A Facebook whistleblower goes before US lawmakers Tuesday to urge regulation of the social media giant after an outage impacted potentially billions of users and highlighted global dependence on its services.

Ex-employee Frances Haugen is set to testify on Capitol Hill after she leaked reams of internal research to authorities and the Wall Street Journal, which detailed how Facebook knew its sites were potentially harmful to young people’s mental health.

She will speak before senators less than a day after Facebook, its photo-sharing app Instagram and messaging service WhatsApp went offline for roughly seven hours, with “billions of users” impacted, according to tracker Downdetector.

In excerpts of Haugen’s testimony leaked to US media, she argues for regulation of the closely scrutinized company that is woven into the daily lives of so many people.

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“When we realized tobacco companies were hiding the harms it caused, the government took action. When we figured out cars were safer with seatbelts, the government took action,” the excerpts said. “I implore you to do the same here.”

Facebook has pushed back hard against the outrage regarding its practices and their impact, but this is just the latest crisis to hit the Silicon Valley giant.

US lawmakers for years have threatened to regulate Facebook and other social media platforms to address criticisms that the tech giants trample on privacy, provide a megaphone for dangerous misinformation and damage young people’s well-being.

After years of fierce criticism directed at social media, without major legislative overhauls, some experts were skeptical that change was coming.

“It’s going to have to come down to the platforms, feeling pressure from their users feeling pressure from their employees,” Mark Hass, an Arizona State University professor told AFP.

Haugen, a 37-year-old data scientist from Iowa, has worked for companies including Google and Pinterest — but said in an interview Sunday with CBS news show “60 Minutes” that Facebook was “substantially worse” than anything she had seen before.

Facebook’s vice president of policy and global affairs Nick Clegg vehemently pushed back at the assertion its platforms are “toxic” for teens, days after a tense, hours-long congressional hearing in which US lawmakers grilled the company over its impact on the mental health of young users.

Facebook has not commented on the possible cause of Monday’s outage, but cyber security experts noted they had found signs that online routes that lead people to the social giant were disrupted.

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“Sometime this morning Facebook took away the map telling the world’s computers how to find its various online properties,” according to a post-Monday from cyber security expert Brian Krebs.

In addition to the disruption to people, businesses, and others that rely on the company’s tools, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took a financial hit.

Fortune’s billionaire tracking website late Monday said Zuckerberg’s personal fortune plunged by nearly $6 billion from the prior day to land at just under $117 billion.

Some people rejoiced at Facebook’s tools being offline, but some complained to AFP that the outage had caused trouble for them both professionally and personally.

“I love Instagram. It’s the app I use the most, especially for my job,” said Millie Donnelly, community manager for a nonprofit.

“So professionally, it’s definitely a step back and then personally, I just am always on the app,” she added.

Facebook Whistleblower To Push For Regulation

About 10 Nigerian politicians have been implicated in the Pandora Papers and at least eight African countries featured in the document.

In all, there are 336 politicians listed in the document, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which published the earth-shaking papers on Sunday.

The ‘Pandora Papers’ is an investigation based on one of the biggest-ever leaks of financial documents which, on Sunday, exposed a hidden world of shielded wealth belonging to hundreds of politicians and billionaires.

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Considered as one of the largest ever global media investigations, the Pandora Papers involved more than 600 journalists who, together, analyzed some 11.9 million documents from financial services companies around the world.

They found links between almost 1,000 companies in offshore havens and 336 high-level politicians and public officials, including more than a dozen serving heads of state and government.

According to an interactive map of the leaked documents, five Côte d’Ivoire politicians were helped by foreign agents to stash money suspected to be looted away from public view.

Ghana has three politicians listed in the documents, which has been described as “An offshore data tsunami.”

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Chad, Kenya and Congo Brazzaville have two politicians each listed in the infamous documents that had reportedly sent shivers down the spines of public figures globally; while Gabon has three politicians listed.

Angola has nine politicians listed in the document, while Zimbabwe and South Africa have two each.

10 Nigerian politicians implicated in Pandora Papers

A federal high court sitting in Awka, Anambra state has faulted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for imposing discriminatory bank charges on some categories of cash depositors from N500,000.00 and above in selected six states and the FCT.

The CBN had through two Circulars tagged BPS/DIR/GEN/CIR/04/004 and PSM/DIR/CON/CWO/02/014, published on April 20, 2017 and September 17, 2019 respectively, imposed the charges.

