Mr. Biden’s decision came four months before the country’s 2024 presidential election.
Joe Biden’s campaign has been thrust into pressure, as panic and worry about his election chances pour in from the highest levels of the Democratic party.
Below are some incidents and people who called for his withdrawal:
According to BBC, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had expressed concerns in private to Mr Biden about his candidacy.
His former running mate, former President Barack Obama, had reportedly said Mr Biden’s chances of winning the election have greatly diminished.
Why Biden should leave the race
On why he should quit, US senator Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat said it was time for Biden to “to pass the torch to a new generation”. Leaving the race, Manchin said, would allow Biden to focus on issues the president cared about, including helping Ukraine fend off Russia’s invasion and ending Israel’s war on Gaza.
“He will go down with a legacy unlike many people, as one of the finest and truly a [patriotic] American,” Manchin said. “So, with that, I come with a heavy heart to think the time has come for him to pass the torch to a new generation,” he said during an interview on ABC’s This Week.
Similarly, a 6 July letter from high-ranking congressman Jamie Raskin, a Maryland representative, compared the president to a baseball pitcher whose arm has “tired out”.
Mr Biden, 81, has repeatedly and defiantly declared he is “not going anywhere”, urging his party to refocus on the task of defeating Donald Trump.
But the calls to exit are nearing a crescendo as Democratic politician, donors and voters speak out against the president’s candidacy.
Who wants Biden to go
Lawmakers on both sides of the Capitol came out in growing numbers against the idea of Mr Biden staying in the race.
It began five days after the June 27 debate with Lloyd Doggett, a 15-term Texas congressman, who said that it was time for Mr Biden to “make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw”.
Mr Doggett, 77, who sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, said he respected “all that President Biden has achieved” but that the Democrat had failed to “effectively defend his many accomplishments” on the debate stage.
Only three members of the Senate publicly called for Mr Biden to drop out. They are Peter Welch of Vermont, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Montana’s Jon Tester, who is fighting for re-election.
They have been joined by House colleagues including the likes of Adam Schiff, California’s likely next senator, and several members in tight re-election races of their own. The others are:
Raul Grijalva of Arizona, Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Mike Quigley of Illinois, Angie Craig of Minnesota, Adam Smith of Washington, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Pat Ryan of New York, Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, Hillary Scholten of Michigan, Brad Schneider of Illinois, Ed Case of Hawaii, Greg Stanton of Arizona, Jim Himes of Connecticut, Scott Peters of California, Eric Sorensen of Illinois, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington state, Mike Levin of California, Brittany Pettersen of Colorado, Jim Costa of California, Sean Casten of Illinois, Jared Huffman of California, Marc Veasey of Texas, Chuy Garcia of Illinois, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Greg Landsman of Ohio, Zoe Lofgren of California.
Biden quits presidential race
President Joe Biden bowed to pressure yesterday and withdrew from the United States Presidential race.
He made the announcement on his X platform (former Twitter).
‘Heartfelt appreciation’
In his statement, President Biden thanked his Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she was an “extraordinary partner”.
“And let me express my heartfelt appreciation for the American people for the faith and trust you have placed in me,” his statement added.
“I believe today and always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America.”
He wrote that he would address the nation on the matter next week.
Last week he returned to his home in Delaware after being diagnosed with Covid, but said on Friday he was looking forward to “getting back on the campaign trail next week”.
He has previously said only the “Lord Almighty” could make him withdraw, but then later said he would consider withdrawing if he had a health condition.
Responding on his Truth Social platform, Republican nominee Donald Trump said that Joe Biden “was not fit to run for President”
Biden endorses Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential nominee
In another development President Biden has endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris as Democratic presidential nominee.
In his statement Biden said: “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.
“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this”.
Biden wasn’t fit to run — Trump
Reacting to Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump said his former opponent was “not fit to run.”
Trump, in a statement, said: “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve – And never was.
“All those around him, including his Doctor and the Media, knew that he wasn’t capable of being President, and he wasn’t.
“We will suffer greatly because of his presidency, but we will remedy the damage he has done very quickly. Make America great again.”
THE Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owo in Ondo State, Revd Stephen Fagbemi, has lamented that the economic challenges in the country have left Nigerians in pain and frustration just as he urged President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency intensify efforts to address the security challenge and economic hardship facing Nigerians.
