UzoMedia and tooXclusive TV takes you behind-the-scenes in the making of Achievas General music video, ‘ Shokor‘.
Shokor is off Solidstar‘s third studio album titled ‘Witnessing Everything Exceptionally Different‘ and stylized as W.E.E.D. The video was directed by Adasa Cookey (Squareball Media) and styling concept for the shoot by Angelic Touch.
Watch below!
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2kbtGtU
Lisa Li is back with a french cover of “Hola Hola”, the hit track of G-Worldwide artist, Sugarboy. After her two debut Afrobeat singles “Hands in the Air”, produced by Prolific Fliptyce and “One Africa Song” produced by talented VC Perez, it remains a challenge for Lisa li, a Paris-based artist of Russian origin, to sing afrobeat in French.
Mixed by VC Perez, Lagos.Special cover Art from Felisidex.
Download and enjoy below…
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2kORItN
US President Donald Trump on Monday fired the acting attorney general, a holdover from the Obama administration, after she ordered Justice Department attorneys not to defend his controversial immigration orders.
In a sharply worded statement, the White House called Sally Yates “weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration” and also criticized Democrats for not yet confirming the appointment of attorney general-designate Jeff Sessions.
“The acting attorney general, Sally Yates, has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States,” the White House said in a statement.
“This order was approved as to form and legality by the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel,” it said.
“Tonight, President Trump relieved Ms Yates of her duties.”
Federal prosecutor Dana Boente will serve as acting attorney general “until Senator Jeff Sessions is finally confirmed by the Senate, where he is being wrongly held up by Democrat senators for strictly political reasons,” it said.
With Trump’s White House facing multiple lawsuits and worldwide opprobrium over an order banning migrants from seven Muslim nations, Yates had whipped the rug from under her boss in a defiant and damaging parting shot.
In a memo to Department of Justice staff, Yates — a career government lawyer promoted by Barack Obama — expressed doubts about the legality and morality of Trump’s decree, which has prompted mass protests.
“My responsibility is to ensure that the position of the Department of Justice is not only legally defensible, but is informed by our best view of what the law is,” Yates wrote.
“I am not convinced that the defense of the executive order is consistent with these responsibilities nor am I convinced that the executive order is lawful,” she added.
“For as long as I am the acting attorney general, the Department of Justice will not present arguments in defense of the executive order, unless and until I become convinced that it is appropriate to do so.”
Yates’s directive meant that the government, for a few hours, had no authorized courtroom representation in lawsuits challenging the ban.
It was a remarkable act of defiance against a tough-talking president who has showed little sign of brooking insubordination.
But in a statement issued hours after his appointment, Boente said he would defend the president’s directive.
“Based upon the Office of Legal Counsel’s analysis, which found the Executive Order both lawful on its face and properly drafted, I hereby rescind former Acting Attorney General Sally Q. Yates January 30, 2017, guidance and direct the men and women of the Department of Justice to do our sworn duty and to defend the lawful orders of our President,” Boente said in a statement.
Sessions has not yet been confirmed by Congress. He faces a vote on the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday and must then be confirmed by the full Senate.
If confirmed, Sessions would almost certainly reverse course.
But Democratic lawmakers have vociferously opposed Trump’s order and Republicans are privately seething over the way his White House has handled the issue.
The order signed on Friday suspended the arrival of all refugees for a minimum of 120 days, Syrian refugees indefinitely and bars citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.
Several federal judges have since filed temporary stays.
On Sunday, attorneys general from 16 US states, including California and New York, condemned Trump’s directive as “unconstitutional” and vowed to fight it.
In a separate late-night move announced without explanation by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, Trump also replaced acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director Daniel Ragsdale.
Two dismissals in one night held uncomfortable echoes of President Richard Nixon’s “Saturday night massacre” during the Watergate scandal.
Then, Nixon fired the special prosecutor investigating him, prompting the departures of his attorney general and deputy attorney general.
The events catalyzed Nixon’s impeachment.
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jOeHYi
President, Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleiman addressing journalists on his way to honour an invitation of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ELUKPO.
The President, Omega FireMinistries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has said that his invitation by the Department of State Services (DSS) is in order.
