THE RETURN OF KWASHIORKOR
THE RETURN OF KWASHIORKOR kwashiorkor is back in town.The revelation emanated from Dr Foluso Balogun, a paediatrician at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan that “for the first time in many years, children with kwashiorkor are seen in this part of the country.”According to the report, “Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein malnutrition. Children who eat diets low in caloric and protein are most likely to suffer from kwashiorkor. Infants and children are typically affected, usually from the time of weaning until age five. The illness is prevalent in areas of the world that are impoverished and have extremely high rates of starvation.”Just as I was wailing about the return of kwashiorkor, the news broke of the arraignment in open court of dozens of malnourished children detained for three months for protesting against the hunger regime of the government.Four of the kid detainees fainted in court to the astonishment of the whole wide world.Members of the Hallelujah Chorus of the incumbent government croaked that the fainting kids were only play-acting!Nigeria’s image was damaged all over the world for detaining and charging hungry children with treason. The internet and social media went into overdrive to put Nigeria to global shame and odium.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could not but order the immediate release of the detained minors and the stoppage of their trial.But the harm had been done, and the Nigerian regime must perforce suffer the adverse consequences therefrom.There is a connection between children suffering from kwashiorkor and detained malnourished minors being charged with treason.It all boils down to man’s inhumanity in the dispensation of totalitarian power in the name of democracy.All the concern of the powers-that-be is devoted to keeping power instead of fighting issues like hunger and starvation.The starving ones are left with the only option of protests to gain any attention from the uncaring government.Given that the unpopular regime is on edge all the time, any form of protest is deemed as high treason.It is ever so benumbing seeing agents of the government making believe that all is well with a country that is in disarray and completely broken.Families are so broke and can no longer feed, yet the politicians are talking of winning elections and re-elections.The politicians have hopelessly divided Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines such that they can get away with murder.And the return of kwashiorkor spells murder, an apt metaphor for the Nigeria of the here and now.The disease knows no ethnic group as it malevolently launches its ferocious attack across all the geo-political zones.Just as the parochial politicians are claiming “it is my turn”, kwashiorkor is countering with its own charge of “it’s my turn”.The poor folks suffering from malnutrition and kwashiorkor are doomed to die sad, painful deaths before the uncaring eyes of gluttonous politicians.A short history of the coming of kwashiorkor can be traced back to when the then opposition politicians marched on the streets against then President Goodluck Jonathan for removing petrol subsidy.The opposition gained power through General Muhammadu Buhari thereafter, and literally everything went downhill for the country.Even the sidekick opposition star Bola Ahmed Tinubu who took over power from Buhari made bold to stress that he inherited a bankrupt country from the Katsina man from Daura.The first statement out of the mouth of Tinubu as president was: “Petrol subsidy is gone.”It’s cool by me to recall that Tinubu had protested when then President Jonathan put the price of petrol at N140, but now under his watch petrol is a princely N1400!Even so, the Bulaba Hallelujah Chorus cannot stop praising their president for being strong in taking a bold step!It’s just like the title character Rip Van Winkle in the short story by Washington Irving who woke up after 20 years of…
NSA, RIBADU ORGANIZING NATIONAL PRAYER WHILE TERRORISTS KILL CITIZENS – AISHA YESUFU
NSA, RIBADU, ORGANIZING NATIONAL PRAYER WHILE TERRORISTS KILL CITIZENS – AISHA YESUFU Aisha Yesufu, a social critic, has criticized Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, over the insecurity in the country. Aisha said Ribadu is organizing national prayer while terrorists are killing citizens. The statement followed the mass burial of the fifteen victims of a tragic attack in Kebbi State. At least 15 persons were killed by a new Jihadist group, “Lakurawa” in the State. “The so-called National Security Adviser @NuhuRibadu is organizing national prayer while terrorists are killing citizens. The terrorists know that instead of Commander-in-Chief Nigeria has Certificate Forger-In-Chief,” Aisha posted on X. Nigerian military had on Friday said it has identified a new terror group, Lakurawa operating in Kebbi and Sokoto States. The terror group is reportedly affiliated with jihadi factions in Mali and Niger, raising security concerns in the northwestern part of the country. The so called National Security Adviser @NuhuRibadu is organizing national prayer while terrorists are killing citizens. The terrorists know that instead of Commander – in- Chief Nigeria has Certificate Forger -In- Chief
OBASEKI DISSOLVES CABINET AHEAD OF TUESDAY HANDOVER
OBASEKI DISSOLVES CABINET AHEAD OF TUESDAY HANDOVER Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state on Friday dissolved the state executive council ahead of Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration as the new governor of the state. Obaseki, who was sworn in on November 12, 2016, is due to hand over to Okpebholo on Tuesday, 12 November. Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the September 21, 2024, governorship election. Obaseki dissolved the cabinet shortly after a valedictory at the Government House in Benin, the Edo State capital. Speaking, the governor commended members of the council for helping him in driving the government’s vision of making Edo great again. He also commended the people of the state for “supporting, praying, and collaborating” with his administration throughout his tenure The outgoing commissioners and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) took turns to present awards and gifts to the outgoing governor.
