Tag: US Embassy

2Mar By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Dino Melaye Submits Petition Against Yahaya Bello To EFCC, ICPC, Others

A group known as Anti-Corruption Network which Senator Dino Melaye belongs to has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the US Embassy, British High Commission, and Transparency International against Kogi State Government. According to the letters all dated March 1st, 2021, the group said its investigation revealed the Yahaya Bello administration engaged in corrupt practices in awarding contracts, borrowing from non-capital market, circumvention of procurement procedures among others. “We have meticulously investigated and uncovered huge financial fraud carried out by Kogi State Government, the Governor of Kogi State and his cohorts from 2016 – 2019,” the letter reads. Melaye, a...

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1Dec By dthataNo Comments

Politics

US condemns killing of 43 farmers in Borno state

The United States has condemned the killing of 43 rice farmers in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents over the weekend.   The US embassy in a statement released on Monday November 30, stated that abhorrent attacks are a stark reminder of why the United States stands with the Nigerian government and people as they fight to defeat terrorism and work to bring the perpetrators to justice.   It read;    “The United States condemns in the strongest terms the November 28 violent attack in Borno, Nigeria. The United States offers our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed or kidnapped. “These abhorrent attacks are a stark reminder of why the United States stands with the Nigerian government and people as...

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20Oct By dthataNo Comments

News

EndSARS: US Embassy Shuts Down Operations In Nigeria

THE United States Government, yesterday said it is shutting down it’s embassy in Lagos State for two days owing to the ongoing nationwide protest in the country. It also warned its citizens in Nigeria to be wary of the protest in the country by being vigilante and avoid areas affected by the ongoing protests. Though the U.S Mission Nigeria in the statement posted on its twitter handle, @USinNigeria failed shed light on its position on the protest, it stated that it will be shutting down the US Consulate in Lagos for two days starting from Tuesday. The statement reads: “Multiple demonstrations are ongoing across Nigeria – to include areas within the consular districts of Abuja and Lagos. “Although most demonstrations are peaceful, some have become violent and have shut down ...

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5Aug By BobbyNo Comments

News

Lebanon Blast was Caused by Welder as Death toll Passes 100

It has been claimed that the huge explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, that killed over 100 people and injured more than 4,000, was caused by a welder at work. Close to where the welder was working, there was "highly explosive sodium nitrate" confiscated from a ship by Lebanese authorities and placed in one of the warehouses located near the harbour. The ammonium nitrate - more than 2,750 tons - had been stored in the warehouse for six years. Security sources in the country have claimed the welder sparked the initial fire that in turn ignited the chemicals, causing a blast that has been compared to a "nuclear bomb". The blast sent seismic shockwaves through the city on Tuesday evening, August 4, destroying buildings and shattering windows....

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8May By dthataNo Comments

Politics

There’s Fresh $319m Abacha Loot In UK, France – US

The US embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday May 6, revealed that there is another $319m (N121bn) looted by former military dictator Sani Abacha, in the United Kingdom and France. It is not clear if the money in the UK is linked to Kebbi state Governor Atiku Bagudu, who was a financial adviser to the Abacha family, however the US embassy said there is a separate $167 million in stolen assets in France and another $152 million in the UK which is still subject to litigation. The statement reads in part; “The funds returned last week are distinct and separate from an additional $167m in stolen assets also forfeited in the United Kingdom and France, as well as $152m still in active litigation in the United Kingdom.” Bloomberg reported that the UK is however challenging the repatriati...

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28Mar By dthataNo Comments

News

Coronavirus: US To Evacuate Citizens From Nigeria

US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria says it is preparing emergency flights to evacuate its citizens in Nigeria despite airport closures , The PUNCH reports . This is not unconnected to the exploding coronavirus cases in Nigeria which stand at 81 on Saturday morning according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had closed all international airports in the country including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja to prevent further importation of COVID -19 . But the Consulate on Friday , in a notice entitled ‘ Health Alert: US Mission in Nigeria ’ sighted by The PUNCH , advised American citizens to be in Abuja and Lagos “ as soon as possible ” to joi...

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31Jan By BobbyNo Comments

News

I Was Never Denied US Visa – Bishop Oyedepo

Bishop David Oyedepo, the senior pastor of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, has denied reports claiming he was refused a visa by the US Embassy. Earlier today, Thisday newspaper published a report claiming the clergyman was denied a visa at the United States embassy in Lagos state. However, a statement released by the Chairman of the church’s editorial and media board, Prof. Sheriff Folarin, said Oyedepo was never at the US Embassy or Consulate on Thursday and was never denied a visa. Read the statement below Mainstream and online media spaces this morning were abuzz with the news that Bishop David Oyedepo was denied entry visa to the United States on Thursday, January 30, 2020. We wish to put it on record and categorically submit that this piece of information is NOT TRUE. ...

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31Jan By dthataNo Comments

News

We did not deny Bishop Oyedepo’s Visa – US Embassy

The US Embassy in Nigeria has stated that they did not deny the Visa application of Bishop Oyedepo, as earlier reported. _ In the early ours of Friday January 31, 2020, multiple reports indicated that the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo joined the list of popular figures in Nigeria being denied the US visa. _ This Day reported that Bishop Oyedepo told the Embassy’s authorities that he has been traveling to the United States since the 1980s, and wondered why his renewal was denied. _ The United States Diplomatic Mission Nigeria, has now come out to debunk the claims, tagging it a ‘fake news’. Taking to Twitter, the US Embassy urged the public to note that nothing of such had occurred.

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27Jan By dthataNo Comments

News

Rocket Strikes Dining Facility At US Embassy Compound In Baghdad

One rocket hit a dining facility Sunday on the compound of the US Embassy in Baghdad, a US official told CNN. The official said at this early stage there are reports of minor damage. Neither the Pentagon nor the State Department have made public any reports of injuries and have not returned requests from CNN for comment on the incident. Rep. Michael McCaul, the lead Republican on the House Foreign Affairs committee, said in a tweet Sunday that he is "closely monitoring reports of a rocket attack targeting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad." "Violent acts against our diplomatic facilities are simply unacceptable. We must ensure the safety of American diplomats, troops and other Americans in Iraq." Adil Abdul Mahdi, the prime minister of Iraq, condemned the attack and said Iraqi...

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7Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Iran: Reconsider Travelling To Nigeria, US Warns Citizens

Following the Friday killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a drone airstrike, the United States has cautioned Americans to reconsider travelling to or across Nigeria. The US Embassy in Nigeria, in a statement on its website, admonished American citizens to review their personal security measures, be prudent and keep a low profile. Stating that it had no specific security threat information, the mission advised US nationals in Nigeria to stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, government facilities, places of worship, tourist locations, and transportation hubs. The security advisory, which was dated January 3, 2020, also asked them to review and alter travel routes and times to reduce time and place predictability. It read, “Due to recent world ev...

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2Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

We Will Unhesitatingly Confront & Strike You – Iran’s Supreme Leader Responds To Trump’s War Threats

Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has responded to US President Donald Trump's Tuesday threats to attack Iran if there are any damages to US lives and properties after protesters stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, destroying parts of the building and setting fire on parts of the walls.     Dozens of Iraqi protesters stormed the US embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq on Tuesday and smashed the main door, setting fire to the reception area after US Military launched attacks on Iran backed Kataib Hezbollah, killing 25 suspected terrorists as retaliation for last week's killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base . The protests continued till Wednesday but later reduced after Iraqi military and US Marines boosted sec...

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31Aug By dthataNo Comments

News

US Reciprocity Visa Fees To Remain, Despite FG Turnaround – US Embassy

The United States embassy in Nigeria has said that its reciprocity fees for Nigerians applying for tourism, student and business visas would remain for now. This comes about 48 hours after the Federal Government announced a decrease in visa charges payable by US citizens applying for Nigerian visa. According to a statement by the US embassy on Friday, Nigerian authorities have not officially communicated the reduction to the embassy. “The U.S. Embassy looks forward to receiving official diplomatic communication regarding a new fee schedule for Americans seeking Nigerian visas. Until such time, and confirmation of implementation, the reciprocity fees for approved visas to the United States will remain in place,” the statement said. The US embassy had on August 27 said it rai...

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29Aug By dthataNo Comments

News

Why We Hiked Nigerian Applicants’ Visa Fees – US

Nigerian citizens applying for United States’ visas will be required to pay a visa issuance fee, or reciprocity fee, with effect from August 29. The reciprocity fee will be charged in addition to the non-immigrant visa application fee, also known as the Machine Readable Visa fee, which all applicants pay at the time of application. The reciprocity fee is applicable for all approved applications for non-immigrant visas in B, F, H1B, I, L, and R visa classifications, the US embassy said in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday. It said Nigerians whose applications for a non-immigrant visa were denied would, however, not be charged the new reciprocity fee. The mission explained that both reciprocity and MRV fees were non-refundable, and their amounts vary based on visa classification. ...

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27Aug By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

US Embassy in Nigeria increases tourism visa fee to N99, 900, blames FG for decision

The United States Embassy in Nigeria says effective from Thursday, August 29th this year, Nigerians applying for tourism, student and business visas will pay an additional $110 (N40, 700) to collect their visa if they are granted. This is asides the N59, 200 visa applicatuon fee. According to a statement released by the Embassy today August 27th, applicants seeking the L1 Visa (work permit) will pay an extra N112, 100 if given visas while those applying for H4 Visa (dependency/spousal) will pay an extra N66, 600. The US Embassy adopted the rate of N370/$1 for Nigerians which is higher than both the official rate and the black market rate. The Embassy says the increment was done based on reciprocity. It lamented that Americans seeking to come into Nigeria were being asked to pay exorb...

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26Aug By dthataNo Comments

News

US Embassy Blocks Visa Interview Dates In Nigeria Until Further Notice

Nigerians applying for visas to the United States are currently in a fix as they cannot seem to get appointment dates for interviews, The PUNCH understands. This is despite the payment of visa fees and other charges which range from N58,000 to N200,000. The United States Embassy has yet to respond to our enquiries. Depending on the class of visa, the cost ranges between $160, $190 and $265; while the exchange rate published on the US Embassy website is N370 to the dollar, which is higher than the Central Bank of Nigeria’s rate of N306/$1, and the black market rate of N363/$1. Student visa applicants are also made to pay a separate $350 “service fee.” A visit to the website of the US embassy by The PUNCH on Tuesday revealed that applicants who wish to apply for business/t...

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25Jun By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

A car loaded with gas canisters crashes into US embassy in Seoul just days before President Trump’s visit

A car filled with explosive gas has smashed into the US Embassy in Seoul just days before President Donald Trump is due to visit. A 40-year-old man identifed as Park Mo, believed to be the driver, was detained following the incident which took place at around 6pm local time. Police said the rental car suddenly turned right and slammed into the gates of the Embassy. After examining the car a box containing 30 butane canisters was found in the boot. South Korean police are now expected to consult with the US Embassy about strengthening the site's security. President Trump is set to touch down in Seoul on Saturday for a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump has said that he is considering visiting the heavily fortified demilitarised zone which divides North and South ...

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17Jun By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

Report of student visa ban for Nigerians is false — US Embassy

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has denied reports that the United States government has placed a ban on Student Visa for Nigerian students until further notice. The Embassy was reacting to a report that has since gone viral that the US had placed a ban on student visa. In a short statement released this morning via its official Facebook page, the Embassy wrote: “#FakeNews Alert! Be advised, reports of Student Visa ban for Nigerians is false. If you have seen such manufactured item on Facebook and Twitter or received it via WhatsApp, please communicate that it is false.”

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17Jun By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Crime

SARS ‘victim’ shares his alleged experience of threats and extortion complete with proof of transaction

A young man has narrated how SARS officers allegedly accosted him on his way to the US embassy, detained him and threatened to make him miss his appointment if he didn't give them money. He shared proof of a cash transaction he made to regain his freedom.      

