The richest man in the world, Elon Musk has said that he is putting a temporary halt on his much-anticipated deal to buy Twitter, sending shares in the social media giant plunging.
“Twitter deal temporarily on hold pending details supporting calculation that spam/fake accounts do indeed represent less than 5% of users,” he wrote on Twitter.
Musk had also said that he would be open to lifting a ban on former president Donald Trump imposed after the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, even as activist groups called on advertisers to boycott the platform if Musk opened the gates to abusive and misinformative posts.
The world’s richest man and founder of automaker Tesla, had made the eradication of spam accounts and bots one of the centerpieces of his proposed $44 billion takeover of Twitter.
When the deal was announced in late April he said he wanted to make Twitter “better than ever” by “defeating the spam bots and authenticating all humans”.
His potential stewardship of the social media platform has hit several bumps since then.
Meanwhile Friday’s announcement saw shares drop by 20 percent in early electronic trading before Wall Street opened.
President General of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, His Eminence Nteyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk (JP), has described Nigeria’s Vice President and Presidential aspirant under the canopy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Yemi Osinbajo as a “a symbol of love, peace and unity of this country, cherished by Nigerians wherever he goes. “The Vice President is a cherished personality; he is cherished at home, cherished abroad, and cherished everywhere he goes. He is a good friend of the State. He’s also here with us.” The traditional ruler spoke yesterday, May 13, at an interactive session the Vice President had with stakeholders and delegates of the APC in Akwa Ibom State.
Dr. Solomon Etuk said: “What I want to say, on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Council, is that the Almighty God that knows the beginning also knows the end. He knew you before you were born. He will protect you, guide you right, and show you the way to go. When you become the president, please remember us.” The monarch, who offered prayer and support to Professor Osinbajo, said: “Your excellency sir, you are a symbol of love, peace and unity of this country. You must continue to be… Whatever you want to do, may the Almighty God open the door for you to succeed, because if you succeed, Nigeria succeeds. If you succeed, Akwa Ibom succeeds. May Almighty God be with you and your entourage.”
This was even as the Presidential aspirant called on Nigerians to put sentiments aside and elect the best, especially in 2023. He emphasized that his aspiration to become president is based on his desire to give his best in service to the country, saying: “this coming election (2023), beginning with primaries, maybe the most significant for our generation, and generations to come.” “I am sure that God helping me, if I am given the opportunity to do the job, I will give my best. By God’s grace, I believe that this country will be better. Each and every one of us will know that difference.” Professor Osinbajo said that he chose to offer himself in service to the country as president come 2023 because of his firm belief in, and dedication to Nigeria’s great future and destiny. He called on delegates and Nigerians to partner with him to make the country better, and that “what I am offering as an individual is a commitment to developing this nation in the way that other nations of the world have been developed, the pace that other nations of the world have been developed.” Prior to his meeting with the APC delegates, the Vice President had on arrival in Akwa Ibom State, received a warm welcome at the airport from the State Governor, Emmanuel Udom. He was also accompanied by a former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and former MD, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere; Senator Ita Enang, among other senior state government officials and notable political leaders.
One of the Big Four audit firms in the United Kingdom (UK), KPMG, has admitted misleading regulators during spot checks on audits of construction group, Carillion and software firm Regenersis, and may be fined 14.4 million pound ($17.6 million).
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the British auditing regulator, told a London tribunal that it is seeking a record 20 million pound fine, reduced to 14.4 million pounds because KPMG self-reported and cooperated.
“It was unjustifiable and wrong,” KPMG’s Chief Executive Jon Holt said in a statement, adding: “It was a violation of our processes and a betrayal of our values.”
The Firm, which dominates the market alongside EY, Deloitte and PwC, admitted to misconduct at an initial London tribunal in January and reiterated its apology at the start of a two-day hearing.
“I am saddened that a small number of former employees acted in such an inappropriate way, and it is right that they – and KPMG – now face serious action.”
The tribunal found five former KPMG employees guilty of misconduct during a routine FRC inspection of a Regenersis audit to end-June 2014 and a Carillion audit to end-December, 2016. The FRC, which is seeking to fine them between 50,000 pounds and 400,000 pounds and ban them from the profession for up to 15 years, alleged they provided false or misleading information or documents to the regulator. The five had contested the allegations.
The tribunal will rule on sanctions at a later date.
Because KPMG is liable for the conduct of its employees, it faced the same allegations. The proceedings did not delve into the underlying audit work.
