The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has criticised the Nigerian government for embracing Coca-Cola’s $1 billion investment pledge, citing the company’s alleged history of broken promises and harm to public health.

CAPPA in a statement signed by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, accused Coca-Cola of attempting to “whitewash” its image despite multiple dishonest trade practices and regulatory infractions.

This is in reaction to Coca-Cola’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu, during which the corporation announced a $1 billion investment pledge to Nigeria over five years.

“The Coca-Cola System has been part of Nigerian communities for over 70 years and believes in the strength and continued potential of the market. We are excited to announce this investment, which demonstrates our dedication to fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities in the country,” Zoran Bogdanovic, the chief executive officer of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, told Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.

“Our investment goes beyond business growth; it’s about contributing to the well-being of the communities we call home. We foresee significant social and economic advancements, which is why we continue to invest in our business operations and community programs in Nigeria,” he added.

However, according to CAPPA, Coca-Cola’s latest pledge is a recycled commitment made three years ago during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which the company failed to deliver.

The presidency had, however, clarified in a statement last week that the corporation halted the previous investment due to the “challenging business environment” prevailing in the country then. 

But CAPPA criticised the government for defending Coca-Cola despite its alleged “persistent onslaught against public health and regulatory infractions than anything else.”

The group accused the beverage manufacturer of regulatory infractions, negative impact on public health, and recent investigations by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

In 2017, a Lagos High Court issued a judgement against the company, revealing that its products were unfit for consumption as they contain high levels of sunset yellow and benzoic acid.

High levels of sunset yellow and benzoic acid, according to European and American food and drug agencies, can form the carcinogen benzene when combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

“On this ground, the court mandated the company to place warning labels on its beverages, advising consumers against combining their intake with Vitamin C. But to this day, the corporation has refused to comply with this directive.

“This contempt and disregard for public health and judicial authority should ordinarily disqualify the company from receiving any form of state endorsement, let alone at the highest level of government,” the CAPPA statement read.

Recently, the FCCPC found Coca-Cola guilty of deceptive trade practices. The Commission’s investigation which began in 2019, revealed that the company had consistently engaged in deceptive product packaging and inconsistent pricing strategies that misled consumers.

“Sadly, by endorsing Coca-Cola’s shady investment only months after the FCCPC indicted it, the Nigerian government is not only setting itself up as an image launderer for a dirty corporation but also unbelievably, undermining and embarrassing its own regulatory authority,’’ the CAPPA statement said.

Public health concerns

The statement also quoted CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, as emphasising that Coca-Cola’s products contribute to Nigeria’s public health crisis, particularly non-communicable diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

The statement further reads in part: “The question the Nigerian government must ask itself in light of all this is what truly it stands to gain by endorsing a multinational corporation with a dark history of non-compliance, and whose products are even actively contributing to a public health crisis in the country?

“Sugar-sweetened beverages, like many of Coca-Cola’s products under such category, are well known and documented contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease and other associated health conditions that are already straining Nigeria’s healthcare system and economy.

“As such, while the company’s promises of an economic investment may sound appealing, the potential gains pale in comparison to the long-term public health costs and injury that the consumption of its products inflicts on the Nigerian population as with elsewhere across the world’’.

The organisation further warned that the government’s cozy relationship with Coca-Cola could jeopardise the implementation of Nigeria’s sugar-sweetened beverages tax, aimed at reducing consumption and tackling rising NCDs.

“We, therefore, call on the Nigerian government to prioritise the interests of Nigerians by shunning questionable associations with corporate lawbreakers and adversaries of public health. We urge the state to defend public health without scruples and consider genuine ethical investments that rank the well-being of Nigerians over empty promises and profit-driven deception,” it added.

[Premium Times]

Fred Amata, the ace actor, has called out Agatha, his ex-wife, for walking Stephanie, their daughter, down the aisle while he is still alive.

The couple got divorced in 2005 due to irreconcilable differences.

On Wednesday, Agatha shared pictures of Stephanie’s wedding and a video of her walking her daughter down the aisle — a ritual usually carried out by the bride’s father.

Fred was also noticeably absent at the ceremony.

Reacting in a lengthy rant on Facebook, the actor described Agatha’s action as an “abomination”, adding that it was a “challenge to tradition”.

He questioned why the wedding date and time were hidden from him, despite his prior blessing.

Fred also spoke about his failed marriage and recounted his contributions to Agatha’s success, specifically creating the talk show ‘Inside-Out with Agatha,’ which he claimed made her a household name.

The actor also alleged that Agatha exploited his name, reputation, and intellectual property for personal gain.

Read the full post below:

For over 20 years I kept silent, and desisted from any comments on my failed marriage, allowing the ‘good wife’, hoping the wounds will heal and a reconciliation possible. But for 20 years the ‘good wife’ pounded me, rubbished my reputation, belittling my achievements, exploiting my name for her selfish benefits.

It was over 25 years ago that I came up with the unique idea of Inside-Out with Agatha, a talk show with six informed and opposing points of view represented by a person with oratorial skills, now male now female. We had gone to see a talk show by Regina Askia, and Agatha wanted to be a talk show host. I told her not to worry ‘I will come up with something, it will make you be like Oprah Winfrey’.

And I did. Ingeniously. I was the dedicated creator, throwing in flesh blood and sweat to create and deliver a concept that had never before been done in Nigeria, save for a similar perhaps less engaging 6 episodes of a program called MEE to you, or something like that, by the late May Ellen Ezekiel, who was married to RMD. A program that could stand the test of time and put bread on the table of the young marriage.

A program, so versatile, it is still relevant today. Inside-Out with Agatha was an instant hit, the genius of the angle the production values the directorial approach the lighting and production design were so engaging, it was irresistible. I was at the height of my directorial rendezvous, and I gathered a production crew of the best technical hands in what is now early Nollywood and TV soaps were the biggest things because we dared to stand out from the emerging crowd of Nollywood directors.

Kingsley Ogoro my friend brother and nemesis would lead a high. I co-opted Nollywood greats Zack Orji, Okey Bakassi, Sunny Mcdon, Francis Onwochei, Emeka Ossai, Zik Zulu Okafor, Francis Duru, Prince Jide Kosoko and numerous friends who looked up to me and I asked their support for the first episodes, and soon everybody who was anybody wanted to be part of Inside Out.

I staked every resource, friends, favours, loyalties, family, extended family wife and links, I involved the creme de la creme of the big production, studios. Tunde Kelani, Wale Fanu, Tade Ogidan, Tunde Oloyede, Pat Nebo, Uzor Okpeche, Simi Opeoluwa, Opa Williams, the late Chico Ejiro and numerous others to ensure no failure of the program. I staked even my first attempt to be president of DGN. Don Pedro Obaseki and Matthias Obahiagbon will attest.

With the influence it wielded and the contacts and connections it gathered, ‘The Good Wife’ soon built an empire with no emperor. She employed maligning my name to acquire favours and contracts. Inside Out is the source of all the Good Wife’s wealth. My genius, my sweat, my vision, and for 20 years, I swallowed it. My reputation diminished as the Good Wife’s gathered momentum. So today, the Good Wife, using my brainchild, has become a billionaire—no credit to me.

No compensation, no royalty. But the good wife is good; let raising the children be my royalty. Buoyed by her success without recourse to the creator, the Ebu Delta State-born Good Wife has gathered a litany of resentment. She has registered a new company to own the programme, discarding the company we set up. She has sued for and obtained a divorce, and 20 years on, she still carries bitterness and will go to extremes to tarnish my image.

But understand this, ‘good wife’ Agatha: everything you have ever owned and will ever own is because of ‘Inside Out’. It is my brainchild, my intellectual property. You have yet to put a nail to a coffin to bury me for being silent, taking no heed of the billions you have harvested, carefree of your stupendous assets. The ‘good wife’ will dare tradition.

Challenge abomination, embrace taboo, stare Africa in the eyes to manipulate my daughter and her husband, hoodwink the lovebirds, and walk my daughter down the aisle to give Stephanie away to a husband. I can’t keep quiet anymore. It’s time to speak up. This is an abomination. This is taboo. Nowhere in the world, nowhere in Africa, nowhere in Delta State and the lands where we come from can a woman give away her child in marriage especially where the father is alive.

Especially when the father is willing and able. Worse when the father is in the same city. What malice would drive a woman in an attempt to rubbish her ex to lead his daughter to marriage? What manipulation would warrant concealing the date and time from a father who has already given his blessing? Even if the daughter forgets when father and daughter are in the same city of London. Is it not the place of ‘The Good Wife’?

Good people, netizens, well-wishers, haters, and influencers. What options are left to this heartbroken father? How do you throw away the baby with the bathwater? Do you cast away the ones you will forever love because a ‘good wife’ has been blinded by wealth and fury to jeopardise the father’s blessings on his daughter? They came to me in London; Aaron brought drinks as kola to me, the father, as the pictures show. What kind of ‘good wife’ does a thing like this simply to make a man look bad?

As of the time of this report, Agatha has not responded to her ex-husband’s allegations.

[TheCable]

Saturday’s Premier League fixtures promise an exciting day of action, starting with an anticipated clash between Newcastle United and Manchester City at 12:30pm (Nigerian Time).

City, fresh from a series of dominant performances, are the favourites, but Newcastle will be looking to cause an upset at home.

The 15:00 fixtures feature several interesting matchups. Arsenal will face Leicester City at the Emirates, where the Gunners are heavily favoured. Arsenal, looking to continue their strong start to the season, face a Leicester side eager to climb the table.

Meanwhile, Brentford host West Ham United in what should be a closely contested London derby, with Brentford tipped as the favourites.

Everton will take on Crystal Palace at Goodison Park, with Palace viewed as slight favourites. Nottingham Forest face Fulham, with the Cottagers favoured to take the points in this encounter.

The day’s Premier League action will conclude at 17:30 when Wolves host Liverpool. Liverpool, the favorites, will aim to continue their title challenge with a victory at Molineux.

La Liga: Barcelona travel to Osasuna

In Spain, La Liga sees Barcelona as the favourites when they travel to face Osasuna in Saturday’s final match at 20:00.

Earlier in the day, at 13:00, Getafe will host Deportivo Alaves, while Rayo Vallecano are set to take on Leganes at 15:15, both sides seen as favourites in their respective fixtures.

The evening’s action also includes a 17:30 battle between Real Sociedad and Valencia, with Sociedad looking to secure a home victory.

Bundesliga: Top teams face off

The Bundesliga also offers plenty of excitement this Saturday.

Borussia Mönchengladbach will host Union Berlin at 14:30, with Gladbach marked as the favourites. At the same time, Freiburg will face St. Pauli, and Mainz 05 go up against Heidenheim, both matches expected to go in favour of the home sides.

At 17:30, the headline fixture of the day will see Bayern Munich taking on Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern are the seemingly favourites in this showdown, but Xavi Alonso’s Leverkusen will be eager to prove they can compete.

Serie A: Inter and Juventus aim for wins

In Serie A, Inter Milan will look to bounce back from a derby defeat as they travel to Udinese for a 14:00 kickoff. Inter are the clear favourites, with high expectations for them to reclaim momentum in the title race.

Later, at 17:00, Juventus face Genoa, while Atalanta are favoured to win against Bologna in the final match of the day at 19:45.

Ligue 1: Monaco host Montpellier

In Ligue 1, Monaco will face Montpellier at 20:00 in a match where Monaco are the clear favourites.

Earlier, at 16:00, Lens will play Nice, followed by Le Havre hosting Lille at 18:00, with Lille expected to take the win.

[Punch]

•Corrupt electoral officials must be punished
•Only electronic voting/transmission can guarantee credible polls
•Continued voter education necessary

To whom much is given, much is expected. Nigerians had invested their trust in the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct a credible election in the country. Everything the Commission needed, including funds, had always been provided.

And Nigerians would sacrifice their precious time to cast their votes on the election date hoping their votes would count. But the electoral commission had always failed to live up to their expectations. Nigerians had hoped that INEC would have repented of its evil ways and would use the September 21 Edo State governorship election to redeem its image.

But 25 observer groups who monitored the election, in their reports accused INEC officials of manipulating the election. They specifically fingered collation officers at the Local Government and State Collation Centres for altering the figures that were obtained from the polling units.

The groups in a joint statement also said, “We reject the result declared because there are two sets of result sheets. One was taken to the field, and another to APC in Edo North, some parts of Edo South, and Edo Central. We observed that the military and police disrupted the collation of results at the wards and local government collation centres, including intimidation of INEC officials that collated results contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines. There is a significant concern about the credibility of the results collation process.

“We reject the result of the election which declared the All Progressive Congress Candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. There was militarization and use of impunity at wards, local governments and state collation centres. INEC, Military and police have clearly violated the provision of Electoral Act 2022 concerning the collation of results in the governorship election.”

Nigerians in their reactions have expressed total disappointment with the conduct of the Edo governorship election saying it is sad that INEC hasn’t repented from its evil ways. Some have however proffered solutions on how to ensure future elections are credible and the votes of the people will begin to count.
While some called for a constitutional amendment making it mandatory for electronic voting and electronic transmission, and a law barring the President from appointing INEC chairman, others suggested readopting the Option A4 system to avert the manipulative tendencies of INEC officials.

Perpetrators of electoral fraud must be punished —Aborisade

Femi Aborisade, Human rights activist on his part said: ”Future elections may be protected against manipulation by electoral officials only if those suspected to have manipulated the results are made to suffer the consequences for their action. It is impunity that is responsible for electoral officials manipulating results. The critical challenge is whether the system will permit the culprits to be brought to justice. The non-governmental observers, including YIAGA, made a case against the appointment of the INEC Commissioner who conducted the election, arguing that by his relationship with some prominent personalities, he could not be trusted to be concerned with organizing a free and fair election in Edo State. They also decried the shifting of the counting of votes at some local governments to the central collation centre, which was contrary to the electoral law and guidelines issued by INEC. The INEC did not bother. Therefore, impunity, including not acting by the predetermined electoral procedure, is at the root of the votes of the electorate not counting in the emergence of those who rule. Nigeria’s democracy has thus become the democracy of the few and mighty politicians who have captured not only political power but also the wealth of society which they use in compromising institutions and their officers.

We may resort to Option A4 system —Clarkson

Amaebi Clarkson, a legal practitioner and former Spokesperson of the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, MOSIEND, said: “The Edo poll has clearly shown that no amount of electronic intervention in our electoral process will cure election malpractices and manipulation unless we have reorientation of our value system as a people. This can only be done if we get the leadership question right because any positive change in the behavioural pattern of a people comes from the top and not the bottom. The president asking the losers to go to court in the face of such brazen manipulation of election results speaks volumes. It is frustrating that despite the huge resources allocated to INEC and the reforms on paper, it cannot conduct an acceptable election. We may need to look inward and readopt Option A4 system if it can give us any reprieve.”

Nigerians must begin to defend their votes to the last collation centre —Rev Hayab

Rev Joseph John Hayab, former Chairman CAN Kaduna State: ”It is very sad to see that INEC has not repented or learned any tangible lesson from the past electoral malpractices that were committed. INEC has not only again shown that it is Nigeria’s democracy’s biggest enemy but has confirmed that the will of the people does not matter as long as some INEC officials get cheap money from desperate politicians. A political leader who knows his or her victory is not from the people will never listen to the people or serve the people. INEC has failed to keep the trust of the people and the nation who are bigger than the few money bag politicians. The serious consequence of this unpatriotic action by some politicians and some greedy and selfish INEC staff is that we will continue to suffer together from leaders who have no legitimacy and are disconnected from the people. It is now left for the Nigeria public to unite and begin to defend their votes in future elections up to the last collation center since it is so glaring that you cannot find justice during election from INEC to the courts”.

Free, fair elections won’t happen now in Nigeria—Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN

Former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Uwemedimo Nwoko, asserted that Nigeria will never witness free and fair elections under the present crop of leaders in the country. His words, “I think for now Nigeria should just forget about free and fair elections or free and fair judiciary because it won’t work. If we want to be honest with ourselves, there’s no point hoping against hope, no need for us wasting our time. What is the moral pedigree of the present crop of leaders? What is their legal pedigree, what do they have to show in terms of decency in life? I will say it anywhere, Nigerians cannot have free and fair elections with the present crop of leaders and the judiciary will continue to be a victim. Our justices are individuals and we have people who know how to connive and threaten justices. This is not just about bribing them, people go to justices’ houses and threaten them to bend their will”

We must all turn a new leaf—Elder Ambakederimo

Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener, South South Reawakening Group, said: “It is unfortunate that our electoral process is not improving, our elections are getting worse and from what I have seen, it is not going to get better because those shouting about manipulation are also involved, they were just out maneuvered. There was a time in this country when picking the ticket of a political party to contest the general election is as good as winning the poll. There were high profile assassinations and attempted assassinations then. Until all of us turn a new leaf there is nothing anyone can do about what is going on with our elections.”

