Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- July 16, 2024
- 26 views
HOUSTON WITHOUT POWER SUPPLY FOR FOUR DAYS DECLARED CITY IN CRISIS
HOUSTON WITHOUT POWER SUPPLY FOR FOUR DAYS, DECLARED CITY IN CRISIS Monday marked one week since Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda Bay, devastating Houston’s infrastructure and knocking out power to over 2.2 million homes and businesses. While CenterPoint Energy has since restored power to the majority of those customers, hundreds of thousands of people still woke up Monday without lights, or air conditioning, or any number of the vital necessities made possible by the miracle of electricity. The Houston Chronicle spent time with four households in different parts of the region Sunday to understand what a week without power does to the psyche, body and wallet. Here are their stories. In the immediate aftermath after Hurricane Beryl, the sight of CenterPoint trucks would give Maria Noria some hope that maybe, finally, power would soon be restored to her sweltering east Houston home. By the end of the week, that hope had long since given way to frustration. “The first couple days I was ok, thinking ‘they’re coming, they’re coming, they’re going to fix it,’ and then we started to hear it was going to take longer, and it started to bother me,” Maria Noria, 53, said in Spanish. Noria lives with her husband and daughter in a bungalow in Houston’s Northshore neighborhood, north of I-10 between the East Loop and Beltway 8. A week without power has tested all of their patience, though the family maintained a friendly disposition and was quick to crack a joke, even as they wiped sweat from their brows. “We’ve laid out the red carpet for you,” Noria said, as she led a pair of Chronicle journalists over a makeshift trail of concrete pavers, which helped us keep our footing in the muddy expanses of her backyard. After two days without air conditioning, the family borrowed a generator from Noria’s sister, whose power returned to her home. The generator provided just enough wattage to light up the kitchen and power a few fans on the floor. During the day, they could concentrate all the fans in the living room; at night, they could place fans directly next to their bed for a modicum of relief. The Norias have also learned, however, that using a generator can be both expensive and annoying. Maria’s husband, Adrian, has had to run outside at 5:30 a.m. to fill the gas engine. He estimated he’d spent at least $150 on gas in the past five days to keep the generator running. After a week, the Norias, who moved to Houston in 2001, said they were still confounded about how they can still be without power after just a Category 1 storm. Even Hurricane Harvey only knocked their power out for a day or two. “We’re Houston, the fourth-largest city in the country. ¿Que pedo?” Adrian Noria said in Spanish. “What gives?” For Stacy Humphrey, 48, and Donnell Blake, 60, a week without power was the difference between life and death. A pitbull in the northeast Houston rooming house that Blake owns gave birth to a litter of puppies two days before Beryl made landfall. By the end of the week, half of the litter was dead. “We couldn’t take them anywhere, they got to be with their mama, they’re newborn puppies,” Blake said. “There was one every dying every day. Their eyes just opened two days ago.” Humphrey tenderly carried one of the survivors, small enough to fit in one hand, to the living room so we could introduce ourselves, though the near-total darkness in the house made it difficult to see, even in the afternoon. The dog’s fur was matted and sticky — you could feel it struggling in 92-degree heat — and the air, heavy with the smell of mildew,…
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MAY AMEND CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW INEC CONDUCT LG ELECTIONS
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MAY AMEND CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW INEC CONDUCT LG ELECTIONS The National Assembly is considering amendment to the 1999 constitution to create room for the conduct of local government elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and not the state electoral bodies. This is sequel to last Thursday judgement of the Supreme Court which granted autonomy to local governments following a suit filed by the federal government on the matter. Reacting to the development during a press conference in Abuja, the Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, said the National Assembly would ensure that state governments complied with the judgement of the Supreme Court by amending the constitution to address the contentious issues inherent in it. The senator said, “These include grey areas like the transfer of the responsibility of the conduct of elections to the local councils from the various state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).” The lawmaker noted that the battle was not yet over, saying, “Some state governors will fight back.” “President Tinubu allowed the judiciary a free hand to operate in this particular instance, irrespective of the fact that he is a first term President who may desire a comeback in 2027,” Karimi added. Also, the Senator representing Delta Central, Okakuro Ede Dafinone, said with the new development, the 1999 constitution should be amended to give INEC the legal right to be the sole body saddled with the responsibility of conducting local government elections. He said, “It’s very unfortunate that people at the grassroots level are prevented from participating in our democratic process by state governors to freely elect their councillors and council chairmen. “It’s disheartening that our governors who are products of free and fair elections can’t replicate same in the local government areas of their state. If INEC were to conduct elections the way the governors purportedly tele-guide SIEC to conduct local government polls, many of them will not be governors today. “I think at this point in our national history and democratic journey, we have to put partisan politics aside and work collectively to amend the relevant sections of our constitution to rescue the local government system from the grips of our governors. “I must commend the laudable effort of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking the lead in this respect by ensuring financial autonomy for the local governments across the country. “We must do likewise to enthrone democratic principles at the local government level by ensuring that a credible agency, possibly INEC, is charged with the conduct of local government elections across the country in order to guarantee our people’s participation in democratic governance.”Senator Dafinone described last Saturday’s local government election in Delta as a complete sham and a mockery of democracy.
