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Police K!ll 2 As Protesters Force Entry Into Kano Government House
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Two persons were killed after protesters managed to gain entry into the Kano State Government House on Thursday.
In a video seen online, the protesters had clashed with security operatives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests leading to two deaths.
As of the time of this report, the protests have continued across the country although some hoodlums have used the opportunity to carry out lootings.
Kano residents had turned out in their large numbers to protest the bad governance in the country while demanding an end to issues such as food inflation, rising cost of living among others.
The Kano State government is yet to comment officially on this development.
SaharaReporters reached out to the Kano state Police public relations officer, Haruna Abdullahi, seeking comments on the development, he didn’t pick his call and is yet to respond to texts as of the time of this report.
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Just in: Govt Imposes License Fees On WhatsApp Group Administrators
Administrators of WhatsApp groups operating within Zimbabwe’s borders are now forced to register and secure a license from the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ).
The new controversial licensing requirement, outlined at a recent POTRAZ breakfast meeting, set the minimum cost for a license at $50, with fees going up to US$2,500 depending on the type of WhatsApp group.
The move has ostensibly been necessitated by the need to tighten data security and privacy for all citizens.
Information Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, said all WhatsApp group administrators will soon be required to register and obtain a license from POTRAZ to operate their groups.
In addition to getting a license, WhatsApp group admins will be required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) trained and certified by POTRAZ.
This move is intended to ensure compliance with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act, which governs the handling of personal information.
Under the Act, personal data is defined as any information that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person. Since WhatsApp group admins have access to members’ phone numbers, the government argues that these groups fall under data protection regulations.
Mavetera noted that the latest development would affect not only businesses, but also community organisations, churches, and any other groups that collect personal data
“Even churches who collect personal data ought to have such a license and appoint a DPO,” Mavetera said.
Those found in violation of the fresh clampdown measures risk penalties, jail time, or both.
The new controversial policy, which comes against a backdrop of growing use of the popular social media application to stir political debates as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is locked in a power tussle with his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, is seen as an infringement on citizens’ right to free speech and association.
Zimbabwe joins a growing number of countries gravitating towards shutting digital spaces amid growing dissent and anger against the ruling Zanu PF party.
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Alleged Assault: Lawyers dump bolt driver for apologizing to Abia Reps member
By Francesca Hangeior
The team of lawyers representing Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja based bolt driver that was allegedly assaulted by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, have withdrawn from his case.
The withdrawal, came barely 24 hours after the driver made a volte farce by tendering an apology to his alleged assaulter who had since been docked in court by the police over his action.
Hon. Ikwechegh was arraigned after he had admitted that he manhandled the e-hailing cab driver and apologized for his unbecoming conduct.
However, in view of the recent turn of events in the matter, Abuwatseye’s lawyers said they were no longer ready to offer legal services to him.
A statement dated November 8, signed by Zainab M. Otega of Deji Adeyanju & Partners and titled: “PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED ASSAULT OF MR. STEPHEN ABUWATSEYE: WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION,” read:
“We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye.
“On October 28, 2024, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye walked into our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault. Following his complaint, and having verified his claim, we took steps to protect Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye’s rights, on pro bono basis, culminating in the arraignment of the alleged assaulter.
“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.
“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”
News
Olaiya Flyover Bridge In Osun Closed Temporarily
The popular Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has been closed temporarily.
According to reports, this closure is to allow for the installation of barriers at the bridge’s entrance to prevent heavy trucks from using the bridge.
Inside Osogbo shared the updates on social media, urging motorists and other road users to exercise patience along the axis.
The blog wrote: “ATTENTION: The popular Ọlà-Ìyá Bridge is currently closed to give way for the installation of barriers at the entrance of the bridge to disallow heavy duty trucks from using the bridge. Motorists and other road users are enjoined to exercise patience along this axis.Kindly rebroadcast
The Olaiya Bridge was constructed by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun accused the state government of planning to demolish the iconic flyover bridge.
However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied these allegations and banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the flyover.
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