BOKO HARAM: GOVERNORS, POLITICAL LEADERS CONGRATULATE PRESIDENT BUHARI, MILITARY ON THE TAKEOVER OF SAMBISA FOREST

Leaders across the political spectrum have been calling President Muhammadu Buhari, to congratulate him and the leadership of the armed forces following the takeover of the Sambisa Forest from the Boko Haram terrorists.

In the latest series of calls received by the President, the Governors of Jigawa, Kano, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto have joined some of their colleagues from South-East, South-South, South-West and North Central states who made earlier calls to commend the President on the achievement of this feat which, they said, “has pleased the Nigerian people and is also being celebrated all over the world.”

Counter Extremism Project: Tech Companies’ Hashing Technology a Step in the Right Direction, Raises Significant Questions

Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, CEO of the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), issued the following statement today in response to the announcement by technology companies of an image and video hashing effort targeting extremist content online:

“The Counter Extremism Project is pleased that social media companies, with support from the European Union, are adopting technology that will help remove extremist content from their platforms.

Donald Trump, Brexit and Other Lessons From Conservative Parties’ Politics

Conservative parties, be they called the Tory Party, or Republican Party, or Likud Party, have for the most part of the early 20th century to present advocated policies that seemed unreasonable but the world continued to vote them into office. These policies are often presented to the public lased with patriotic cinnamon sugars. And the public has consumed them with passion.

At the formative stages of the European Union, the conservatives urged Britons not join as Labor and other progressive parties pushed for joining European Union. General Charles De Gaulle’s opposition to Britain’s membership did not help but it was mostly internal British debate that stopped Britain from joining until after ten years (1975), when a twotoone flavor was negotiated and referendum held. Even after joining, the Conservative Party was still lukewarm in the association. It was this attitude that led some conservatives to propose that a referendum be held to exit. The leadership of the Brexit was mostly Conservative Party membership although the conservative PM campaigned against the exit. And when he lost he resigned and the new PM has proclaimed, loud and clear, that Brexit means Brexit and no attempt would be made to renter through a back door.

NOTHING IS PERMANENT: Britain votes to leave EU in historic divorce, pressure on PM Cameron to resign

Britain has voted to leave the European Union, results from Thursday's landmark referendum showed, an outcome that sets the country on an uncertain path and deals the largest setback to European efforts to forge greater unity since World War Two.

World financial markets dived as nearly complete results showed a 51.8/48.2 percent split for leaving. Sterling suffered its biggest one-day fall of more than 10 percent against the dollar, hitting a 31-year low on market fears the decision will hit investment in the world's 5th largest economy.

The vote will initiate at least two years of messy divorce proceedings with the EU, raise questions over London's role as a global financial capital and put huge pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron to resign, though he pledged during the campaign to stay on whatever the result.

NIGERIA, NORWAY TO DEEPEN COOPERATION ON FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT - PRESIDENCY

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said Nigeria and Norway, a major fish exporting country, will work together to deepen their agricultural cooperation, particularly on fish farming and fisheries development.

Speaking at a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Ambassador Rolf Ree, President Buhari said his administration will continue to promote agriculture as an alternative revenue earner for the country.

The President welcomed the humanitarian aid provided by Norway and some European Union member countries in support of Internally Displaced Persons in the country.

Good News for Nigeria's Mono-Economy as Oil Price Rises to $48

World oil prices rebounded Friday from six straight sessions of losses, as investors eyed rising global equities and increasing risk appetite on receding Brexit concerns, dealers said.

At about 1100 GMT, Brent North Sea crude for delivery in August was up 99 cents at $48.18 a barrel.

US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for July delivery won 73 cents to $46.94 a barrel compared with Thursday’s close.

“Oil prices are bouncing back… after falling for six straight days, and also because of the small but general improvement in risk sentiment since Thursday afternoon in response to receding Brexit concerns,” said City Index analyst Fawad Razaqzada.

