Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- July 15, 2024
- 186 views
DESPITE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, TRUMP VOWS TO ATTEND TODAY’S REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
DESPITE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, TRUMP VOWS TO ATTEND TODAY’S REPUBLICAN CONVENTION Former U.S. President and Republican Party’s presidential candidate, Donald Trump, on Saturday night, said he would attend the party’s nomination convention today in Milwaukee despite the assassination attempt on him. Donald dispelled insinuations that he might not attend the event after the murder attempt on his life at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he sustained an injury in his ears and two fatalities were recorded . The assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, who was shot dead by security operatives, had attempted to kill the former President a few minutes after he mounted the podium to address party members and supporters. FBI and other security agencies are still investigating the foiled assassination plot by Crooks, who was reported to have used a gun purchased by his father about six months ago. The Guardian learnt that the Secret Service would have at least two security perimetres around the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee and the city itself would be beefed up with more security operatives drafted from all levels. Public and political analysts mentioned that the convention would still host speeches throughout the week and the dozens of side events hosted by state Republican Parties and conservative organisations. They observed further that it would even have more colours and glamour than it was planned before the Saturday shooting, saying the failed attempt had changed the narratives and fortunes of the party ahead of the polls. Trump, who was declared safe by the Secret Service after stopping the murder attempt and whisked him out of the venue in Pennsylvania, would be formally nominated as the GOP’s presidential nominee on Thursday. Allaying the fears of his teeming political supporters after the attack on Saturday, Trump said he would attend the convention alongside party officials, assuring the people the four-day event would be hitch-free. Trump, on his social media page, yesterday morning, noted that he was still looking “forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin.”He said: “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will fear not, but instead, remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness.”
- Foreign Affairs
- July 15, 2024
- 173 views
SOME TAKE-AWAYS FROM UK GENERAL ELECTION
SOME TAKE-AWAYS FROM UK GENERAL ELECTION Many Nigerians just love the parliamentary system of government without knowing it. That was my first take-away from the UK general election, which saw the Labour Party chase the Tories out of No 10 Downing Street in one of the most comprehensive defeats in the country’s history. Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, assumed power and named his cabinet less than 24 hours after his party won 411 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, leaving the Conservative Party with 121. For context, the Tories had 365 seats and Labour had 200 before the election. While Labour gained 211 seats to claim the majority (meaning they can pass several bills on their own), the Tories lost 251. Massive. After Starmer swiftly named his cabinet and met with his team a day following his appointment as prime minister by King Charles III, my WhatsApp started brimming with broadcasts comparing Nigeria with the UK. One reads: “The elections were held two days ago. Yesterday, the new Prime Minister has assumed office. The new cabinet is already in place. No transition committee.” There you go. In a parliamentary system of government, there is a governing party and an opposition party. The governing party is usually the one with the most seats in parliament, even if it takes a coalition to get the majority. The opposition party is usually the one with the second highest number of seats. For the benefit of those who may not know how it works, the opposition party always forms a “shadow” cabinet when a new parliament is in place. For every cabinet position filled by the governing party, the opposition has an equivalent. They shadow the ministers of the governing party and have access to official documents. This enables them to make meaningful contributions to parliamentary debates, provide their own views and propose alternative policies. In a parliamentary system, the executive and legislative arms of government are merged, so most ministers/secretaries are members of parliament. There is no separation of powers. It is only the judiciary that is apart. Therefore, naming a cabinet “within two days of winning an election” is not a big deal in a parliamentary system. The cabinet positions are shared before elections, with minor adjustments made where considered necessary. If a party does not win enough seats to form government and has to go into a coalition with another party, there could be a delay in naming the cabinet because of the horse trading. By the time a new parliament is proclaimed, however, the cabinet will be named. It would have been an anomaly if Starmer did not name his cabinet immediately. Rishi Sunak, as the new opposition leader, has already appointed a shadow cabinet. In a presidential system, the type Nigeria practises, the executive is separate from the legislature. The president cannot form a cabinet until he has sent the list of nominees to the senate for confirmation hearing. He can only nominate. As an independent arm of government, the legislature can decide when it wants to conduct the hearing and decide the nominees to accept or reject. It cannot be hurried up to screen the nominees or forced to confirm them. There was a time it took almost six months before ministers were appointed and this is totally unacceptable — but the president cannot realistically form a cabinet “within two days”. Nevertheless, our presidents can do better. If there is a sense of urgency to set the ball rolling and there is some regard for Nigerians, nominees can be swiftly named and confirmed. But everything is complicated in our dearly beloved country. One, security screening takes ages. Two, names are dropped and chopped per…
- Foreign Affairs
- July 14, 2024
- 189 views
WHO’S THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS, THE MAN WHO WANTED TO KILL DONALD TRUMP?
