The Guardian of London has published the video used by Cambridge Analytica to influence, unsuccessfully, the Nigerian presidential election in 2015.

The video, which was obtained from the whistleblower, Christopher Wylie, used graphically violent imagery to portray candidate Muhammadu Buhari as a supporter of sharia law who would brutally suppress dissenters and negotiate with militant Islamists.

Wylie passed the video passed to British MPs and The Guardian has now published it on You Tube

In testimony to the digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) select committee last week, the whistleblower said: [The video was distributed] in Nigeria with the sole intent of intimidating voters. It included content where people were being dismembered, where people were having their throats cut and bled to death in a ditch. They were being burned alive. There was incredibly anti-Islamic, threatening messages portraying Muslims as violent.

Wylie also said Cambridge Analytica directed AggregateIQ (AIQ), the Canadian digital services firm that worked for Vote Leave during Britains EU referendum, to target voters with the video during the Nigerian presidential campaign.

Wylie, a former Cambridge Analytica employee, has now handed the material to MPs. Giving testimony last week, he said: Cambridge Analytica sent AggregateIQ the video after they [CA] got banned from several online ad networks because the graphic nature of the content violated the terms of service. AIQ was quite freaked out about it. Its a very disturbing video. They told Cambridge Analytica that. They called it the murder video.

In his testimony Wylie said: AIQ is the firm thats right at the heart of the official Vote Leave campaign one-third of all leave spending went through it and this shows them working closely with Cambridge Analytica to distribute violent, divisive Islamophobic material that should be nowhere near an election campaign. There is no suggestion that AIQ was involved in the production of the video.

Cambridge Analytica was hired by a Nigerian billionaire to run a campaign in support of Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian, and the video was targeted at his Muslim opponent, Muhammadu Buhari, who went on to win the election. There is no suggestion that Jonathan was aware of the campaign.

The anti-Buhari video imagines a future in which he is president and sharia law has been imposed. Coming to Nigeria on February 15th 2015, the voiceover says in the manner of a trailer for a Hollywood movie. Dark. Scary. And very uncertain. Sharia for all.

It poses the question: What would Nigeria look like if sharia were imposed by Buhari? It suggests he would strike a deal with the Islamist militant group Boko Haram that would be a pact with the devil.

The video also suggests Buhari will punish all who speak against the regime and that women will be veiled. It ends by saying: You can stop this movie becoming real.

Source: NAN

Less than 24 hours after opposition Julius Maada Bio was sworn-in as President of Sierra Leone, some of his supporters have engaged in violent activities.

The violence erupted in the eastern Sierra Leonean district of Kenema, after the installation of Bio as the countrys fifth president.

Reports out of the town on Thursday suggest running battles between irate youths and the police.

A police station is reported to have come under attack.

Reports also indicate multiple injuries, some as a result of gunshots.

A source in Kenema told APA that jubilating supporters of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), whose candidate Bio was declared win of the presidential election, went on the rampage trying to attack the resident of a minister in the outgoing government.

The source said the SLPP supporters later resorted to attacking defenseless APC supporters and destroying their market stalls.

Pictures on social media show several people supposedly injured from the incident.

A video footage shared on the social media platform, Whatsapp, shows angry youths mobbing a police officer, while a second officer ran for his life.

The clashes were happening as the newly elected President Bio met with former President Ernest Bai Koroma at State Lodge, for the first time since he was sworn in to office.

The two, according to state officials, discussed details towards a smooth transition.

There have been calls for Bio to act on whats his first test of security challenge as a president.

Meanwhile, President Bio is scheduled to convene his first major engagement as president on Friday when he meets with all permanent secretaries and professional heads of institution at State House.

This is according to a leaked official communique issued by the Secretary at the Office of the President.

Source:

Source: NAN

The world is steadily moving to green power sources as it invested $2.9 trillion in green energy sources since 2004.

A new UN-backed report on Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2018 was released on Thursday by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and its partners.

The report indicates a steady move away from fossil fuel-based power production and that solar energy dominated global investment in new power generation like never before in 2017.

It added that 2017 was the eighth in a row in which global investment in renewables exceeded 200 billion dollars and

In 2017, the world installed a record 98 gigawatts of new solar capacity, far more than the net additions of the rest other renewable, fossil fuel and nuclear, according to the report.

The report added that solar power also attracted far more investment than any other technology, at 160.8 billion dollars, up 18 per cent.

A driving power behind last years surge in solar was China, where an unprecedented boom saw some 53 gigawatts added more than half the global total and 86.5 billion dollars invested, up 58 per cent.

The extraordinary surge in solar investment shows how the global energy map is changing and, more importantly, what the economic benefits are of such a shift.

Investments in renewables bring more people into the economy, they deliver more jobs, better quality jobs and better paid jobs.

