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U.S. judge temporarily blocks Trump’s order restricting birthright citizenship

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A federal judge blocked Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday from implementing the Republican president’s executive order curtailing the right to automatic birthright citizenship in the United States, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”

Seattle-based U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order at the urging of four Democratic-led states – Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon – preventing the administration from enforcing the order.

Trump signed the order on Monday, his first day back in office.

The judge, an appointee of Republican former President Ronald Reagan, dealt the first legal setback to the hardline policies on immigration that are a centerpiece of Trump’s second term as president.

“Obviously we’ll appeal,” Trump said of Coughenour’s ruling.

Trump’s executive order had directed U.S. agencies to refuse to recognise the citizenship of children born in the United States if neither their mother nor father is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

“I am having trouble understanding how a bar member could state unequivocally that this order is constitutional,” the judge told a U.S. Justice Department lawyer defending Trump’s order.

“It just boggles my mind,” he added.

The states argued that Trump’s order violated the right enshrined in the citizenship clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment that anyone born in the United States is a citizen.

“I’ve been on the bench for over four decades. I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one.

“This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” Coughenour said of Trump’s policy.

Coughenour’s order, announced following a short hearing in a packed courtroom with other judges watching, prevents Trump’s policy from being enforced nationwide for 14 days while the judge considers whether to issue a long-lasting preliminary injunction.

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He will hear arguments over whether to do so on Feb. 6.

Under Trump’s order, any children born in the United States after Feb. 19 whose mother and father are not American citizens or lawful permanent residents would be subject to deportation and would be prevented from obtaining Social Security numbers, various government benefits, and the ability as they get older to work lawfully.

“Under this order, babies being born today don’t count as U.S. citizens,” Washington state Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola, referring to Trump’s policy, told the judge during the hearing.

Justice Department lawyer Brett Shumate argued that Trump’s action was constitutional and called any judicial order blocking it “wildly inappropriate.”

But before Shumate had even finished responding to Polozola’s argument, Coughenour said he had signed the temporary restraining order.

The Justice Department plans to file papers next week to urge the judge not to issue a longer injunction, Shumate said.

A Justice Department spokesperson said it plans to “vigorously defend” Trump’s order.

“We look forward to presenting a full merits argument to the court and the American people, who are desperate to see our nation’s laws enforced,” the spokesperson said.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, a Democrat, said he sees no reason to expect that the Justice Department would succeed in overturning Coughenour’s ruling on appeal, even if the matter goes to the U.S. Supreme Court, whose 6-3 conservative majority includes three justices appointed by Trump.

“You are an American citizen if you were born on American soil – period,” Brown said, adding: “Nothing that the president can do will change that.”

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More than 150,000 newborn children would be denied citizenship annually if Trump’s order is allowed to stand, according to the Democratic-led states.

Since Trump signed the order, at least six lawsuits have been filed challenging it, most of them by civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general from 22 states.

Democratic state attorneys general have said that understanding the Constitution’s citizenship clause was cemented 127 years ago when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that children born in the United States to non-citizen parents are entitled to American citizenship.

The 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868 following the U.S. Civil War, overturned the Supreme Court’s notorious 1857 Dred Scott decision that had declared that the Constitution’s protections did not apply to enslaved Black people.

In a brief filed late on Wednesday, the Justice Department called the order an “integral part” of Trump’s efforts “to address this nation’s broken immigration system and the ongoing crisis at the southern border.”

Thirty-six of Trump’s Republican allies in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday separately introduced legislation to restrict automatic citizenship to only children born to American citizens or lawful permanent residents. (Reuters/NAN)

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SDGs: Driving Global Program through Film Challenges

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BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

With preparation towards 2020-2030 Agenda popularly known as decade of action at hand, the concept of transmitting SDGs program through short film challenges cannot be overemphasized.

Therefore, the determination of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs under the leadership of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and the United Nations UN to move beyond infrastructural, socio-economic and political awareness as well as empowerment by deploying the global program to achieving its stated objectives.

The inculcation of short films and other related art work towards achieving the 17 SDGs goals, starting from first to second and now the third edition of film challenges launched was aimed at achieving SDGs goals.

Since cinematography and film related activities attracts more in the area of viewing and concentration, the collaboration between SDGs, UN and other independent bodies towards achieving the desired results is not out of place.

From 73 countries and entries in 2023 to 2,250 and 119 countries in 2024, was a remarkable improvement to synergise with notable film makers to move forward the impact of SDGs on the society.

