Volunteers strive to stave off shutdown chaos at US parks

Volunteers strive to stave off shutdown chaos at US parks


AFP/File / Robyn Beck Sprawling Joshua Tree National Park in California is getting a big hand from shutdown volunteers

Sabra Purdy is just back from Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, which was crammed with tourists. It is high season, and to prevent chaos from the partial shutdown of the US federal government, she put on her gloves, cleaned toilets and picked up trash.

The 40-year-old businesswoman joined other members of the business community who benefit from park-related tourism, and together they performed some serious maintenance in the 790,737-acre (320,000-hectare) park while waiting for politicians in faraway Washington to end their budget impasse.

The shutdown began on December 22, with Congress at loggerheads over whether to include the $5 billion sought by Donald Trump to fund a wall on the border with Mexico, a central pillar of his election campaign and of his presidency.

The result: hundreds of thousands of federal workers were sent home without pay, including 21,383 employees of the National Park Service (NPS), responsible for 418 facilities nationwide, including national parks, monuments, historic sites and even the White House.

But most parks were left open, and without the usual entry fee.

"In the long run, the rangers who work here committed to preserve the area and just their mere presence probably keeps things from happening that shouldn't," said Sherman Craig, who was visiting Joshua Tree from New York.

A Park Service statement issued for a shutdown earlier in the year laid out a bare-bones plan.

"The NPS will not operate parks during the shutdown -- no visitor services will be provided," it said.

"NPS will cease providing visitor services, including restrooms, trash collection, facilities and roads maintenance (including plowing), campground reservation and check-in/check-out services, backcountry and other permits and public information."

That is where the community around Joshua Tree came in, determined to help keep the magic in the air.

The Sonora and Mojave deserts meet on the park's west side, amid a spectacular backdrop of rocky mountains, boulders and a type of cactus called the Joshua Tree that gives the area its name.

- Disorder but 'no chaos' -


AFP/File / GABRIEL BOUYS The time between Christmas and New Year's is among Joshua Tree park's busiest


Since the shutdown began, dozens of volunteers have been traveling to the park to clean overused bathrooms, remove mounting piles of garbage and carry out other, equally unfragrant work.

Purdy, who eight years ago opened a tour company for climbing trips with her husband Seth Zaharias, said that when she arrived at Joshua Tree on Friday she found disorder but "no chaos."

There were "a lot of people with dogs where they shouldn't be, camping where they shouldn't be. But it could certainly be much worse," she said.

"Unfortunately, this isn't the first shutdown, and probably not the last."

Volunteers often take the opportunity to guide tourists and explain the rules about protecting the park's precious and delicate ecosystem -- rules often flouted during the shutdown.

Local businesses started organizing their fairly informal grouping even as Congress was failing yet again to get its budget deal done.

All supplies for the effort come from the pocket of local businessmen, though some donations are starting to arrive from other park lovers.

- Striving for 'normalcy' -


 AFP/File / ROBYN BECK A 2013 government shutdown was devastating for businesses dependent on tourism to the Joshua Tree park

"There are about 150 latrines in the park. And I estimate that we have distributed more than 500 rolls of paper; I do not think we have reached all the bathrooms, only the most important ones," said John Lauretig, executive director of the NGO Friends of Joshua Tree National Park, which is helping coordinate while also working to protect local wildlife.

"We are trying our best to maintain normalcy, but you know, we don't really have the authority or the power or the ability to stop people from doing really egregious acts: driving off-road, or chopping down trees or stealing artifacts.

"I haven't seen any of that. But you know the potential is there," he said.

On Twitter, someone posting as "Defend Joshua Tree" decried an "absolutely ridiculous" breakdown of conditions in the park -- with trash piling up, people driving off-road and even stringing Christmas lights between delicate Joshua Tree cacti. The poster called for the park to be closed until the budget showdown ends.

But for Purdy, Lauretig and many others dependent on tourism, that would be the worst possible turn of events: the time between Christmas and New Year's is among the park's busiest.

When the park was shuttered for 17 days in 2013, "it was devastating for us financially," Purdy said.

Lauretig shared the concern.

"Back in 2013 when the park was closed and people were not visiting, the local restaurants and the local community were laying people off. They were sending people home because there just wasn't any money or visitors," he said.

In December 2017, the park welcomed 285,493 visitors. This year, there have been 2.4 million through November this year.


AFP/File / GABRIEL BOUYS The partial shutdown of the federal government has left more than 21,000 national park staff off work with no pay


In the current shutdown, some US parks have closed completely, while others operate partially. In California, the popular Death Valley and Channel Islands national parks remain open.

At Joshua Tree, the coming days are expected to bring a surge of tourists, with zero official staff to greet -- or police -- them.

"I wish the government was just able to function and that we could have the parks staff," said Purdy. "Because we need them."

source: https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/volunteers-strive-stave-shutdown-chaos-us-parks-doc-1bv5w36

Top Republican says Trump vows to 'destroy' IS before leaving Syria

Top Republican says Trump vows to 'destroy' IS before leaving Syria
source: AFP


GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File / WIN MCNAMEE US Senator Lindsey Graham said he would urge President Donald Trump to "reconsider" his planned Syria pullout

A senior Republican senator said Sunday that President Donald Trump had promised to stay in Syria to finish the job of destroying the Islamic State group -- just days after announcing he would be withdrawing troops immediately.

"The president understands the need to finish the job," Graham told reporters outside the White House after what he described as a two-hour lunch meeting.

"He told me some things I didn't know that made me feel a lot better about where we're headed in Syria," the South Carolina lawmaker said.

"I think the president is committed to making sure when we leave Syria that ISIS is completely defeated and we are inside the 10-yard line," he said, using an alternative name for the Islamic State group.

When Trump tweeted on December 19 that "we have defeated ISIS in Syria," several military and security experts said he was overstating the case, and warned against a hasty withdrawal.

- 'Thinking long and hard' -

Graham said Trump was "thinking long and hard about Syria and how to withdraw the forces" after ensuring that ISIS is destroyed, that US-allied Kurdish forces are protected and that "Iran doesn't become the big winner of our leaving."

Graham, who as a member of the Armed Services committee has frequently visited US troops in combat zones, was once a frequent critic of Trump but, reversing course, now frequently defends him and seems to have gained privileged access to the president's ear.

The senator's remarks after the White House meeting were considerably modulated from his tone earlier in the day, when he told ABC television's "This Week" that "if we leave (Syria) now, the Kurds will get slaughtered."

"I'm going to ask the president to do something that President Obama would never do: reconsider," he said.

Graham said he knew Trump was "frustrated" by his limited options in Syria.

"The president is reconsidering how we would do this," Graham said.


 AFP / Thomas SAINT-CRICQ Key dates in the Syrian conflict


"I get it. We're not the policemen of the world here."

He added: "I'm going to ask him to sit down with his generals and reconsider how to do this. Slow it down. Make sure we get it right."

- A Trump announcement? -


AFP/File / NICHOLAS KAMM Top Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway seemed to hint that the US president might be planning to tweak his blueprint for a troop withdrawal from Syria

Kellyanne Conway, a close Trump advisor, seemed to hint that the president might be rethinking his withdrawal plans.

"In Iraq he had a closed-door meeting and he said watch what happens... Watch what happens because he's got plans and I won't get ahead of his announcement, but he did want me to convey that," she said on "Fox News Sunday."

Trump's abrupt decision on Syria stunned regional players, US politicians of both parties and military leaders, who expressed surprise that such a major decision would be announced after apparently so little advance consultation, against the advice of his national security advisors -- and on Twitter.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis resigned following the announcement, which came on the same day that US officials said Trump was also planning a significant drawdown in Afghanistan, with some reports suggesting as many as half of the 14,000 troops could leave.

Graham warned at the time that a reduction now of US forces in war-torn Afghanistan risked "paving the way toward a second 9/11."

Another prominent critic of the move was retired US army general Stanley McChrystal, the former commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, he told ABC that the dual drawdowns could seriously weaken US influence in the region.

"We have a tumultuous regime or region (in Syria) that now has a Russian presence which had been out for about 30 years," he said.


GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File / MARK WILSON Retired US army general Stanley McChrystal said a US withdrawal from Syria could create greater instability in the region and sap US influence


"Iran has increased influence across the region now. If you pull American influence out, you're likely to have greater instability."

Similarly, he said, Trump's planned drawdown in Afghanistan could seriously undercut American leverage there.

"Just when we were starting to sit down with the Taliban, just as we were starting to begin negotiations, he basically traded away the biggest leverage point we have," McChrystal added.