Suleman said this while briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday.“I presume the right thing was done. They have been in touch with me to come and that is why I am in Abuja, so that I can see them,” he said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he said his recent statement was based on information from a reliable source that herdsmen were coming to attack him. He said that he stood by his statement on self defence.
Suleman had told his supporters at a religious crusade in Ekiti recently to defend themselves if they were attacked by herdsmen.Security around the former State House Annex office of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abuja was beefed up yesterday.
As at 11:30 am yesterday, there was no sign of the Apostle entering the DSS office, but unconfirmed sources said he was already inside, having been picked from a location into the office in a different vehicle.
Though the DSS Spokesman, Tony Opiuyo, has remained inaccessible nor issued a statement to the effect, a source familiar with the Service told The Guardian that the pastor had answered the invitation as requested and is cooperating with interrogators.
rity presence, the source said “it was to forestall any act that would lead to a breakdown of law and order, because we gathered that some misguided elements were at the Unity fountain in Maitama to rent a crowd to foment
trouble.’’
Annex office of the Department of State Services(DSS), Abuja was beefed up yesterday.From the entrance of the Maitama Avenue through the Circular Road that encloses the Three Arms Zone, armed stern-looking soldiers, policemen and masked DSS operatives lined the streets
The Omega Fire founder Apostle Johnson Suleiman was formally invited to the DSS headquarters to answer questions bothering on alleged inciting
instructions he gave to his congregation during a church service that suggests ethno-religious intolerance.
As at 11:30 am yesterday, there was no sign of the Apostle entering the DSS office, but unconfirmed sources said he was already inside, picked from a location into the office in a different vehicle.
Though the DSS Spokesman, Tony Opiuyo, has remained inaccessible nor has he issued a statement to the effect, a source familiar with the Service told
The Guardian that the pastor had answered the invitation as requested and is cooperating with interrogators.
Asked why the heavy security presence, the source said “it was to forestall any act that would lead to a breakdown of law and order, because we gathered that some misguided elements were at the Unity fountain in Maitama to rent a crowd to forment
trouble.’’
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2kbfYHe
The presiding judge fixed the date after the claimants closed its case for the defendants to open theirs
The claimants, in the suit, are praying for an order of the court for “immediate and unconditional payment of N90 million by the respondents to the first claimant being the 10 per cent commission of N900 million purchase price in respect of service rendered to the defendants as estate agents in getting the defendants the property formerly known as plots 5 and 6 but now known as No 212, Moshood Abiola Way, Ijora measuring approximately 13,800 square metres.”
In the writ of summons, the plaintiffs claimed that they were into real estate, property development and general contracts duly incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.
They claimed that the first defendant sometime ago sought to buy the property at Ijora, Ebutte-Metta and Surulere axis of the state for business purposes which the claimants reportedly executed.
The claimants averred that the “ third claimant got the property and introduced to the second defendant, who in turn, linked and introduced the said property to the first claimant who has direct link with the defendants. The first claimant introduced the property to the defendants via her letter of 28th July 2014 titled, Steel Fabricatior For Sale.
“The first claimant did not only introduce and describe the property to the defendant but also attached all necessary title documents which included but not limited to governor’s consent registered as no 76, page 76 volume 2083 and dated 17/7/2003.
“The claimant made it clear to the defendant that she will be collecting a professional fee of 10 per cent of the purchase price of the property to which the defendant till date never disputed. The claimant hereby pleaded the said letter of 28th July 2014 which was received and acknowledged by the defendant on July 30, 2014.”
The claimants subsequently prayed the court to order the defendants to pay N50 million general damages for the stress, trauma and the untold hardship suffered by them.
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2jpacET
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo
Canvasses punishment for delay in dispensation of justice
The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has urged the judiciary to embrace a day-to-day system of trial and introduce significant costs and punishment for delays that are associated with lateness, ill-preparedness or deliberate tactics aim at stalling cases.
This, he said, was a major challenge in the administration of justice that must be jointly tackled by all relevant stakeholders in the sector.He also urged judges, lawyers and others to change their attitudes and stand up for what is right.
Osinbajo stated this at the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ summit organised by Lagos State Ministry of Justice.The Acting President, who spoke on the theme “Contemporary Trends: Catalysts for Justice Sector Reform in Lagos State, was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).
He said stakeholders in the administration of justice must begin to take the issue of delay more seriously. They must shun all forms of delay tactics, he said, adding: “Lagos State has a general reputation for trailblazing reforms in the justice sector and in many other sectors in Nigeria and beyond.
“The summit, which is aimed at further initiating reforms in conformity with modern trends, was another testament of the fact that the reputation of the state was being taken seriously by the current administration ably led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.”
In the same vein, Ambode said for any nation to experience economic growth, it must first have a functional judicial system that would not only encourage local and foreign investors to invest in the state, but also guarantee conducive environment for such businesses to thrive.
The governor stated: “As a government, we are well aware that to achieve our socio-economic goals of a safer, secured, peaceful and more prosperous Lagos State, we need a functioning justice sector, which guarantees not only the maintenance of law and order, the enforcement of human rights and freedom, but also provides an administration of justice ambience that protects investments and encourages economic development.”
He stressed that one of the technologies being put in place is the Lagos State DNA laboratory to process evidence, which would serve as a powerful criminal justice tool in prosecuting the guilty and exonerating the innocent.
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2kbcVie
Herdsmen
The traditional ruler of Okpanam kingdom, Oshimile North Local Council of Delta State, Michael Mbanefo, has alleged that suspected Fulani herdsmen have been killing his people in their farmlands.
“I have written to the police and President Mohammed Buhari to come to our aid, so that our men and women can go to their farm freely without being attacked,” he said.
Also speaking on the illegal land acquisition in the community, he said those who acquired lands illegally would forfeit them as a committee saddled with the responsibility to look into the issues, would act on the mandate to ensure the “lands are recovered from usurpers, unless the lands were genuinely acquired.”
He added that lands in Okpanam have turned out to be a curse rather than blessing for the people who suffer in the hands of suspected hoodlums that sell people’s land for financial gains.”
In another development, following the recent killing of two brothers, Akpovona Felix and Akpupu Sunday, by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Urhuoka community, Abraka, the President-General of Urhuoka Development Association (UDA), Mr. Freeborn Ukrakpor, has resigned his position as President-General.
In a letter dated January 7, 2017, and titled “Letter of Resignation” addressed to the Ovie of Oruarivie, Abraka kingdom, Akomeyoma Majoroh, Freeborn said: “I write to announce my resignation from the position of President-General Urhuoka Development Association (UDA).
“After due consideration of the trend of events in Urhuoka community over the period of my being in office, my entire family and I are convinced that as president-general, I will always be far away from the peaceful life I retired home to live.
“It is unimaginable that the people of Urhuoka community would neglect the Fulani herdsmen that killed our people, and direct their retaliation at me, for being the president-general. The disturbances of Fulani herdsmen have long been before I returned home from the city on retirement.”
He stated that as a community leader, he could tolerate constructive criticism from his community, but would not tolerate any blackmail relating to Fulani herdsmen operations, and for that reason, “I hereby step down from UDA as President-General with immediate effect.”
In the mean time, a new acting president-general has been appointed to manage the office until a new president-general is elected. John Avwenaghegha will act for the next two months pending when a new president-general is elected.
Meanwhile, the Partner for Peace in the Niger Delta, Delta State chapter, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to launch an intensive campaign, aimed at mopping up illegally acquired arms in the country, especially in the Northern states and communities where Fulani herdsmen are terrorising people in the South-South region.
The coordinator, Kenneth Atsenuwa, also urged the president to create time to visit Southern Kaduna, saying, such a step will boost trust in his government.
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2kMG9av
President, Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleiman addressing journalists on his way to honour an invitation of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ELUKPO.
The President, Omega FireMinistries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has said that his invitation by the Department of State Services (DSS) is in order.
Suleman said this while briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday.“I presume the right thing was done. They have been in touch with me to come and that is why I am in Abuja, so that I can see them,” he said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he said his recent statement was based on information from a reliable source that herdsmen were coming to attack him. He said that he stood by his statement on self defence.
