Connect with us

Politics

NNPP Chieftain congratulates President Donald Trump on election victory  … Hopes his emergence will bring global stability 

Published

on

A governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)  in Ogun State in the  2023 election, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has extended warm congratulations to newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing confidence that his leadership will bring lasting stability to the world.
Ambassador Ajadi, a staunch advocate for good governance, had previously predicted the victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. elections.
Known for his sharp political insights, Ambassador Ajadi has consistently voiced opinions on global and national political trends, often foreseeing outcomes with remarkable accuracy.
His earlier prediction on Trump’s success highlights his keen understanding of political dynamics and his commitment to staying informed on international affairs.
Americans turned out in record numbers to vote in a closely watched presidential race between Donald Trump and his challenger, Kamala Harris.
The election, marked by intense campaigning, captivated global attention, with critical issues like economic recovery, healthcare, and foreign policy taking center stage.
Trump, representing the Republican Party, campaigned on a platform of economic revival and strong conservative values, while Harris, of the Democratic Party, promised progressive reform focused on social justice and environmental concerns.
Both candidates offered opposing visions for America’s future, creating a polarized atmosphere across the nation. Observers noted this election could redefine the United States’ role on the world stage, as well as its approach to pressing domestic issues.
As votes were counted, Trump emerged victorious, securing another term in the White House and prompting reactions worldwide, from celebration to contemplation of its implications for America’s alliances and domestic policies.
Speaking to journalists early Wednesday morning at his office in Ibafo, Ogun state, Ajadi hailed and described Trump’s victory as a “divine intervention,” stating that it will bring blessings beyond American borders.
“President Trump’s win is a powerful message of hope, not just for Americans but for people all around the world,” Ajadi declared.
He highlighted Trump’s role as a stabilizing force amid current global tensions, especially among nations where conflicts have sparked fears of a potential world war.
Ambassador Ajadi expressed his optimism, predicting that Trump’s leadership could help avert the “looming world war” by promoting diplomacy and de-escalating tensions among powerful countries.
“We believe Trump has the resolve and influence to bring major players to the negotiating table and promote peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
 ” His re-election represents an opportunity for constructive dialogue that will ease global anxieties and strengthen efforts for international peace, Ajadi said.
He went on to describe Trump’s diplomatic approach as potentially beneficial for emerging markets and African nations.
 “This victory symbolizes a global movement toward fairness and mutual respect in international relations,” Ajadi said, expressing hope that Trump’s presidency would foster partnerships with nations like Nigeria, advancing development through collaboration on trade, technology, and security.
Ajadi also emphasized Trump’s commitment to national sovereignty and self-reliance, viewing these principles as valuable lessons for African countries.
 “Trump encourages nations to stand strong and use their resources wisely,” he said, “and this message can inspire African leaders to pursue sustainable, self-reliant growth.”
The NNPP leader went further with a hopeful vision for the future, adding, “President Trump’s victory is not merely for America; it’s a victory for all who cherish peace, stability, and cooperation across borders. Under his leadership, we anticipate a renewed era of global stability, where nations can work together toward progress and mutual understanding.”
Ajadi reiterated his confidence in Trump’s capacity to unify nations, especially in times of division. “This is a time for healing, and we trust that Trump will rise to the challenge,” he added

Politics

IPU cannot consider Natasha’s petition – Jimoh Ibrahim

Published

on

By

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Inter-parliamentary Committee, remarked that the purported petition from the suspended Senator Natasha is “dead on arrival.”

He emphasised that Nigeria, rather than Senator Natasha, is the member of the IPU.

A petition can only be lodged against another member state by a member state.

This implies that the IPU cannot consider petitions from individuals who are not members.

The suspended Senator Natasha is not a member of the IPU, but Nigeria is!
Additionally, the suspended Senator cannot represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I served as the interim president of the IPU in Geneva in 2023, and I am familiar with how the IPU operates after presiding over its proceedings.

Furthermore, as Chairman of the Inter- parliamentary Committee in the Nigerian Senate, I did not approve or authorise the suspended Senator Natasha to attend the IPU on behalf of Nigeria to the Senate President.”

