Egypt Sentences 3 Journalists To Death For Espionage; Jails Ex President 40 Years

June 19, 2016

Three journalists have been sentenced to death in Egypt for espionage, even as the former President of the country, Mohammed Morsi, is to spend the next 40 years in prison on charges of leaking secret state documents to Qatar when he was in office.

Two of the three journalists whose death sentence was confirmed on Saturday by the Cairo Criminal Court, are employees of the Qatari television network, Al Jazeera. They were tried in absentia.

Confirmation of the death verdicts came after the country’s chief Islamic legal authority, the grand mufti, approved them, as required by Egyptian law in cases involving death sentences.

The Cairo Criminal Court announced two separate jail terms of 25 years and 15 years against Morsi on different counts even as his two former aides were also sentenced to life terms, which under Egyptian law is 25 years.

The rulings against Morsi and all other defendants can be appealed.

Qatar was a key ally of Morsi’s now-banned Muslim Brotherhood.

Human Rights group Amnesty International has condemned Saturday’s death sentences, saying: “while this outcome is appalling, it is sadly not surprising.”

Magdalena Mughrabi-Talhami, the watchdog’s deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme, in a statement said: “Egypt’s broken and utterly corrupted justice system is now little more than a handy tool for the authorities’ repression of any vestiges of opposition or criticism.”

The Egyptian government has repeatedly rejected criticism of heavy-handed sentences against Islamists, saying that the country’s courts operate independently.

Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president was toppled by the military in 2013 following mass protests against his rule.

In June 2015, another court sentenced him to death after convicting him of involvement in a mass prison escape during Egypt’s 2011 uprising. This sentence is also subject to appeal.

The court also handed him a life term on charges of conspiring with foreign organisations in conducting the jailbreak.

He is being tried in a separate case on charges of insulting the judiciary.

Several senior leaders in the Muslim Brotherhood and their followers have been sentenced to death in different cases since Morsi’s toppling.

The Islamist group has dismissed the sentences and other harsh verdicts as politically motivated. [myad]

5 Young Brains On Spell Bee Competition

Greenbarge Reporters

June 18, 2016

The best five pupils in the upper primary school of Deo Gratias International School for the Nationwide Spelling Bee Competition, billed for next Saturday, in Abuja.

L-R: Ehijie Ejemhen (Daugther Of Frontiersnews Publisher, Horatius Eguah), David Cross Nnochiri, Doris Emmauel, Nathan Ademuyiwa and Jesuseun [myad]

Dogara Wants US Ambassador To Prove Allegation Against Lawmakers’Attempted Rape

Greenbarge Reporters

June 18, 2016

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has asked the Ambassador of the United States of America in Nigeria to prove his allegations that three members of the Nigeria House of Representatives were involved in attempted rape while in the US.
In a tweet on Saturday, Dogara said that the United States must prove the allegation, saying: “He who alleges must prove. That’s the law.”
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, had in a letter to Dogara alleged that three members of the House – Rep. Mohammed Gololo (Bauchi), Rep. Samuel Ikon (Akwa Ibom) and Rep. Mark Gbillah ( Benue) – had during a visit to the US committed the crimes.

The Reps, who were in the United States for an International Visitor Leadership Programme held between April 7 and 13, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio, were said to have behaved in unacceptable manner.
However, Dogara has appealed to Nigerians who have been making comments on the social media to stop passing comments on the issue but wait for the outcome of investigation.
A statement issued by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, said Dogara called ond Nigerians to refrain from passing judgment and wait for the outcome of the investigation by the parliament.
“Judgment can only be passed when an allegation is proven.”
Dogara maintained that as ambassadors of the House and indeed the entire country, the members in the middle of the scandal would have known not to bring dishonour to the institution they represent.
He vowed that the House would conduct an investigation into allegations, saying: “together with the US Embassy in Nigeria, we will get to the bottom of this matter.”
The speaker said that apart from the letter, no evidence had been forwarded to his office and that there can be no conviction without a trial.
He also indicated that the lawmakers have said that they are prepared to defend themselves at their own cost.
Speaking on the attempted rape allegation, the Speaker said it was not alluded to in the letter he received.
“We await the result of the investigation into the matter.” [myad]

Diversion Of Rice For Displaced People: Gov. Shettima Accuses Abuja Politicians Of Mischief

