US President Joe Biden and the German, French and British leaders on Friday stressed the “immediate necessity” for ending the more than year-old war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Biden, Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer in a joint statement said they agreed on “the immediate necessity to bring the hostages home to their families, for ending the war in Gaza, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians”.

The four leaders said they had “discussed events in the Middle East, in particular the implications of the death of Yahya Sinwar, who bears responsibility for the bloodshed of the October 7 terrorist attack” at the meeting in Berlin.

The leaders said they had also discussed the conflict in Lebanon, where Israel is fighting Hezbollah, and “reiterated their condemnation of Iran’s escalatory attack on Israel”.

On October 1 the Islamic republic fired about 200 missiles at Israel in revenge for the killing of two of its closest allies, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as well as an Iranian general.

Palestinian militant group Hamas sparked the war in Gaza by staging the deadliest-ever attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

During the attack, militants took 251 people hostage back into Gaza. Ninety-seven remain there, including 34 who Israeli officials say are dead.

Israel’s military campaign to crush Hamas and bring back the hostages has killed at least 42,500 Palestinians in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to data from the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

The UN considers those figures to be reliable.

The post US, Germany, UK, France see ‘immediate necessity’ to end Gaza war appeared first on HESPRESS English – Morocco News.

*Describes Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule as a Beacon of Modern Democracy

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter, has issued an urgent call to the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS, and its 26 members, to immediately dissolve the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Established by law to serve the interests of the people, RSIEC has failed to meet the expectations of Rivers State citizens and has tarnished the credibility of the election process.

Mr. Speaker, the youths of Rivers State also call your attention to the flagrant disregard for legal rulings demonstrated by the Chairman of RSIEC on October 5, 2024. By defying court judgments and squandering state resources on an election that failed to meet legal standards, RISEC has undermined public trust. We highlight the example set by the Osun State Electoral Commission, which respected court orders, and urge Rivers State to follow suit.

During its 56th Legislative Sitting of the Second Session, the Rivers State House of Assembly declared the seats of Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie (Ahoada East II), Hon. Victor Oko Jombo (Bonny), Hon. Adolphus Timothy Oruibienimigha (Opobo/Nkoro), and Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari (Ahoada West) vacant. This action followed a motion by House Leader Hon. Major Jack, co-sponsored by 25 other members, citing the persistent absence of these members from legislative sessions without valid cause.

The NYCN Rivers State commended Rt. Hon. Amaewhule for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering the growth of modern democracy. Amb. Worlu praised the Speaker and the Assembly for following due process in declaring the four seats vacant. He also eulogized the Assembly for formally notifying INEC to organize by-elections within the constitutionally mandated 90-day period, ensuring that the people of Rivers State remain adequately represented.

The Rivers Youths applauded this lawful and transparent action, calling it “a cornerstone for democracy in Nigeria.”

Long live Rivers State!
Long live Rivers State House of Assembly!
Long live Nigeria!

Build the Youth, Build the Nation.

Amb. Chimenem Worlu
Chairman, NYCN Rivers State Chapter

October 16, 2024.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has directed the establishment of a Public Complaints Desk at all the Zonal Directorates of the Commission and the Corporate Headquarters.

The Desk, designed to be manned by specially trained officers, will receive complaints from members of the public on all aspects of the Commission’s activities. It is also planned to bridge the interface gap between the EFCC and the larger public to enhance quick resolution of complaints by the public.

The EFCC’s boss urged members of the public with any complaint about the Commission’s operational activities to take advantage of this initiative to ventilate their grievances, assuring that all issues would be addressed.

Information on the telephone number of the Public Complaints Desk can be accessed on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories