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Kamala Harris picks Minnesota governor Walz as running mate

Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz as her running mate Tuesday, opting for the Minnesota governor as the partner most likely to complement her in a historic — and bruising — bid for the White House.

Walz had been on a shortlist with a string of other Democratic figures seen as broadening Harris’s appeal as she sprints into the contest against Donald Trump.

Aiming to make history as the first woman president, Harris — already a trailblazer as the first female and first Black and South Asian vice president — has little time before Election Day on November 5.

The choice was first reported by CNN early Tuesday morning.

Expectations had always been that Harris would pick a white man to balance the ticket — and the kind of Democrat who can help counter attacks from Republicans that she is too far to the left.

Walz fits that description as a 60-year-old Midwesterner with a folksy manner from a state that could be light years from the coastal elites of California, where Harris comes from, or the East Coast.

He will also appeal to progressives after having championed popular Democratic policies including cannabis legalisation and increasing worker protections.

The duo will hit the campaign trail immediately, launching an intense, five-day swing through battleground states starting Tuesday in the biggest prize, Pennsylvania.

Fresh from securing the official Democratic nomination overnight, Harris can now head to the national convention in Chicago in two weeks in total control of her party.

It has been a remarkable journey for Harris, who only entered the race last month when President Joe Biden withdrew, bowing to mounting concerns over his mental acuity and ability at 81 to serve a second term.

In a campaign that is barely two weeks old, the 59-year-old former prosecutor has obliterated fundraising records, attracted huge crowds and dominated social media on her way to erasing what had been Trump’s growing lead in polls over Biden.

The latest presidential poll by the University of Massachusetts Amherst released Monday has Harris leading Trump nationally by three points — 46 percent to 43 percent — compared to a four-point lead for Trump over Biden in January.

– First major test –

In the swing states that decide the Electoral College contest in US elections, Harris is neck and neck with Trump, who shocked the world with his 2016 presidential victory but was beaten by Biden in 2020.

Picking a vice presidential running mate was seen as the first big test for Harris in her bid to become the country’s chief executive.

“It tells you about her thought process,” Amy Walter, a polling expert from Cook Political Report newsletter, told CBS News.

Now, Harris and Walz will face the first test of their ground game as they make the nationwide swing this week from Philadelphia to Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona and Nevada. Tropical Storm Debby has forced the postponement of a stop in another swing state, Georgia, and according to media reports also North Carolina.

Pennsylvania is part of the “blue wall” that carried Biden to the White House in 2020, alongside Michigan and Wisconsin. That was one of the main reasons many expected Harris to instead pick that state’s governor, Josh Shapiro.

Also on the vice presidential shortlist had been former astronaut and current senator Mark Kelly, of Arizona, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

Trump was riding high politically last month after surviving an assassination attempt at a rally, and then using the Republican convention to highlight his image of vigor against the physically frail Biden.

But with Biden’s dramatic exit and Harris’s fast start, he is scrambling to recalibrate.

At a rally last Saturday in Georgia, Trump called Harris a “Marxist” and a “radical left freak,” claiming she would cause an “economic crash.”

Three days earlier, he shocked many when he told an audience of Black journalists that Harris had “turned Black” out of political expediency.

Where Biden often attacked Trump as a threat to democracy, given his unprecedented refusal to accept his loss in 2020, Harris’s team has honed a sharper — more meme-friendly — line built around branding Trump and his vice presidential pick J.D. Vance “weird.”

On Saturday, the Harris campaign said Trump was “scared” to debate her after he turned down a previously scheduled televised debate on ABC, while saying he’d be ready to debate her on Fox News — a network that has for years given him support.

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HP Wolf Security Launches Advanced Physical Cyberattack Protection for Business Introducing HP Enterprise Security

Edition: Comprehensive Safeguards Against Hardware and Firmware TamperingLagos, Nigeria – November 21, 2024 – HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) has unveiled the HP Enterprise Security Edition, a revolutionary suite of security features designed to protect HP business-class PCs from targeted physical cyberattacks.

This innovative solution offers robust multilayered defense for hardware and firmware, coupled with unparalleled visibility into potential tampering throughout the device lifecycle.With the rise of hybrid work and Work from Anywhere (WFA), the risk of physical cyberattacks has surged. Attackers exploiting brief physical access to PCs pose significant threats to organizations.

A recent survey reveals that over 51% of IT Security Decision Makers (ITSDMs) are concerned about their inability to detect hardware or firmware tampering during transit. HP Enterprise Security Edition addresses these vulnerabilities, empowering IT teams to detect and prevent unauthorized alterations while safeguarding devices from persistent threats.

Key Features of HP Enterprise Security Edition1. Firmware LockA user-controlled lock at the firmware level, used alongside HP Sure Admin. When activated, this feature employs HP Sure Admin’s cryptographic, password-free authentication, preventing unauthorized access even if the device is left unattended.

This lock offers significantly stronger protection than traditional operating system locks.2. Platform CertificatesDigital certificates validate the integrity of critical hardware and firmware components, such as processors, memory, BIOS, or PCIe devices.

This ensures that no unauthorized modifications occur, enhancing overall device security.3. Sure Start Virtualization ProtectionPre-boot protection isolates malicious or compromised third-party hardware—such as devices connected via Thunderbolt™/USB-C or PCIe ports—within a micro-virtual machine.

This safeguards the device from firmware contamination and prevents attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.—Revolutionizing PC SecurityDr. Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems at HP Inc., stated:> “Physical attacks are typically well-planned, often linked to nation-state campaigns or corporate espionage. However, the growing underground market for corporate network access is driving opportunistic attacks—exploiting moments of vulnerability, like unattended PCs in public spaces.”Dr. Pratt emphasized the importance of hardware security:> “By compromising hardware or firmware, attackers can establish a nearly undetectable foothold, gaining long-term access to sensitive networks and data.

HP Enterprise Security Edition provides critical defenses to prevent these threats, while equipping IT teams with the tools to validate device integrity.”—Strengthening Resilience and VisibilityHP Enterprise Security Edition empowers organizations with:

Enhanced Platform Integrity: Protects hardware and firmware layers beneath the operating system.Supply Chain Risk Mitigation: Validates hardware and firmware integrity before onboarding.

Lifecycle Security Governance: Maintains control over device security from deployment to retirement.

These measures ensure businesses can confidently secure sensitive data, enabling hybrid work without compromising security.—Availability

The HP Enterprise Security Edition will be available for select HP PC platforms.—About HP Inc.HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader delivering innovation that connects people and ideas.

Operating in over 170 countries, HP offers sustainable solutions across personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, and gaming. Visit www.hp.com for more information.

About HP Wolf SecurityHP Wolf Security provides world-class endpoint protection with hardware-enforced solutions that safeguard PCs, printers, and users from cyber threats. Learn more at www.hp.com/wolf.Media Contact:THOP for HPAdeola – adeola@wearethop.com

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Federal High Court Adjourns Labour Party’s Suit on Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection to January 2025

PDP Urges Caution from Police as It Prepares for Upcoming Rivers Local Government Elections

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has adjourned until January 21, 2025, to deliver a ruling on several applications in a case filed by the Labour Party (LP).

The suit, registered as FHC/PH/25/2024, seeks to have the seats of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly declared vacant following their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Labour Party, represented by its caretaker committee chairman in Rivers State, Hilda Dokubo, is also asking the court to mandate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the vacant seats, allowing all interested parties, including the Labour Party, to contest.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, counsel for the defendants, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), representing the embattled Speaker Martin Amaewhule and others, requested the consolidation of three separate applications.

Orbih argued that the motions all addressed similar subject matters and called for the exchange of pleadings and presentation of evidence to substantiate the claims. He urged the court to grant the consolidation request.

