Category: General News

A video has surfaced on social media of ousted Gabon President, Ali Bongo where he was begging his international friends to make noise following Wednesday’s coup.

 

In the 51-second, Bongo confirmed that he had been arrested and isolated from his son and wife, who he said were held at another place.

 

The putschists highlighted serious institutional, political, economic, and social crises as factors responsible for the coup that they tagged, ‘necessary’ for the progress of the West African country.

Bongo said, “My name is Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon. I am sending a message to all friends that we have all over the world, to tell them to make noise, to make noise”

Born Alain Bernard Bongo on February 9, 1959, in Congo-Brazzaville, the 64-year-old was Gabon’s president from 2009 when his Omar Bongo, who ruled Gabon for almost 42 years, from 1967 died.

Taiwo Akinkunmi: Designer of Nigeria’s flag is dead

He wrote: “Life is indeed transient; I can say boldly that you live a life with a landmark.

Continue to rest, my father! Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi (O.F.R.): Great Man has gone.”

The flag

In 1958, while living abroad, Akinkunmi saw an advertisement in a national daily for the submission of designs for the Nigeria’s national flag as the country’s independence from British governance was close.

 

Among the over 2,000 entries submitted, his was picked.

 

However, the original design of the flag featured a white band flanked by two green ones and a red sun with streaming rays was located on the white band.

 

The sun was eventually removed by the committee in charge. Akinkunmi’s design was selected for its ingenuity and profundity.

 

The green bands represent the forests and abundant natural wealth of the country, while the white band represents peace.

 

The flag was hoisted on Independence Day, October 1, 1960, in place of the British Union Jack, while Akinkunmi was awarded 100 pounds when his design was selected.

He was honoured with the MON (Member of the Order of the Niger) by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Tuesday in Abuja released its schedule for matchday one of the upcoming 2023-2024 campaign season.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the season is scheduled to kickoff on September 9.

 

At a colourful draw held in Abuja, the fixtures for the upcoming season was held, with football stakeholders led by Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman, Nigeria Premier League Board in attendance.

 

NPFL champions Enyimba of Aba will kick off their title defence with a mouth watering home encounter against Bendel Insurance, Federation Cup champions.

 

It’s Shooting Stars of Ibadan against Plateau United, while Akwa United lock horns with Bayelsa United.

 

Niger Tornadoes will face Abia Warriors, Remo Stars and Rivers United, newly promoted Katsina United vs Kwara United and returning Kano Pillars against Sunshine Stars of Akure.

 

Lobi Stars will square up against Heartland FC of Owerri, newly promoted Sporting Lagos vs Gombe United and Enugu Rangers against Doma United of Gombe.

 

Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman, Nigeria Premier League Board told newsmen after the draws that the board is working round the clock to ensure a better and more professional league.

 

He said plans had been to concluded to have most of the games streamed live, in partnership with Propel Sports Africa/MTN, so that Nigerians home and abroad can enjoy the league.

 

“We have an agreement already with Propel Sports Africa to steam at least eight of the 10 matches live.

 

“So you can watch almost all of the matches with your phones and smart devices in over 100 countries in the world, this will enable Nigerians in diaspora also watch the NPFL every match day,” he said.

 

Elegbeleye explained that the MoU with the Propel Sports Africa and MTN, will enable Nigerians watch the matches live with a token subscription.

 

The chairman said the League board was also working to improve officiating and prize money for the league, which was 100 million naira in the 2002-23 season.

 

NAN reports that with the return to the full league format, 20 clubs will now battle for the title in 380 explosive matches, unlike the abridged 2022-23 season.

 

2023-2024 NPFL matchday one fixtures

 

1.Enyimba intl of Aba vs Bendel Insurance

 

2. Sporting Lagos vs Gombe United

 

3. Bayelsa United vs Akwa United

 

4. Shooting Stars vs Plateau United

 

5 Abia Warriors vs Niger Tornadoes

 

6. Rivers United vs Remo Stars

 

7. Katsina United vs Kwara United

 

8. Sunshine Stars vs Kano Pillars

 

9. Heartland FC vs Lobi Stars

 

10. Rangers United (Enugu) vs Doma United

) The Nigerian Army absolved self from allegation of confiscation of community land for a proposed civil-military intervention project in Orolu Community in Osun.

 

This contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig -Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

Nwachukwu said that one Chief Babatunde Oyetunji, Eesa of Ifon, had in a statement alleged that the Nigerian Army had decided to forcefully acquire land for a proposed project in Orolu Community.

 

He said the allegations were entirely false, malicious and an effort by some vested interests to tarnish the good reputation of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and drag the name of the institution in the mud.

 

“The fact of the matter is that one of the lines of operations of the Nigerian army in tackling security challenges in the country is the Non-kinetic line of operations.

 

“It is a soft approach, aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the public through the instrumentality of Civil-Military Cooperation activities or programmes of the Nigerian Army.

 

“This effort, is fundamentally geared towards fostering cooperation and galvanising support of the civil populace for army’s diverse operations to mitigate security challenges across the country.

