solomon2day - Page 17 of 21

Nigerians and Their Quest for Affordable Education

By solomon2day
On 18/03/2019
In Solomon's Column

Vital literacy indicators reveal a deplorable condition in the Nigerian educational system.

Indeed, adult literacy rate is embarrassing, while the number of out-of-school children has reached an all time high rate.

Trailing the fallen standard of education at all levels, is the ever increasing rate of drop-outs today.

With particular reference to the Secondary and Tertiary levels of education, cultism, gangster ism and prostitution have become the popular choice for undergraduates and students in educational institutions across the states of the federation.

Shortage of qualified teachers, lack of teaching aids,recreational facilities in schools and basic infrastructure are just a few among the sore points of schools in Nigeria.

Of serious worry are the poor sanitation, overcrowding in class rooms, poor conditions of service for teachers, which has resulted in the poor quality of teaching and poor quality of products, all put together, have become negative signposts of the school environment.

Sadly, poor educational management, a reflection of the poor inter-sectoral allocation, multiplicity of agencies with duplicated functions and inadequate coordination, have all made education administration in most states questionable and fraudulent.

The weak support for education by government at all levels, is a manifestation of the ineptitude of government officials.

Government’s deliberate neglect in the management of the education sector may eventually result in the total collapse of the public education system.

The shortcomings of government has heightened the stakes for private investors and made the education sector very lucrative.

With the profit motive as the major emphasis and driving force, educational institutions are now germinating like pure water factories in very nook and cranny of Nigeria, while at the same time, such institutions are turning out educationally unacceptable products.

With all these in mind, Nigerians are urgently asking :

Can government at all levels make education available, relevant, accessible and affordable to all Nigerians ?
Can government at all levels ensure immediate and long term social and economic returns from education ?
Are public educational institutions, considering their present state, competent to produce skilled manpower ?

Answers to these questions are in the public domain for everyone to draw conclusions.

Nigeria's Electoral Umpire and the Real Meaning of Inconclusive Elections

By solomon2day
On 13/03/2019
In Pictures

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has fixed March 23, 2019 for supplementary elections in Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Plateau and Rivers state, where according to the commission elections were declared inconclusive.

But with the Osun state governsotrship elections still fresh in the minds of Nigerians, the electorate now interprete inconclusive elections to mean the installing of political office holders through other methods except the ballot.

The electorate lament the state of anarchy atmosphere, elections took place, while insisting that those who emerge from elections characterized by desperation, violence, killings, cover ups and rigging would never be able to ensure good governance since they would always be haunted by the process that facilitated their emergence.

Surprisingly, the powers that be still believe that Nigerians are gullible, which, if unfolding events are anything to go by, is no longer the case.

From the Presidential and National Assembly elections to the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, all has not been well, the coming days and weeks shall give flesh this assertion.

Leaders Ought to Develop the Right Mindset for Good Governance. Read more-https://bit.ly/2UzjsVi

Despite Flawed General Elections Nigeria is Still One by the Grace of God-Grand Imam Shafauden-in-Islam Worldwide. Read more-https://bit.ly/2HivKi2

DIVINE PREDICTIONS FOR THE YEAR 2019 By Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

By solomon2day
On 13/03/2019
In The People Talk

For every prophecy is limited by time(for its manifestation), and soon shall ye know it(Q.6 : 67). For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one little will by no means pass from the law(prophecy) till all is fulfilled.(Matthew 5 : 18)

GENERAL

The 2019 elections would come up after some structural adjustment for effective feasibility.

Against all odds, winners would emerge. The All Progressives Congress(APC) as a party would have some threats and surprises but election would tend to favour the incumbent President.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)on the other hand, would create scene of disappointment for its Presidential candidate.

2019 shall be characterized by the following feature of events :

Year of problematic challenges and reconstruction for re positioning.
Favorable year of economic revival.
Ne face for education management.
Boost on security enhancement.
Bad year for religious revival.
Favorable year for sports.
Safety consciousness to avert road accidents.

Year 2019 Spiritual Exploration and Predictions

Month By Month Events

January, 2019

Busy month for finishing touches on some projects, lie education, economy, security and sports.
Political Parties reconstruction period.
Some religious bodies shall be busy on shady deal perfection and cover up.

February, 2019

Favorable month to boost education, economy, security and sports.
Be safety conscious top avoid road accidents and fire out break.
Pray against political stalemate and heated polity.

