ghana was evident in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where he expressed his wish to see the nation smile again before relocating there.

Wonder, known for timeless hits like “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” has influenced multiple music genres, earning him 25 Grammy Awards and 74 nominations since his recognition by Motown Records in 1961.

Born Stevland Hardaway Morris in Michigan, Wonder’s musical genius emerged early and has become a musical pioneer.

A video of the citizenship ceremony captures Wonder’s emotional pride as he receives his Ghanaian passport, marking a significant new chapter in his life. Ghanaians warmly welcome the music legend into their society.

Presidency donates 997 tons of grains to Plateau State

By
Agency Report
-
0

Governor of Plateau State expresses gratitude to Tinubu over grains donated to the state to ease hunger

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the 997 metric tons of grains donated to Plateau to alleviate the sufferings of the indigent and vulnerable.

Mutfwang extended his appreciation when he received the palliatives on Monday in Jos. The governor said that Tinubu’s gesture was a demonstration of care and concern about the plight of the vulnerable.

“Thank you, Mr President, for listening to the cry of the vulnerable in Nigeria.

“We are living in a difficult times and moment when mistakes of the past have led us to the current problems we are confronting.

“The problems required painful policies to be put in place, which made life painful at the moment.

“Mr President has deemed fit to procure and release these items to every state of the federation so that we can address the immediate stomach challenges while we are waiting for bumper harvest this year.

“It is my prayer that next year we will not need to supply palliatives but will be able to farm sufficiently to be able to provide food security to our people and be able to drive hunger from every home in Nigeria,” he said.

‘

Mutfwang said that his administration was determined to tackle poverty and, by the grace of God, ensure that all farmlands were cultivated to be able to maximise the blessings God has put in the land for the Plateau people.

The governor announced that in addition to the palliatives the state received from the Federal Government through NEMA, the state government would add to the basket 26,979 bags of 25kg of rice for onward distribution across the state.

He hoped that the distribution would go on seamlessly, transparently, and honestly and reach the vulnerable. He warned against selling the items, as anyone found culpable would be punished.

Zubaida Umar, NEMA Director General, said that palliatives were in fulfilment of President Tinubu’s promise to reduce the impact of the current economic downturn being experienced in the country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Umar was represented by Alhaji Bashir Garga, NEMA North Central Zonal Director, who said that Mr President had approved the release of 42,000 metric tons of assorted food commodities from the national strategic reserve.

The D-G said that the assorted food commodities include maize, millet, sorghum, and garri.

It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Plateau has been allocated 374 metric tons (7,480 50kg bags) of maize, 442 metric tons (8,840 50kg bags), and 161 metric tons (3,230 50kg bags) of sorghum.

“The above food items will be shared equally to all 17 local government areas (LGAs) in the state.

“Also, based on the directives of Mr President, 20% of the food items due for each LGA should be given to religious organisations (JNI and CAN) and three per cent to be given to boarding schools in the LGAs,” he stated.

Sunday Abdu, Executive Secretary, of State Emergency Management (SEMA), said the gesture marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people. Abdu said that it was a testament to the unwavering commitment of this administration to the welfare of her citizens.

“As we gather to flag off the distribution of these palliatives, I am reminded of the strength and resilience of our people.

“We have faced challenges, but here we are standing strong. We have been knocked down, but we have always gotten back up by the grace of God,” he added.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

44 workers still missing days after South Africa building collapse

By
tvafrinet
-
0

Authorities in South Africa race against time to rescue 44 construction workers trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.

The daunting task ahead involves moving thousands of tons of concrete with heavy machinery to search for survivors. The death toll climbed to nine as a critically injured worker passed away in the hospital.

Of the 28 workers rescued from the site, 21 were in critical condition or had life-threatening injuries following Monday’s collapse of the five-story apartment complex that was under construction.

With fears that the final death toll could exceed 50, authorities in the city of George on South Africa’s south coast said large earth-moving equipment had arrived and rescue teams were removing huge slabs of concrete and rubble to reach deeper into the wreckage.

it was still a rescue rather than a recovery operation, but no survivors have been located or brought out since Wednesday.