Climate change takes toll on French oyster farmers

Climate change takes toll on French oyster farmers

source: AFP

AFP/File / DAMIEN MEYER Cold weather normally encourages a needed rest for oysters to mature, experts say, but this winter has so far been unusually warm and, paradoxically, too rainy

Gulping down oysters has long been a favourite New Year's Eve ritual for the French, but as winters get warmer and summers get drier many growers worry there will soon be fewer of the prized mollusks to go around.

"Twenty years ago, we'd be shivering in the warehouse while preparing the holiday orders. Today it's 15 degrees (60 Fahrenheit)," says Brittany oysterman Mathieu Le Moal, his sleeves rolled up in front of a tractor carrying dozens of bulging oyster sacks.

"We don't have seasons anymore -- but oysters need all four," Le Moal adds. "They need the winter, it's when they can rest, use less energy."

Inside a wooden hanger redolent of salt and the sea, around a dozen of his workers are sorting, weighing and packing oysters into crates in the Brittany port of Cancale.

Le Moal and other farmers along this stretch of France's Emerald Coast say the long drought which struck swathes of the country this summer took a heavy toll, leading to smaller harvests, and smaller shellfish.

Without summer rains that wash crucial minerals into the oyster beds, "there's no plankton, the main food for oysters, so they don't grow," explained fellow oysterman Bertrand Racinne, weaving his way between baskets and stacked crates.

"In the end, we have oysters but not enough of the big ones," said Racinne, who like most growers sells more than half his yearly production in December.


AFP/File / Fred TANNEAU Gulping down oysters has long been a favourite New Year's Eve ritual for the French


Cold weather normally encourages a needed rest for oysters to mature, said Yoann Thomas of France's IRD research institute.

But this winter has so far been unusually warm and, paradoxically, too rainy.

Rains may bring minerals that favour plankton growth -- but they also mean the mollusks spend too much energy eating.

This year's harvest are likely to start the spring "fragile and vulnerable", warned Racinne.

"We've found that periods of extreme mortality (more than 25 percent of oysters) come several months after mild and rainy winters," Thomas said.

- Germs thrive -

"Ten grams fewer for each one, that makes a difference in sales," said Philippe Le Gal, president of the CNC national shellfish producers' association.

In 2017 the roughly 4,500 oyster growers in France sold 100,000 tons, at an average price of 5,000 euros ($5,700) per ton.

"Oyster farmers will see volumes down by 20 to 30 percent this year," Le Gal said. "Climate warming is starting to have an impact."

Warmer water temperatures are also a risk because they facilitate the spread of viruses that are especially harmful to oyster larvae, or spat, and young oysters.


 AFP/File / - An oyster farmer in the Arcachon basin of south-west France readies to swallow an oyster in 1946

Scientists point in particular to a Herpes virus, OsHV-1, that has been present in French oyster waters since 1991 but has become more aggressive recently, for reasons still unknown.

Since 2008, up to 75 percent of young oysters have been lost in some years, said Fabrice Pernet at the Ifremer ocean research institute in Brest.

"Oyster farmers had found a solution by putting ten times the amount of spat in the water in autumn, when the virus is not active," Pernet said.

But warmer waters would reduce this window of opportunity, he said, and new pathogens could arrive if carried north by fish and other sea life fleeing rising temperatures further south.

Adding to the challenges, rising ocean acidity requires oysters to spend more energy in building their shells, Pernet said.

- 'Still magnificent' -

Erratic and extreme weather conditions are likely to become more frequent unless aggressive steps are taken to limit climate change caused by human activities, scientists warn.

"By 2035 the abnormally high mortality episodes that currently occur every ten years risk happening every two years," Pernet said.

Not every oyster farmer is convinced, however, saying the bigger risks are pollution, oyster beds that are becoming too densely packed and the increased use of genetically modified species.


 AFP/File / DAMIEN MEYER If weather patterns become increasingly volatile, French farmers might have to start changing their growing seasons or move their beds north or further out to sea


"Mortality rates change every year, depending on the region... but nobody can really explain why," said Alexandre Prod'homme, another grower in Cancale.

But if warming and weather patterns become increasingly volatile, French farmers might have to start changing their growing seasons or move their beds north or further out to sea, Pernet said.

"Oysters aren't going to disappear... but they're probably going to have to migrate," he predicted.

For now, most growers say they're going to wait and see.

"We're not sure about anything regarding the impact of global warming, we're waiting for more scientific research," said Daniel Coirier, president of the shellfish association for the Poitou-Charentes region.

"But even if they're not as big, our oysters are still magnificent, and top quality!"

Disgraced comic Louis C.K. mocks school massacre survivors

Disgraced comic Louis C.K. mocks school massacre survivors

AFP

AFP/File / Adrian SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ The clip, which was uploaded to Twitter on Sunday, marks a hard right turn for C.K., who until his downfall in late 2017 was feted as one of the greatest comedians of his generation

US comedian Louis C.K., whose glittering career famously tanked after he admitted to sexual misconduct, was in the headlines again after an audio clip from a comeback set emerged in which he mocked school shooting survivors and non-binary people.

The two-minute clip, which was uploaded to Twitter on Sunday, marks a hard right turn for C.K., who until his downfall in 2017 was feted as one of the greatest comedians of his generation and known for a liberal outlook.

According to screenshots from YouTube, where an extended version of the clip was originally posted before being taken down, the set took place on December 19.

The venue was not immediately clear, but C.K. has been making a relatively low-key comeback in recent months, performing at Manhattan comedy clubs as well as in Paris, home to his new girlfriend, French comedian Blanche Gardin.

C.K. begins by taking aim at today's youngsters, ridiculing their political correctness and telling his audience their lives are "just boring" compared to the drug-fueled antics of his time.

"They're like royalty, they tell you what to call 'em!" he says, before adopting a high-pitched, mock-gay voice to convey what non-binary people sound like according to him.

"'You should address me as they/them. Because I identify as gender neutral.'"

Returning to his normal voice to signify his response, he continues: "Okay. You should address me as 'there,' because I identify as a location," adding that location is their mother's genitalia.

- Right-wing praise -

He then turns on the survivors of the Parkland school massacre, many of whom became gun-control activists in the aftermath of the February 2018 shooting by a lone gunman that left 17 dead.

"They testify in front of Congress, these kids? What are they doing? You're young! You should be crazy! You should be unhinged! Not in a suit," he said.

"You're not interesting. Because you went to a high school where kids got shot? Why does that mean I have to listen to you? Why does that make you interesting? You didn't get shot. You pushed some fat kid in the way, and now I've got to listen to you talking?"

Another part of the set uploaded by Swiss journalist Aicha Kottmann featured an extended take on children with learning difficulties in which C.K. repeatedly utters an offensive word to describe their condition.

The clip drew many shocked reactions even as some conservative commentators showered it with praise.

"I'm listening to the leaked Louis set and it's very clear he's just going to tour Red States for the rest of his life to rapturous crowds, like Trump," wrote comedy writer Jack Allison, who uploaded the Twitter clip.

But a rightwing commentator wrote: "Louis C.K. 2.0 is funny as hell!"

C.K.'s mainstream career went up in flames in November 2017 after he was forced to admit to masturbating in front of several women.

He was dumped by Netflix, his publicist, the television networks FX and HBO, while a movie project about the relationship between an aging filmmaker and a teenage girl was scrapped.

Bangladesh PM says 'conscience is clear' as opposition claims election rigged

AFP
News

Bangladesh PM says 'conscience is clear' as opposition claims election rigged



AFP / Indranil MUKHERJEE Bangladeshis read about the election result in the newspapers on December 31

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday rejected calls for a new vote after being declared landslide winner in an election marred by deadly violence that the opposition slammed as "farcical" and rigged.

Hasina's ruling Awami League party and its allies won 288 seats in the 300-seat parliament, with the main opposition securing only six seats.

Hasina, who got a record fourth term, swept aside opposition protests over clashes between rival supporters that left at least 17 dead and allegations of ballot box stuffing and intimidation.

"The election was totally free and independent. There is no doubt about it," the 71-year-old Hasina said.

"I have nothing to hide. Whatever I do I do it for the country. My conscience is clear," she added in comments to reporters.


AFP / Jean Michel CORNU Electoral violence in Bangladesh


Hasina insisted she had no desire "to remain in power" and that voters had backed her party because of Bangladesh's economic growth during her decade-long rule.

The opposition alliance led by the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) said it had been the target of a crackdown for months leading up to Sunday's poll and called for a rerun.