March, 2019

Pray against a situation of mass drift of people from a part of the country to the other. Work for peace and tighten security.
Avoid poor performance in sports.
Be safety conscious to avoid fire out break.

April, 2019

Favorable month for agricultural cultivation for the dividend of democracy with boost from education and economy.

Pray against sudden death of two prominent religious leaders.
Possible success in the security sector, but they need to beware of the resurgence of insurgency.
Possible need to overhaul the sports house to flush out the bad eggs.
Avoid fir outbreak and be safety conscious.

May, 2019

Favorable month for peoples’ relief on economic revival, security success, sporting and political activities.

June, 2019

Searchlight shall be on areas of weaknesses for possible reconstruction and re positioning on education, economy and security.
Pray against calamities in the house of God.
Pray against fire outbreak, road and air accidents.
Road rehabilitation work shall be rife in this month.

July, 2019

Favorable month for the energy sector, education, economy, sports, security and politics.
Pray for the nation on growth and development.
Pray for the religious sector not to suffer set back.

August, 2019

Favorable performance in the area ofof education, economy, security and sports.
Pray against tides in the houses of God.
Pray against accidents on the road and fire outbreak.

September, 2019

Cleansing exercise shall be rife this month.
There shall be success in the areas of education, economy, security.
Pray for politics and sports succor for people’s relief.

October, 2019

Month for reconstruction in the affected areas of our socio-economy and security.
Pray agaisnt tides in the houses of God.
Pray against religious conflicts.

November. 2019

Unity of purpose shall be addressed in this month.
Favorable month to boost the economy and security.
Pray against tides in one of the prominent churches in the country.
Government may carry out reshuffling exercises.
Pay against air mishap.

December, 2019

Favorable month for people’s relief in the areas of economy, education and political activities.
There will be cleaning need in religious activities to support the society on sanity and discipline.
Pray against fire outbreak and vehicles’ breakdown occurrences on the roads.

Conclusion

Re branding for proper socialization and correct cultural, value, orientation for promotion of integrity and discipline for all, must be put in place, to allow divine intervention to revamp our economy, promote health and stable policy as well as principle of equity.

Good governance is a function of Godly leadership, therefore the essence of this revelation is for the political class to imbibe the spirit of religious harmony to promote peace and be more dedicated to service of God to save the nation through their prayers, while all Nigerians must uphold discipline, love and culture of patriotism to move the nation forward. With these,we may avoid stalemate to save our democracy.

Rasool, Shafau, Imitizaaala

Mohammed(SAW)

Alhaji Engr. Prof. S.A Olagoke

Leaders Ought to Devlop The Right Mindset for Good Governance-Rwanda President. Read more-https://bit.ly/2UzjsVi

INEC and the Security Agencies must not Compromise the Electoral Process-Prof. Olagoke

By solomon2day
On 07/03/2019
In Special Report

Nigerians will on Saturday go to their various polling units to vote for candidates of their choice in the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

Although the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and the security agencies have assured Nigerians that the elections would be free, fair, credible, devoid of violence and killings, as was the case in the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the electorate are taking this assurance with a pinch of salt, just as they rest their hopes on God.

In this interview with Federationews2day, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof, Sabitu Olagoke appeals to INEC and the security agencies not to subvert the electoral process, while asserting that voters should be given the free will to vote for candidates of their choice without regard to any overbearing influence. Excerpts :

What are your words to the electorate as they prepare to vote for candidates of their choice in the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday ?

Firstly, let's talk about the lessons that have been learnt from the outcome of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, which serves as a warning to the politicians in general and those elected into various offices to serve, that performance matters most, most especially in the area of service to humanity, which places emphasis on the electorate and the environment.

The failure to recognize this fact and meditate on it, was majorly responsible for the fall of some erstwhile political giants and their political parties at the polls. For example, after eight years in office, some state Governors fell by the way side, in their bid to get to the Senate. Those who did not fall, have been seen to be unpopular among the people.

This answers the questions that disturbs the mind, on their questionable success.

For the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, two episodes will play out, some will be voted for, by virtue of their credentials of credibility, even when the party is not liked and some will be voted for through party leanings, even when the substance of credibility is lacking in the candidates. Whatever way it occurs, Nigerians must be very careful not to lose their heads out of unnecessary passion.

So, we must not turn the situation into that of violence, because according to Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar(rtd) Nigerians must embrace peace.