The Labour Party’s counsel, Clifford Chukwu, did not object to the consolidation but opposed the substance of the defendants’ applications. Chukwu argued that the defendants had failed to file further affidavits in response to the Labour Party’s counter-affidavits, effectively admitting to the facts stated in the counter-affidavits.

He urged Justice Emmanuel Obele to dismiss the motions filed by the defendants.Justice Obele, after hearing arguments from both sides, announced the adjournment of the case to January 21, 2025, for a ruling on the applications.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Chukwu emphasized the Labour Party’s stance, stating that the 27 lawmakers openly admitted their defection through various public platforms, including televised announcements.

He further revealed that affidavits and video evidence were available to substantiate the claims.

The case took another dimension as Justice Obele scheduled December 7, 2024, to hear a related suit filed by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and three other lawmakers loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

This separate case also seeks to declare the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant and to restrain them from parading as members of the State House of Assembly.Commenting on the matter, Emeka Onyeka, one of the defense counsels, explained that the current proceedings focused on preliminary issues, which must be resolved before the court can address the substantive case.

He reiterated the defendants’ request for the court to order the filing of pleadings, citing the contentious nature of the issues at hand.

As the political drama unfolds, the adjournment leaves the fate of the embattled lawmakers in limbo while raising significant questions about party loyalty, legislative integrity, and the legal implications of political defections in Nigeria.

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Efe Ajagba Poised to Challenge Daniel Dubois for IBF Heavyweight Title

Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has emerged as a potential challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world heavyweight title.

This development follows the confirmation that Anthony Joshua’s anticipated rematch with the champion could be delayed until 2026.

The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has granted Dubois the option of an optional title defense against any top 15 ranked contender before April 22. Ajagba, currently ranked eighth and holding the WBC Silver title, has risen as a strong candidate.

Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, confirmed plans for the champion to defend his title in February, following indications from Joshua’s camp that they would not be ready for an immediate rematch.

“Daniel will defend his title in February, and if it’s not Joshua, then it’ll be against someone ranked in the top five,” Warren revealed in an interview with Sky Sports.Dubois, 27, captured the IBF title in September with a sensational fifth-round knockout victory over Joshua at Wembley Stadium.

The win extended his record to an impressive 22 wins, with 21 of those coming by way of knockout.

Meanwhile, Ajagba boasts 14 knockouts in 20 professional fights, with only one loss, further establishing himself as a formidable opponent for the champion.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, explained that the British-Nigerian boxer’s injuries from the September fight, coupled with concerns about a quick turnaround, have ruled out his availability for an immediate rematch.

Joshua, who has amassed over $200 million in his career, including $75 million from fights this year alone, is expected to return to the ring in the summer.

Warren highlighted the champion’s flexibility for his upcoming defense, noting that the bout against Joshua in September fulfilled a mandatory obligation.

“First of all, the fight Daniel had against AJ was his mandatory, so he is allowed a period, which means he can fight in February and he’s allowed up until April or May to make a voluntary defense,” Warren explained.

IBF President Daryl Peoples confirmed Dubois’ right to an optional defense, paving the way for a potential showdown with Ajagba.

Both fighters, known for their impressive knockout power and similar physical attributes, promise an explosive matchup.

The winner of the potential Dubois vs. Ajagba clash could position themselves for a lucrative unification bout against the winner of the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury rematch, scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia.

That fight will see the WBC, WBO, and WBA titles on the line, further intensifying the stakes in the heavyweight division.

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You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ—Odoh to Tinubu

The recently dismissed Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Bernard Odoh, has rejected his removal, claiming that President Bola Tinubu “can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ.”

Odoh, in a Thursday interview on Arise TV, said his dismissal failed to follow due process and undermined the autonomy of the institution’s governing council, which had appointed him.

“You can’t fire somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release,” Odoh said.

Yesterday, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced that he has dismised Odoh as Unizik Vice-Chancellor as well as the institution’s Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike and also approved the dissolution of the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice chancellor without following due process,” Onanuga said.

Onanuga said the controversial appointment drew the attention of the federal government after tensions arose between the institution’s Senate and the governing council.