WHO IS THOMAS MATTHEW CROOKS, THE MAN WHO WANTED TO KILL TRUMP A voter-registration record showed that he was registered as a Republican! So it’s looking like an in-house act. Thomas Matthew Crooks was the resident of Bethel Park in Pennsylvania. He appears to have graduated in 2022 from Bethel Park High School. He even received a $500 “star award” that year from the National Math and Science Initiative, according to The Tribune-Review in western Pennsylvania. Thomas Crooks was armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. Multiple witnesses said they saw him before the shooting and alerted authorities.Crooks was positioned on the roof of a building about 130 yards away from the stage where Donald Trump was addressing the rally.Crooks was shot dead by the Secret Service officials after the attack on the 78-year-old former US President. Police said Crooks’ motive behind firing on the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is unclear.
WE DIDN’T APPEAL RIVERS COURT VERDICT – PDP
WE DIDN’T APPEAL RIVERS COURT VERDICT – PDP The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it’s not in Rivers state Appeal case. The party, which distanced itself from such case, also said that it didn’t authorize any external solicitor to file same on its behalf, as such cannot be listed as Appellant in the Appeal. PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Hon Debo Ologunagba, stated categorically that it did not file the said Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division challenging the Order of the Rivers State High Court restraining the Chief Judge of Rivers State and the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly from receiving or acting on any resolutions from certain individuals pending the determination of a case before it. The party said that its attention was drawn to a purported Appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division with respect to Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024 wherein the PDP is reportedly listed as Appellant. “For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP National Legal Adviser, Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN has ascertained that the Party did not file the said Appeal neither did it authorize any external solicitor to file same on its behalf. As such, the PDP cannot be listed as Appellant in the Appeal,” the party said. The PDP restated that only the National Legal Adviser of the Party has the exclusive responsibility of conducting the litigation, prosecution and defense of cases on behalf of the Party including its Organs, Chapters and Officials as expressly provided for in Section 42 of the PDP’s Constitution (as amended in 2017). “Our Party had in a Public Notice published on January 17, 2023 notified the public that nobody, Authority, Office or Organ other than the National Legal Adviser has the competence to file or engage external solicitors to file or handle cases on behalf of the Party, which engagement must also be in writing under the hand of the National Legal Adviser specifying amongst other things, the nature of the case and other terms and conditions of the engagement,” the party said.The PDP has, therefore, dissociated itself from the purported Appeal filed at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division in connection with Suit No: PHC/2177/CS/2024.
