U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has cautioned Nigerians over fake websites and messages advertising U.S. visa lottery in circulation .
The embassy in a statement made available on its official Facebook page on Friday, the U.S. mission, while warning that websites peddling advertisements of the visa lottery were fake, asked Nigerians to visit its official websites for accurate information on the lottery program .
The mission further urged Nigerians to discard information from web pages without the “.gov” address.
“The U.S. Mission to Nigeria is aware of websites and messages advertising the U.S. visa lottery. All of these sites are FAKE! The only accurate information on the visa lottery is available at ng.usembassy.gov and travel.state.gov. Addresses that have a .gov are the only accurate source of visa information,” the embassy in a statement said.
The diversity visa lottery which kick started in 1995 was established to diversify the immigrant population in the United States, by selecting applicants mostly from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States in the previous five years.
However, a statement earlier seen on the official website of the U.S. consulate in Nigeria had banned Nigerians from participating in its diversity visa lottery.
The statement said that Nigerians were “no longer eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery. Only people that were born outside of Nigeria or have parents that were born outside of Nigeria are eligible for the Diversity Visa. If you were born in Nigeria to Nigerian born parents, you are not eligible for the visa lottery.”
The Nigeria Correctional Service, Ondo State Command, has shed more light on why an #EndSAR protester, Kemisola Oginniyi, who recently gave birth to a baby in their custody is still in their facility.
Public Relation Officer/ Legal officer of the command, Ogundare Babatunde in a statement made available to Vanguard in Akure explained that Kemisola was remanded “for conspiracy, arson, riotous assembly, stealing, and malicious damage.
The statement entitled press statement on Kemisola Ogunniyi: The Fact In Issue’ said that “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ondo State Command has been drawn to the viral picture of a nursing mother with her newborn baby being spread on social media platforms with malicious intent.
“The lady in question was remanded in the female custodial facility by a court of competent jurisdiction on the 24th November 2020, for conspiracy, arson, riotous assembly, stealing, and malicious damage and the matter was subsequently adjourned to 8th December 2020 for hearing, and further adjourned to 9th March 2021.
“She was 2 months pregnant when she was remanded in the facility and all necessary medical cares and legal attention needed was accorded accordingly within the ambit of the operational orders of the service. Her families and legal representatives were given access to visit her as well.
“She fell into labour on Tuesday 15th June, 2021, and she was immediately moved to the Ondo State Basic Health Centre for delivery and she delivered her baby on the 16th June 2021 around noon.
“She was hale and hearty with the baby and subsequently discharged and was taken back to the facility for further care.
“lt is very expedient for the general public to know that the Nigeria Correctional Service will not unlawfully hold down any inmate without the order of court hence, the need to disregard the viral pictures and deceitful information emanating in the social media in other to discredit the service.
“While assuring the public of the commitment of officers and men of the command to the care and support for Inmates, the State Controller Barr. S D Kinane wishes to state that the service is community friendly and will not act contrary to the operational orders and constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.
“The inmate and her baby are hale and hearty in the facility pending the determination of her case before the court of competent jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Kemisola’s lawyer, Tope Tomekun, in a letter to the Ondo Chief Judge, Oluwatoyin Akeredolu insisted that Kemisola was innocent of the crime preferred against her.
Tomekun said that Kemisola was “on her way to the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) to collect money for her mother’s treatment when she was apprehended by the Nigerian Army on random raiding and handed over to the Police for investigation.
“She was later alleged to be part of those who set APC Secretariat Akure on fire during the ENDSARS protest that took place in October 2020.
“I write to you sir, first as a lawyer and in furtherance of my conviction as a believer in humanitarian cause of justice, to appeal to you sir, that for the sake of the sinless newborn child and in the interest of justice, to give directive that this matter be given an urgent hearing as this is one deserving case sir, in which the powers in this direction could be exercised.”
The lawyer appealed to the state Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Titiloye Charles to use his powers to discontinue the prosecution of Kemisola and others.
Also, her family members have equally pleaded with the power that be both in the judiciary and state government to temper justice with mercy and set the new mother free.
It might interest you to know that, the suspect, Kemisola has been in prison custody since October 24 last year gave birth to a baby boy on June 16.
She was arrested alongside three others, Ayodele Bukunmi, Ojo Samuel and Ani Obinna at remanded at Surulere prison in Ondo.
They were accused by the security operatives that arrested them of being amongst those who razed the state Secretariat of the All Progressive Congress.
Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University ( OAU), Ile- Ife on Friday directed the students of the institution to resume their respective halls resume residence for the rain semester from Saturday, 19th June 2021.
The management made this known in a statement signed by the institution registrar, Mrs I. Omosule and made available by its Public relations Officer, Mr Biodun Olanrewaju in Osogbo.
The statement read: “Having observed the semester break from the 5th to the 18th June 2021, all students are expected to come into residence for the Rain Semester from the 19th June 2021.”
“Students are to note that lectures will start on Monday, 21st June 2021 and will take hybrid form. All special elective courses and large classes (more than 250 students) will be taught virtually while those with lesser registered student population will have their lectures delivered in the physical mode”.
“Meanwhile, the University Management is reiterating strict adherence to all COVID-19 protocols, which includes, regular washing/sanitizing of hands, maintenance of social distancing and wearing of face masks”.
“We wish all our students a peaceful continuation of the 2019/2020 Academic,” the release concluded.
Former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi has been appointed by the Federal government as Youth Ambassador to inspire young Nigerians to strive for excellence.
The appointment which took place at the NOC secretariat, National Stadium, Surulere Lagos on Friday June 18, is another of the Minister’s initiatives geared towards driving a vibrant youth for national development.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare, described the former Chelsea star as a role model whose lasting legacies in football development have continued to have a positive impact on youths in the country.
The minister promised to support Mikel’s vision and the vision for sports development in the country and also assured the Stoke City midfielder of the Federal Government’s unalloyed support whenever he chooses to invest in the country.
“Time will not permit me to say much about Mikel’s success as a footballer. He is our legend and a role model who has continued to impact the lives of youth positively.”
“It is it my pleasure to appoint you as Nigeria Youth Ambassador. It’s a new portfolio and your role as youth ambassador will be made known to Nigerians,” the Minister asserted.”
In his response, Mikel expressed delight with his new portfolio and promised to work with the sports Ministry to foster youth development in the country.
“I feel highly honored to be appointed as Youth Ambassador of this country, it is a great feeling. I am happy with this partnership and I promise to do my best to encourage and inspire the youths towards national development not just in football but in other sports like Basketball, Boxing among others”, said
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of five new Permanent Secretaries into the civil service of the federation following the recent conduct of a selection process.
The five were among 47 candidates cleared in May to sit for written examination to fill vacant positions of permanent secretary in the federal civil service on 31, May 2021.
This approval was disclosed in a statement issued from the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, on Friday.
Signed by AbdulGaniyu Aminu, Director Press and Public Relation, in the office, the statement gave the names of the new appointees as Adebiyi Olusesan Olufunso (Ekiti), Onwudiwe Maryann Ngozi (Enugu), Yusuf Ibrahim Idris (Katsina), Ogunbiyi Marcus Olaniyi (Lagos), Ibrahim Abubakar Kana (Nasarawa).
It informed that they would be sworn into office at a later date.
Popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi received hot waves of backlash after talking down on a popular song titled ‘Oniduro mi’ by Adeyinka Alaseyori.
In a viral video on social media recently, Tope Alabi could be heard correcting the song publicly as she stands on her word that it is so wrong to refer to God as ‘Oniduro mi’ [my guarantor] while backing her claims with caution from the holy spirits from when she tried to sing along.
“God is not my own guarantor; he is more than a guarantor to me. I love the song too but the day I tried singing it, the holy spirit told me to shut up,” she said in the Yoruba language.
Reacting, the Gospel singer on Friday, apologised for her comment on the song ‘Oniduro mi’, stating that the composer, Adeyinka is her spiritual daughter and she would never be envious of her for any reason, according to ChurchGist report.
Her words;
“Let Me Acknowledge That My Mistake Was That I Externalised A Personal Message In Public and I am Awfully Sorry For Doing That”. “Initially, I didn’t want to delve into the controversy over the gospel hit song, “Oniduro,” because I have intervened behind the scenes in concert with other stakeholders in gospel music ministry. However, I discovered that online media would not allow the dust to settle calmly.
“I want to state that Tope Alabi, Adeyinka Adesioye a.k.a Alaseyori and Tolu Adelegan are all members of the same family of God and they belong to the same calling – singing ministry.
“Adeyinka is my daughter in ministry. Her Pastor asked me to pray for her because she took after me, which I did wholeheartedly. Envy who? Never! I love the girl so much.
