Category: Foreign

  • Palestinian invasion: IMN calls on FG to sever ties with Israel

    Palestinian invasion: IMN calls on FG to sever ties with Israel

     

     

    Abuja: Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), on Saturday, called on the Federal Government to cut off all relations and ties with Israel over continued attack and invasion of Palestine.

    A top member of Resource Forum of Islamic Movement, Prof. Abdullahi Danladi, who stated this during a press briefing in Abuja, condemned the continued escalation of oppression on Palestinian Territories by the Israel.

    “Indeed, the Islamic Movement under the revered leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) has for over three decades consistently shown its unflinching support to the oppressed Palestine.

    “We will like to call on those who are ignorant of the history and events in the Middle East and tend to see the Zionist as their brothers in faith, to see things beyond the prism of faith, race, colour, etc.

    “The recent attacks on Churches and hospital are enough to show that it is beyond the issue of religion, rather it is crime against humanity which must be condemned.

    “The desperation shown by the barbaric attacks only exposes the weakness of the illegal state of Israel and is clear sign of their inevitable collapse and downfall in not a very far future. The final victory from Allah is for the oppressed.

    “On this note, we join our voices in calling the Nigerian government to immediately cut off all relations and ties with the illegal state of blood mongers,” he said.

    He said the recent events in the Middle East and particularly the occupied land of Palestine has opened another chapter in human history.

    “So far, several thousands have been killed, most of whom were children and women. Hospitals, schools, refugee camps and worship centers have not been spared of the crimes of Israel,” he said.

    The professor also accused the Israel of violating the United Nations Charter and resolutions concerning the “illegal occupation by which they have continued to extend and encroach into the very paltry territory of the Palestine.”

    He said the wave of support being shown to the weak and oppressed people of Palestine globally by people of different faiths and nationalities, including some right thinking Jews, is a clear testimony to the fact that Israel’s stands condemnable

    “Ladies and gentlemen of the press, may I also use this medium to solicit the prayers of all and sundry for Allah the Most-High, to grant our Leader and his wife who have travelled out for medical attention, success in their treatment,” he said. Flowerbudnews)b

  • Kashmiris Worldwide Marks Kashmir Black Day to Press Demand for self -Determination

    Kashmiris Worldwide Marks Kashmir Black Day to Press Demand for self -Determination

     

    By Danladi Ahmed

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): Kashmiris around the world are today, October 27, marking Kashmir Black Day in remembrance of the exact day in history, when Indian troops landed in their land.

    Kashmir Black Day is an annual commemoration by Kashmiris across the world
    to mark October 27 as ‘Black Day’.

    Kashmiris around the world are demanding that International community, including
    United Nations and it’s relevant Human Rights Machinery, Civil Society organizations, Media Houses and other defenders of Human Rights to fulfill their obligations towards besieged Kashmiris by playing their part to end the Indian rule of tyranny and oppression.

    A document on the situation Kashmir made available to Flowerbudnews on Thursday in Abuja stated:

    ”Every year, the day is marked to express solidarity and support with Kashmiri people in their struggle for right to self-determination.

    On 27 October 1947, invading troops of India landed in Srinagar on the premise of
    an Instrument of Accession purported to have been signed by the then ruler Hari
    Singh of the princely state of Kashmir a day earlier after virtually losing authority in the
    face of a popular public uprising against the autocracy.

    Informed sources on the situation Kashmir said that ”India has been severely violating
    human rights in Jammu and Kashmir since last 76 years.’

    UN Resolutions 47 of 21 April 1948, 51 of 3 June 1948, 80 of 14 March 1950 and 91 of 30 March 1951 and the UN Commission for India and Pakistan resolutions of 13 August 1948 and 5 January 1949 all indicate that the final disposition of the State of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.

    ”Numerous international, UN organizations as well as UN Special Rapporteurs to Indian Government have since reported gross violations of human rights in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

    On 5 August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status of Jammu
    and Kashmir by illegally and unilaterally abrogating Article 370 and 35A of the Indian
    Constitution thus dropping all pretense of acceding to a referendum.

    ”India’s proclamation has never been accepted by the UN, which still continues to list Kashmir
    as disputed territory and subject to the Security Council’s self-determination resolutions.

    The state of press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir has also been a matter of
    concern for several years now. Since India revoked the region’s special status in 2019,
    the situation has deteriorated significantly and journalists in Jammu and Kashmir are
    facing intimidation and fear.

    The spate of detentions and arrests of journalists in Jammu & Kashmir reveals the distressing pattern of the use of law to target innocent civilians as well as journalists. Kashmiris around the world have always called upon international community to take practical steps in order to stop gross human rights violations and facilitate a peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue as per UN Resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people.

    Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have also been using pallet guns to
    control protests and masses seeking freedom injuring hundreds and killing atleast 112
    people followed by international outcry.

    In 2020, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported
    that Indian Forces are ‘maiming, blinding and killing people’ in Kashmir as they continue
    to defy international norms by using pellet guns..

    In October 1992, representatives from Asia Watch and Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) travelled to Kashmir to document rape and other human rights abuses and violations of the laws of war by Indian security forces.

    Rape is used as a means of targeting women to punish and humiliate the entire community. It was reported that Indian forces committed raped 882 Kashmiri women in 1992 alone.

    The Humanitarian Law Project/International Educational Development documented more
    than 200 cases of war rape from January 1994. Many cases are not reported because
    of the shame and stigma associated with rape in Kashmir. Similarly thousands of cases
    of killings of innocent civilians have been reported in Kashmir.

    The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which India is bound to uphold, is explicit in stipulating that torture and arbitrary killings can never be justified. Amnesty International also reported this in their report ASA 20/17/93 on April 1993.

    With deployment of approximately 900000 Indian Security Personnel, Jammu and Kashmir has been converted into world’s most militarized zone and the largest prison on earth.

    Kashmiris around the world demand that International community including United Nations and it’s relevant Human Rights Machinery, Civil Society Organizations, Media Houses and other defenders of Human Rights to fulfill their obligations towards besieged Kashmiris by playing their part to end the Indian rule of tyranny and oppression.

    Kashmir Black Day is an annual commemoration by Kashmiris across the world
    to mark October 27 as ‘Black Day’.

    On 27 October 1947, invading Indian troops landed in Srinagar, Kashmir to
    embark upon an illegal occupation.

    Since last 76 years, India has committed gross human rights violations which
    have been globally reported by UN commissions as well as international media.

    Resolution 47 (1948) adopted by the Security Council at its 286th meeting on 21
    April 1948 asks restoration of peace and order and the plebiscite in the State of
    Jammu and Kashmir.

    On 5 August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status of Jammu
    and Kashmir by illegally and unilaterally abrogating Article 370 and 35A of
    the Indian Constitution.

    Since then, the situation has deteriorated significantly and journalists in Jammu
    and Kashmir are also facing intimidation and fear. With deployment of approximately 900000 Indian Security Personnel, Jammu and Kashmir has been converted into world’s most militarized zone and the largest prison on earth. (Flowerbudnews)

     

  • China warns U.S. not to get involved in its problems with Philippines

    China warns U.S. not to get involved in its problems with Philippines

     

     

    Beijing:.  The Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that the United States does
    not have the right to get involved in problems between China and the Philippines.

    The ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said this at a press conference as tensions simmer over conflicts in disputed waters of
    the South China Sea.

    when asked about the U.S. saying it will defend the Philippines

    “The U.S. is not party to the South China Sea issue, it has no right to get involved in a problem between China and the Philippines.”

    China and the Philippines have had several high-profile confrontations in the South China Sea, most notably in disputed waters
    around the Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands.

    Earlier on Sunday, a Chinese vessel collided with a Philippine boat, with Manila condemning “in the strongest degree”
    the “dangerous blocking manoeuvres” of the vessel.

    “The U.S. promise of defending the Philippines must not hurt China’s sovereignty and maritime interests in the South China
    Sea, and it also must not enable and encourage the illegal claims of the Philippines,” Mao said.

    A spokesperson for the Philippine foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday at the White House that America’s commitment to Philippines defence
    remains “iron-clad,” after accusing China of acting “dangerously and unlawfully” in the South China Sea.

    “Any attack on the Filipino aircraft, vessels, or armed forces would invoke, our Mutual Defence Treaty with the
    Philippines,” Biden said in remarks during a joint meeting with Australia’s prime minister.

    The United States and the Philippines recently agreed on new guidelines for their 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty.

    The guidelines now specifically mention that mutual defence commitments would be invoked if there were an
    armed attack on either country “anywhere in the South China Sea.” (Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

  • Pakistan issues last warning to undocumented immigrants to leave

    Pakistan issues last warning to undocumented immigrants to leave

     

    Islamabad:.  Pakistan on Thursday gave a last warning to all immigrants in the country
    illegally, including hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals, to leave voluntarily before a Nov. 1 deadline.

    The Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said at a news conference on Thursaday that Pakistan was determined to
    go ahead with a plan to remove all undocumented immigrants after Nov. 1.

