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  • Kebbi records lowest number of reported crimes in 2017 – NBS

    Kebbi records lowest number of reported crimes in 2017 – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Kebbi State has the lowest percentage of 205 total crime cases reported,  representing two per cent of cases in 2017.

    The total number of cases reported in the year under review was 134,663.

    The NBS made this known this in a Crime Statistics: “Reported Offences by Type and State for 2017’’ posted on its website.

    The bureau said that Kogi and Bauchi States followed Kebbi closely with 282 (0.20 per cent) and 386 (0.30 per cent) cases recorded respectively.

    The breakdown of the 205 cases reported in Kebbi showed that 88 cases were committed against persons, 106 against property and 11 against lawful authority.

    The report showed that 146 cases were reported committed against persons in Kogi, 111 against property and 25 against lawful authority, while 196 cases were reported against persons in Bauchi, 186 against property and four against lawful authority.

    According to the NBS, offence against persons are those offences against human beings e.g. murder, manslaughter, infanticide, concealment of birth, rape and other physical abuse.

    The offence against properties are those offences against human belongings, properties of any kind e.g. stealing, receiving stolen properties, obtaining property by false pretence, robbery, burglary and house breaking.

    Also, the offence against lawful authority is any offence committed against any establishment of the law e.g. failure to pay your tax (FIRS) amounts to an offence against lawful authority in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, the report showed that Lagos State had the highest percentage of total cases reported, with 50,975 cases recorded, representing 37. 9 per cent of cases reported.

    Abia and Delta State followed closely with 12,408 (9.2 per cent) and 7,150 (5.3 per cent) cases recorded respectively.

    The breakdown, however, showed that Lagos State recorded 18,926 cases against persons, 24,986 against property and 7,060 against lawful authority.

    It further showed that Abia recorded 9, 816 reported cases against persons, 2,320 against property and 2,320 against lawful authority, while 3,310 cases against person were reported in Delta; 3,109 against property and 731 against lawful authority.

    The report also showed that offences against property had the highest number of cases reported, with 68,579 of such cases reported.

    It said that offences against persons recorded 53,641 cases, while offences against lawful authority recorded the least with 12,443 cases. (NAN)

  • British singers Liam Payne and Cheryl announce split after two years together

    PHOTO: PEOPLE
    PHOTO: PEOPLEPHOTO: ITV

    English Singers Liam Payne and Cheryl have been together for over two years now but unfortunately, their time together comes to an end as the pair announced their split via social media today, reported BBC.

    Taking to Twitter, the  former Girls Aloud star wrote, “We are sad to announce that we are going our separate ways. It’s been a tough decision for us to make. We still have so much love for each other as a family. Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together.”

    The 35-year-old singer and former One Direction member, who allegedly broke up two weeks ago, have a one-year-old son named Bear together.

    ‘Game of Thrones’ stars Kit Harington, Rose Leslie get hitched

    Newcastle-born Cheryl started her career on ITV‘s Popstars: The Rivalsin 2002 as one of the members of band Girls Aloud. She then went on to launch a solo career and became a judge on hit British singing show The X Factor in 2008.

    PHOTO: ITV

    Cheryl met Payne when he auditioned for the show the same year, aged 14. “I think you’ve got charisma,” she told him, after he performed the jazz standard song Fly Me To The Moon. “I think you’re really cute,” she said at the audition

    .Culled from  The Express Tribune

     

  • Amaechi says funding major challenge to transport infrastructure development in Africa

    Amaechi says funding major challenge to transport infrastructure development in Africa

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi has said that funding was the major challenge facing development of transport infrastructure in Africa.

    Amaechi stated this on Monday during the Annual General Meeting of the Sub-Sahara Africa Transport Policy Programme (SSATP) held in Abuja.

    The meeting with the theme: “Africa’s Rapid Urbanisation and the Response to Urban Mobility in the Digital Era,” was attended by five transport ministers of African countries.

    Other Ministers of Transport from various African countries are expected to join the event, which started on Monday and expected to end on Friday, July 6.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised for all Sub-Sahara African countries to brainstorm on the way forward on urban transports and mobility.

    According to the minister, it is an association that accommodates all African ministers of transportation, which Nigeria is hosting.

    “The meeting is to ensure that we have a sustainable and organised transportation model to be able to transport personnel and goods.