He stated this in his Charge delivered during the third session of the 14th Synod of the Church held at St Stephen’s Church, Ipele in Owo local government area of the state.
The cleric noted that the effects of the current economic hardship are real and painful.
Fagbemi said: “Unless urgent and effective steps are taken to curtail the effects of the current economic situation in the country, Nigeria may witness an uncontrollable rise in crime.
“Nigeria has become a harder place to live in as evident in the fact that many people are leaving the country for greener pastures while many are finding themselves in difficult situations where they fled to.
“Nigeria and its people have encountered acute economic hardship within the past year owing to the sudden removal of petroleum subsidy and due to devaluation and instability of the foreign exchange.
“The resultant effects of these actions are the harsh economic reality that Nigerians are facing daily. Inflation is almost out of control and prices of goods and commodities have risen astronomically.
“It has become hard for people to feed their families. Perhaps only very few wealthy individuals can claim to be comfortable at the moment.
“We urge our government to work harder at diversifying our economy. Already it is evident that unemployment is very high, as so many graduates are walking about without any job or means of livelihood. This makes the future look bleak and hopeless for many.”
He noted that despite the economic quagmire, Nigeria has continued to borrow while “the political class is not undergoing any serious economic adjustment as their monthly take-home which is humongous is a shameless inconsideration of the plight of their electorate.”
Josephine Adeh, police public relations officer (PPRO) in the FCT, has lamented that “the rate at which Nigerian men break women’s hearts is saddening”.
The FCT police PRO expressed her displeasure over failed relationships in Nigeria via a post on X.
Adeh said most of the cases she is attending to lately are related to women being jilted by men — although she did not provide sufficient information to back her claim.
She described the situation as “distasteful” while urging men not to “get into a relationship if you don’t want anything serious”.
“It’s distasteful to lead a woman on and then break her heart. The rate at which men are doing this is saddening. Most of the calls I receive these days are from women sharing their experiences in tears. Men, please, don’t start a relationship if you don’t want anything serious,” she wrote.
Also airing his opinion via the tweet’s comment section, Bright Edafe, the Delta state police PRO, claimed most ladies go into relationships with “too many expectations”. He also argued that women who date internet fraudsters are bound to be jilted.
“I feel women gets into relationships with too much expectation. Most women are not ready to invest in men. Already made men. And secondly, if you are in a relationship with a Yahoo boy, forget it, you are single. Meanwhile, you know I can’t break your heart sha,” he wrote.
Media
It’s distasteful to lead a woman on and then break her heart. The rate at which men are doing this is saddening. Most of the calls I receive these days are from women sharing their experiences in tears. Men, please, don't start a relationship if you don't want anything serious.? pic.twitter.com/dNSBeFLAEr
— SP JOSEPHINE ADEH PPRO FCT (@Jossy_Dannyking) July 20, 2024
Paris Olympics supremo Tony Estanguet said Sunday that the city was “ready” for the Games as he played down complaints from some residents and businesses about the impact of the event.
“We are ready as we head into the final phase,” Estanguet told a press conference in Paris, five days from the opening ceremony next Friday.
He added: “For as long as the closing ceremony hasn’t finished, we need to remain vigilant. But today we are exactly where we would have dreamed of being a few years ago.”
Finishing touches are being applied to the venues across the City of Light and thousands of athletes and officials are pouring in, while the weather has brightened up after months of rain.
In a further boost for organisers, the water quality of the river Seine — which is set to be used for outdoor Olympics swimming events — has also improved dramatically since the start of July.
“All the indicators for the Seine are positive at this stage,” Estanguet added.
The river is set to host the opening ceremony which will see 6,000-7,000 athletes sail down it on 85 barges and boats.
It will be the first time a Summer Olympics has opened outside the main athletics stadium, with up to 300,000 ticketed spectators set to watch from stands and on the river banks and another 200,000 expected to watch from the overlooking apartments.
Around 4,000 tickets are still available for the ceremony, Estanguet said.
“We’ve always tried to maintain as high a level of ambition as possible so that these Games make France shine,” Estanguet added.
‘Disruption’
The vast security operation for the opening ceremony is causing some friction, however, with large parts of central Paris along the banks of the river and around Olympic venues off-limits for most people.
Trade groups representing Paris shops, restaurants, bars and clubs complained on Friday that they were facing an “unprecedented slump in business and footfall”, blaming in part the “heavy security measures”.
“It was always a choice made in full conscience that the success of Paris 2024 would mean having the Games in the city,” Estanguet explained. “That was the completely unprecedented concept for Paris 2024.”
As well as the opening ceremony in the heart of the city, much of the sport is set to take place at temporary venues around Paris, with beach volleyball at the Eiffel Tower, archery at the Invalides and skateboarding at the Place de la Concorde.
“We can’t do it without some disruption. We can’t do it without some restrictions,” Estanguet said.
He thanked “those who have understood this because it’s really to honour our country in the most beautiful way.”
Around 45,000 members of the French security forces are set to be on duty on Friday when the Olympics kick off at 7:30pm (1730 GMT).
“Security was the number one priority for Paris 2024,” Estanguet said.
Cybersecurity is also a major concern, with a global IT outage last Friday caused by an update to CrowdStrike software leading to temporary disruption to accreditation system for the Games.
The International Olympic Committee has said it is bracing for disinformation attacks targeting the Paris Games following recent incidents blamed on Russia, in response to a near-ban on Russian athletes because of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
In another development, a major French Jewish group on Sunday slammed a hard-left MP for saying Israeli athletes were not welcome in Paris because of the war in Gaza.
Yonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (Crif), said on X that France Unbowed (LFI) lawmaker Thomas Portes was “putting a target on the backs of Israeli athletes”.
Portes had said at a rally in support of Palestinians that “Israeli sportspeople are not welcome at the Paris Olympic Games”.
Opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza featured heavily in his party’s campaign for European elections last month.
Arfi said Israeli athletes were “already the most in danger at the Olympic Games”, recalling the 11 “murdered by Palestinian terrorists” at the 1972 Munich Games.
The territory’s Hamas-run health ministry said Sunday that almost 39,000 people had been killed in the fighting, which was sparked by the bloody October 7 attacks by Hamas.
The Appeal Court Lagos Division has dismissed the appeal of a Denmark national, Peter Nielsen, who was sentenced to death for killing his Nigerian wife, Zainab and daughter, Petra Nielsen.
The appellate court upheld the conviction of Nielsen by the trial court and dismissed his appeal for lack of merit.
When the case was called on Friday, Mr Adebayo Haroun, leading Jubril Kareem, announced his appearance for the respondent, while Mr A.D Taiwo Nsirim with Tochukwu Amaefule, appeared for the appellant.
Delivering the judgment, the appeal court held that the respondent (Lagos State) proved the offence of murder against the appellant beyond reasonable doubt.
It resolved the appeal in favour of the respondent and dismissed the appellant’s case.
The appellate court held, “The corroborative evidence of DNA also strengthened the circumstantial evidence against the appellant.
“There was no proof of breaking into the apartment as suggested by the appellant.
“The missing exhibits as a result of the #EndSARS attack on the court do not affect the defence of the appellant as he had ample opportunity before the attack on the court. The findings of the forensic examiner corroborate the evidence of the children.”
Nielsen was found guilty and convicted of the murder of Zainab and Petra, by Justice Bolanle Okikiolu-Ighile,(retd.), of the Lagos State High Court, at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
Okikiolu-Ighile, in her judgment delivered on May 20, 2022, held that Nielsen smothered Zainab and Petra Nielsen to death.
She ruled, “He was the one who killed Zainab, and Petra Nielsen. Zainab had already predicted her death when she told their driver that this man would kill her. She told her stepfather, Chris Madaki, when she went to Abuja that this man would kill her.”
The judge also held that the evidence of the sixth prosecution witness (PW6) that on April 5, 2018, at 4:10 am, she saw Peter Nielsen beating and hitting Zainab’s head on the floor collaborated with the oral evidence of Prof John Obafunwa (PW4).
The judge held, “It is the judgment of the court that you, Peter Nielsen, is found guilty of the murder of Zainab and Petra Nielsen on April 5, 2018.
“I hereby pronounce that you Peter Nielsen shall be hanged by the neck till death. May God have mercy on you,” she said.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile found him guilty of counts one and two of murder preferred against him by Lagos state.
She held that the oral and documentary evidence before the court showed that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Nielsen killed his wife and daughter.
