Politics
Nigeria won’t achieve perfect democracy, says US diplomat
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
Asari Dokubo Reveals He Declined Pipeline Contract Offer from Tinubu. In a recent statement that has stirred discussions across Nigeria, former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo disclosed that he turned down a pipeline contract offer from President Bola Tinubu. Known for his outspoken views and often controversial remarks, Dokubo shed light on the circumstances surrounding the offer, as well as his reasons for declining it.
During an interview, Dokubo revealed that Bola Tinubu offered him a lucrative contract to manage pipelines in the Niger Delta region, a high-stakes role designed to reduce vandalism and secure Nigeria’s oil resources. However, Dokubo chose to walk away from the opportunity, emphasizing that his principles and vision for the Niger Delta community took precedence over financial gains.
“This was not a decision I took lightly, but for me, it’s about integrity and my responsibility to my people,” Dokubo explained. He stated that while he appreciated the President’s offer, he did not believe that accepting the contract would align with his goals for the region. For Dokubo, the struggle for the Niger Delta has always been rooted in empowerment and community-led development, rather than personal gain.
Dokubo has a long history of activism in the Niger Delta, advocating for the rights of the region’s people, often marginalized despite its rich natural resources. His stance on pipeline contracts, a topic that has frequently led to clashes between government officials and local leaders, reflects his dedication to what he considers a genuine fight for the community’s benefit. “This is not just about money or power. It’s about securing a future where our resources benefit the people who live on this land,” he affirmed.
Asari Dokubo Reveals He Declined Pipeline
Pipeline security has long been a sensitive issue in Nigeria, where oil remains the country’s primary revenue source. The Niger Delta, as the heart of Nigeria’s oil production, has faced numerous challenges, from environmental degradation to inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities for its residents. Oil pipeline vandalism, often blamed on economic desperation and disenfranchisement, has led to substantial losses in government revenue and, at times, significant ecological damage.
Previous administrations have used security contracts with local leaders and former militants to curb these issues, often outsourcing pipeline protection in the hopes of reducing sabotage. However, critics argue that such contracts may only offer a temporary fix and sometimes fuel resentment within communities. Dokubo’s decision to refuse the contract underscores his belief in the need for long-term, community-focused solutions to address the root causes of these problems.
Instead of accepting the contract, Dokubo has called for a more sustainable approach that centers on education, skill-building, and economic empowerment for the Niger Delta people. “Our people need opportunities, not handouts. It’s time to invest in education, infrastructure, and industry so that our communities can thrive independently,” he argued. This perspective has garnered support from those who share his vision for a self-reliant Niger Delta, though others view his refusal as a missed chance to use government resources to uplift the region.
Despite differing opinions, Dokubo remains resolute in his stance. He has expressed his willingness to work alongside the government on initiatives that prioritize the well-being of the Niger Delta communities, provided that such efforts are genuinely aimed at empowering local populations. “I am ready to support any initiative that brings true development to our people. But it must be genuine and transparent,” Dokubo insisted.
Reactions to Dokubo’s statements have been mixed, with some applauding his decision as a show of integrity, while others argue that he should have accepted the contract to exert a positive influence from within. However, Dokubo’s stance speaks to a broader conversation about how Nigeria’s resources are managed and who truly benefits from them. For Dokubo, meaningful progress in the Niger Delta is about shifting the focus from short-term profits to creating sustainable opportunities for future generations.
In conclusion, Asari Dokubo’s decision to decline President Tinubu’s pipeline contract offer reveals his commitment to a long-term vision for the Niger Delta. His focus on empowering the region through genuine development rather than financial contracts illustrates a deeply rooted dedication to his people. Whether or not others agree with his choice, Dokubo’s actions have ignited important discussions about Nigeria’s approach to resource management and the future of the Niger Delta.
Source: Dailypost
In other news –
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