    “Fund is the major challenge facing transport infrastructure. We need funds to enable us build railway. We need funds to be able to build roads. We need funds to improve the aviation.

    “So, our greatest challenge is fund,” Amaechi said.

    The minister noted that Nigeria will exchange ideas with other African ministers on areas they have done well and how to source for funds to build transport infrastructure.

    The event is an annual meeting, the 2017 edition was hosted by Morocco.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari, said it became necessary for Nigeria to host the event because of the inherent advantages to be derived.

    “So far, we have five ministers from various countries of Africa that have arrived and we are expecting more ministers to discuss issues on internal and regional integration.

    “The advantages for both for Sub-Sahara Africa and North Africa also include how we can relate within ourselves for the expansion of our economy and for social interaction that will generally improve our development,” Zakari said.

    NAN reports that the second SSATP Annual Meeting is under the Third Development Plan (DP3) scheduled from July 2 to July 6 to enhance knowledge and share experiences.

  • Princess Diana: A look at how the People’s Princess spent her last birthday

    Published: July,  2018
    PHOTO: CBS NEWS
    PHOTO: HELLO! MAGAZINEPHOTO: PINTERESTPHOTO: HELLO! MAGAZINEPHOTO: POP SUGARPHOTO: VANITY FAIRPHOTO: CBS NEWS

    Princess Diana is a name that echoes all across the globe. July 1 marked the late royalty’s 57th birth anniversary. The Princess of Wales married Prince Charles in 1981 and gave birth to two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. They later divorced in 1996.

    On her 36th birthday in 1997, the Princess woke up to a bouquet of 90 flowers as Harry called her from school. Diana was letting go of her past troubles and making plans for her future when her untimely death just two months later broke hearts all over the world.

    William said that he still feels shocked about his mother’s death, reported Hello! Magazine. To honour Diana on what would have been her 57th birthday, we take a look back at how she spent her last birthday in the world.

    PHOTO: POP SUGAR

    PHOTO: POP SUGAR

    Her brother Earl Spencer recalled that Diana was in dazzling form on her last birthday. The two were together at London’s Tate Gallery where the Princess was a guest of honour. At Diana’s funeral, Earl said, “The last time I saw Diana was on July 1, her birthday in London. As opposed to typical behaviour where one celebrates their special day with friends, Diana was a guest of honour at a special charity fundraising event. She sparkled, of course.”

    PHOTO: HELLO! MAGAZINE

    PHOTO: HELLO! MAGAZINE

    Diana sported an emerald and diamond necklace that originally belonged to Queen Mary, at the gala. She wore a black-beaded, Chantilly gown by Moroccan-designer Jacques Azagury, that complimented the Princess.

    It was revealed that Jacques gave the gown as a birthday give to Diana which was delivered to her at the Kensington Palace on the same morning. He said that Diana loved wearing black in the evening, a colour that the Royals only wore in mourning. However, since she was no longer royalty, she could where whatever she wanted.

    Bryan Adams opens up about alleged affair with Princess Diana

    Jacques shared, “Diana loved the gown. I believe she had another dress to wear but ended up wearing mine. She was happier than I had ever seen her. There was something about the way she carried herself; a certain new-found confidence.”

    PHOTO: PINTERESTPHOTO: PINTEREST

    Diana was amongst the most glamourous guests that night. She met the likes of Steve Martin, Philip Treacy, Karen Elson, Carole Bouquet and late musician David Bowie’s wife, Iman. However, Diana outshone the crowd and was the focus of every gaze.

    PHOTO: HELLO! MAGAZINE

    PHOTO: HELLO! MAGAZINE

    At the event, she received countless presents from her fans including bouquets, cards and a few balloons. Sadly, along with her birthday, it was also the Princess’ last gala. Many people that she spent that evening with were later present at her funeral. But she shone with the stars on her last birthday, capturing the true essence of who she was – a People’s Princess who had learnt how to use her position of power for the good of others.

    Culled from The Express Tribune

  • Malaria: UNICEF to distribute 358,134 nets in Borno

    UNICEF
    UNICEF logo

    By Rabiu Sani

    The United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) says it will distribute 358,134 insecticide treated nets in four local government areas of Borno for malaria prevention and control.

