Flowerbud News

Author: Lara Olaniyi

  • All eyes on Iran’s Rouhani at second day of UN General Assembly

    Iranian President Hassan Rowhani is set to address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, with his speech expected to draw much attention as world leaders take to the podium for a second day.

    Rouhani is speaking amid worsening tensions between the Iran and the U.S. and after he accused Washington of being the main backer of terrorism in the Middle East on Tuesday.

    Rowhani is likely to respond to  U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks to the world body on Tuesday, in which he blamed Iran directly for the recent attack on a Saudi Arabian oil plant.

    There had been speculation, and even hope, that Trump and Rouhani would meet at the UN, but the Iranian president said there first must be a restoration of trust.

    Rouhani did meet with European leaders, after France, Germany and Britain announced on Monday that they believed Iran “bears responsibility” for the oil plant attack.

    Since Trump pulled Washington out of a 2015 deal between Tehran and world powers, the president has been imposing sanctions on Iran, seeking to cripple its economy and force the country to change its foreign policy.

    Rouhani is expected to elaborate on an initiative dubbed HOPE, an acronym for Hormuz Peace Endeavour, aimed at establishing peace in the Persian Gulf without foreign influence.

    Other leaders to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose July call with Trump is at the heart of the impeachment inquiry launched by  U.S. Democrats against the  U.S. president on Tuesday.

    Iraqi President Barham Salih and Colombian President Ivan Duque are also among those scheduled to speak.

    Trump is expected to hold a wide-ranging press conference before he leaves New York.

  • Pakistan: 5.8 magnitude earthquake kills 26, injures 300

    The death toll mounted to 26 in a powerful 5.8-magnitude earthquake that jolted Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and several cities. At least 300 people were injured.

    The epicentre of the earthquake was near New Mirpur in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which was severely affected by the quake. The depth of the quake, which occurred at 4.02 pm (local time), was at 10 kilometres, according to the US Geological Survey.

    According to the Home Department, 26 people were killed and over 300 injured in Mirpur and surrounding areas due to the powerful quake.

    Pakistan Meteorological Department’s earthquake centre said the 5.8-magnitude earthquake was located near the mountainous city of Jehlum in Punjab province. However, Minister for Science Fawad Chaudhry said that the intensity of the quake was 7.1.

    Some houses collapsed in Mirpur following the earthquake, Deputy Commissioner Raja Qaiser said. Parts of a mosque also collapsed in the area. Emergency has been declared in hospitals across PoK.

    TV channels showed the footage of heavily damaged roads in Mirpur, with many vehicles overturned. Several cars fell into the deep cracks on the roads. The building of the state-run Broadcasting House in Mirpur was badly damaged.

    The quake was powerful and created panic as people ran out of the building, eyewitnesses said.

    Several cities including Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Skardu, Kohat, Charsadda, Kasur, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Sialkot, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Malakand, Multan, Shangla, Okara, Nowshera, Attock and Jhang felt the tremor.

    Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is in New York to attend the UN General Assembly session, expressed grief over the loss of human life. He directed all the concerned departments to provide immediate assistance to the quake-hit areas. President Arif Alvi also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

    Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa directed “immediate rescue operation in aid of civil administration” for victims of the earthquake in PoK. Army troops with aviation and medical support teams have been dispatched, the media wing of the army tweeted.

    “Pakistan Army aviation helicopters have completed an aerial survey for damage assessment in Mirpur, Jarikas and Jatlan areas. Army teams have reached earthquake-hit areas of Mirpur, Jatlan and Jarikas. Rescue efforts initiated,” state-run PTV tweeted.

    Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal, chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, said that most of the damage was done in Mirpur and Jhelum.

    He said all departments, including NDMA, Pakistan Army, and State Disaster Management have started rescue operation in quake-affected areas.

    Afzal said Mangla to Jatalan road and three bridges were damaged in the quake. “We have enough resources to cope with the disaster,” he said.

    He said the exact magnitude of disaster will be known by Wednesday.

    Pakistan’s major water reservoir Mangla Dam located near Mirpur remained safe, officials said. Mangla dam powerhouse has been closed, cutting off 900 MW power supply to the national grid, they said.

    However, the Upper Jhelum canal was damaged and water inundated various villages. The breach in the Upper Jhelum Canal was fixed due to the timely intervention of officials, PoK Information Minister Mushtaq Minhas said.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the loss of lives and damage to property due to the earthquake.

  • UN science panel to report on climate change in oceans and glaciers

    Scientists from around the world were gathering in Monaco on Wednesday to release a major report on the impact of global warming on the Earth’s oceans and frozen regions.