 

Hence, the Nigerian army usually executes special community intervention projects, such as hospitals, boreholes, electrification amongst others based on needs assessment, after consultations with the leadership of such communities, at the behest of senior officers, who hail from the benefiting community,” he said.

 

In this particular case, Nwachukwu said that a retired senior officer conceptualised an intervention project; a medical centre in the state.

 

He said the proposal had not even been formally forwarded to the Chief of Army staff for approval, adding that the Department of Civil-Military Affairs at the Army Headquarters was yet to receive requisite information to enable it initiate a comprehensive proposal for the project.

 

He explained that the army would not have in any way known which land belongs to who, since it was not yet involved in the process.

 

According to him, it is only when and if the request of the retired senior officer is forwarded to the Chief of Army Staff and is approved, that the Army can send a team to carry out due diligence on the project site and carry along all stakeholders in the process.

 

“Surprisingly, if the said project for which the COAS and the Nigerian army are being maligned sails through and is approved, it is a project that will benefit the civil populace and serve humanity, irrespective of community affiliation.

 

“The Nigerian Army hereby absolves itself of any involvement in an attempt to confiscate any community land.

 

“The Nigerian Army is a professional and law abiding institution that has always followed due process in all her intervention projects, so far undertaken.

 

“Therefore, members of the public are enjoined to discountenance the allegations and continue to support the Nigerian Army and its Kinetic and None kinetic operations across the country,” Nwachukwu said. (NAN)

Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has charged the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola to come up with measures to decongest passport collection centres, saying the President Bola Tinubu administration will not tolerate excuses and endless queues at Passport Offices.

The minister also charged heads of the service arms of the ministry on the need to walk their talk as the country is at a critical point and in dire need of transformation, adding that the president is interested in tangible results and not excuses.

Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Babatunde Alao in a statement on Wednesday morning disclosed that Dr Tunji-Ojo gave the charge on Tuesday while receiving briefings from the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration, Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, and Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa.

 

He said; “I am just returning from a meeting with the President. He is not interested in excuses. We must work and deliver. Anyone who cannot help Nigeria to record progress must be kicked out because we can actually be great,” he said.

 

“Let me know your challenges. I am here to help you solve them. When you solve them and record successes, I am also successful. The time of talks is gone. So, keep your talk. Let us discuss solutions.

 

“Nigerians should not have to queue endlessly to get passports. No, this must stop. This is not the Nigeria of our dream. I need to know the challenges the agency is facing.

 

“We must all come together to deploy and invest our expertise to resolve them. Nigerians will take us up on our promises. If we have officers who are not ready for this rigorous process, we will excuse them.”

 

The minister reminded the agency heads that the new administration was not interested in usual talks and essay presentations, but actions to deliver value and growth.

 

He said; “Talks have not taken us anywhere as a nation. We must get it right. The Ministry of Interior is the heart of any nation. I want you to return to your tables and bring up action plans. It is my job to ensure the ministry is working

Dr Tunji-Ojo also underscored the importance of leveraging technology as a means to enhance efficiency and accuracy within the immigration and correctional services.

The minister highlighted that the implementation of advanced technological solutions could significantly reduce delays and streamline the handling of critical challenges.

 

“Technology has the potential to revolutionize our immigration and correctional systems, making them more agile and responsive. All I care, we need to embrace innovation and find ways to overcome the current challenges that often lead to bottlenecks in our processes. Our country is a great and important country. Let us live up to expectations.”

The Akwa Ibom State Government said it has shut down Ruitai Mining Company, a Chinese mining company operating in Esuk Ikim Akeme community, Ibeno Local Government Area of the state over illegal mining of Titanium Ore.

The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Uno Etim Uno, disclosed this on Tuesday while playing host to members of the correspondents chapel in his office in Uyo.

 

He explained that he, alongside the Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security, Brig. Gen. Koko Essien (rtd), went on inspection of Ruitai Mining facility and discovered that it was involved in illegal mining.

He explained that the product, black clay-like mineral was discovered in sack bags of 50kg, however, the Managing Director and Director of the company, Zeng Zhonghuan and Huang Ying, were absent at the site, while the available staff members could not provide any information or documents on their right to operate in the area.

He explained that upon the discovery, the government invited the police and ARMY to take over the site pending when the company was cleared to operate, adding that Ruitai was given until Friday this week to present documents qualifying them to mine the mineral.

Introduction

Across the diverse and dynamic continent of Africa, achieving stability in government has been a persistent challenge. The continent has witnessed a range of governance models, from authoritarian regimes to democratic transitions, each with its own set of complexities. This article delves into the multifaceted issue of achieving stable governance in Africa, discussing the challenges that hinder progress and outlining potential pathways that can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future.

**1. The Importance of Stable Governance**

Stable governance is crucial for a nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens. It provides a foundation for economic growth, social cohesion, and the protection of human rights. However, achieving stability is not a linear process and often involves addressing a complex interplay of factors.

**2. Addressing Political Instability**

Political instability remains a significant hurdle in Africa’s pursuit of stable governance. Frequent changes in leadership, whether through coups, transitions, or contested elections, disrupt governance structures and impede progress. The establishment of strong institutions that can withstand political shocks is vital to mitigating these challenges.