Continue Reading

Politics

Senate moves to establish Early Voting for Nigerians on essential duties during elections …..As Bill scales 2nd reading 

Published

on

By

By George Mgbeleke
The Senate on Thursday passed to second reading a Bill to amend the Electoral Act to provide opportunity for Nigerians on essential duties to perform their civic duties.
The Bill sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz zMusa Yar’adua seeks to amend the Electoral Act tagged “Electoral Act(Amendment -Early Voting Bill) 2024.

Senate in session in the chamber

In his lead debate Senator Yar’adua noted that the Bill seeks to enfranchise a significant group of Nigerians who, due to the nature of their duties on election days, are denied the opportunity to exercise their most fundamental democratic right; the right to vote.
He said,”This very important bill seeking to introduce early voting in the Electoral Act 2022 to enhance the inclusion, participation and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, and for related matters, was read for the first time on Wednesday, the 15th day of May  2024.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, due to the far-reaching nature of this Bill, let me crave your indulgence to extensively highlight the background, which I believe will not only provide a proper context for this legislative initiative but also motivate this hallowed chamber to accelerate the legislative process in enacting the Bill.
“Background and Rationale
In any democratic process, equal opportunity must be given to all citizens to participate in elections regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, occupation or socioeconomic status. This ensures the true reflection of the will of the people thereby enhancing the stability of the democratic process. Unfortunately, a huge number of Nigerians who are involved in making Nigeria’s elections a success are excluded from the crucial decision-making of choosing their leaders through the ballot.”
The lawmaker further observed that,”Over one million citizens who play critical roles in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections are disenfranchised.
” These include INEC officials, including ad-hoc staff, the security personnel, journalists, observers and others who work on election day to uphold the integrity of the process are effectively denied their right to vote because they are deployed to polling units far from where they registered. This is an irony that should not be lost on us, and this bill seeks to correct that by making provision for early voting for such citizens.
“Mr President, Distinguished Colleagues, this exclusion has characterised all elections in the Fourth Republic and became more alarming in the 2023 General Elections with over 1 million ad-hoc staff, 310,973 police personnel, 93,495 military and Department of State Service (DSS) personnel, 51,000 personnel from the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), 21,000 from the Federal Road Safety Corps, 11,336 from the Nigeria Correctional Service, 9,447 from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency and 350 personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission who were actively engaged in election activities were disenfranchised. Similarly, the Independent National Electoral Commission reported that 144,800 observers were deployed by 196 national and domestic organisations, with the implication that those citizens were also unable to vote. This is in addition to journalists and others involved in elections in various capacities. The number of those excluded from voting could change the outcomes of election results.”
Continuing he said,”Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, the figures highlighted above makes this bill a necessity to address the ‘disenfranchisement’ of eligible voters. As lawmakers, it is our duty to ensure that every Nigerian citizen, regardless of their profession or duty on election day, has the opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process. Incorporating early voting in our electoral legal framework shall strengthen universal adult suffrage as our Constitution guarantees every eligible Nigerian the right to vote.
” Furthermore, this Bill strengthens democratic values as democracy thrives when participation is broad, inclusive, and representative. By preventing those on election duty from voting, we are limiting the breadth of participation and undermining the very principles of democracy.
“Distinguished Colleagues, here are the highlights of the bill:
Provision for eligibility and registration of early voters:  Political parties will receive a list of registered early voters to ensure transparency.
Eligible individuals include security personnel, electoral officials and those deemed eligible by the commission who must apply 30 days before the early voting date (Clause 44A (2)-(6)).
“Implementation and Voting Procedure.
A designated early voting date will be set, not more than 7 days before the general election (Section 44A (1)).
Voting centers will be established in every ward, with early votes counted on the official election day (Section 44A (10)-(17))Cross-Country Survey.”
The Lawmaker noted  that early voting has been part of the electoral legal frameworks in other jurisdictions with its attendant huge success stories in promoting voter participation, reducing election day pressure, and increasing accessibility.
” In the United States, early voting varies by State, with some states allowing a few days to several weeks (up to 45 days) in advance of election day. In Australia, early voting starts about 2-3 weeks before the election, with the 2019 federal election recording 40% of voters that cast their ballots early. In Canada, early voting takes place 12 days before election day allowing voters greater flexibility. In Germany, Postal voting is initiated four to six weeks before the election, enabling voters to participate ahead of time.
“Distinguished Colleagues, it is interesting to note that early voting has also gained traction in several African countries as a tool to improve electoral efficiency, increase voter turnout, and enhance inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups. In South Africa, the Independent Electoral Commission allows early voting 2 days before the general election for individuals such as the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, security forces, and those working on Election Day.
Continue Reading

Politics

No Individual Bigger Than PDP, Says Diri

Published

on

By

PDP zonal caretaker C'ttee members with Gov Douye Diri (2nd from the Rt)

By David Owei ,Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was bigger than any individual and that its internal challenges would be fixed once the members resolve to tackle them.