    UNICEF’s Communication Specialist, Kusali Kubwalo, said in a statement in Maiduguri that the nets would be distributed to children under the age of five, expectant and breastfeeding mothers.

    According to Kubwalo, “The exercise will be conducted in collaboration between the UNICEF, Borno State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) and the State Ministry of Health.

    “The nets which were procured with support of the British Department for International Development (DFID), will be distributed to deserving families in Bayo, Biu, Kwaya Kusar and Hawul Local Government Areas.”

    She said the beneficiaries would be sensitised to ensure effective utilisation of the nets.

    Also, she said that the organisation had so far distributed 45,868 treated nets in the Shani Local Government Area of the state.

    On the importance of the exercise, she said: “The exercise is designed to ensure the survival and protection of children, pregnant women and members of their families against malaria.

    “Malaria is endemic in Nigeria and considered to be one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children and pregnant women.”

    Mr Geoffrey Ijumba, UNICEF’s Chief, Borno Field office, said: “Preventing malaria is critical to improving nutrition, maternal and child health.

    “Pregnant women and their babies are especially at risk, since malaria infection during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, low birth weight and other complications.”

  • Presidential Villa roundup from June 24 to June 30, 2018

    President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the APC Convention
    President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the APC Convention

    President Muhammadu Buhari commenced his activities for the week on Sunday June 24, when he attended the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress at the Eagle Square, where Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was elected the new chairman of the party along with other national executives.

    In his closing remarks at the convention, the President said: “let the victors be humble in victory, and let those who didn’t win be also gallant and gracious in defeat.

    “We are members of one party, and it is not about winners takes all; rather, the purpose is to build a party that would put its best foot forward, and serve our country to the best of its ability.”

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo joined party leaders and faithful on Sunday at Eagle Square to attend the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress. In his remarks at the convention, the Vice President said the plight of the common man was the reason the Buhari government was elected into office.

    According to him, “The common men, those that are at the bottom of the pyramid, the millions who had been left behind, have remained the reason and rationale for our aspiration to the leadership of our nation.

    “We have worked hard in the past three years, despite the challenging circumstances that we inherited, and the absolute blight of the last five years, to resolve the issues in these areas. Now on every front, the light is appearing at the end of the tunnel.”

    On Monday, June 25, President Buhari received Urhobo traditional rulers and the leadership of the Urhobo Progressive Union in the State House.

    President Buhari received Urhobo traditional rulers and the leadership of the Urhobo Progressive Union in the State House
    President Buhari received Urhobo traditional rulers and the leadership of the Urhobo Progressive Union in the State House

    Later, while receiving UK-Africa Business Alliance Group and Nigerian Diaspora Alumni Network, the President assured them that anything done for the good of the country will be ultimately rewarded, and redound to the good of those behind it.

    A statement issued by Femi Adesina, President Buhari’s spokesman, quoted him as telling the group:  “You have been working quietly, supporting the government physically and materially, and you are doing it for your own country. Head or tail, you won’t lose. Please continue to do your best for the country.”

    President Buhari also hosted members of the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria.

    He told the group that he had no regrets being a person of honesty and integrity. “I am satisfied with what I am. I am happy I have kept myself and people close to me from benefiting from government contracts,” the President told a delegation of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria at the State House.

    President Buhari received members of the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria
    President Buhari received members of the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria

    Also on Monday, in a statement, denouncing the latest killings in Plateau State, which occurred at the weekend, the President decried what he called the increasing cheapening of human lives in the country, urging restraint in the crises in Plateau State.

    Elsewhere on Monday, Vice President Osinbajo hosted an expanded meeting of the Economic Management Team which featured a presentation from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council.

    At the meeting, the Vice President also unveiled the official report of the Executive Order 01, launched by him as Acting President of Nigeria in 2017.

    In his remarks, the Vice President called for greater commitment by MDAs in the implementation of government policies and programmes.

    Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
    Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

    Also on Monday, the Vice President visited Jos, the Plateau State Capital to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the loss of lives and property in the renewed clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the three Local Government Areas of Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Riyom.

    Osinbajo described the recent killings and violence in Plateau State as vicious and horrible, reiterating the resolve of the Federal Government to find permanent solutions to problems of insecurity in the country and ensure that the perpetrators of the recent attacks in the State are brought to book.