"We are demanding that a fresh election is held under a neutral government as early as possible," alliance leader Kamal Hossain told reporters.

Election authorities said they had not received a single complaint against the vote.

Hasina has been lauded for boosting economic growth in the poor South Asian nation and for welcoming Rohingya refugees fleeing a military crackdown in neighbouring Myanmar.


AFP / Munir UZ ZAMAN Voting in Bangladesh's parliamentary election, which ended at 4:00pm (1000 GMT), was held under tight security

But critics accuse her of authoritarianism. Arch-rival and BNP leader Khaleda Zia was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges that her party said were politically motivated.

Deadly violence that blighted the election campaign spilled over into voting day, even though authorities deployed 600,000 security forces across the country.

Thirteen people were killed in clashes between Awami League and BNP supporters, police said. Three people were shot and killed by police who said they were protecting polling booths. An auxiliary police member was also killed by armed opposition activists, according to officials.

Police have now confirmed 21 deaths during the election campaign and voting day.

- 'We'll cast your vote' -

The opposition alliance accused Hasina's party of stuffing ballot boxes and using other illegal means to fix the result.


AFP / Indranil MUKHERJEE Supporters of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the Awami League party walk through the streets in Dhaka


BNP spokesman Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal said there were "irregularities" in 221 of the 300 seats.

One voter, Atiar Rahman, said he was beaten by ruling party activists in the central district of Narayanganj.

"They told me not to bother, 'We'll cast your vote on your behalf'," he told AFP.

The opposition said the unrest was stirred up to deter voters but the election commission reported 80 percent turnout.

- Free and fair? -

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first international leader to call and congratulate Hasina, the Bangladesh leader's press secretary said.


AFP / Munir UZ ZAMAN Bangladeshi polling officials carry a ballot box for counting after voting ended at a polling station in Dhaka

China's President Xi Jinping also greeted her with Beijing's envoy handing over "congratulatory messages".

Experts say Hasina's victory will be sullied by accusations that she hamstrung opponents.

"This result might affect our democratic system and might also damage state institutions," Sakhawat Hussain, a former election commissioner, told AFP.

The opposition claims some 21,000 of its activists were detained during the campaign, crushing its ability to mobilise support.


AFP / Indranil MUKHERJEE Bangladeshi women wait in line outside a polling station in Dhaka, on December 30, 2018


Thirty-five of its candidates were arrested over what they said were trumped-up charges or disqualified from running by courts, which Hasina's opponents say are government controlled.

The leadership of Bangladesh has alternated between Hasina and Zia, allies-turned-foes, over the last three decades.

Hasina's victory secures her third consecutive term in office, and fourth overall.

A daughter of Bangladesh's first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina was gifted victory in the 2014 election when the BNP boycotted the vote claiming it was not free and fair.

Rights groups have since accused her administration of stifling freedom of speech by toughening a draconian anti-press law and the enforced disappearance of dissenters.

Hasina rejects accusations of authoritarianism but analysts say she feared young voters would support the BNP.

Her government was criticised this year for its heavy handling of weeks of major student protests that brought Dhaka to a standstill.

Young girl's tragic story makes her symbol of Yemen war

Young girl's tragic story makes her symbol of Yemen war


AFP / Mohammed HUWAIS, Karem ALZERII Buthaina Mansur al-Rimi in a photo beamed worldwide after the 2017 air strike that wiped out her immediate family, and today

Buthaina Mansur al-Rimi's life has changed drastically since last year -- orphaned in Sanaa, the little girl controversially ended up in Saudi Arabia for medical care and has just returned to Yemen's capital.

Her entire immediate family was wiped out in an air strike by a Saudi-led coalition that backs Yemen's government, using an explosive device Amnesty International says was made in the US.

Images of Buthaina's rescue and a picture of her swollen and bruised at a hospital trying to force open one of her eyes with her fingers were beamed worldwide.

That international fame saw her become something of a propaganda pawn in the war between Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels and Saudi media.

In an interview with AFP, Buthaina and her uncle Ali -- her legal guardian -- recall the strike that killed her parents, four sisters, only brother and another uncle.

- 'The house fell' -

"I was in my mother's room with my father, sisters, brother and uncle," Buthaina tells AFP from rebel-held Sanaa, where she has returned from Saudi Arabia to live with Ali and her cousins.

"The first missile hit, and my father went to get us sugar to get over the shock, but then the second missile hit, and then the third," she says.

"And then the house fell," adds the little girl, who says she is eight.


AFP / Mohammed HUWAIS Buthaina al-Rimi (R) sits with her uncle Ali and her cousin in the uncle's home in Sanaa


It was the night of August 25, 2017.

The uncle who died was her "favourite", she says.

Along with her family, eight other civilians -- including two children -- were killed in a house nearby.

A few days later, the picture of Buthaina attempting to force open her right eye went viral.

The Saudi-led alliance admitted responsibility for the air strike describing it as a "technical mistake".

But it drew strong international condemnation.

In the week ahead of that strike, 42 people were killed in other air strikes, according to the UN.

A month after her close family was wiped out, pictures of Buthaina appeared in Saudi media showing her being treated in Riyadh.

The circumstances surrounding her move from Sanaa to the Saudi capital remain unclear.

The Huthi rebels say Buthaina, her uncle Ali and his family were "kidnapped" by the coalition and taken to government-held Aden, before travelling onwards to Riyadh.


AFP / Mohammed HUWAIS Buthaina's home was reduced to rubble after the Saudi air strike in August 2017

Saudi media said she was brought to the Saudi capital at the request of the internationally-recognised Yemeni government.

Although the Saudi government has never commented officially on Buthaina's case, pictures of her apparently boarding a private jet from Riyadh to Sanaa were published by the Al Riyadh newspaper on December 19.

The Huthis' Al-Masirah media outlet has published stories welcoming them back from the "grasps of Saudi Arabia".

"Eye of humanity exposes the enemy", ran one headline.

Mahdi Al-Mshat, head of the rebels' Higher Political Council, has ordered Buthaina and her remaining family be offered a home and salary, according to the rebels' Saba news agency.

- 'She doesn't forget' -

Buthaina says she is looking forward to going to school for the first time.

Looking healthy, she sits on the floor of her uncle's home in Sanaa.

She plays alongside her cousins with a doll, braiding its hair.

"I want to go to school and become a doctor," she tells AFP, her own hair tied in a ponytail.


 AFP / Mohammed HUWAIS Buthaina says she wants to go to school and become a doctor


"I want the war to stop and for us to live in peace... for the children of Yemen to live in peace," she says.

Her uncle, sitting behind her, nods.

Both the Huthis and the Saudi-led coalition stand accused by a UN panel of experts of acts that could amount to war crimes.

While the Huthis have been accused of widespread and indiscriminate use of landmines, the coalition has come under fire for air raids that have killed civilians, including children, in rebel-held areas.

Buthaina's return to her home city comes amid a ceasefire agreement in the lifeline port city of Hodeida -- part of a peace push seen as the best chance yet of ending four years of devastating conflict.

It has been a long journey back home for the little girl, who became a symbol of Yemen's war.

Ali says that she still struggles with the loss of her family.

"She doesn't forget her mum and dad. She feels sad when she sees things that remind her of her parents or siblings... or when she hears the songs her father used to listen to," he says.

"We tell her to hold on and that they are in heaven... and heaven is a beautiful place.


AFP / Mohammed HUWAIS It has been a long journey back home for Buthaina, who became a symbol of Yemen's war

Ali says that Buthaina is his "flesh and blood" and considers her a daughter.

Holding back tears, he says: "When their house collapsed, I asked God not to deny me from seeing my brother again, but it's ok. Thanks to him, Buthaina stayed with us."

Yemen's war has killed nearly 10,000 people, including 2,200 children, according to the World Health Organisation, but other groups say the toll is far higher.
source: https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/young-girls-tragic-story-makes-her-symbol-yemen-war-doc-1bw2ap1

Tense DR Congo counts vote in presidential poll

Tense DR Congo counts vote in presidential poll
source: AFP


AFP / Caroline Thirion Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) officials at a school in Lubumbashi count votes during a power cut, watched by observers

The Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday began counting ballots from a presidential election marked by delays and fears of violence and vote-rigging, straining hopes for its first-ever peaceful transfer of power.

Sunday's elections went ahead after two years of delays and sporadic clashes in the unstable country, but the influential national conference of Catholic bishops declared the vote had been "relatively calm."

Among reported incidents, some electoral observers were harassed and a clash took in the restive eastern province of South Kivu that left four people dead.