In response, Odoh refuted claims that his appointment had violated university laws, stating that his selection as VC had “followed a straightforward procedure” and not “through a press release”

“I’m not disobeying Mr. President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my sack after investigating me,” adding that “Mr. President could have been ill-advised.”

“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure.”

He also noted that his records were validated by the Sokoto State High Court and corroborated by the university’s registrar at the time of his confirmation.

“What some people did was to pay somebody to remove my records from the university.

The VC who appointed me still teaches at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and he wrote my reference letter,” he added.

Odoh also alleged that his removal was influenced by regional bias, stating that being from Ebonyi State, often regarded as a ‘third-class people’ had made him a target.

“I’m from Ebonyi State. We are regarded as third-class people. People feel I’m not qualified because I come from Ebonyi State. People have ganged up to remove me at all costs.

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Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland for terrorism

Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland for terrorism
Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland for terrorism

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator Simon Ekpa, alongside four other individuals, has been arrested in Finland for terrorism. 

A report from Finland states the self-declared Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in exile, was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a statement published on its website on Thursday, the Central Criminal Police of Finland announced the arrests of five individuals on suspicion of terrorist crimes. 

The police indicated that Ekpa was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the other four individuals were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.

According to the police, the suspect is believed to have promoted his activities from Finland through means that have incited violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation from the Central Crime Police, stated that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.” The statement also mentioned that four other individuals are suspected of financing this activity. 

“Claims will be heard in the Päijät-Häme District Court today, November 21. The detention demands are linked to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, ” the statement added,

All five suspects were arrested earlier this week, and “international cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation.”

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GATEWAY GAMES: All the facilities for the Festival will be ready – Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu


  • …We are leaving no stone on turn in order to deliver a world class event – Governor Dapo Abiodun
    By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

“The construction firms handling the renovation works at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Kuto in Abeokuta, the Sports Complex in Ijeja and other venues to be used for the 2024 National Sports Festival will complete their various projects before the start of the event.”

This is the assurance from the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu in an interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG on Thursday.

Honourable Wasiu explained that the State Government under the dynamic stewardship of His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun is committed to deliver a National Sports Festival that will be remembered for a long time to come.

The State Government is giving a facelift to the Moshood Abiola Stadium built over three decades ago.

THE FACILITY UPGRADE:

★ Re-Grassing the pitch
★ Re-Laying the tartan track
★ Construction of tennis courts
★ Expansion of the media gallery
★ Construction of handball courts
★ Ultra morden digital score board
★ The VIP section will be upgraded

“Similarly, the Sports Complex in Ijeja that houses basketball, squash, table tennis and scrabble among other sports is receiving equal attention.

The renovation works there has reached an advance stage,“ the Commissioner said.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olawale Olopade, who until his appointment was the Boss of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), for the Festival paid a visit to the State governor His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta.

During the visit, the Governor said, “As we prepare to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, the “2024 Gateway Games,” in Ogun State this January, we are proud to welcome 12,000 to 15,000 athletes from across the country.

This Festival promises to be historic, with a state-of-the-art games village accommodating all athletes—a first in the event’s history.”

He went on to state that, “We have made significant upgrades to key facilities, including the MKO Abiola Stadium, Ijeja Sports Centre, and Remo Stars Stadium, alongside new basketball courts.

These legacy projects will serve Ogun State and the nation for decades, fostering talent development at world-class standards.”

“Innovations such as a digitized feeding system, efficient transport clusters, and comprehensive support for journalists will ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

With the invaluable support of Premium Trust Bank as lead sponsor, our Local Organizing Committee is working tirelessly to deliver the best Festival ever hosted in Nigeria.” the governor added.

“This event reaffirms Ogun State’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, creating opportunities for the next generation to shine. Together, we are setting a new standard for excellence.” He concluded.

For the first time in the history of the National Sports Festival, Babcock University, a private university will be providing standard accommodation facilities for all the athIetes.

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