On Wednesday, Russia banned 287 British members of parliament from entering the country and accused them of fuelling “Russophobic hysteria” in Britain, drawing a defiant response from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Reuters reported.
Russia and UK flag
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Britain has, alongside allies, imposed far-reaching sanctions against Moscow’s wealthy oligarchs and political elites, including President Vladimir Putin.
Russia’s foreign ministry said the sanctions on members of the House of Commons were in response to Britain imposing similar restrictions on 386 members of its own lower house of parliament on March 11.
“These persons… took the most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions instruments in London, and contribute to the groundless whipping up of Russophobic hysteria in the UK,” a foreign ministry statement said.
The list of 287 names included current and former ministers as well as several people who no longer serve as members of parliament. One former lawmaker, Dominic Grieve, appears twice.
“All those 287 should regard it as a badge of honour,” Johnson, who was himself banned from Russia on April 16, told parliament.
The Kremlin has previously singled out Johnson as “the most active participant in the race to be anti-Russian” and this week warned Britain of a “proportional response” if it continued to provoke Ukraine to strike targets in Russia.
Member of parliament Chris Bryant, a long-time critic of Russia, raised a point of order in the debating chamber to complain: “I’m absolutely distressed that I’m not on the list.”
On Monday, Elon Musk’s ownership of Twitter was made official and since then he’s been tweeting which has gathered much discussion.
Elon Musk
Musk has now clarified his stance on free speech since then in a new tweet, claiming that he is against any kind of censorship that goes far beyond the law.
The SpaceX owner said in his view free speech simply means that which matches the law.
According to him, “The extreme antibody reaction from those who fear free speech says it all. By “free speech”, I simply mean that which matches the law. I am against censorship that goes far beyond the law.
If people want less free speech, they will ask the government to pass laws to that effect. Therefore, going beyond the law is contrary to the will of the people,” he wrote on his Twitter feed.
However, experts have noted that ‘free speech’ and ‘censorship’ rules are different in each country.
In the United States, the first amendment protects freedom of speech and the press. In Nigeria and Africa continent, the Constitution ensures freedom of speech and expression the first amendment ensures reasonable restrictions on the same.
Sticking to the fact that Twitter is a global service, it would most likely have to follow the idea of free speech as deemed fit by each country’s laws. If otherwise, there might be restrictions of usage thereby dropping the numbers of users globally.
By “free speech”, I simply mean that which matches the law.
I am against censorship that goes far beyond the law.
If people want less free speech, they will ask government to pass laws to that effect.
Therefore, going beyond the law is contrary to the will of the people.
The Bigi sponsored exhilarating music reality show, Nigerian Idol, took an Afrobeat twist on Sunday, as the top six contestants had stunning renditions that got the judges and audience amazed at the exceptional display of musical prowess in a bid to outwit the other, all in the battle for the grand finale.
Contestants at the live show in Lagos
The well-liked talent discovery platform which will climax on 20 May, 2022, will see the winner smiling home with N100, 000, 000 worth of prizes, including a recording deal from a label, a brand-new Sports Utility Vehicle [SUV], cash prizes, and other exciting gifts.
Indeed, it was an exciting evening of outstanding performances as the six contestants, Jordan, Banty, Itohan, Zadok, Faith, and Progress demonstrated that they earned the votes that kept them to the sixth-week gig, which saw David Operah being evicted.
To add colour to the show, the winner of the Bigi sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 6, Kingdom Kroseide, and one of the contestants then, Akunna, joined the Season 7 top six to perform the song “Oliver Twist” by D’Banj, which was released 10 years ago.
It was exhilarating, with systematic stage display and sonorous vocals that took the admiration of the judges and audience. And with a standing ovation, the judges include Obi Asika, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known by his stage name D’banj, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko popularly known as Simi, and IK Osakioduwa, the host.
Spectacularly, the first Afrobeat rendition by Jordan on “Anybody” by Burna Boy was sensational, and it was applauded by Asika, who enthused that he did well.
“You have made Burna Boy proud,” Asika avowed, while Simi and D’Banj affirmed that they were surprised at first when he started, thinking he might not go far with it, but were wowed with his performance.
Banty followed with “Love Don’t Cost a Dime” by Magixx, a gig that made Simi excited saying “I enjoyed the song, overjoyed with the way you delivered it,” while D’Banj and Asika with smiles said, “it was amazing.”
Itohan, who is 17, the youngest of the contestants did justice to the song “NaGode” by Yemi Alade, a show of talent that got D’Banj thrilled, saying “each time you get on stage, you perform well considering your age. Content is in you and it is the biggest exploit,” while Simi avowed “Good one” and Asika stated, “You are very comfortable when you sing, that was lovely.”
Intriguingly, Zadok, whose performance the previous week kept the judges entertained, sang Kiss Daniel’s “Laye” and got the audience carried away with his stage display, body movement, and with a standing ovation, was hailed for his continuous musical skills, as Simi stated, “Zaddy Baby, l love you.” D’Banj on his part urged him to keep the fire burning in him.
Also, Faith did well with “Emiliana” by Ckay, and got the judges elated, with Simi’s comment that she goes for songs that suits her voice. D’Banj expressed his satisfaction with Faith’s act saying “God bless you” and Asika with “beautiful performance.”
Progress, who came up with a wonderful performance with Ayra Starr’s “Bloody Samaritan” was commended by Asika who said “you brought in positive energy into your act and you did well,” while Simi praised him saying, “it was astonishing.” Not left out was D’Banj, with “l love how you perform.”
Consequently, another glorious moment that form part of the Nigerian Idol show was the presentation of a birthday cake to Simi by her superfan, the top-notch highlife artiste, Adekunle Gold.
Sponsored by the award-winning Bigi carbonated soft drink with its 13 variants and Table Water, Nigerian Idol Season 7 is aired on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 151), Africa Magic Urban (DStv channel 153, and GOtv Supa channel 6) and Africa Magic Family (DStv channel 154 & GOtv channel 2).
The Central African Republic has adopted bitcoin as legal tender, the president’s office said on Wednesday, becoming the second country in the world to do so behind El Salvador, AFP reported.
Bitcoin
Lawmakers unanimously adopted a bill that made bitcoin legal tender alongside the CFA franc and legalised the use of cryptocurrencies, and President Faustin Archange Touadera signed the measure into law, his chief of staff Obed Namsio said in a statement.
The CAR “is the first country in Africa to adopt bitcoin as legal tender,” Namsio said.
“This move places the Central African Republic on the map of the world’s boldest and most visionary countries,” he declared.
Under it, citizens of the central American country were allowed to use the digital currency — along with the US dollar which has been the official currency for two decades — to pay for any good or service, using a cyber wallet app.
The introduction was heavily criticised by the International Monetary Fund.
It warned of “large risks associated with the use of bitcoin on financial stability, financial integrity, and consumer protection” and with issuing bitcoin-backed bonds.
In a separate intelligent combing, the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Tuesday, arrested 34 suspected internet fraudsters in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Ilorin in Kwara State.
EFCC
This was contained in a statement seen by Punch correspondent and signed by Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said that 30 of the suspects were arrested in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while the remaining four were picked up in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Ilorin zonal Command of the EFCC covers activities in Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi States.
Uwajuaren said that the suspects, apprehended at different locations in Ado-Ekiti, comprised of 28 males and 2 females.
According to the EFCC spokesperson, the suspects were picked up based on credible intelligence obtained by the Command.
“They are Godspower Falodun, Omoniyi Pelumi, Victor Damilola, Akerele Olugbenga, Oluwatosin Alade, Abayomi Aderinwa, Ologunsoro Ayodeji, Olakunle Bidemi, Emmanuel Olukayode, Ojo Tobi, Ayeni Kayode, Ezekiel Ayomide, Tunde Lukman, Onikoyi Tobi, Busayo Obadu, Abiodun Taofeek, Ajayi Opeyemi and Ebenezer Ayodeji.
“Others are Akinola Paul, Jacob Wisdom, Akinrinmola Olumide, Lawrence Abimbola, Tope Abejide, Busuyi Ajewole, Seyi Ajewole, Sunday Pelumi, Sunday Pelumi, Fapohunda Paul and Aguh Henry, while Omowumi Victoria and Peace Beloved were the only females amongst the suspects.
“Items including six exotic cars worth millions of naira, 47 different brands of phones and sixteen laptops were recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest,” the statement said.
Uwajuaren also said that 4 persons suspected to have been involved in similar offences over the weekend in Ilorin were arrested by the EFCC officials in a related development.
“The suspects, Oyewole Moruf Damilare, Abdul-Salam Quzeem, Mohammed Bello and Olusanya Idowu Lukman, were arrested in Agric Estate, in the Sango area of Ilorin following a tip-off on their alleged unwholesome activities.
“Some of the items recovered from the suspects at the point of arrest included expensive phones, different brands of laptops and a car,” he said.
Uwajuaren said that the suspects would be arraigned in the court upon the conclusion of the investigations.
As part of the screening excercise, Buba Marwa, the chairman of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said he has asked for permission to conduct drug tests for the ruling All Progressives Congress candidates for the 2023 presidential election.
According to Peoples Gazette, Mr Marwa, who spoke at an award event for NDLEA officers in Abuja on Wednesday afternoon, said he hopes other political parties will also participate in the exercise.