- Foreign Affairs
- July 16, 2024
- 76 views
EX-US PRESIDENT, TRUMP, PICKS PRESIDENTIAL RUNNING MATE
EX-US PRESIDENT, TRUMP, PICKS PRESIDENTIAL RUNNING MATE Former US President Donald Trump has chosen Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, as his vice presidential running mate, taking a once-strident critic and elevating him as the leading heir to his political legacy. Vance, who will turn 40 in August, offers a youthful contrast to Trump, 78, and President Joe Biden, 81. He would be the third-youngest vice president in history — behind John Breckinridge (36 years old upon taking office in 1857) and Richard Nixon (40 years and 11 days in 1953). And Vance’s selection comes just days after Trump survived an assassination attempt Saturday, underlining the gravity of the vice presidential selection in stark terms.“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio,” Trump posted on Truth Social Monday afternoon.
COURT PERPETUALLY RESTRAINS BAYERO, FOUR OTHERS FROM PARADING AS EMIRS
COURT PERPETUALLY RESTRAINS BAYERO, FOUR OTHERS FROM PARADING AS EMIRS Kano State High Court 17, presided over by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, has perpetually restrained Aminu Ado Bayero and four other dethroned Emirs, of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye from parading themselves as Emirs. Delivering the judgment, Monday, the Court further restrained the 15th Emir of Kano and four other Emirs, themselves, servants, privies and any other persons appointed by them from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, Karaye. The Kano State government had filed a case asking the State High to stop the 15th Emir of Aminu Ado Bayero and four other Emirs of Karaye, Bichi, Rano and Gaya from parading themselves as Emirs. The Government also gave the Deposed Emirs 48 hours within which to vacate their respective Palaces after being deposed. However, the Presiding Judge, Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, while delivering the judgement, said the issue of evicting the Deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero from his Nassarawa palace is a Rent Tribunal matter and should not be before her court. But in her judgement, the judge directed the Deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero and four others to quickly hand over all the Emirate Traditional Royal Artifacts to the government and the substantive Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ii. Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, also said the State Assembly Emirate Council Repealed Law 2024, was done according to the law as enshrined in section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She then ruled that the State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf’s assent to the law is also done perfectly according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
BREAKING: PRO-WIKE ASSEMBLY SHUTS DOWN ALL RIVERS EXPENDITURES BY GOV FUBARA
BREAKING: PRO-WIKE ASSEMBLY SHUTS DOWN ALL RIVERS EXPENDITURES BY GOV FUBARA The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has shut down all expenditures of the Rivers state governor until Governor Siminalayi Fubara presents his budget before the House. This follows a seven-day ultimatum given to the governor by the House on Monday last week to present his budget before the House. The Leader of the House Major Jack raised the motion informing the House about the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum given to the governor to present the 2024 budget before the House. After deliberation, the House voted to shut down the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account thus preventing Governor Fubara’s administration from spending any money on behalf of the state.