The DRC has never had a peaceful transition of leader since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

Worries of a new spiral into violence deepened after President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, refused to quit two years ago when his constitutionally-declared limit expired.


AFP / Caroline Thirion In some parts of the country, voting was extended after organisational glitches delayed the ballot


Tension and suspicion were further stoked by repeated delays, a bloody crackdown on anti-Kabila protests and accusations that electronic voting machines would help to rig the result.

But Kabila appeared on public television late Sunday to congratulate the Congolese for having voted "in peace and dignity".

Provisional results are due to be announced on January 6, final results on January 15 and the new president sworn in on January 18.

From Kinshasa to Goma, 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles) further east, polling stations already put up first results on Monday morning.

In Kisangani, the country's third-largest city, observers hired by the political parties slept on the floor or on desks at a polling station to keep their eye on the vote count, an AFP reporter said.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Catholic Church observers, who were present at 78 percent of polling stations, said some had been forced to leave the voting centres.


 AFP / ALEXIS HUGUET A symbolic vote was held at Kalinda Stadium in Beni where voting was postponed because of an ongoing Ebola epidemic and communal violence

"We had cases where our observers were molested and violated," Luc Lutala told AFP Monday morning.

On Sunday evening, violence erupted at a polling station in the Walungu area of South Kivu province after an electoral official was accused of trying to rig the vote in favour of Kabila's preferred successor, according to an opposition figure.

The electoral official was killed along with a policeman and two civilians, said Vital Kamerhe, who has been campaigning for Felix Tshisekedi.

- Victory claims -

Kabila's champion Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary declared Sunday to Actualite.cd news site: "I'll be elected, I'll be president."


AFP / Fredrik Lerneryd Voters wait to cast their ballot outside a polling station in Kabare, in the eastern province of South Kivu


Separately, Tshisekedi, one of his biggest rivals and the head of a veteran opposition party, UDPS, predicted: "Victory is ours."

However, the scant opinion polls that have been conducted in the diverse, sprawling country made Martin Fayulu -- until recently a little-known legislator and former oil executive -- the clear favourite.

He garnered around 44 percent of voting intentions, followed by Tshisekedi with 24 percent and Shadary with 18 percent, said Jason Stearns of the Congo Research Group, based at the Center on International Cooperation at New York University.

If the elections are "free and fair," an opposition candidate will almost certainly win. However, "the potential for violence is extremely high," he warned.


 AFP / Luis TATO Kabila has said he was confident "everything will go well" during the vote

Roughly half of survey respondents said they would reject the result if Shadary -- a hardline former interior minister who is facing EU sanctions for a crackdown on protesters -- was declared winner.

- Voting hitches -

While turnout failed to reach 50 percent at some polling stations, many voters said they were exhilarated at taking part in the first elections after the nearly 18-year Kabila era.


 AFP / JOHN THYS, Junior D. KANNAH, JOHN WESSELS Frontrunners: Tshisekedi, Shadary and Fayulu


But there was also much evidence of organisational problems, including with the contested voting machines.

The vote for a new president took place alongside legislative and municipal polls.

But there was also much evidence of organisational problems, including with the contested voting machines.


AFP / Marie ALBERT Democratic Republic of Congo

The vote for a new president took place alongside legislative and municipal polls.

- War and poverty -

A country almost the size of continental western Europe which straddles central Africa, the DRC is rich in gold, uranium, copper, cobalt and other minerals.

Little of that wealth trickles down to the poor. Poverty, corruption and government inertia are etched into the country's history, along with a reputation for violence.

In the last 22 years, it has twice been a battleground for wars drawing in armies from central and southern Africa.

That legacy endures in eastern DRC, where militias control swathes of territory and battle over resources, wantonly killing civilians.

Insecurity and an ongoing Ebola epidemic in part of North Kivu province, and communal violence in Yumbi, in the southwest, prompted the authorities to postpone the elections there until March.

Around 1.25 million people in a national electoral roll of around 40 million voters are affected. Despite this, elections in the rest of the country went ahead.

Sydney to kick off global New Year parties with dazzling spectacle

Sydney to kick off global New Year parties with dazzling spectacle
source: AFP


AFP / PETER PARKS Revellers camped out at vantage points, taking in the early family-friendly fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Australia's largest city Sydney will put on its biggest-ever fireworks display to welcome the New Year and kick off a wave of celebrations for billions around the world.

A record amount of pyrotechnics as well as new fireworks effects and colours will light up the city's skyline for 12 minutes and dazzle the more than 1.5 million spectators expected to crowd the harbour front and parks.

"I'm sure we'll delight in seeing our beautiful harbour lit up like never before," Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

A thunderstorm did not dampen the spirits of revellers who camped out at vantage points, taking in the early family-friendly fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge ahead of the main event at midnight.

To mark the international year of indigenous languages in 2019, the harbour also hosted a ceremony celebrating Aboriginal heritage that includes animations projected onto the bridge's pylons.

- Around the world -

The party atmosphere will sweep across major cities in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas as the clock ticks past midnight.


 AFP / ATTILA KISBENEDEK A party atmosphere will sweep across major cities in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas as the clock ticks past midnight


A strong police presence has become a key element of the festivities, to protect crowds that could be targeted in terror and vehicle attacks.

Hong Kong: Glittering fireworks will be sent skyward from five barges floating in Victoria Harbour in a 10-minute display watched by 300,000 people on the shore.

Jakarta: Hundreds of couples will tie the knot in a free mass wedding, as those in the tsunami-hit Banten province, where affected towns were popular holiday destinations, have been told to cancel party plans to show respect for the victims.

Tokyo: Japanese will flock to temples to ring in the New Year, while US boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr will take on local kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in a bout staged outside Tokyo.

Moscow: Concerts and light shows will be held across the city's parks and more than 1,000 ice rinks have been opened for merrymakers.


AFP / Joaquin SARMIENTO 'Old Year' Dolls' are sold on a street in Rionegro, Colombia. At New Year it is traditional practice to burn effigies of things people want to leave behind

Paris: A fireworks display and sound and light show under the theme "fraternity" is set to go ahead on the Champs-Elysees despite plans for further "yellow vest" anti-government protests at the famed avenue.

Berlin: Music lovers will party at a concert at the Brandenburg Gate, but a popular German tradition of setting off fireworks to mark the occasion has been banned in some other cities over safety concerns.

London: Britain's capital will usher in the New Year by celebrating its relationship with Europe amid turmoil over the Brexit referendum vote to leave the EU, with the fireworks display at the London Eye to feature music from the continent's artists.

Edinburgh: The Scottish capital's traditional Hogmanay celebrations will also take on a pro-European theme ahead of the year in which Britain is due to exit the union.

- Looking ahead to 2019 -

As the world parties, many will also look forward to 2019 and wonder whether the turmoil witnessed during the previous year will spill over into the next.


AFP / Mladen ANTONOV In Moscow, concerts and light shows will be held across the city's parks and more than 1,000 ice rinks have been opened for merrymakers


The political wrangling in Westminster over Brexit was one of the key stories of this year, with a resolution yet to be reached ahead of the scheduled March 29 departure.

US President Donald Trump dominated headlines in 2018 as he ramped up his trade war with China, quit the Iran nuclear deal, moved the American embassy to Jerusalem and met his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un in Singapore for a historic summit.

North Korea's commitment to denuclearisation will remain a major political and security issue into next year, as will Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's reassertion of control after Trump's shock military withdrawal announcement.

The war in Yemen, which started in 2014 and has already killed about 10,000 people and left some 20 million at risk of starvation, could take a crucial turn after a ceasefire went into effect in mid-December.

Numerous countries go to the polls in 2019, with key elections in India, Afghanistan, Indonesia, South Africa, Argentina and Australia.

Major sporting events on the calendar include the Rugby World Cup in Japan, the cricket one-day international World Cup in England and the athletics World Championships in Qatar.

source: https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/sydney-kick-global-new-year-parties-dazzling-spectacle-doc-1bu4z43

Yari has sidelined me, Zamfara Deputy gov cries out

Yari has sidelined me, Zamfara Deputy gov cries out


…As gov visits soldiers who survived attack

Gusau—Deputy governor of Zamfara State, Ibrahim Wakkala, has accused the state governor, Abdul’Aziz Yari, of sidelining him.



 Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari

Speaking with reporters in Gusau, the state capital, yesterday, Wakkala said the governor had denied him his rights and privileges.

“For months now, several of the legal funding that are supposed to be made to my office have been stopped and I have been completely sidelined by the state government,” he said.