The FRC is separately investigating KPMG’s audits of Carillion, whose collapse in 2018 led to recommendations of a sector shake-up, although legislation has yet to be brought before parliament.
KPMG has separately vowed to defend itself against a 1.3 billion pound ($1.6 billion) lawsuit by Carillion’s liquidators for missing “red flags”, in one of the largest claims against top accountants to date.
File photo of Crisis in Nigeria and is used for illustration purpose
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State has imposed curfew in the state capital as a means of controlling violence that erupted over the arrest of the killers of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education who was alleged to have blasphemed Prophet Muhammad. In a broadcast to the people of the state today, May 14, the Governor said: “following the sad incident that happened at the Shehu Shagari College of Education on Thursday and sequel to the developments within (Sokoto) metropolis this morning till afternoon, by the powers conferred on me by sections 176 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and section 1 and 4 of the Public Order Act; and, also Section 15 of Sokoto State Peace Preservation Law, I hereby declare, with immediate effect, a curfew within (Sokoto) metropolis of Sokoto township for the next 24 hours.” Governor Tabuwal, who appealed to the people to continue to observe law and order and calm down against the backdrop of the restiveness currently pervading in the metropolis, begged everyone to, in the interest of peace, go back home and observe the measures, with a view of the reestablishment of peace, law and order in the state. “It is not in the interest of anyone for us to have a breakdown of law and order. I, therefore, appeal for restraint; and, for people to observe and respect the rule of law.”
A Senate aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has expressed the determination to usher in the change which both the natives and settlers in the FCT deserved. She said that through proper legislation, she would protect the interest of not only women but the generality of natives and settlers. She said, in a statement that she would be in constant touch with her constituents to have ‘first-hand matters about them’. “With proper legislation, there will be proper delivery and management of citizens’ expectations and policies alike. My decisions and proposals in the chamber will originate from my vigorous consultations with the electorate. They own the power. Both residents and original inhabitants of the FCT will be fully represented. “I present myself as an intentional expression not just for women but for the collective people of the FCT. It is an expression of change that is desired for this time: translating apathy into action when it comes to servicing mandates of people in the 62 wards of the FCT. “Do you realize that every community in Abuja has a tourism engagement? I represent the locals who are challenged by the paucity of legislative processes. That woman seeking this position must be empowered and mobilized by a framework of people. I am a visible voice.” She called on women to engage in politics to protect their interests. According to her, “The 35% affirmative action takes action by the actors themselves. The judgement of Justice Donatus Okorowo of 6th April on the matter is ready for full implementation. Women need to rise. “The fundamental principle of equality is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, Section 17. It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of origin, sex, religion, ethnic or linguistic associations. We need to run fearlessly as women, not trying to run as men in the legislative push.” She called for collaborative efforts towards encouraging women to participate in politics. In her words, “Men should also support profiled women to go into elective challenges. My husband gives me guidance and counselling. He is my promoter. “A woman’s voice begins with her presence at the participatory space of engaging the conversations, and choices of the outcomes. Norms are the reason why women are dealing with the crisis of history that has attacked them in the form of equity and representation. This is not just for herself but for her nativity and nature. “Institutions have to deliberately position women for the opportunity to serve in the political space. We should firmly represent a voice as part of a community that can together affect the outcomes of favourable decisions.” She called on women to use their permanent voters’ cards to effect the change they deserve. “It is the women who come out in their numbers to vote; to drive campaigns. Women in local areas take voting seriously. There needs to be vigorous advocacy so that we come to the rank and file of representation. We need more voices across party and inter-faith lines. “You may not win always, but you have brought our defiance and courage to bear. Let’s make it a movement. When you position women with her qualities, they produce outcomes that impact an entire society, and translate into the uncommon good and deliverables for all.” She encouraged women to be ‘better engaged politically,’ adding that, “To ignore women’s participation in politics is equivalent to wrecking whatever developmental strides we have achieved as a nation and to ignore the youth is to destroy our future.” She said if given the opportunity, she would make a difference: “from whatever background one comes, once you identify a gap in a system, the task becomes to fill it. Politics is about service. I am ready to serve.”