TENSION IN RIVERS STATE AS PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS’ DEADLINE TO FUBARA EXPIRES TODAY
TENSION IN RIVERS AS PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS’ DEADLINE TO FUBARA EXPIRES TODAY There is growing tension in Rivers State as the ultimatum issued to Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule expires today. The Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly had issued a 7-day ultimatum to Governor Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget of the state. As the deadline lapses, there is concerns about the potential actions from the camps of FCT Minister, Wike, and his political rival, Governor Fubara who have been laying claims to the Rivers Assembly and issuing conflicing resolutions. The ultimatum, issued on July 8, followed a motion by Dumle Maol, Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Deputy Speaker of the Pro-Nyesom Wike Assembly. Maol urged the House to instruct the Governor to present the budget again, referencing a recent court ruling that confirmed their membership and validated Amaewhule’s leadership. Re-submitting the budget was a crucial part of the presidential peace pact aimed at resolving the political crisis in the state. However, Governor Fubara had already submitted the ₦800bn budget to the Assembly led by Edison Ehie, which was subsequently passed and signed into law. The current Assembly faction loyal to the Governor is now led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. The demand for re-submitting the 2024 budget seems impractical, as Governor Fubara recently announced his administration was preparing the 2025 budget. Meanwhile, Chijioke Ihunwo, a pro-Fubara politician, dismissed the 7-day ultimatum as laughable and urged Amaewhule to accept his status as a former assembly member.Ihunwo was appointed by the governor as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
EFCC GOES COLD AS SUSPENDED MINISTER, BETTA EDU, STAGES COMEBACK
EFCC GOES COLD AS SUSPENDED MINISTER, BETTA EDU, STAGES COMEBACK The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have gone cold six months after investigating embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu on corruption allegations, as speculation emerges about her comeback. The embattled minister, who is officially suspended, appears to have been let off the hook by the anti-graft agency, as she, yesterday, wrote an official condolence message on the ministry’s letterhead over the recent Jos school building collapse. In a message on her X handle @edu_betta, Edu equally posted a screenshot of her condolence message on the website. In her message, Edu extended condolences to all those affected. The statement reads in part: “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the families, who have lost their loved ones and for the community enduring this devastating ordeal. “In times like this, we find ourselves united in our shared grief and determination to support one another through this tragedy.“May the souls of the departed rest in peace and may the injured receive swift and complete healing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
SUPREME COURT BLOCKS 462 LGCS IN 22 STATES FROM FEDERAL ALLOCATION
SUPREME COURT BLOCKS 462 LGCS IN 22 STATES FROM FEDERAL ALLOCATION In a historic decision, the Supreme Court has decided that 462 LGAs in 22 states will not be eligible to receive funds from the Federation Account until new leaders are elected. Among the states that will be profoundly impacted by this judgement are Rivers, Anambra, Imo, Kwara, Zamfara, Yobe, Ondo, Osun, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Bauchi, Plateau, Abia, Enugu, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, and Jigawa. News from Ripples Nigeria: Falana orders AGF to reveal monthly distribution to states and LGAs The appointment of caretaker committees to oversee the local government regions breaches Section 7 of the Constitution, which led to the judgement. The presence of duly elected authorities to oversee LGAs is required by this subsection. The goal of the court’s decision is to make sure that municipal governments are open and accountable. In order to govern the LGAs, the impacted states must quickly hold elections and install elected officials. Important funds for providing basic services and developing infrastructure are available through the Federation Account, which they will be able to access using this. The decision has ignited a discussion over the power of local governments and how resources are distributed. Opinions on the matter vary; some regard it as an attack on federalism, while others see it as an improvement in openness and responsibility. As a challenge to the current system, the federal government has been directed to fund local municipalities directly rather than via state governments. In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, Falana urges caution regarding local government funds (News Digest).A protracted political and judicial struggle is likely to ensue as a result of this judgement’s far-reaching ramifications. The end goal, though, is for local governments to be run constitutionally and for taxpayer money to be used wisely for the benefit of the people. Keeping a careful eye on developments and making sure the rule of law is respected are vital as the crisis evolves.
