By Doris Esa

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it had successfully completed the in-house life extension programme on one of its C-130H aircraft, NAF 913, thereby improving the airlift capability of the service.

NAFs Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Adesanya, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had said that NAF would continue to intensify efforts at reactivating unserviceable aircraft in its inventory to enhance its operational effectiveness.

The NAF spokesman said that Abubakar stated this while assessing the progress of work on the in-country Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of another NAFs C-130 aircraft at 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot (ACMD) in Lagos.

Abubakar noted that the reactivation of NAF 913 was another major feat recorded by the current NAF leadership to further improve NAFs capability to provide logistics support across multiple theatres of operations.

He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the enabling environment for NAF to raise the serviceability status of NAF operable aircraft from about 31 per cent in 2015 to an average of 80 per cent as at date.

Adesanya said the Commander at 631 ACMD, Air Commodore Moses Onilede, told Abubakar that the Depot had also successfully overhauled two C-130H aircraft engines, while the in-country Periodic Deport Maintenance(PDM) of the second C-130H, NAF 917, had reached an advanced stage.

He said Abubakar commissioned two newly-completed and furnished officers residential quarters at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base (SEAFB), Ikeja, and the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (AFRC), Oshodi.

He reiterated the commitment of the present administration toward meeting the welfare needs of personnel.

Source: NAN

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki on Tuesday failed to honour the invitation of the Nigeria Police Force over his indictment in the Offa bank robbery.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the police had invited Saraki to report to the Head of investigation team, of the Intelligence Response Team ( IRT) on July 24 at 8 a.m. in Guzape, Abuja.

NAN also reports that the invitation was in connection with the confession made by five suspects in the April 5 robbery that they were political thugs of Saraki.

The Force Spokesman, acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, while addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, said that there was no timeline to the invitation.

Moshood said that the force would not shy away from its constitutional responsibilities of crime detection.

“The Nigeria police force will not abdicate from its constitutional responsibilities of detection of crimes and criminalities, and will always treat crime as crime no matter who is involved.

“The force remains focused and will not be distracted from carrying out a discreet and thorough investigation into the indictment of the Senate President,”he,said.

He said that Saraki had case to answer and it was consequent upon that that he was invited to appear before the IRT.

He said that Saraki was not harassed and intimidated physically or otherwise by any police personnel as reported by some media.

“It is also absolutely untrue that Saraki was harassed, threatened or intimidated physically or otherwise by any Police personnel either from the Force Headquarters or any other formation of the Force,”he said.

Moshood implored members of the public to disregard and discountenance the report of the blockade of the residence, harassment and threat to Saraki’s life.

Source: NAN

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, said the party is not jittery about members of the the R-APC joining the Peoples Democratic Party.

He also said his wooing them to stay with the APC was not an act of cowardice.

Oshiomhole spoke at the launch of a book by Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim (APC, Yobe-East). He said his gesture to the aggrieved members was all about restoring peace and getting justice for those who deserved it.

“Throughout the weekend and up till today (Monday), many of the national dailies reported different stories with the impression that I have not been sleeping within the last one week as a result of alleged midnight meetings with aggrieved party members, who they say I have been begging not to leave the party.

“In some of the reports, the insinuations even went as far as saying that I made juicy offers to the aggrieved party members in stopping them from defecting. While I will not be too direct in reacting to such reports here, I will only say though I have been meeting aggrieved party members over whatever injustices they felt the party or some chieftains of the party had done to them. I have not been having sleepless nights as being reported, and also I am not in any way jittery.

“Rapprochement move, as far as I am concerned, is not an act of cowardice but a desirous endeavour in making peace since you can’t decree peace but only work for it. So, in a nutshell, I am not ashamed of doing that as chairman of a great party. To those who the rapprochement moves are being directed to, we want them to appreciate that we are more or less trying to prevent them from making a blunder of dumping palm wine for kain kain (local gin).”

Source: NAN

The All Progressives Congress(APC) Caucus of the Senate, has said that the party remains in control of the Senate, even without reckoning with Senate President Bukola Saraki, who is believed to be heading to Peoples Democratic Party.

The Leader of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, who spoke on behalf of the caucus, while briefing newsmen in Abuja after about three hours closed session, said there was no cause for concern.

He said, out of the 109 senate seats, the APC has 52, the PDP has 50, the ADC has three and APGA has two.

Recall that we lost two of our colleagues, one from Katsina, one from Bauchi. So, we have two vacancies. If you put this together we have 109.