Greenbarge Reporters

June 18, 2016

Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima has accused state politicians operating from Abuja of being responsible for the diversion of rice meant to be distributed to the Internally Displaced People (IDP) in the state. He said that it is part of the mischief against him which they have embarked on.
In a statement, his spokesman, Malam Isa Gusau showed that the governor got angry at the development and directed that it should be investigated.
“The governor said that although he would await the outcome of the investigation, he is aware that a group of Abuja-based politicians from the state have sworn to bring down his administration.
“They are using all kinds of mischief, including the one of May 29 when hundreds of his posters were dubiously produced.
“The posters were pasted along strategic ‎points in Abuja and Kaduna, claiming that he is aspiring to become Nigeria’s president in 2019 with Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo as his running mate.
“They are coming up with all kinds of mischief, including trying to set me up against the Presidency. They don’t care if doing that can obstruct our success in the war against Boko Haram insurgents.”
The rice, supplied by the National Emergency Management Agency for the feeding of the IDPs in the state, was allegedly diverted by some government officials.
Governor Shettima spoke when he played host to heads of security agencies and members of the State Executive Council to a Ramadan breakfast at the Government House in Maiduguri.
The governor’s directive followed widespread allegations that some government functionaries were diverting food supplies meant for the feeding of IDPs to personal use.
“The directive followed the circulation of video clips and still pictures on social media alleging that some officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are re-bagging rice meant for the IDPs feeding for onward sales in the market.” [myad]

Maradona Calls Ex FIFA Boss, Blatter, Thief

Greenbarge Reporters

June 18, 2016

Former Argentinean football star, Diego Maradona called ex FIFA President, Joseph Blatter a thief who had stolen a lot of money from the world football ruling body at the time he was helm of.
Maradona compared Blatter with a former government official imprisoned for corruption in Argentina, claiming that Blatter has more money than Jose Lopez.
Lopez was Argentina’s public works secretary during the governments of Nestor Kirchner (2003 to 2007) and his wife Cristina Fernandez (2007 to 2015).
He was arrested on Tuesday while trying to hide millions of dollars in a monastery.
The former World Cup champion asked Loretta Lynch, the US Attorney General investigating corruption within FIFA, to come to Argentina to see things for herself.
He said that a former Argentina football executive, Julio Grondona, who is already deceased, was the one who taught Blatter how to steal.
Maradona, 55, said the current FIFA President, Switzerland’s Gianni Infantino, was “saddened” by the situation involving the football association.
“Infantino has asked me to collaborate.
“Both in FIFA and in the AFA (Argentine Football Association) dynamite has to be thrown in so that a fresh start can be made.
“Infantino was saddened. He could not do anything at all from outside of FIFA.”
Xinhua/NAN. [myad]

Chucks Ehirim: A Journalist With Difference, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Greenbarge Reporters

June 18, 2016

When the death of the immediate past chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja chapter, Chucks Ehirim was made public on Wednesday, June 15, what came to my mind was, ‘this could be a June Fool’ as in April Fool.
It was not as if the death of anyone would not elicit the same feeling of shock, disbelief and sadness roll into one, but that of Chucks had a ring of surprise because he died on the day he was born, June 15. And at the golden age of 50!
Of course, I cannot describe myself as being close to Chucks, but a few months we worked together in National Accord newspaper in Abuja, brought me closer to him. The two of us happened also to live in the same Area Council – Kuje. While he had his house in Peggy, I stayed in the main Kuje town.
Of course, like every other editor (he was Associate Editor while I was Deputy Editor), Chucks and I would work far into the night to see the newspaper through for the day. Sometimes if I did not go with my car, it was him that would give me a ride in his own. And vice versa.
He was so attached to the Press Centre, the official secretariat of the NUJ in Abuja that he would not go home, over 40 kilometre away, without dropping by at the press centre to greet friends and take a sip of beer.
On two or three occasions when he gave me ride, his car broke down after Ludgbe. While he bundled me into a commercial vehicle to Kuje, he would remain inside the broken-down car till day-break and then called his mechanics to fix the faults.
What actually made Chucks unique was his political leaning, which, by the Nigerian standard, was strange. While his fellow Igbo people in the profession were mainly on the Right, conservatism (those who are in love with the status quo), he was clearly on the Left of the political leaning, representing radical forces for change.
Chucks, until his death, was a star supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari. So strong he was behind Buhari and of course, the All Progressives Congress (APC) that you dare not speak negatively about the man or the party in his presence. This was at the time the mainstream Igbo, especially, those in journalism leaned heavily on the Right political ideology and hated anything that had to do with the APC or the North.
From the distance, one could conclude that Chucks’ philosophy about life is ‘take things as they come.’ He was not the type of person (Igbo) that chased things of this world, especially, wealth with madness or being consumed by it. As a matter of fact, he was an every day man: a man who waited on God for his progress with a lot of prayers.
It was not by mad pursuit of position that he was voted the chairman of the NUJ Abuja Council in 2012. It was not as a result of the cash he distributed to high-breed Abuja journalists that made him win the hearts of his colleagues. It was, more, the goodwill, his simple, innocent-looking mien disposition, his cool headedness, buried in radical disposition to change and his determination to change the system for the better that did the magic.
While I join other colleagues in mourning the gentle soul of Chucks Ehirim and while I commiserate with members of his immediate family (wife, kids, brothers and sisters), I wish to sincerely align myself with the demand of Abuja journalists that President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC should do something to honour him. This is the time the family he left behind should be made to feel the weight of his contribution, in his own way, to the success of the APC and President Buhari in the last year’s general elections. This is the time also that the Abuja NUJ should think of immortalizing his name, for he deserves nothing less.
Adieu Chucks Ehirim! [myad]