    President Buhari was in Calabar Cross River State on Tuesday, June 26, to commission Navy Reference Hospital and the first rice city and factory for the production of seedlings and seeds; the rice factory is a project of the Cross River State government.

    President Buhari with Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade at the inauguration of the first rice city and factory for the production of seedlings and seeds
    President Buhari with Cross River State Governor Prof. Ben Ayade at the inauguration of the first rice city and factory for the production of seedlings and seeds

    Later on Tuesday, President Buhari flew to Jos from Calabar to commiserate with the people of the State over the recent deaths following clashes between suspected herdsmen and some communities in Plateau State.

    At an interactive session with stakeholders in the State, the President said he would continue to put pressure on his service chiefs and law enforcement agents to protect lives and property in the country.

    Osinbajo was also busy at the Vice Presidential wing on Tuesday, June 26, as he received on a courtesy visit to the State House, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Charlse Bowman who led a delegation of business and investment interests from the UK to Nigeria.

    Later on Tuesday, the Vice President declared open the 2nd International Conference on LEAD POISONING associated with Artisanal Gold Mining in Nigeria with Special Focus on Prevention.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo declared open the 2nd International Conference on LEAD POISONING associated with Artisanal Gold Mining in Nigeria
    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo declared open the 2nd International Conference on LEAD POISONING associated with Artisanal Gold Mining in Nigeria

    In his remarks, the Vice President said: “Artisanal mining and the life to enjoy the wealth from it, is possible if we put in place the proper preventive measures and provide the right equipment.

    “No country should have to pay for its economic prosperity and development with the lives and wellbeing of its people.”

    Also on Tuesday, the Vice President was in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he launched the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinics in the State.

    At a town hall meeting with some young Nigerians, the Vice President said: “the Federal Government will end the many reported atrocities said to be committed by operatives of the unit.”

    Before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, June 27, President Buhari met behind closed doors with Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara at the State House.

    President Buhari met behind closed doors with Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara at the State House
    President Buhari met behind closed doors with Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara at the State House

    After the meeting, Dogara hinted State House Correspondents of a possible reorganisation of the country’s security architecture without giving details, noting that the President was putting in place enough security measures meant to prevent a repeat of such magnitude of violence.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo joined the President at the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

    On Thursday, June 28, President Buhari presided over the launch of the Nigeria HIV/AIDS indicator and impact survey, where he affirmed that it is the right of all Nigerians to have access to universal health care.

    He said with some 3.2 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS, the disease had significantly affected the overall development of the country.

    The President later received the President and National Executive of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences society.

    Buhari receives in courtesy call The President and National Executive of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS)
    Buhari receives in courtesy call The President and National Executive of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS)

    He told the group that the Federal Government’s key policy objective of rejuvenating the mining sector was being realised as witnessed by the diversification of the economy and broadening of the country’s revenue base.

    Also on Thursday, the presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, rebuffed the PDP for shedding ‘crocodile tears’ because of the killings in Plateau State.

    “The sad and unfortunate killings in Plateau State over the weekend have been turned to the opportunity to once again play irresponsible politics, particularly by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which says it is declaring seven days of mourning.

    These are dolorous times that call for deep introspection on how cheap human lives have become, and the proffering of actionable ideas on how to get out of the bind.

    But the PDP would rather dance on the graves of the dead, playing cheap, infantile politics.

    Femi Adesina
    Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina speaks on Nigerian economy

    The comatose and prostrate party is declaring seven days of mourning, during which flags in its offices would be flown at half mast nationwide. But unknown to the party, those flags had been forcefully lowered since its 2015 loss at the polls, and may remain so for a long time to come, because Nigerians are politically discerning, and cannot be hoodwinked by cheap antics,’’ Adesina wrote in a statement.

    Following a fire incident in Lagos involving a tanker laden with fuel, President Buhari expressed shock and sorrow over the unfortunate loss of lives.

    Condoling with the government and people of Lagos on the tragedy, the President urged emergency services and law enforcement officials to do their best to limit the losses and damage from the incident.

    Still on Thursday, Vice President Osinbajo presided over the National Economic Council meeting held at the State House Exco Chambers.

    From L-R, Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister for Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; Senator Udo Udoma and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during an expanded meeting of the Economic Management Team at the State House, Abuja
    From L-R, Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister for Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; Senator Udo Udoma and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during an expanded meeting of the Economic Management Team at the State House, Abuja

    The council deliberated on several issues some of which included the Excess Crude Account, the FAAC meetings, the Standard of Education in Nigeria, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, amongst others.