The court’s position followed a Suit marked FHC/AWK/CS/91/2020 filed by a lawyer, Chijioke Ifediora challenging the said CBN action in which he stated that the charge was ultra vires, illegal and unconstitutional.

The Plaintiff had urged the Court presided by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba to, considering the provisions of Sections 1 (3 ), 2 ( 1) and Section 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 ( as amended), determine whether the said two CBN Circulars are not discriminatory, ultra vires, unconstitutional and illegal.

The plaintiff in his averment said he took the decision to sue the CBN when on January 7, 2020, he went to the Bank at Amawbia Awka, to make cash lodgment of N600,000 into his account, and was told that he would not be allowed to effect the deposit without paying the charge in accordance with the CBN Circular PSM/DIR/CON/CWO/02/014.

Ifediora consequently urged the court to grant three reliefs that the said two CBN Circulars are ultra vires, unconstitutional and illegal. That they are in conflict with Section 1(3), Section 2(1) and Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and that the charges emanating from the implementation of the two CBN Circulars are illegal and unlawful.

The five Declaratory Orders the Plaintiff sought were for the CBN “to refund all citizens and corporate bodies operating in Anambra illegally or unlawfully charges by the implementation of the said Circulars,

“To refund of all citizens and corporate bodies operating in Anambra, Abia, Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Rivers and FCT who were also allegedly illegally or unlawfully charged by the implementation of the Circulars.

“To order a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant/ CBN from publishing or issuing Circulars or implementing similar policies that are discriminatory or in conflict with Section 42 of the Constitution,

“To restrain all Financial Institutions and Deposit Money Banks from implementing similar discriminatory policies,

“And to direct the CBN to make a reversal publication of the implementation of the said Circulars in five ( 5) national newspapers indicating compliance with the decision of Court and refund of the unlawful charges”.

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Counsel for the CBN, Chief Musa M.Tolani, an Aba based legal practitioner,
in his submission, argued that the Plaintiff lacked the locus standi to institute the Suit.

He described the plaintiff as a meddlesome interlopper, since he did not have the authority of all the citizens and corporate institutions residing in the states affected by the CBN circular, and failed to show how the policy affected him injuriously more than the rest of the residents of the states being sought to be protected.

The defence counsel added that the policy was introduced to facilitate the implementation of the CBN well intentioned and worthy cashless policy for the overall well-being of the Federation economy.

In his judgement, Justice Dimgba agreed with the Plaintiff that the policy was discriminatory before its general application across the Federation, hence the Suit is one challenging the lawfulness of the action of the CBN, which is a Federal Government agency.

He stressed that Section 252(1)(p) of the Constitution has vested the court with the jurisdiction to the exclusion of any other court to dispose of matters like that.

While he agreed with the Plaintiff that the CBN policy was discriminatory and offended section 42 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) in the first three reliefs sought by the Plaintiff, but refused to grant his five (5 ) consequential Orders sought from the Court.

Justice Dimgba explained that his refusal to grant the five consequential Orders was because it was admitted during oral hearings that the policy is now of nationwide application.

He made no Order as to costs against the Defendant.

Court faults CBN on discriminatory bank charges

Protesters under the aegis of #Revolutionnow Movement on Friday morning stormed streets in Osogbo, capital of Osun State.

They protested against the detention of leader of Independent People of Biafra(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The protesters, led by Oguntola Ayomide, carried banners and placards while chanting anti-government songs.

They also demanded for better governance and Nigeria.

BREAKING: #RevolutionNow protest hits Osogbo

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has postponed the official launch of its digital currency, the E-naira.

According to the CBN spokesperson, Mr Osita Nwanisobi, the decision to postpone the unveiling of the E-naira, scheduled for October the 1st, was made to avoid any distractions from the country’s 61st Independence Day celebration.

Nevertheless, the CBN has assured Nigerians that the bank and other partners are working to ensure a seamless process for the benefit of all.
Meanwhile, no new date has been announced for the launch.

CBN Postpones Launch Of Digital Currency ‘E-naira’

Netflix has announced the acquisition of its first video game studio, as the streaming giant bids to expand its entertainment empire with a push into the lucrative gaming sector.

The company announced on Tuesday that it has bought the California-based Night School Studio, best known as the creators of the paranormal thriller game Oxenfree.