Bola Tinubu, Yemi Osinbajo and Rotimi Amaechi are among APC politicians who have declared their intention to run for president.
How Mr Marwa planned to carry out the exercise was not immediately clear, but his proposal might be due to previous charges of drug use among politicians.
In the early 1990s, Mr Tinubu, a former Lagos governor, was arrested and charged with trafficking heroin and other hard drugs in the United States. He forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars to the U.S. government following his indictment at the time. He denies wrongdoing.
Femi Babafemi, a spokesman for the NDLEA, told Peoples Gazette additional details of the drug test for politicians will be made public later.
The statement said the equipment offers further support to combat Russia’s “brutal, unrelenting and illegal invasion” of Ukraine.
The Australian government vowed to continue to identify opportunities for additional assistance to boost the capability of the Ukraine Armed Forces.
“Australia stands with the people of Ukraine and again calls on Russia to cease its unprovoked, unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine”, the government noted.
On Tuesday, Australia and about 40 other nations attended a meeting on the war at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
Both Ghana and India have recorded high increase in the infection from Covid-19 as India look into fascinating children.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has confirmed 772 new cases of infection of the Coronavirus, raising the country’s active case count to 5,515.
The country has also recorded eight new deaths relating to the disease since the last update on Sunday, January 31, 2021, bringing the death toll to 424.
The new infections are from tests conducted as at January 30, 2021.
The update further disclosed that 607 more people have recovered since the last update, bringing the total of clinical recoveries and discharge to 61,843.
Currently, 119 of the active cases, it said, were in severe conditions, with 41 in critical condition. These cases are being managed in treatment sites, isolation centers across the country, while some were under home management, the GHS said.
Ghana has so far recorded a total of 67,782 cases of the virus since it confirmed its first two cases in March 2020.
In a similar case, India has recorded 2,927 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours ending 8 am Wednesday, data shared by the Union Ministry of Health showed.
The daily cases are slightly up from Tuesday’s 2,483. The total number of active cases also climbed to 16,279 from 15,636. The country registered 32 Covid-related deaths in the last 24 hours.
Talking about Ghana, out of the total confirmed cases, 25,603 were from the General Surveillance; 41,050 cases from the Enhanced Contact Tracing, while 1,129 have been recorded from international travelers disembarking at the Kotoka International Airport since it was reopened on September 1, 2020, the update stated.
A total of 783,432 tests have also been conducted. Out of this, 243,167 are from routine surveillance, 389,159 from contact tracing, and 151,106 from international travelers arriving through the Kotoka International Airport. The positivity rate is 8.7 per cent.
With the information at disposal, currently, all the sixteen regions in the country have an active case.
Mali has accused the French army of spying and subversion when it used a drone to film what France alleged was mercenaries burying bodies near a military base.
The west African nation’s ruling junta in a statement on Tuesday, said a drone illegally flew over the Gossi base on April 20, the day after French forces handed the site back to Mali.
“The said drone was present… to spy on our brave FAMa (Malian armed forces),” government spokesman Abdoulaye Maiga said.
The following day, the French army shared a video it said showed Russian mercenaries covering bodies with sand to falsely accuse the departing troops of war crimes. Two soldiers could be seen filming the half-buried corpses.
Mali’s military have now announced an inquiry into the discovery of a mass grave at the Gossi base.
The army said it found the grave the day after the images were published, and claimed the bodies’ advanced stage of putrefaction ruled out Malian soldiers’ responsibility.
France, Mali’s former colonial power, is winding down its almost decade-long, anti-jihadist military operation in the West African state.
However in February, Mali decided to pull out its troops after falling out with the military junta, especially over its rapprochement with the Kremlin.
The much speculation to whether Manchester City is on course to reach a second successive Champions League final comes clearer after beating Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling and one of the best of all-time matches.
Kevin de Bruyne’s diving header and Gabriel Jesus’ calm finish gave City a 2-0 lead inside the opening 11 minutes.
Karim Benzema volleyed home for Real, but Phil Foden’s header made it 3-1.
Real’s Vinicius Jr scored an individual goal, Bernardo Silva blasted in City’s fourth before Benzema’s incredible ‘Panenka’ penalty following Aymeric Laporte’s handball.
Manchester City has never won the European Cup or Champions League and lost 1-0 to Chelsea in last season’s final, but produced a superb performance to take advantage of Spain.
However, manager Pep Guardiola will be annoyed they did not secure a wider winning margin after leading 2-0, 3-1, and 4-2, but Benzema’s incredible penalty gave the Spanish league leaders hope of turning the tie around at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, 4 May.
Liverpool faces the Spanish side, Villarreal, in this year’s other semi-final, with the first leg at Anfield on Wednesday.
The final will be held at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 28 May.