    At the end of the meeting the council resolved among other things that a Committee comprising Governors of Kano, Osun, Delta, Anambra, CBN Governor and the Honourable Minister of Education should look into what needs to be done urgently in the education sector at the State level and report back to the Council.

    On Friday, June 29, President Buhari left Abuja for Katsina State to commiserate with victims of the recent windstorm in the State.

    At the palace of the Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir, the President had assured that the Federal Government would provide assistance to those affected by the natural disaster.

    Earlier in Katsina, the President received ECOWAS Chairman and President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe.

    President Muhammadu Buhari Received ECOWAS Chairman and President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, in Katsina on Friday
    President Muhammadu Buhari Received ECOWAS Chairman and President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe, in Katsina on Friday

    During talks with the visiting ECOWAS Chairman, President Buhari welcomed a proposed security summit between members of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and countries in Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

    The President emphasized that terrorism now transcends international boundaries, and no country can combat the scourge alone.

    Later on Friday, the Presidency announced that President Buhari will embark on an official visit to Nouakchott, Mauritania to attend the 31st Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government from June 30 to July 2.

    A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), said the President in his capacity as the leader of the AU theme of the year: “Winning the Fight against Corruption, A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation”, will deliver an introductory remarks and presentation on the theme.

    Friday, June 29, saw Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visiting Lagos to attend the 3rd anniversary celebration of the 8th Assembly of the Lagos House of Assembly, where he delivered a lecture titled “STRENGTHENING LEGISLATIVE INSTITUTIONAL: PANACEA FOR ENDURING DEMOCRACY (STRONGER STATES, DEALING WITH POVERTY).”

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visiting Lagos to attend the 3rd anniversary celebration of the 8th Assembly of the Lagos House of Assembly
    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visiting Lagos to attend the 3rd anniversary celebration of the 8th Assembly of the Lagos House of Assembly

    According to the Vice President, “greater state autonomy is solution to addressing poverty, unemployment, insecurity and others challenges affecting the country.”

    He said greater autonomy to states was necessary without alterations to the constitution.

    On Saturday, June 30, President Buhari arrived Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania, for the AU summit.

  • APC youth caucus appeals to President Buhari to sack PDP appointees

    The National Youth Caucus of All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to “as a matter of urgency”, relieve all Chief Executives of Ministries, Departments and Parastatals (MDAs) appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The National Publicity Secretary of the Caucus, Mr Haruna Okatahi, made the appeal in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

    According to him, the call was based on “thorough investigation conducted by the APC Youths,” which showed that more than 800 appointees of Jonathan were still occupying positions in Buhari administration.

    Okatahi said that those positions were supposed to be filled or administered by competent APC faithfuls who would assist Buhari to deliver his campaign promises and implement the party manivestoes.

     “We have carried out an independent investigation and discovered that more than 800 appointees of former President Goodluck Jonathan are still occupying positions in Buhari administration.

    “This is at the detriment of the APC faithfuls who have the needed competence and required qualifications to be appointed into those positions,” Okatahi said.

    He called on the newly elected APC National Chairman, Adam Oshiomole to give hope to the party loyalist by ensuring their replacement with all Jonathan appointees.

    This, according to him, will ensure that those who put on their best in ensuring the emergence of Buhari administration be motivated to replicate their efforts that led to victory of APC in 2015.

    He expressed confidence in the capacity of Oshiomole to reposition the party which would translate to its victory in the forthcoming 2019 General Elections by the “grace of God.”

    He thanked the Northwest delegates of APC for electing the Deputy National Chairman of the caucus, Abubakar Fakai, as the APC Northwest youth leader. (FB)

  • Canada slams retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods

    Canada will from Sunday impose retaliatory tariffs on billions of U.S. goods in response to President Donald Trump‘s duties on steel and aluminium imports.

    Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s foreign minister, said  Ottawa will slap tariffs on $12.6 billion of U.S. exports starting tomorrow.

    “We will not escalate, and we will not back down,” Freeland said.

    Freeland said she spoke six times this week to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer about how to resolve the dispute over the impending tariffs that will hit a wide range of U.S. products.

    She said she remains confident that “common sense will prevail.”

