Today's Headlines: El-Rufai Rejects Amnesty For Bandits, Open Grazing No Longer Viable Northern Govs

El-Rufai rejects amnesty for bandits, calls for their elimination

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the Kaduna State Governor, has again reiterated his position against negotiating with bandits who terrorize the state.

In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) Hausa Service, which was monitored on Monday, El-Rufai said that any bandit arrested in the Kaduna State would be killed, claiming that "the state is at war with bandits."

He also disagreed with suggestions made by the prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, that amnesty and compensation should be granted to the bandits.

Youths plan counter-protest at Lekki Tollgate

On Saturday, February 13, youths announced plans to organize a counter protest at the Lekki tollgate.

This comes a few hours after some young people have taken to Call for a rally on Twitter against the reopening of the Lekki tollgate.

Army Chief: The War Against Insurgency Is Ending Soon.

Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, the current Army Chief of Staff, has ensured that the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats in the country will soon be a thing of the past.

On Monday, while addressing members of the media during a maiden on the spot evaluation visit to the Nigerian Army Special Super Camp One, Ngamdu, Borno State, the Army Chief provided the assurance.

The reason behind the visit, he said, is to find out about the problems of the troops in order to express steps to solve them.

Court to Hear Suit Seeking Forfeiture Of Patience Jonathan's Billions Unlawfully Obtained

On 13 April, the Federal High Court in Lagos agreed to consider an application demanding the forfeiture of $5,781,173.55 and the N2.4 billion that the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, had unlawfully obtained. After hearing counsel for the parties in the case, Justice Chuka Obiozor set the date.

The application was filed before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun by the Economicand Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,sometime in 2017 and the hearing began.

On April 26, 2017, the judge issued an order to temporarily forfeit the funds discovered in Skye Bank and Eco bank accounts, which are owned by La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd.

Northern Governors' Open Grazing No Longer Viable

In view of the increasing urbanization and population of the country, the Northern States Governors Forum said the current method of herding conducted primarily through open grazing is no longer sustainable.

During its emergency meeting, held virtually to address issues concerning the region and the nation in general and chaired by it's Chairman and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, the forum reached this conclusion.

Joe Biden Threats Sanctions Against Nigeria Over Anti-gay Laws

Joe Biden, President of the United States of America, has threatened to prosecute countries that have failed to pass laws to accommodate LGBTQI (Lesbian, Homosexual, Bisexual,Transgender and Queer and Intersex) persons.

A presidential memorandum aimed at extending the defense of LGBTQI rights worldwide was issued by the President.

Financial retaliation can include sanctions against such nations.

Due to its anti-gay stance, which has been increasingly criticized by global rights organizations,Nigeria is categorized as a homophobic country.

Notice that in January 2014, despite pressure from former US President Barrack Obama, former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same-Sex-Marriage (Prohibition) Act.

Nigeria Ranks First Among China's Top 40 Trading Partners, 50 Years Of Bilateral Relationship

As China-Nigeria bilateral relations clock 50 years tomorrow, Nigeria has been ranked first among China's top 40 trading partners worldwide and its largest investment destination in Africa.

During yesterday's news conference in Abuja, Deputy Ambassador of China Zhao Yongmade this known as part of activities to commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations between the two countries, even as he described China-Nigeria ties as a pace-setter in cooperation between China and Africa.