    The minister said the decision was taken after Afghan nationals were found to be involved in crimes, smuggling and
    attacks against government and the army, including 14 out of 24 suicide bombings this year.

    “All the illegal immigrants have been identified. The state has a complete data,” said Bugti.

    “I want to appeal one more time that all the illegal immigrants should leave voluntarily by the deadline.”

    Bugti warned that law enforcement agencies would start an operation to remove people after the expiry of the deadline.

    He also said action would be taken against anyone found involved in facilitating or hiding the immigrants.

    The immigrants, mostly Afghans, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for years, would be processed at temporary
    centres being set up by the government.

    Those leaving voluntarily would be helped to leave Pakistan, such as preparation of their documents, permission to exchange
    currency and transportation.

    Pakistan has received the largest influx of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979.

    Hundreds of thousands of Afghans moved to Pakistan to escape war and conflicts, and many are registered as refugees with
    the government and UN agencies.

    The expulsion plan marks a new low in relations between the South Asian neighbours after border clashes in recent months.

    Islamabad alleges that the militants use Afghan soil to train fighters and plan attacks inside Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies,
    saying Pakistani security is a domestic issue. (Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

  • Diaspora organisation celebrates Nigerian-Canadian, Uzoma Asagwara as health minister

    Diaspora organisation celebrates Nigerian-Canadian, Uzoma Asagwara as health minister

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Americas South Savannah has celebrated the achievements of the Nigerian-Canadian, Uzoma Asagwara as the Minister of Health and Deputy Premier of Canada’s Manitoba Province.

    NIDO Americas South Savannah Vice President Dr Tomi Ademokun, in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York, congratulated Asagwara on her new position.

    Asagwara is the first Nigerian woman appointed as minister of health in Canada’s Manitoba Province and at the young age of 39.

    “NIDOA South Savannah looks forward to witnessing Uzoma Asagwara’s continued success and contributions in her new position.

    “We celebrate her achievements and wish her the very best as she embarks on this new and important chapter in her illustrious career.’’

    Ademokun said her appointment was a reflection of the strength that lies in multiculturalism and the enriching contributions that immigrants make to their new communities.

    “We commend the government of Canada’s Manitoba Province for recognising the immense potential in Uzoma Asagwara and for entrusting her with the vital responsibility of overseeing the health and well-being of its citizens.

    “We are confident that she will bring her dedication, compassion, and expertise to her new role, striving to create a healthier and more equitable society,’’ she said.

    According to her, this momentous achievement not only celebrates the remarkable journey of an outstanding individual but also marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian and Canadian communities alike.

    “Uzoma Asagwara’s appointment is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and tireless commitment to public service.

    “Her passion for healthcare and social well-being has been an inspiration to many, and her journey from Nigeria to Canada serves as a beacon of hope for individuals striving to make a positive impact in their adopted homeland.

    “As the first Nigerian woman to hold such a prestigious position in Canada’s Manitoba Province, Uzoma Asagwara embodies the values of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity that both nations cherish.’’

    Born in Winnipeg, Canada, when her parents from the Igbo ethnic group of Abia, South-Eastern Nigeria, migrated there in the late 1970s, Asagwara was earlier elected to represent the Canadian Union Station in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 2019.

    By winning a seat in the Manitoba Assembly and also becoming the first black queer legislator, she succeeded in breaking a 150-year jinx to achieve such a feat.

    Asagwara’s duties as the new health minister, will intersect with bioeconomy in different ways and she will be expected to drive innovation and health advancements within the biosciences.

    NAN reports that the Nigerian-Canadian psychiatric nurse, whose career spans over a decade in the country’s health sector, has also played basketball actively in Canada.

    In 2008, she bagged a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing and also completed a joint programme between the University of Winnipeg and the University in Brandon, both in Manitoba.

    NAN

  • Palestinian health authority: Over 6,500 dead in Israeli airstrikes

    Palestinian health authority: Over 6,500 dead in Israeli airstrikes

    By Flowerbud News

    Oct. 26, 2023

    The number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip has risen to 6,547, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health authority.

    The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) , further reported on Thursday morning that 68 per cent of the fatalities were children and women.

    It cited figures from the Hamas-controlled agency.

    Around 1,600 people in Gaza had been considered missing.

    These figures cannot be independently verified.

    Israel’s army said it is preparing a ground offensive in Gaza.

    Terrorists acting on behalf of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, massacred civilians in Israel on Oct. 7.

    More than 1,400 people were killed when armed Hamas militants staged cross-border attacks.

    According to Israel’s army, at least 222 other people were forcibly taken into the Gaza Strip.