“This is one of the cases of domestic violence. The DNA analysis of nail scraping brought out the assailant of Zainab.
“Zainab tried so much to defend herself. The evidence shows that Peter Nielsen killed his wife and daughter.
“There is evidence before the court that there is a fight between Peter Nielsen and his wife,” the judge held.
She held that Prosecution Witnesses (PW5 and PW6) testified that they heard Zainab calling Mimi (one of the girls living with the couple) for help and they heard Zainab telling Nielsen to check her phone but he kept hitting her head.
“The act of Nielsen shows that he suffocated his wife and daughter.
“Nielsen has always domestically abused his wife which was shown in the police extract from the Ikoyi Police Station.
“She didn’t know that her marriage to the convict was void abi nitio because Peter was already married in Denmark.
However, on the issue of the nightgown worn by Zainab on the night she died, the judge expunged the evidence.
She said that the pathologist who analysed the DNA on the nightgown was thoroughly examined and cross-examined by the defence.
The judge, however, said that on October 20, 2020, the High Court of Lagos was vandalised and burnt, during the #EndSARS protest which affected the nightgown, a jumpsuit, towel and pants worn by Zainab and Petra.
The judge, however, said that the contention of the convict was not for cross-examination but for them to take the items for DNA examination for their case.
“It is trite law that all documentary evidence must be scrutinised but the defence argued that the convict didn’t have the opportunity to produce his examination.
“The defence made an application to expunge such items from the evidence.
“I have considered the application, exhibits, PWN (Zainab’s nightgown, Petra’s jumpsuit, towel and pants) is hereby expunged,” she said.
But dissatisfied with the judgment Nielsen approached the appeal court to challenge his conviction.
Nielsen was arraigned on June 13, 2018, on two counts of murder.
He pleaded not guilty, to the two counts of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, following which trial commenced.
The Lagos State Government accused Nielsen, now 57, of smothering Zainab and their daughter Petra Nielsen, to death at about 3:45 am, on April 5, 2018, at No. 4, Flat 17, Bella Vista Tower, Banana Island, Ikoyi.
When the trial commenced, the prosecution called nine witnesses and closed their case on September 20, 2019.
The defence opened its case and also called nine witnesses with the
convict as the ninth witness.
On Saturday, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afam Osigwe won the presidential election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
Osigwe, was called to the Bar in 1999, who is set to become the 32nd NBA president when the outgoing president, Yakubu Maikyau, completes his two-year tenure in August.
Mr. Osigwe, a former General Secretary of the NBA from 2014 to 2016, secured 20,435 votes, more than half of the total ballots cast for the presidential position, defeating his two rivals. Tobenna Ikwuazom came in a distant second with 10,998 votes, while another SAN, Chukwuka Ikuazom, who withdrew from the race midway through the election on Saturday, came third with 9,018 votes.
The election was restricted to eligible candidates from the Eastern Bar of the NBA, as it was their turn under the association’s zoning arrangement to fill the position for the next two years.
He is taking over from Maikyau who represents the Northern Bar. The other regional bars within the NBA are the Western Bar and the Mid-Western Bar, which many still see as part of the Western Bar.
What you should know about Osigwe
The new NBA President-elect, Afam Osigwe, was born on October 25, 1972. He graduated from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 1997 and was called to the Bar in 1999. He began his legal career with Chike Chigbue and Co., Abuja Office in 1999, and left in 2002 to establish his firm, LAW FORTE (Legal Practitioners, Corporate Consultants, and Notary Public). In 2006, he became a Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
In 2010, Osigwe completed a face-to-face tutorial at Keble College, Oxford, earning a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration. He became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) in 2011. In 2007, he obtained a Master’s of Laws Degree (LL.M) from the University of Jos, and he also holds another LL.M in Transnational Commercial Practice from the Centre for International Legal Studies, Austria, in collaboration with Lazarski University, Poland.
Osigwe has acted as counsel in numerous arbitral proceedings and has served as a sole arbitrator or member of arbitral tribunals in commercial disputes. He is an avid reader and researcher.
Osigwe was the last person to hold office as Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), covering the entire Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. During his tenure, the Bwari and Gwagwalada Branches were created.
By consent of the chairmen of the Bwari and Gwagwalada Branches, he became the first Chairman of Chairmen of NBA Branches in the FCT in 2012. He was sworn in as the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association in August 2014 and held that position until his tenure ended on August 26, 2016.