**3. Strengthening Democratic Institutions**

While democratic transitions have been witnessed across the continent, consolidating democratic institutions remains a challenge. Building an independent judiciary, ensuring a free press, and promoting the rule of law are critical steps towards fostering stable democratic governance. These institutions act as checks and balances, preventing the concentration of power and promoting accountability.

**4. Inclusive Governance and Ethnic Diversity**

Africa’s ethnic diversity is a double-edged sword when it comes to governance. While it enriches the continent’s cultural tapestry, it also presents challenges in terms of identity-based conflicts and struggles for political power. Inclusive governance that acknowledges and respects the rights of all ethnic groups can help mitigate these conflicts and foster national unity.

**5. Economic Development and Social Welfare**

Economic stability is intrinsically linked to political stability. When governments are successful in providing economic opportunities, reducing poverty, and ensuring social welfare, they gain the trust and support of their citizens. Sustainable economic growth can provide the necessary resources for public services and infrastructure development, contributing to long-term political stability.

**6. Combating Corruption and Promoting Accountability**

Corruption is a significant impediment to stable governance. It erodes public trust, hampers development efforts, and perpetuates inequality. Fighting corruption requires not only legal frameworks but also a strong commitment from leadership to hold officials accountable and create a culture of transparency.

**7. Engaging Youth and Empowering Women**

African countries have a youthful population, and engaging young people in the political process is vital. Investing in education, skills development, and meaningful employment opportunities can empower the youth to play an active role in shaping their nations’ futures. Similarly, empowering women in politics and governance can bring diverse perspectives to decision-making processes and foster inclusive policies.

**8. Learning from Successful Case Studies**

Several African nations have made significant strides towards achieving stable governance. Countries like Ghana, Botswana, and Mauritius have managed to maintain stable political environments through strong institutions, peaceful transitions, and a commitment to the rule of law. Learning from these successes can provide valuable insights for other nations seeking similar stability.

**9. Regional Cooperation and Conflict Resolution**

Interconnected challenges often spill over national borders. Regional organizations like the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) play a pivotal role in mediating conflicts, fostering cooperation, and promoting stability. Collaboration among neighboring countries can help prevent conflicts from escalating and destabilizing the entire region.

**10. Investing in Education and Civil Society**

Education plays a fundamental role in shaping citizens’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities. By investing in quality education, governments can create an informed and engaged citizenry that actively participates in the democratic process. Additionally, civil society organizations contribute to holding governments accountable and advocating for the needs of the people.

**11. Conclusion: The Road Ahead**

Achieving stable governance in Africa is a complex journey that requires the concerted efforts of governments, civil society, and international partners. The challenges are significant, but the potential for progress is equally immense. By addressing political instability, fostering democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and tackling corruption, African nations can pave the way for a future of stability, prosperity, and social progress. Through shared commitment and collaborative action, Africa can unlock its true potential and establish a legacy of stable governance for generations to come.

The Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria Peoples Party has suspended its candidate in the Feb. 25 presidential election, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for alleged anti-party activities.

 

The BoT also suspended the National Working Committee of the party.

 

It also appointed new national officers headed by Dr Agbo Major as acting National Chairman and Mr Ogini Olaposi as acting National Secretary with 18 others.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the suspension is for six months.

 

NAN reports that the suspensions were put to a voice vote by members of the party at its special general assembly, held at the Rockview Hotels in Apapa.

 

NAN recalls that the NWC of the party on Thursday, Aug. 24, announced the suspension of the founder of the party, Dr Boniface Aniebonam and the National Publicity Secretary, Major.

 

Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting in Lagos on Tuesday, Secretary of the BoT, Babayo Muhammed Abdulahi, accused Kwankwaso of hobnobbing with President Bola Tinubu, the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi, without the board’s authorisation.

Abdulahi said: “The purported suspension of the founder is a flagrant gross violation of the NNPP constitution such that it is tantamount to recklessness and irresponsibility on the part of the incompetent NWC.

 

“The BoT decided that material evidence in the public sector affirmed that Kwankwaso was involved in anti-party activities in various meetings, suggest political discussions with the President, Atiku and Obi without authorisation from the board.

 

” This has earned him six months suspension pending the outcome of investigation by the Disciplinary Committee.

The BOT insisted that the avoidable violation of MoU between NNPP on the one part and Kwankwasia, TNM and NAGAFF on the other has no other choice than to withdraw from the partnership.

 

“It is therefore to state clearly that the MOU have been rendered void.”

 

Also speaking, the acting chairman said his team would hit the ground running by healing the wounds created by the suspended NWC members.

 

Major said the party would remain the most ordinary friendly party in the country and urged other members that are displaced for one reason or the other to return to its fold.

 

“We don’t intend to shut anybody out or censor anybody but we want to ensure that we remain on track and maintain our people oriented ideology,” he said.

 

NAN reports that the special general assembly meeting was attended by the new NWC and members from across the country.

 

NAN