It should be noted that none of the politicians, the electorate will vote for, including their children would be affected, if the unexpected happens; rather the masses who constitute the majority of the electorate, would kill themselves, without any hope for compensation.

Nigeria must not play the fool of the tower of Babel, which was built with rigour and vigour, but got destroyed without the completion of the project, due to skirmishes, a fall out of disorganized information system and communication lag.

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) must not be bought over for posterity sake, while the commission must retain its role as a credible umpire.

The issue of logistics and functionality of the Smart Card Readers(SCR)ought to have been resolved before the day of election, which is March 9, 2019.

The Ad Hoc staff hired by INEC must not be late in reporting to the various polling units and they must not be compromised.

In the case of the Observers, local and international, on ground for the election, Nigerians should take care not to wash their dirty linens in the open glare of the international community.

For the security agents who will protect the electorate, INEC staff and Ad Hoc staff, they must display a high level of maturity and professionalism.

They must be able to disarm trouble makers without the use of firearms. They must be able to provide adequate security at the various polling units, while also ensuring the safety of electoral materials and the offices of INEC.

Politicians have continually embarrassed their followers and supporters through the buying and selling of votes.

The implication of this ugly practice, is that our children may now imbibe pilfering as a culture, while also embracing examination malpractice as a way of life.

We must not forget that the mirror image of the society, which we are bastardizing through ungodly acts is a fall out of our attitudinal challenges, which is already having a direct effect on the psyche of the youth !

Is it not paradoxically funny that the political scientists continue to remain as fathers of politics in the Ivory Towers, even though they have failed to produce exceptional politicians for the society.

This is a direct challenge to the functionality of our educational status.

Above all, voters must not be harassed, intimidate, threatened or misled into voting against their conscience.

What should be of paramount importance to Nigerians today, is credible leadership and good governance, which can only emerge through voting according to the dictates of the voters' conscience and the fact that the votes must count.

My appeal therefore to Nigerians, is to give peace a chance, so that we can turn our various communities into environments of peace, where justice, equity peace and development shall be paramount in the minds of the emerging leaders for the states, whose activities in government shall be people oriented.

The Real Leaders are in the Lesser Known Parties

By solomon2day
On 04/03/2019

The March 9, Governorship and House of Assembly elections will definitely not have the credibility it deserves when the credibility and acceptability of the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections still hangs in the balance.

Indeed, most Nigerians are continually speaking out, that the results of the elections does not represent their will.

Sadly, the President Muhammadu Buhari led Government is determined to impose its desire on Nigerians, which is the basis of the confusion in most parts of the country.

Indeed, if the experience, credentials and leadership qualities of candidates, some unseen faces are vigorously making efforts to impose on the people in a number of states are anything to go by, the conclusion will be that the electorate must be careful on their choice of Governorship and state House of Assembly candidates.

Without doubt, candidates who possess the ability to deliver, are the flag bearers of the lesser known parties, while those who openly display the fact that they have the financial muscle to buy 'power' are in the so called 'big' Political Parties.

It is definite, that the people are making all efforts to free themselves from years of bondage, that is why caution can be the only word to guide them as they vote in another election to be conducted by the same Independent National Electoral Commssion(INEC), whose inability to conduct, free, fair and credible elections is now in the open

Re-Election of President Buhari Divine, But A Lot Still Has to Be Done-Grand Imam Shafaudeen-in-Islam

By solomon2day
On 01/03/2019
In Special Report

Nigerians woke up on Monday morning to receive the news that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had declared President Muhammadu Buhari the candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC)the winner of Nigeria's presidential election, a few minutes to 4.00 AM, while they were still in bed.

However, the timing of the declaration, saved the country of widespread protests, as Nigerians continue to insist that the electoral process was not free, fair and credible, in addition they lamented that the whole process had been compromised long before the elections.

Already, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has rejected the results and vowed to challenge the results in the law court, just as he promised to reclaim his mandate.

In this interview with People, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafuadeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olgaoke says the re-election of President Buhari is purely divine, even though a lot still has to be done. Excerpts :

What is your reaction to the victory of the incumbent President at the just concluded presidential elections ?

The battle for the prestigious and sensitive position of the President among the 73 presidential candidates has come and gone. But the real battle was between President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Abubakar Atiku.