Continued voter education necessary—Pastor Nwokocha

Pastor Innocent Nwokocha, Executive Director, Initiative For Ideal Development And Emancipatory Leadership In Nigeria “IDEAL-NIGERIA said: “The simple empirical approach cum solution to the whole of this nauseating situation that is fast eating up the electoral confidence of the masses on the electoral umpire and the leadership structure across board is continued voter education and by extension, the strengthening of the entire civil space. The level of corruption in the country now has fast gained traction and momentum. This can only be attributed to weak style of leadership and the increasing and uncontrollable quest for power. Unfortunately, too, the government in power in Nigeria does not have quick fix solutions at hand as it seems obviously embedded in the whole of the shenanigans constituting the rounds. It is high time all Nigerians rose to the occasion and challenged this sepulchral charade .”

Only the judiciary can correct the anomalies—Chief Osuoha

Also, Chief Ikechukwu Osuoha , two time Commissioner for Housing, Abia State, and the Deputy National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP called for resistance to a drift towards one party state. Osuoha who described the Edo election as a charade and open display of impunity by the ruling party, however, said that “only the Judiciary can correct the anomalies.” He acknowledged the erosion of public confidence in the Nigeria judiciary but added that “there are still few judicial officers who are still standing. What happened in Edo was a disgrace to our democracy. But shall we resort to violence? No! So, we still have to look up to the judiciary. The judiciary remains the hope of the common man, and that’s why as a party, we have resolved to go to court. There are still some judicial officers who are not compromised and we believe we will always get justice in the end “

Indicted electoral officials must be prosecuted—David-West

Mr David-West Bekinwariye David, Chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, Bayelsa State chapter said: “For our future elections not to be manipulated, we must as a people ensure that electoral officials who collect money from politicians to manipulate the process are prosecuted and sent to prison and the case must be disposed of on time.”

Hon Stephen Adewale, former Ondo SDP state chairman: “It’s unfortunate that our electoral system has been one stride forward, two steps backwards since 1999. What transpired in Edo State brings the question of autonomy to the forefront, particularly for sensitive agencies like INEC. As long as the country’s election umpire remains accountable to the president, no progress will be made. In addition, opposition parties can help improve our electoral system by ensuring that political infrastructure exists in every polling unit. In Edo State, like in other recent elections, the APC was able to present a polling unit agent in each polling unit. Even the ruling party in Edo State, the PDP, was unable to do this. As a result, the lack of polling unit agents from opposition parties makes it easier for the party with the most foot soldiers on the ground and the electoral umpire in its pocket to manipulate the election results. And by the time the aggrieved opposition parties decide to approach the court to contest the election results, they will have wasted the court’s time because they will not have genuine evidence from each polling unit to back up their claims due to a lack of reliable polling unit agents in each polling unit.

Edo election the worst in recent times — Peretei

Kennedy Peretei, Ondo state Publicity Secretary of People’s Democratic Party:
“The truth is that the present democratic dispensation is a product of the struggle of Nigerians through a process that caused loss of lives. The soldiers were forced to return to the barracks. Therefore, a civilian government ( with questionable credibility) cannot return to the dark ages. The Edo election was the very worst in recent times and those who rigged the election are asking the victims to approach the Courts, as if the Judiciary is dependable. What I know is that the people are already on edge and will resist any further attempt to subvert their wishes. If you ask me how? l will say, those who make peaceful change impossible, make violent change, inevitable”

There must be positive change of attitude by the electorates —Comrade Olaposi

National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday said that, “Positive change of attitude by the electorates in Nigeria is needed to have the new Nigeria of our dreams as far as the electoral system is concerned in Nigeria. The sellers and buyers of votes are all culpable and nearly all Nigerian political parties and politicians engage in these illegal practices. The law enforcement agencies like EFCC and Police must ensure that both sellers and buyers of votes are prosecuted and committed to prison to serve as deterrent to others. INEC should also be very ready to perform an impartial role as unbiased umpire. There must be a level playing ground for all political parties and politicians. Any INEC officer(s) that compromises to manipulate election results should be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to other corrupt officials. Lastly, until proper orientation is done and imbibed by Nigerians, the performance index of INEC will continue to be below average. Every Nigerian must be ready to vote for candidates of his or her choice without requesting for money or financial inducement.

The security architecture needs improvement—Ogunsuyi

Lanre Ogunsuyi, public analyst: “The electoral process is not a perfect exercise and a strong security framework is necessary to prevent unpatriotic activities. There is clearly inadequate voter education on the importance of voting and the detrimental effects of vote buying and selling. The lack of accountability and transparency in public office, coupled with the financial incentives, intensifies competition. Public offices should be less financially lucrative. The security architecture needs improvement, especially in violence prevention. Civil societies and the media require funding for election duties. There are no perfect elections; victories are often secured by the highest bidder. People are poor and hungry.”

INEC must fish out bad eggs within it— Balogun

Moruff Balogun, Immediate past Vice Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ijebu Ode Branch: ”It is not within the contemplation of the law to have elections that will be holistically acceptable by all and sundry as credible and threat-free. Even the Electoral Act, 2022 does not contemplate that. If the elections are substantially conducted and hitch free, it is credible enough in the eye of the law. We are not unmindful that there are bad eggs in INEC; we have seen cases where INEC personnel were terribly involved in electoral malpractices in connivance with political parties. INEC authorities should be bold enough to fish out these scavengers within the commission before it is too late”.

