Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- October 20, 2024
- 77 views
UK DEPORTS 44 NIGERIAN/GHANIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS
UK DEPORTS 44 NIGERIAN/GHANIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS The United Kingdom has deported 44 Nigerian and Ghanaian asylum seekers, marking the highest number of deportations in a single flight to date, according to a report by the UK Guardian. This deportation comes just 48 hours after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a controversial deal to deport migrants arriving on small boats to the Chagos Islands, relocating them to St Helena, a British territory more than 5,000 miles away in the Atlantic Ocean. The UK Home Office confirmed on Friday that the deportations are part of a “major surge” in immigration enforcement and returns. Since Starmer took office in July, a total of 3,600 persons have been deported to various countries, including 200 to Brazil and 46 to Vietnam and Timor-Leste. Regular deportation flights also target Albania, Lithuania, and Romania. However, deportations to Nigeria and Ghana have been relatively rare, with only four recorded since 2020. The most recent deportation to Nigeria took place in June, involving 13 Nigerians flown to Lagos. One of the Nigerian deportees from the latest flight stated he was a victim of human trafficking, but his claim was rejected by the Home Office. “I told the Home Office I was a victim of trafficking. They rejected my claim,” he said. Another deportee, who had lived in the UK for 15 years as an asylum seeker with no criminal record, also had his application denied. In August, Nigeria reportedly signed a deportation agreement with the UK, allowing the return of illegal immigrants. This came after the UK’s asylum deal with Rwanda faced significant setbacks.
- Foreign Affairs
- October 18, 2024
- 74 views
HOW MANY AFRICAN COUNTRIES HAS WORLD BANK TAKEN TO PROMISED LAND? – SHEHU SANI
HOW MANY AFRICAN COUNTRIES HAS WORLD BANK TAKEN TO PROMISED LAND’? – SHEHU SANI Social activist and former Nigerian lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has knocked the World Bank and the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s economic policies despite its harsh effects on Nigerians. Sani said that the World Bank only wanted the hardship in Nigeria to extend to the next 15 years before Nigerians could reach the “promised land” of a healthy economic system that would favour Nigerians. The former lawmaker who questioned how many Nigerians that would remain alive to enjoy the fruit of the World Bank in its promised land of economic boom, questioned how many African countries the World Bank had taken to the said promised land. Sani in a post on his X account said, “The World Bank wants the hardship to extend to the next fifteen years before we can reach the promise land. “I don’t know of how many people will be remaining at that time to enjoy the fruits of the Wotd Bank in its promised land. “The question is: How many African countries did the World Bank take to the promised land?” Despite the rising hardship in Nigeria, the Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank, Mr. Indermit Gill, urged the President Tinubu-led Nigerian government to press forward with its ongoing economic reforms, despite the significant hardships they are causing for many Nigerians. Speaking at the opening session of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30) in Abuja on Monday, Gill highlighted the importance of sustaining the reforms to pave the way for long-term economic growth. He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its efforts in unifying exchange rates, a step seen as crucial for stabilising the economy. However, Gill acknowledged the tough conditions many Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable, are facing due to these changes. He emphasised the need for the government to provide cost-effective safety nets to protect the most affected.