    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scoured almost 7,000 scientific publications to come up with an overview of the effects of greenhouse gases on oceans, glaciers and permafrost regions.

    Hours ahead of the release of the report, French President Emmanuel Macron said that it contained “naked and stubborn” facts.

    “We are losing the battle,” he told the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

    The report comes weeks after the UN panel warned of the impact of climate change on land, saying that the world faced a high risk of drought, wildfires, thawing permafrost and unstable food supplies.

    The IPCC warned last October that limiting global warming to an average temperature rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is only possible with “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes.”

    The IPCC is a UN institution with 195 member states.

    Its reports aim to summarize scientific knowledge on climate change and offer advice to policy makers.

  • Why I Was Redeployed – Keyamo

    Former Minister of State for Niger-Delta Affairs, Festus Keyamo has given reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari redeployed him from the Ministry of Niger Delta to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    Keyamo, a senior advocate of Nigeria, while reacting to the development, wrote on Twitter, “On the move again: Two portfolios in two months!

    “Just been redeployed to the Ministry of Labour and Employment to work with my long-time big brother, H.E, Chris Ngige.”

    “Thank you, Mr President for finding me versatile enough to move around. Always ready to serve in any capacity.”

    Keyamo swapped positions with Minister of State, Labour Tayo Alasoadura who moves to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

    This was disclosed in a statement from the Director of Information at the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Willie Bassey.

    Bassey said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the swap.

    According to him: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate redeployment of two Ministers of State as follows.

    “Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs is to move to Ministry of Labour and Employment as Minister of State.

    “Senator Tayo Alasoadura is to move to Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs as Minister of State. This redeployment takes effect from Tuesday Sept. 24, 2019.”

  • Nuclear deal: Macron wants all parties to engage in talk

    French President Emmanuel Macron said that Iran, the United States, the remaining parties to the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as well as Persian Gulf states should engage in talks.

    “Well more than ever, I very sincerely and profoundly believe that the time has come to resume negotiations between the United States of America, Iran, the signatories of the JCPOA, and the countries of the region which are first and foremost affected by the security and stability,” Macron said in a speech at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, PressTV reported.

    The French leader then laid out four conditions for such talks.

    “So what should be the conditions, the terms, the goals and the targets of these negotiations? First of all, the certainty that Iran never acquired developed nuclear weapons. Secondly, a solution to a crisis in Yemen.”

    “Thirdly, a regional security plan, which also incorporates the other crises of the region and security of maritime navigation. And finally, a lifting of economic sanctions. I’m not naive at all and I don’t believe in miracles. I believe that it takes courage to build peace. And that is why it’s important for the United States, Iran and the signatories of this agreement to show this courage,” Macron noted.

    Macron also held another unscheduled meeting with Rouhani on Tuesday right before the arranged meeting between the Iranian President and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

    “What is important is that if he leaves the country without meeting with President Trump, this is a lost opportunity. Because he will not come back in a few months. And President Trump will not go to Tehran so they have to meet now,” Macron said during a meeting with Rouhani and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, according to a UK press pool report.

    In recent months, Macron has taken the lead in a European effort to save the JCPOA and ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.

    In May 2018, the US president withdrew his country from the multilateral deal, and re-imposed sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

    Iran waited for a year to see if Europe can compensate for the US withdrawal; however, in May 2019 it finally decided to start scaling back its commitments under the nuclear deal.

    France has offered a credit line of $15 billion, which will guarantee the sale of Iran’s crude oil, as an incentive to bring back Iran to the JCPOA. However, the offer has yet to be finalized.

  • OPPI: Army nabs 5 key logistics suppliers, fighters

    The Nigerian Army says the Operation Positive Identification (OPPI) in the North East has started yielding positive results with the arrest of five key terrorists suppliers and fighters.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), Col. Ado Isa, disclosed this on Monday.

    Isa said that the troops of OPLD had intensified searching for and arresting of all suspected criminal elements that were currently roaming parts of the North East.

    He said that the Theatre Command had enjoined members of the public to always carry valid means of identification such as National Identification Card when moving or passing through Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

    Isa said the operation was based on credible information that some of the fleeing criminals were hibernating in some towns and villages of Borno and Yobe States in particular and North East in general.

    “Troops are directed to strictly check legitimate means of identification such as National Identification Card, Voters Registration Card, Drivers’ License and International Passports or other valid official identification before allowing such persons passage.

    “Consequently, the operation is seriously ongoing across the region and five key terrorists logistics suppliers and fighters have so far been apprehended.