22,000 Nigerian nationals crossed Mediterranean Sea: EU ready for migrant return talks with Nigeria

The European Commission says it’s ready to start negotiating an agreement with Nigeria to send back Nigerian migrants who do not qualify to stay in the European Union.

The Commission said in a statement Wednesday that the move would ensure that returns are done “rapidly and efficiently.” It said the so-called readmission agreement would respect international law.

Around 22,000 Nigerian nationals crossed the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe last year, according to the EU’s border agency, Frontex.

PRESIDENT BUHARI, HOLLANDE, BIYA, USA, BRITAIN, EU, ECOWAS, OTHERS FOR SECURITY SUMMIT IN ABUJA

In furtherance of ongoing efforts by his administration to enhance the security of lives, properties and investments in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, President Muhammadu will host the second Regional Security Summit in Abuja on Saturday, May 14, 2016.

Participants in the summit will include President Francois Hollande of France who hosted the first Regional Security Summit in Paris on May 17, 2014.

President Buhari and the French President who is scheduled to arrive Abuja on Friday on an official visit to Nigeria will be joined at the summit by the Presidents of Cameroon, Niger Republic, Chad and Benin Republic.

Oduduwa Voice Radio Says Biafra is 89% Free-Read the Full Report on ABW

Release by Oduduwa Voice Radio

Yes to many Nigerians, nothing is intrinsically wrong or genocidal if Buhari, as the current president of Nigeria, on behalf of his own geographical North and people, who only could monster mere 5% of general revenue to the central purse of Nigeria, decided to use, as he have been doing, the armed forces, Dss , the police and other relevant security agencies to killing people, who are contributing parts of the remaining 95% of which Buhari parts of Nigeria are getting the largest chunk of shares under a draconian federal allocations and useless unitary-Federalism.

Now the International community via series of events and policy statements had rollout series of reports indicting all security institutions in Nigeria of being used by the ruling Government to subvert the will and positions of those who chooses the right of self-determination, rejecting their continuous staying in an unholy marriage created by foreigners and where their lives is endangered and cheated and their natural resources stolen by laws they were never parts of the making via non-conduct of a national referendum to give the social contracts sane credibility.

Belgian PM confirms some Muslims 'danced' after Brussels attacks

"I confirm that there have been expressions of support for the attacks. The council of [national] security has also been informed [about the incident]," Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said, as cited by Belga news agency.

PM Charles Michel confirmed an earlier comment by the country’s interior minister, who said that a portion of the Muslim community was “dancing” in the streets following the deadly Brussels attacks in March.

He added, however, that the apparent support for the deadly attacks came from “minorities” in the Muslim community and that “it is not appropriate to generalize” about the community as a whole.

Africa’s Softer, Gentler Coups d’Etat

President of Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso

There’s a new fashion among African presidents bent on clinging to power: the constitutional coup. Military coups are no longer de rigueur, in part because the African Union has said it won’t recognize governments that come to power by means of such blatant tactics. Instead, African leaders who are unwilling to abide by term limits, or unfavorable election results, prefer to simply change the laws and constitutions that stand in their way. All too often, their legal maneuvering is accompanied by human rights abuses and brutal crackdowns on those who object.

Denis Sassou Nguesso, the nearly 72-year-old president of the Republic of Congo, is the latest to go this route. Sassou Nguesso has been in power for 31 years, with a five-year hiatus after losing multiparty elections in 1992. He returned to power in 1997, backed by Angolan troops, after a brief but bloody civil war.

Nigeria @55, Lets Praise and Blame Ourselves

Nigeria@55

Nigeria is 55 years old today (1/10/15). As Nigeria celebrates her independency anniversary, let us pause, praise and blame ourselves for our fate, as we are the architects of Nigeria’s destiny and woes. Its worthy of note that Nigeria has remained as one till date, even though our foundation appears shaky and wobbly. But thank God, there is no major war,(even though the war against Boko Haram is ongoing). Thank God too, that there are no major natural disasters (even though some of our leaders are worst than natural calamities). But in all, let’s be grateful for the relative peace we enjoy. Countries like Libya, Syria, Somalia, etc are in major wars. Their citizens are worst off as a result. Watching millions of refugees from Syria, and seeing other war torn countries, makes you appreciate Nigeria.