- Foreign Affairs
- October 17, 2024
- 76 views
LONGEST LIVED AMERICAN PRESIDENT IN HISTORY, JIMMY CARTER, VOTES FOR KAMALA HARRIS IN US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
LONGEST LIVED AMERICAN PRESIDENT IN HISTORY, JIMMY CARTER, VOTES FOR KAMALA HARRIS IN US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION The 39th president, who entered hospice care in February 2023, submitted an absentee ballot, according to a grandson. His family said he had been eager to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris. The longest-lived president in American history has voted again. Jimmy Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1 and has been in hospice care since February 2023, submitted his absentee ballot on Wednesday, according to Jason Carter, the former president’s grandson. Jason Carter, the chairman of the Carter Center, said in a text message on Wednesday that his grandfather’s ballot had been deposited at a drop box at a courthouse in Americus, Ga. In Georgia, a relative may return a completed absentee ballot for a voter. For weeks, according to the Carter family, the former president was privately playing down becoming a centenarian. Instead, Mr. Carter’s relatives said, he was most eager about voting for Vice President Kamala Harris. Under Georgia law, Oct. 7 was the first day that county registrars could distribute domestic absentee ballots. Elections officials began mailing military and overseas ballots last month. Georgia’s in-person early voting period began on Tuesday, and regulators reported record turnout. Elections officials said they were not certain when Mr. Carter, who spent many days of his post-presidency on Carter Center election-monitoring missions around the world, first cast a ballot of his own. But in 1943, Georgia became the first state to lower its voting age to 18; when Georgia voters decided to amend the state Constitution, Mr. Carter was months away from his 19th birthday. Soon enough, though, he was in elected office himself. In 1962, he won a seat in the State Senate, after a chaotic scandal in which Mr. Carter’s opponent initially benefited from a ballot-stuffing scheme. (Decades later, Mr. Carter would recall that he was such an unknown then that a Georgia newspaper identified him as “Jerry Carter from Plains.”) Mr. Carter cited the episode as a reason that he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died last year, founded the Carter Center, a nongovernmental organization, after they left the White House in 1981. But before his defeat by Ronald Reagan, one of Mr. Carter’s earliest lobbying efforts as president focused on his ideas about voter registration and campaign finance. State records show that Mr. Carter has been an especially reliable voter as a former president. He has routinely cast ballots in general elections, of course, but has also been a fixture of primary runoffs and special elections. For more than a decade, he has exclusively voted by mail in the elections tracked by the state. Mr. Carter still lives in Plains — the tidy city in southwest Georgia that he turned into an outpost of presidential politics nearly a half-century ago — and votes in Sumter County, where plenty of people still know him as “Mr. Jimmy.” A Republican presidential nominee last carried Sumter in 2004, when George W. Bush won it by 126 votes. Joseph R. Biden Jr. had a 586-vote margin of victory there in 2020. The margins have come to matter in Georgia, one of the most closely contested states in presidential elections. Had Mr. Carter gotten his way in the 1970s, though, they would matter less: He recommended abolishing the Electoral College.
- Foreign Affairs
- October 17, 2024
- 99 views
CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE WHO WILL SUFFER IF TRUMP WINS AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION – SHEHU SANI
CATEGORIES OF PEOPLE WHO WILL SUFFER IF TRUMP WINS AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION – SHEHU SANI Ahead of the forthcoming United States presidential election, the former senator who represented the good people of Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone, Senator Shehu Sani, has listed the categories of people who will suffer if Donald Trump wins the presidential election in the United States of America. While speaking, the former lawmaker made it known that if Trump wins the forthcoming United States presidential election, Africans who want to migrate to the United States and migrants from South America will suffer. Furthermore, Shehu Sani made it known that some other individuals and agencies will also suffer. These individuals and agencies are as follows; The UN and its agencies, Chinese Businesses with the US, US,Iran and Cuba relations, EU/US relations, Arab/US relations, US obligations to International treaties, Human/Environmental Rights and Ukraine dependance on US. Senator Shehu Sani made this disclosure in a post he made on his official X handle on Wednesday morning. He wrote: “If Trump wins the Presidency,these are the categories of people or institutions that will suffer. “1.Africans who want to immigrate to the US. 2.Migrants from South America. 3.The UN and its agencies. 4.Chinese Businesses with the US 5.US,Iran and Cuba relations. 6.EU/US relations. 7.Arab/US relations. 8.US obligations to International treaties. 9.Human/Environmental Rights. 10.Ukraine dependance on US.”