COURT ORDERS LAI MOHAMMED TO DISCLOSE NIGERIA-TWITTER AGREEMENT
FEDERAL HIGH COURT ORDERS LAI MOHAMMED TO DISCLOSE NIGERIA-TWITTER AGREEMENT The Federal High Court in Lagos has mandated Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Information and Culture, along with the Ministry of Information, to reveal the details of the agreement between the Nigerian Government and X, formerly known as Twitter. Hon. Justice Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba delivered the judgment in May 2024, following a Freedom of Information suit (FHC/L/CS/238/2022) filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). A certified true copy of the judgment was obtained last Friday. Justice Dimgba directed that “The former minister and the Ministry of Information are compelled to provide a copy of the agreement to SERAP solely to ascertain its impact on the protection of fundamental human rights of Nigerians.” He stated that disclosing the agreement details is in the public interest and does not compromise Twitter’s business interests or Nigeria’s national security. Justice Dimgba dismissed objections from the minister’s counsel and upheld SERAP’s arguments, ruling in favor of SERAP against the minister. The court found that the minister failed to demonstrate that the President followed due process to designate Twitter as a Critical National Information Infrastructure, nor was there an order in the Federal Gazette to that effect. Justice Dimgba stated, “The disclosure of the Twitter agreement is not prejudicial to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security or protected by the Official Secrets Act, as the minister has failed to prove the same.” He noted that the minister’s argument about potential harm to Twitter’s business interests was hypothetical and lacked evidence of specific business or contractual interests that could be affected. SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare called the judgment a victory for online freedom and democracy, urging President Bola Tinubu to comply immediately with the court’s orders. In a letter dated July 13, 2024, SERAP urged President Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Attorney General’s office to disclose the Twitter agreement details as ordered by the court. The suit was filed against the former minister following the government’s statement on January 13, 2022, about lifting Twitter’s suspension and the platform’s commitment to Nigerian laws and culture. The Nigerian Government suspended Twitter on June 4, 2021, after the platform removed a post by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The court’s orders were specifically directed against the minister, with the former president named as a co-respondent in the suit.
AFENIFERE DISAGREES WITH SUPREME COURT VERDICT ON LOCAL GOVT AUTONOMY, SAYS IT’S SETBACK ON TRUE FEDERALISM
AFENIFERE DISAGREES WITH SUPREME COURT VERDICT ON LOCAL GOVT AUTONOMY, SAYS IT’S SETBACK ON TRUE FEDERALISM Afenifere, a Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, has criticized the Supreme Court judgement granting financial independence to local government areas, stating that it has dealt a severe setback to the principles of federalism. The group’s leaders, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Prince Justice Faloye, signed a statement saying the judgement has “done incalculable injury to the Nigerian state” and is a “judicial conspiracy” against the Nigerian state and its foundational principles of federalism. According to Tribune newspaper, Afenifere views the judgement as a retrogressive declaration that recognizes local governments as a third tier of government, contrary to the constitution’s recognition of a two-tier federal structure. The group emphasizes that Nigeria is a federation consisting of states and a federal capital territory, as affirmed by Section 2 (2) of the 1999 Constitution. The group condemns the subjugation of states and their constitutional roles, including the local government system, to the federal government’s whims. They argue that the 1999 constitution provides for the payment of allocations to local government councils through the state joint local government account, not directly to local governments.Afenifere insists that the way forward for Nigeria is holistic restructuring to re-enact the fundamental principles of true federalism, recognizing the local government system as an exclusive preserve of the states. They quote Section 162 of the Constitution, emphasizing that the Supreme Court’s interpretation has done incalculable injury to the Nigerian state.
#REVOLUTIONNOW: HOW WE FOILED DICTATOR ABACHA PLAN IN 1998 – SOWORE
#REVOLUTIONOW: HOW WE FOILED DICTATOR ABACHA’S PLANS IN 1998 – SOWORE Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has pledged to continue the fight for revolutionary change and the ousting of ineffective leaders in Nigeria. In a post on his X account on Friday, the human rights activist reminisced about a pivotal moment in 1998 when he, along with fellow activistst Sylvester Odion Akhaine and Ogaga Ifowodo, successfully resisted former military head of state Sani Abacha’s attempt to install himself as the sole candidate in his proposed transition programme. Despite being met with a formidable force of over 5,000 police and soldiers, the activists remained resolute and ultimately thwarted Abacha’s plans. Sowore drew inspiration from this historic event as he vowed to sustain the current protest and quest for leadership change in