NUT PROTEST : WIKE WARNS AGAINST POLITICISING INSECURITY. (PHOTO).

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 NUT Protest : Wike Warns Against Politicising Insecurity The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned against politicising insecurity amid protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, FCT wing, over the killing and abduction of school staff and children in Oyo State. Teachers stormed the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja to condemn the killing of Michael Oyedokun and to demand the release of abducted pupils and teachers from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area. The FCT minister addressed the protesters on Tuesday, saying the federal government is on its toes working to secure the rescue of the schoolchildren and their teachers. Wike urged protesters to avoid turning the tragedy into a political issue and to give security efforts time to produce results. Chairman of the union in the FCT, Mr Abdullahi Shafa, explained that the nationwide solidarity protest was to condemn the killing of the teacher and abduction of the school chil...

COAST GUARD REVERSES STANCE ON SWASTIKAS AND NOOSES AFTER LABELING THEM 'POTENTIALLY DIVISIVE'. (PHOTO).


 Coast Guard reverses stance on swastikas and nooses after labeling them 'potentially divisive'

The U.S. Coast Guard clarified Thursday that swastikas and nooses are officially considered “hate symbols,” reversing confusion over guidance that had reportedly described them as “potentially divisive.”

In a statement, the agency emphasized that the policy “doubles down on its current policies prohibiting the display, distribution, or use of hate symbols by Coast Guard personnel.” The move reinforces longstanding rules banning such symbols from all Coast Guard workplaces, facilities, and assets. The guidance lists nooses, swastikas, and any symbols adopted by hate groups representing racial, religious, or other intolerance as prohibited, with Confederate battle flags also remaining banned. The agency stressed that this is not a policy update, but a reaffirmation to counter misinformation.

The clarification follows reports earlier Thursday suggesting the Coast Guard had softened its stance, allowing commanders discretion to remove such symbols from public areas while not applying rules to private spaces. Acting Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday called claims of a rollback “categorically false” and said any display of hate symbols will continue to be “thoroughly investigated and severely punished.” Department of Homeland Security officials echoed the message, saying the policy has not changed.

Lawmakers and community leaders criticized the earlier reports. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., warned that relaxing the rules could put personnel at risk and allow hateful symbols to appear, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the move “disgusting” and an encouragement of extremism. Legal and Jewish community leaders noted the historical significance of the symbols, including nooses tied to lynching in the U.S. and swastikas representing Nazi atrocities during the Holocaust.

The Coast Guard said its updated guidance underscores the importance of maintaining unit cohesion and a safe command climate. The agency reiterated that the ban applies to all personnel, and any violation will be met with strict enforcement.


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