I want to assure you that by the grace of God, INEC will conduct by-elections to fill in the vacancies in Bauchi and Katsina and by the grace of God they are our safest seats.

We are still expecting some of our colleagues in the PDP who are originally our members to defect.

They have expressed willingness to join APC and for our collleagues that have left, we are still optimistic that many of them or all of them will have a change of heart.

APC remains the majority party in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, he said.

The lawmaker said the APC lawmakers would continue to support President President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver on his promises to Nigerians.

He gave the names of the 52 senators still with the APC to include Adamu Aliero-Kebbi, Yahaya Abdullahi-Kebbi, Bala Ibn NAllah-Kebbi, Aliyu Wamakko-Sokoto, Ibrahim Gobir-Sokoto and Ahmed Yerima-Zamfara.

Others are, Kabiru Marafa-Zamfara, Tijjani Kaura-Zamfara, Abu Ibrahim- Katsina, Umar Kurfi-Katsina, Kabiru Gaya-Kano, Barau Jibrin-Kano, Abdullahi Gumel-Jigawa, Sabo Mohammed-Jigawa, Shehu Sani-Kaduna.

They also include, Ahmed Lawan-Yobe,Bukar Abba Ibrahim-Yobe, Ali Ndume-Borno, Abubakar Kyari-Borno, Baba Kaka Garbai-Borno, Sabi Abdullahi-Niger, David Umaru-Niger, Mustapha Mohammed-Niger, Abdullahi Adamu-Nasarawa.

Others are George Akume-Benue, Joshua Dariye Plateau, Francis Alimikhena-Edo, Andy Uchendu-Rivers, Magnus Abe-Rivers, Ovie Omo Agege- Delta, John Eno-Cross River, Nelson Effiong-Akwa Ibom, Andy Uba-Anambra, Sonni Ugboji-Ebonyi, Hope Uzodinma-Imo, Ben Uwajumogu-Imo, Danjuma Goje-Gombe,

They further include Binta Masi-Adamawa, Ahmed Abubakar-Adamawa, Yusuf Yusuf-Taraba, Oluremi Tinubu-Lagos, Gbenga Ashafa-Lagos, Solomon Adeola-Lagos, Tayo Alasoadura-Ondo.

They equally include Gbolahan Dada-Ogun, Soji Akanbi-Oyo, Ajayi Boroffice-Ondo, Yele Omogunwa-Ondo South, Abdullahi Buhari-Oyo, Babajide Omoworare-Osun, Olusola Adeyeye-Osun, Fatima Raji Rasaki-Ekiti.

This administration of APC is focused, the Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari is doing so much for this country.

We need to work to support the president to ensure that Nigeria reduces its deficit in infrastructure, so that the social investment we are making will come to fruition.

Every well meaning Nigerian is supposed to support the president to fight all those few challenges that we have across the country, he said.

Fourteen lawmakers had earlier at plenary on Tuesday, announced their defection to the PDP and other parties.

Source: NAN

Researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia have developed the worlds first artificial intelligence (AI) system, a biometric mirror, that can detect and display personality traits of a subject simply by analyzing a photograph.

TheBiometric Mirror was unveiled on Tuesday. It works by comparing the users data with thousands of other facial images in its database.

The datathat biometric mirror uses is based on crowdsourced feedback on peoples facial appearance, project leader Dr Niels Wouters from the University of Melbournes Centre for Social Natural User Interfaces said.

When someone stands in front of Biometric Mirror, the system detects a range of facial characteristics in seconds. It then compares the users data to that of thousands of facial photos, which were evaluated for their psychometrics by a group of crowd-sourced responders.

Biometric Mirror displays 14 characteristics, from gender, age and ethnicity to attractiveness, weirdness and emotional stability. The longer a person stands there, the more personal the traits become.

The research project, led by Dr Niels Wouters from the Centre for Social Natural User Interfaces (SocialNUI) and Science Gallery Melbourne, explores the concerns this technology raises around consent, data storage and algorithmic bias.

With the rise of AI and big data, government and businesses will increasingly use CCTV cameras and interactive advertising to detect emotions, age, gender and demographics of people passing by, Dr Wouters said.

Our study aims to provoke challenging questions about the boundaries of AI. It shows users how easy it is to implement AI that discriminates in unethical or problematic ways which could have societal consequences. By encouraging debate on privacy and mass-surveillance, we hope to contribute to a better understanding of the ethics behind AI.