Tony Blair wants Cairo to mediate Israeli-Hamas' Gaza violence

Cairo (AFP) - Egyptian government, under new President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has adopted a hands-off approach towards the conflict in Gaza amid deteriorating ties with Hamas. Mideast Quartet envoy Tony Blair arrived in Cairo Saturday for talks on ending the violence in Gaza, where Israeli air raids have killed more than 155 Palestinians this week, officials said.

Blair, who represents the European Union, Russia, United Nations and United States, will hold talks with Egyptian officials to press for an end to the c

Despite international concern, truce efforts have been unsuccessful, according to Egypt, which had been key in mediating previous ceasefires between Hamas and Israel.

Yahoo

Boko Haram’s evil unsustainable —Sambo •EU, UN, US condemn Abuja bomb blast

Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo, on Thursday, visited the scene of Wednesday’s blast at Emab Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja which claimed lives of at least 21 persons and wounded many more, declaring that the Boko Haram’s evil was sustainable.

He said the terrorists could not dampen the spirit of Nigerians with their evil acts, as he expressed confidence that terror would never gain ground in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world.

He appealed for cooperation with security agencies as they tackle crime and criminality in the country.

Putin's first visit to Crimea since annexation treated heroic

Russian President, Vladimir Putin flew to Crimea Friday to mark the Soviet Union's World War II victory, his first trip to the peninsula since Moscow annexed it from Ukraine in March.

Putin declared his country is now stronger with the annexation of Crimea. "I am sure that 2014 will go into the annals of our whole country as the year when the nations living here firmly decided to be together with Russia, affirming fidelity to the historical truth and the memory of our ancestors,'' Putin was quoted as saying during a speech in the port city of Sevastopol.

"There is a lot of work ahead but we will overcome all difficulties because we are together, which means we have become stronger," the Russian leader said during his remarks to military leaders and other officials.

AFRICA-EU SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS: PRESIDENT JONATHAN'S REMARKS ON PEACE AND SECURITY

REMARKS ON PEACE AND SECURITY By DR GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCON, GCFR President Federal Republic of Nigeria AT THE 4TH AFRICA-EU SUMMIT BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
2ND APRIL 2014

PROTOCOL:

Crimea Latest: Russian parliament ratified treaty to make Crimea part of Russian Federation

Russia's lower parliament ratified a treaty to make Crimea a part of the Russian Federation on Thursday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had presented the treaty on annexing Crimea to lawmakers, urging them to accept the region as a part of the Russian Federation.

Speaking "on behalf" of President Vladimir Putin, he told the State Duma folding the Black Sea Peninsula into Russia was needed to protest ethnic Russians there. "I hope this will become a turning point in the fate of many people who are united by many things," Lavrov said.

Crimea War: EU foreign ministers and the US unveil sanctions as Ukraine recalls ambassador

SIMFEROPOL  – The European Union and the United States on Monday sanctioned top Russians and Ukrainians deemed responsible for a breakaway vote in Crimea that has fanned the worst East-West standoff since the Cold War.

Official results from Sunday’s referendum showed 96.77 percent of voters in the mostly Russian-speaking region of Ukraine had opted for Kremlin rule in what would be the most radical redrawing of the map of Europe since Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia.

NATO-Russia council to hold extraordinary meeting in Brussels Wednesday to discuss Ukraine invations

Russia accepts NATO proposal which will enable NATO-Russia council to hold extraordinary meeting in Brussels Wednesday to discuss Ukraine.

NATO allies are holding emergency talks in Brussels on the crisis in Ukraine, the second time in three days, following a request from Poland.

In calling the meeting, Poland, a neighbour of Ukraine, invoked a NATO rule allowing any ally to consult with the others if it feels its security, territorial integrity or independence are under threat, the so-called Article 4.