The initiatives and innovation sponsored by the leadership under SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire will not only lead to realizing the full mission and vision of the 2020-2030 Agenda , but achieving the global standards.

Aside film challenge and inculcation of film related activities into achieving the global program, the SDGs in Nigeria also in collaboration with the UN and other bodies will also be rolling out other activities like training,capacity building, empowerment among many other encouraging activities, that will mitigate and drive towards achieving the global standards for the decade of action Agenda.

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While lending her voice and supports towards the new initiatives and programs, SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire opined

“on her part, Orelope-Adefulire said “The SDG Film Challenge is an initiative designed to mobilise filmmakers in this decade of action to accelerate the achievement of the SDG.”

“She invited creators to produce impactful short films that highlight development challenges and offer solutions and direct action on critical issues such as poverty, illiteracy, gender equality, climate change, and social justice.”

“She added: “It is also an opportunity to provide information and to generate hope through our many narratives.”

“We challenge them to educate, to provoke conversations and direct action towards achieving more that reduces the violence faced and threatens our planet. The success of this initiative over the past two editions is a testament to the power of partnership and creativity.”

“She also stressed that “This year we are introducing a new strategy including training and capacity-building programmes for all the hosting and training sessions with filmmakers who will be stationed in this regard for their future training.”

“With today’s launch, the online quarter is officially open for filmmakers to submit short films, multiple films, addressing selected issues.”

“She revealed that three finalists will be shortlisted, from the entries with winners receiving prizes, global excursions, and additional opportunities.”

In his contributions,
“The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has described Nigeria as a storytelling powerhouse, urging filmmakers to channel their creative force toward amplifying awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

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“The film challenge, which is a collaboration with the United Nations, aimed at mobilising filmmakers to use films to mobilise the nation towards achieving the SDGs.”

“The UN has set 2030 to achieve the SDGs, which has 17 goals aimed at improving standards of living across the globe.”

“Speaking at the launch, Fall said: “Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among the largest film industries in the world, reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channelling this creative force toward the SDGs, we are doing more than amplifying awareness.”

“We are empowering young Nigerians to take ownership of the development narrative: to spotlight issues like gender inequality, climate change, and poverty, and to present solutions through the lens of sustainability.”

“The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission. This year’s challenge — led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Information Centre, and Fresh NEWS builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions.”

“From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, lead, and transform their world.”

“Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.
“To all filmmakers, producers, and actors across Nigeria: this is your moment. Let your cameras roll.

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“Let your stories stir our collective conscience. Whether your lens captures the struggle of a girl fighting for her education or the resilience of communities battling environmental degradation — your voice matters.”

“Let’s make 2025 a year where stories drive change, where creativity fuels progress, and where Nigeria leads the charge in storytelling for sustainable development.

The maiden event launched by Nigeria’s SDGs was a cornerstone towards the achievements of other stated objectives under The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire on Wednesday in Abuja, with the launch of the 3rd Edition of the SDGs film Challenge.

Participants are expected to also benefit from the exchange of programme and mentoring initiatives.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

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Wike’s Strides at Curbing Rural -Urban Migration in FCT

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BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF

The quest to turn the nations city into a new look not minding the city centre and area council is becoming a reality going by the efforts of the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to circulate infrastructural development among many others to ensure all areas surrounding the FCT are developed to modern and modest standards.

This included the six area councils of Gwagwalada, Kwali , Abaji , AMAC, Kuje and Bwari which included so many villages and hamlet yearning to be open up or desiring development in all areas.

On assumption of duty, the new Minister concentrated on the nations city that had suffered many decades of neglects, that even the paints on the bridges was eagerly looking for repairs, having achieved much through completion of abandoned roads linking the area councils and Nasssarawa, Kaduna and part of Kogi state, particularly his concentration on the reconstruction, rehabilitation of township roads from the three arms zones, to Maitama district, Asokoro district, Apo district, Guzape district, Wuye district, Katampe district among many other adjoining districts created as a result of the expansion of the city centre , including building of bridges , and diversions , the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike migrated to area councils were ordinarily one or two roads are always constructed on annual basis to open up both main and rural roads to attract more development.

The desire for rural urban regeneration through physical, Infrastructural, roads , hospital, building of standard markets, among other laudable programs, Wike has completed many projects with others ongoing which included Gwagwalada township roads, Kwali township roads, Kuje township roads, Abaji township roads, Bwari township roads, with greater heights at AMAC including the adjoining ones to make the areas accessible, motorable and habitable commensurate to the city center.

