The Charge D’Affairs of the United States Mission in Nigeria, David Greene, has advised Nigeria to continue improving its democracy, warning, however, that Nigerians should not expect the country to attain perfection in pursuit of democracy.

The US diplomat spoke on Tuesday at the celebration of the United States 247th Independence Day anniversary held at the residence of the US Consul General in Lagos, Will Stevens, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said, “Democracy could be a rough and bumpy road, but it is a process.

“Nigeria, as a democracy with an elected and representative government, must continue working and trying to improve on its democracy.

“You’re never going to achieve perfection, but what you must do is to remain focused and continue working to improve the democratic process and the lives of the citizens.”

Speaking on US partnership with Nigeria, Greene said, “As President (Joe) Biden has said, elected leaders owe to their people to show that democracy can deliver for their needs, and the United States, I’m proud to say, is Nigeria’s partner in seeking to deliver.”

The Charge D’Affairs added, “Economic opportunity is only part of the solution (to the nation’s challenges). Citizens need security.

“In this area, too, the United States and Nigeria are working together closely, whether through robust military to military ties, police training, judicial cooperation…, the United States is partnering with Nigeria to bolster its security capabilities, to combat terrorism, to fight violent crime, to address human rights violations, and to end corruption.”

Speaking on the July 4 United States Independence Day anniversary, Greene stated that it was a delight to celebrate the anniversary in Nigeria this year.

“It’s when Americans in the United States and around the world get together to celebrate not just the birth of our nation, but the values and democratic practices and the right that we hold so dear,” he added.

In his remarks, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said his government was delighted that the 247th US independence anniversary celebration was held in the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu said holding the event in Lagos after the one held earlier in Abuja was a testament to the importance of the state in Nigeria and to the world.

The governor added, “The United States and Nigeria share a long history of friendship marked by several milestones of cooperation in trade, education, health and security.

“We are proud to be partners in progress, working hand-in-hand to improve the lives of our citizens and contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful world.

Source: PUNCH

In other news-Bauchi’s first Professor of Neurosurgery, Abdu Ibrahim, has passed away

The first Neurosurgery Professor in Bauchi State, Abdu Ibrahim, is dead.

He was said to have died on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, after a protracted illness.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who is currently on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, commiserated with the family, friends and associates of the late professor. Read more

THE Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) has rejected claims that its Constitutional Court application to have the local government elections postponed was a smokescreen for the ANC’s fear of voters. Earlier this month, DA leader John Steenhuisen accused the commission of trying to help the governing party to evade electoral accountability.

IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini disputed Steenhuisen’s claims in the commission’s replying affidavit filed on Friday at the apex court, in response to several applications by political parties and non-profit organisations to intervene in its bid to have the municipal polls temporarily shelved until February next year.

”These remarks are deeply regrettable. The commission appointed a person of the highest integrity and standing in retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke. It held a public, inclusive and rigorous process to determine the freeness and fairness of elections in October 2021,” Mashinini said.

He continued: “It approaches this court premised on Justice Moseneke’s findings and because of the genuinely difficult and unprecedented position confronting it and the country. There is no basis at all to suggest that the commission – and by implication Justice Moseneke – is doing the ANC’s bidding. Indeed, the DA appears to overlook the fact the ANC was initially opposed to a postponement of the local government elections,” he said.

The IEC has also defended its application, saying it does not want to violate or mischievously amend the Constitution, as claimed by the DA. The ANC and the IFP support the commission’s application, although they want the polls postponed to no later than April and May, respectively.

The IEC told the apex court that it finds itself in a unprecedented predicament of meeting three constitutional demands – to hold regular elections, ensuring that they are free and fair, as well as ensuring that the polls are held in a manner that respects, protects, promotes and fulfils the constitutional rights to life, physical and psychological integrity and access to health.

Mashinini also reiterated the commission’s financial predicament after its budget for 2021/22 was cut by R175 million, forcing it to cancel the two planned registration weekends.

According to Mashinini, the cost of procuring personal protective equipment for one voter registration weekend was over R40.1m and more than R89.2m for voting day. The Constitutional Court will hear the IEC’s application on Friday.

In other news – Photo: Zim artist impresses Connie with her late husband Shona Ferguson’s painting

Zimbabwean man Thomas Mwasangwale has impressed Connie Fergusson through a painting of her late husband Shona. Mr. Ferguson died at Milpark Hospital from Covid-19 complications.

This painting comes barely a week after controversial painter Rasta has been the talk of the town after he has disappointed fans on social media with his Shona Ferguson painting. Learn more

Source: News365

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mangaung on Saturday raised concerns over the ANC’s mayoral elect, saying it was just an extension of state capture projects started by former Free State premier and suspended party secretary-general Ace Magashule.

Earlier this week the ANC’s interim provincial committee (IPC) announced council speaker Mxolisi Siyonzana as their preferred candidate after former mayor Lolly Mlamleli was ousted last year during a vote of no confidence.

The DA’s Hardie Viviers said they were dismayed, accusing Siyonzana of having a tainted history.

“The speaker resigned on 11 August, thus attempting to evade accountability for the central role he played in not dealing with those implicated in the corruption and mismanagement.”

Siyonzana had long been seen as an ally of Magashule but the IPC’s Mxolisi Dukwana defended their choice.

The date for the election of the new mayor would be announced soon.

Source – EWN