Police Inspector General Gives PDP Feuding Parties Marching Order On Crisis

Greenbarge Reporters

June 17, 2016

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has asked the feuding parties in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Ahmed Makarfi to called their followers to order and avoid the rampaging act of hooliganism at the party’s secretariat.

The police boss who had a meeting with the two warring factions in his office in Abuja on Friday, asked the various interest groups in the party to find lasting solution to the lingering crisis that had crept into the party.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, the Inspector General warned the feuding party members to immediately resolve their internal crisis.

The meeting, according to the statement, was attended by the Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Musa Daura, representatives of each of the warring factions – Senator Ali Modu Sherif’s and Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi. They agreed to nominate four representatives for peace talks aimed at a harmonized position within one week.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police has directed that the PDP secretariat at Wadata House Plaza and Legacy House should be under lock and key pending the outcome of the resolution. [myad]

Kaduna Christians Describe Election Of New CAN President, Ayokunle, As ‘Kangaroo’

Greenbarge Reporters

June 17, 2016

The Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has referred to the election which saw Reverend Samson Ayokule becoming the new Oresident of the body at national level as ‘kangaroo election.’

The election was held last week to pick a successor for CAN’s erstwhile national president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. At the end of the election, Reverend Samson Ayokunle polled 57 votes to defeat his closest rival, Elder Joseph Otubu who polled 28 votes.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Pastor Sunday Ibrahim, the secretary of the Kaduna State chapter of CAN, said: “They just go and do something, and they called it election. They should fear God because it was not the election, and we are not part of it and [we] distanced ourselves. We are calling on the national leadership in the name of God to call people again because it is not an election.

“Every association has rules and regulations and our own was not followed. No matter what you did, if it is not in line with [the] Constitution, it is not [an] election. The election will not stand because it has no foundation in truth and sincerity. It’s purely a selfish issue contrary to the rules guiding election of the association. From the beginning to the end, the rules of election in CAN were never applied.”

Pastor Sunday Ibrahim said that the association has an electoral college and permits all members to aspire to lead and also to vote.

“But in this case, there was a person that was vehemently denied the right to participate without justifiable reason. We are appealing to them to fear God and remember that we will all die and give account to Almighty God.” [myad]

Task Force Asks Beggars, Hawkers To Quit Abuja Or Go To Jail

Greenbarge Reporters

June 17, 2016

Chairman of the Special Task Team on Abuja Environmental Protection, retired Squadron Leader, Abdullahi Adamu Monjel has asked street hawkers and beggars to leave Abuja immediately or risk going to jail.
Adamu Monjel who spoke on Friday shortly after he led members of the Task Team on a “show of force” of its security personnel at the Jabi and Wuse Districts of Abuja, reminded beggars and street hawkers that the ultimatum given to them to leave Abuja had since expired.
He said therefore that his team is going all out against offenders to completely remove them from the streets of Abuja.
“We have already given them the benefit of the doubt and now the time has elapsed. What is left now is to enforce the relevant municipal laws. Anybody we arrest will be taken to court and prosecuted accordingly.
“If somebody refuses to comply with the rules and regulations based on what we have said, then we will arrest the person accordingly.
“As a matter of fact, we don’t want hawkers and beggars within the city centre of Abuja. They should keep away from the streets of Abuja. Anybody that wishes to come out, we are ready for the person as we will take him/her to court where he will be prosecuted and taken to jail.”
Speaking on the cleanup campaign it carried out on Friday, tagged “show of force exercise.” the Chairman said it was to tell the public that the Task Team was equal to the task and would arrest whoever fails to comply with the directives as stipulated by the Abuja environmental laws.
The Chairman said that his Team has started sensitization for operators of Keke Napep, unpainted taxis and motorcycles; adding that when their time expires, they too will be removed from Abuja streets even as the Keke Napep would be restricted to the very large estates.
“The phase two is Keke Napep; then unpainted taxis. However, we don’t want to start with unpainted Keke Napep riders now. We want to give adequate time for sensitization so that by the time we start impounding, nobody will say ‘I didn’t know’.” [myad]