Mr. Osigwe, who campaigned to tackle corruption in the Bar and on the bench, is expected to revive the NBA’s traditional role of holding public officers accountable.
The inauguration of the new president and other national officers is scheduled to take place during the NBA 2024 Annual Conference in Lagos between 23 and 28 August.
[TNG]
Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe revealed that his attempt to break into the industry was met with failure, leaving him jobless from November 2012 to November 2013 without a single movie role offer. When he finally started landing roles, the pay was meager, ranging from N1,000 to N10,000, and even a humiliating "thank you for coming" at one point.
Arukwe shared his struggles, saying, "I worked in various industries, including telecoms, retail, and sports. However, I was fired from Etisalat in 2012, a fact I haven't even shared with my mother. As the team leader, I took the fall for a departmental mishap. Five years later, when I hoped to become a manager, I was instead demoted to a specialist role."
He continued, "I tried to transition into film in 2012, but progress was slow. Between November 2012 and December 2013, I only landed a single stage drama gig, courtesy of Seyi Babatope. For an entire year, I was jobless and received no film offers. It was a bleak period."
Arukwe added, "I considered returning to my previous career, dusted off my certificate, and eventually secured another job. I spent five more years in the corporate world before deciding to pursue acting full-time in April 2018. My first gig with Iroko came on August 28, 2018, a time when I was broke and struggling. It was so dire that I found myself saying prayers at noon."
Former group managing directors (GMDs) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have urged the current GCEO Mele Kyari to enhance public information regarding NNPC operations following its transition to a private entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
They emphasised that improved communication would foster transparency and trust, addressing long-standing perceptions of secrecy surrounding the company even as they expressed concern over misinformation stemming from limited public information.
The GMDs said this in a communique issued on Saturday at the end of their chief executive officers forum in Abuja.
They also commended the current leadership for achievements in production growth, infrastructure development, and environmental initiatives, while emphasising the need for transparency to counter misleading narratives about NNPC’s progress and challenges in the oil and gas sector.
“We also noted that limited information is in the public domain on NNPC’s operations since transition to a private commercial entity. This has led to misleading commentary which we believe is not in tandem with the strides achieved by the company,” they said.
This is as they expressed their unwavering support for the current leadership and their efforts in advancing the company’s strategic objectives across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The former GMDs that attended the meeting and signed the communiqué are Dr Jackson Gaius Obaseki ; Chief Chamberlain Oyibo;Engr Funsho Kupolokun; Engr Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua; Engr Austen Oniwon and Engr Andrew Yakubu.
The forum provided insights on NNPC’s transition post Petroleum Industry Act, the challenges and opportunities therefrom.
During the meeting, the GMDs said they obtained insights into NNPC’s business activities in the context of global energy industry dynamics, strategic aspirations and operational updates.
In particular, they said in the communique that oil and gas production growth plan, gas infrastructure project delivery plan, progress on refinery rehabilitation and issues related to petroleum product supply and energy security were discussed.
They commended Kyari and the NNPC Ltd management in their efforts in increasing crude oil and gas production, funding of upstream operations and investments, gas supply and infrastructure development for domestic and export including CNG and LPG delivery, refineries rehabilitation progress and reduction in carbon emissions and commercialisation of Nigeria’s vast gas resources
The GMDs said, “We commend Mele Kyari as the first Group CEO to implement the PIA, and noted with satisfaction the progress made with hope that its limitations will be addressed over time.
“We expressed our satisfaction in the achievements recorded and encouraged the management team to continue advancing strategies to improve operations, grow portfolio, and manage talent.
“We note with satisfaction the continuation of the policy on recruitment which takes into consideration the principles of diversity and inclusion as well as performance based career progression via a transparent process.
“We empathise with the management team over the state of onshore operations with over seven thousand illegal refineries destroyed and over five thousand illegal connections removed.
“We reiterate that any attack on crude oil and gas facilities as well as illegal refining are acts of criminality and economic sabotage.”
They called on the government to ensure that all activities hindering oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria are sanctioned.
The former NNPC Bosses also appreciated that the PIA has made provisions for the Host communities’ development and also provided for sustainable funding.