“She can confirm to you, sir, that we relate so well. God has given each of us the grace to go as far as His enablement could carry us. The atmosphere is wide enough for everyone to stretch her wings of gift without disturbing one another.
“……I’m being bombarded with calls and visits by Pastors since Monday morning till now. As we speak, another group of Pastors are coming in now. I guess it is because of this same issue.
“……I have been inundated with diverse counsel from different quarters. I hardly sleep since this matter started. While I attend to Nigerian fans on phone calls and online chats in the daytime, our people in the Diaspora will engage me throughout the greater part of the night over the same matter.
“…..I’m not a perfect person yet, I’m still a work in progress in the hands of God. I want people to see me as a mere mortal with my own weaknesses, human frailties and as a learner in the limitless knowledge of God. “I am who I am today only by the mercy of God and the support of millions of gospel music lovers. I have no support base elsewhere outside the awesome Nigerians who feel uncomfortable with my statement. “I see the depth of anger as the measure of their love, admiration and solid support for me and for all of us in the singing ministry.
“Let me acknowledge that my mistake was that I externalised a personal message in public; and I’m awfully sorry for doing that. My friends, colleagues and leaders in ministry who criticized me either openly or privately simply feel disappointed because of the love we share. We are too knitted in the Body of Christ to allow anything to divide us. Human factor is part of our life.
“For those who keep quiet but chose to intercede for us on their knees instead, may God honour them all. And for those who defended me even without speaking with me, I can’t appreciate them enough.”
“…… Sister Tolu Adelegan is a woman I hold in high esteem. Adeyinka, like I said earlier, is my daughter in ministry, they are all valuable sisters and associates that nothing can separate us. This is a mere fog, it will fade away in no time. “For the comic fellows who are already releasing comedy skits over the matter, I burst into laughter (she laughed again) watching some today. What a creative people we are. Nigerians are awesome minds who will fashion out tension relieving stuff from every situation.
“…I appreciate them all. The Bible says in Hebrew 12: 14 that we should pursue peace with everybody and holiness, those are the conditions for us to see God. This is the acceptable path for all of us to follow……”
The micro-state of Cape Verde, which has for years tuned up its nose at both ECOWAS and the African Union and claimed to be “not African” which for decades has grabbed with both hands all that ECOWAS had to offer but never given back, is now lobbying to be installed as the ECOWAS Presidency in October.
What is absolutely galling about Cape Verde’s lobbying for the ECOWAS Presidency is the fact that it believes the position is it’s as a right.
Truly a mouse that wants to be heard! But what sound will be herd? The squeak of Cape Verde or will the sound the emanates be that of the mighty bald-headed eagle? Or will it be the voice of Portugal?
It is rumoured that more than half of the Cape Verde cabinet hold Portuguese passports. Cape Verde has spent most of the past year attacking the legitimacy of ECOWAS’s most respected institution, namely the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
The ECOWAS Revised Treaty, a treaty which Cape Verde has signed, is very clear that the both the jurisdiction and decisions of the Court are binding on all Member States.Cape Verde has twice in the past year openly disobeyed rulings handed down by the Court.
There again there is the issue of arrears. For most the past few decades Cape Verde has not met its financial obligations to ECOWAS.It is only in the last couple of years that it has begun to make paltry contributions and that, too, only in the hope of justifying its assumption of the ECOWAS Presidency.
ECOWAS has spent considerable amount of time carving out its own unique West African identity and the region is on the cusp of significant economic and political integration.
Cape Verde cannot be permitted to assume any form of regional leadership position until it is clear that in assuming any such role it would be truly representing the aspirations and needs of the people of West Africa and not perpetrators of past and present hegemony.
A human Right lawyer, Tope Tomekun, has called for the immediate release of an 18 year-old-girl, Kemisola Ogunniyi, who was arrested during the #ENDSARS protest in Ondo state and given birth to a baby boy in prison custody.
Temokun in a letter addressed to the Ondo Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, Sir Titiloye Charles, said Kemisola was arrested with three other people during the protest.
He said the other three suspects arrested and detained in prison custody since October 24, include, Ayodele Bukunmi, Ojo Samuel and Ani Obinna, saying the four suspects had been in Surulere Prison in Ondo West local government since October last year.
According to Temokun, the charges preferred against them were conspiracy to commit the following felonies, to wit: arson, riotous assembly, stealing and malicious damage.
He disclosed that Kemisola gone into labour on June 15 and gave birth to a baby boy the following day, and argued that Kemisola was innocent of the crime preferred against her.