Source: NAN

By Idris Abdulrahman

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Tuesday warned Nigerian prospective pilgrims for this years Hajj against taking illicit drugs and prohibited items to Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON Coordinator in Madinah, Alhaji Ahmed Maigari, gave the warning n an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He cautioned Nigerian pilgrims to adhere strictly to Saudi Arabia laws to avoid facing the consequences of violating them.

Drug careers into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia risk death penalty by being beheaded while those who import Kolanut in commercial quantities face fines of up to 100 Riyals on each piece of the items, he warned.

Maigari advised pilgrims to also observe the rules, regulations and preaching of Islamic scholars during the exercise, adding that they should strive to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

The coordinator said prospective pilgrims should prepare for harsh weather in the Holy cities during the Hajj and gave the assurance that the commission, through its personnel on ground, was fully prepared to receive all pilgrims on arrival.

We have not received any complaint on feeding, accommodation or any other welfare matters from the pilgrims on ground so far and I can assure you that all necessary measures have been taken to sustain or even improve on the high level of welfare of pilgrims.

He urged them to prepare to undergo another round of biometric data capturing on arrival at the Saudi airports, in spite of the screening conducted in Nigeria before take-off.

The thinking is that since we have done biometric data capturing in Nigeria, the airport authorities will only click their system to view the data, but we had to do it again on arrival, he said.

Maigari said the commission had met with all relevant authorities, including registered transporters for the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, adding that they gave an insight into the rules and regulations of the operations.

After listening and inspection of our arrangements, they commended Nigerias preparations for this years Hajj.

The coordinator advised pilgrims who might need assistance and guidance to call a NAHCON dedicated line: 920008251 in the Holy land.

NAN reports that the Advance National Team, including the medical and accommodation committees have already arrived ahead of the Hajj, while the first batch of pilgrims from Kogi and the National Media Team landed in Madinah on Friday.

Source: NAN

Yusuph Olaniyonu, the media adviser to Senator Bukola Saraki said the house of his principal was blocked by the police Tuesday morning.

In a WhatsApp post, he also claimed the house of deputy senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has also been surrounded by DSS agents.

Kola Ologbondiyan, publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party corroborated unusual security presence at Ekweremadus house, when he tweeted: Security operatives block Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu,s residence in Apo, Abuja. Ekweremadus spokesman Uche Anichukwu confirmed the security presence and said it included operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Both claims have not been verified. And security agents have not spoken on why the actions were taken.

The Nation reported that the police only blocked Sarakis convoy for about 30 minutes. The convoy was about to leave the house at about 7am when the police arrived.

When the convoy was cleared to go at about 7.30 a.m, some police vehicles trailed it up to the National Assembly complex.

Police were said to have extracted a promise from the Senate President that he would honour the invitation by the Inspector General of Police today.

Saraki has been invited by the Inspector General of Police to report at 8a.m today at Guzape Police station to give further statement on the multiple robbery incidents that occurred in Offa, Kwara state on 5 April, in which 31 people were killed.

Some of the suspects arrested claimed Saraki gave them money and guns as members of a group used by the politician to cow opponents.

In a letter sent to Saraki on Monday night, Idris asked him to make himself available to the head of the Investigation Team at the Intelligence Response Team at Guzape Junction, Asokoro Extension, Abuja at 8a.m.

The police had on 4 June asked for Sarakis reaction to the statement made by some of the suspects arrested in connection to the most deadly robbery in the history of Nigeria. Saraki wrote a statement dated 7 June.

Idris ruled the statement inadequate.

After a careful perusal of your letter to the Police, it was discovered that the statement requires further clarification and coupled with the fact that you stated that the full text of the statements of the suspects were not shown to you, it is imperative you report to the Police to make further statements after giving you the full text of the statements of the suspects.

It is in line with the above that you are requested to report to the head of the Investigation Team at the Intelligence Response Team at Guzape Junction, Asokoro Extension, Abuja on 24th of July, 2018 at 8am for further investigation on the matter.

In a response last night, Saraki described the invitation as a mere afterthought which is designed to achieve political purpose.

The Police have obviously corrupted and politicized their investigations into the Offa robbery incident. They have turned it into an instrument for the party in power to suppress perceived opponents, witch-hunt issue for blackmailing people from freely choosing which platform on which they want to pursue their ambition and a matter for harassing the people whose exit from APC would harm the chances of the party in the forthcoming elections.

I want to make it apparent that I have no hand in either the robbery incident or any criminal acitivity. The Police in their haste to embarrass me sent the invitation to me at 8pm and requested that I report to the station by 8am tomorrow morning. This obviously demonstrated their desperation as I do not see why they are now in a hurry., Saraki said .

*Updated

Source: NAN

North Korea has started dismantling some facilities at its main satellite launch station, seen as the testing ground for its intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to expert analysis of recent satellite images.

If confirmed, the analysis by respected US-based website 38 North could signal a step forward after last months landmark summit between Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, although some experts questioned the significance of the gesture.

After the summit, Trump had declared the North Korean nuclear threat was effectively over, and US media reports suggest he is privately furious at the lack of any subsequent progress on the denuclearisation issue.

His public statements, however, remain upbeat and the 38 North analysis came as the president pronounced himself very happy with the way talks were progressing with Pyongyang.

The website said imagery indicated the North had begun taking down a processing building and a rocket-engine test stand that had been used to test liquid-fuel engines at its Sohae Satellite Launching Station.

Sohae, on the northwest coast of North Korea, is ostensibly a facility designed for putting satellites into orbit, but rocket engines are easily repurposed for use in missiles and the international community has labelled Pyongyangs space programme a fig leaf for weapons tests.

38 North analyst Joseph Bermudez called the move an important first step for Kim in fulfilling a promise that Trump said the North Korean leader made during their June summit in Singapore.

Since Sohae is believed to have played an important role in the development of technologies for the Norths intercontinental ballistic missile program, these efforts represent a significant confidence-building measure on the part of North Korea, Bermudez said.

Trump said in Singapore that Kim had committed to destroying a major missile engine test site, without specifying the site.

Sohae has been the Norths main rocket launch site since 2012, and South Korea whose president brokered the landmark summit between Trump and Kim called it a step towards denuclearisation.

Its a better sign than doing nothing, Nam Gwan-pyo, deputy director of the presidential national security office, told reporters.

I believe they are moving step by step towards denuclearisation, Nam added.

But some experts cautioned against reading too much into the work described in the 38 North analysis.

Source: NAN

Iran will respond with equal countermeasures if the U.S. tries to block its oil exports, the foreign ministry in Tehran said on Tuesday.

U.S. officials are stepping up diplomatic efforts to pressure countries to stop importing Iranian oil.

If America wants to take a serious step in this direction it will definitely be met with a reaction and
equal countermeasures from Iran, foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi was quoted as saying
by the state news agency IRNA.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday backed President Hassan Rouhanis suggestion that Iran might block
Gulf oil exports if its own exports are stopped.

Already fraught relations between Tehran and Washington have worsened in recent days.

On Monday, Iran dismissed an angry warning from President Donald Trump that it risked dire consequences the
like of which few throughout history have suffered before if it made threats against the United States.

Irans parliamentary speaker on Tuesday described Trumps comments as the words of a troublemaker.

The United States is experiencing disorder and wildness in its diplomatic relations, Ali Larijani was
quoted as saying by IRNA.

Iran has faced the threat of U.S. sanctions since Trump decided in May to withdraw the U.S.
from a 2015 agreement between world powers and Iran over its disputed nuclear programme. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN

A total of fifteen senators of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have dumped the party and defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a letter to the President of the Senate, signed by 14 senators, they indicated their intention to leave the ruling APC for the opposition PDP.

The senators who have so far defected are: Rabui Musa Kwankwaso (Kano Central), Barnabas Gemade (Benue North-West), Dino Melaye (Kogi East), Isa Hamman Misau , Lanre Tajouso, Shaaba Lafiagi, Mohammed Shittu and Ubali Shittu.

Others senators are: Rafui Ibrahim, Suleiman Hunkuyi, Monsurat Sunmonu, Ibrahim Danbaba, Usman Nafada and Suleiman Nazif.

The letter reads thus:

Dear Senate President after due consultation with our constituents and stakeholders in our constituencies, in proper recognition of section 68(1G) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and with the fact our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is hereby emerging factions.

We hereby inform the Senate that wethe undersigned are changing our political affiliation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

We thank you for your exemplary leadership.

Shortly after reading the letter, Saraki also announced that Sen. Murtala Nyako has also indicated his intention to leave the APC, bringing the total number of defectors to 15.

With this number of new senators in the PDP, the party now holds the majority seats in the upper legislative chamber.

Speaking after the defection, Saraki who expressed displeasure at the siege on his residence and those of other lawmakers, said that it was uncalled for.

People have the freedom of association. I have been sitting down here and more than 15 senators have decamped or defected to one party or the other. There was no siege on their residence, he said.

Source: NAN