Gov. Emmanuel doles out N62m Christmas package to youths, women, in A’Ibom

“This attitude against me started since I indicated interest to run for the governorship of the state on the platform of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I know that nothing stops me as a citizen from contesting for any elective position, so I want those concerned and responsible for the interpretation and implementation of the constitutional provisions that accorded me rights and privileges to explain to me why I am being treated this way.

“If my crime is my declaration, then what about my supporting staff made up of casual staff, feeding of security personnel, fueling and services of vehicles attached to my office, what have they done to have their allowances stopped.”

Meanwhile, Governor Yari has visited soldiers who sustained injuries in an ambush by bandits on Saturday.

SMEs listing: ASEA identifies cost of listing, corporate governance as obstacle

The soldiers are currently recuperating at the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, capital of Zamfara.

The governor was accompanied by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Sanusi Rikiji, and heads of security agencies in the state. Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/yari-has-sidelined-me-zamfara-deputy-gov-cries-out/

How Fans Helped Me Overcome The Pains Of My Son’s Death – D’banj Opens Up

How Fans Helped Me Overcome The Pains Of My Son’s Death – D’banj Opens Up

 

There is no doubt that pop star, Dapo Oyebanjo, aka D’banj, is one of the most energetic Nigerian performers of his generation. The singer is known to induce euphoria in people who attend his shows with the stunts he pulls on stage.

However, the Mobolowowon singer lost his only son some months ago and many felt it would affect his mojo. He seemed to go off the grid immediately after the tragedy and some even feared that the singer might not be able to put in his usual zeal into his music career.

However, the singer has bounced back from the unfortunate incident though he was badly hurt. He performed at most of the events that took place during the Yuletide and it was vintage D’banj.

At the end-of-year party of a real estate company, D’banj gave such a spectacular performance that fans didn’t want him to leave the stage. During his performance, the singer also revealed how he was able to get through the death of his son.

He said, “I have been through tough times but I believe that’s what makes one a man. You all know what happened to me recently when I lost my son; it was really a tough time for me. But do you know how I was able to get through it? It was because of you, my fans. You showed me so much love and it really meant a lot to me and my family. It is when certain things happen to you that you will know whether you are a man or not. That incident was a test for me and I am glad that I’m still standing.”

Speaking on what he has for the coming year, D’banj said, “You just have to keep your fingers crossed because I have a lot of things in stock for you. I am back, bigger and better. Some people thought my career will go down but I’m still here shining.

The fans still loves me and that’s what counts. I am very glad that I have very loyal fans who have been with me from the start. I don’t take that for granted because not every artiste has that privilege.”

Lending words of advice to the people at the event, Oyebanjo said, “You should never be discouraged from following your dreams. When I started my career, so many people said I wouldn’t make it. They thought I wouldn’t go far and they ridiculed me because I was playing the harmonica but look who is standing here now.”

INSURANCE IN 2018: Operators list pressure points

INSURANCE IN 2018: Operators list pressure points


By Rosemary Onuoha

AS the insurance year 2018 comes to an end today, industry operators have shared with Insurance Vanguard what they considered the main challenges of the sector during the year.



 Insurance

Emmanuel Macron and the new France

They had noted that the year started on a dull note due to late passage of the appropriation bill which meant that public sector business, the main driver of the sector, was placed on hold in the first quarter. This came at the backdrop of a tough stance of the sector regulatory authorities on the policy of no premium, no cover.

However, when the bill was eventually passed, many Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, of government refused to renew their insurances, thus undermining general performance of the sector.

Commenting on this, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, Mr. Eddie Efekoha, said, “When the public sector is not working, nothing is working. That is the challenge we have. Some of us who have huge budget in the public sector, this year is one that failed because we really did not do much.”

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to curb rate cutting, the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, in the course of the year released premium rates for compulsory classes of insurance products. Contrary to operators expectation for an increase, the Commission retained N5,000 as premium for Third Party motor insurance.

Rebranding campaign

Also in the course of the year, the insurance industry kicked off its re-branding project with focus on individuals rather than corporate entities. The Insurers Committee which championed the project, said that the middle class, lower class and individual citizens of Nigeria need insurance more than corporate entities that are currently major buyers of insurance products and services.

Vice Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, said the project will be carried out in phases with the first phase lasting for three years while N300 million would be expended on the rebranding campaign.

She had stated: “Through this project, the industry wants to capture individuals by first of all making them know the benefits of insurance. Insurance penetration is still low in Nigeria because most Nigerians don’t know the benefits. The industry has conducted extensive research into the project before embarking on it and the project is expected to transform insurance operation in the country.”

However, observers are of the opinion that the effects of the rebranding project are yet to be felt by Nigerians.

Regulations abolished

The other challenging development in the industry, according to the operators was the introduction of the controversial Tier Based Minimum Solvency Capital, TBMSC, which categorized insurers into three tiers according to their capital.

NAICOM had, in August, announced October 1, 2018, as commencement date for the TBMSC against January 1, 2019 it earlier announced. NAICOM had maintained that only companies that meet the respective tier requirements shall lead on new businesses in those categories with effect from October 1, 2018.

However, some shareholders, led by Sir Sunny Nwosu and seven others filed a suit against NAICOM in the Federal High Court, and the policy was subsequently withdrawn. NAICOM also introduced the State Insurance Producers, SIP, within the year.

A SIP is a state government agency licensed by NAICOM to provide intermediary insurance services in a particular state. Sadly, insurance brokers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, took NAICOM to court over the SIP claiming that NAICOM has no right to register state intermediaries and that the brokers are the only legal intermediaries. Once again, NAICOM cancelled the SIP just like the TBMSC.

While explaining reasons for introduction of SIP, Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, Technical, NAICOM, Mr. Sunday Thomas, stated: “We tried to engage the governors’ forum at a point to deepen insurance penetration. While we are yet to reach out to them as a group, we have reached out to some individuals within the forum, and the question they asked us when we asked them to enforce the compulsory insurance was, what exactly will be the benefits to my state? Some will tell you that, ‘in my state there is no insurance company, so, you want me to enforce and bring somebody from another state to come and reap what I am using my resources to create? We said, ok what can we do? We will create some level of revenue for you and possible employment. And that was the idea behind the issuance of the SID guideline.

“In the SIP guideline, we hope to establish an agency that will enforce and follow up with compulsory covers. Off course people will be engaged to do this, and the underwriters that will take the businesses will be made to compensate them for getting those businesses. I believe that the compensation will be enough to underwrite whatever expenses that the state will undertake in the enforcement process. And in situations where the Commission may subsidize or issue grants to states in the process of enforcements, the Commission will not stop at doing that if it becomes necessary. Because we have one agenda and the agenda is that the industry must assume its rightful place as provided by the available resources that we have in this country.” Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/insurance-in-2018-operators-list-pressure-points/

Consumers see Naira appreciation, higher inflation, interest rates in 2019

Consumers see Naira appreciation, higher inflation, interest rates in 2019



Purchasing Managers Index hit all time high of 61.7% in December
CBN rattles interbank with N1tr liquidity mop up

By Babajide Komolafe


IN spite of the increasing risk to the naira exchange rate from declining crude oil prices, which dropped below $50 per barrel last week, consumers across the country expect the naira to appreciate in 2019.

They, however, expect the inflation rate, interest rate and unemployment rate to rise in the New Year. Meanwhile, the Manufacturing and Non Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Indexes of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, hit an all time high of 61.7 percent in December, indicating economic expansion occurred at a faster pace during the month. On the other hand the CBN last week intensified its liquidity mop activities, as it mopped up N1.07 trillion from the interbank money market.


Naira

Consumers anticipate naira appreciation

Prompted by expected increase in net household income, improvement in Nigeria’s economic conditions, the consumers’ overall confidence outlook rose to 28.4 percent for the next 12 months, from 9.7 percent recorded for fourth quarter of 2018 (Q4’18), with consumers across the country expecting the naira to appreciate in 2019. Consumers, however, expect inflation rate, interest rate and unemployment to rise in the New Year.

These were highlights of the Consumer Expectation Survey, CES, report for the fourth quarter of 2018 released by the CBN at the weekend. The report stated: “The consumers’ overall confidence outlook improved in Q4 2018, as more consumers were optimistic in their outlook. The index at 9.7 points was 8.7 points higher than the index in the corresponding period of 2017.