“Despite the introduction of large machinery, rescue techniques will still be applied meticulously and sensitively by the highly skilled and experienced disaster management team,” the city said in a statement.

It also revised the number of missing from 38 to 44 after determining that there were more construction workers at the site than previously thought. New information provided by the construction company showed there were 81 workers when the building came crashing down, not 75 as authorities had initially announced, it said.

More than 600 personnel are involved in the rescue operation, with many brought in from nearby towns and cities. George, which is about 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Cape Town, is a small city known as a vacation and golfing destination.

Authorities say multiple investigations are underway into the cause of the collapse, including by police, the provincial government, and the National Department of Labor.

Rivers State Speaker Amaewhule, 24 others stoped by court from parading themselves as lawmaker

By
Salli Raymomd
-
0

The River State House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers, have been restricted by a High Court in Rivers State from acting as legislators.

The temporary order preventing the lawmakers was was requested by Victor Jumbo, the pro-Fubara Speaker, and two other Assembly members aligned with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This development came as a result of Hon. Oko Jumbo’s emergence as the new Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly. He became the third Speaker in the current administration after Edison Ehie and Martin Amaewhule.

According to the documents containing the ruling: suit no: PHC/1512/CS/2024 and delivered by Justice Charles Wali, reads, “An Order of interim injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly and/ or meeting/sitting at the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at off Aba Road, Port Harcourt or any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”

Other lawmakers affected by the order are Hon. Dumle Maol, Hon. Major Jack, Hon. Franklin Uchenna Nwabochi, Hon. Christopher Kagbang Ofiks, Hon. Azeru Opara, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Hon. Granville Tekenari Wellington, Hon. Ngbar Bernard, Hon. John Dominic Iderima, Hon. Queen Uwuma Tony Williams, Hon. Loolo Isaiah Opuende and Hon, Abbey Peter.

Others are Hon. Igwe-Obey Aforii, Hon. Justina Emeji, Hon. Ignatius Onwuka Defendants, Hon. Chimezie Nwankwo, Hon. Lemchi Prince Nyeche, Hon. Barile Nwakoh 20. Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, Hon. Nkemjika Ezekwe, Hon. Davios Arnold Oxobiriari, Hon. Nwankwo Sylvanus, Hon. Gerald Oforii and Hon. Wami Solomon.

It is widely acknowledged that Hon. Jumbo’s appointment is a testament to his unwavering loyalty to Governor Sim Fubara.

Yahaya Bello must appear in court to answer the charges of fraud against him – Court

By
Agency Report
-
0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been granted an application by Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, for the former Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to appear before it on trial for ₦80.2bn fraud.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the former governor ought to appear before the court before making any application. He insisted that even if the arrest warrant was illegally obtained, the defendant (Bello) should have still shown up in court.

It would be tracked that the judge had, on April 23, fixed today for the ruling on the former governor’s application to set aside the arrest warrant against him. The EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had, on April 17, moved the ex-parte application for the arrest warrant.

But Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, on April 23, prayed the court to set aside the arrest warrant against their client. He canvassed that the arrest warrant had become unnecessary since their lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, had accepted the service of the charge on behalf of the ex-governor.

He argued that the arrest warrant order, having been made before the charge ought to be set aside suo motu (on its own accord, without any request by the parties involved). The senior lawyer argued that contrary to the submission of the lawyer who appeared for EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the ex-governor must be in court first before any application could be entertained being a criminal case.

He said that the anti-graft agency also made an application on April 18 after the warrant arrest was issued to EFCC on April 17 and that the court granted it. The lawyer submitted that the arrest warrant was issued in favour of the EFCC by the court in violation of a fair hearing for their client.

He noted that the complainant made an application for substituted service on the 18th day of April after the arrest warrant had been issued on the 17 day of April and today, my noble lord granted it.