Speaking to journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday after the inauguration of the party’s South-South zonal caretaker committee led by Elder Emma Ogidi, the Bayelsa Governor said the political will to confront those fomenting trouble in the party resided with the members and not solely on the leadership.

Diri, who is also Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, stated that for the party to be competitive as the oldest in the country, it must look inwards and fix its internal issues.

He said: “For me, we have to look inwards before accusing those outside our party. We have to first fix our internal issues.

“It is very easy to point accusing fingers. But the PDP has to sit back and tackle its internal challenges. That is only when we can stand to compete with others.

“I want the PDP to be competitive with other political parties. We are the oldest political party in Nigeria. So we have no reason to be accusing outsiders.”

On whether the party’s leadership had the political will to discipline those fomenting trouble, Governor Diri averred that such will resided with the members.

“We are all members of the party. The moment we all resolve that we need to fix our party, there cannot be any one person that is bigger than the party.”

He stressed that the newly inaugurated zonal caretaker committee had the mandate of the National Working Committee to look into every issue affecting the party in the South-South.

The Bayelsa helmsman expressed the hope that the event was a step forward for the party.

“In our zone, which is the only area in the country you have four governors of the party, we have all resolved and are together on this. You can see the deputy governor of Delta State, who represented the governor. I have also received messages from the governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers. It shows that we are together and what we need to do is to show leadership and work with the zonal committee so that our zone will again become safe and strong for the PDP.”

Continue Reading

Latest

Sports21 hours ago

Igali advocates for inclusion of Traditional Wrestling ‘Kuwa’ and Canoeing in National Sports Festival *Receives Bayelsa Athletes at 13th ECOWAS African Wrestling games

  By David Owei, Bayelsa The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali, has called on the National...

Politics21 hours ago

IPU cannot consider Natasha’s petition – Jimoh Ibrahim

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Inter-parliamentary Committee, remarked that the purported petition from the suspended Senator Natasha is...

Politics22 hours ago

Senate moves to establish Early Voting for Nigerians on essential duties during elections …..As Bill scales 2nd reading 

By George Mgbeleke The Senate on Thursday passed to second reading a Bill to amend the Electoral Act to provide...

Law & Crime22 hours ago

Rivers Crisis: State Assembly in another troubled water  ……. Wants DSS to Probe CJ over alleged age forgery 

By Our Reporter Barely 24 hours in the fight against the state governor,  Siminalayi Fubara,  Rivers State House of Assembly...

Arts & Life Style23 hours ago

Lalong seeks Constitutional roles for traditional rulers, says it’s panacea for insecurity

  By George Mgbeleke Senator Simon Bako Lalong representing Plateau South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly has maintained...

Politics2 days ago

No Individual Bigger Than PDP, Says Diri

By David Owei ,Bayelsa Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was...

General News2 days ago

Natasha: Senate passes vote of confidence in Akpabio  …..says sexual harassment allegation is before the court

By George Mgbeleke Satisfied with the way suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central) for misconduct and her sexual...

Law & Crime2 days ago

How Kwara’s UBEC N5.78 Billion Funds Was Allegedly Diverted

  By Our Reporter The trial of the immediate past Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his Finance...

Law & Crime2 days ago

FCT Police Neutralizes Infamous Kidnapper Dogo Saleh *Recover AK-47, other weapons

  In it bid to rid the Abuja of criminal al sorts crimes and criminals, the FCT Police Command has...

Politics2 days ago

Rivers Crisis:How Rivers State Assembly denied me access to present 2025 budget-Gov.Fubara •Commissions Bori Zonal Hospital

  By Our Reporter In compliance with the directives of the Rivers State Assembly’s  represent the the 2025 budget proposal...

Trending