Nigeria. He said, “In 1998, so many youths and elders in Nigeria were handsomely paid to support the late General Abacha’s quest to become the sole candidate in his planned transition programme, so in April, we embarked on a counter-protest in Lagos tagged “Abacha Must Go”. It was an unexpected success. “So in May, when word came that Alhaji Lamido Adedibu was planning an Abacha rally at Adamasingba stadium in Ibadan, Oyo, we mobilized down there. “The Nigeria Police mobilized over 5,000 police, and the Nigerian Army also sent reinforcements; as determined freedom fighters, we mobilized from different parts, snuck into Ibadan the night before, and camped out at Dr Ola Onu’s bungalow to thwart the Abacha campaigner’s rally. “When we started heading towards the stadium, we were met with some cane-bearing Masquerades assembled by Adedibu and his supporters. “We pushed them aside, giving the people of Oyo state the courage and energy to rain on their parade.” Sowore said it took the help of AIT crew to help Adedibu escape the people’s wrath once the people surrounded the stadium. “The 5,000 police plus soldiers ran away. Of course, the brutal dictator Sani Abacha died a few weeks later. “The leaders here in the photo are Sylvester Odion Akhaine, Ogaga Ifowodo and my angry self!” he said. Sowore had previously declared that a protest would be held on August 5 to commemorate the movement’s fifth anniversary. However, he revealed that President Bola Tinubu has counter-mobilised, planning a rival protest to oppose the #RevolutionNow movement. Furthermore, Sowore exposed that President Tinubu has established a media centre in Abuja to amplify his counter-revolutionary efforts, which are slated to take place in August 2024. But he said, “Have no fear for the Nigeria Police Force, HQ Nigerian Army or the Department of state security service because none of them can stop the time.” According to Sowore, although Nigerians may not have been prepared for revolution in 2011 and 2014, when Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari respectively advocated for it, the situation has now changed. Sowore believes that Nigerians are currently eager for a genuine revolution, and ironically, the present administration’s actions will ultimately precipitate this revolution.In other words, the government’s policies and actions will inadvertently spark the very revolution that Nigerians are now ready to embrace.
TWO KIDNAPPED JOURNALISTS, FAMILY MEMBERS FREED
TWO KIDNAPPED JOURNALISTS, FAMILY MEMBERS, FREED AbdulGafar Alabelewe, chairperson of Correspondents Chapel Kaduna, and Abduraheem Aodu of Blue Print Newspaper as well as some of their family members who were kidnapped in a separate incident from the same part of Kaduna last Saturday, have been freed. The council chairperson of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kaduna, Asma’u Halilu, confirmed the release of the journalists and their family members on Saturday. “To the glory of God Almighty, our colleagues, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Abduraheem Aodu and their families have been released. “The Council extends her profound gratitude to the office of the CP, Kaduna State Command, office of the NSA, the DG, DSS, the Inspector General of Police, Kaduna State government, the NUJ President and all well meaning Nigerians that prayed along with us during the trying time. “We will soon announce when they will join us in Kaduna so that we could visit, rejoice and glorify God with them,” the official wrote. Ms Halilu did not indicate if ransom was paid before the journalists were freed.Kidnap for ransom is common in some parts of Kaduna and other states such as Zamfara and Niger.
- Spirituality
- July 14, 2024
- 207 views
TOP TEN WORLD RICHEST RELIGIONS IN 2024
TOP TEN WORLD RICHEST RELIGIONS I2024 Religion has been a cornerstone of human civilization for centuries, shaping cultures, societies, and economies worldwide. While the primary focus of religions is faith and spirituality, the financial aspects of religious institutions play a crucial role in their operations and influence. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore the richest religions in the world in 2024, delving into their economic power, sources of wealth, and their impact on both followers and society at large. Introduction Religions are often viewed as entities solely concerned with the spiritual well-being of their followers. However, many religious institutions have accumulated substantial wealth over time, enabling them to wield significant economic influence. This wealth comes from various sources, including donations, real estate holdings, investments, and other financial assets. In this article, we will examine the top ten richest religions in the world, providing insights into how they manage and utilize their wealth. 