- Foreign Affairs
- October 15, 2024
- 98 views
FG SUMMONS BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER OVER SUNDAY IGBOHO’S YORUBA NATION PETITION TO PRIME MINISTER
FG SUMMONS BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER OVER SUNDAY IGBOHO’S YORUBA NATION PETITION TO PRIME MINISTER The Federal Government has addressed concerns surrounding Sunday Igboho’s petition to the UK Prime Minister, submitted at 10 Downing Street. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it invited the British High Commissioner in Abuja to clarify the issue, according to a statement by Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the High Commissioner acknowledged the alarm generated by the petition but described press reports as misleading. He confirmed that he is aware of the delivery of the letter, explaining that it aligns with the established practice of submitting petitions and letters to No. 10. However, the High Commissioner added that the UK government and the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee did not endorse the petition. He reiterated the UK government’s policy of non-interference in the sovereign affairs of other nations and cited past rejections of similar petitions by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK Government. Sunday Igboho, a prominent advocate for the Yoruba Nation, had submitted the petition to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on October 12, urging consideration of the Yoruba Nation’s bid for self-determination.
- Foreign Affairs
- October 8, 2024
- 85 views
CAMEROONIAN PRESIDENT, PAUL BIYA, RUMOURED DEAD, SUCCESSION BATTLE BEGINS
CAMEROONIAN PRESIDENT, PAUL BIYA, RUMOURED DEAD, SUCCESSION BATTLE BEGINS CAMEROONIAN PRESIDENT, PAUL BIYA, RUMOURED DEAD, SUCCESSION BATTLE BEGINS Rumours of Cameroonian President Paul Biya’s death have ignited political speculation and controversy surrounding the country’s succession plans. Following Biya’s extended absence after the China-Africa Summit from September 4 to 6, 2024, lawyer Christian Ntimbane expressed concerns in an open letter to Samuel Mvondo Ayolo, the director of the Civil Cabinet. The absence of official updates on the 91-year-old president’s health has fueled widespread speculation, with reports suggesting he is either recovering in Switzerland or hospitalized in France. Ntimbane has called for transparency, urging the government to clarify the president’s situation, saying, “If he is on vacation, say so. If he is sick, say that too,” in a bid to calm public concerns. Biya’s absence has dominated media coverage, heightening anxiety among citizens about political stability after his 42-year reign. On platforms like X (formerly Twitter), public opinion is split. Some users speculate that France is attempting to install Biya’s eldest son, Franck Emmanuel Biya, as his successor, while others believe Cameroon is on the brink of freedom from Biya’s prolonged rule. According to Cameroon Concord, a political framework may already be in place to facilitate the transition, with Biya’s brother-in-law, Robert Nkili, positioned to serve as interim president. However, opposition leaders such as Maurice Kamto could mobilize to contest any attempt at dynastic succession, pushing for democratic reforms. Biya has been Cameroon’s president since November 6, 1982, following his role as prime minister from 1975 to 1982. He remains the second-longest-ruling president in Africa, the longest-serving non-royal national leader globally, and the oldest head of state. As speculation swirls, the government’s silence continues to fuel public uncertainty about Cameroon’s political future.
- Foreign Affairs
- October 5, 2024
- 129 views
RUSSIA WARNS NIGERIA ABOUT US UK INTERFACE
RUSSIA WARNS NIGERIA ABOUT US, UK ATTEMPTS AT INTERFERENCE The Russian government has issued a fresh warning to Nigeria, alleging that the United States and the United Kingdom are attempting to interfere in the country’s internal affairs and sabotage its bilateral relations with Russia. This is as the Russian Embassy in Nigeria has denied any involvement in the October 1st hunger protest that rocked the country. In a letter addressed to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia’s official Press Secretary, Yury Paramonov, stated that his country respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and adheres to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Russia has accused Western countries, particularly the US, UK, and Ukraine, of spreading baseless accusations about its involvement in the protests. The Russian Embassy cited statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko as examples of unfounded claims. “Statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko have shamelessly and baselessly suggested that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference,and have further warned that this could happen again in the future.”” the Russian Embassy stated. The statement added, “The Embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation neither had any involvement in the protests that occurred in the recent past, nor does it have any connection to any potential future demonstrations or unrest. “Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria. We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states.”