Manufacturing sector report: PMI, BCI data portend mixed fortunes for real sector

“Respondents attributed this favourable outlook to improved family income, family financial situation and economic condition. The consumer outlooks for the next quarter and next 12 months were positive at 33.2 and 28.4 points, respectively. This outlook could be attributed to the expected increase in net household income, the anticipated improvement in Nigeria’s economic conditions and expectations to save a bit and/or have plenty over savings in the next 12 months.

“Most respondents expect prices of goods and services to rise in the next 12 months, with an index of 13.3 points. The major drivers are rent, food and other household needs, telecommunication, electricity, debt payment and purchase of house. With indices of 5.0 and 6.6 points, consumers expect borrowing rate to rise while the naira is expected to appreciate in the next 12 months.

“The unemployment index for the next 12 months remained positive at 29.3 points in Q4 2018, indicating that majority of the consumers expect the unemployment rate to rise in the next one year.”

Purchasing Managers Index hit 61.7%

In apparent indication of sustained expansion of economic activities, the Manufacturing and Non Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Indexes of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, rose to an all time high of 61.7 percent in December.

According to the CBN’s Purchasing Managers Index report for December, the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 61.1 percent in December from 57.9 percent in November. Similarly the Non Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 62.3 percent in December from 58.4 percent in November.

The report showed that 30 of the 31 subsectors surveyed recorded growth while the remaining one contracted during the month.

The report stated: “The Manufacturing PMI in the month of December stood at 61.1 index points, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the twenty-first consecutive months. The index grew at a faster rate when compared to the index in the previous month. Thirteen of the 14 subsectors surveyed reported growth in the review month in the following order: transportation equipment; furniture and related products; printing and related support activities; textile, apparel, leather and footwear; plastics and rubber products; chemical and pharmaceutical products; food, beverage and tobacco products; non-metallic mineral products; paper products; fabricated metal products; cement; electrical equipment; and petroleum and coal products.

“The primary metal subsector recorded decline in the review period. The composite PMI for the non-manufacturing sector stood at 62.3 points in December 2018, indicating expansion in the Non-manufacturing PMI for the twentieth consecutive months. The index grew at a faster rate when compared to that in November 2018.

“All the 17 surveyed subsectors recorded growth in the following order: repair, maintenance/washing of motor vehicles; information and communication; water supply, sewage and waste management; wholesale/retail trade; professional, scientific, and technical services; accommodation and food services; arts, entertainment and recreation; electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply; utilities; finance and insurance; agriculture; transportation and warehousing; educational services; construction; real estate rental and leasing; management of companies; health care and social assistance.”

CBN rattles interbank with N1tr liquidity mop up

The interbank money market came under intense liquidity pressure for most of last week, as the CBN conducted regular and special open market operation (OMO) treasury bill (TB) auctions to mop up N1.07 trillion.

Financial Vanguard investigations showed that the apex bank mopped up N420 billion through regular OMO auctions from Monday to Wednesday, which was followed up with mop up of N646 billion through a special auction on Thursday.

Respite however came to the market through matured TBs worth N551 billion which prompted cost of funds to closer lower for the week.

Data from FMDQ showed that interest rate on Collateralised (Open Buy Back, OBB) fell by 450 basis points (bpts) to close at 17.17 percent from 21.67 percent the previous week. Similarly, interest rate on Overnight lending dropped by 666 bpts to close at 18.42 percent from 25.08 percent the previous week.

Analysts expect this trend to continue this week due to inflow of N584 billion inflow from maturing TBs, while the CBN is expected continue its aggressive liquidity mop up in addition to sale of primary market TBs worth N74.84 billion. Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/consumers-see-naira-appreciation-higher-inflation-interest-rates-in-2019/

Rivers communities petition IGP over ‘Police compromise’

Rivers communities petition IGP over ‘Police compromise’
By Davies Iheamnachor

There is anxiety and fear in Eliozu and Rumuosunwor areas of Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State following alleged harassment of chiefs, elders and youths of the areas by men of the Inspector General of Police Monitoring unit in the state.



ACTING I-G IBRAHIM, IDRIS PRESENTING A PLAUGUE TO CBN GOVERNOR, GODWIN EMEFIELE
DURING HIS VISIT TO CBN HEADQUATERS IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY

2019: I have also forgiven all those who might have wronged me – Maku

The communities, have consequently petitioned the IGP, Ibrahim Idris, over alleged compromise by his monitoring team in the state, calling for an urgent intervention before the matter gets out of hand.

Explaining , the Palace Secretary of Eliozu community, Mr. Clinton Adams, said: “The neighbouring two communities have boundary problem and they amicably raised a joint peace committee to delineate the boundary.

“However, because of their parochial interest, some powerful personalities , who would not let the communities have peace, have continuously thwarted efforts of the community leaders.

“The development has led to the communities living in perpetual fear of losing their lives and properties.

“We have petitioned the IGP, through our lawyers and also copied the Public Complaint Commission and other authorities, not to only come to our rescue but to ensure that one DSP Bello in the IGP Monitoring Team, Rivers State is reprimanded because we don’t want to be dragged into community crisis.”

However, Commander of the IGP monitoring team, ACP Bennett Igweh, described the allegation as untrue, adding that the team in the state had been professional. Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/rivers-communities-petition-igp-over-police-compromise/

ACCESS/DIAMOND BANK MERGER: We expect final regulatory approval in HI’19 – Wigwe

ACCESS/DIAMOND BANK MERGER: We expect final regulatory approval in HI’19 – Wigwe

The Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc, Mr Herbert Wigwe, in this interview, spoke on a lot of issues surrounding the proposed merger between Access Bank and Diamond Bank Plc as well as the benefits of the merger to the shareholders, customers and banking industry among others. Excerpts:

By Peter Egwuatu


WHAT prompted Access Bank to a merger with Diamond Bank?

It (the merger) followed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement and announcement of headline terms. In the memorandum of agreement to get into a merger with Diamond Bank, we believe that the combined enterprise will be a large diversified bank with an extreme extensive retail foot print. Together we will have 27 million customers which is basically the largest customer base of any bank in the continent, about 33,000 Point of Sale, PoS, terminals, and 3,000 Automated Teller Machines, ATMs, as well as 13 million mobile customers.


 CEO, Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe

MTN to pay $53m as settlement for CBN CCIs dispute

The reason for this background is for people to understand the nature of the institution that is being created. We have agreed for the price of N3.13, out of which N1.00 will be paid in cash and N2.13 will be done by way of shares.

What is the objective of the transaction?

Access Bank has grown over time and built a very strong possession of bargain capability. Also the bank has shown significant expertise in corporate, treasury and risk management.

Retail business

We created and pushed a very strong value-chain strategy which was our own way of building our retail business; we realized that a large diversified bank is critical not just to the taste of Nigerians but in Africa and world over.

Our partner, Diamond Bank, is unparalleled as far as digital banking is concerned and retail banking. The bank has shown that even as from retail start point will compete with any institution as far as the size of retail banking is concerned in the country. The institution brings in 17 million customers to a very strong financial inclusion and capability, stronger than most banks and as well as its relationship with some of the strong telecom companies.

On our own part, Access Bank is bringing in a very strong capability as far as merger and acquisition are concerned and this is not the first, second or third merger we have done. These transactions are extremely complex and require a lot of institutional history and memory.

What are the benefits of this merger?

One of the benefits we have in this combination is that having done this several times before, we have learned from the mistakes of the past. Integrating Diamond Bank is going to be a lot better than all the other ones we have done in the past. The latest one we did was the Intercontinental Bank transaction, which was a large one and basically gave us all the learning points that we needed to bring to bear as far as this one is concerned.

Largest bank in Africa

The merger will form a leading Tier-1 Nigerian bank and the largest bank in Africa by number of customers, spanning three continents, 12 countries and 29 million clients. It will bring together treasury, risk management and corporate banking expertise with strong retail and digital banking capabilities to create a financial institution operating across the full suite of products for all customer segments.

Does Access Bank have adequate capital to consummate the merger?

Access Bank has enough capacity to consummate this merger without additional capital, but we have also taken new step in line with international best practice, and the need to create a capital buffer that the new institution being created is one that will be robust not just in terms of size, but adequate capital to support it going into the future.

We have concluded with some of our partners to raise tier two capital that will be ready before the end of January 2019, about $250 million dollars.

We also have the Rights Issue of about $200 million additional which is N75 billion. We will soon be calling an Extraordinary General Meeting, EGM, for shareholders to support our capital raise. That cannot happen now, but sometime next year before the end of the second half. The reason is to make sure that even though we have more than enough capital today, the emergent entity will have the strongest capital base to support an entity of that nature.

Are you going to downsize staff as it happened with Intercontinental Bank?

