US President Joe Biden warned Wednesday that the threat of Russia using chemical weapons in its ongoing attack of Ukraine was “real” as he departed the White House for a high-stakes trip to Europe to tout Western unity and support for Ukraine.
Joe Biden
Asked about the threat of chemical warfare in Ukraine, Biden said, “I think it’s a real threat,” but declined to elaborate further before boarding Marine One.
And asked his message to European partners, he said, “I’m going to say that to their face, I’m going to say all that I have to say, I’m going to say it when I get there. But I’ll be happy to talk to you guys when I get back.”
The Moscow Stock Exchange will partially reopen for trading in Russian stocks on Thursday, Russia’s Central Bank announced today.
Russia Stock Exchange
The Central Bank of Russia said trading in 33 stocks will resume on March 24 between 9:50 a.m. and 2 p.m. local time.
The Russian equities allowed to resume trading include big companies such as Gazprom, Lukoil, VTB Bank, Sberbank, Rusal and Rosneft.
The central bank said there will be a ban applied on short shelling for these shares.
“The working hours of the Moscow Exchange for the following days will be announced later on the official website of the Bank of Russia,” it added.
The stock exchange has been closed for almost a month following a big sell-off due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trading has been suspended since Feb. 28.
Any use of chemical weapons by Russia would be flat-out unacceptable and “totally change the nature of the conflict” in Ukraine, NATO Secretary Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a media conference ahead of a NATO summit at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Western leaders are arriving in Brussels for Thursday’s summits taking place at NATO and EU headquarters where they will seek to highlight their sense of unity in the face of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
Speaking ahead of a NATO summit in Brussels Thursday, the NATO chief warned that the use of chemical weapons would be a “blatant violation of international law and of far reaching consequences.”
Stoltenberg accused China of providing political support and of “spreading blatant lies and disinformation” and said Beijing’s role in the invasion would be addressed at the summit.
He said that China has questioned the right of independent nations to choose their own path, adding that the alliance is concerned that China could provide “material support for the Russian invasion.”
Stoltenberg demanded that Belarus must also end its “complicity in Putin’s invasion,” and warned decisions taken at the summit tomorrow will have “far reaching implications.”
The Presidential Amnesty Programme has raised the alarm over the activities of illegal crude oil refineries in the Niger-Delta region, describing it as a dangerous trend.
Illegal Refinaries
According to the organisation, the domestic refining of crude oil by artisans in host communities had grave health and environmental implications for the country.
The Federal Government had also said that Nigeria lost 53 million barrels of oil worth over $2 billion in the past due to informal crude oil refineries.
The national coordinator of PAP, Colonel Millard Dikio (retd.), issued the warning during the 2nd edition of the stakeholders’ engagement on the integration of modular/artisanal refinery operations in the oil and gas sector in Abuja.
The event was organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger-Delta Affairs with the theme: “Current challenges of revenue loss, petroleum product scarcity, environmental pollution and negotiated way-out.”
Dikio also encouraged all stakeholders to set aside their differences and support efforts to save not only the environment, but also the country’s economy.
He warned that, “things can get worse” in Nigeria, if urgent and systematic steps were not taken to contain the effects of informal crude oil refining.
The PAP Coordinator said, “We cannot seek to make money by all means. We cannot destroy our environment, because we want to make it.”
“There are problems with artisanal refining. These activities have serious health and environmental implications, but what is the way forward? We all need to put our heads and hands together to so solve these problems.”
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, sais that Nigeria lost about $2 billion worth of crude oil in the recent past due to the activities of informal modular refinery operators.
He however, said Nigeria’s challenges in that regard were surmountable through policy measures that would fully integrate them into the mainstream oil and gas industry.
Orji said, “Harmonizing and backing modular refineries with policy will reduce or eliminate pipeline vandalism, check oil theft, and save the nation from revenue loss.”
“From our recent independent report in the oil and gas sector, Nigeria lost 53 million barrels worth over $2 billion in revenue losses, and this is about 674 million barrels that were produced in that year.”
“During the same period over three million liters were spilled in over 370 locations within the host communities with attendant complex consequences for the economy.”
Orji said that the NEITI would support any measure to stop crude oil theft and losses as well as liberalize the industry to create more jobs for our youths.
The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, said ongoing efforts to ensure that artisanal crude oil refiners were absorbed into the formal sector would get the backing of the Federal Government because of the multiplier effects on the nation’s revenue base.
Agba said, “Any attempt at formalizing the informal sector would be supported. Why? It would enhance revenue to the government. A lot of studies have shown that the informal sector ranges between 60-70 percent of the Nigerian economy. That’s very significant, but they are not registered, regulated or paying taxes.”