    Four hostages have been released.

    Hamas says it will not release more hostages until Israel allows fuel and medicine to be delivered to the Gaza Strip.

    dpa/NAN

  • Aaron Greenspan, the American working for Abubakar Atiku, Peter Obi and David Hundeyin

    Aaron Greenspan, the American working for Abubakar Atiku, Peter Obi and David Hundeyin

     

    By Bayo Onanuga

    Abuja:  (Flowerbudnews): Aaron Greenspan, the American working for Abubakar Atiku, Peter Obi and one David Hundeyin is trying to force Washington D.C judge to reverse her ruling on Monday, when she declined to order some US agencies to release post-haste imaginary documents on President Bola Tinubu.

    With the Nigerian Supreme Court set to give its ruling on the appeals by the election losers on Thursday, Greenspan launched the new move Wednesday possibly trying to impress his paymasters in Nigeria that he deserves to be paid for his ‘hatchet’ job. He is undeterred by the disappointment he suffered after the report sent to him by IRS, contains nothing against the Nigerian leader.

    Today, the desperate Greenspan filed two motions. The first was a motion for judicial notice about the case he wants to represent before the court, two days after Judge Beryl A. Howell declined Greenspan’s request on the grounds that he failed to satisfy the relevant conditions for the grant of a motion for emergency hearing, which he filed on Monday.

    The second motion was titled:
    PLAINTIFF’S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION PURSUANT TO FEDERAL RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE.

    The wordings reek of desperation that makes one wonder what business a Jewish American, who owns one obscure website in the United States, has in Nigeria’s affairs.

    In his move to make the Washington judge reverse herself, Greenspan attached a discredited, fake story about Nigeria’s chief Justice , published by an online platform.

    Then he prayed the court for the second time in 48 hours, to order the US agencies release President Tinubu’s documents to him.

    “This Court need not hold a hearing to ensure that Defendants are held to their promise to produce documents by the “end of October.” With the end of October having arrived and with every day 24 hours closer to a final, binding decision by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, short of ordering the production of any documents already prepared for release, this Court should at least order Defendants to provide a Joint Status Report within 48 hours that explains their updated plan for producing responsive materials, and specifically whether any responsive materials are already redacted and ready for production”, he wrote.

    Mr Greenspan, you and your sponsors are surely not going to succeed in your desperate moves. You have tried, make sure your masters pay you. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Qatari emir tells Israel “enough is enough

    Qatari emir tells Israel “enough is enough

     

     

    Doha:   Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has urged Israel to end its
    heavy bombardments of the Gaza Strip, a response to the attack by armed Hamas militants in Israel more than two weeks ago.

    “Enough is enough,” the emir said, addressing Israel at the opening session of the Shura Council in Doha on Tuesday.

    It is unacceptable that Israel be given an “unconditional green light and a free licence to kill,” the emir said, Qatar local media reported.

    The Israeli “occupation, siege and settlement” could not be ignored, he said.

    “In our time, cutting off access to water and withholding medicines and food as a weapon against an entire population should also not be allowed.”

    Qatar and Israel do not have diplomatic relations but Qatar has close ties with the organisation that controls the Gaza Strip.

    More than 200 people were abducted during the Hamas attack on October 7, including citizens of several nations.

    Qatar has helped broker the release of four of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

    Israel opened a trade mission in Qatar in 1996, but the emirate later closed it.

    During the Football World Cup, however, Qatar allowed direct flights from Israel.

    The Emir said the bloodshed must stop and civilians must be spared the consequences of military
    confrontations. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)/ Flowerbudnews

     

  • China dismisses defence minister

    China dismisses defence minister

    By Flowerbud News

    Oct. 24, 2023

    China’s leadership has sacked Li Shangfu, the defence minister, who disappeared from public view several weeks ago, according to local media.
    Li has been removed from both his post as defence minister and his post in China’s State Council, local media reported on Tuesday.
    Li had not appeared in public since Aug. 29, when he gave a speech at a Chinese-African peace forum.
    Western media outlets later began speculating on the reasons for his disappearance, with some citing U.S. Government sources as saying there was an investigation into Li.
    The party has been tightening its grip on the army since the summer, replacing several high-ranking military officers on suspicion of corruption.
    Beijing removed then foreign minister Qin Gang from office at the end of July, replacing him with his predecessor Wang Yi.
    Qin Gang had also been out of the public eye for weeks beforehand.
    It is not uncommon in China for high-ranking officials to disappear from the public eye, often because they have become the subject of a  disciplinary investigation.
    dpa/NAN