Front line Presidential aspirant in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has denied condemning the killing of a female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto, Deborah Samuel, over alleged blasphemy. Atiku is currently trending on social media after he deleted his earlier post condemning the gruesome murder of Deborah by her classmates that accused her (Deborah) of blasphemous comments against prophet Muhammad. The PDP Presidential aspirant, who was also the party’s Presidential candidate in the 2019 election, had yesterday, May 12 said: “There cannot be a justification for such gruesome murder. Deborah Yakubu was murdered, and all those behind her death must be brought to justice. “My condolences to her family and friends.” The above post by Atiku triggered reactions from some Muslims, forcing him to delete the posts on Facebook and Twitter. Today, May 13, Atiku took to his Hausa Facebook page to debunk making the earlier posts and said it was made without his knowledge. “This evening, I received information that a post was made that doesn’t agree with my orders. “I use this to announce that any post without AA isn’t from me. May God protect- AA.” The late Deborah was killed after she instructed her classmates to stick to the purpose of the group (WhatsApp platform). “Our WhatsApp group was created for assignments, tests, exams; not for useless prophet, what a useless prophet,” said Deborah Samuel.
Abdulrahman Adamu, a serving councillor representing Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, arrested by the Kaduna State police command with AK-47 rifle in his possession, has confessed that he is a regular supplier of arms to the bandits and kidnappers. He said that he had been getting the firearm from his accomplices and used to deliver same to bandits around Galadimawa village for their nefarious activities. The police had earlier arrested the councillor with AK-47 rifle in the Giwa Local Government Area of the state. The arrest was made by the operatives of Operation Puff Adder II, attached to the Kaduna Police Command during a routine patrol along Galadimawa Road. According to a statement by the spokesman of the command, Mohammed Jalige, the police officers succeeded in intercepting the councillor, who was moving in a black Lifan motorcycle towards the Galadimawa community with a sack. The policemen at that point became suspicious of the sack being carried by the suspect and were prompted to search its content. It was in this process that they discovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62 X 39mm live ammunition concealed inside the sack. The police spokesman revealed that the suspect was arrested and taken into custody alongside the exhibits while preliminary investigation reveals the identity of the suspect, Abdulrahman Adamu, as a serving member in the legislative council of Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State representing Kinkiba ward.
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that any of the ministers who have just jumped into the Presidential contest ahead of the 2023 election is sufficiently equipped to succeed him as President. At valedictory session today, May 13, to bid farewell to outgoing ministers, Buhari stressed that a significant number of them have been sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices, including the Office of the President. President Buhari said that he has no doubt that if the next President emerges from among former members of his cabinet, like any other aspirant, ample competence and outstanding service delivery would be on display. “This will be part of our legacies to Nigerians.” The President, who commended the departing public officers for serving the nation sacrificially, with dignity and honour, had at the last FEC meeting on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 directed that all Ministers and other political appointees who aspire to contest for elective offices in the 2023 General Elections should resign their current appointments. ”I note that some have complied while others are in the process of doing so. ”I would like to use this opportunity to commend your decision and courage to contest for elective offices and your compliance with my directive. ”I also wish to thank you for your invaluable services to this nation through your contributions as Cabinet members. ”I wish you success in the upcoming elections and in your future endeavours.” President Buhari said that looking back as the head of the team over the years, he had fond memories of incisive and robust discussions during cabinet meetings, rendering of performance reports during special sessions and presidential retreats. ”In 2015, citizens of this country overwhelmingly voted for me to become the President of this nation on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). ”Selecting members of the Cabinet went through a careful process so that the best and most competent could emerge. The performance of that class of 2015 proved me right. ”In 2019, Nigerians similarly re-elected me as President. Again the selection went through another meticulous process. ”That re-election was significant because it served as a referendum on our performance during the first term and it inspired me to bring back some of the members of the first cabinet either to their old Ministries or re-assigned to other sectors. ”New Members were also brought on board to inject fresh energies, skills and ideas to enhance the execution of government’s programs and policies. ”With these and much more, I am happy to note that a significant number of cabinet members have become sufficiently equipped to aspire to higher elective offices, including the Office of the President. This shows the impact of the experience gathered while serving as members of the Federal Executive Council.” The President acknowledged that prior to some of them joining his cabinet, they had made their marks in other areas as governors, legislators, entrepreneurs and core professionals. He added that the experience and expertise they brought on board have significantly resulted in enormous development in various sectors and the accomplishment of government programmes. ”These include infrastructure, agriculture, health systems, financial management, administration of justice, building social safety net systems.” According to Buhari, the departure of some cabinet members has undoubtedly created a vacuum that should be filled, adding that the appointments would be made without delay so that the business of governance will not suffer. He advised the remaining members of the cabinet to show more diligence, resilience and commitment to serve Nigerians better, saying: ‘‘the journey to the finish line is still very far. ”Like always, there will be challenges to address, programmes to deliver and policies to implement. ”You must therefore brace up for more work and target increased accomplishments. ”The determination to leave important legacies for Nigerians should never be compromised.” The following outgoing members of FEC were present at the valedictory session: ministers of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio; Science, Technology and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu, State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva; Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige. Others are the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Uche Ogah, the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen and the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Tayo Alasoadura. The Minister of State (Education), Emeka Nwajiuba, who had earlier tendered his resignation, was not present at the valedictory session. Speaking on behalf of the outgoing ministers, Akpabio thanked the President for giving them the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to nation building. He described working with the President as a ‘‘fantastic and knowledgeable experience,’’ adding that as they step aside they will continue to be great disciples of Buhari. ”As we step aside from FEC, I want you to know that you have disciples in us. I want you to know that it is time for us to propagate Buharism. ”I want you to know that we are going to be working closely with the Minister of Information and Culture to take your message of transformation, love, patience, administrative sagacity to Nigerian.” The Niger Delta Minister said that his interactions with colleagues leaving the cabinet was like the story of the Spanish play of ‘‘sadness and joy.’’ ”Sadness in the sense that we are going to miss the continuous daily and weekly interaction with a Father and learning from him; joy because we now have an opportunity to go to the wider audience in Nigeria to speak more of your achievements for this country.” Lauding the President’s deep patriotism, Akpabio said he is the ”best president Nigeria could ever have had at a time of difficult circumstances.” He prayed to God Almighty to grant the President a successful tenure and protect his , family, adding: ”may one of us succeed you in order to continue the good legacies you have laid on ground. “We have seen and know your vision. We know where you want the country to be.”
The minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has withdrew his ambition to contest for the Presidency ahead of the 2023 Presidential election, saying that he preferred keeping his present job. In a statement today, May 13, Senator Ngige said that he took the decision to withdraw “firstly in the overall interest of the nation, in order to enable me concentrate on my job, and assist the President and the Government, weather the difficult last lap, in the life of the administration and secondly for other family reasons.” He declared: “today, 13th May , 2022, I had an audience with the President, Muhammadu Buhari as a follow up to the one I earlier had with him on 11thMay , 2022. “Having also consulted widely with my family, constituents, supporters and well-wishers, it is my pleasure to announce the withdrawal of my interest and earlier decision to contest the office of the President in the 2023 general elections. “As a result of this, I will NOT be participating in any of the internal party processes of the said election, starting with the primary. “I have since communicated this decision to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. “My constituents , political associates and well-wishers across the country are by this statement informed of this latest decision, which also has the blessing and support of the overwhelming majority, hence supersedes any other interest , personal or otherwise.” The minister recalled that on Tuesday, 19th April 2022, he publicly declared his interest to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, following the constitutional provision that precludes President Buhari from seeking re-election to the office, as he would have completed his two terms in office by 29thMay 2023 . He said that his declaration was made in his home town, Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. “My declaration was sequel to pressure on me from my constituents, political associates, friends and other well-meaning Nigerians, who felt I possess the necessary qualifications and experience for the job. “Some of these supporters even taxed themselves to procure the Expression of Interest/Nomination Forms of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) for me. The forms however are yet to be filled and submitted.”
Hon. Albino Matham Ayuel, Special Envoy of the President of the South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, was at the Aso Rock Presidential villa, Abuja, Nigeria, today, May 13, to deliver special message from that country’s leader to President Muhammadu Buhari. With them is the Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada.
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The richest man in the world, Elon Musk has said that he is putting a temporary halt on his much-anticipated deal to buy Twitter, sending shares in the social media giant plunging.
One of the Big Four audit firms in the United Kingdom (UK), KPMG, has admitted misleading regulators during spot checks on audits of construction group, Carillion and software firm Regenersis, and may be fined 14.4 million pound ($17.6 million).
A Senate aspirant for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Dayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has expressed the determination to usher in the change which both the natives and settlers in the FCT deserved.
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that any of the ministers who have just jumped into the Presidential contest ahead of the 2023 election is sufficiently equipped to succeed him as President.
The minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has withdrew his ambition to contest for the Presidency ahead of the 2023 Presidential election, saying that he preferred keeping his present job.