Ideally, President Buhari was not supposed to have any problem, but an easy sail to victory, if his state Governors had performed up to expectation in their various states, where the ruling APC was supposed to have very close contact with the people, which would have resulted in a resounding impact on their lives.

Sadly,contrary was the case and this could be seen in the outstanding performance of the PDP, in a number of states, including Oyo and Ondo states.

In these two states particularly, people have been hurt and irredeemable damage inflicted on them by their expected saviour- the APC government in the states.

Besides this , employment was toyed with by the APC government at all levels.

The APC victory was based on the political passion and sentiments of the people for President Buhari, who was daily insulted by the opposition and whose party , the APC, was bedeviled by intrigues and pockets of civilian coup de Grace, if only the APC had lived up to expectation there would not have been any chance for the PDP to rise again to the level of wrestling power from the ruling party.

The re-election of President Buhari is purely divine, because according to our yearly predictions from Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, it was revealed that the party and some of its big names would fall by the wayside, despite the efforts they might put up to save their faces, but President Buhari would be re-elected against all odds, the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and other retired Generals factors notwithstanding.

The prediction went on further to state that the former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku would be deceived by some of his home men to play him out, his spending power notwithstanding.

Besides all these, the campaign messages of the two parties influenced the pattern of voting.

For example President Buhari said that he would continue to hunt for treasury looters, although Nigerians are not all that impressed with the anti-corruption fight.

On the other hand the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku declared that he would grant amnesty to treasury looters caught so far and that the NNPC would be sold, which brought back the memory of the privatization saga and the Halliburton scandal.

Also, Former President Obasanjo's book ''My Watch'' which outlined the corrupt tendencies of the Former Vice President has not helped matters.

Nigerians were therefore left to choose from the two. This ultimately resulted in the present situation, despite the fact that the electoral process was fraught with anomalies, which Prof. Yakubu considered not to be significant enough to declare the election inconclusive or null and void.

What is most important now, is for INEC to perfect the shortcomings in logistics, the malfunction of the Smart Card Readers as well as the very major area of security, which must be strengthened for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, for it to be peaceful and without any hitch.

The spirit of sportsmanship must be imbibed by all parties to give peace a chance.

Equally important is for the emerging government to avoid party dictates that may be offensive to the possible formation of a strong government that would walk the talk.

The winner takes all syndrome must be rejected because the functions and responsibilities of governance are in need of people who are serious, patriotic, disciplined and who have zero tolerance for corruption.

Such people must be skill based, but unfortunately, no single party has a monopoly of these vital elements. These elements cut across party lines and also transcends political parties.

This is the only way by which all congratulatory messages to Mr. President elect could be meaningfully justified in the next political dispensation.

Nigeria Needs the Favour of God for Good Leadership to Emerge-Prof. Olagoke

By solomon2day
On 25/02/2019
In The People Talk

Before the February 23, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections, President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Military and the Police to deal ruthlessly with ballot box snatchers, who were caught in the act.

Security experts insist that this paved the way for all that happened during the elections. According to them since ballot box snatching is a security issue, President Buhari ought to have addressed the issue professionally.

The security experts argue that the President's directive is not within the purview of all that has been said and done about leadership by example.

Interestingly, there were several cases of ballot box snatching across the country, with a number of the snatchers meeting their untimely death.

Nigerians insist that the ballot box snatchers were acting on the directive of the political class who cut across party lines. Most of them met their sudden end, while some made good their escape.

Without doubt, the President's directive has affected the outcome of the general elections in several ways.

In this interview with Federationews2day, the Founder, Spiritual Head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke asserts that Nigeria urgently needs the favour of God for the emergence of individuals who shall offer positive leadership by example. Excerpts :

What are your views on the President's directive to the Military and Police on ballot box snatchers ?

The problem with Nigeria as of this moment, is that of people who are already lost in the wilderness of politics.

In Nigeria, politicians wrestle and struggle for power, rather than competing through the spirit of sportsmanship, based on evidence of developmental programmes.

President Buhari could never have meant that ballot box snatchers should be killed because the victims could also be from his party, though without his direct involvement.

Nigeria 2

Atiku abubakar Inec 10 Ballot box snatching is as grievous as felony, hence it has to be prevented at all costs.

The President might have considered the huge amount spent so far, on the conduct of the elections as well as the security effect on ground, hence the statement that ballot box snatchers could be playing with their lives. However, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) expectedly, turned against him and interpreted his directive to mean ''kill at sight''.

Only those people with the intention to rig will catch cold over the President's directive.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has been explicit enough on the code of conduct expected during the elections, a violation of which should be expected to be in line with the dictates of the laws of any decent society.

The security operatives should therefore avoid accidental discharge and stray bllet syndrome before, during and after the period of the elections.

The 2019 general elections must not be allowed to be hijacked by the enemies of Nigeria, who believe in taking advantage of any crisis to carry out heinous acts that could lead to the unthinkable.

This is the very time Nigeria and Nigerians need the favour of God to choose for us, because consideration for amnesty for treasury looters or pursuit of zero tolerance to corruption with kid gloves, for those who dance to the tune of plea bargain, may not necessarily help the nation.

What we need are people that will offer leadership by example through sacrifice and sense of direction and purpose, for Nigeria to become a strong institution with a well informed citizenry who will enjoy visible care from their government.

The 2019 general elections must be committed to the good hands of God, through Nigerians' determination to look and vote for credible people with verified track record of love, discipline and passion for the people.

THE 2019 general elections will determine the pace at which Nigeria will move forward, that is if we allow the voice of wisdom to prevail at every level of the strata of Nigeria's hierarchy.

Nigerians should think well before reacting to issues in the polity, as a step towards avoiding hate speech and ambiguous words, so as to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the polity.

Oyo Govt. Threatening and Intimidating INEC Top Echelon-PDP

By solomon2day
On 20/02/2019

Inec 9 The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has raised the alarm over the Oyo state Government's use of intimidation, threats and harrassment on the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) in the state to cow it to compromise the electoral process.

The PDP made this revelation on Wednesday, through its Presidential Campaign Coordinator in Oyo state, Dr. Nureni Adeniran at a Press Conference in Ibadan, Nigeria.

'' It has been brought to our attention that the ruling party, APC has been threatening, intimidating and pressurizing the top echelon of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to do their unlawful bidding. APC through the Governor, was alleged to have approached the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state, Barr. Mutiu Agboke, to do their bidding and was harrassed and threatened that if he does not do their bidding, he would ensure that he is transferred out of Oyo state''

''Contrary to the directve that sensitive election materials should be returned to CBN, the Governor insisted it should be returned to Government House. Although it was resisted by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Mutiu Agboke. The fact that the effort was made by the Governor makes it bad enough for our Democracy at this auspicious time''.

''At the instance of APC and their cohorts, the smart card readers that were supposed to be configured at INEC office in Ibadan, concerted efforts were made to get it configured at the Agodi Government House, Ibadan through coercion''.

''Allegations of outright thumb printing at the Government House leveled against the Governor since last week, has not been refuted up till now. We demand investigation into this allegation since our campaign council was inundated with calls from different quarters'', Dr. Addeniran stated.

The PDP also called on staff of INEC and other agencies that would play roles in the general elections, not to ''succumb to pressure from the ruling party or anyone at all to carry out any illegal and untoward practices that could change the will of the people which can truncate our fledging Democracy''.

''We don't want a situation where they would subvert the will of the people. We should cry out on time so that the people of Oyo state will know what is going on'', he concluded

Is One Week Enough for INEC To Address The Glaring Lapses ?

By solomon2day
On 18/02/2019
In Solomon's Column

There is widespread discontentment across Nigeria, against the postponement of the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and the State Houses of Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) .

Nigerians are fully convinced that there is a lot of foul play, regardless of the reasons put forward by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Interestingly, the Minister of State for Aviation, Sirika Hadi insisted that the INEC Chairman's claim that bad weather contributed to the postponement of the general elections, was a lie, while stressing that airports across the country were directed to remain open round the clock.

Before the eventual postponement, Nigerians were subjected to funny treatment by INEC staff, in their bid to register and collect their Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) in several parts of the country.

Sadly, a large population of Nigerians are yet to collect their PVCs , just as INEC has refused to make public the total number of PVCs that have been collected by prospective voters nationwide.

Of note, is the fact that Prof. Yakubu has admitted that the Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) for the Niger East Senatorial District of Niger state, Mohammed Sani Musa, was a registered contractor with the commission.

Musa's company, Activate Technologies, is responsible for the supply of the machines that INEC used to print the PVCs.

Even though Prof. Yakubu asserted that all is well, this is far from the truth, considering unfolding events that has made it very glaring that the electoral process has been compromised.

