Category: Politics - Page 2 - African News Today

Judiciary is the Biggest Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy – Obi

17May

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Elections, Judiciary, Justice, News, Nigeria

Judiciary is the Biggest Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy – Obi

Enugu, May 17, 2024 – Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has declared the judiciary as the foremost threat to Nigeria’s democracy, rather than the electoral umpire. Obi made these remarks during his keynote speech at the fifth memorial of late Justice Anthony Aniagolu at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu. In a candid and critical address, the former governor of Anambra State lamented the current state of Nigeria's judicial system, which he described as being plagued by corruption and inefficiency. "Justice in Nigeria goes to the highest bidder and has become commodified," Obi stated emphatically. "While the judiciary, today, still boasts of a few outstanding judges, there is an undeniable decline in our judicial system. This decline p...

Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Showing Positive Results – Bagudu

17May

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Economy, News, Nigeria

Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Showing Positive Results – Bagudu

Abuja, May 17, 2024 – President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms have begun to bear fruit, according to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, Bagudu highlighted the renewed faith in Nigeria's economy and the resurgence of foreign investor interest as key indicators of the reforms' success. In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Bola Adebiyi, Bagudu acknowledged the initial challenges posed by the removal of the petrol subsidy but emphasized the long-term benefits. "Although the removal of petrol subsidy caused some pain, the policy has increased the quantum of funds available to the three tiers of government to invest in critical infrastructure," Bagudu stated. He argued that these investments would...

South Africa’s Contentious Healthcare Bill Signed into Law

16May

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Elections, Legislature, News, South Africa

South Africa’s Contentious Healthcare Bill Signed into Law

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill into law on Wednesday, sparking both hope and controversy across the nation. The bill, enacted just two weeks before a crucial general election, aims to deliver quality healthcare to all South Africans, regardless of income. However, concerns loom large over its implementation amidst fears of corruption and budget constraints. The ruling African National Congress (ANC), facing the possibility of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time post-apartheid, sees the NHI as a vital step towards equitable healthcare. Currently, 80% of citizens rely on stretched state-run health services, while only 16% have access to private healthcare through medical aid schemes. See Also: One Million Africa...

Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe

12May

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Elections, News, Nigeria

Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe

Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has pointed fingers at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of frustrating the Southeastern presidential zoning within the party, rather than Atiku. Speaking on Seun Okinbaloye’s Mic On podcast, Ibe clarified that Atiku had advocated for the PDP to allocate the 2023 presidential ticket to the Southeast region. However, he alleged that Wike played a pivotal role in thwarting this effort. The backdrop of this accusation stems from the departure of Peter Obi, the former vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 elections, who shifted allegiance to the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2023 presidential elec...

Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

11May

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Elections, Legislature, News, Nigeria

Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

In a move that has further intensified the political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued Executive Order 001, dated October 30, 2023, mandating the temporary relocation of the state House of Assembly's proceedings to the Government House Auditorium. The decision comes in the wake of a fire incident on October 29, 2023, which severely damaged the hallowed chambers of the Assembly, rendering it unsafe for legislative activities. The governor's gazette cited the need for urgent repairs, renovations, and reconstruction of the damaged chambers as the primary reason for the relocation. The relocation order has sparked controversy, especially considering the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territor...

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

10May

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Corruption, Infrastructure, News, Nigeria

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The probe focuses on the procurement process and contract award, which are suspected to violate existing infrastructure regulations. Additionally, the prominent Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has urged the federal government to cease the project, advocating for a critical review of its economic and environmental implications. Alleged Procurement Violations The House of Representatives initiated the investigation upon a motion presented by Hon. Dr. Austin Achado. He alleges that the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Minister Dave Umahi, awarded the 700km highway and rail project to Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited through...

APC Calls for Impeachment of Rivers Governor Amid Political Turmoil

8May

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Elections, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

APC Calls for Impeachment of Rivers Governor Amid Political Turmoil

The caretaker committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has urged the state's House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This call comes after a previous notice of impeachment was withdrawn in December following intervention by President Bola Tinubu in a dispute between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The ongoing feud between Fubara and Wike revolves around control of Rivers' political structure. Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Tony Okocha, the APC state chairman, accused Governor Fubara of disrespecting President Tinubu. Okocha emphasized the party's refusal to tolerate such behavior, stating that it would be "foolhardy" to allow someone to insult the President in their presence. Se...

Ex Abia State Commissioner Denies Claims of Financial Impropriety

6May

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Corruption, Justice, News, Nigeria

Ex Abia State Commissioner Denies Claims of Financial Impropriety

John Kalu, who previously served as the Commissioner for Information, Trade & Investment under the administration of former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has provided additional insights into the contentious forensic audit report released by the government of Alex Otti. Kalu, shedding light on some of Ikpeazu’s accomplishments during his tenure, offered a detailed account of the conception and implementation of the airport project. These details were shared through a statement issued to the media on Sunday. Kalu addressed a publication by the "Whistler" Blog purportedly linked to Governor Alex Otti’s ally, Chief James Chijioke Ume (Koos) of Abam in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. The publication continued the media onslaught against former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, echoing uns...

Chad’s President Expected to Win as Country Heads to Polls

4May

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Chad, Elections, News

Chad’s President Expected to Win as Country Heads to Polls

Chad braces itself for presidential elections on Monday, with incumbent President General Mahamat Idriss Deby widely anticipated to secure a comfortable victory. Deby ascended to power three years ago following the death of his father, Idriss Déby Itno, who was reportedly killed in combat while battling rebels seeking to overthrow his administration. The elder Deby had governed Chad with a firm grip for thirty years. A career military officer, the current president initially pledged to organize elections within 18 months of assuming office. However, his government postponed the polls, allowing Deby to participate as a candidate for the presidency. Despite assertions from the government that the election would restore constitutional governance, opposition factions express skepticism, voi...

Shettima Attributes Economic Calamity to Buhari, Calls it “Death Sentence” Crisis

3May

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Economy, News, Nigeria

Shettima Attributes Economic Calamity to Buhari, Calls it “Death Sentence” Crisis

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has once again pointed fingers at former President Muhammadu Buhari, his party colleague, for the unprecedented economic catastrophe plaguing Nigeria. This dire situation is attributed to the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira, coupled with years of unsustainable borrowing during Mr. Buhari's tenure. Despite opposition from prominent figures and warnings about the repercussions of Buhari's economic policies, he remained steadfast, leading the nation towards economic turmoil. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo's attempts to change course fell on deaf ears, and now, Mr. Shettima admits that Buhari's legacy left President Bola Tinubu with an "economic death sentence." See Also: Be Prepared for the Worst, Buhari Tells Intending Leader...