Suleman had told his supporters at a religious crusade in Ekiti recently to defend themselves if they were attacked by herdsmen.Security around the former State House Annex office of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abuja was beefed up yesterday.
As at 11:30 am yesterday, there was no sign of the Apostle entering the DSS office, but unconfirmed sources said he was already inside, having been picked from a location into the office in a different vehicle.
Though the DSS Spokesman, Tony Opiuyo, has remained inaccessible nor issued a statement to the effect, a source familiar with the Service told The Guardian that the pastor had answered the invitation as requested and is cooperating with interrogators.
rity presence, the source said “it was to forestall any act that would lead to a breakdown of law and order, because we gathered that some misguided elements were at the Unity fountain in Maitama to rent a crowd to foment
trouble.’’
Annex office of the Department of State Services(DSS), Abuja was beefed up yesterday.From the entrance of the Maitama Avenue through the Circular Road that encloses the Three Arms Zone, armed stern-looking soldiers, policemen and masked DSS operatives lined the streets
The Omega Fire founder Apostle Johnson Suleiman was formally invited to the DSS headquarters to answer questions bothering on alleged inciting
instructions he gave to his congregation during a church service that suggests ethno-religious intolerance.
As at 11:30 am yesterday, there was no sign of the Apostle entering the DSS office, but unconfirmed sources said he was already inside, picked from a location into the office in a different vehicle.
Though the DSS Spokesman, Tony Opiuyo, has remained inaccessible nor has he issued a statement to the effect, a source familiar with the Service told
The Guardian that the pastor had answered the invitation as requested and is cooperating with interrogators.
Asked why the heavy security presence, the source said “it was to forestall any act that would lead to a breakdown of law and order, because we gathered that some misguided elements were at the Unity fountain in Maitama to rent a crowd to forment
trouble.’’
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jOasvK
Justice Femi Adeniyi of an Ikeja, Lagos High Court has fixed May 9, 2017 for further hearing in a suit filed by Omega City Ventures Limited, Oshomak Ventures Limited and Steel Works Limited against the Managing Director and Executive Vice Chairman of Sifax Group Nigeria Limited, Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi and his company for alleged breach of contract.
The presiding judge fixed the date after the claimants closed its case for the defendants to open theirs
The claimants, in the suit, are praying for an order of the court for “immediate and unconditional payment of N90 million by the respondents to the first claimant being the 10 per cent commission of N900 million purchase price in respect of service rendered to the defendants as estate agents in getting the defendants the property formerly known as plots 5 and 6 but now known as No 212, Moshood Abiola Way, Ijora measuring approximately 13,800 square metres.”
In the writ of summons, the plaintiffs claimed that they were into real estate, property development and general contracts duly incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.
They claimed that the first defendant sometime ago sought to buy the property at Ijora, Ebutte-Metta and Surulere axis of the state for business purposes which the claimants reportedly executed.
The claimants averred that the “ third claimant got the property and introduced to the second defendant, who in turn, linked and introduced the said property to the first claimant who has direct link with the defendants. The first claimant introduced the property to the defendants via her letter of 28th July 2014 titled, Steel Fabricatior For Sale.
“The first claimant did not only introduce and describe the property to the defendant but also attached all necessary title documents which included but not limited to governor’s consent registered as no 76, page 76 volume 2083 and dated 17/7/2003.
“The claimant made it clear to the defendant that she will be collecting a professional fee of 10 per cent of the purchase price of the property to which the defendant till date never disputed. The claimant hereby pleaded the said letter of 28th July 2014 which was received and acknowledged by the defendant on July 30, 2014.”
The claimants subsequently prayed the court to order the defendants to pay N50 million general damages for the stress, trauma and the untold hardship suffered by them.
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jPZQKg
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo
Canvasses punishment for delay in dispensation of justice
The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has urged the judiciary to embrace a day-to-day system of trial and introduce significant costs and punishment for delays that are associated with lateness, ill-preparedness or deliberate tactics aim at stalling cases.
This, he said, was a major challenge in the administration of justice that must be jointly tackled by all relevant stakeholders in the sector.He also urged judges, lawyers and others to change their attitudes and stand up for what is right.