Netflix had indicated its intention to venture into video games in July, eyeing potential hits based on the storylines of popular TV series.

The company said Night School’s “artistic excellence and proven track record make them invaluable partners as we build out the creative capabilities and library of Netflix games together”.

Night School co-founder Sean Krankel said in a blog post that it was “a surreal honor” to be the first games developer to join Netflix.

“Netflix gives film, TV, and now game makers an unprecedented canvas to create and deliver excellent entertainment to millions of people,” he wrote.

“There’s a kaleidoscope of butterflies in our team’s collective stomachs.”

Netflix has already indicated that access to the games it develops will be included in customers’ membership.

The streaming giant said in August that it was starting limited testing of its gaming capabilities, with Android users in Poland able to try two games based on its “Stranger Things” horror series.

Along with its interest in games inspired by television, Netflix has previously developed various TV shows and movies based on games.

This week it announced it has commissioned a third season of “The Witcher”, which is based on a series of fantasy novels and video games.

A kids’ TV show based on “Sonic the Hedgehog” is due to be released next year, while a series based on multiplayer battle epic “League of Legends” is out in November.

Netflix’s expansion into video games comes as it appears to be reaching a saturation point in the United States in terms of the number of households it can reach.

The company has openly said it competes with hit games such as Fortnite for people’s online entertainment time, and analysts suggest offering games could help attract new subscribers.

The global gaming market now exceeds $300 billion, according to an April study by consulting firm Accenture.

Netflix has recruited a video game veteran, Facebook’s Mike Verdu, to lead its gaming team.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday said the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is a cash cow for politicians in the country.

He stated this during the commissioning of the Police Barracks, Special Protection Unit (SPU) base 6 at Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“NDDC has been a cash cow for politicians,” he said. “You will see competition who will be the Managing Director, Executive Director (Finance), Executive Director (Projects).

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“These are people who will make sure money is available for politics. You have portfolio contractors from Abuja. Every now and then, the MD will be running to Abuja.”

According to Governor Wike, the problem of the NDDC is not just the Niger Delta region but entire Nigeria.

Making reference to the promise by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, that the NDDC would change to meet the aspirations of the people of the region, Wike said it is time for the commission to work.

The governor also took a swipe at some lawmakers in the National Assembly who lobby for which projects to be included in the NDDC budget.

Wike explained that the problem he has with the NDDC is a lack of synergy with the state governments in the region.

Speaking further, he noted that he filed a lawsuit against the commission, accusing NDDC of picking up a project in a state thereby distorting the government’s plan.

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He added, “I took NDDC to court and we defeated them. You enter somebody’s state, you don’t even know the development plan of the state and start distorting the development plan of the state.

“The road you want to do is not your road. You won’t liaise with the state to say ‘look what project do you want in this state.

“If you ask all the nine states in the Niger Delta and say State A, what kind of project do you want NDDC to execute, we are not interested in who will be the contractor. Our interest is that we are synergising with you so that you don’t repeat those things we are doing.”

Nyesom Wike talking on how politicians use the NDDC to siphon money 

NDDC Has Been A Cash Cow For Politicians – Wike

Bandits have attacked a joint military camp in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. 

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Carriers and Security Matters, Colonel Garba Moyi (rtd) confirmed the attack but was not sure of the number of casualties.

However, multiple reports suggest that many may have died following the attack. 

Residents of the area and security sources told Channels Television that the gunmen attacked the base, codenamed “Burkusuma Camp”, in the early hours of Friday, killing an unknown number of military personnel. 

According to the sources, the armed men came in their large numbers and started shooting at the camp from all angles. 

The military source could not confirm if the said camp is the same with the Burkusuma camp in Sabo Birni Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, a former Chairman of Sabon Birni, Idris Muhammad Gobir, also known as Danchadi, told newsmen that the “Burkusuma Camp” was attacked with several security operatives in the place still missing.

He said the marauding bandits also  burnt down two patrol vehicles and carted away another one which was used to convey food items stolen from the villagers.

Although telecommunication services have been shut down in North West State, the former chairman explained that a resident of Burkusuma who accessed mobile telecommunication service from Niger Republic told them about the attack. 

Another resident of the area who craved anonymity, equally confirmed the development, explaining that some vehicles were sent to evacuate the corpses of the fallen heroes.

He said over 10 trucks conveying armed military personnel are in the forest trailing the bandits.

A personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), who sought anonymity, said that three persons from the agency were among the casualties.

After carrying out the attack, the bandits later went to another village, Katsira, and shot four persons. 

Two of the victims died instantly while others were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. 

The bandits also abducted three persons from the village.

Security personnel in the area, including the spokesman of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major Yahaya Ngulde, however, said they are not aware of the incident. 

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sanusi Abubakar also said he has not been briefed about the latest assault on the state. 

Bandits have attacked a joint military camp in Sabon Birni Local Government Area 

Bandits Hit Sokoto Military Base, Kill Many

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen scored as Napoli maintained their perfect start to the Serie A campaign on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Cagliari which ensured they reclaimed top spot, while Lazio won an eventful derby 3-2 to down Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

Luciano Spalletti’s side cruised to their sixth victory in as many league games against a Cagliari team coached by former Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri thanks to Osimhen’s sixth goal in all competitions this month and a second-half penalty from Lorenzo Insigne who pre-match celebrated his 400th Napoli appearance.

They are two points ahead of AC Milan after another confident display that ends a week in which they scored 10 goals without reply in three league matches.

“The best way to celebrate was to win and score a goal,” said Insigne to DAZN, who is four goals away from Diego Maradona’s Napoli total of 115.

“We did it together as a team. We’ve got to keep our feet on the ground, keep our heads down and work because there is a very, very long way to go.”

Next weekend Napoli travel to Fiorentina in what will be the first true test of their title credentials, as their 2-1 win over Juventus earlier this month came against a team missing a host of starters.

They made easy work of a passive Cagliari, with Osimhen making it four Serie A goals in five appearances this campaign in the 11th minute when he met Piotr Zielinski’s low cross with a typically assured finish.

Osimhen was involved again when a low-key match was settled in the 57th minute, the in-form Nigeria attacker being cleaned out by Diego Godin and Insigne lashing home the subsequent penalty to ensure a simple win.

The Nigerian had scored a brace as Napoli outclassed Sampdoria 4-0 in a Serie A game on Thursday evening.

a footballer celebrating after scoring his fourth goal

Osimhen Shines Again, Scores Fourth League Goal

Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has lost his Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development, Chief (Mrs.) Mary Iyasere.

Iyasere reportedly died on Wednesday night after a brief illness.

She served as Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism during Governor Okowa’s first tenure.

She was later appointed as Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, a position she held until her passage.

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Mrs. Iyasere, a lawyer, hailed from Urhuakpor community in Agbon Kingdom of Delta State.

She was an Urhobo traditional title holder of Agbon Kingdom and grassroots politician.

She founded the Ethiope East LGA-based Urhuakpor Women in Politics (UWIP).

Several sympathisers who flooded her Facebook page to mourn her death, described her as “accommodating, loving and a good soul”.

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 Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development in Delta state 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa loses special adviser

French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe was told Wednesday that he needs to add a dose of humility to his undoubted talents in front of goal “if he wants to be loved”.

The advice came from Metz coach Frederic Antonetti after the mega-rich Ligue 1 champions needed a stoppage time winner to beat the bottom side 2-1 and preserve their 100 percent start to the domestic season.

“Kylian Mbappe needs to behave better if he wants to be loved,” said Antonetti.

“I love this player, he is very, very strong but he’d benefit from having a more humble side.”

Antonetti was responding to a question on the yellow card handed to his goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja who confronted Mbappe over his celebration when the winning goal was scored.

“In the game, Mbappe was non-existent,” said Antonetti.

Mbappe Needs To ‘Learn How To Be Humble’ – Metz Coach

The Emir of Gaya in Kano State Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkadir is dead.

Abdulkadir, a first-class monarch, died of ill-health in his palace on Wednesday morning, a palace source said.

Reports confirms that the Kano State government delegation is on the way to the late emir’s palace.

In a Facebook post, the presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, confirmed the death.

He posted, “As announced by Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim, the SSA on New Media to the Governor of Kano State, our Amir, the Emir of Gaya Emirate, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Abdulkadir is dead, ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un’!

“The Emir was a great leader, he was born in 1930, 91 years ago, and had been on the throne for more than 30 years.

“May Allah (SWT) accept his good deeds, grant him Jannah Al-Firdaus, and grant his family and the entire Gaya Emirate the fortitude to bear this great loss. Ameen!”

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Nigerian newspapers,on one page.