1. Roman Catholic Church The Roman Catholic Church is the richest religious institution in the world, with an estimated net worth of billions of dollars. With over 1.3 billion adherents, the Catholic Church’s wealth is derived from a combination of historical legacies, extensive real estate holdings, generous donations, and strategic investments. Historical Wealth Accumulation The Catholic Church’s wealth dates back to its inception over two millennia ago. During the medieval period, the Church amassed vast estates and properties from monarchs and nobility. These lands, often tax-exempt, allowed the Church to accumulate wealth steadily over centuries. Real Estate Holdings One of the primary sources of the Catholic Church’s wealth is its extensive real estate portfolio. The Church owns some of the most iconic and valuable properties globally, including St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. These properties not only hold religious significance but also attract millions of tourists, contributing significantly to the Church’s revenue. Donations and Offerings The Catholic Church receives substantial donations from its followers worldwide. These donations come in various forms, including regular tithes, bequests, and one-time contributions for specific causes or projects. Wealthy patrons and benefactors often make significant financial contributions, further bolstering the Church’s financial standing. Investments and Financial Holdings The Vatican Bank, officially known as the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), manages the Church’s financial assets. The Vatican Bank handles billions of dollars in assets, contributing to the Church’s overall wealth. The Church also invests in various sectors, including banking, insurance, and real estate. 2. Islam Islam is the second richest religion in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers. Its wealth is closely tied to its presence in oil-rich Middle Eastern countries, where religious and state finances are often intertwined. Oil Wealth Predominantly found in the Middle East, Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar have vast oil reserves, contributing significantly to the religion’s wealth. The oil industry has made these countries some of the richest in the world, and the wealth generated from oil sales is often used to support Islamic institutions and initiatives. Donations and Charitable Giving (Zakat) Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a form of almsgiving and religious tax. It is obligatory for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria of wealth. The funds collected through Zakat are used to help the poor and needy, fund community projects, and support religious education. Endowments (Waqf) Waqf is an Islamic endowment of property to be held in trust and used for charitable or religious purposes. Wealthy Muslims often donate land, buildings, or other assets as Waqf, which generates income to support various religious and social causes. Islamic Financial Institutions Prominent Islamic banks and financial institutions manage and distribute wealth within the Muslim community. These institutions adhere to…
- Entertainment
- July 14, 2024
- 196 views
WHY NOLLYWOOD STARS ARE DYING – MAMA G
WHY NOLLYWOOD STARS ARE DYING – MAMA G Veteran Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwor, widely recognized as Mama G, has voiced serious concerns over the increasing number of untimely deaths within the Nigerian film industry. Speaking to Vanguard in Lagos, Ozokwor attributed these frequent tragedies to what she perceives as negligence and carelessness on the part of the actors themselves. The respected actress expressed her distress during the emotional funeral of the beloved comic actor John Okafor, known as Mr Ibu, in Enugu State last month. Mama G said, “When you are doing something you are enjoying, you won’t bother to take care of your health. Once there is life in you, you keep doing what you are doing. And it’s something that pays back on your body. “Some people are so careless that when they are sick, instead of going to the hospital for a proper check-up, they prefer to visit a chemist or a pharmacy to buy a pain reliever. It’s no longer safe with me. I don’t know how many people are thinking like myself. That’s why I blamed it on carelessness. We are trying to put smiles on the faces of people while forgetting to take care of our health.” On why she broke down in tears at Mr Ibu’s burial, Mama G said it dawned on her that the actor was gone forever when she went close to his corpse and called him by the name she used to call him, but he didn’t respond. “At that moment, I broke down in tears. It’s not because I was expecting him to respond, but it was when I realized that this man is gone forever,” she said. She, however, advised her colleagues to learn to go for regular check-ups and curtail some of the things they do that are detrimental to their health. Speaking further, Mama G, who’s currently an Evangelist, recalled how she had an encounter with her maker, who transformed her life and asked her to work for Him. Narrating the encounter, she said, ‘It was in 2016 when God called me to work for Him. Then, I used to be a teacher in the church, but I didn’t climb the pulpit. It’s not something I can explain, God asked me to separate myself so that He wants to talk with me. “I thought somebody was talking to me, but I discovered it was a voice coming from somewhere. It took me time to accept to submit myself for 21 days and it was extended to 30 days. “My son reminded me that the owner of my life is asking me to separate myself for 21 days and I didn’t want to yield to his call and that He may make it 100 days. “At that point, I quietly went in, and by the time I came out from those 30 days, I became a changed person. And how I knew He was the one who called me, he created a platform for me to appear on stage to give a testimony of What He did with me for 30 days. While I was giving the testimony, people started falling under the anointing.“And after the encounter, other pastors and evangelists started inviting me to their programmes. That’s how I became an evangelist.”