Of great worry, is that fact that the INEC headquarters has recalled all the Smart Card Readers(SCR) from all its state offices in the country. Why ?

This is the reality of the present time.

The electoral process had long been designed to suit the wishes of the ''POWERS THAT BE'' and the postponement was just a face saving strategy.

Inec 7 Most members of the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) recruited as Ad hoc staff by the electoral umpire, had earlier on influenced their NYSC postings to choice states, while a negligible number of those who were lucky to be recruited by INEC, were stranded on the day of the postponed elections.

They had no accommodation, the commission did not release their allowances and most of them were unable to locate the polling units they were posted to.

In the Oyo state office of INEC, a day before the postponed general elections, Journalists and Observers were sighted in business centres making frantic efforts to laminate their passport photographs on the papers, officials of INEC gave to them as accreditation.

Sadly, these papers might have got into the hands of individuals who have perfected same for an unknown agenda, although the commission received adequate funds to facilitate a convincing accreditation exercise for Journalists and Observers.

A Lagos Lawyer argued that it was illegal for the Acting Inspector General to restrict the movement of people and vehicles during elections.

The action of the Acting Inspector General might have made the electorate to lose confidence in the system.

Also disturbing, is the issue of the head of the electoral body donning the face cap with the logo and colours of the ruling party in a Television documentary.

Top politicians, speaking incognito, argue that the letter the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami wrote to the commission, requesting for the postponement of elections in Zamafara state and the lingering crisis in the ruling party's Rivers state chapter, contributed to the sudden decision of the umpire to shift the date of the general elections.

Indeed, the decision of the commission to resort to postponement is a demonstration of the high level of incompetence of those who call the shots in the commission.

With several lapses still waiting in the wings to pop up and the pretense of the commission that it would correct the situation within one week , it is doubtful if one week would be enough for the commission to address the several shortcomings, man-made or designed, to enable Nigerians elect a new generation of leaders that would steer the troubled ship of governance for the next four years.

Electoral Commission Postpones General Elections in Nigeria

By solomon2day
On 16/02/2019
In Pictures

INEC Inec 3 Inec 2

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Inec 5

Sierra Leone to Jail Rapists for Life

By solomon2day
On 08/02/2019
In Special Report

Sierr leone President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone has declared that those found guilty of rape and defilement of minors would be jailed for life.

"With immediate effect, sexual penetration of minors is punishable by life imprisonment."

"Some of our families practice a culture of silence and indifference towards sexual violence, leaving victims even more traumatized. We as a nation must stand up and address this scourge,'' the President stated.

President Bio also announced the establishment of a new police division to investigate sexual violence, a special magistrate court that would handle such cases and a public hotline specifically for reporting sexual violence, while calling on all all government owned hospitals to provide free medical treatment and certificates to all victims of sexual violence.

There has been national outcry over the increasing rate of sexual violence in the Sierra Leone .

Sierra Leoneans have called on government to introduce stringent rape laws following the rape of a 5-year-old girl by her 28-year-old male relative.

The attack crippled the girl's spine, leaving her paralyzed for life.

Zimbabwe Judiciary Has not Been Compromised-JSC

By solomon2day
On 07/02/2019
In News

The Judicial Service Commssion(JSC) in Zimbabwe has dismissed allegations that the Judiciary has been compromised.

The Commission made this known through a statement issued by its Acting Secretary, Mr. Walter Chikwana.

"The allegations that the Judiciary is acting under capture of an external force remain unfounded, baseless and unsubstantiated.

"In the meeting held on 22 January 2019, the Chief Justice gave the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) his assurance that no directive or instruction was given by himself or the JSC to magistrates to dispose of cases before them in a particular manner. He maintains this position,"Mr. Chikwana stated.

The Acting Secretary insisted that the Judcial Officers werw abobe board in the discharge of their duties, saying ''The accusation that magistrates countrywide were acting under some form of directive or instructions to influence their decisions is extremely consequential.The Judiciary cannot take it lightly. All courts in the country and all judicial agents within those courts, must never be interfered with in the dispensation of justice. The Constitution demands it''.

"The Chief Justice reminds all and sundry that all judicial officers are required by Section 164(1) of the Constitution to dispense justice expeditiously.

"In doing so, all due process must be followed and rights of accused persons respected," reads the statement.

"The Zimbabwean courts are not, by undertaking expeditious trials, reinventing the wheel. Such trials are common phenomenon across the world in cases involving violence.

"For instance, in England after the 2011 riots, more than 3 000 people were arrested with 1 500 being arraigned before the courts.

"Their trials were fast-tracked. Courts were in session 24 hours until the cases were completed.

"Even juveniles caught up in the riots underwent trial.

"The Chief Justice maintains his position that where suspects are arrested and brought to court, they are entitled to a speedy trial.

"Fast-track trials must, in fact, be the norm, and not a curious exception." Mr. Chikwana concluded.

Women Deserve Respect and Protection Against Violence-Malawi President

By solomon2day
On 07/02/2019
In News

Malawi 1

President Peter Mutharika of Malawi has condemned all forms of violent acts against women.

According to the President who made his position known during a tour of some constituencies in Lilongwe said ''I would like to take this opportunity to condemn various acts of violence against women. It is high time everyone understood that women deserve respect and protection against violence.'''

"As such, everyone should strive to put to an end all forms of gender based violence. Our existence depends on them and it is unfortunate to see some people abusing women. Whether it is your girlfriend, your wife or your mother; this must stop,"

We will not Compromise Election results and PVCs-Oyo INEC Assures

By solomon2day
On 05/02/2019
In News

Inec The Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC) in Oyo state, Mr. Mutiu Agboke h has assured the electorate that the Commission would not act in anyway that would compromise the Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) still in its custody.

Mr. Agboke gave this assurance on Tuesday during a Media Briefing at the Commission's office in Ibadan, Nigeria.

''There is no pressure that would make me to compromise your results, there is no pressure that would make me compromise your Permanent Voters Cards. Nobody has put gun in my ears, I am not going to sell your PVCs. Nothing will happen to your PVCs. We are going to harmonize the PVCs and those not collected would be put in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria'', he stated.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner also dislosed that the commission was taking the issue of security before, during and after the elections seriously, saying'' the commission is leaving no stone unturned in the area of security of both men and electoral materials on the day of election''.

''That is why the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security(ICCES), chaired by the Commissioner of Police and co-Chaired by me has been meeting regularly to identify grey areas and flashpoints in the state in collaboration with respective Electoral officers. Security is to be beefed up at both state and local government offices of INEC, inorder to forestall any security threats during election periods'', Mr. Agoke concluded.

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)

New Minimum Wage : Nigerian Workers Have Lost Respect for Govt-AWC

By solomon2day
On 04/02/2019
In News

Ebonyi state The All Workers Convergence(ACW) has declared that workers would no longer respect the Federal Government even if it eventually approves the new national minimum wage.

The AWC made this disclosure through its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze in a chat with Federationews2day.

''Even if the Federal Government eventually approves a new national minimum wage today, government has lost the respect of Nigerian workers. It is a big shame that up till this moment government has not been able to pay the Nigerian workers what is due to them, rather our so called government has been systematically, delaying the process''.

''From one episode of drama to another episode, all has been equal to zero and the Nigerian workers are the ones paying the price. Quite unfortunate, government cannot redeem its image, workers' impression of government, is that of a callous monster, who cares less about fairness and justice, but rather a government that believes that workers must suffer before they get what rightly belongs to them''.

''In conclusion, our government is shooting itself in the leg, with the unfolding drama of the new national minimum wage. Government has been able to make the Nigerian workers know who their real enemy is and this has made workers to increase their level of consciousness'', Comrade Emelieze asserted.

Cameroon Govt. Should Release Detained Journalists-CPJ

By solomon2day
On 31/01/2019
In News

Cameroon 2 The Committee to Protect Journalists(CPJ) has called on the Government of Cameroon to immediately release two journalists arrested by security agents while covering an event organized by the opposition.

According to CPJ "Théodore Tchopa and David Eyengue Nzima are journalists who were arrested for simply covering a newsworthy event, and must be freed immediately without condition. Cameroonian authorities should stop trying to intimidate and censor journalists who have a duty to keep citizens informed about the political and economic situation."

''CPJ's calls and text messages to the offices of Cameroon's deputy justice minister, Jean De Dieu Momo, and the newly appointed communications minister, René Sadi, went unanswered. The police's national communications chief, Joyce Ndjem, said she does not give comment over the phone and CPJ should come to her office''.

''Cameroon was the third worst jailer of journalists in Africa, after Egypt and Eritrea respectively, with at least seven journalists behind bars for their work as of December 1, 2018, according to CPJ's annual prison census'', CPJ stated.

