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US Telecom Company Fined $1M For Fake AI Biden Campaign

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The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has fined Lingo Telecom, a voice service provider, $1 million for its role in the deepfake robocall that impersonated President Joe Biden’s voice ahead of the Democratic Party primaries.

A robocall is a phone call that uses a computerised autodialer to deliver a pre-recorded message, as if from a robot.

In a message displayed on voters’ phones, the voice urged citizens to vote in the November polls, mimicking Biden.

“Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again. Your vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday,” the audio message said.

On Wednesday, the FCC said Lingo Telecom agreed to pay the fine and has also committed to a unique programme to verify the trustworthiness of customers who use its networks to transmit data.

“Every one of us deserves to know that the voice on the line is exactly who they claim to be,” Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC chairperson, said.

“If AI is being used, that should be made clear to any consumer, citizen, and voter who encounters it.”

Authorities call the fine the first-of-its-kind enforcement action against malicious deepfakes, or AI-driven impersonations of others.

“By holding Lingo Telecom accountable for its role in transmitting the spoofed robocalls carrying AI-generated messages, the FCC is sending a strong message that election interference and deceptive technology will not be tolerated,” John Formella, New Hampshire attorney general, said.

The Biden robocall was the first use of a deepfake in national US politics.

Authorities said they moved quickly and aggressively to deter more political deepfakes.

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Northern Elders issues 14-day ultimatum over Edo mob attack

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The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.

The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.

NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.

He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.

“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.

“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”

The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.

He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.

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“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.

“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.

“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”

The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.

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Tompolo Backs Re-election of President Tinubu in 2027

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By Our Reporter

The Chairman, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited TSSNL has thrown his weight behind the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027.

The High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemukpolo Tompolo, ibe Ebidouwei of Ijaw nation and Chairman , Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited TSSNL has also described the ascension of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the leadership of Nigeria as divine, timely and desiring , who is driving the country’s success under unusual situations.

While further describing President Tinubu as a special breed of personalities who thrives in governance were others blatantly fail, as well as an enigma’ who fits this special breed of men with such great placement.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemukpolo Tompolo on Saturday to mark the 73 birthday commemoration of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu held on Friday tagged
“EYIN LOKAN L’EEKAN SI (IT’S YOUR TURN FOR ANOTHER 4 YEARS!) ,” he referred to the unusual movement and trajectory achievements in all area of Nigeria’s political development .

Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemukpolo further said over the years , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had built bridges and laid foundations of friendship tirelessly, made personal sacrifices and endurances.

With determination to achieve great success, you were not weighed down , waned or broken for a moment in your zeal to achieve greater society.

He used the opportunity to extend the gratitude of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to Nigeria’s President on his special day , particularly in curbing the country’s crude oil theft and increasing daily production from a low ebb of 600,000 barrels per day to 1.8M barrels in recent times .

He listed the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just two years in the office which included doubling Nigeria’s aggregate revenue to 9.1 trillion, reduction in revenue on debt servicing from 97% to 68% and payment of $5M in outstanding foreign exchange obligations.

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The resurgence of oil and gas sector , creation of Compressed Natural Gas CNG, initiative ,establishment of Students Loan Fund and processing of over 45 Billion students loan among many others.

He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the creation of 400,000 jobs , through MSME’s and thr realization of the Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko, Wari, Delta state , including the payment of minimum wage to workers across board.

He promised to support his re-election bid come 2027, saluting him on the special day with a God- given talent in human capital development.

The release further reads…

 

 

Dear Asiwaju

EYIN LOKAN L’EEKAN SI (IT’S YOUR TURN FOR ANOTHER 4 YEARS!) .

 

“Every generation creates for itself, a special breed of personalities.”

“For such enigmas, they strive better, or more still, their endeavours thrive more seamlessly under unusual circumstances. ”

“Most often, they thread on paths most dreaded, and they succeed where others fail. ”

“Mr. President, you undoubtedly fit into this special breed of men with such great placement.”

“On this very memorable moment of your birthday today, we reflect on the unique trajectory of your politics and leadership.”

“Over the decades, you dedicated a greater part of your youthful life, building bridges of friendship just as you tirelessly laid foundations.”

“In all these, you made personal sacrifices and endured challenges.”

“Your focus neither waned for a moment nor capitulated to the vagaries of all sorts as you kept faith with destiny armed with your incurable quest and determination for a just and better society.”

“Mr. President, your life and leadership have been a true source of inspiration.”

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“To us in TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL), you stand out as the most innovative figure in the history of our great nation’s political evolution. I want to specially thank you for your support and encouragement in the war against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which ultimately culminated in the increase in the nation’s crude oil production from abysmal 600,000ppd to about 1.8mbpd. Sir, we count on your continuous intervention.”

“Although this is an occasion to felicitate with you and your family on your 73rd birthday, this open letter would not be complete without my listing some of your outstanding achievements that have silenced your detractors and changed the landscape of our beloved country for good:”

“• Doubling the aggregate revenues to over N9.1 trillion.”

“• Reduction in the revenue spent on debt service from 97% to 68%.”

“• Clearing $5 billion in outstanding foreign exchange obligations.”

“• Resurgence of the oil and gas sector.”