    “Members of the public are requested to cooperate with the troops by moving along with valid identification cards and present same to the troops in the efforts to rid the North East zone of criminals fleeing for safety,” he said.

  • US Embassy In Collaboration with NGOs trained Kuchin Goro IDPs Camp; Football Tournament Final

  • 74th UNGA: Nigeria’s day in the sun – Adesina

    The Presidency has described the 74th United Nations General Assembly, which begins fully on Monday, as Nigeria’s “day in the sun’’.

    Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, stated this shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari’s arrival in New York on Sunday for the weeklong global event.

    Answering questions from newsmen, Adesina hinged his comment on the recent emergence of a Nigerian, Amb. Tijani Muhammad-Bade, as the President of the UN General Assembly.

    He said all eyes would be on Nigeria at the event considering the fact that a fellow citizen, Ms Amina Mohammed, is currently the Deputy Secretary General of the UN.

    “It is very significant; it is like Nigeria’s day in the sun because you don’t have it better than that.

    “The Deputy Secretary General, the President of the General Assembly, and then you are the President of that country.

    “It is like focus would be on Nigeria, and it is a good one for our country’’, he said.

    The presidential aide dismissed suggestion by some opposition elements that Buhari is attending the GA without a national agenda.

    “Every country comes (to the General Assembly) with a national statement, and what our president is going to present is the national statement of Nigeria.

    “So, anybody that says that does not understand,’’ Adesina said.

    The president, who landed earlier at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, was accompanied by some top government officials and senior aides.

    The theme for the UNGA74 is, “Galvanising Multilateral Efforts for Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Climate Action and Inclusion.”

    Buhari is scheduled as the fifth speaker during the General Debates billed for Tuesday.

    Leaders of countries’ delegations are expected to “present their National Statements and speak to the theme of the session’’, Adesina said in a statement earlier.

    He said the president would speak on ‘’administration’s commitment to building on the achievements of its three-point agenda following the renewal of his electoral mandate by majority of Nigerians.

    “He will also reaffirm Nigeria’s position on salient global issues,’’ he said.

  • 2019 Emmys: ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Fleabag’ win big

    he 71st Primetime Emmys, which is Television’s biggest awards night, held on Sunday night in Los Angeles.

    The biggest win of the night went to ‘Game of Thrones’. The show took home outstanding drama series, and Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister) won best supporting actor in a drama.

    Although it was a fitting farewell to the highly influential show, it only snagged two awards from the pool of news-breaking nominations.

    All the ‘Game of Thrones’ nominees in the supporting actress for a drama category, including the favorite Lena Headey, Sophie Turner, Masie Williams and Gwendoline Christie, lost out to a shocked Julia Garner from ‘Ozark’.

    Also, Jodie Comer clinched the best lead actress in a drama award over ‘Killing Eve’ co-star, Saundra Oh, previously ripped to be the first woman of Asian descent to win.

    Bill Hader from ‘Barry’ and Phoebe Waller-Bridge from ‘Fleabag’ took out the big comedy acting awards, with ‘Fleabag’ ending up with four awards in total.

    Meanwhile ‘Chernobyl’ scored three gongs and ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ snagged two awards.

    Full list of winners
    Outstanding Drama Series
    Winner: Game of Thrones
    Outstanding Comedy Series
    Winner: Fleabag
    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
    Winner: Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
    Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
    Winner: Jason Bateman, Ozark
    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
    Winner: Billy Porter, Pose
    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
    Winner: Julia Garner, Ozark
    Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
    Winner: Jesse Armstrong, Succession
    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
    Winner: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
    Outstanding Variety Talk Series
    Winner: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
    Outstanding Director for a Variety Series
    Winner: Don Roy King, Saturday Night Live
    Outstanding Variety Sketch Series
    Winner: Saturday Night Live
    Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
    Winner: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
    Outstanding Limited Series
    Winner: Chernobyl
    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie
    Winner: Michelle Williams, Fosse/Verdon
    Outstanding Television Movie
    Winner: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
    Winner: Jharrel Jerome, When They See Us
    Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Drama
    Winner: Craig Mazin, Chernobyl
    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
    Winner: Ben Whishaw, A Very English Scandal
    Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series
    Winner: Johan Renck, Chernobyl
    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie
    Winner: Patricia Arquette, The Act
    Outstanding Competition Program
    Winner: RuPaul’s Drag Race
    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
    Winner: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag
    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
    Winner: Bill Hader, Barry
    Outstanding Director for a Comedy Series
    Winner: Harry Bradbeer, Fleabag
    Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
    Winner: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag
    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
    Winner: Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
    Winner: Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel