Author: Chronicle Editor

Human Rights Watch says Saudi Arabia has executed 48 people so far in 2018, half of them for non-violent drug crimes. Many more people convicted of drug crimes remain on death row following convictions by Saudi Arabia’s notoriously unfair criminal justice system, the HRW said on Wednesday. The Death Penalty Worldwide Database, which collects information on executions across the globe, shows that Saudi Arabia has one of the highest execution rates in the world and applies the death penalty to a range of offences that do not constitute “most serious crimes,” including drug offences, adultery, sorcery, and apostasy. Saudi Arabia…

President Muhammadu Buhari will today inaugurate the Air Force Referral Hospital in Bauchi state as well as road projects embarked upon by the state government. He is also expected to flag-off distribution of farming implements during his two-day working visit to the state. Buhari will be received by Governor Mohammed Abubakar and other senior members of the government. Meanwhile, the state government has declared a public holiday today. “The Bauchi State government has declared Today, Thursday, April 26, as a public holiday to welcome President Muhammed Buhari to the state,” a statement by the state government read. READ: Tinubu condemns…

Real Madrid took control of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich with victory in the first leg at the Allianz Arena. The holders, attempting to win the competition for the third successive season, struggled defensively but were clinical in attack – with Marcelo and Marco Asensio scoring either side of half-time. Marcelo smashed home a half-volley from the edge of the penalty area to level matters before Asensio capitalised on an error by full-back Rafinha to score a breakaway goal. Joshua Kimmich had put Bayern in front when he slotted past Keylor Navas at the near post. READ: Arsene…

Senator Oluremi Tinubu has condemned the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye as well as that of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege last week by the police. “If Senators Melaye and Ovie Omo-Agege can be taken away by the police, it destroys the sanctity of this chamber,” the senator representing Lagos Central said. “The people look to the Senate for protection. The average man needs protection just as we do,” Tinubu, who is the wife of the national leader of the All Progressives Congress added. Senator Ubali Shitu echoed Tinubu’s sentiments. “We did not vote this Government to abuse democracy. I condemn shameful…

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, is planning to embark on peaceful protest and prayers against unending killings and freedom of Leah Sharibu and Chibok schools girls on Sunday, April 29. CAN made the declaration in a statement following the killing of two Catholic priests, Rev.Fr Joseph Gor, Rev.Fr Felix Tyolaha and 17 worshippers of St. Ignatius Quasi Parish, Ukpor-Mbalom, Gwer East LGA of Benue State. The statement signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle, on Wednesday in Abuja, described the killing as an Anomie. He said that the…

The House of Representatives on Wednesday summoned President Muhammadu Buhari to appear before it to explain the spate of killings in many parts of the country. The assembly also passed a vote of no confidence on the country’s Service Chiefs and all the security advisers to the president. It further resolved to suspend sitting for three legislative days to express displeasure over the recurring killings. These resolutions followed the unanimous adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance moved by Rep Mark Gbillah (Benue APC). READ: FIRS generates N1.7trn in Q1 of 2018 Nigeria has been facing security…

The Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, generated N1.17 trillion in the first quarter of 2018 from the collection of different tax types. A report published in a national newspaper stated that the sum represents a significant leap over the N778.19bn recorded in the first quarter of last year. Citing a letter written by the FIRS Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Fowler, to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, the paper reported that the amount generated in the first quarter of this year is N393.39bilion in excess of what was generated in the first three months of last year. In the letter…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC today arraigned before a Federal high court in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, the senator representing Delta North senatorial district Peter Nwaoboshi on two count charge of laundering N805million. Arraigned alongside the senator are two limited liability companies, Golden Touch Construction Project Limited and Suiming Electrical Limited. In a two-count criminal charge number FHC/L/117C/18 signed by EFCC legal officer Offem Uket, it was stated thus: That you Peter Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project Limited between May and June 2014 within the jurisdiction of the honourable court did acquire a property described as Guinea House…

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that the timing of his departure from the club after nearly 22 years “was not really my decision”. It was announced on Friday that the Frenchman would leave the club at the end of the season, despite having a year left on his contract. Speaking before Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid, Wenger said: “I focus on what I have to do every day. “At the moment, I work like ever.” The 68-year-old said he would continue to work “for sure” in the future, but was not ready to commit to anything…

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has questioned the legitimacy of efforts by the US and its European allies to change a nuclear deal with his country. The US and French leaders announced on Tuesday that they were working on a “new deal” that would expand and extend the terms of the 2015 accord. But Mr Rouhani said they had no “right” to renegotiate a seven-party agreement. He also dismissed US President Donald Trump as a “tradesman” not qualified to comment on global treaties. “You don’t have any background in politics,” he said. “You don’t have any background in law. You don’t…