Deola Abegunrin, a legal practitioner in Oyo State said, “except the electorates change, we should not expect any overnight miracle. We, the people should have attitudinal change so that things will work out. The Judiciary is doing its best.”

Similarly, Babalade Omoyefa, a politician said, “all of us are guilty, from the politicians to the electorates. When you are seeking an appointment into any political office, several people put pressure on you to spend for them. Once you do that, they are ready to go to any length to ensure that their candidates win the election”.

Ayodele Alake, Public Affairs analyst argued that: “the politicians, electorates and the judiciary are culpable even including the so called civil societies. Almost all our hands are soiled. There’s so much hunger in the country and when people are hungry, they will jump at anything that will put food on their tables. This is where the larger portion of the blame goes to the leaders of the country. If they provide all necessary amenities for the citizenry, the urge to be corrupt will be minimised. But, when people are starved, they do unimaginable things during elections and that’s when you see the electorates queuing for loaves of bread during elections”.

Pastor Olabode James, Joint Fellowship Pentecostal church: “the fear of God is lacking in the minds of our people. When you fear God, you will think twice before you sell your votes. There is so much impunity in the system, anybody can just do anything. Where the fear of God is lacking, you should expect anything to happen. That’s what is playing out in the country today. Until we see God as the only provider, people will continue to engage in shady activities.”

Barr Shogbeye Eli, All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain

“In view of the fast eroding confidence of Nigerians on the country’s electoral process, we must amend the constitution to remove the power of appointing INEC chairman from the President. It is not enough to cancel an election because of electoral fraud. There must be severe punishment for electoral offenders as well. The law should be made not to be a respecter of anybody. Whoever is involved in electoral crime must face severe consequences according to law. Nigeria is also ripe enough to consider the e-mail voting system as one of the surest ways of correcting electoral fraud. E-mail voting will also save Nigerians from the stress of queuing up for hours on election day.

Only electronic voting and transmission can guarantee credible polls —Dr Arabambi

Dr Abayomi Arabambi, National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party (LP) argued that electronic voting, and electronic transmission are the only factors that can guarantee free, fair elections in Nigeria.
He said, “As Nigerians, we can only ensure future elections’ success if the National Assembly can amend the 1999 Constitution to allow electronic voting and electronic transmission of results from polling units. When the Constitutional amendment is done, any elections that fail to abide by it should be rendered invalid and another election should be conducted in such circumstances.

This will assist all political parties to monitor polls process online and winners will know themselves by the conclusion of the elections and any form of manipulation through falsifications or alteration of results will be eliminated completely. Also, this will make our votes count and props up leaders that will serve their people and not god fathers. Also, elected officials across all political parties will be aware that they are responsible to the electorate only and that any attempt to undermine or under perform will spell doom for them in the next general elections as the people owe the right to either retain them or vote them out”.

[Vanguard]

Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, has pledged Nigeria’s support to a global campaign against lead poisoning.

Alake spoke during an exhibition at the Lead-Free Future event which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In a statement on Friday by Segun Tomori, media assistant to the minister, Alake announced the federal government’s plan to procure additional equipment for the detection of lead in communities.

He said clearing up lead from communities will restore child and maternal health.

Casey Bartrem, the USAID representative, appreciated the minister’s commitment to combatting lead poisoning.

She presented him rock samples retrieved from Zamfara state during a clean-up that followed a lead poisoning incident.

She said USAID hoped to collaborate with the ministry to reduce lead poisoning in mineral extraction and processing.

[TheCable]

In a speech that will be remembered for years to come, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu captivated global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, September 27, 2024. His address, rich with references to biblical history and modern-day geopolitics, left world leaders in awe as he artfully linked Israel’s ancient past to its present and future on the global stage.

Netanyahu’s speech was far more than a standard diplomatic address as it was an invitation to view Israel not just as a nation with contemporary challenges but as a civilization with a storied legacy. By drawing on ancient biblical references, he evoked powerful imagery that transcended politics and reached into the heart of Israel’s cultural and spiritual identity. The speech resonated on a deeply emotional level, not just for Israelis, but for people across the globe who see the Bible as a shared heritage.

With a commanding presence, Netanyahu began by referencing King David’s battles for Jerusalem, framing Israel’s current position in the Middle East as a continuation of biblical struggles. “Just as David faced Goliath with courage and faith, today Israel stands before great adversaries. But like David, we will prevail,” he declared, his voice ringing through the hall. The analogy drew a standing ovation from many in attendance, with several world leaders visibly moved by his words.

Netanyahu’s references to the Bible did not stop there. He invoked the prophetic wisdom of Isaiah and Ezekiel to discuss the turbulent dynamics of the Middle East and the constant threats Israel faces, particularly from Iran. “As the prophets warned of destruction, we are tasked with vigilance in our time,” he said, turning the attention of the assembly to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. His plea for the international community to unite against the Iranian threat was bolstered by this historical context, giving his words a timeless, almost sacred weight.

In an era of fleeting political sound bites, Netanyahu’s speech stood apart, rich with substance and history. His eloquent invocation of biblical scripture was not just rhetoric, it was a profound reminder that Israel’s story spans millennia, and that its survival has always been a matter of divine providence as much as human resilience.

Many in the room acknowledged after the speech that it was a moment destined to be remembered. Political analysts, diplomats, and scholars were quick to note that Netanyahu’s address could be a defining moment in both his career and in Israel’s diplomatic narrative at the UN. It was not just his words that stirred the assembly, it was the depth of his message.

Netanyahu’s ability to weave together ancient texts and modern concerns created an extraordinary impact. “This wasn’t just a speech, it was a moment in history,” said one European diplomat. “He reminded us all that Israel’s survival and its pursuit of peace are part of a much larger story, one that has been unfolding for thousands of years.”