Trump Is Running As Trump; Surprised! By Charles Krauthammer

Greenbarge Reporters

June 17, 2016

When in his 1964 GOP acceptance speech, Barry Goldwater declared that “extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice,” a reporter sitting near journalist/historian, Theodore White famously exclaimed: “My God, he’s going to run as Barry Goldwater!”
Six weeks into Donald Trump’s general election campaign, Republicans are discovering that he indeed intends to run as Donald Trump. He has boasted that he could turn “presidential” — respectful, respectable, reticent, reserved bordering on boring — at will. Apparently, he can’t.
GOP leaders who fell in line behind Trump after he clinched the nomination expected, or at least hoped, that he would prove malleable, willing to adjust his more extreme positions and tactics to suit a broader electorate.
Two problems: First, impulse control: Trump says what he actually feels, whatever comes into his head at any moment. Second, a certain logic: Trump won the primaries Sinatra-style, his way — against the odds, the experts and the conventional rules. So why change now?
“You win the pennant,” Trump explained, “and now you’re in the World Series — you gonna change?”
Hence his response to the Orlando terror attack. Events like these generally benefit the challenger politically because any misfortune that befalls the nation gets attributed, fairly or not, directly or indirectly, to the incumbent party (e.g., the 2008 financial collapse). And Hillary Clinton is running as the quasi-incumbent.
The textbook response for the challenger, therefore, is to offer sympathy, give a general statement or two about the failure of the incumbent’s national security policy, then step back to let the resulting national fear and loathing, amplified by the media, take effect.
Instead, Trump made himself the (political) story. First, he offered himself unseemly congratulations for his prescience about terrorism. (He’d predicted more would be coming. What a visionary.) Then he went beyond blaming the president for lack of will or wisdom in fighting terrorism, and darkly implied presidential sympathy for the enemy. “There’s something going on,” he charged. He then reiterated his ban on Muslim immigration.
Why? Because that’s what Trump does. And because it worked before. It was after last December’s San Bernardino massacre that Trump first called for a Muslim ban. It earned him lots of opprobrium from GOP leaders and lots of support from GOP voters. He shot up in the polls, never to descend until he clinched. So why not do it again?
Because the general election is a different game. Trump assumes that the Republican electorate is representative of the national electorate. It’s not. Take the Muslim ban. Sixty-eight percent of GOP voters support it. Only 38% of Democrats do. And there are approximately 7 million more Democrats in the country. (Independents are split 51-40 in favor.)
The other major example of doing what’s always worked is the ad hominem attack on big-dog opponents. It worked in the primaries. Trump went after one leading challenger after another, knocking them out sequentially.
Hillary Clinton is a lousy campaigner but her machine is infinitely larger and more skilled than any of Trump’s 16 GOP competitors. More riskily, Trump is now going toe-to-toe with a sitting president.
Barack Obama is no Jeb Bush. He’s not low energy. He’s a skilled campaigner who clearly despises Trump and relishes the fight. And he carries the inestimable advantage of the gravitas automatically conferred by seven and a half years of incumbency. Moreover, he now enjoys an unusually high approval rating of around 53%. Trump’s latest favorability is 29% (Washington Post-ABC News).
It’s no accident that Trump’s poll numbers are sliding. A month ago, when crowned as presumptive nominee, he jumped into a virtual tie with Clinton. The polls now have him losing by an average of six points, with some showing a nine- and 12-point deficit (Reuters/Ipsos and Bloomberg).
This may turn out to be temporary, but it is a clear reflection of Trump’s disastrous general election kickoff.
His two-week expedition into racism in attacking the Indiana-born “Mexican” judge. His dabbling in conspiracy, from Ted Cruz’s father’s supposed involvement in the Kennedy assassination to Vince Foster’s (“very fishy”) suicide. All of which suggests, and cements, the image of a man who shoots from the hip and is prone to both wild theories and extreme policies.
Reagan biographer Lou Cannon thinks that the Goldwater anecdote is apocryphal. How could anyone (even a journalist) have thought that Goldwater, who later admitted he always knew he would lose, was going to run as anything but his vintage, hard-core self?
Same for Trump. Give him points for authenticity. Take away for electability. [myad]

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