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- November 9, 2024
- 70 views
I WON’T STEP DOWN FOR DONALD TRUMP – POWELL, CHAIR, FEDERAL RESERVE
I WON’T STEP DOWN FOR TRUMP – POWELL, CHAIR FEDERAL RESERVE Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell had a clear, direct response when asked during a press conference Thursday if he would step down if asked to do so by President-elect Trump. “No,” said Powell, whose term as chair ends in 2026 When asked to elaborate and if he would be legally required to leave, he again said, “No.” Powell later said it is “not permitted under the law” for the president to fire or demote him or any of the other Fed governors with leadership positions. Trump appointed Powell during his first term in 2017 but repeatedly and publicly criticized the Fed and its chair for not cutting rates fast enough throughout his tenure. Powell also said in 2019 that he would not resign if asked by Trump. President Biden reappointed Powell in 2021 despite objections from progressives who have criticized the chair saying he has burdened the average American by keeping rates too high for too long. Trump suggested earlier this year that Powell, a lifelong Republican, was “political” and would cut rates ahead of the 2024 election to help Democrats. While the Fed did cut rates in September by a whopping 50 basis points, Trump handily defeated Vice President Harris this week. The Fed is a politically independent agency and closely guards its reputation. But in August, Trump suggested he should “have at least a say” in monetary policy, including interest rates, because he has “made a lot of money.” Trump later walked back his comments during an interview with Bloomberg. “I think it’s fine for a president to talk,” he said. “It doesn’t mean that they have to listen.” “A president certainly can be talking about interest rates, because I think I have very good instincts,” he said. “That doesn’t mean I’m calling the shot, but it does mean that I should have a right to be able to talk about it like anybody else.” Trump also said over the summer that he would let Powell serve out his term, “especially if I thought he was doing the right thing,” but that he would not reappoint him for another term.
STOP WIKE’S WICKED POLICIES – FCT RESIDENTS PROTEST
STOP WIKE’S WICKED POLICIES – FCT RESIDENT PROTEST Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday took to the streets, protesting against the actions of Minister Nyesom Wike. The residents are decrying the alleged land-grabbing policies of the minister, which are said to be targeting poor communities. Human rights activists joined the demonstration, condemning the FCT administration’s actions under Wike’s leadership. Protesters urge President Bola Tinubu to step in to stop Wike’s “wicked policies”, which have allegedly displaced hundreds from their homes. They demand the removal of the former Rivers State governor as minister. Lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, who joined in the protest, said, “They are dismayed and they are worried that efforts to grab this land are more pressing and it is more unrelenting. Just like we have said earlier, we are appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the FCT minister to release poor people’s lands to them. Poor people’s lands belong to the poor people. “If they are badly in need of land to grab, they should go to Asokoro, Maitama Extension, and Guzape. There are many places to grab land. Why will you come to the poor to grab land so that you can give it to the rich? It will increase insecurity in the country.” Social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) also showed concerns. He said, “In this bad economy, with the price of dollars, with the price of foodstuffs, and you did not create a place for them to stay. This is craziness, wickedness and it is not fair. This act will cause a very great insecurity.”