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During the Inspection of the ongoing construction of Kabusa-Ketti and Kabusa-Takusara roads the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The contractors assured that the two roads will be ready for commissioning next month.
The road projects were flagged off on December 4 and 5, 2024.

“While in Giri , Gwagwalada Area Council, the Minister promised to open up the area to ensure not only free movement, but concentration of development projects , and presence of other developments that will equate was was obtainable in the city centre to discourage frequent movements from the area councils to city centre.”

“At the city centre, during the roads inspection…

“One of the projects inspected is the ongoing construction of the left-wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway to Wassa Junction.”

“Others are the ongoing construction of interchange to connect Wole Soyinka way with Murtala Mohammed Expressway and the extension for Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.”

“The minister expressed confidence that the projects were among those expected to be inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second anniversary.”

“Wike said: “Indeed, President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is working and the people are happy.”

“We were at Wassa Junction, that’s on the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) leading to Wassa Junction.”

“It is one of the roads we believe, by the grace of God, will be inaugurated by Mr President to celebrate his second year in office.”

“We also went to the Northern Parkway interchange, where Gilmore is working, and they reassured us that by the grace of God, that interchange will also be inaugurated in May.”

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“Generally, we are happy with the quality of work by all the contractors. We, on our own part, are doing everything possible to keep to our own obligation by ensuring prompt payments.”

“Wike explained that the N5 road project was being executed in two phases, adding that the first phase would also be inaugurated in May.”

“Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said the ongoing project inspection across the territory is keeping contractors on their toes.

“Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, after he inspected the ongoing construction of a three-kilometre road network in Giri District and the 16-kilometre Idu-Dei Dei Road on the Inner Northern Expressway.”

“Other projects inspected included the constriction of road network in Dakibiyu District and the ongoing construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in the area. ”

“The minister said that inspection of the project sites was crucial to ensuring that contractors deliver projects according to expected quality and timeline.”

“As part of the routine inspection, we will always go round and see whether the contractors are doing what they are supposed to do, and we are happy with what they are doing

“We cannot sit in the offices and assume that the projects are going on well, no, part of our job is to go and see for ourselves and to look at the quality of job.

“If you don’t go out, you may be embarrassed on the day of inauguration and by that time, it will be too late.

“So, inspection is part of the assignment to ensure that the job is not only done but done very very well,” he said.

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“Wike added that the FCTA was equally fulfilling its obligation to the contractors by ensuring prompt payment.”

While in Mabushi, he inspected one of the three Bus Terminals…

“This is one of the three Bus and Taxi Terminals being built in Abuja.

This is in Mabushi and it is taking shape already.”

“The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was at the site to see things for himself.”

” The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the Apo – Wasa road, one of the road projects earmarked for commissioning as part of the second year anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration. ”

“Apo – Wasa road links Apo – Karshi road from Nyanya.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the Apo – Wassa road and the Bridges linking Kubwa Road with Jahi and Life Camp roads today, to have an on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing projects.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, inspecting the ongoing construction of Life Camp to Karmo road, Maitama to Gishiri bridge and road as well as rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, today.”

“The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, inspection of the ongoing construction of Life Camp to Karmo road, Maitama to Gishiri bridge and road as well as rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, “.

He promised to sustain the development across the six area councils of FCT, hence the Inauguration of the rail service, provision of shuttle buses, security and solar street lights to ensure seamless interconnectivity between the nation’s city and area councils.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

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Nigerian Army arrests human parts trafficker, drug peddlers in Ogun

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Troops of the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, operating under the 35 Artillery Brigade, have apprehended a man for allegedly trafficking human parts at Kulanla Odomola in Ogun.

The division’s spokesman, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed this in a signed statement on Sunday.

Ayeni said the troops rescued the suspect from an angry mob that had attempted to lynch him.

“The suspect, along with the exhibits, has been handed over to the Nigeria Police at Noforija for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.

The spokesman further revealed that troops operating in Ado-Odo, Ota Local Government Area of Ogun, arrested and detained three suspected drug peddlers during a patrol.

According to him, the suspects were found with two packs of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, concealed under 60kg of cargo in a white J5 vehicle.

“The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ilaro Area Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution,” Ayeni said.

He reiterated the division’s commitment to deploying every legitimate means to protect law-abiding citizens from criminal elements within its area of operation.

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