The speech also marked a turning point in Netanyahu’s leadership style. Known for his hardline stance on security and diplomacy, today he showed a different side, a leader deeply in tune with the cultural and spiritual currents of his people. His speech at UNGA today will likely be studied for years as an example of how a leader can use history and tradition to reinforce national sovereignty and diplomacy.

World leaders, from the United States to the Middle East, were left with much to ponder after his address. Netanyahu’s remarks on the Abraham Accords were particularly striking. He described the agreements as not just political pacts, but as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies of peace between Israel and its neighbors. “These accords are the dawn of a new Middle East, one that embraces peace, mutual respect, and shared prosperity,” he said.

Netanyahu’s speech at the UNGA may well be remembered as a milestone in Israeli diplomacy. His skillful blending of biblical history with modern geopolitical realities gave the speech an enduring quality—one that world leaders will recall long after the assembly has concluded.

As the audience dispersed, the consensus was clear: this was a speech that transcended the usual political theater of the UNGA. Netanyahu’s message was a powerful reminder of Israel’s deep historical roots and its enduring commitment to peace and security. By invoking the wisdom of the Bible, he reached beyond the immediate political challenges, offering a timeless perspective on the nature of leadership, resilience, and survival.

Historians and diplomats alike agree that Netanyahu’s speech will go down in the annals of the UN as one of the most remarkable and memorable addresses ever delivered. By drawing on the rich tapestry of Israel’s biblical past, he gave the world a speech that was more than just words—it was a testament to Israel’s enduring strength, faith, and determination to secure its future in a turbulent world.

In the corridors of Nigerian politics, certain phrases have become so commonplace that they seem to lose their meaning over time. Among them, none stands out as more overused, and, some may argue, more hollow, than the oft-repeated declaration: “I can assure you.” This phrase, typically uttered by politicians in positions of power, has been wielded in moments of crisis, failure, or disappointment to pacify a weary populace. However, the constant repetition of this phrase has caused it to lose credibility and effectiveness over time.

When Nigerian political leaders declare “I can assure you,” it often signals a deflection rather than a resolution. For instance, during times of economic downturn, insecurity, or fuel scarcity, government officials are quick to “assure” citizens that better days are coming. However, these assurances are frequently followed by minimal action or tangible improvements. This reliance on rhetoric, instead of genuine reform or policy change, has led to growing skepticism among the public.

Consider the case of Nigeria’s power sector. For decades, successive administrations have promised to fix the country’s erratic electricity supply, with numerous ministers and heads of parastatals beginning their speeches with the same assurance. Yet, the national grid continues to collapse, and citizens are forced to rely on generators or solar power to survive.

Similarly, promises of job creation are repeatedly given as an assurance to Nigeria’s large youth population. In 2023, as unemployment figures skyrocketed and inflation hit record highs, politicians routinely used “I can assure you” to pacify the public, promising that job creation and economic recovery plans were in place. Yet, to date, the tangible benefits of these assurances remain largely invisible, with many Nigerians struggling under the weight of economic hardship.

To understand why this phrase has become a favorite among Nigerian politicians, one must consider the role of political optics. “I can assure you” serves as a verbal Band-Aid, designed to quickly soothe public unrest or discontent without addressing the root cause of the problem. It momentarily placates citizens who are waiting for solutions, buying time for leaders to either delay action or deflect responsibility.

This tactic has been especially prevalent in the aftermath of major national crises. Whether it’s the #EndSARS protests, high inflation rates, or the rising cost of fuel, “I can assure you” has been deployed as a way to temporarily cool tempers while tangible responses remain elusive.

For example, in 2020, during the heat of the #EndSARS protests, a movement that rocked the country and saw Nigerian youth taking to the streets to demand an end to police brutality, political leaders were quick to assure protesters that their demands would be met and that necessary reforms were underway. Yet, nearly four years later, the issues that sparked the protests remain unresolved, with many citizens questioning whether the assurances given were ever genuine.

One of the major issues with the overuse of “I can assure you” is that it diminishes accountability. If political leaders were judged on the assurances they have given, many would fail spectacularly. However, the phrase is so frequently used, and often forgotten by the time the next crisis hits, that no one is held responsible for unfulfilled promises.

For example, during election campaigns, politicians offer assurances on everything from job creation to infrastructure development. Once in office, however, the specifics of these assurances fade away, leaving the citizens with empty words and no real progress. This lack of follow-through is not unique to any political party but has become a culture across Nigeria’s political landscape.

In the build-up to the 2015 general elections, for instance, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) assured Nigerians that the issue of insurgency in the northeastern part of the country would be a thing of the past within a matter of months. President MuhammaduBuhari’s administration “assured” the nation that Boko Haram’s reign of terror would be swiftly ended. While some progress has been made, the insecurity crisis has since evolved into a broader range of threats, including banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder clashes, leaving many Nigerians feeling that the assurances were nothing more than campaign rhetoric.

Repeatedly hearing “I can assure you” from leaders who fail to deliver has nurtured a deep sense of cynicism among Nigerians. Citizens are increasingly less inclined to believe these words and more likely to demand action. The disconnect between what is assured and what is delivered has eroded trust in public institutions and political leadership.

This skepticism is evident in the public’s response to recent economic policies. When Nigeria’s leadership assured citizens that removing fuel subsidies would benefit them in the long run, the immediate result was skyrocketing prices and widespread hardship. While citizens were assured that the government had their best interests at heart, the realities on the ground told a different story.