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14May By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

US Embassy Suspends Drop Box

The Embassy and Consulate of the United States in Nigeria have suspended the interview waiver “Drop Box” application process effective May 14, 2019 All applicants are required to schedule regular appointments until further notice.

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16Apr By dthataNo Comments

News

We’re Not Happy Denying Nigerians Visa —US Embassy

The United States Embassy in Nigeria says contrary to popular beliefs, its visa officers are not always happy denying the visa applications of Nigerians. The embassy subsequently asked Nigerians to tune into a live Facebook talk at 2 pm on Wednesday. A Facebook post read in part, “Contrary to popular opinion, visa officers do not enjoy handing anyone the 214b refusal letter. “Proof: Visa Officers will be live on Facebook to talk about some of the commonly misunderstood questions on the DS 160 and help you improve your next application.” However, over 200 Nigerians disagreed in the comment section of the embassy’s Facebook page. Adaobi Emmanuella Njoku wrote, “Contrary to what you just posted, I think and believe they actually do enjoy it because they act like they know i...

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22Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

US Embassy Debunks Fake News On Atiku

The US Embassy has issued a disclaimer on the following content being transmitted on Facebook and WhatsApp.

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15Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

USA Embassy Message On Nigeria Election In Pidgin

Saturday general elections inside Nigeria dey important to America and dem dey hope say di election go dey peaceful. "I beg una election no be war o" - Consul General F. John Bray on @BBCNews

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29Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

What Happens In Nigeria Will Affect The World – US

In separate statements, the international community expressed concern over the timing, saying the action could have effect on the credibility of the elections. “We urge that the issues raised by this decision be resolved swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect for the rule of law, and the spirit of the Constitution of Nigeria,” the US embassy in Nigeria had said in its statement. But the presidency, in its response, had accused the US of undue interference in Nigeria’s affairs. Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, had said the position of the US and other European countries on Onnoghen’s suspension was out of misunderstanding. Writing via its Twitter handle on Monday, the US embassy restated its support for the nation’s democracy. “Why does th...

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26Jan By dthataNo Comments

Politics

US Embassy Reacts To The Suspension And Replacement Of Chief Justice Of Nigeria

“The Embassy of the United States is deeply concerned by the impact of the executive branch’s decision to suspend and replace the Chief Justice and head of the judicial branch without the support of the legislative branch on the eve of national and state elections. We note widespread Nigerian criticism that this decision is unconstitutional and that it undermines the independence of the judicial branch. That undercuts the stated determination of government, candidates, and political party leaders to ensure that the elections proceed in a way that is free, fair, transparent, and peaceful – leading to a credible result. We urge that the issues raised by this decision be resolved swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect for the rule of law, and the spirit ...

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2Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

US Embassy In Abuja Re-opens, Gives Reason For Closure

The United States, US Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos have reopened for visa applicants. The embassy said in a Facebook post that only the American centres will be closed. US embassy in Abuja re-opens, gives reason for closure The American centres include the libraries and other sections. It said visa applicants should not miss their appointments as this service would continue despite a government shutdown. The statement read: “US Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos remain open for all consular business, including visa interviews. Please attend your regularly scheduled interview.” The US executive arm of government led by President Donald Trump and the legislative arm have been at loggerheads for nearly two months over Trump’s attempt to build a...

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30Nov By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Atiku Abubakar Applies For US Visa

Online media has gathered that Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has applied for a visa to enable him to visit the United States. This was learnt yesterday. It was gathered that the former Vice-President appeared for an interview at the US Embassy on Tuesday in Abuja. It was further gathered that Atiku would use the trip to make what was described as “political statement” ahead of the 2019 presidential election.

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30Nov By dthataNo Comments

Politics

PDP Kicks As FG Cautions US Against Granting Atiku Visa

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has applied for a visa to enable him to visit the United States, our correspondent learnt on Thursday. It was learnt that the former Vice-President appeared for an interview at the US Embassy on Tuesday in Abuja. Our correspondent learnt that Atiku would use the trip to make what was described as “political statement” ahead of the 2019 presidential election. According to our source, those planning the trip with the former VP are out to use it to address some US congress caucuses, as well as a high ranking official in the Donald Trump administration. However, our source could not confirm if Atiku would also use the opportunity to address the entire congress if he makes the visit. The source said, “I c...

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26Nov By dthataNo Comments

News

Visa-seeking Nigerian Students Lament Sad Experiences At US Embassy

Twenty-six-year-old Benjamin had prepared himself and spent five days fasting and praying to secure a student visa at the United States’ embassy. His widowed mother had spent her savings to pay all the fees leading to the stage and her hopes were hinged on Benjamin scaling through the crucial interview. Like other students seeking admission to schools in the US, Benjamin’s mother had, according to him, paid about $100 (N36,000) for application fee to the foreign school, $300 (N108,000) for evaluation fee, and $91 (N32,000) for the courier service to bring the admission documents to Nigeria. The United States had also been paid $200 with an additional $20 service charge (N80,300). the documents arrived and Benjamin’s mother paid N57,600 for the visa application to the embassy. ...

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22Nov By dthataNo Comments

News

US Embassy To Close Abuja, Lagos Offices On Thursday

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced that its offices in Abuja and Lagos would be closed on Thursday, November 22, 2018. Giving the reason for the closure, the US Embassy stated that the closure would be in observance of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The embassy announced the closure through its official Twitter handle, @USEmbassyAbuja via a tweet that read: "The U.S. Embassy in Abuja, and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, will be closed on Thursday, November 22, in observance of Thanksgiving. Thank you for being part our community!!! Happy Thanksgiving!" The U.S. Embassy in Abuja, and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, will be closed on Thursday November 22 in observanc...

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8Nov By dthataNo Comments

Celebs

‘I’m So Angry, Pissed And Frustrated’ – Bbnaija’s Khloe Cries Out After UK, US, Canada Embassy Denied Her Visa

Ex Big Brother Naija housemate, Khloe is really angry tonight as she shares her frustration with embassies that keep denying her visas.   According to her, the UK embassy has denied her visa three times, US twice and Canada once. 'I’m so angry, pissed and frustrated. Been denied severally and it always put me in a bad state' she said.   Read her full rant below....   Guys let’s have a chat about EMBASSIES in Nigeria ... What are your experiences? What do you think can be done ? I’m so angry , pissed and frustrated .. been Denied severally and it always put me in a bad state.... UK - 3times US - 2 times CANADA- 1 time The most annoying part is it’s non refundable application . Some even pay For fast tracking which it’s not a small change ... All ...

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26Oct By dthataNo Comments

Politics

PDP Youth Leader Petitions US, UK, Germany, Accuses APC Of Political Intimidation

Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye has called on the United States of America to investigate alleged political intimidation, harassment, forced disappearance and gross human right abuses of opposition figures in the country. Udeh-Okoye who played host to officials from the US embassy on Wednesday, accused the All Progressives Congress, APC-led federal government of harassing opposition members in the country. He submitted his petition to the US team led by Mr. Franz Seitz, the political officer of US embassy, adding that he has submitted similar petition to the ambassadors of UK and Germany in Nigeria. According to a release by the Press Secretary of the PDP national youth leader, Mr. Okah Ewah Edede, the quest was “to get the international community to exert pressure on the APC-led federal ...

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9Oct By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Atiku Media Organization Accuses APC Of Planning Protest To Return Atiku To America

The Atiku Media Organization has raised an alarm that the APC through it's media group know as Buhari media organization (BMC) is planning a protest in the 36 state of the federation and also the US Embassy. This was revealed via the groups Twitter handle known as @TeamAtikulate on Tuesday. Coordinator of the Atiku Media Organization Laurel Chinedu revealed this saying that paid members of the Buhari Media Organization are planning to stage a protest in all states of the federation including the US Embassy with the theme #AtikutraveltoAmerica. He went further to call such planned action as childish stating that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar has witnessed three administration since leaving his post as vice President and yet none of these administration has deemed it fit to char...

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29Aug By dthataNo Comments

Politics

US Government Speaks On Calling Buhari “Lifeless”

The United States Government has refused to comment or deny a statement credited to President Donald Trump, that Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari was “lifeless”, following a visit to the White House earlier this year. Aruba Amirthanayagam, who is Counselor for Public Affairs, US Embassy, while speaking in Minna, Niger State on Tuesday during his visit to Zubair Idris, the Executive Director of Prestige FM Radio, said: “We have no specific comment on that, a newspaper published it, the paper should comment on it”. Amirthanayagam also said that it will not take side in the Nigeria’s 2019 general election, saying it wants the winner to be elected in a free and fair contest. “And we will do all we can to assist Nigeria’s government. “The United States expects that the 2019 ...

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17Aug By dthataNo Comments

News

US Embassy Says Visa Services At Abuja Might Resume Next Week

The U.S. Embassy has said that the suspended consular services in Abuja may resume after the Eid-el-Kabir holidays. The embassy stated this in an updated information on its website Thursday. It read: “We regret the inconvenience this has caused to our applicants in Abuja and hope to resume operations after the Eid-el-Kabir holidays. ”Please monitor the Facebook and Webpage of the U.S. Embassy for the next status update of consular operations in Abuja.” The embassy had in a statement on Wednesday, announced temporary suspension of its regular services for visas and American Citizen Services in Abuja. It, however, noted that other offices within the Embassy remained open. The embassy stressed that consular functions at the U.S. Consulate in Lagos were not affected with ...

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17Jan By raymonNo Comments

News

Nigeria Calls On US Embassy Due To Trump’s Insult

Nigeria asked the US embassy for clarification on the insulting formulations about Africa made last week by President Donald Trump, the Foreign Ministry reported today. We seek clarification on the veracity, or instead, the substance of the formulations, reported the spokesman of the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, Geoffrey Onyema. In the absence of the ambassador, the call was attended by the second head of the diplomatic headquarters in Washington, David Young, who alleged that "there are contradictory accounts on whether the statements were made," said the spokesman. We underline that, if true, (the descriptions) "were deeply hurtful, offensive and unacceptable," the official added, referring to statements by the US president, who described African states and Haiti and El Salvador...

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24Dec By raymonNo Comments

News

US Government May Sanction Nigeria, Others Over Jerusalem

The United States Government has spoken of an impending sanction for Nigeria and other countries that voted against its decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. US President Donald Trump had earlier in the month formally recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as well as making plans to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the Holy City. However, last Thursday, the Nigerian Government and 127 other countries kicked against that decision.   A US Department of State official, Julia Mason, told Punch that US may stop financial aid to Nigeria and others.   Mason said, “As President Trump said on December 20, it is a factor in the process of making our assistance decisions.   “The president’s foreign policy team has been empowered to ex...

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20Dec By ZIHONo Comments

News

US President Donald Trump To Visit Britain In February – Report

US President Donald Trump plans to visit Britain, in February, to open the new US embassy in London but will not meet Queen Elizabeth, the Daily Mail newspaper reported on Wednesday. Trump’s planned visit to Britain has proved controversial since Prime Minister, Theresa May, invited him for a state visit, which typically involves lavish pageantry and events hosted by the queen. However, nearly two million people have signed a petition, saying Trump should not be invited because it “would cause embarrassment” to the queen, and protests could be expected to greet the U.S. leader. The Daily Mail cited a source in Westminster as saying Trump had told May during a call on Tuesday that he planned a working visit to Britain to open the new embassy. The embassy is a billion-dollar buil...

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9Dec By raymonNo Comments

News

Terror Attacks Still Likely In Abuja, Others –US, UK

The United States and the United Kingdom have insisted that the risk of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the Federal Capital Territory and other states remains high throughout the festive season. The two missions in their security advice cautioned their citizens against all but essential travels to Bauchi, Zamfara, Kano; Kaduna; Jigawa; Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, and Yobe states during the Yuletide. However, the US Embassy Information Officer, Russell Brooks, said the warning would stand till the end of the year, adding that it was not limited to the last public holiday in the country.

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28Oct By raymonNo Comments

News

Denying ‘Sonic Attacks,’ Cuba Names Diplomats, Releases Medical Record

The Cuban government apparently named for the first time some of the US diplomats who suffered health problems as a result of a series of mysterious incidents in Havana that US officials have described as attacks on their personnel. The names of nine people identified as US diplomats were shown briefly on Cuban state-run TV Thursday night during a half -hour program on the incidents that have caused US-Cuban relations to sink to their lowest point in years. Cuban officials in the TV program "Presumed Acoustic Attacks" vehemently denied targeting the diplomats and said no evidence exists to suggest they actually took place. In the April 2017 letter shown on TV, officials from the Cuban Interior Ministry-- the agency investigating the alleged attacks-- requested information from a governm...

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20Aug By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

North Korea Slams Upcoming US-South Military Exercises

North Korea has warned the United States will be “pouring gasoline on fire” by conducting annual war games with the South amid heightened tensions between Pyongyang and Washington. The Ulchi Freedom Guardian military exercises involving thousands of American and South Korean troops are to begin on Monday. North Korea views the drills as a highly provocative rehearsal for an invasion. Combative rhetoric between the nations has spiked after Pyongyang tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in July that appeared to bring much of the US within range, sparking an intense warning by President Donald Trump that Washington could rain “fire and fury” on the North. Pyongyang then threatened to fire a salvo of missiles towards the US territory of Guam – a plan that leader Kim ...

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1Aug By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

US Fails To Account For Billions Spent In Afghanistan

A new quarterly report published by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) shows the US has failed to account for hundreds of billions of dollars it spent on propping up the Afghan government, while the value of opium production in the country has doubled in a year. The US has spent over $714bn in the past 15 years supporting Afghanistan's governments, bolstering its armed forces and building infrastructure in the country, but due to a rampant culture of corruption and lack of US monitoring on the ground, the results are less than satisfactory. According to SIGAR, despite the massive US spending, the balance between US-backed Afghan government and the insurgency remained at standstill since 2016. Sixty percent of the total districts in the country are un...

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31Jul By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

755 US Diplomats Must Leave Russia – Putin

President Vladimir Putin said 755 US diplomats must leave Russia and warned ties with Washington could be gridlocked for a long time, in a move Sunday that followed tough new American sanctions. The Russian foreign ministry had earlier demanded Washington cut its diplomatic presence in Russia by September to 455 — the same number Moscow has in the US. “More than a thousand people were working and are still working” at the US embassy and consulates, Putin said in an interview with Rossia-24 television. “755 people must stop their activities in Russia.” Putin added that an upturn in Russia’s relations with Washington could not be expected “any time soon”. “We have waited long enough, hoping that the situation would perhaps change for the better,” he said. “But it seems that...

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26Jul By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

Sagay Seeks Punishment For SANs Frustrating Grand Corruption Cases

Sagay said such punishment for SANs must include denial of right of appearance in such high profile and grand corruption cases. The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), has advocated “stiff punishment for counsel, particularly Senior Advocates, who have turned obstruction and frustration of proceedings on high-profile corruption cases into an art”. Sagay said such punishment for SANs must include denial of right of appearance in such high profile and grand corruption cases. Sagay said this on Wednesday at the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s latest media roundtable, titled: “Strategies and Approaches for the Successful Completion and Effective Prosecution of Abandoned and Unresolved High Profile Cases of Corrup...

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13Jul By Czar Owolabi Marcus1 Comment

News

Afghan Girls Robotics Team Given US Visa After Outrage

US officials have decided to allow a group of Afghan girls - whose visa applications had been twice rejected - to travel to the country and participate in an international robotics competition, ending a saga that had sparked international backlash. Homeland Security Department spokesman David Lapan said the US Citizenship and Immigration Services approved a State Department request for six girls from the war-torn country to be allowed in, along with their chaperone, so they can participate in the competition. The non-profit organising the competition celebrated the reversal in a statement on Wednesday. "I truly believe our greatest power is the power to convene nations, to bring people together in the pursuit of a common goal and prove that our similarities greatly outweigh our di...