Clean energy also means less pollution, which means healthier, happier development, UNEP chief Erik Solheim, said.

It said 2017 was the eighth in a row in which global investment in renewables exceeded 200 billion dollars and since 2004, the world had invested 2.9 trillion dollars in these green energy sources.

Overall, China was by far the worlds largest investing country in renewables, at a record 126.6 billion dollars, up 31 per cent on 2016.

There were also sharp increases in investment in Australia, up 147 per cent to 8.5 billion dollars; Mexico, up 810 per cent to six billion dollars; and Sweden, up 127 per cent to 3.7 billion dollars. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Transsion Holdings, giant mobile phone (Tecno Mobile), has described Nigeria as still the biggest market in Africa in spite of some challenges.

Mr Andy Yan, Vice President, Transsion Holdings, parent company of Tecno Mobile, made the assertion in Lagos at Tecnos Global Spring Launch.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tecno unveiled Camon X Pro smartphone at the event held at the Eko Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Yan said that Nigeria had provided a huge market for the organisation in spite of challenges of fluctuating foreign exchange.

The official said that the company had contributed to the growth of Nigerias economy through job creation.

According to him, Tecno has also impacted on Nigeria through its corporate social responsibility.

Yan called for consistent policies to encourage investment in Nigeria, saying that unstable business environment discouraged investment.

Yan said: Investors, most importantly, must have a stable environment and policies to do businesses.

Where there is no continuity as regards policies and business relationship, businesses will be affected.

We are trying to keep very healthy relations, discussing the possibilities and opportunities to impact on the society, he said.

He said that fluctuating foreign exchange been a problem to businesses.

Yan said that the company regularly carried out a study of the Africa business environment before manufacturing more products.

This has kept the company going in spite of challenges.
According to him, the Tecno Camon X Pro smartphone has unique security features such as Face ID.

Yan said that the Face ID could be used to unlock the phone when lighting up the screen by grasping the face formation.

He said that the face formation had 50ms recognition rate and was more functional than the fingerprint identification feature.

At Transsions, we do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach in developing our products, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Nigeria has launched Economic Diplomacy Initiative (NEDI), insisting on commitment to ensuring adequate consultation, especially with private sector, in taking vital economic decisions.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who launched the NEDI, an initiative of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said the country was committed to all Pan African and other deal that had made Nigeria to stand out as a country, with a view to integrate Africa.

We are also committed to ensuring adequate consultation is made, especially with the private sector, before we make further commitment to some of the international treaties that are important to us.

He said Nigeria was also committed to strengthening economic ties at the official level on issues like technical cooperation, air services, double taxation, investment promotion and protection and citizens rights among others.

He noted that the trade and investment ties between countries were driven mainly by their private sector actors.

In the case of Nigeria, he said that the private sector was particularly important because it accounted for well over 90 per cent of our GDP.

We are fully aware that building a competitive and vibrant national economy of our dream relies on enabling the innovation and dynamism of our private sector operators to flourish.

Given that private sector actors and indeed talented individuals that would drive trade and investment are numerous, it follows that they may not have access or the means to obtain the information they need about the opportunities that abound especially abroad.

So the vision of the minister to use the NEDI to bridge the vital gap is a welcome development indeed, he said

Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, said NEDI was a platform and mechanism for matching and connecting businesses.

According to him, NEDI seeks to surmount all business huddles and barriers by leveraging on the ministrys presence in 100 countries to match Nigerian and foreign businesses.

This we do through an Internet portal where any Nigerian business after satisfying credibility check can upload their data onto a website.

And with the help of dedicated staff and the information would be available to Nigerian staff in missions in the 100 countries, he said

According to him, in addition to NEDI, the ministry also created a window for diaspora brain gain, adding that there are millions of Nigeria, who would want to come home if they can find job commensurate to their skills.

And, conversely we know that there are Nigerian institutions and businesses that are looking for skills not available in the country.

We have therefore added a window where Nigerians in diaspora can upload their profile and the ministry will help to match them to needs of businesses and institutions in Nigeria.

What NEDI add is a simple credibility and secured environment to grow the Nigerian economy, he said

He said that the ministry would soon launch an internet base mechanism for validating document with payment online to check corrupt practices.

Source: NAN

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, has been found guilty ofabuse of power and bribery and faces up to 30 years in prison.

The Seoul Central District Court began reading the verdict on live television early today. Park was absent in court, but her flag-waving supporters gathered outside.

Park, the daughter of assassinated dictator Park Chung-hee, faces a total of 18 charges.

The court ruled that Park colluded with her old friend, Choi Soon-sil, to receive tens of billions of won from major conglomerates such as Samsung and Lotte to help Chois family and fund non-profit foundations owned by her.

Prosecutors are seeking a 30-year sentence and a 118.5 billion won ($112 million) fine for Park, after indicting her on charges that included bribery, abuse of power and coercion.