I’M BEING PUSHED TO BETRAY KWANKWASO – GOV YUSUF
I’M BEING PUSHED TO BETRAY KWANKWASO – GOV YUSUF Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has publicly refuted claims of a rift with his political mentor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. In an interaction with journalists in Kano, late on Wednesday, Yusuf addressed speculations and rumours of discord, insisting that his relationship with Kwankwaso remains strong and respectful, as it has been for the past 40 years. Rumours within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) alleged that Kwankwaso exerts excessive influence over Yusuf’s administration, with some claiming he dictates policy decisions, effectively running a “third term by proxy.” Aliyu Sani Madakin-Gini, the House of Representatives member representing Dala Federal Constituency, who recently broke ranks with Kwankwaso, had alleged that Governor Yusuf’s tiff with Kwankwaso stems from controversies over a drugs contract and a state-funded scholarship scheme. Yusuf, however, dismissed the allegations, emphasising his autonomy while underscoring his gratitude and loyalty to Kwankwaso. “There is no truth in the rumours of a misunderstanding between us,” Yusuf said. “In my 40 years of knowing him, tell me, who among politicians has stayed with someone this long and still maintained harmony? When he was governor, I served as his personal assistant, always by his side. In all these years, we have never had a rift. To now suggest that I am somehow chained by Kwankwaso is simply unfair. “Even just two days ago, I visited him and told him about these rumours. I said, ‘I am surprised. Do people expect me to insult the man who stood by me?’ This is someone who has been there for me, and now some want me to go against him. It is simply not in my nature,” Yusuf asserted, adding that his governorship is not due to any person’s influence but the will of God. In recent weeks, a faction within the NNPP known as “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” (meaning “Abba, stand on your own”) has gained attention. This group calls on Yusuf to distance himself from his political mentor, encouraging him to make decisions independently of Kwankwaso’s input. The movement’s momentum has increased, with members from both the party and other political circles pushing for Yusuf’s perceived autonomy. Yusuf addressed this group directly, calling their message an “insult” to his loyalty. “This ‘stand on your own’ slogan is the greatest insult I have faced as governor. It implies that I should repay good with bad. What has Kwankwaso done to me to deserve this? All the good we are doing for the people is overlooked, and instead, they promote this divisive rhetoric,” Yusuf remarked, adding, “It’s as if people do not know what we are doing for them.” The NNPP’s state leadership recently suspended the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and Commissioner of Transportation, Muhammad Diggol, citing disloyalty and suspected involvement in the “Abba Tsaya da Kafarka” campaign, allegations they have denied. The two officials are currently under investigation for allegedly fuelling this faction’s efforts. Furthermore, two House of Representatives members, Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Dala) and Alhassan Rurum (Kibiya, Rano, and Bunkure), have publicly exited the Kwankwasiyya movement, also urging Yusuf to assert his independence. In response to these defections, Yusuf highlighted the long-standing support Kwankwaso has provided him and denounced those challenging this relationship. “It’s as if people do not understand the role Kwankwaso has played. Where were these critics when he was laying the foundation for what we are doing now?” Yusuf said. He further addressed the media, expressing frustration at how the allegations have been covered. “They said Kwankwaso called me more than 30 times, and I refused to answer. Where did they get this from? And within how many months? Did…
I HEAR EFCC WILL ARREST ME NEXT WEEK, BUT I’M NOT AFRAID, OR WORRIED – OBASEKI
I HEAR EFCC WILL ARREST ME NEXT WEEK, BUT I’M NOT AFRAID OR WORRIED – OBASEKI Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) plans to arrest and detain him after his tenure ends over alleged fraud. Obaseki’s tenure as governor ends on November 14, 2024. According to him, he is aware of multiple petitions filed against him but remains unfazed, willing to turn himself in if summoned, as he has nothing to hide. Obaseki boldly declared that he’s unfazed by potential arrest or investigation into his administration, attributing the petitions against him to vendetta-driven individuals. Speaking at the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session in Abuja, Obaseki expressed confidence in his integrity, stating he’d utilize any time spent in EFCC custody to conduct research, as he has nothing to hide. Obaseki said his opponents are motivated by envy, seeking to tarnish his remarkable eight-year legacy in the South-South state. According to him, his achievements will endure, despite attempts to discredit him. The governor said he intends to “serve as a resource person after office and I’m going to give the cheapest services so far from lessons garnered in my eight years’ experience as governor”. “I hear that the EFCC will pick me next week after my tenure. Wherever they keep me, I’ll spend time doing research,” he said. “There are many things we have done that can be described as legacy projects. I believe in Edo State; one of the things that will last for a very long time to come is the fact that we were able to focus on Edo people and the things that matter to them, reform and implement those things. “Why should I have fears? I just focused on what I believe in and today, you can see what has been achieved. “What happens after that is not up to me. They can continue with their political witch-hunt and do all they can to hurt me, that’s their problem. “I’m not afraid, I’m not worried. They have written all sorts of silly petitions against me and that’s part of the challenge.” “In fact, I can even hand myself over, and if they call me, I don’t have anything to hide,” he added. Senator Monday Okpebholo, Edo State Governor-elect, had accused Governor Obaseki’s administration of taking unscrupulous loans from banks and other financial institutions. Okpebholo, who alleged the looting of government funds by officials of the outgoing administration, also accused government officials of looting public properties including vehicles, furniture and rice. Okpebholo in October called on relevant authorities including the EFCC, police and Department of State Services to investigate the allegations.