He explained that “Kemisola was on her way to the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) to collect money for her mother’s treatment when she was apprehended by the Nigerian Army on random raiding and handed her over to the Police for investigation.
“She was later alleged to be part of those who set APC Secretariat Akure on fire during the #ENDSARS protest that took place in October 2020.
“I write to you sir, first as a lawyer and in furtherance of my conviction as a believer in the humanitarian cause of justice, to appeal to you sir, that for the sake of the sinless newborn child and in the interest of justice, to give a directive that this matter is given an urgent hearing as this is one deserving case, sir, in which the powers in this direction could be exercised.”
He, however, appealed to the Ondo Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, Sir Titiloye Charles, to use his powers to discontinue the prosecution of the teenager and three others.
Some unknown gunmen suspected to be assassins have killed 33-year-old lecturer with the University of Benin, Maxwell Eseosa Aimuan.
Aimuan, a lecturer in the department of Public Administration, was shot dead on Saturday, June 12, while he was driving into his compound in Isihor, Benin City.
It was gathered that his assailants shot him severally before fleeing the scene. He was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.
The deceased, who was engaged in the institution in 2015 as a Graduate Assistant, reportedly parted with his friends after an evening outing around the Ugbowo area before he was killed.
The public relations officer of the university, Benedicta Ehanire, who confirmed the incident described the late lecturer as hardworking and dedicated university staff.
Ehanire called on security agents to unravel those behind the killing.
As wide condemnations continue to trail the continued detention of Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab by the Cape verdian authorities over alleged money laundering , A United States Attorney who preferred not to named in this Interview dissected the legal and political implications the Fonseca led government in Cape Verde might face, should he fail to carry out the directive issued by the United Nations Human Rights Committee in regard to the arbitrary detention of Alex Saab.
Cape Verde and the human rights UN obligations ?
Cabo Verde is a member State of the United Nations, it has been a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since August 6, 1993 and to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since May 19, 2000. That implies that Cabo Verde must respect its international obligations regarding the human rights protected by this treaty and comply with the orders and decisions of the expert body in charge of the supervision of the treaty, which is the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations.
What are the interim measures ordered by the HR Committee ?
Under rule 92 of its rules of procedure, the Committee may, after receipt of a communication and before adopting its Views, request a State party to take interim measures in order to avoid irreparable damage to the victim of the alleged violations. The Committee continues to apply this rule on appropriate occasions, for instance in cases of imminent deportation or extradition which may involve or expose the author to a real risk of violation of rights protected under the Covenant, or when issues concerning the health of the alleged victim are at stake.
Are the interim measures usually implemented ?
While in the majority of cases where the Committee requested the States parties concerned to take interim measures such requests were granted and complied with, there were some instances in which this was not done. When a State refuses to comply the Committee recalled its jurisprudence that a State party commits serious breaches of its obligations under the Optional Protocol if its action or inaction serves to prevent or frustrate consideration by the Committee of a communication alleging a violation of the Covenant, or to render examination by the Committee moot and the expression of its Views nugatory and futile. Interim measures pursuant to rule 92 of its rules of procedure, adopted in conformity with article 39 of the Covenant, are essential to the Committee’s role under the Optional Protocol. Flouting of the rule, especially by irreversible measures such as, in the present case, the author’s extradition, undermines the protection of Covenant rights through the Optional Protocol. In the Committee’s view, these circumstances disclose a breach by the State party of its obligations under article 1 of the Optional Protocol.
Example of a State usually not complying with interim measures ?
Among the few states that do not comply with the interim measures of the Human Rights Committee is Belarus [No. 2017/2010, Burdyko v. Belarus].
What if Cabo Verde refuses ?
The United Nations Human Rights Committee calls on Cape Verde to ‘refrain from extraditing Mr. Alex Saab to the United States of America” and to “take all necessary measures to ensure access to appropriate health care by independent and specialized physicians of his choice”. Such measures are very clear and require that the State of Cabo Verde implements them as such. The suspension of extradition is clear and the access to independent and specialized physicians of his choice are measures extremely clear as well.
The refusal by Cape Verde to comply with its international obligations would have serious, structural and long-lasting diplomatic, economic, political and legal consequences for Cape Verde. By refusing or ignoring the interim measures, Cape Verde would be following the path of Belarus and confirming its desire to definitively renounce adherence to human rights and the rule of law.