“So, the government and even the citizens are losing, because there’s no standard procedure for operation. That’s why we consider it very imperative.”
“We will continue to support any programme of action or structure that would help the transition from informal to formal organisations, because we will all benefit from it.”
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger-Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, said that the government had lost so much money to oil thieves, stressing that it was high time the country regularized modular refinery operators to save the economy.
He also said that the Russia-Ukraine war had created opportunities for the nation’s energy sector, hence the need for all players to be brought on board in order for Nigeria to take full advantage of the rising global demand for oil.
Enang said, “as of today, it is alleged that due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, the potential of the world refiners to meet demand of the global community and nations have to look inward for energy sufficiency.”
“Today, the world is facing an energy crisis, and all the nations are now looking into internal sources of solving their problem part of which is the domestic refinery which we call artisanal refining. It is time for us to regularize it for the purpose of saving the economy. We are here to find a way to resuscitate the nation, our future and the economy of this country.”
Other speakers at the event included the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh; the Executive Director of Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre, Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, amongst others.
He advised the Federal Government to scale-up the local technology of informal crude oil refineries, train and integrate the operators into the mainstream.
According to him, this would be a sustainable response to the disruptions caused by the activities.
Rim-Rukeh said, “Oil production dropped drastically as our youths who try to eke a living by going into the conversion of crude oil which they obtained from our pipelines into a usable diesel. They deploy local technology to make this work.”
“FUPRE has tested the product and found that it is actually in line in terms of specificity with other imported oil products in this country.
“What is the way forward? We are working to see how we can develop an indigenous modular refinery, because what we are seeing has to do with a reduction in the loss of crude oil which affects the nation’s economy, and how to improve the environment.
“My proposition today, therefore, is to scale up the activities and technology of what these youths are deploying in the Niger-Delta. Government has to take inventory of these artisanal, and domestic refiners and train them on the technology to improve the process in an eco-friendly manner. Then, they can now form a cooperative society as a group, and obtain a license to legally request for crude oil from the Department of Petroleum Resources.
“Let us take a decision here today to save our environment and improve our own lot and the economy of Nigeria. Any decision we take today, by the grace of God will help us”,
Fyneface called on the security and paramilitary agencies to do more to checkmate illegal bunkering of petroleum products out of Nigeria.
“Due to so much money in the hands of non-state actors, it contributes to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons including AK-47 which they use to protect themselves in the illegal business, and when opportunity comes, they also maximize those weapons to cause insecurity, kidnapping, piracy, and armed robbery.
“These are some of the issues we have and I think the onus lies on the security operatives who are representing the Federal Government to work with the various stakeholders to see how they can address this issue,” he added.
Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, revealed that he suffered depression during Jose Mourinho’s regime at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018.
Pogba, who is in the final year of his Man United contract stated this while speaking about the mental challenges a professional player faces.
The 29-year-old France international told French tabloid Le Figaro (as reported via ESPN): “I’ve had depression in my career, but we don’t talk about it. Sometimes you don’t know who you are, you just want to isolate yourself, be alone. These are unmistakable signs.
“Personally, it started when I was with Jose Mourinho at United. You ask yourself questions, you wonder if you are at fault because you have never experienced these moments in your life.”
Pogba spoke of his family’s “worst nightmare” last week when his home was broken into while his children were sleeping in their bedroom.
A scrap metal dealer reportedly stabbed one Edikan Edoho to death along Marina Junction in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
It was gathered that following the ban on the activities of scrap dealers across the state in January 2022, some people now go to the Marina Junction to sell their metal scraps.
According to Vanguard, an indigene of the area, who identified himself simply as Mr. Sam, said: “I learnt that there was a negotiation between one Edikan and a scrap metal dealer, but the dealer did not price the scraps well, so Edikan refused to sell to him and then went to another dealer.
“From what I was told, the second person offered a better price, so Edikan sold the scraps to him. But when the first person saw that he sold the scrap to another person he was angry.
“He took his knife and stabbed Edikan to death. I learnt that the scavenger has been arrested by the police. It is an unfortunate and condemnable incident.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Eket council area, Mr. Akaninyene Tommey, during a condolence visit to the bereaved family, assured the victim’s family that the perpetrator would surely face the full weight of the law.
Tommey appealed to the youths of the area to remain law-abiding and avoid retaliation.
The council boss announced the re-enforcement of the ban placed on the activities of scrap metal scavengers in Eket popularly known as “Iron condemned,” warning that anyone caught would be duly arrested and prosecuted.
However, reacting to the incident, the Hausa Youth Leader in Eket LGA, Ibrahim Iliya, during a condolence visit to the victim’s family, condemned the killing.
Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi who claimed to have left behind N75 billion for his successor, Chief Willie Obiano has explained why he saved money for the state during his tenure.
Recall that the sitting governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo recently declared on national television that he met only a paltry N300 million in the coffers of the government, with a debt of over N100 billion.
Obi stated the reason he saved massively for the state in a press release by his media aide, Mr. Valentine Obienyem.
He said: “Often some people who are not experts in finance and statecraft question the rationale behind savings which Obi embarked on out of mischief, display of continued opposition, hatred or pure ignorance.
“I often express surprise at their viewpoints, because even among animals, we see the practice of saving for tomorrow out of today’s surplus. However, among the human family, we need not save only when there is surplus.
“If, for example, one plan to buy a car next year, would one not start saving money for that? Savings is about planning and, as Obi always said, “If you do not plan, you have planned to fail.”
“As for those in the habit of arguing against what they do not understand, I hope you will commend the debt burden that will weigh Anambra down as revealed by Prof. Charles Soludo. May I present to you the rationale behind Obi’s savings in the State as he himself explained?
“Unfortunately, we live in a system where people do not think about tomorrow and do not plan for future generations but would prefer to obliterate accumulated income and put the state in debt before exiting the office.
“These are the reasons he is qualified for leadership at any level. In fact, we need such a man for Nigeria to re-discover herself.”
Former Nigerian goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu has hailed the spirit and the determination of the players in camp in Abuja ahead of the big clash between the Super Eagles and the Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff.
Recall that Nigeria will face the Black Stars on Friday, March 25 before hosting the return leg at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on March 29.
In an interview with Completesports.com, Shorunmu stated that the Super Eagles are poised for victory against the Black Stars of Ghana in Kumasi.
He reiterated that the players are eager and hungry to deliver the World Cup ticket to Nigerians.
“I am confident the Super Eagles will overcome the Black Stars of Ghana in Kumasi. The spirit and determination in camp tell you the players are ready for the big game on Friday.
“Ghana is a very good side and I know they will want to prove strong against Nigeria but I believe we have the players that will silence them in Kumasi.”
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that the administration was set to destroy 1,500 motorcycles impounded by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) otherwise known as Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from riders who violated traffic rules and regulations in the nation’s capital.
Director of DRTS, Abdulateef Bello, made this known when he paid an on-the-spot visit to the DRTS Taskforce office in Wuye to acquaint himself with the activities of the team.
“Like we did the last time, these motorcycles have been impounded and awaiting crushing exercise, they are motorcycles that were arrested, contravening the law and regulations, driving against the traffic within the Federal Capital City (FCC)
“Right now we have over one thousand two hundred waiting to be crushed. As much as the exercise is ongoing, we are calculating by our estimation when we have one thousand five hundred motorcycles, then we begin another second round of the crushing.FCT
“These motorcycles were impounded within three to four months, we did the last exercise around November and December, then we started assembling the newly impounded motorcycles,” he said.
Bello, however, said that government will not rest on its oars until the nation’s capital was free from Okada, which constitutes a nuisance and security threat.
He warned Okada riders to obey the rules and the restraining order not to ply the FCT routes, adding that, “They should stay within the confined areas such as estates and market places, not to approach the highways. So, all those that contravened the law will face this particular punishment of having their bikes crushed.”
Speaking on what they will use the crushed Okada for, the DRTs boss said it will be given to auctioneers who have use for the parts, which can be converted into other economic use that will, in turn, help to eliminate poverty in away and also boost revenue generation in FCT.
A Magistrates’ Court in Ota, Ogun on Wednesday ordered a 40-year-old housewife, Biola Joshua, to sweep Iju-Ebiye High School premises for six months for invading her son ‘s school with thugs.
The police charged Joshua with conspiracy, assault and breach of peace.
Delivering a ruling, Magistrate Shotunde Shotayo ordered the convict to sweep the school from 8 a m. to 11 a.m. every day.
He also directed that the school should open a log book for the convict where her daily activities would be recorded for that six months
Shotayo gave Joshua an option to pay a fine of N30,000 fine to be given to the principal and the teacher.
He held that the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubts that Joshua was guilty of the charge preferred against her.
The convict, whose address was not provided, pleased not guilty to the charge.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Cynthia Ejezie, told the court that the convict, her son and others at large, committed the offence on March 11,2021, at about 2 p.m. at Iju-Ebiye High School in Ota.
Ejezie said the convict and her accomplices assaulted the school principal and health officer of the school, causing them bodily injuries’.
She added that they also conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by invading and disrupting the academic activities of the school with thugs.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 249(d),355 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun,2006.
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will show no mercy to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors.
He also declared a renewed offensive...