Osinbajo stated this at the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ summit organised by Lagos State Ministry of Justice.The Acting President, who spoke on the theme “Contemporary Trends: Catalysts for Justice Sector Reform in Lagos State, was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).
He said stakeholders in the administration of justice must begin to take the issue of delay more seriously. They must shun all forms of delay tactics, he said, adding: “Lagos State has a general reputation for trailblazing reforms in the justice sector and in many other sectors in Nigeria and beyond.
“The summit, which is aimed at further initiating reforms in conformity with modern trends, was another testament of the fact that the reputation of the state was being taken seriously by the current administration ably led by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.”
In the same vein, Ambode said for any nation to experience economic growth, it must first have a functional judicial system that would not only encourage local and foreign investors to invest in the state, but also guarantee conducive environment for such businesses to thrive.
The governor stated: “As a government, we are well aware that to achieve our socio-economic goals of a safer, secured, peaceful and more prosperous Lagos State, we need a functioning justice sector, which guarantees not only the maintenance of law and order, the enforcement of human rights and freedom, but also provides an administration of justice ambience that protects investments and encourages economic development.”
He stressed that one of the technologies being put in place is the Lagos State DNA laboratory to process evidence, which would serve as a powerful criminal justice tool in prosecuting the guilty and exonerating the innocent.
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jOk7Cx
Igando…yesterday
It was a raucous start to a new week yesterday for residents of College Bus-Stop, Igando in Lagos State after a noodle seller, Mallam Adamu, allegedly killed a bus driver, Lekan Adeleke alias Starboy on Sunday night.
But for the intervention of policemen from Area ‘M’ and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the crisis would have snowballed into an ethnic war between the Hausa and Yoruba communities in the volatile area.
The deceased’s family have appealed that Lekan’s body be released to them so that he can be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.It was gathered that Adamu used a plank attached with a nail to hit Starboy on the head following a disagreement over a paltry N30.
According to an eyewitness, Kehinde Akinduro, who said he was eating noodles at Adamu’s snack bar when the trouble started, the suspect went berserk after the deceased paid his son N200 instead of N230.
He stated that Starboy after eating a plate of noodles and eggs was told his bill was N230. Being a regular customer, he handed over the N200 he had on him and told the seller he would bring N30 in a few minutes time.
Akinduro said: “The boy then went and told his father that Lekan paid N200 and promised to bring N30 shortly but his father ran after Lekan. People, who saw him running after Starboy to the other side of the road, told him to calm down that Lekan would not eat his money.
“About five minutes later, Lekan brought the N30 and asked the boy if it was because of N30 they wanted to embarrass him. As Lekan was inside the container talking to the son, Adamu just entered with a plank he was holding and hit Lekan on his side. So, Lekan turned around to know what happened. When he saw it was Adamu, he struggled to take the plank from him but couldn’t.
“I was still eating. I left my food and went inside to stop Adamu but he used the same plan to beat me three times. My hands and legs are still swollen. I fell on the ground and I was weak.
“After the struggle, Lekan ran outside. He was about to cross the expressway and did not know Adamu was still coming behind him. That was how Adamu used the plank and hit Lekan on his head. The nail on the plank burst Lekan’s head and he fell on the express.
“When I saw what had happened, I called our colleagues who were on the other side to come. People who were eating gathered and told Adamu to take Lekan to the hospital, but he was busy pouring water on Lekan’s head.
“When he saw that our colleagues were coming, Adamu and his son fled. Others started chasing him but he used charms to distract people. We called our chairman and he called the police. I chased him too and found him inside a gutter at Ikotun Road. He was hiding under a slab and refused to come out until police came. This thing started around 11:05am.”
Another driver, who gave his name as Eniola, described Adamu as a very violent man, noting that he chased a customer with a cutlass two months ago. According to Eniola, Adamu’s ear was chopped off some years back at Igando because he stabbed somebody to death.
“He fled to College bus stop after escaping death from inside Igando. He’s a very violent man and he likes to threaten people with charms and weapons. We heard the police want to grant him bail. If he’s granted bail, this area won’t contain us anymore. Lekan cannot die in vain. Let justice be done.