“The court must satisfy itself that the defendant (Bello) will not be prejudiced in fairness if the warrant of arrest continues to hang on his neck, having been made before service of the charge contrary to Section 394 of ACJA,” Adeola argued.

He argued that justice should be a three-way traffic; that is, justice to the prosecution, the defendant and the public. He said for Bello to appear in court, he must have the notion that he would get justice. Adedipe also argued that the EFCC was an unconstitutional body because its establishment was not ratified by the 36 states of the federation.

He said that for the EFCC to become a constitutional body, the 36 states of the federation must ratify the law establishing it as against the current position, that the EFCC Establishment Act was unilaterally ratified by the Federal Government.

He, therefore, asked the judge to vacate the arrest warrant against the former governor. But Pinheiro vehemently opposed the application. The senior lawyer argued that for the arrest warrant to be vacated, the former governor must be arraigned and take his plea in compliance with Section 396 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, the judge agreed with the argument of the EFCC. He said that the order of court subsisted until it was set aside, even if there was irregularity. The judge said Yahaya Bello’s staying away amounted to disregard for the sanctity of the court.

“Therefore, the application by the counsel for the defendant cannot be moved unless the defendant is present in court.

“Bello should come to court in his own not through EFCC for arraignment on the next adjourn date,” the judge declared.

Meanwhile, shortly after the ruling, Mohammed, who appeared for the former governor, informed the court of a motion on notice filed on May 9. He said the motion prayed the court to stay further hearing of the alleged money laundering suit filed against Bello until the Court of Appeal decides a pending case relating to the same matter.

The senior lawyer said the anti-graft agency had, by a motion ex-parte, got an order of the Appeal Court stopping the contempt proceedings filed by the ex-governor against the agency at the High Court sitting in Lokoja. He said the appellate court had already fixed May 20 to hear the case.

He said it would be important the Federal High Court, Abuja awaits the outcome before going further with the trial. But the EFCC’s lawyer, Oyedepo, disagreed with Mohammed’s submission. In a short ruling, Justice Nwite refused Mohammed’s application. The judge said that the matter had generated controversy all over the world and was unnecessary.

Reacting, Mohammed responded that the former governor was not afraid to come to court but was only afraid of his life. Justice Nwite, however, said that Bello should not be misguided but should be advised to come and answer the alleged charge.

“It is just a charge. It has not been proven. Counsel, it is your duty to bring him and you prepare yourselves.

“We thank lordship. We will take your admonition to him because that is just his fear,” Mohammed said.

He assured that efforts would be made to contact the former governor to appear in court on the next adjourned date. Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until June 13 for arraignment.

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Cybercrime levy announced by Central Bank suspended by House of Representatives

By
tvafrinet
-
0

The House of Representatives has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt actions on the implementation of the cybercrime levy it announced recently.

The House expressed concerns that the bank’s directive could be misunderstood by the public and go against the Cybercrime Act.

The House has underscored that the levy introduced by the bank is in direct contradiction to the specific criteria outlined in section 44(2a) of the Act, which clearly defines who should be responsible for paying such a levy.

Following a motion presented by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the House urgently called for the withdrawal of the bank’s initial circular on the levy and requested the issuance of a new circular by the Act’s provisions.

The House has underscored that the levy introduced by the bank is in direct contradiction to the specific criteria outlined in section 44(2a) of the Act, which clearly defines who should be responsible for paying such a levy.

Following a motion presented by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, the House urgently called for the withdrawal of the bank’s initial circular on the levy and requested the issuance of a new circular by the Act’s provisions.

Labour Party presidential bannerman Peter Obi described the move as insensitively planned, noting that it’s another move to increase Nigerians’ burden.

He said, “It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government. Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but make the country’s economic environment less competitive.”

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has threatened to shut down Nigeria’s economy if the Federal Government fails to reverse the cybersecurity levy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Reacting to the controversial development, the congress, in a statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, slammed the CBN for imposing a 0.5% cybersecurity levy “at a time when Nigerians are grappling with the high cost of living.”

1...373839...593Page 38 of 593

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©