Author: darelasisi@gmail.com
The just-concluded November 16 governorship election both Kogi and Bayelsa state is expected to provide an opportunity to improve on the 2019 general elections but unfortunately, it is providing a pointer to the infamous 2007 general elections. The 2007 poll was adjudged by both domestic and international observation missions as one “that fell short of basic international and regional standards for democratic elections and cannot be regarded as credible, free and fair”. The elections were deeply flawed due to poor organization, lack of transparency, widespread procedural irregularities, significant evidence of fraud, particularly during the result collation process, voter disenfranchisement at different…
Winners have emerged at the 6th All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA held on Saturday, November 23, 2019, at the Eko Convention Centre of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. Winners were announced in the 36 categories of the awards ceremony, which comprise the Continental and Regional categories. Greet The Continental Category rewards African artistes in various music genres and forms, while the Regional Category celebrates the outstanding achievements of African artistes within their specific region of origin. Also, the 6th AFRIMA Legendary awards were announced; a recognition of individuals who have impacted positively to the world using their…
The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele has advised corporate bodies in the country to take advantage of the Presidential Order 7 to raise infrastructure bonds at concessionary rates to support the federal government in its desire to develop infrastructure in Nigeria. Mr. Emefiele gave the charge on Saturday, November 23, 2019, during an inspection of the on-going road construction from the Apapa Port to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway toll gate being undertaken by the Dangote Group. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Executive Order Number 7, which opened the opportunity for private companies to intervene…
The ultimate in any venture of man is a success. Be it business, politics, socio sphere, or even in our day to day activities we live, what every man seeks is success in all his undertakings. Success is, however, never complete if it is not recognized. The result of an endeavor must be seen and recognized by others for its worth. It becomes complete when the success is seen, recognized and distinguished. This is why the recent intercontinental recognition and celebration of the Nigerian-born, the current President and Chairman, Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Professor Benedict…
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an open letter to Mrs Soyata Maiga, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the commission’s members requesting them: “to urgently intervene and put pressure on the Nigerian authorities and their agents to immediately end the intimidation and harassment of detained journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare, their sureties and lawyers, particularly Femi Falana, SAN simply for defending their clients’ rights.” According to SERAP, “Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) has stated that it would not release the activists until it is allowed to vet sureties that have…
By Wole Oye – Piqued by allegations of bank fraud and money laundering leveled against him by the United States Department of Justice, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Airlines, Alex Onyema, has denied any wrongdoing. Onyema is said to have moved “more than $20 million from Nigeria through some United States banks in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes.” Air Peace director of Finance and Administration, Ejiroghene Eghagha, has also been indicted and wanted. But reacting to the allegation of wire fraud totaling $44.9 million, A. O. Alegeh, lawyer to Onyema, described the allegations as…
The National President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Barrister Eric Omare has urged the National Assembly to disregard any budget approval request from NDDC submitted by the Interim Management Committee inaugurated by Minister of Niger Delta, Chief Godswill Akpabio, because under Section 18 of the NDDC Act of 2000 only the substantive Board can submit a budget. Act Number 6 of 2000 which set up the NDDC states that “the Board shall not later than 30th September in each year, submit to the National Assembly, through the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces an estimate of the expenditure and income…
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has reacted to a trending video of an unfortunate road traffic crash that occurred in Ibadan recently which claimed the lives of a staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Oluyole Unit Command in Ibadan, Oyo state and one (1) other people Recall that the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi had ordered the Oyo State Sector Commander of FRSC to conduct an immediate investigation into the unfortunate incident while also directing the Corps Intelligence Officer to carry out full, discreet and independent investigation into the culpable cause(s) of the incident. A report was also…
First Osun. Then Kano. Now Kogi and Bayelsa states. The spate of violence during election brings doubt on Nigeria’s ability to get it right. Unlike other nations, Nigeria seems to have no magic formula; no means of solving a problem without creating another. Democracy initially seemed an opportunity to annihilate tyranny but has instead increased it. Rule of law, freedom of speech and other democratic ethics are consistently being violated by the ruling elites and “converted democrat”. Nigeria is fast becoming the worst country for democracy as a franchise has become an object of attack. This piece appraises the flaws…
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) says it has arrested a suspected human trafficker with five female victims en route Niger Republic to Europe. The Comptroller General, NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede, disclosed this in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday James, on Saturday in Abuja. He added that the arrest was made by the operatives at Kongolam border, Katsina State. Babandede reiterated that days of crossing National frontiers without proper documentation and melting into border communities was over, as the Special Border Corps (SBC) and regular border control officers were on their toes 24/7. He said that…