“Now, who would care for Lekan’s wife, daughter and mother? He was an only son and he has been taking care of his family. Lekan was a peaceful man. He was like an Alfa. He usually avoided trouble and so, we are not happy the way he was killed. Imagine if it was a Yoruba person that killed a Hausa man? This area would still be boiling now and many people would have been killed.”
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jOcwny
Commercial Excellence Director for Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) Kenneth Kamulegeya, Supply Chain Director, NBC, Danny Collins, Managing Director, Josjane Investments Joseph Koleoso, and Chief Financial Officer, NBC, Seun Oni, at the handing over of trucks to NBC Distribution Partners, in Abeokuta, Ogun State<br />
As part of initiative to grow, develop and satisfy the Nigerian market in a more sustainable way, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) has awarded nine trucks to its distribution partners in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The partners received the trucks recently at NBC depot location in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
While speaking at the presentation ceremony of the trucks, Commercial Excellence Director for NBC, Kenneth Kamulegeya, said, “Empowerment of our distributors is necessary to support mutual growth and market development while adding value and creating employment opportunities”.
Also, Legal Public Affairs and Communications Director, Mrs. Sade Morgan, urged the distribution partners to remain diligent and live up to the expectation of developing and growing sustainable businesses, while maximising the use of the trade assets being awarded.
While expressing delight at the gesture, one of the recipients, Joseph koleoso, who is the Managing Director, Josjane Investments, said, NBC had transformed their lives and repositioned their businesses from being ‘NBC Customers’, to ‘NBC Business Partners’. He added that the initiative would go a long way in supporting their business operations and ensuring availability of the wide range of Coca-Cola products in their respective market territories.
NBC, which was incorporated in November 1951, is the bedrock of global bottlers, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company. Over the last 65 years, NBC has established itself as a key player in the Nigerian non-alcoholic beverage industry and remains strong and committed to manufacturing, marketing and distributing global leading Coca-Cola brands. The Company is making huge investments to drive world class operations to better satisfy its customers, consumers, while adding value to its numerous
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jOcuMv
Former US president Barack Obama expressed his objections Monday to any faith-based discrimination, in an apparent dig at his successor Donald Trump’s ban on nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries entering the country.
“With regard to comparisons to president Obama’s foreign policy decisions, as we’ve heard before, the president fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion,” his spokesman Kevin Lewis said in a statement.
The statement — Obama’s first on politics since leaving the White House on January 20 — came amid an uproar over Trump’s order on Friday to tighten controls on immigrants from the seven countries and to temporarily halt all resettlement of refugees.
The former president is “heartened” by protests that have taken place across the country, Lewis said.
“Citizens exercising their constitutional right to assemble, organize and have their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect to see when American values are at stake,” the statement added.
The statement came after the White House defended its policy, which saw more than 100 travelers detained at US airports and hundreds more blocked abroad, as essentially the same as previous rules implemented during Obama’s presidency.
Former Obama national security spokesman Ben Rhodes said in a series of tweets that the tight vetting of Iraqi refugees in 2011 was not the same as an executive order (EO) like Trump’s banning immigrants from Iraq.
“There was no ban on Iraqis in 2011. Anyone pushing that line is hiding behind a lie because they can’t defend the EO,” Rhodes said.
“More inter-agency vetting of Iraqi refugees in response to threat is standard process. EO banning people from several countries is not.”
Former presidents traditionally do not weigh in publicly on a current president’s statements or policies.
Before Obama left office, he said any effort to enforce systematic discrimination, erode voting rights, muzzle the press or round up young immigrants, would cause him to speak out.
“There’s a difference between that normal functioning of politics and certain issues or certain moments where I think our core values may be at stake,” he said at his final press conference in mid-January.
Vía The Guardian NigeriaThe Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2jQ2TlF
The Tanzanian government has reportedly suspended mining at a site in Grita town where 15 workers were trapped underground for three days. The suspension comes after Fourteen Tanzanians and one Chinese were rescued from the Chinese-owned gold mine on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
The trapped miners who looked weak after they were rescued are said to be receiving treatment at a health centre. In November 2016, five miners who were also trapped underground for more than 40 days, were also rescued.
Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2jPTCdr