6 Women Appointed Police Commanders in Kenya

By solomon2day
On 23/01/2019
In News

Kenya The Police in Kenya has appointed six women as County Police Commanders.

The names of the women were announced on Monday by the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet at a security meeting at Flamingo Hotel in Mombasa.

Dr. Interior CabiThe six female county police commanders are Naomi Ichami (Bomet), Leah Ngutu (Kirinyaga), Catherine Mugwe (Nyamira), Lydia Ligami (Kitui), Beatrice Gachago (Kajiado) and Esther Seroney (Homa Bay)

In his remarks at the meeting, Inspector General of Police said "We are going to have 46 commanders. We don't have a county commander for Nairobi because the regional commander is the county commander. That has been the tradition over the years".

Nigerians Losing Confidence in the Police-Rivers Gov

By solomon2day
On 15/01/2019
In News

Rivers state Governor, Mr. Nyesome Wike has declared that Nigerians have began to lose confidence in public officers and public institutions.

Mr. Wike who made this declaration when the new Commissioner of Police in the State,Mr Usman Belel, paid him a courtesy call, appealed to the police to improve on their performance .

“People are beginning to lose confidence in public institutions in the country. I believe that as the new police commissioner, you will work for the confidence in the police to return”.

“Your predecessor allowed himself to be used by thugs to invade the courts in Rivers State. The Chief Justice of Nigeria called for the investigation and prosecution of those that invaded the courts, but Zaki Ahmed refused.

“Rivers State will not forget that it was Zaki Ahmed’s time that thugs invaded the Rivers State High Court, which is located near the police headquarters. He didn’t bring anybody to boo

The Travails of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen in a Democracy

By solomon2day
On 14/01/2019
In Pictures

Judiciary Judiciary 1 Judiciary 2 Judiciary 5

Senior Lawyers have risen to defend the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who has been charged by the Federal Government for offences that have to do with the declaration of assets.

However, Nigerians have picked holes at the timing and the speed with which investigations were carried out ,concluded and charges filed. The coming weeks hold explanations of the unkown. Perhaps.

DR Congo Presidential Polls : Undermine Democracy Risk Sanctions-US

By solomon2day
On 09/01/2019
In Special Report

Dr congo The United States stands by the millions of Congolese voters who went to the polls across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on December 30 to participate in presidential, legislative, and provincial assembly elections. Since independence in 1960, the DRC has never experienced a peaceful, democratic transfer of power. The December 30 election was therefore one of the most important elections in DRC history.

The United States was deeply concerned by the DRC’s National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) decision to deny accreditation to several international election observers and media representatives. We also noted that confusion on election day over the location of polling stations, the posting of voter lists, the late delivery of some election materials, and CENI's unfortunate decision to cancel elections in Beni and Butembo in eastern DRC disenfranchised voters. Nevertheless, despite these challenges, millions of Congolese citizens turned out peacefully across DRC on election day to cast their ballots and make their voices heard. ‎CENI must now ensure that these voices and votes are respected.

As the Congolese people, the region, and the world await patiently for the results of these elections, the internet must be restored and the media allowed to report freely. We strongly urge the CENI to ensure that votes are counted in a transparent and open manner, with observers present, and that the results reported by CENI are accurate and correspond to results announced at each of DRC's 75,000 polling stations. We support the African Union Election Observation Mission to DRC’s expectation, expressed on January 2, that the announced results align with votes cast by the Congolese people. As official results are tabulated and reported, we continue to urge DRC government officials, leaders of the DRC security forces, opposition party leaders, civil society representatives, and stakeholders from all sides to respect the law and reject violence.

There are moments in every nation’s history when individuals and political leaders step forward and do the right thing. This is one of those moments for the DRC. Those who enable a peaceful, democratic transfer of power out of respect for DRC’s constitution and the results of this election will be hailed, while those responsible for undermining democratic institutions and processes, threatening the peace, security, or stability of DRC or benefiting from corruption ‎will be held accountable. Those who undermine the democratic process, threaten the peace, security or stability of the DRC, or benefit from corruption may find themselves not welcome in the United States and cut off from the U.S. financial system.

On December 30, millions of Congolese went peacefully to the polls. Now is the time for CENI to affirm that these votes were not cast in vain by ensuring the accurate reporting of election results.

United States Department of State Washington DC

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