    Freeland called the U.S. tariffs being imposed for national security reasons as “not only absurd, it’s hurtful.”

    In March, Trump announced tariffs of 25 percent steel imports and 10 percent on aluminium over national security concerns. He had exempted allies such as Canada and the European Union while talks continued with the leaders of those nations about a permanent waiver.

    “Canada has no choice but to retaliate with a measured, perfectly reciprocal dollar-for-dollar response,” Freeland said during remarks in Ontario.

    But at the end of May, Trump said that Canada and the EU would be swept into the tariffs, setting off a series of tit-for-tat tariffs by close U.S. trading partners.

    “The tariffs introduced by the United States on Canadian steel and aluminium are protectionist and illegal under [World Trade Organisation] and [North American Free Trade Agreement] rules, the very rules that the United States helped to write,” Freeland said.

    “It is with regret that we take these countermeasures, but the U.S. tariffs leave Canada no choice but to defend our industries, our workers and our communities, and we will remain firm in doing so,” she said.

    Canada, which buys more American steel than any other country, said that the U.S. has a $2 billion annual trade surplus in iron and steel products with Canada.

    The U.S., Canada and Mexico are expected to restart talks on the NAFTA after Mexico’s presidential elections, which are set for Sunday.

    Canadian steel is used in American tanks, and its aluminium goes into U.S. planes.

    In 2017, about $14 billion of steel was traded between Canada and the United States.

    Combined trade in aluminium between Canada and the U.S. is more than $11.4 billion a year.

    The Canadian government also announced that it would make available upward of $2 billion in assistance to its steel and aluminium companies.

    That amount includes $50 million over five years to help companies diversify markets and take advantage of EU and Asia-Pacific trade deals.

    Canada says it has already taken steps to address any dumping of metals into its market.

  • Philippine city mayor shot dead by gunman

    A Philippine Provincial City Mayor Antonio Halili, known for parading drug suspects in public has been shot dead.

    But Halili also is also alleged to have drug ties himself.

    Mayor Halili of Tanauan city in Batangas province south of Manila was shot and killed by yet to be identified attacker on Monday during a flag-raising ceremony in front of horrified employees.

    The mayor, however, died while being brought to a hospital, Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said.

    “They did not see anybody approach him. They just heard a gunshot so the assumption or allegation was it could have been a sniper shot,” Albayalde said in a news conference, adding that an investigation was underway.

    Dozens of employees and officials scrambled to safety when the gunfire rang out as they were singing the national anthem outside city hall.

    The bullet hit a cellphone in Halili’s coat pocket then pierced his chest, police said.

    Police were scouring a nearby elevated grassy area, where the gunman may have fired the shot.

    Halili became controversial two years ago when he ordered drug suspects to be paraded in public in Tanauan, a small city about 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Manila, in a campaign that was dubbed “walks of shame.”

    The suspects were forced to wear cardboard signs that read “I’m a pusher, don’t emulate me” in a campaign that alarmed human rights officials.

    Police officials, however, also linked Halili to illegal drugs, an allegation he strongly denied.

    He said at the time that he would resign and would be willing to be publicly paraded as a drug suspect if police could come up with evidence to support the allegation.

    Albayalde said investigators would try to determine if the killing was connected to Halili’s anti-drug campaign.

    Halili’s unusual campaign drew attention at a time of growing alarm over the rising number of killings of drug suspects under President Rodrigo Duterte.

    Since Duterte took office in 2016, more than 4,200 drug suspects had been killed in clashes with police.

    Human rights groups have reported much higher death tolls, although Duterte and his officials have questioned the accuracy of those reports.

    They said the suspects died because they opened fire and sparked gun battles with authorities although human rights groups have accused police of extrajudicial killings.

    Halili’s killing came a few weeks after a Catholic priest was shot and killed while preparing to celebrate Mass in a village chapel in northern Nueva Ecija province.

    Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a former national police chief, urged the police to impose stricter firearms control in light of the killings.

    “The killing of priests, prosecutors, and former and incumbent local officials in broad daylight and in full view of the public may be suggestive of the impunity and brazenness of those responsible for such acts,” Lacson said.

    “The Philippine National Police should feel challenged, if not taunted,” he said.

    “And they must immediately consider stricter firearms control strategies before similar killings could reach ubiquitous levels.”