- Foreign Affairs
- October 2, 2024
- 109 views
NIGERIANS RECEIVED THE MOST US GREEN CARDS IN AFRICA IN 2023
NIGERIANS RECEIVED THE MOST US GREEN CARDS IN AFRICA IN 2023 Nigerians received the most US green cards on the African continent in 2023, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security. US immigration law defines a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or “green card” holder as a foreign national who has been granted the status of residing permanently in the country. LPRs may apply to become US citizens if they meet certain additional eligibility requirements. According to the 2023 lawful permanent residents annual flow report released by the Office of Homeland Security Statistics (OHSS) in September, nearly 1,173,000 persons were granted green cards last year. The report said majority of the new LPRs (52 percent) were already present in the US when they were granted lawful permanent resident status. About 64 percent were granted LPR status based on a family relationship with a U.S. citizen or current LPR,” the report said. The leading countries of new LPRs by birth were Mexico, Cuba, and India. The report said 418,930 of the total new green card holders were Africans (35.7 percent). Of the 20 countries featured on the list of the most granted green card permits, Nigeria ranked 15 and was the only African nation that made the cut. California was the most preferred state of residence for immigrants with 205,040 arrivals, the report showed. Florida ranked second while New York, Texas, and New Jersey were third, fourth, and fifth respectively. The median age for new LPRs was 35 years. “New LPR’s who were 65 years of age and older increased 62 percent from 2022,” the report added. Females were also the most granted green card permit gender, while married applicants received the most in terms of marital status. According to the US Census Bureau, 13.7 percent of the US population is Black or African American
- Foreign Affairs
- October 1, 2024
- 103 views
FORMER US PRESIDENT, JIMMY CARTER, CLOCKS 100 YEARS TODAY, SHARES BIRTHDAY WITH NIGERIA
FORMER US PRESIDENT, JIMMY CARTER, CLOCKS 100 YEARS TODAY, SHARES BIRTHDAY WITH NIGERIA James Earl Carter Jr. (born October 1, 1924) is an American politician and humanitarian who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Today, October 1st 2024; President Jimmy Carter sets a new record on October 1, his birthday, when he will become the first American President to reach triple digits age (100) years old. President Carter came to Nigeria in 1978 to become the First American leader ever to make an official state visit to black Africa. He was greeted upon his arrival from Brazil at Murtala Muhammed international airport by Nigeria’s head of state, Lt Gen Olusegun Obasanjo and then driven immediately to State House on the Marina of Lagos Island where he and other top officials of his party are to stay during their three-day visit. The only other American President to pass through black Africa was Franklin D. Roosevelt who landed at Roberts Field in Monrovia, Liberia, en route home from the Cairo Conference in 1943. He stayed only a few hours, however, and did not pay and official visit. One significant thing is that every Head of State from 1960 till 1983 once used this Nigeria Army Land Rover NA 522 for ceremonial events.
- Foreign Affairs
- September 28, 2024
- 184 views
THERE’S NO PLACE IN IRAN THAT WE CANNOT REACH – ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, NETANYAHU
THERE’S NO PLACE IN IRAN THAT WE CANNOT REACH – ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, NETANYAHU Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed that Israel will continue its military operations until its objectives are met, even as tensions escalate on both the Gaza and Lebanon fronts. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran, stating, “If you strike us, we will strike you.” “There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach, and that’s true of the entire Middle East,” Netanyahu declared during his address, as delegates from Lebanon and the Palestinian territories walked out in protest, AFP reports. Earlier, protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s New York hotel, demanding an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. The protests came in response to continued cross-border exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel, which began after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance against a ceasefire, despite a 21-day truce proposal put forth by the United States and France. “It is an American-French proposal, which the prime minister has not even responded to,” said a statement from Netanyahu’s office. Israel has intensified strikes on Lebanon, where over 700 people have died in recent bombings. The UN called the situation Lebanon’s “deadliest period in a generation,” with a death toll exceeding 1,500 people after nearly a year of clashes.