The issue of fuel subsidy removal is a classic example of overused assurances. Time and again, citizens have been “assured” that the removal of subsidies is necessary for the growth and sustainability of the economy. Yet, when such policies are enacted, the burden of adjustment disproportionately falls on the masses, while politicians and those in power remain largely insulated from the harsh realities of inflation and rising costs of living. This gap between promise and outcome has left citizens disillusioned.

The phrase “I can assure you” is not only problematic because it is overused but also because it is often accepted without being challenged. The Nigerian media, which plays a crucial role in holding leaders accountable, has at times been complicit in amplifying these assurances without enough scrutiny.

However, in recent years, the rise of independent media and investigative journalism has put some pressure on political leaders to be more accountable. Civil society organizations and citizen journalists have also played a key role in questioning the assurances given by leaders, especially in the era of social media, where political statements are dissected and analyzed almost instantly.

Nigerian leaders must recognize that the era of placating citizens with empty assurances is fast coming to an end. The public is more informed, vocal, and impatient than ever before. Politicians can no longer rely on mere rhetoric to carry them through their terms in office. Instead, they must back their words with decisive actions, measurable progress, and transparent policies.

The overuse of “I can assure you” is not just an issue of political language but one of governance. If leaders cannot deliver on their promises, they should refrain from making them. Nigerians deserve leaders who take action, hold themselves accountable, and offer more than hollow reassurances.

In conclusion, “I can assure you” has become a tired phrase in Nigerian politics, one that represents more of what has gone wrong than what could go right. It’s time for a new lexicon of leadership, one that emphasizes action over words and results over rhetoric. Nigerians are waiting, and they will no longer be placated by promises. If Nigerian politicians want to regain the trust of the public, they must replace assurances with visible change, addressing the pressing issues of governance, insecurity, and economic hardship that plague the nation. The clock is ticking, and the people are watching.

Eight more young girls trafficked to Ghana have been rescued and brought back to Nigeria.

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa @⁨Abike Dabiri⁩ receiving the young ladies at the NiDCOM Annex Office in Lagos, thanked the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, (CON) for her unwavering support in facilitating the return of the girls

She also acknowledged the significant role of Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana Chapter, the Nigerian embassy in Ghana and the Interpol Units of Nigeria and Ghana.

According to the NiDCOM Boss, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to combating human trafficking and protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens both at home and in the Diaspora.

Furthermore, the Chairman/CEO, said the rescued girls have been handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to ensure that the girls have safe and comfortable accommodations pending their formal rehabilitation and reintegration with their families.

The rescued girls, aged between 15 and 22, hail from various states across Nigeria, including Ebonyi, Akwa-Ibom, Imo, Plateau, and Cross River, were lured to Ghana under false promises of employment but were forced into sexual exploitation.
She noted that there are still many more trafficked victims waiting to be rescued and thanked the Ghanaian security agencies for their co operation

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old Nigerian, Ms. Favour Ugwu, one of the traffickers, was arested and jailed for eight years in prison, by the court in Ghana on account of human trafficking.

Signed,
Gabriel Odu,
Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit,
NiDCOM.

Nigeria will be 64 in a few days’ time. It has not all been sixty-four years of pain. No, it has not. Much optimism greeted the birth of the nation. Much bloodshed went into a civil war that was ostensibly fought in order to keep it together for the good of all its constituent units. But the nation has not come this far without some broken promises and dashed hopes. There are still broken promises and dashed hopes, as I write.

Yet here we are: In thrall, as they battle painful policy decisions of the moment, which may yet deliver long-term benefits. In thrall, but unbowed, angry but determined not to be totally disruptive, full of angst and yet convinced that we are on the path to authenticity. Nigerians are facing their worst daymares (not nightmares anymore) yet.

Against the background of the foregoing, there is the prospect, or threat, of a national protest on the very day the nation is to celebrate the 64^th anniversary of its flag independence. And, lest we forget, there is nothing wrong with protests or petitions in themselves; as part of the global democratic enterprise. They may take the form of written correspondence, verbalized and non-violent submissions, or physical displays of discontent; including street matches and generous showing of placards, on which are blazoned the matters of disagreement at the moment.

Thus, protests are legitimate means of social expression, so long as they are designed and structured around the desire citizens to bring up, and bring about, useful and positive, interventions in the society. And that is what makes it radically different from a riot. In the latter case, aggravated misconduct is the norm. This may have no higher social purpose in view, beyond the desire to plunder the polity and carry off anything of value that lay in the way of the rioters.

Most riots are characterized by deeds of madness. There are usually no clear collective goals, beyond the general and specific acts of vandalism that could acquire lives of their own if unchecked. Even when they are checked, riots are what they are: riots. Unstructured, socially self-defeating and sometimes driven by what can best be described as motiveless malignity.

The national protests of two months ago, which, presumably, is about to precipitate another one that has been in gestation, were no riots in most places. Some poor, jobless and hungry people took advantage of the situation to go on a stealing and looting spree. The northern part of the country was the most affected in this regard. This was no surprise to many, because that part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been under the weather of ungovernability for far too long.

But we need not do ourselves in because of the allegedly planned October 1 protests. We saw more than enough protests in 1993, after the annulment of the presidential elections. We also know of the Aba Women’s Riot and several others, on the strength of which some have averred that our nation got its independence and everything about it today as a result of one type of protest or the other.

As was said here some two months ago: “It was the long-drawn protests of our founding fathers, in written addresses, in several constitutional conferences and some other means, that eventually birthed an allegedly independent Nigerian in 1960. Just as sceptics had their doubts about the sincerity of the colonialists when they promised us independence, many reasonable Nigerians also doubted the sincerity of the military whenever a ruling junta announced plans to return the nation to civil rule”. And that was after all manner of subtle pressures and open protests.