I think it is important to speak to the issue of staff, because it is a topical issue. First of all, it will be inappropriate to compare Diamond Bank with Intercontinental. Intercontinental Bank was a CBN intervened bank for two years, before they opened it up to a process. Diamond Bank is a going concern. Diamond Bank has a very active customer base. Diamond has some of the very best people in the industry.

What we are seeing here is a combination of our talent pool which we are putting together to support this large enterprise. Within Access Bank, we have seen the need for some succession plan, even as we go on. What this means is that every staff is accommodated.

Secondly, the compelling proposition around this is that Diamond Bank has strong retail capability. The idea cannot be to ask people to start going, because once you do that the first thing you are going to do is to lose your customers.

Can you explain more on this transaction; is this arrangement a merger or acquisition?

This is a merger executed technically through a scheme of arrangement in respect of which one party is issuing shares for the other. Regulators have given a no objection to this merger.

Notifications had been sent to all regulatory agencies. This thing broke on Sunday. We have since sent our notifications to all the regulatory agencies. The primary agency is the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which has given us a ‘no objection’ letter. We have notified the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, The National Pension Commission, PenCom, and the Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE.

Also the transaction would be concluded through a Scheme of Merger following Access Bank and Diamond Bank Court Ordered Meetings expected in March 2019 to approve the terms. Subject to shareholder approvals, final SEC, CBN, and PenCom regulatory approvals and Federal High Court, FHC sanction expected before end of first half, 2019 (H1’19) .

The cost synergies conservatively estimated at N30 billion per annum, pre-tax, to be fully realised within three years post-completion. Further revenue and balance sheet synergies to be evaluated by joint implementation committee.

What about the loan book of Diamond Bank, who is going to be responsible for the bad debts?

We have enough capital such that after Diamond Bank has written off its bad loans, the new and larger enterprise can continue.

Larger enterprise

Because we are doing the Tier-2 capital raising, we are even increasing and creating even much more capital cover. The new enterprise as large as it may be will be adequately capitalised.

What would be the fate of shareholders in the merged entity?

Shareholders are key. We are doing this to create value for shareholders. Ultimately when value is created, the main beneficiaries will be the shareholders. This transaction will be value accretive from the first year of legal merge. Internationally, mergers happen, if partners see that they can create a bigger entity.

Given the enlarged entity as a result of the merger, can Access Bank maintain its tradition of dividend payment?

The bank would maintain its dividend tradition. It is a commitment, which as management, we take fully into account. We realise we have different types of shareholders. There are some who the income is extremely important to, because that is what they sustain themselves with. We are not going to be irresponsible. Post-merger, we will still do as we have done up to date. We will pay dividends. We will continue to pay interim and full year dividends. Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/access-diamond-bank-merger-we-expect-final-regulatory-approval-in-hi19-wigwe/

APC Sets Up Team For Buhari To “Beat” Atiku In Adamawa

APC Sets Up Team For Buhari To “Beat” Atiku In Adamawa




The Adamawa state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has set up Buhari and Bindow Campaign Team (BBCT) in its Northern Senatorial district, to embark on a house-to-house campaign to ensure victory of the party’s candidates in the zone in 2019 general election.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Jibrilla Bindow said voting President Buhari for a second term is sacrosanct to the state.

Speaking at the occasion, governor Jibrilla Bindow said President Buhari has demonstrated uncommon love for the North East having executed massive road projects in the region.

He also counted the establishment of North East Commission and relentless efforts to end activities of terrorists in the region, as reason why the President must be rewarded with votes next year.

He urged BBCT to step up educating voters on the dangers of political violence, thuggery and vote-buying, while calling on those yet to claim
their PVCs to go for them to avoid being disenfranchised.

The governor charged the youths not to allow any politician use them as thugs.

Various speakers stressed the need to garner more votes for Buhari and other candidates under the banner of APC.

But it is obvious that the BBCT needs to put in a lot of effort if it is to prevent the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from securing home support.

https://all-gists.blogspot.com/2018/12/apc-sets-up-team-for-buhari-to-beat-atiku-in-adamawa.html

4 policemen dismissed over corruption in Lagos

4 policemen dismissed over corruption in Lagos

By Evelyn Usman

Four policemen arrested last week for dispossessing a Togo-based Nigerian, who was returning home for the Christmas celebration, of 350,000CFA, have been dismissed from the Force.




Police

Security guard beats colleague to death in Lagos

The policemen, Inspector Victor Amiete, Sergeant Gbemunu Samuel, Sergeant Afolabi Oluwaseun and Corporal Adigun Omotayo, attached to Ijaniki Division, accosted the vehicle in which the victim, Mr. Theodore Ifunnaya, drove in, at Iyana-Era, along Mile/ Badagry expressway, on December 17.

The cops according to the victim, accused him of being a robber and bundled him into their van to Ijaniki division, where he alleged that they beat and stripped him naked, threatening to post video of his nude on social media.

Thereafter, he alleged that the cops called a Bureau-de-change operator who gave them the naira equivalent of the foreign currency, out of which they gave him N2000, instructing him to leave the station.

When information reached the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Imohimi Edgal, he ordered for the immediate arrest of the policemen and subjected them to Orderly room trial which ended last Friday.

At the end of the investigation, the policemen were found culpable by the panel set up by CP Edgal. While the dismissal of the trio of Sergeant Gbemunu Afolabi, Sergeant Afolabi Oluwaseun and Corporal Adigun Omotayo, was approved by the command boss, his recommendation for the dismissal of Inspector Amiete was forwarded to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, for approval.

Spokesman for the command, Chike Oti who confirmed their dismissal in a statement, said: “Authorities of Lagos State Police Command wish to inform members of the public that the Command’s Provost Section, trying four policemen attached to Ijanikin Division for discreditable conduct and corrupt practice, has found them guilty on all counts and accordingly recommended them for dismissal from the Force.

“It is the conclusion of the panel set up by the CP to investigate the policemen, that they shoddily handled the allegation against Theodore Ifunanya and had conducted themselves in a manner unbecoming of their status in the Force.

“Similarly, the CP has redeployed the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ijanikin Division, CSP Eugene Ubine, for lacking supervision of his men. He therefore warns Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of departments to strictly monitor activities of their men for better service delivery.

“He added that the punishment meted out to the erring policemen is intended to serve as a deterrent to others.” Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/4-policemen-dismissed-over-corruption-in-lagos/

INEC Meets ASUU On Friday, Considers Recalling Ex-Corps Members For Election Duty

INEC Meets ASUU On Friday, Considers Recalling Ex-Corps Members For Election Duty

Following the failure of the federal government to find a lasting solution to the lingering strike by public university lecturers, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to hold a consultative meeting with the lecturers’ union, the Academic Staff Union if Nigerian Universities (ASUU) on January 4, ahead of the 2019 polls, Akelicious has learnt.


The meeting, according to the electoral body, will be limited to the involvement of their members in the 2019 general elections.

ASUU had last month embarked on industrial action to protest the poor funding of Nigerian universities and alleged plan by the federal government to increase students’ fees and introduce an education bank.

But INEC had raised the alarm that the lingering ASUU strike would no doubt have serious impact on the preparations for the conduct of the 2019 elections.

“They are one critical resource and their absence will have adverse effects on the ad hoc staff requirement of INEC,” the commission had said.

Speaking on the issue, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, told Akelicious that the commission is hopeful and positive that its scheduled meeting with the leadership of ASUU and the leadership of other unions in federal tertiary institutions would yield the desired result.

According to him, “ASUU leadership and the leadership of the commission led by the Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, will hold a consultative meeting with the leadership of ASUU on the 4th day of January 2019.

“The scheduling of the meeting is a clear indication that both parties are concerned and determined to find a middle ground that will enable the members of ASUU to continue their additional services to the country.

“The commission wants to emphasise that the meeting with the various unions will be limited to the involvement of their members in the 2019 general elections and how to manage the current industrial action for it not to affect the patriotic contributions of staff and students in the electoral process.

“The desire and wish of the commission is that the staff and students of federal tertiary institutions should be in school at least a month before the 2019 general election.

“Based on this, the commission has appealed and is still appealing to all the parties involved in the negotiations to consider the overall interest of the nation and negotiate in good faith.”

Asked if the electoral umpire was seeking alternatives should the federal government and ASUU failed to reach a compromise, Okoye noted that the commission was confident that all the parties involved in the dispute and negotiations would negotiate and resolve the issues expeditiously and in good faith.