“• Creation of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative”
“• Establishment of the Students Loan Fund.”

“• Processing of N45.6 billion for students’ payment.”

“• Distribution of fertilisers and initiating a project to cultivate 10 million hectares of land.”
“*Transformation of the solid minerals to unlock $700 billion mining fortune.”

“*Monumental changes brought to the structure of refining and pricing in the petroleum sector by the removal of subsidy, as well as a more unified forex management system.”
” *Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Highway.”

” *Tax Administration Bills recently passed into Law by the National Assembly.”

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“*The National Minimum Wage Act.”

*Creation of over 400,000 jobs through Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

“*More important to us, the signing of the Bill establishing the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Warri South West LGA, Delta State, into law.”

“And of these extra-ordinary records in 2 years!”

“On this special day, we salute your efforts and unfading commitment to nation building.”

“As you continue to deploy your God-given talents in human capital development, we pray that Almighty God grants you long life, strength, and wisdom to steer this nation to greater heights. ”

“Looking ahead, we are aware that another political outing is on the horizon. We will join other progressive-minded leaders and the good people of the Niger Delta and beyond to preach your gospel of continuity beyond 2027. ”

“As you mark 73 years today, we pray that God will grant you the grace and robust health to end your first term in an even more remarkable note of success. ”

” 2027? We are backing you solidly for your second term. Nothing can change our support, Sir!”

“It’s our prayer that God will keep you in robust health to complete your first term, well and strong and you go for second term without hitch, Insha Allah.”

“Truly, Eyin L’okan L’eekan si (It’s your turn again), Sir.”

“Once again, Happy birthday, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria’s beacon of hope.”

SIGNED:

HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT OWEIZIDE EKPEMUPOLO IBE-EBIDOUWEI OF IJAW NATION & CHAIRMAN, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL).

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NESG Advises Federal Government to Maintain 2.2mbpd Crude Oil Production for 2025 Budget Viability

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Dr. Tayo Aduloju, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), has recommended that the Federal Government sustain crude oil production at a level of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to ensure the feasibility of the 2025 budget.

During a media engagement in Abuja, where NESG presented its strategic vision for 2025 along with a macroeconomic outlook for the private sector, Aduloju emphasized the importance of maintaining this production level amidst historical fluctuations in Nigeria’s crude oil output. He highlighted three significant production benchmarks: 1.1 million bpd, 2.2 million bpd, and 2.8 million bpd, and their respective impacts on the national economy.

Aduloju remarked that achieving a production level of 2.2 million bpd is a realistic target, stating, “Reaching 2.2 million bpd, regardless of crude oil prices, is essential for a viable budget.” He noted that the government had successfully increased production from 1.1 million bpd to 2.2 million bpd and even to 2.8 million bpd, demonstrating that incremental growth in daily oil production is achievable.

Unveiling “The Arc of the Possible,” NESG’s strategic framework aimed at fostering Nigeria’s economic development, Aduloju reiterated that targeting 2.2 million bpd is realistic and within reach. This strategy emphasizes actionable solutions that promote growth and prosperity across key sectors in the short to medium term.

Achieving this production target, he explained, would positively influence the economy by stabilizing the foreign exchange market and increasing foreign earnings. This would also enhance government initiatives on deregulation, liberalization of the downstream sector, and effective regulatory governance.

However, Aduloju stressed the necessity of political stability for sustaining production levels. He called for immediate action to restore stability in Rivers State and continued funding for government security enhancement plans due to their critical role in national oil production and overall economic health.

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He stated, “Effective implementation of stabilization reforms could potentially accelerate Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to 5.5 percent by 2025.”

The NESG report, titled “Stabilisation in Transition: Rethinking Reform Strategies for 2025 and Beyond,” acknowledges the government’s efforts in addressing cross-sector challenges. It highlights the expected positive impacts of improved electricity supply and fuel availability, which are anticipated to reduce business disruptions, particularly for Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs), thereby enhancing productivity and economic performance.

Improved foreign exchange availability is expected to support operations in the manufacturing sector, which relies heavily on imported raw materials and intermediate inputs. In agriculture, addressing issues related to financing, storage, warehousing, and logistics will enhance sector performance.

Aduloju emphasized that the oil and gas sector remains vital for economic growth, contributing significantly to foreign exchange inflows, external balance resilience, and government revenue. He projected that the manufacturing sector would benefit from stabilization policies aimed at addressing power supply challenges and lowering input costs.

The NESG report forecasts a decline in inflation to 24.7 percent under optimal stabilization efforts, signaling improvement in the country’s macroeconomic stability. Effective coordination of fiscal and monetary policies is identified as crucial for achieving the anticipated reduction in inflation.

Aduloju noted that a relatively stable foreign exchange market, bolstered by increased supply and diminished speculative demand, will be key in curbing inflation. He highlighted that enhanced productivity across critical sectors, especially agriculture, is expected to significantly alleviate inflationary pressures in 2025.

“Increased agricultural output will enhance food supply, mitigate scarcity, and ease food price inflation, a major contributor to overall inflation in the country. Moreover, improved security in food-producing regions will facilitate better access to farmlands and supply chains, further stabilizing food prices,” he concluded.

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