- Foreign Affairs
- November 8, 2024
- 93 views
A WAVE RACIST TEXT MESSAGES SUMMONING BLACK PEOPLE TO REPORT FOR SLAVERY SHOWED UP ON PHONES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
A WAVE OF RACIST TEXTMESSAGES SUMMONING BLACK PEOPLE to REPORT FOR SLAVERY SHOWED UP ON PHONES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES The N.A.A.C.P. said that messages were received in nine states, and attorneys general in two other states reported the same on Thursday, two days after the presidential election. The F.B.I. said in a statement that it was “aware of the offensive and racist text messages” and that it was coordinating with the Justice Department and other federal authorities. The texts, which began as early as Wednesday morning, were reported across the South, and from New York to California. The office of the New York attorney general, Letitia James, said the messages had arrived in phones of middle school, high school and college students in New York City and its suburbs. In a statement, Ms. James called the messages “disgusting and unacceptable.” Some examples of the messages were shared by recipients and reviewed by The New York Times. They followed a pattern: addressing recipients by name, telling them they had been selected to “pick cotton” on a plantation and ordering them to show up at a specific time to be picked up by slave handlers. Some included a reference to the president-elect, Donald J. Trump. A spokesman for the Trump campaign, Steven Cheung, said in an email that the “campaign has absolutely nothing to do with these text messages.” Mr. Trump stoked racism throughout his campaign in speeches that included false accusations against immigrants and inflated crime figures. He demeaned the intelligence of his opponent, a Black woman; repeatedly amplified a lie that Haitian immigrants were eating neighbors’ pets in Ohio and held a rally near the end of his campaign at Madison Square Garden that was rife with bigotry and misogyny. The messages hark back to the most painful past for Black Americans. “Our executive slave owners will come get you in a brown van, be prepared to be searched down once you’ve entered the plantation,” one version said. Derrick Johnson, the president of the N.A.A.C.P., said in a statement that the messages reflected how racist groups had been emboldened after Mr. Trump’s victory, and represented a sharp increase in “vile and abhorrent rhetoric.” These actions are not normal,” he said. “And we refuse to let them be normalized.” The N.A.A.C.P. said people had received versions of the message in Alabama, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. They seemed to circulate heavily on college campuses, but were not limited to colleges, said Alicia Mercedes, a spokeswoman for the N.A.A.C.P. The University of Southern California said in a statement that students on its campus had received hateful messages, and the Ohio attorney general’s office also said it was investigating reports there. Among other schools targeted were Fisk University, in Nashville, and Howard University in Washington, D.C., two historically Black universities. Howard is the alma mater of Vice President Kamala Harris and hosted her campaign’s watch party on Tuesday night and her concession speech on Wednesday. E.J. Hunter of Chicago said that her daughter, a freshman at Howard, was at home when she received the message on Wednesday afternoon, as she prepared to watch Ms. Harris’s concession speech. Ms. Hunter immediately wondered how the sender got her daughter’s full name. “Seeing this triggered every ounce of mama bear in me, to want to protect my child,” she said. “I know Kamala said we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work, but I didn’t think it was going to be, literally, on Day 1.” At Spain Park High School in Hoover, Ala., at least two students received the messages, said Monique Norwood, a parent whose 14-year-old daughter got the text on Wednesday. “When she read it to me,…
TINUBU GRANTS MORE POWERS TO MINISTERS OF STATE
TINUBU GRANTS MORE POWERS TO MINISTERS OF STATE President Bola Tinubu has approved a major policy change, giving ministers of state full authority over the agencies and departments they supervise. Previously, permanent secretaries would forward files concerning these agencies to senior ministers for final approval, which restricted the decision-making powers of ministers of state and largely relegated their roles to symbolic positions. According to a source from the office of the head of service of the federation who spoke with The Cable, President Tinubu expressed dissatisfaction with the previous structure, which he believed resulted in the “underutilisation of the expertise and capabilities” of ministers of state. “The president was not pleased with the prevailing governing framework in which ministers of states were just ministers in name,” the official disclosed. The new directive enables ministers of state to grant all necessary administrative approvals, allowing them to make decisions and direct actions within their areas of responsibility. This move is aimed at “unleashing” the potential of all cabinet members, ensuring a more efficient governance process. Tinubu’s cabinet comprises 48 ministers, of which 16 hold junior positions. The ministries affected by the new directive include agriculture and food security, defence, education, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), foreign affairs, health, petroleum (oil and gas), humanitarian and poverty reduction, and women affairs. Other ministries impacted are works, regional development, labour and employment, finance, trade and investment, and housing and urban development.