He said it was also incumbent on the various stakeholders in the electoral process to nudge the parties towards a negotiated settlement of the issues that led to the industrial action in the various tertiary institutions.

The national commissioner added that the conduct of election is a multi-stakeholder venture and the success of the election would be in the best interest of all Nigerians.

Okoye said, “However, in the unlikely event of the strike action lingering beyond the projected timeline

Read Full details at https://www.akelicious.net/2018/12/inec-meets-ASUU-on-friday-considers.html

Apologise to pensioners, Uzodinma tells Nwosu

Apologise to pensioners, Uzodinma tells Nwosu

By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI—THE Senator Hope Uzodinma Campaign Organisation says it received with relief, the subtle indictment of the present state government by Uche Nwosu, the former Chief of Staff to Governor Rochas Okorocha, on the shoddy treatment meted out to Imo pensioners.



Uzodinma

The organisation, which made it’s feelings known through a press statement signed by the Secretary General, Barrister C. O. C. Akaolisa, also called on Nwosu to render unreserved apology to the senior citizens, instead of just expressing regret over their plight.

Fayemi flags off $55 million water project for 9 LGAs

“Coming from the man who practically ran the administration of the state, it clearly shows the failure of the Rochas Okorocha administration on this critical issue. It also shows the inhuman nature of the administration”, Akaolisa said.

The campaign organization equally reasoned that passing the blame on the Governor now, without showing the people a copy of his memo to Okorocha on that “is very wicked, callous and selfish to extreme.

“There is what we call collective responsibility in government and administration. The chief of staff to a governor cannot indict his chief executive publicly on the pretext that he advised otherwise”, Akaolisa argued.

Ezekwesili, Ayade advocate African heritage at Carnival Calabar

Continuing, the Uzodinma Campaign Organization then alleged that “there is nothing Uche Nwosu has done in the past to show any empathy with the suffering pensioners, especially when the people recall the stories associated with the bail out funds meant for the payment of workers and pensioners.” Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/apologise-to-pensioners-uzodinma-tells-nwosu/

6 injured, 2 housewives raped as herdsmen attack Delta community

6 injured, 2 housewives raped as herdsmen attack Delta community



Fulani herdsmen operating in Uwheru Community in Delta State, at the weekend, allegedly injured six persons in their farmlands.

They equally raped two housewives who were said to be on their way home.

One of the victims, who spoke with journalists said;” We all were in the same farmlands when they entered with their cattle. As we tried to raise alarm, they attacked us, after which they fled leaving their cattle.”

It was gathered that the two house wives, who ran into the herdsmen were raped at gun point.

Confirming the incident to newsmen in Asaba, the state police commissioner, Anthony Agbizi said that the police were on the trail of the herdsmen.

CP Anthony Agbizi said “the police will do everything possible to ensure the herdsmen are brought to book, the herdsmen were said to have attacked some farmers and injured them, while two women were allegedly raped by the same herdsmen, the police will leave no stone unturned to bring them to book” .

But the traditional ruler of the community, HRM,Agbavwe Afugbeya Oyise 11, who spoke to newsmen, called on the Federal Government and the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency intervene in the attack.

The Monarch said “the attacks are becoming too unbecoming and unbearable, the safety of my subjects is my concern and is at present threatened.

“We can’t go to our farmlands again, the herdsmen are raping our women, it’s pathetic, and taboo in my kingdom, especially in Urhobo land for a house wife to be raped.

“Our major occupation is farming but for fear of the herdsmen we can’t go to our farms again. We are now hungry. If you look around, there is hunger because nobody goes to farm again, the herdsmen are boasting that we don’t have right to drive them away.

“We are appealing to the police and federal government to help us warn the herdsmen to stay away from our land and farmlands”. Source:

http://dailypost.ng/2018/12/31/6-injured-2-housewives-raped-herdsmen-attack-delta-community/

We’re planning to relocate Baga residents to safer locations — Army

We’re planning to relocate Baga residents to safer locations — Army


The Nigerian Army said, yesterday, that it was working towards relocating the residents of Baga, a community in Borno State, to safer locations.

Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole, Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement, yesterday.


Nwachukwu said this is in view of ongoing military operations in the area.


 army

Last week, insurgents attacked the headquarters of 7 brigade multinational joint task force, MNJTF, at Baga and hoisted their flag in the town.

But the army said it was in pursuit of the “fleeing terrorists,” adding that Boko Haram is not in control of the town.

Nwachukwu also said some people were trying to create panic and “unnecessary” humanitarian problems in some parts of Borno State.

He said these unnamed people are plotting to instigate the inhabitants of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno communities to abandon their communities and relocate to internally displaced persons, IDP, camps for undisclosed reasons.

“It has come to our attention that these people are plotting to instigate the inhabitants of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno communities to abandon their communities and relocate to IDP camps for undisclosed reasons.


Buratai visits troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE

“The inhabitants of these towns and the general public are please urged to discountenance such calls and remain calm. Theatre command, Operation LAFIYA DOLE and other Security Agencies will shed more light on the issue in a Security Council meeting with the Borno State Government, scheduled to hold on December 21, 2018.

“We would like to further state that there is no basis for the people of Bama, Dikwa and Monguno to vacate their respective communities.

“Members of the public are advised to remain calm as the military is in firm control to guarantee their safety and security. We would like to warn that any attempt to cause further panic through this false alarm would be viewed very seriously.” Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/were-planning-to-relocate-baga-residents-to-safer-locations-army/

N-Delta militant groups end ceasefire agreement with FG, Pandef

N-Delta militant groups end ceasefire agreement with FG, Pandef


ByEmma Amaize

Niger Delta Creek Warriors, a coalition of agitators in Niger Delta region, has called off its ceasefire with the Federal Government and Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, over alleged failure of Federal Government to meet its demands, while issuing a fresh seven days ultimatum.



Militants

Boko Haram: Gov. Shettima calls emergency security meeting

The coalition in a statement, yesterday, by its spokesperson, General Christ, said: “We, the various militants groups in Niger Delta, comprising Niger Delta Creek Warriors, Ogunuma Camp of Niger Delta, Niger Delta Republic Seekers and Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders have agreed to address the nation.

“And that it has come to our notice that President Muhammadu Buhari and his subordinates do not want the relative peace we’re having in the country. Having waited for long without implementing the demands by Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum, a demand on behalf of the people of Niger Delta, we have no option than to withdraw our ceasefire deal with Federal Government.

Demands

“We, therefore, give the Federal Government seven days ultimatum to address the following demands immediately as we cannot continue to be continuously deceived.

“We are aware that Shell Petroleum Development Company applied for renewal of oil blocks in Niger Delta and we have not seen what they have done before now (for our people). Let them go offshore.

“The Federal Government should immediately resettle Bakassi communities and implement every other sector of British, Germany, America and EU Green Tree Agreement.

“Ogoni clean-up and entire Niger Delta region; Immediate take-off of Brass LNG; adequate funding of Okerenkoko Maritime University; upgrading of Maritime Academy, Oron to university status; immediate take-off of Gelegele seaport in Edo State; budgetary allocation for Strategic Work, Implementation Plan, SWIP, for Niger Delta.

“Immediate award/construction of the following roads in Niger Delta: Bonny, Bodo, Abonny, Idamo Abissa, Kula Road to Soku, Edem Sanga, Nembe Brass road to Akasa, Warri/Escravos, Warri to Ogulagha.

“Finally, the seaport in Ekeremor Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, which will open the Izon nationwide to business, should be implemented immediately

“Finally, the Federal Government, in the person of President Buhari should immediately make a categorical statement on restructuring the nation in order to bring the nation under one roof. Else, the Federal Government will leave us with no choice than to use Bonny, Membe and Forcados trunk lines, two weeks from now as a notice of resuming hostility in Niger Delta.”

Militants can’t threaten us, we’ll crush them—JTF

Reacting, spokesperson of Joint Task Force, JTF, Major Ibrahim Abubakar, said: “The task force is fighting criminality and militancy in Niger Delta, nobody can threaten and intimidate us, it is our mandate to stop them and we must stop them.”

He was emphatic that the task force would crush any group that rears itself in the name of militancy in the region.

“We should disregard these faceless people, anybody can call you at anytime and claim to be militants. Journalists should not allow faceless people to call them and say whatever they like on phone,” he added.

An official of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Abuja, who spoke to Vanguard, last night, said: “PAP does not deal with militants, we only deal with beneficiaries of amnesty. Really, it is not our beat to discuss such matter.” Source:

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/12/n-delta-militant-groups-end-ceasefire-agreement-with-fg-pandef/