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1Jun By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

Donald Trump Delays Moving US Embassy To Jerusalem

US President Donald Trump has signed a waiver to delay relocating the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, the White House says. The decision avoids a controversial step that would have complicated his efforts to restart long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian talks. "[Trump] has repeatedly stated his intention to move the embassy," the White House said in a statement on Thursday. "The question is not if that move happens, but only when." The White House said Trump "made this decision to maximise the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians". Trump, who pledged during the 2016 presidential campaign to move the embassy, chose instead to continue his predecessors' policy of signing a six-month waiver overriding a 1995 law requiring th...

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27Apr By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

U.S., Presidency Fire Jonathan Over Poll, Graft

The United States and President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday hit back at former President Goodluck Jonathan over his claims on the 2015 polls and anti-corruption fight. Jonathan had claimed that he lost his re-election to local and international conspiracies, including U.S., during the 2015 presidential election. He also accused Buhari of harassing his family with his anti-corruption fight. But both the U.S. and Buhari said there was no truth in Jonathan’s claims. Jonathan, in a book titled, “Against The Run of Play”, written by Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, a former presidential spokesman, had expressed worries that Buhari’s government was hounding his family using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “I feel sad about the way my family is being hounded. Society is like ...

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27Apr By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

Tinubu: “Saraki And El-Rufai Instigated Buhari Not To Pick Me As VP”

A National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has alleged that Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, worked against the plan to make him President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in the 2015 presidential election. Tinubu stated that Saraki, El-Rufai and other stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party, who defected to the APC in the build-up to the 2015 elections, instigated Buhari and some APC chieftains not to pick him as the would-be Vice-President. The APC leader’s comments were contained in a book titled ‘Against the Run of Play,’ written by the Chairman, Editorial Board of ThisDay, Olusegun Adeniyi. Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State, said his opponents persuaded Buhari to look for another r...

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24Mar By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

Buhari Spent $2.6bn On Boko Haram Crisis –CDS

Presidential committee awarded contracts to ghost companies –Senate US Embassy staff, visa seekers flee over bomb scare To address the humanitarian challenges caused by Boko Haram terrorists, the Muhammadu Buhari administration, in 2016, spent more than $2.6 billion. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, made the disclosure in Washington, D.C. at the meeting of the ‘Global Coalition Working to Defeat ISIS’. “After over $2.6 billion was spent by the Nigerian Government to address humanitarian needs in 2016 – more needs were seen when areas were recovered from Boko Haram. “Many in this room joined us in Oslo, Norway just last February to show support with Nigeria. “Coalition is fundamental. We, therefore, commend Secretary Rex Tillerson and President Donald Trump fo...

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9Mar By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

US Embassy Releases Statement On Nigerian Travel To US

The US Embassy in Nigeria via their official website releases statement telling Nigerians willing to travel to the US with valid visas to go ahead and make the trip. The U.S. Embassy in Abuja wishes to clarify that there is no reason for Nigerians with valid visas to postpone or cancel their travel to the United States. Nigeria is not named in the Executive Order on Immigration issued on March 6, and there is no prohibition against Nigerian lawful permanent residents or persons with a valid visa or other U.S. government authorization from entering the United States.

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18Feb By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News, Sport

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke Denied Entry To The United States

Dwight Yorke, the former Manchester United striker, was denied entry to the United States as he ‘had an Iranian stamp on his passport’. The 45-year-old was travelling to his home country of Trinidad and Tobago via the US when the incident occurred on Friday. Yorke works as an ambassador for United, representing his former club in charity matches and commercial events, but the journey in question was conducted while he was on personal business. Yorke has since told The Sun that he was barred from entering the US due to an Iranian stamp on his passport, having played in a charity match in Tehran in 2015. The incident came to light after a tweet by Richard Keys, the beIN Sports presenter. Yorke occasionally appears alongside Keys on the Dubai-based network’s coverage of European f...

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