Park was impeached and arrested in March 2017.

The spectacular fall from grace of a former conservative icon who cast herself in the role of an incorruptible Daughter of the Nation has captivated South Koreans either side of the political divide.

Source: NAN

Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, has been found guilty ofabuse of power and bribery and jailed for 24 years.

Park, the daughter of assassinated dictator Park Chung-hee, faced a total of 18 charges.

The court ruled that Park colluded with her old friend, Choi Soon-sil, to receive tens of billions of won from major conglomerates such as Samsung and Lotte to help Chois family and fund non-profit foundations owned by her.

Prosecutors sought a 30-year sentence and a 118.5 billion won ($112 million) fine for Park, after indicting her on charges that included bribery, abuse of power and coercion.

Park was impeached and arrested in March 2017.

The spectacular fall from grace of a former conservative icon who cast herself in the role of an incorruptible Daughter of the Nation has captivated South Koreans either side of the political divide.

Source: NAN

Less than 24 hours after opposition Julius Maada Bio was sworn-in as President of Sierra Leone, some of his supporters have engaged in violent activities.

The violence erupted in the eastern Sierra Leonean district of Kenema, after the installation of Bio as the countrys fifth president.

Reports out of the town on Thursday suggest running battles between irate youths and the police.

A police station is reported to have come under attack.

Reports also indicate multiple injuries, some as a result of gunshots.

A source in Kenema told APA that jubilating supporters of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), whose candidate Bio was declared win of the presidential election, went on the rampage trying to attack the resident of a minister in the outgoing government.

The source said the SLPP supporters later resorted to attacking defenseless APC supporters and destroying their market stalls.

Pictures on social media show several people supposedly injured from the incident.

A video footage shared on the social media platform, Whatsapp, shows angry youths mobbing a police officer, while a second officer ran for his life.

The clashes were happening as the newly elected President Bio met with former President Ernest Bai Koroma at State Lodge, for the first time since he was sworn in to office.

The two, according to state officials, discussed details towards a smooth transition.

There have been calls for Bio to act on whats his first test of security challenge as a president.

Meanwhile, President Bio is scheduled to convene his first major engagement as president on Friday when he meets with all permanent secretaries and professional heads of institution at State House.

This is according to a leaked official communique issued by the Secretary at the Office of the President.

Source:

Source: NAN

People who are less emotionally stable are more likely to be addicted to their smartphones, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University conducted an online study with 640 smartphone users aged between 13 and 69 to look for the association between smartphone use and personality traits.

The study found that people who struggle with their mental health problems were more likely to intensively use their smartphones as a form of therapy.

It also found that as anxiety levels increase in an individual, he or she is more likely to use a smartphone.

This is because people may be experiencing problems in their lives such as stress, anxiety, depression, family problems, so in that state they are emotionally unstable, meaning they may seek respite in very excessive smartphone use, said Dr Zaheer Hussain, a study author and lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby.This is worrying, he said.

People who are closed off or less open with their emotions are more likely to have problems with smartphone use, said the study.

Researchers found that the most utilised smartphone applications among the participants were social networking apps, which account for roughly half of all utilised apps, followed by instant messaging and music apps.

Smartphone addicts engage in a passive social network, said Hussain.

This is where you spend a lot of time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, browsing other peoples comments, pictures and posts so there is no real positive social interaction.

Problematic smartphone use is more complex than previously thought and our research has highlighted the interplay of various psychological factors in the study of smartphone use, he said.

*Reported by Xinhua

Source: NAN

President Cyril Ramaphosa has stunned South Africans as he was spotted travelling to Durban in economy class.

It was on a Safair flight from Pretoria on Friday morning. He was on his way to attend the Covenant Fellowship Church International in eSikhaleni, Kwazulu Natal north coast.

Ramaphosas co-passengers snapped photos with the president which were shared on Twitter, according to News24.

While some commended the South African leader for cutting costs, some others were cynical, dismissing the gesture as a PR stunt.

Ramaphosas spokesperson Khusela Diko told News24 that the president will at all times use the mode of transport which is most practical, convenient and cost effective for his duties.

Ramaphosa who is 65 years old is South Africas fifth President. He succeeded Jacob Zuma on 15 February 2018. Zuma resigned after the African National Congress recalled him.

President Ramaphosa on-board a Fly SafAir flight to Durban this morning

Mlimandlela Ndamase (@PrinceNdamase)

Crayg Hitzeroth (@CraygH)

Justice4All (@Unathi_Kwaza)

Whilst hes flying SAfair, his ministers are sleeping in expensive hotels and spending millions of the states money on parties.. what is he doing about it

Jalamba (@simphiw_)

Praise where praise is due

rowland cunningham (@bhanaC)

He deserves praise here indeed. Cutting costs

Tshepo David Khoza (@khozalities)

Source: NAN