“We trust that Government Security Agencies will do the needful and ensure that crude oil theft, illegal refining and activities of pipeline vandals are stopped to allow for investment and growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“We appreciate the support that all tiers of Government and the Nigerian citizens continue to give NNPC and trust that this will be sustained by the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” they added.
[Leadership]
‘Anyone Visiting Buhari With Conspiracy To Unseat Tinubu In 2027 May Be Disappointed’ – Atiku’s Ex-Aide
Admin
The former spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, Segun Showunmi, has stated that northern politicians visiting former President Muhammadu Bukhari, with the intention of unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027 may be disappointed.
Naija News reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, in an interview with Punch, said Buhari is straightforward and would not join any conspiracy to unseat Tinubu.
According to Showunmi, Buhari will have no choice in 2027 but to return the favour President Tinubu did to him in 2019.
Speaking further, the PDP chieftain said Nigerians will also determine the fate of Tinubu in the next election based on his performance.
He said, “What I know for a fact is that anybody who loves Nigeria will think very deeply about the present circumstance Nigeria is in and what should be the way out even for the future. Buhari is not a conspirator; that is not in his nature. He doesn’t join people in conspiring, to be planning against people. That is not him. He is as straightforward as a knife. So, if anybody is going to him looking for a conspiracy, the person may be disappointed.
“The reason is that I have a feeling that Buhari may have no choice but to return the favour that President Bola Tinubu did to him in 2019. In the build-up to 2015, all the leaders were on the same page with Bola Tinubu and Buhari, to make Buhari President at that time. By 2019, all of them had left that agenda, they had gone on to the PDP agenda, Bola Tinubu did not move, even when President Buhari was a little bit ill, and people felt it was a good time for people to dump him, but Tinubu did not move. He stood by him (Buhari) to help him achieve 2019.
“Without prejudice, I know Buhari very well, and that is going to be weighing very heavily on his mind. Will it now be time for him to stand by Bola Tinubu or will he dump him? I know that at the back of Buhari’s mind, he will consider what is in the best interest of Nigeria. I don’t want anybody to link any politics to this visit, and I don’t want anybody to imagine that there is any crisis between Buhari and President Bola Tinubu, but I also don’t want anybody, especially President Bola Tinubu, to sit in the Villa with his friends and be making unrealistic assumptions as to how 2027 will look like.
If they have done well with the economy, the Nigerian people will tell them; if they have done well with insecurity, the Nigerian people will tell them. If they have done well with inflation, the Nigerian people will tell them. If they have done well with the cost of living, the Nigerian people will tell them. If they have done well with poverty alleviation, the Nigerian people will tell them. If they have done well with debt in the country, the Nigerian people will tell them, and in any case, what the future holds is in the hands of God, but if you underrate the influence of Muhammadu Buhari in the rural North, especially, in the rural North-West, you are a joker.”
[NaijaNews]
Nigeria boasts a population of approximately 200 million with about 70% of the population under 30, and 42% under the age of 15.
Despite this, the correlation between investment in human capital and the country’s economic growth and development has not yielded substantial results.
This is partly due to unemployment, poverty, and insecurity. Of course, this social and economic situation makes migration attractive to young people.
However, a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers highlights Nigeria’s significant Brain Capital advantage, with a large youthful population averaging 19 years old.
This demographic stands in contrast to the ageing populations observed in countries such as Germany, Japan, Italy, and the United States, where it’s projected that the worldwide working-age population will experience a 10% decline by 2060.
Nigeria has already demonstrated prowess across various service sectors, including entertainment and sports, showcasing talent capable of competing and excelling in the global market.
At the forefront of this dynamic industry are core professionals adept at identifying and nurturing talent, building experience and boosting portfolios to compete not only locally but on the international job market.
In the tradition of Nairametrics, we spotlight some influential female human capital professionals within various industries based on their experience and companies in their career portfolios.
[Nairametrics]
More...
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has asserted that products refined at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single train refinery, are of superior quality compared to imported equivalents and meet international standards.
He expressed his confidence after the House leadership insisted on testing other diesel products, alongside Dangote’s diesel at its state-of-the-art laboratory.