PDP OUT FOR MAKE OR MAR CONGRESSES
PDP OUT FOR MAKE OR MAR CONGRESSES Faced with a lingering state and national leadership crisis, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun the process of uniting its members nationwide to conduct successful state congresses on July 27, 2024. Findings show that there are only a few states of the federation where the centre still holds. In fact, some factions in the states are ready go into the contest with their separation preparations and delegates, while others have reached out to the opponents, accepting responsibility for the poor management of the party affairs that led to its dismal performance in both state and national elections in 2023. There is also a pervasive self-denial in some states, where the leaders carry on as if nothing had happened and boast of conducting successful congresses.In Kano State, for instance, the chairman of the PDP caretaker committee, Mai Adamu Mustapha, has said preparations for the congress have reached 95 percent success. In a recent telephone interview, he said the congress will hold in the 488 wards, 44 LGAs, and also at the state level. Mustapha said the party’s register has been updated and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for scrutiny and authentication. “That was done successfully. The constitutional requirement is that once you have the two-thirds majority of the constituency, you are good to go, and we have gotten that 95 percent. So, we are ready,” he said.On the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which dealt the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC), a big blow in last year’s election, he stated “it is in a state of gradual collapse. The party is ruling only in Kano State and has no national outlook.” “NNPP is just replicating PDP. It is a stringent brother, and I know at the end of the day we shall come together, continue as a formidable party, carry on with our good work, and bring succour to the masses,” he added. On Senator Doguwa’s defection from APC to PDP, the chairman said his defection is more than a boost to the party in the state, a person with high political standing to join the party. He however expressed hope that, more of such defection will manifest just like the “tsunami happening in Edo State.”In Imo State, the exit of former governor Emeka Ihedioha and hundreds of his supporters has turned the party into a one-man show. Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s national secretary, is in full charge. The director-general of Imo PDP New Media, Lancelot Obiaku, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that the era of shortchanging and imposing people on the party was over. He said, “We are prioritising internal democracy, a system where no one is cheated, and all members who are qualified and are aspiring to serve the party in any capacity are given a level playground.He said the state caretaker committee chairman, Sir Chidi Dike, “inaugurated the congress committee for the 27 local government areas to supervise and play an advisory role where necessary while working with leaders and members of the party at various LGAs to ensure that the congresses are free, fair and democratic.” In Niger State, there are no camps in the leading opposition party, but those eyeing elective positions are scheming to gain control of the PDP during the Congress. A party stalwart who preferred anonymity told LEADERSHIP Sunday that members are aware of the antics of the party’s former governorship flag bearer and are ready to fight against his total control of the party. It was learnt that the plans of those who wanted a change in the party’s control are thickening, and they are ready to execute them during forthcoming congresses. While some local governments may settle for consensus, it was…
LG AUTONOMY: BATTLE NOT OVER, WILL FIGHT BACK – SENATOR
LG AUTONOMY: BATTLE NOT OVER, GOVS WILL FIGHT BACK – SENATOR Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, has said the battle for local government autonomy is not over, saying some governors will fight back. Addressing newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, the senator said the National Assembly will amend the constitution to address contentious issues including the conduct of local government elections. He said the National Assembly would do so to ensure that state governments strictly adhere to the judgement. The Supreme Court had ruled on Thursday that it was unconstitutional for state governors to hold funds allocated for local government administrations. The court also granted autonomy to the local councils, following a suit filed by the federal government on the matter. Reacting to the judgement, the senator said, “These include grey areas like the transfer of the responsibility of the conduct of elections to the local councils from the various state electoral bodies to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).” “Some state governors will fight back. President Tinubu allowed the judiciary a free hand to operate in this particular instance, irrespective of the fact that he is but a first term President who may desire a comeback in 2027. “I thank Mr President for mustering the courage to do the right thing. Since 1999, the third tier of government literally speaking, has been nonexistent. State governments treated them as appendages of the state governments. No President, has been able to change that.”He said President Tinubu has made history following the “landmark judgement” on financial autonomy for local government areas.