It was said, further: “Even more sceptics looked on with grave misgivings at the protracted military rule, unconvinced that it was serious when it “threatened” to birth a democratically elected government. Twenty-five years later, and despite the apparent shortcomings, we are making progress; willy nilly if you will. And that progress has more elements of suffering, misgovernment, lack of intraparty cohesion and the absence of a memorable ideological focus from the political class.

Our progress is coming through bitter, mind boggling, morally disorienting and psychologically devastating lessons. The lessons are apparently unscripted, and the teachers are teaching away without Lesson Notes and conventional teaching certificates. And they are exacting and merciless – these teachers.

The names of the teachers include the following: (1) Dishonest politicians, (2) Broken promises, (3) The consequences of citizen gullibility, (4) The results of supporting the wrong candidates, (5) The progressive denudation of the capacities of our national defense and security forces, and (6) The increasing inability of the ruling elite to protect itself from its own depredations”.

As was further observed here, “President Obasanjo, coming in as the first to hoist the flag of democratic rule after the military, was a quasi-military-civilian president. He did his best to craft good policies and establish institutions that would aid good governance. Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari were the circumstantial by-products of a system of elite myopia that had prevailed in the land for over 50 years. They were not entirely responsible for the problems they inherited. Their parties, the PDP the APC, were, again, not entirely responsible for everything that went wrong with Nigeria under their watch.

The Nigerian State was taken hostage long ago. For over 50 years now, many powerful individuals and groups have succeeded in pushing personal and limited group interests into the front row of national consciousness; such that, today, 25 years into a now-unsettling experience with a fledgling democracy, we are not sure where we really are as a nation. Those whose interests are at variance with wider and deeper national interests have become the real enemies of Nigeria. They may well have actually constituted themselves into a team of highway men and women who waylay everything that could rescue Nigeria and consolidate our current democratic experiment.

Protests are coming and going, because our “25 years old democracy is being bombarded from all sides by (1) A fundamentally distorted eldership recruitment process, (2) Skewed values, (3) A largely dysfunctional educational system, (4) A flawed national psyche and (5) A youth bulge that is increasingly becoming the biggest unaddressed national crisis. With every passing day, these problems morph into new, and self-replicating, societal challenges”.

The havoc wrought on the soul and psyche of this nation by the Nzeogwu coup d’état of January 1966 also came up for mention here two months ago. Part of the submission then was the counter coup that came some six months after Nzeogwu’s unfortunate intervention embodied the worst forms of thoughtless, state-sanctioned misconduct with impunity. We are living with its aftermath today. The initial coup, and the subsequent ‘retaliatory’ one, banished the nation’s true leaders from the political and leadership playing field”. They lived in silent protest for over a decade.

“The ‘replacement generation’ for the founding fathers and leaders of Nigeria, whom they were grooming along ideological lines for the propagation of specific ideological norms, stagnated for 12 years, until 1979. Zik, Awo and Aminu Kano would since have given way to the likes of Tafawa Balewa, Michael Okpara, Bola Ige and others before 1979.

The backlog of two generations of leaders, who were left unfulfilled by the military interventions, did not exercise and fulfil their calling. The petulant idealism and uninformed exuberance of the groups of coup makers trampled upon traditional rulers, traditional values, and almost every other thing that was generally respected as instruments for social control”. So, it has all been series of voiced and unvoiced and unclear protests at every turn.

The many institutional, sociopolitical and axiological problems plaguing the nation today, and which have plagued it for over 50 years now, got all the fillip they needed from the actions and inactions of the past. We got a deluge of prematurely retired military officers within a span of 20 years, precisely because of the negative dynamics of coup making in Nigeria. Many such retired military personnel became frustrated and unfulfilled professionals because of the new character of the Nigerian state after the 1966 military coups. Without intending it, many of them ended up being pushed into areas they would never have contemplated. And their new trajectories naturally elicited protests”.

The point was also made here that: “Our nascent 25 years old democracy has thrown up leaders with sudden stupendous wealth from questionable sources. Their wealth has mostly impacted their immediate and extended families, of less than 15 persons, and a few friends. Their local communities, members of their religious congregations, most of their friends and even members of their extended families know how poor or rich they were a few years before they went into politics. The priests, traditional rulers and other supposed custodians of public conscience ask no questions”.

Before the next protest, let the aspiring protesters be clear about what they want, what lines of action they wish to take and what specific positive outcomes they hope to achieve thereby. The protests will not be accompanied by riots if they are well structured. The government should have made some mileage for itself in discussions and negotiations after the last protests. But, but has it? The issues raised back them seem to still be on the front burner.

Many protesters are driven by poverty and lack of survival skills. That is why the Federal Government should look hard at the hunger in the land, revisit the impact of the measures it has so far taken to address the problems and make some preemptive interventions while it can still do that before October 1.

The efforts of the government need to be better contextualized for wider citizens buy-in and understanding. Protesters must be aware that their protests can only be meaningful if, in protesting, they remain fully conscious of the fact that the nation must exist before they can continue to carry out any protest in it. The president’s cabinet has not performed in such a way that it can be said to have impressed anyone, including itself. some ministries have done a lot, but the ministers themselves are dumb about it.

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The efforts of the government need to be better contextualized for better understanding. Protesters must be aware that their protests can only be meaningful if, in protesting, they do not forget that the nation must remain in existence for them to carry out their protests successfully live to enjoy its “dividends”. The president’s cabinet has not performed in such a way that it can be said to have impressed anyone, including itself. Some ministries have done a lot, but the ministers are dumb about it. Mr. President, Biko, think more of capacity as you shoo out the non-performing ministers in your cabinet.