During a tour of both Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited complex by members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and other members who observed the testing of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from two petrol stations alongside Dangote Petroleum Refinery, praised the company for its significant investments and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The diesel samples were procured from two well-known filling stations near Eleko junction along the Lekki Epe Expressway, by the honourable members. Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream, Hon. Ikeagwunon Ugochinyere, and Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream, Hon. Okojie Odianosen, oversaw the collection of samples from the Mild Hydro Cracking (MHC) unit of Dangote refinery for testing of all the samples.
Lab tests revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm (parts per million), whereas the other two samples showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively.
Dangote emphasised that these findings debunked claims made by Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, who recently asserted that imported diesel surpasses domestically refined products.
Ahmed had alleged that Dangote refinery and other modular refineries like Waltersmith and Aradel produced diesel with sulphur content ranging from 650 to 1200 ppm—a statement criticised by many Nigerians as a tactic to favour imported products over local ones.
Dangote openly challenged the regulator to compare the quality of refined products from his refinery with those imported, advocating for an impartial assessment to determine what best serves the interests of Nigerians.
“We produce the best diesel in Nigeria. It’s disheartening that instead of safeguarding the market, the regulator is undermining it. Our doors are open for the regulator to conduct tests on our products anytime; transparency is paramount to us.’
“It would be beneficial for the regulator to showcase its laboratory to the world so Nigerians can compare. Our interest is Nigeria first because if Nigeria doesn’t grow, we have limited capacity for growth.
“Right Honourable Speaker and esteemed members, you’ve witnessed the results of the credibility test. I appreciate your wise counsel in procuring samples from the filling stations alongside our refinery’s product. Ours shows a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, approximately 88, whereas the others exceeded 1,800 ppm. Although the NMDPRA permits local refiners to produce diesel with sulphur content up to 650 ppm until January 2025, as approved by ECOWAS, ours is significantly lower.
“Next week, we aim to achieve 10 ppm, aligning with the Euro V standard. Imported diesel is capped at 50 ppm, but as you’ve seen, those from the stations, imported by major marketers, fall well outside this standard.”
Dangote pointed out that high-sulphur content diesel regularly imported into the country often comes with dubious certifications.
He emphasised that the most effective method to verify the quality is to purchase the product directly from filling stations and conduct credibility tests.
According to him, this issue has resulted in both health risks and financial losses for Nigerians.
“Dubious certifications often accompany the importation of high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, causing both health risks and financial losses for Nigerians,” noted Dangote.”
“The best method to verify this is to purchase the product directly from filling stations where end-users obtain it. I believe Farouk Ahmed speaks without sufficient knowledge of our refinery. We have successfully exported diesel and jet fuel to Europe and Asia without any complaints; in fact, we have received repeated orders, indicating satisfaction with our products.”
Supporting Dangote’s assertion, VP of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, highlighted recent actions by European countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. “These countries have expressed concerns about the carcinogenic effects of high-sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian market, prompting them to impose bans on such fuel exports to West Africa.”
Edwin informed the federal lawmakers that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, designed to process a wide range of crudes including various African and Middle Eastern crudes, as well as US Light Tight Oil, conforms to Euro V specifications.
[DailyTrust]
Elder statesman, Dr Chike Obidigbo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to restrain his aide, Bayo Onanuga, from making intemperate public statements that could destroy Nigeria.
Obidigbo regretted that the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Strategy has been making inciting remarks and provocative hate speeches that could not only damage Nigeria’s feeble national cohesion but also set the nation on a needless conflagration.
The industrialist condemned Onanuga’s recent statement claiming that the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP), Peter Obi and his supporters called the Obidients should be blamed for the planned national protest against bad governance.
In a statement released to journalists on Sunday, Obidigbo lamented that despite Onanuga’s experience in media practice and knowledge of Nigeria’s troubled political history, the presidential aide continues to spew hate and divisive utterances.
“Many people still remember Onanuga’s role during the military era, when the Nigerian press adopted guerilla tactics to call attention to the oppressive regimes in the country. But, having witnessed and currently benefiting from the nation’s democracy, this veteran journalist has thrown caution to the wind.
“Onanuga has formed the habit of talking down on Nigerians as if he is at the head of a military junta. When he is not withdrawing ill-conceived communication, he churns out statements dripping with deep-seated bile and hateful innuendos sentences.
