Category: News - Page 4 - African News Today

Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

11May

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Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

In a move that has further intensified the political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued Executive Order 001, dated October 30, 2023, mandating the temporary relocation of the state House of Assembly's proceedings to the Government House Auditorium. The decision comes in the wake of a fire incident on October 29, 2023, which severely damaged the hallowed chambers of the Assembly, rendering it unsafe for legislative activities. The governor's gazette cited the need for urgent repairs, renovations, and reconstruction of the damaged chambers as the primary reason for the relocation. The relocation order has sparked controversy, especially considering the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territo...

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

10May

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Corruption, Infrastructure, News, Nigeria

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The probe focuses on the procurement process and contract award, which are suspected to violate existing infrastructure regulations. Additionally, the prominent Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has urged the federal government to cease the project, advocating for a critical review of its economic and environmental implications. Alleged Procurement Violations The House of Representatives initiated the investigation upon a motion presented by Hon. Dr. Austin Achado. He alleges that the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Minister Dave Umahi, awarded the 700km highway and rail project to Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited throug...

10May

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Breaking News, News, Nigeria, Sports

Ibrahim Babangida Dies in Car Crash

Tragic news struck the football community today with the passing of Ibrahim Babangida, a former Super Eagles player, in a fatal accident on the Zaira road. The accident also involved his brother, Tijani, who serves as the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), along with his wife, son, and maid. A somber statement from Emmanuel Babayaro, the General Secretary of PFAN, confirmed Ibrahim's untimely demise in the accident. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Tijani and the rest of his family are reportedly receiving medical attention and are said to be responding positively to treatment. The Nation

Building Collapse in South Africa Claims Triggers Investigation

10May

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News, Safety, South Africa

Building Collapse in South Africa Claims Triggers Investigation

George, South Africa – A horrific building collapse in George, South Africa, has left seven people dead and nearly 40 construction workers missing. The tragedy has prompted a massive rescue operation, national mourning, and urgent investigations to determine the cause of the disaster. "We've recovered 36 people, of which, unfortunately, seven are deceased," said Leon van Wyk, the Executive Mayor of George, during a press briefing. "There are still 39 that are unaccounted for, buried somewhere in the rubble behind us. So, the rescue part is still continuing with the operation, but at the same time, what the teams are now doing are preparing for recovery." South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his deepest condolences to the families impacted by the building collapse and pled...

Al-Qaeda Linked Group Accused of Mass Killings in Mali

10May

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Mali, News, Security, Terrorism

Al-Qaeda Linked Group Accused of Mass Killings in Mali

BAMAKO, MALI – A new report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) details a horrifying massacre of villagers in central Mali. The extremist group JNIM, with ties to al-Qaeda, is accused of the January 27th attacks on Ogota and Ouémbé villages. At least 32 people, including three children, were killed. Ethnic Violence and Displacement Witnesses describe the killings as being ethnically motivated. Over 350 homes were burned to the ground, displacing thousands of villagers. HRW's report also highlights another incident on January 6th, where an ethnic armed group killed 13 civilians and abducted 24 in separate villages. “Islamist armed groups and ethnic militias are brutally attacking civilians without fear of prosecution,” stated Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Ri...

Kenya: Government and WHO Spearhead Emergency Response

8May

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Kenya, News, Safety

Kenya: Government and WHO Spearhead Emergency Response

The ongoing long rainy season in Kenya, which typically spans from March to May, has unleashed unexpected and devastating downpours, leading to widespread flooding since mid-April. The impact has been severe, with over 286,000 people affected, 47,000 households displaced, and a tragic toll of 238 reported deaths across 37 of the country's 47 counties. Dr. Pius Mutuku, a medical epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, revealed the dire consequences of the flooding, stating that 14 health facilities have shuttered, and a crucial water treatment plant has been compromised, leaving approximately 3,000 people without access to safe drinking water. Additionally, 44 cases of cholera have been confirmed in Tana River County, one of the hardest-hit areas by the floods. To address the escal...

Kenya Floods Heighten Cholera Threat: 44 Cases Reported

8May

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Kenya, News, United Nations

Kenya Floods Heighten Cholera Threat: 44 Cases Reported

The flooding situation in Kenya's Tana River County has intensified concerns over the spread of cholera, with 44 cases already confirmed. In a statement on Tuesday, May 7, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted collaborative efforts between Kenyan authorities, WHO, and other agencies to address health challenges exacerbated by the widespread floods. According to Dr. Pius Mutuku, a medical epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, "Forty-four cholera cases have been reported in Tana River County, one of the most flood-affected areas. The Government of Kenya has mounted a multisectoral emergency response, led by the Kenya Disaster Emergency Operations Centre in the country’s capital, Nairobi." See Also: Kenya Floods Claim 228 Lives: Search for 72 Missing Intensifies The...

APC Calls for Impeachment of Rivers Governor Amid Political Turmoil

8May

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Elections, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

APC Calls for Impeachment of Rivers Governor Amid Political Turmoil

The caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has urged the state's House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This call comes after a previous notice of impeachment was withdrawn in December following intervention by President Bola Tinubu in a dispute between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ongoing feud between Fubara and Wike revolves around control of Rivers' political structure. Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Tony Okocha, the APC state chairman, accused Governor Fubara of disrespecting President Tinubu. Okocha emphasized the party's refusal to tolerate such behavior, stating that it would be "foolhardy" to allow someone to insult the President in their presence. S...

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Followed Due Process – Umahi

8May

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Infrastructure, Lagos News, News, Nigeria

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project Followed Due Process – Umahi

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project against accusations of nepotism in its procurement process. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar raised concerns over the contract awarded to HiTech Construction without public bidding, alleging favoritism due to the president's personal ties with the company's chairman. Umahi dismissed these allegations, stating that the project strictly adhered to the Procurement Act's guidelines. See Also: David Hundeyin: Coastal Road Project Awarded to Company Tied to Convicted Criminal According to Umahi, the project followed the EPC+F procurement process, wherein the investor provides designs, financing, and construction services, while the government pays counterpart funds. The bid for the project went...

Binance CEO Faults Arrest of its Execs in Nigeria

8May

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Economy, Finance, News, Nigeria

Binance CEO Faults Arrest of its Execs in Nigeria

The CEO of Binance, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has condemned Nigeria's recent arrest of its executives, labeling them as a dangerous precedent. This outcry comes after two of Binance's executives who were invited by the government ended up being detained. The Nigerian took this action as part of a crackdown on crypto-related activities. Richard Teng, the CEO, expressed his dismay at the detention of Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's head of financial crime compliance and a U.S. citizen. He also highlighted the case of Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, who fled Nigeria in March. According to Teng, the ordeal began with meetings between Binance representatives and Nigerian authorities in January. However, matters escalated during a su...