“His latest attempt to link the former Governor of Anambra State with the youth-propelled national protest comes as one of the unthinking statements unbefitting a presidential aide. Onanuga should be reminded that when the dark clouds he is invoking bring down rain, nobody’s roof will be safe,” Obidigbo stated.
He regretted that at a time when countless multinational business organisations were leaving the country due to unstable economic indices, the likes of Onanuga should find time to gloat about the last presidential election.
Obidigbo stated: “Onanuga and indeed all those in public offices should reckon that Nigeria is at a tricky crossroads and show some level of empathy to Nigerian masses who are going through excruciating hardship compounded by insecurity, rising food prices and cost of living challenges.
“In his heart of hearts, Bayo Onanuga knows that Mr Peter Obi has been exemplary in conduct and character and has remained focused on the issues of economic development, especially mitigating mass poverty and giving a helping hand to the poorest of the poor.
“During the electioneering, Mr Peter was elegant in his public communication and campaign messaging. He resisted provocations and attempts to be drawn to divisive rhetoric that bedevilled Nigeria’s partisan politics.
“But, Onanuga’s attempt to single out Igbo for hate by his dangerous innuendo is not lost on well-meaning Nigerians. This is not the first time the veteran journalist should descend so low to promote bigotry and ethnic baiting against the Igbo. And it is high time President Tinubu calls him to order unless Igbo bashing is at the core of the presidential communication.”
Obidigbo said the myriad of socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria trumps the continuing efforts to isolate Igbo through nepotism and ethnic bashing, adding that the day equity and justice become the hallmark of national reconciliation, Nigeria will begin the process of national healing.
“Denying Igbo of political offices could be excused but trying to despoil their reputation and dependence on self-help could end up as the last straw that breaks the Camel’s back,” he cautioned.
[DailyPost]
Anambra state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, have praised the election of Afam Osigwe, as the 32nd president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In their separate statements, Soludo and Udeze expressed that Osigwe’s tenure would introduce a fresh perspective to the legal profession.
Both leaders from Anambra expressed their excitement about an Anambra-born legal expert leading the NBA in Nigeria.
They emphasised that Osigwe’s election is a testament to his exceptional qualities and dedication to the legal profession.
Soludo conveyed his confidence that Osigwe’s leadership would positively disrupt legal practice in the country, marking a new era of excellence.
He added that like everything Anambra, Osigwe’s tenure would bring about a paradigm shift, elevating the legal profession.
“Mazi Afam Osuigwe SAN we look forward to a distinct and excellent leadership for the Nigerian Bar under your watch.
“Like everything Anambra, I am certain that your tenure shall herald a paradigm shift that will positively disrupt legal practice in our country. Congratulations to you Learned Silk”, the governor said.
For the speaker: “I am delighted to learn about the election of Afam Osigwe, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a proud son of Anambra, as the 32nd President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
“Dear Eminent Jurist, we are excited about your new role and confident that your leadership will bring positive changes to the Nigerian Bar.
“With your dedication and the proud legacy of Anambra behind you, I am sure you will inspire a new era of excellence in our legal system.
“It is also a personal joy to recall our shared experiences as classmates at DMGS, Onitsha. On behalf of the Anambra State House of Assembly, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. We are proud of your achievement and look forward to seeing the great strides you will make”, Udeze wrote
[TheNation]
The lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Orji Kalu, has backed calls for part-time legislature at both federal and state levels.
Speaking to reporters at an event in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Saturday, Kalu said the move would help reduce the cost of governance and enhance the people’s trust in the system.
The former Governor of Abia state also supported calls for a constitutional amendment.
He said, “I think it will be a very good idea if my colleagues and other members of the Houses of Assembly will agree that we can sit for three months and do constitutional amendment first.
“So we can sit four times a year, and if there’s any emergency, there will be emergency sitting. We can come to do a presidential bid on that basis and go back instead of sitting on a full-time basis.
“Not only the Senate and the House of Representatives but all the legislative houses in Nigeria will be part-time.”
Kalu also stated that regional government is another viable alternative of reducing the cost of governance, amid the worsening economic situation of the country.
He added, “If we’re going for a regional government, it also means that the ministers, the legislators, will be the same. I’ve been tinkering with the idea of how we can save money to run Nigeria because the country needs money.
“I will encourage the President, the National Assembly to make these kinds of laws. This will help him, and this will help the system, and this will help everybody.”
[Punch]